cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethylene in plant growth.

Abstract Ethylene inhibits cell division, DNA synthesis, and growth in the meristems of roots, shoots, and axillary buds, without influencing RNA synthesis. Apical dominance often is broken when ethylene is removed, apparently because the gas inhibits polar auxin transport irreversibly, thereby reducing the shoot's auxin content just as if the apex had been removed. A similar mechanism may underly ethylene-induced release from dormancy of buds, tubers, root initials, and seeds. Often ethylene inhibits cell expansion within 15 min, but delays differentiation so that previously expanding cells eventually grow to enormous size. These cells grow isodiametrically rather than longitudinally because their newly deposited cellulose microfibrils are laid down longitudinally rather than radially. Tropistic responses are inhibited when ethylene reversibly and rapidly prevents lateral auxin transport. In most of these cases, as well as certain other instances, ethylene action is mimicked by application of an auxin, since auxins induce ethylene formation. Regulation by ethylene extends to abscission, to flower formation and fading, and to fruit growth and ripening. Production of ethylene is controlled by auxin and by red light, auxin acting to induce a labile enzyme needed for ethylene synthesis and red light to repress ethylene production. Numerous cases in which a response to red light requires an intervening step dependent upon inhibition of ethylene production have been identified. Ethylene action requires noncovalent binding of the gas to a metal-containing receptor having limited access, and produces no lasting product. The action is competitively inhibited by CO2, and requires O2. Ethylene is biosynthesized from carbons 3 and 4 of methionine, apparently by a copper-containing enzyme in a reaction dependent upon an oxygen-requiring step with a Km = 0.2% O2. The oxidative step appears to be preceded by an energy-requiring step subsequent to methionine formation.
Manganese targets m-aconitase and activates iron regulatory protein 2 in AF5 GABAergic cells

Studies suggest that disturbances of amino acid metabolism and cellular iron regulation are important mechanisms underlying manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity, although the targets underlying these disturbances are poorly defined. Using the AF5 neural-derived cell line, which displays GABAergic properties, we showed that Mn significantly increased glutamate release to 174%-214% of that of the control and that the effects of Mn exposure on the metabolism of glutamate, glutamine, alanine, and GABA resembled the effects of fluorocitrate, an inhibitor of aconitase, but not the effects of other toxicants including paraquat, rotenone, or 3-nitropropionic acid. Consistent with this, Mn inhibited aconitase activity in AF5 cells, resulting in a 90% increase in intracellular citrate; an in vitro assay revealed that m-aconitase was significantly more sensitive to inhibition by Mn than was c-aconitase. RNA mobility shift assay and Western blot showed that Mn treatment caused c-aconitase to be converted to iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) and increased the abundance of IRP2, leading to reduced H-ferritin expression, increased transferrin receptor expression, and increased uptake of transferrin. To determine the relative contributions of IRP1 and IRP2 in mediating the effects of Mn on iron homeostasis, we exposed transgenic fibroblasts lacking either c-aconitase/IRP1 or IRP2 to Mn. Manganese exposure minimally altered ferritin levels in cells possessing only c-aconitase/IRP1, whereas cells possessing only IRP2 showed a robust decrease in ferritin, indicating a dominant role of IRP2 in Mn-induced alteration of iron homeostasis. Together, these results demonstrate that m-aconitase is an important target of Mn and thatMn-induced alteration of iron homeostasis is mediated predominantly through IRP2.
The origins of the informative-presupposition it-cleft

Prince (1978) identified two functionally distinct classes of it-cleft: the stressed focus (SF) and the informative-presupposition (IP) it-cleft. While the SF it-cleft marks an open proposition as Chafe-given, the clause of the IP it-cleft conveys information which is new in the discourse and possibly unknown to the reader. The origins of this distinction have not previously been discussed, and offer an interesting problem in diachronic pragmatics. In this paper, I bring to bear facts gathered from a corpus-based investigation of the history of the it-cleft. The IP it-cleft is shown to be a Late Middle English innovation, arising from the convergence of several cleft and cleft-like copular constructions, all of which historically allowed new information in the complement.
Econometric issues related to identification of the market power parameter

This study demonstrates the crucial role the specification of the cost function plays in identifying the market power parameter in autarky models. For constant marginal cost or marginal cost with quantity interacting with input prices, the market power parameter in autarky models in identified without a rotation of the demand curve. If a comodity is sold in both domestic and foreign markets, the market power parameters are identified regardless of the specific form of the marginal cost and demand specifications.
The Value of Temporal Patterns in Behavior

The Gestalt psychologists contended, in contrast to the earlier structural psychology of Wundt, that the elements of perception are not individual sensations but patterns of sensations. Perhaps the most compelling popular illustration of this point is that melodies (temporal patterns of notes) are perceived independently of the individual notes they comprise; a melody once heard is easily identified even when its key is changed and all the notes are transposed. This and numerous other demonstrations show that perception is strongly affected by temporal patterns in the environment.' Recent research has been examining another aspect of patterning— not in the environment, but in behavior—and the effect of that patterning on choice. The locus of experimental manipulation and observation in these experiments differs from that in the Gestalt demonstrations, but they have a common theme: A whole (a pattern) is something more than the sum of its parts.
Studies on the relationship between uterine fluid components and the diapausing state of blastocysts from mammals having delayed implantation.

