cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalization of connexin 43 in the tooth germ of the neonatal rat

Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to amino acids 346–360 of connexin 43, the ‘heart’ gap junction protein, were employed to immunolocalize connexin 43 gap junctions in the neonatal rat molar tooth germ. Connexin 43 appears early in the differentiation of both ectodermally derived and ectomesenchymally derived cells of the developing tooth. Connexin 43 immunoreactivity is present in the epithelial components of the enamel organ, including the area of the proximal and distal junctional complexes of the ameloblast layer, and the stratum intermedium, stellate reticulum and outer enamel epithelium. Secretory odontoblasts and developing alveolar bone also display a pattern of connexin 43 immunostaining. Both the epithelial and ectomesenchymally-derived components of the developing tooth acquire connexin 43 channels in a manner that correlates with cell differentiation. In addition, three regions can be defined by connexin 43 immunostaining: the epithelia of the enamel organ that are derived from the oral epithelium, the odontoblast layer derived from the ectomesenchyme, and the alveolar bone. The results suggest that connexin 43 may provide the mechanism for functional compartmentalization of the tissues associated with tooth formation. Compartmentalization suggested by connexin 43 expression could play important roles in the development and functions of these tissues.
Bacteriology: toxins in tandem.

Analyses of the toxin produced by Salmonella Typhi bacteria reveal an unusual assembly of toxin subunits, and show that most symptoms of typhoid fever can be linked to one subunit's DNA-damaging activity. See Letter p.350 The biological basis for the pathogenic properties of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is largely unknown. S. Typhi causes life-threatening systemic infections known as typhoid fever, whereas most other Salmonella enterica serotypes are either harmless or associated with less-serious gastric infections or food poisoning. This study shows that administration of typhoid toxin, a novel AB toxin composed of two A subunits unique to S. Typhi, reproduces many of the acute symptoms of typhoid fever. The authors go on to identify carbohydrates on cell-surface glycoproteins as receptors for typhoid toxin and determine the toxin's crystal structure, providing insights into these interactions. Theses advances suggest that antitoxin-based therapeutics may be effective in treating typhoid.
Synchronized data services over MPEG-2 digital television broadcast systems

Until the present, the digital television (DTV) industry has focused providing high—quality basic video and audio services. With advancements in the underlying technologies, digital television is likely to evolve into a much more interactive medium, involving advanced data services and applications which are both integrated with and synchronized to the video/audio content of the broadcast. We present our approach for the implementation of these synchronized data services, with emphasis on the issues of content synchronization and the optimization of data placement in the broadcast stream.
A Fermentation Inhibiting Substance, Produced by B. Coli

SummaryB. coli produces, when grown in small batches of nutrient broth, a relatively thermostable substance which inhibits or retards fermentation of dextrose, galactose, and dextrin by C. diph-theriae. The diphtheria bacilli seem to absorb this substance and also to destroy it, and there is no permanent effect of this substance upon the diphtheria bacilli. The action is not dependent upon exhaustion of nutrient substances or alteration in the pH of the media.
Toward an understanding of archives as a feature of collective memory

This paper reviews important aspects of the literature on collective memory, how some of these concerns have been expressed in archives, and contemplates how these issues relate to the politically transformative South African post-apartheid context. It highlights the erosion of boundaries between archives, museums, and other less-institutionalized memory projects in post-apartheid South Africa. It notes ways in which archival activity is taking place outside of traditional archives, as part of a changing and evolving memory landscape. It acknowledges the significant gaps in the written record that are a result of apartheid practices and cites different approaches that were overlooked by apartheid’s official archival systems. This paper offers a way of contemplating the ‘social constructedness’ of collective memory and the social and political dimensions of archives.
Frequency of Acute Respiratory Illnesses and Circulation of Respiratory Viruses in Households With Children Over 3 Surveillance Seasons