In the uterine secretions of certain mammals, gross qualitative and quantitative differences in their protein content were observed depending on whether or not the animals exhibited delayed implantation. Diapause blastocysts of the animals representative of those with obligate delayed implantation were stimulated to grow (as measured by total expansion and increased mitotic index) when maintained in vitro in medium containing rabbit “blastokinin” but not in serum-containing medium. Diapause rat blastocysts taken from animals where a facultative delayed implantation has been produced by heavy lactation, expanded in F10 medium alone or containing serum or the macromolecular components of uterine secretions taken from a 5-day pregnant animal, but not in rabbit “blastokinin.” The mitotic index, however, was the same under all three conditions and higher than in uncultured controls. Growth of active 5-day rat blastocysts was stimulated by medium containing the proper concentration of uterine macromolecular components; mitotic activity increased three to four-fold. We conclude that delayed implantation results from the failure of the mother to provide sufficient protein and/or certain specific proteins as needed for active growth of the blastocysts. In facultative delayed implantation, as exemplified by the lactating rat, there is evidence that, in addition to the protein deficiency, some substance or condition exists in the uterus which inhibits growth of the blastocysts.
Relative importance of temporal and spatial heterogeneity in the zooplankton community of an artificial reservoir

Zooplankton samples were collected monthly at three stations in Ogochi Reservoir during 1980, and the temporal and horizontal variations in the density of dominant taxa were evaluated by a standard 2-way ANOVA with random effects. The analysis revealed that horizontal is greater than temporal variation in the warm water season (> 18 °C), whereas temporal variation is greater in the cold water season (< 18 °C). Horizontal heterogeneity of the zooplankton community found in the warm water season seems to be associated with differences in site-specific conditions.
660 SAFE ADMINISTRATION OF INTRALIPID DURING PHYSIOLOGIC JAUNDICE IN SICK PRETERM INFANTS

In order to determine whether or not intravenous fat could be safely given to premature infants with respiratory disease during the first week of life, Intralipid was infused for 18/24 hours each day during days 2 through 7 of life at doses increasing from 0.5 to 2.0 g/kg/d over that period. Prior to and 6 hours after each dally initiation of the infusion, serum bilirubin (total and direct), albumin (ALB), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG), apparent unbound bilirubin (AUBC), sallcylate saturation index (SSI), and hematofluorimeter indices were measured. Indirect bilirubin (IBIL), IBIL/ALB and NEFA/ALB molar ratios were computed. 9 premature infants with ventilator-dependent RDS have been studied thus far. During the study, maximum levels obtained were: IBIL 11.3mg/dl, IBIL/ALB 0.6, TG 234mg/dl, NEFA 0.6 mEq/L, and NEFA/ALB 2.43. During the infusions there were statistically significant (p<0.01) elevation in TG (44+2.7 to 102+6.4 mg/dl), NEFA (0.08+0.013 to 0.22+0.025 mEq/L), and NEFA/ALB (0.26+0.046 to 0.71+0.095). However, no measures of bilirubin binding changed significantly. At the same time, strong correlation was noted between hematofluorimeter measures and IBIL/ALB; none was noted with SSI or AUBC. We conclude that IBIL/ALB <0.8: 1) one may safely administer intravenous fat as assessed by these measures of bilirubin albumin binding; 2) Hematofluorimeter measures detect changing IBIL/ALB parameters, but SSI and AUBC do not.
Multiple mechanisms shape FM sweep rate selectivity: complementary or redundant?

Auditory neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the pallid bat have strong rate selective responses to downward frequency modulated (FM) sweeps attributable to the spectrotemporal pattern of their echolocation call (a brief FM pulse). Several mechanisms are known to shape FM rate selectivity within the pallid bat IC. Here we explore how two mechanisms, stimulus duration and high-frequency inhibition (HFI), can interact to shape FM rate selectivity within the same neuron. Results from extracellular recordings indicated that a derived duration-rate function (based on tonal response) was highly predictive of the shape of the FM rate response. Longpass duration selectivity for tones was predictive of slowpass rate selectivity for FM sweeps, both of which required long stimulus durations and remained intact following iontophoretic blockade of inhibitory input. Bandpass duration selectivity for tones, sensitive to only a narrow range of tone durations, was predictive of bandpass rate selectivity for FM sweeps. Conversion of the tone duration response from bandpass to longpass after blocking inhibition was coincident with a change in FM rate selectivity from bandpass to slowpass indicating an active inhibitory component to the formation of bandpass selectivity. Independent of the effect of duration tuning on FM rate selectivity, the presence of HFI acted as a fastpass FM rate filter by suppressing slow FM sweep rates. In cases where both mechanisms were present, both had to be eliminated, by removing inhibition, before bandpass FM rate selectivity was affected. It is unknown why the auditory system utilizes multiple mechanisms capable of shaping identical forms of FM rate selectivity though it may represent distinct but convergent modes of neural signaling directed at shaping response selectivity for important biologically relevant sounds.
Immunohistochemical study of childhood rhabdomyosarcomas and related neoplasms. Results of an intergroup rhabdomyosarcoma study project

The authors assessed a panel of immunohistochemical stains against 109 pediatric solid tumors, primarily rhabdomyosarcomas, under the auspices of the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study. Fresh tumor tissue received from participating organizations was divided into portions that were either frozen or fixed in formalin, alcohol, or B5. Immunostaining was performed by the avidin-biotin complex method using monoclonal antibodies to desmin, neurofilaments, vimentin, cytokeratin, and leukocyte common antigen on cryostat sections. Tissue was also embedded in paraffin and stained with antimuscle-specific actin (MSA) and polyclonal antibodies to desmin, creatine kinase M subunit (CKM), myoglobin, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Antidesmin staining of cryostat sections was the most sensitive indicator of rhabdomyosarcoma (58 of 62 specimens positive). Results with this reagent in alcohol-fixed and formalin-fixed tissue were similar (46 of 56 positive versus 43 of 56 positive, respectively) and comparable with results with anti-MSA in formalin-fixed tissue (43 of 55 positive). However, the proportion of cells stained by antidesmin was higher in alcohol-fixed tissue than in formalin-fixed tissue. Staining with antimyoglobin and anti-CKM was much less satisfactory, with positivity rates of 17 of 37 and 11 of 57, respectively, in formalin-fixed rhabdomyosarcomas. Immunostaining of muscle markers revealed evidence of myogenesis in six undifferentiated sarcomas and in two sarcomas with inadequate histologic study on hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. However, positivity was also noticed in samples of fibromatosis, Wilms' tumor, ectomesenchyoma, peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor, renal rhabdoid tumor, myositis ossificans, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and embryonal sarcoma of the liver. The authors conclude that combined use of antidesmin and anti-MSA enhances the diagnosis of childhood sarcomas, especially when employed with other techniques such as electron microscopic study.
Seismic reflections from beneath the ocean floor

Apparatus and procedures are described with which seismic reflections have been obtained from the ocean bottom and from deeper horizons. The area surveyed lies between Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the United States. All records obtained in an east-west strip, 70 to 80 mi wide, extending from 61° W longitude south of Bermuda to 71° W longitude and thence southward as a strip 200 to 300 mi wide to about 23° N latitude, show a single prominent reflecting horizon at depths exceeding 500 ft below the bottom (assuming the seismic velocity in the bottom sediment to be equal to or greater than that of sea water). In this area the bathymetric data indicate that the bottom is either flat or relatively smooth. The records from other parts of the area are, with few exceptions, more complicated, correlating with bathymetric evidence of a rougher bottom there. A system is outlined for classifying reflection records obtained in deep water with suggested geologic significance of the various record types.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Sac1 4-Phosphatase Reduces Plasma Membrane KCNQ2/3 Currents

Sac1 is an integral membrane lipid 4-phosphatase enzyme localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Sac1 dephosphorylates phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) and has been reported to visit both the Golgi and the plasma membrane transiently. We wanted to determine whether Sac1 influences the supply of plasma membrane (PM) phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) available to ion channels. PI(4,5)P2 is dynamically regulated by Gq protein-coupled receptors that activate phospholipase C. We monitored PM PI(4)P with fluorescent OSH probes, and monitored PM PI(4,5)P2 with PHPLCδ1 FRET probes and KCNQ2/3 currents. To test the influence of Sac1 on PM PI(4,5)P2, we recruited the cortical endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane using rapamycin-induced dimerization. Inducing contact between the cortical endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane reduced PM PI(4)P as measured by OSH probes (20%) and PI(4,5)P2, as measured both by PHPLCδ1 (41%) and KCNQ2/3 current (30%). Confocal experiments revealed punctate depletion of PM PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2. With moderate activation of M1 muscarinic receptors (200 nM oxotremorine-M) to stimulate phospholipase C, we found that overexpression of wildtype Sac1 augmented PI(4,5)P2 depletion, and overexpression of inactive Sac1 reduced depletion (16% and 3% decrease in PHPLCδ1 probe FRET, respectively, compared to 8% in control). We explored the reported regulation of Sac1 by an allosteric binding site that recognizes phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidylinositol. We could reduce phosphatidyl inositol with overexpression of a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. This prevented Sac1-induced depletion of plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2 in a manner similar to overexpression of inactive Sac1. Thus recruitment of Sac1 (either overexpressed or endogenous) can reduce plasma membrane PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2. This change is sensed by KCNQ2/3 channels. (NIH grant NS08174).
Critical island size for layer-by-layer growth.