Acute respiratory infections are the most common cause of symptomatic illness in the general population. As a result, they have been studied often over the past century, first in terms of their frequency and characteristics and then, in the last 50 years, their etiology, after laboratory techniques made it possible to identify the agents involved [1–3]. The household has traditionally been the site for studying these illnesses since it allowed identification of varying illness frequencies in different members of the family in a setting where significant transmission occurred [4]. While it is possible to draw general conclusions from the findings of these household studies, there were clear differences among them, based on the methods used and the populations investigated [5–9]. Differing were the number of households followed, the way they were identified for participation, the method and frequency of contact for reporting illness onset, whether specimens were collected on a regular basis or only at illness onset, and the case definition that triggered specimen collection. Household studies have not been performed for many years, in large part because of expense and logistical challenges. In the intervening years, there have been changes in society, especially in family size and the roles of family members. In addition, newer, more broadly sensitive methods of identifying illness etiology have been developed [10–12], and vaccines (eg, influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal vaccines) potentially affecting acute respiratory illness (ARI) frequencies have become part of standard childhood vaccination programs [13–15]. As a result, there has been interest in performing household studies in the current environment, especially since updated household transmission data could inform approaches to the control of influenza pandemics [16]. However, such studies are labor-intensive, and previously used methods, such as home visits, would be logistically difficult and prohibitively expensive. We have developed an updated approach, modeled on the design of the Tecumseh Study of Respiratory Illnesses, which has allowed us to recruit and follow a similar number of households [6]. However, in contrast to the year-round surveillance performed in that study, surveillance activities were focused on the fall/winter months, when ARI events were most likely; in addition, rather than home visits, illness visits with specimen collection were performed at the research study site. We examined ARI frequency, virus seasonality, and agent-specific infection frequency over 3 respiratory illness seasons in this prospective cohort of households with children. Data from this study have been previously used to examine influenza vaccine effectiveness, influenza transmission parameters, and factors associated with vaccination decisions [17–19].
Objects of Purpose—Objects of Prayer: Peyote Boxes of the Native American Church

Peyote boxes are the containers that members of the Native American Church use to store and transport the ritual and personal objects used by participants in the night-long religious services of the Church. Peyote boxes can be classified into two basic forms; boxes specifically produced for use by Peyotists and a wide range of containers adapted for such use. In addition to their functional value, Peyote boxes also provide an additional arena for the expressive culture of Peyotism through the various media and methods employed to decorate and embellish their exterior surfaces. Through a lifetime of use, Peyote boxes become highly intimate, portable records of personal experience, both spiritual and secular. Peyote boxes provide a rich context for an examination of the criteria used by museums to collect objects and the potential for biased representations of the material world.
Genes in Glucose Metabolism and Association With Spina Bifida

The authors test single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding sequences of 12 candidate genes involved in glucose metabolism and obesity for associations with spina bifida. Genotyping was performed on 507 children with spina bifida and their parents plus anonymous control DNAs from Hispanic and Caucasian individuals. The transmission disequilibrium test was performed to test for genetic associations between transmission of alleles and spina bifida in the offspring (P < .05). A statistically significant association between Lys481 of HK1 (G allele), Arg109Lys of LEPR (G allele), and Pro196 of GLUT1 (A allele) was found ( P = .019, .039, and .040, respectively). Three SNPs on 3 genes involved with glucose metabolism and obesity may be associated with increased susceptibility to spina bifida.
The relationship between health beliefs, adherence, and metabolic control of diabetes.

There is evidence that an individual's health beliefs influence performance of health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether health beliefs in persons with diabetes could be ...
Fostering Creativity: Ensuring Quality in Education

Educators must believe that they cannourish the seeds of creativity, that allyoung minds are creative, and that itis their responsibility to help thatcreativity develop.
A tale of three counties: Understanding wind development in the rural Midwestern United States

Abstract Understanding the context in which local wind farm development has been accepted by the local community is important for meeting the United States' wind energy goals. To further this understanding in the rural Midwest, we investigated three counties in Indiana with varying levels of wind farm development using a mail survey, stakeholder interviews and a review of local newspaper articles and government documents. We found high levels of acceptance for wind energy in general and for local wind farms in all three counties despite the differences in actual development. Multiple statistical methods were employed to identify factors leading to support of wind turbines within the community, but support was so high that no individual factors were identified as statistically significant. The survey and interviews showed that reasons for support of wind energy include economic benefits to the local community, environmental benefits and the protection of the agricultural lifestyle and landscape. Reasons for opposition include concerns about setback distances, impacts on rural lifestyles, and impacts on other types of development. Despite overall community support, the support of the local county governments varied and appears to have greatly impacted wind farm development within their jurisdictions.
Trajectory generation for constant velocity target motion estimation using monocular vision