We show that in epitaxial growth, there is a critical island size ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{c}}$ at which a second layer nucleates on top of the island. This provides a simple perspective on the conditions for smooth versus rough growth: For island spacing ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathit{n}}$, if ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{c}}$${\mathit{L}}_{\mathit{n}}$ the islands will nucleate a second layer before coalescence, giving multilayer growth. This occurs when there is a sufficiently large diffusion barrier (the ``Schwoebel barrier'') at the island edge. We demonstrate that surfactants can enforce layer-by-layer growth by reducing the island spacing. The dependence upon temperature is also explained.
Happenings and Hearsay: Experiences of a Biological Anthropologist.

HAPPENINGS AND HEARSAY: EXPERIENCES OF A BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGIST. By Gabriel W. Lasker. Detroit: Savoyard Books, Wayne State University Press. 1999. ISBN 0-8143-2840-7. $30.00 (cloth).
Compensated obstruction of the renal pelvis

Three children with equivocal pelviureteric junction obstruction are described. The renal pelves were only slightly dilated and emptied well with posture change or diuresis, but there was disproportionate dilatation of the calices. On direct puncture perfusion of the pelvis there were repeated high pressure contractions which resulted in emptying, but basal pressure remained normal. This condition appears to be analogous to the partially obstructed but compensated bladder.
Microbial community resemblance methods differ in their ability to detect biologically relevant patterns

High-throughput sequencing methods enable characterization of microbial communities in a wide range of environments on an unprecedented scale. However, insight into microbial community composition is limited by our ability to detect patterns in this flood of sequences. Here we compare the performance of 51 analysis techniques using real and simulated bacterial 16S rRNA pyrosequencing datasets containing either clustered samples or samples arrayed across environmental gradients. We found that many diversity patterns were evident with severely undersampled communities and that methods varied widely in their ability to detect gradients and clusters. Chi-squared distances and Pearson correlation distances performed especially well for detecting gradients, whereas Gower and Canberra distances performed especially well for detecting clusters. These results also provide a basis for understanding tradeoffs between number of samples and depth of coverage, tradeoffs that are important to consider when designing studies to characterize microbial communities.
Sound presentation rate is represented logarithmically in human cortex.

The encoding of temporal information is critical to auditory processing. Since the mismatch negativity component of the auditory event-related brain potential is thought to reflect properties of auditory sensory memory, we used it to examine the representation of acoustic time intervals in the human cortex. The mismatch negativity occurs in response to deviations in acoustic regularities, which are stored in sensory memory. We used 16 stimulus conditions, randomly presenting short trains of tones with fixed onset-to-onset intervals of 100, 200, 300 or 400 ms (all tones in the study were identical). The first four intervals between the tones established the acoustic regularity on each train (i.e. the 'standard'). The fifth tone in each train was preceded by an interval that varied randomly among the same four intervals. If this interval was different from the standard for that trial, it violated the acoustic regularity (i.e. it was a 'deviant'). The mismatch response to the fifth tone differed significantly among stimulus conditions and was proportional to the absolute value of the logarithm of the deviant/standard interval ratio. This indicates that short acoustic time intervals are represented with a ratio scale in the human cortex. When the fifth tone occurred 100 ms after the fourth, it elicited a somewhat different, although proportional response, supporting the hypothesis that a special integration mechanism may exist for very short time intervals.
Postpericardiotomy and Postmyocardial Infarction Syndrome Presenting as Noncardiac Pulmonary Edema

Three cases are reported that describe acute pulmonary edema as an early manifestation of a postpericardiotomy or postmyocardial infarction syndrome. Each of these cases occurred in the presence of good left ventricular function. The cases suggest this syndrome occurs in immunologically primed patients who have had prior cardiac injury resulting in readily available heart antibody. The first report followed an acute myocardial infarction that required a temporary pacemaker, and the two other cases occurred following coronary artery bypass surgery. Two of the patients had a history of distant myocardial or pericardial injury, and the third patient had an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction two to three weeks before cardiac surgery. All three patients with pulmonary edema responded dramatically to corticosteroids, having been resistant to diuretic and pre-load and afterload reduction therapy, suggesting an autoimmune capillary injury process. Early recognition of such a syndrome is important since all three patients were successfully treated, and might otherwise have been confused with other causes of pulmonary edema.
Social-Psychological Functions of Ephemeral Roles: A Disaster Work Crew

In warning us to avoid premature attempts to develop a comprehensive and consistent behavioral model of disaster, Irving L. Janis suggests that we must resign ourselves to a rather piecemeal development of general hypotheses and theoretical assumptions. We must be content with "miniature" theories, or isolated bits of theory which increase our understanding of various limited aspects of disaster behavior.
Residual impurities in high purity GaAs epitaxial layers grown by liquid phase epitaxy

Abstract Residual impurities in n-type high purity GaAs epitaxial layers grown by liquid phase epitaxy in graphite and quartz boats were studied. Low temperature near-band photoluminescence and far-IR photoconductivity techniques were used to identify the impurities. The major donor impurity is shown to be silicon rather than the previously reported carbon; this results in higher background density levels, possibly owing to a complex.
Solid scintillation counting: a new technique for measuring radiolabeled compounds.

Abstract This report describes the theory and practice of a new solid scintillator technique for measurement of radiolabeled compounds useful in bioresearch. Solid scintillation counting is expected to replace liquid scintillation counting in certain applications involving non-volatile radiolabeled substrates.
Component modeling for the spatial representation of wildlife movements

This paper has two main objectives: (1) to discuss the basics of component modeling and its conceptual implications in environmental modeling; and (2) based on this discussion, to present a component-based design to support the simulation of wildlife movements. Components are independently developed, ready-to-use software units that can be assembled together to construct a modeling system. The conceptual implications of component modeling for the representation of environmental phenomena are discussed. A comparison is made between these conceptual implications and those of the more familiar object-oriented approach. A component-based design for supporting the simulation of wildlife movements is presented in this paper in order to illustrate how component modeling can be used to support the spatial representation of ecological phenomena and processes.
An Analogy between Countercurrent and Two-Dimensional Separation Cascades

Abstract The relationships between countercurrent fixed bed and two-dimensional cascades are explored for continuous contact and for staged systems. With moving feed and product ports, fixed beds will simulate countercurrent operation. Two-dimensional cascades will simulate countercurrent operation if slanted feed and product lines are employed. The relationships are also extended to three-phase systems for one-, two-, and three-dimensional cascades. Fixed bed systems simulating countercurrent systems are in commercial operation. The two-dimensional cascade offers an alternative geometry for obtaining the same result. This alternative may be attractive for some separations such as electrophoresis.
Effects of word frequency on individual-item and serial order retention: tests of the order-encoding view.

The orderencoding view of the word frequency effect proposes that low-frequency (LF) items attract more attention to the encoding of individual-item information than do high-frequency (HF) items, but at the expense of order encoding (DeLosh & McDaniel, 1996). When combined with the assumption that free recall of unrelated words is organized according to their original order of presentation, this view explains the finding that HF words are better recalled than LF words in pure lists but that, in mixed lists, recall is better for LF words. The present study confirmed that in mixed lists, order memory becomes equivalent for HF and LF words and that the predicted pattern of order memory and recall holds for incidental order-encoding conditions, for longer lists than those used in previous experiments, and for lists with minimal interitem associativity. Moreover, recall from HF lists declined, but recall from LF lists improved, in related-word lists, relative to unrelated-word lists, reversing the usual pure-list free recall advantage for HF words. These results were uniquely predicted by the orderencoding account and favor this view over accessibility, interitem association, and cuing effectiveness explanations of the word frequency effect.
Acceptance of democracy and public relations: Attitudes in a transitional country

Abstract The study explores the relationship between acceptance of democracy and opinions about public communication used by the private sector in television newscasts in Croatia, a country transitioning to democracy. A survey administered to students at a large University in Zagreb found inconsistent responses to the items that measured acceptance of democracy, indicating that young Croatians in the study may still be in a political “gray zone” and may not have a full understanding of the precepts of democracy. However, there was a positive correlation between opinions about public relations media practices and acceptance of democracy. The study suggests that it is not enough to use a theoretical framework of global public relations that characterizes a country as a democracy or not, but rather to recognize that democratization is a process. Many people in transitional societies may be closer on the continuum to traditional communist points of view than to newer democratic views; such understanding can help provide a theoretical understanding of transitional public relations.
Flexible light-weight multi-element/multi-path structures to reduce noise and vibration.