The performance of monocular vision based target tracking is a strong function of camera motion. Without motion, the target estimation problem is unsolvable. By designing the camera path, the best possible estimator performance can be achieved. This paper describes a trajectory design method based on the predicted target state error covariance. This method uses a pyramid, breadth-first search algorithm to generate real-time paths that achieve a minimum uncertainty bound in fixed time or a desired uncertainty bound in minimum time.
Potential-Induced Structural Change in a Self-Assembled Monolayer of 4-Methylbenzenethiol on Au(111)

Potential-induced structural change in a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-methylbenzenethiol (4-MBT) on Au(111) is investigated by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). STM images in 0.1 M HClO4 indicate that a 4-MBT SAM on Au(111) consists of multiple phases in electrochemical environments. These phases include ordered domains (α-phase), aggregated molecular patches (β-phase), and potential dependent structures (β‘-phase and γ-phase). At a potential positive of 0.3 VSCE, comparable to the potential of zero charge (pzc) of Au(111), Ostwald ripening of α-phase domains is observed. Aggregated molecular patches are annealed, by the applied potential, to form a structured β‘-phase. At a potential negative of 0.3 VSCE, the structure of 4-MBT SAMs transforms to a new phase (γ-phase), 2.0 ± 0.5 A higher than the surrounding α-phase surface. This is shown to be an STM tip-enhanced structural change, and is a consequence of the weak binding of thiol to gold at a potential negative of the pzc. Stepping th...
A Procedural Explanation of the Generation Effect for Simple and Difficult Multiplication Problems and Answers

Abstract Three experiments investigated the generation effect for the free recall of multiplication problems and answers. In Experiment 1, a greater generation effect for answer recall was found for participants presented with simple as compared to those presented with difficult multiplication problems. This finding is inconsistent with an explanation of the generation effect in terms of effort. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 and further demonstrated that participants show an equivalent generation effect for problem operands (i.e., the cues) regardless of problem difficulty. Generation accuracy also influenced the magnitude of the generation effect in the difficult problem condition. Experiment 3 replicated the results of Experiment 1, holding constant problem answers across simple and difficult problems. These experiments collectively demonstrated a generation effect for the answers to arithmetic problems only when participants reinstated at test the cognitive procedures used at study, thus providing further evidence for the procedural account of the generation effect.
A noise-resistant fuzzy c means algorithm for clustering

Probabilistic clustering techniques use the concept of memberships to describe the degree by which a vector belongs to a cluster. The use of memberships provides probabilistic methods with more realistic clustering than "hard" techniques. However, fuzzy schemes (like the fuzzy c means algorithm, FCM) are often sensitive to outliers. We review four existing algorithms, devised to reduce this sensitivity. These are: the noise cluster (NC) algorithm of Dave (1991), the possibilistic c means (PCM) scheme of Krishnapuram and Keller (1996), the least biased fuzzy clustering (LBFC) method of Beni and Liu (1994), and the fuzzy possibilistic c means algorithm of Pal et al. (1997). We then propose the new credibilistic fuzzy c means (CFCM) algorithm to improve on these methods. It uses a new variable, credibility of a vector, which measures the typicality of the vector to the whole data set. By taking credibility into account CFCM generates centroids which are less sensitive to outliers than other techniques, and closer to the centroids generated when the outliers are artificially removed.
GLYCOALKALOID CONTENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND GROWN POTATO TUBERS AND POTATO WART TISSUE

Eight cultivars of potato tubers grown in Newfoundland were examined for total glycoalkaloids (TGA) at harvest and after 3, 6, 9 or 12 days exposure to 150 footcandles light. Freshly harvested tubers had TGA ranging from 0.9 to 15.4 mg/100 g of total tuber tissue. TGA increased as a result of long term light exposure in all cases; however, those cultivars surface-pigmented with red or blue anthocyanins were less responsive to light induction. TGA in light exposed tubers ranged from 52–71 mg/100 g for white cultivars, 26–46 mg/100 g for red varieties, and 23–40 mg/100 g for those pigmented with blue anthocyanins. Healthy tubers from plants afflicted with potato wart did not show abnormally high TGA; however, healthy cankers contained as high as 170 mg/100 g. Greening or decomposition of wart tissue was associated with a decline in TGA. Thin-layer chromatography revealed α-solanine and α-chanconine were the principal components in TGA extracts of both tubers and wart tissue.
The Micromachinery of Mechanotransduction in Hair Cells

Mechanical stimuli generated by head movements and changes in sound pressure are detected by hair cells with amazing speed and sensitivity. The mechanosensitive organelle, the hair bundle, is a highly elaborated structure of actin-based stereocilia arranged in precise rows of increasing height. Extracellular linkages contribute to its cohesion and convey forces to mechanically gated channels. Channel opening is nearly instantaneous and is followed by a process of sensory adaptation that keeps the channels poised in their most sensitive range. This process is served by motors, scaffolds, and homeostatic mechanisms. The molecular constituents of this process are rapidly being elucidated, especially by the discovery of deafness genes and antibody targets.
An Ensemble-Based Incremental Learning Approach to Data Fusion

This paper introduces Learn++, an ensemble of classifiers based algorithm originally developed for incremental learning, and now adapted for information/data fusion applications. Recognizing the conceptual similarity between incremental learning and data fusion, Learn++ follows an alternative approach to data fusion, i.e., sequentially generating an ensemble of classifiers that specifically seek the most discriminating information from each data set. It was observed that Learn++ based data fusion consistently outperforms a similarly configured ensemble classifier trained on any of the individual data sources across several applications. Furthermore, even if the classifiers trained on individual data sources are fine tuned for the given problem, Learn++ can still achieve a statistically significant improvement by combining them, if the additional data sets carry complementary information. The algorithm can also identify-albeit indirectly-those data sets that do not carry such additional information. Finally, it was shown that the algorithm can consecutively learn both the supplementary novel information coming from additional data of the same source, and the complementary information coming from new data sources without requiring access to any of the previously seen data
Fuzzy DSS enhance cognitive support for strategic planning in an uncertain environment

Recent studies of DSS have raised serious questions regarding the conflict between the ideal of DSS as aids to ill-structured problem-solving and the reality of DSS implementations which tend to focus on moderately- to well-structured problems. Lack of tools to aid certain types of cognitive effort relates directly to this concern. An additional worry is that incorporating inappropriate cognitive tools may do more harm than good. The potential for distortion or miscarriage of the decision process is great in the area of strategic planning. Supporting symbolic representation and reasoning for this area with tools involving fuzzy sets technology has worked very well for Carlssen and Walden (1993) with the Finnish forest products industry. Augmenting the decision support toolkit with fuzzy-set-theoretic tools as needed can open the door to more successful design and implementation of DSS.
VCAM-1 expression on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells is directly and specifically up-regulated by substance P.

Sensory nerves in skin are capable of releasing multiple neuropeptides, which modulate inflammatory responses by activating specific cutaneous target cells. Extravasation of particular subsets of leukocytes depends upon the regulated expression of cellular adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1 on microvascular endothelial cells. We examined the direct effect of cutaneous neuropeptides on the expression and function of human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) VCAM-1. A significant increase in VCAM-1 immunostaining of microvascular endothelium was observed in vivo following capsaicin application to human skin. Multiple cutaneous sensory C-fiber-released neuropeptides were evaluated for their ability to induce VCAM-1 cell surface expression on HDMEC. Only substance P (SP) was found to be capable of inducing HDMEC VCAM-1 expression. This SP-mediated VCAM-1 induction appeared to be a direct effect that did not require the release of other HDMEC-derived soluble factors. Increased HDMEC VCAM-1 mRNA expression was detected 1 h after the addition of SP, with peak mRNA increase at 6–9 h postinduction. FACS studies demonstrated a 6.5-fold increase in endothelial cell surface VCAM-1 expression detectable 16 h after addition of SP, which was specifically blocked by a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. Increased VCAM-1 cell surface expression on SP-treated HDMEC resulted in a 4-fold increase in the functional binding of 51Cr-labeled MOLT-4 T cells. These data indicate that SP is capable of directly and specifically up-regulating functional endothelial VCAM-1 expression and thus may play a key role in modulating certain inflammatory responses in the skin.
Cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of revision neural decompression and instrumented fusion for same-level recurrent lumbar stenosis: defining the value of surgical intervention