Sound and vibration transmission can be reduced by dividing a structural barrier into several constituent subsystems with separate, but coupled, wave transmission paths. Multi‐element/multi‐path (MEMP) structures utilize the inherent dynamics of the system, rather than damping, to achieve substantial reduction over a wide frequency range, while satisfying constraints on static strength and weight. The higher order and increased complexity of MEMP structures afford a wealth of opportunities for vibration and noise reduction, but the approach requires rethinking the structural design process. Simulations show the existence of robust solutions that provide surprisingly large wide‐band reductions. Attenuation is achieved through a variety of processes acting in concert: different subsystem wave speeds, mixed boundary conditions at attachment points, interaction through elastic couplings, cross‐coupling of applied forcing, and cross‐communication between subsystems to modify acoustic radiation. The dynamics of the air between the layers of an MEMP barrier, particularly how the structure is ventilated to achieve acoustic cross‐communication, can strongly affect performance and is an important issue in the modeling and design. Preliminary experimental results show that the concept is practical and promising, and may have application in automotive and aerospace vehicles.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging in pediatric pilomyxoid astrocytoma

A pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PmA) is considered to be either a more aggressive variant of a pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) or a tumor of a separate entity. We present two cases of pediatric optic-chiasmatic PmA. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the PmA revealed decreased concentrations of total choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA). In contrast, proton MR spectra of PAs showed elevated Cho and decreased Cr and NAA signals. Low metabolite concentrations in PmAs detected by MRSI may therefore help to distinguish PmAs from PAs preoperatively.
Iterative inversion of single exit compartmental matrices.

Abstract This article develops an iterative method for solving a system of linear algebraic equations in which the coefficient matrix is a compartmental matrix of the single-exit type. Matrix properties, invertibility, ill-conditioning, algorithm acceleration and error analysis are dicussed.
Ensemble modeling through multiplicative adjustment of class probability

We develop a new concept for aggregating items of evidence for class probability estimation. In Naive Bayes, each feature contributes an independent multiplicative factor to the estimated class probability. We modify this model to include an exponent in each factor in order to introduce feature importance. These exponents are chosen to maximize the accuracy of estimated class probabilities on the training data. For Naive Bayes, this modification accomplishes more than what feature selection can. More generally, since the individual features can be the outputs of separate probability models, this yields a new ensemble modeling approach, which we call APM (Adjusted Probability Model), along with a regularized version called APMR.
The KM infrastructure: making implicit knowledge assets explicit

Empirical case study data from a large spine unit in the United States offers evidence of the existence of sophisticated, implicit, knowledge assets based around multidisciplinary service delivery. Yet the full potential of these knowledge assets is not being realized. A knowledge management infrastructure model is proffered as a way of making explicit the elements of these knowledge assets. In addition, this model provides a systematic and robust approach to structuring the conceptualization of knowledge assets across a range of business environments.
Interparental Conflict and Academic Achievement: An Examination of Mediating and Moderating Factors

Using a risk and resiliency theoretical framework, the association between interparental conflict and academic achievement was examined. The sample consisted of 2,297 6th grade youth with a mean age of 11.92. Participants were mostly European American (81.8%) and 52% were girls. Results demonstrated that interparental conflict is a risk factor for lower academic achievement, suggesting that family interactions play a significant role in how youth perform in the academic setting. Youth self-blame acted as a significant mediator, providing some explanation for how interparental conflict affects academic achievement. Maternal acceptance and monitoring knowledge partially buffered the association between interparental conflict and youth self-blame. Additionally, the positive association between interparental conflict and perceived threat was stronger for youth who perceived relationships with mothers as more supportive, connected, and involved. Results from this study underscore the need for continued focus on the link between family and school environments with respect to youth developmental outcomes.
Erratum to: Patient costs of breast cancer endocrine therapy agents under Medicare Part D vs with generic formulations.

Purpose The high expense of newer, more effective adjuvant endocrine therapy agents (aromatase inhibitors [AIs]) for postmenopausal breast cancer contributes to socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer outcomes. This study compares endocrine therapy costs for breast cancer patients during the first five years of Medicare Part D implementation, and when generic alternatives became available.
An inverse method for hyperthermia phased-array pattern synthesis

A novel method for computing array element amplitude and phase-driving distributions for direct synthesis of multiple-focus field patterns using ultrasonic phase arrays is shown to be capable of producing desired field levels at a set of control points in the treatment volume. The complex pressure at any of these control points can be chosen to produce the desired power deposition at that point, including reducing the field level to avoid potential hot spots, providing a powerful tool for hyperthermia treatment planning. The method also allows the complex excitation vector to be weighted to reduce the dynamic range of the driving signals without disturbing the relative field levels at the control points, allowing near maximum power transfer from the array into the treatment volume. >
CENTRAL RESPIRATORY AND CIRCULATORY DEPRESSION CAUSED BY INTRAVASCULAR SAXITOXIN

Abstract 1 In cats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone and vagotomized, observations were made on the phrenic nerve action potential and the diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) at constant end-tidal Pco2. Arterial blood pressure was stabilized by intravenous infusions of noradrenaline. 2 Intravenous administration of saxitoxin (STX) initially abolished respiratory activity in the EMG and caused a slowing of oscillation in the central phrenic neurogram. Additional STX produced apneustic phrenic discharges followed by a progressive loss of nerve action potentials. 3 The inspiratory centre in the medulla oblongata was stimulated electrically to evoke a sustained phrenic nerve discharge. STX, given intravenously, resulted in the elimination of spontaneous nerve activity without interfering with the evoked response. 4 The cephalic intravascular infusion of STX into a carotid or vertebral artery depressed spontaneous respiratory activity while sparing EMG activity evoked by electrical stimulation of the intact phrenic nerve. 5 Spontaneous respiratory discharge in the phrenic nerve was eliminated by smaller doses of STX administered intra-arterially than were required intravenously. In addition, onset of and recovery from neural silence occurred faster following intra-arterial injection of STX. 6 Depressant effects on arterial blood pressure coincided with those on respiration when STX was given intra-arterially. 7 An electrophysiological assay on frog sartorius muscle was used to measure STX in the cerebrospinal fluid. Levels of STX detected were proportional to amounts of the toxin infused intra-arterially. 8 It is concluded that STX exchanges rapidly between blood and brain to bring about central depression and this adds to its peripheral paralytic actions.
Accuracy improvements in microwave noise parameter measurements

Factors contributing to the accuracy of microwave noise parameter measurements are examined theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that for good accuracy the test source impedances need not be grouped around the impedance that produces the minimum noise figure. System calibration and device under test (DUT) S-parameter accuracy are important to the derived noise parameter accuracy, and the use of a vector network analyzer is advantageous. An algorithm is implemented which avoids errors caused by different noise-source 'on' and 'off' impedances. >
Does Cleanliness Influence Moral Judgments

Schnall, Benton, and Harvey (2008) hypothesized that physical cleanliness reduces the severity of moral judgments. In support of this idea, they found that individuals make less severe judgments wh...
An Analog-Digital Real-Time Computer

A new kind of digital computer employing analog computing techniques is introduced. Planned as the central calculator in a ``faster-than-real-time'' computing system for a space range, the computer employs many, high-speed, digital circuits in parallel to calculate the solutions to sets of nonlinear differential equations. Parallel computing equipment employing simple numerical algorithms are shown to be superior in speed and accuracy of solution of sets of many equations than a hypothetical system of an un limited number of conventional, stored program computers operating in unison. The operating and programming methods are described as an outgrowth of existing analog and digital computer techniques. The applications described indicate the effectiveness of the computer in the role of a prediction and control computer for a missile and space range instrumentation system.
Sharing our planet

The laws of thermodynamics tell us that in a closed system, order tends to be replaced by disorder and randomness. But approximately three billion years ago a chemical structure appeared on the earth with a tendency to organize itself into increasingly complex forms. This structure, made mostly out of carbon and hydrogen, is called DNA. Of course, the tendency of DNA toward increasing order is not a thermodynamic anomaly, because the earth is not a closed system, receiving as it does a steady rain of energy from the sun. Nevertheless, the behavior of DNA is unusual enough that we give a name—“life”—to its complex forms, and devote a science—biology—to their study.
Intergroup conflict and conflict management in the R&D divisions of four aerospace companies

The author examined the intergroup conflict between R&D managers and non-managers in four aerospace companies, as well as the relationship between each of the five conflict-handling modes: competition, accommodation, sharing, collaboration, and avoidance, with the following variables: conflict frequency, job satisfaction, and job performance. The research findings indicate that intergroup conflicts were in the areas of goals, reward, control, authority, and insufficient assistance from technical support staff. Furthermore, intergroup conflict and conflict management were found to have both positive and negative consequences. Competition and avoidance were found to have exacerbated the frequency of conflict, and they had a negative impact on performance. Collaboration was found to have ameliorated the frequency of conflict, and it had a rather high positive impact on performance. Both sharing and accommodation were found to be inconsistently related to conflict frequency, and they had an inconsistent impact on performance. For three organizations, job satisfaction was negatively related to conflict frequency and avoidance while it was negatively related to accommodation based on one sample of subjects from one organization only. Competition, sharing, and collaboration were not found to be significantly related to job satisfaction. >
Fetal cells and DNA in maternal blood.