Object Despite advances in technology and understanding in spinal physiology, reoperation for symptomatic same-level recurrent stenosis continues to occur. Although revision lumbar surgery is effective, attention has turned to the question of the utility and value of revision decompression and fusion procedures. To date, an analysis of cost and heath state gain associated with revision lumbar surgery for recurrent same-level lumbar stenosis has yet to be described. The authors set out to assess the 2-year comprehensive cost of revision surgery and determine its value in the treatment of same-level recurrent stenosis. Methods Forty-two patients undergoing revision decompression and instrumented fusion for same-level recurrent stenosis–associated leg and back pain were included in this study. Two-year total back-related medical resource utilization, missed work, and health state values (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs], calculated from the EQ-5D with US valuation) were assessed. Two-year resource use was...
Head field angle dependent writing in longitudinal recording

Summary form only given. The writing process in magnetic recording is the switching of media grains by the head magnetic field. As the head moves across the media, the grains in the recording layer experience the writing fields that vary both in magnitude and direction. Fundamentally, in the longitudinal recording, the writing field perpendicular component provides a path for the media magnetization gyromagnetic motion. Therefore it is likely to reduce the required longitudinal field for the grain reversal. The traditional Willium-Comstock model includes only the longitudinal components of the head field. It has predicted that the required deep gap field should be roughly 3 times the media (writing) coercivity. This requirement has been contradicted by the recently published experimental result of Liu et al. (see IEEE Trans. Magn., vol. 37, p. 613 et seq., 2001). Using our micro-magnetic recording model, which combines the writing and reading process at head-media level, the impact of the full 3D writing field on the recording process was examined. The present work focused especially on the effect of field angular dependence. A modified Willium-Comstock model was also developed to include the effects of the perpendicular field component. The corrected calculations predicted an optimum writing field that was reduced and agreed reasonably well with the results obtained from experiment and micromagnetic simulations.
A semester-long study abroad model for engineering students: The unified project approach

Study abroad programs have nearly doubled in the last ten years. Studies show that students who study abroad are better prepared for success in their respective fields of interest. This is no less true for engineering students. But engineering schools have been very slow accepting the challenge of providing study abroad opportunities to students, due perhaps to the rigidity of most engineering curricula which were developed in the last century. This trend is changing, however. The largest increase in students studying abroad are STEM students — in 2012/13 9% overall were from STEM disciplines and 2/3rd of these were engineering students. Many universities offer short-term study abroad programs for engineering students designed to be held during the summer. These short-term programs strive to accommodate those who cannot afford to delay their coursework. It can be suggested that semester-long programs provide greater cross-cultural benefits but providing a study abroad curriculum that fits the stringent engineering requirements can be difficult. The College of Engineering at The University of Oklahoma has developed an engineering study abroad program that offers key engineering courses chosen to fit a wide variety of discipline-specific engineering curricula. The key to success in any program is faculty involvement. In order to promote faculty involvement the course work is broken into concentrated four-week blocks taught by different engineering instructors, providing an opportunity for professors with active research programs to share their current expertise with the students in a foreign setting. In order to provide a cohesive educational experience, a Unified Project is developed that has components that relate to each course and which takes advantage of opportunities offered by the host country. This study model is expected to provide smooth transitions from one concentrated course to the next, while providing the students with the cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural experience that engineers will need to compete on a global marketplace.
Local Opiate Withdrawal in Locus Coeruleus Neurons In Vitro