Although fetal cells have been known to escape to the maternal circulation for a number of years, research attempts to use them for prenatal diagnosis have not had any consistent success. This review attempts to trace the history of such attempts and to document their progress and reasons for success or failure. The opinions of recent conferences including that of the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a sponsor of major US research in the field, are reported and discussed. It is concluded that although basic work has demonstrated the biologic availability of both fetal cells and their free DNA representatives in the maternal circulation at gestational ages relevant to prenatal diagnosis, much work remains to develop practical technology for their consistent recovery and assay.
Case Report: Rapidly Healing Epidermolysis Bullosa Wound After Ablative Fractional Resurfacing

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating genodermatosis characterized by generalized skin fragility, severe blistering, and wounding that heals with mutilating scarring. Patients are in constant need of effective wound therapies as they often succumb to aggressive metastatic squamous cell carcinomas or to sepsis that may develop from their chronic wounds. Herein, we demonstrate accelerated wound healing with use of a fractionated CO2 laser protocol in a 22-year-old man with RDEB. His 9-month-old, non-healing wound decreased from 7 cm in diameter to 2 cm in diameter (a 92% reduction in wound surface area) within 4 weeks of a single laser treatment, and he had near-complete re-epithelialization within 4 weeks of his second laser treatment without blistering or other adverse effects. This novel intervention of using fractionated CO2 for photo-microdebridement could help revolutionize wound care for patients who have RDEB and whose chronic wounds serve as one of their greatest sources of morbidity and mortality. Dissemination to a pediatric audience is critical so that laser protocols might be more thoroughly investigated and incorporated into wound management strategies for this uniquely vulnerable population.
Sports Leagues and Parity When League Parity Generates Fan Enthusiasm

This article demonstrates theoretically that, given a casual relationship exists from league parity to fan interest, as large-market teams myopically outbid small-market teams for talent there is potential for league parity to be underprovided. In this model, league parity is treated as a public good. With this characterization, this article arrives at the familiar economic result that public goods tend to be underprovided. This article does not discuss the impact of declining league parity intertemporally. Intuition suggests this decline could hamper interest in the league sport and even lead to a smaller fan base. The results suggest that if league parity is an important determinant of fan interest, a league lump-sum payment (transfer) and tax (subsidy) system may result in higher league profits. The article does add as a caveat that the authors are in no way justifying the revenue sharing plan adopted by Major League Baseball or any other league.
Environmental Factors, Managerial Processes, and Information Technology Investment Strategies

Although significant research attention has been directed at understanding the value of information technology (IT) investments for firms, very little attention has been paid to understand the IT investment behavior of firms. This article seeks to fill this void. We introduce the concept of IT investment strategy, defined by dimensions of intensity and proactiveness, to characterize the IT investment behavior of firms. Synthesizing the environmental deterministic and strategic choice perspectives of a firm's strategic decision making, we examine the effects of environmental factors, managerial processes, and the interplay between them on IT investment strategy. Specifically, we examine the impact of environmental factors such as industry clockspeed and information intensity on IT investment strategy. We also incorporate the strategic choice perspective to argue that managerial processes such as frequent chief executive officer—chief information officer communications and collective information systems planning play a critical role in shaping the firm's IT investment strategy. The empirical results show that the environmental variables are related to IT investment strategy. Besides, managerial processes serve as a means to understand the environment and thus moderate the relationships between the environmental variables and the various facets of IT investment strategy. The conceptualization of IT investment strategy and the focus on both environmental determinism and strategic choice should enrich our understanding of firms’ IT investing behavior.
Substituted tetralins I: Synthesis and analgesic activities of some 2‐Aminotetralins

The synthesis of nine 4,4-dimethyl-2-aminotetralins is described and their analgesic potencies are reported. One of the series, N,N-dimethyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-naphthylamine, has an analgesic potency about two and one-half times that of codeine or meperidine.
Curriculum Development in the Digital Age of Journalism

Journalism practitioners and educators alike are grappling with a changing media landscape, desperately trying to keep up. Journalism educators must provide a new journalism curriculum, one that teaches new technology, but also stresses responsible reporting, based on independence, accuracy, and verification. This study was conducted to determine student satisfaction with a new Convergent Journalism major. The first year of the roll out of our new Major here at Metropolitan State University of Denver was 2013-14 academic year. This study is an assessment of the efficacy and relevance of our curriculum development efforts. SurveyMonkey.com was the methodology used to measure stakeholder satisfaction. A well-tested satisfaction survey template was deployed, customized to the task. The sample included all of the students pursuing the Convergent Journalism major. A web link collector was used. More waves of testing will be done this fall before the study is complete. The results so far showed 88% were either extremely satisfied or moderately satisfied. We conclude that our new curriculum for Convergent Journalism is meeting student expectations. Anecdotal feedback from several employers suggests that they too are please with the journalism, multi-platform, digital dissemination and content creating skills of our graduates.