Noradrenergic neurons of the brain nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) become hyperactive during opiate withdrawal. It has been uncertain to what extent such hyperactivity reflects changes in intrinsic properties of these cells. The effects of withdrawal from chronic morphine on the activity of LC neurons were studied using intracellular recordings in rat brain slices. LC neurons in slices from chronically morphine-treated rats exhibited more than twice the frequency of spontaneous action potentials after naloxone compared with LC neurons from control rats. However, after naloxone treatment, the resting membrane potential (MP) of LC neurons from dependent rats was not significantly different from that in control rats. Neither resting MP nor spontaneous discharge rate (SDR) was altered by naloxone in LC neurons from control rats. Neither kynurenic acid nor a cocktail of glutamate and GABA antagonists (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxalene-2,3-dione + 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid + bicuculline) blocked the hyperactivity of LC neurons precipitated by naloxone in slices from morphine-dependent rats. The effects of ouabain on MP and SDR were similar in LC neurons from control and morphine-dependent rats. These results indicate that an adaptive change in glutamatergic or GABAergic synaptic mechanisms or altered Na/K pump activity does not underlie the withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons in vitro. Specific inhibitors of protein kinase A [Rp-cAMPS or N-(2-[p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89)] partially suppressed the withdrawal hyperactivity of LC neurons, and activators of cAMP (forskolin) or protein kinase A (Sp-cAMPS) increased the discharge rate of LC neurons from control rats. These results suggest that upregulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A during chronic morphine treatment is involved in the withdrawal-induced hyperactivity of LC neurons.
Facilitating Strategic Management Through Stakeholder Engagement and Regulatory Models

The sceptism and doubts which revolve about the unwillingness to accord due recognition to “a well-posed self-regulation approach” to corporate social responsibility, according to Sacconi, can be illustrated with two arguments, one of which is, namely:That any multi-stakeholder approach to strategic management and governance of firms, does not facilitate or enhance the uniqueness of goal and direction of management.As well as proposing a self regulation approach which consolidates on Sacconi’s idea of corporate social responsibility as a model of extended corporate governance, this chapter is also aimed at consolidating on the finding that “firms combine activities when internal governance costs are less than market transaction costs.” In so doing it contributes to the extant literature and debates on corporate social responsibility, as well as Spulber’s views on Coase’s Theorem and the “strategic innovation game.”
Simulating Dose and Cancer Risk due to Low-Dose Neutron Background in Proton Beam Therapy

In proton therapy secondary neutrons are produced due to protons undergoing nuclear interactions with the treatment head and the patient. The neutron contribution to various organs is difficult to measure but can be simulated using Monte Carlo methods and whole-body computational phantoms.
Irreducibility of Polynomials

(1935). Irreducibility of Polynomials. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 369-381.
High temperature for control of Oriental fruit moth (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae) in stone fruits

Survival of short-term exposure to high temperatures was determined for the eggs and first through fifth instars of oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck). LT50’s and the temperatures and exposure times required for 100% mortality are reported. First instars were most susceptible and fifth instars were least susceptible to high temperatures. Less time was required to reduce survival of younger than older larvae at the same temperature. A 1.0°C increase in temperature resulted in shorter exposure times to reduce survival of any immature stage. Response of wild larvae was similar to that of laboratory-reared individuals. A heat treatment of 45.0°C for 55 min was sufficient to kill all immature stages. About 39 min was required for the interior of a nectarine to reach 45.0°C. Techniques to test insect response to high temperature and use of heat treatments for disinfestation of stone fruits are discussed.
Buried Oxide Channel Field Effect Transistor

A room temperature oxide channel field effect transistor with the channel on the surface was recently demonstrated at IBM which showed switching characteristics similar to conventional silicon FETs. In this paper we introduce a new architecture for the oxide channel transistor where the oxide channel material is buried below the gate oxide layer. This buried channel architecture has several significant advantages over the surface channel design in coupling capacitance, channel mobility, and channel stability. We will discuss the design and fabrication of the buried channel oxide FET and we will present results from these devices which demonstrate a higher transconductance.
Designing Marketing Research to Increase Validity

How valid are the results of marketing research that involve people as the subjects? Is it possible to waste large sums of money because of reliance on research systems that have built-in errors, o...
Error in histologic dating of secretory endometrium: variance component analysis

Objective To characterize the extent and sources of imprecision in histologic dating of the endometrial biopsy. Design Duplicate endometrial biopsies from 25 women were dated by five evaluators on two separate occasions to evaluate the overall precision of the measure. Using variance component analysis, estimates of intrauterine, intraevaluator, and interevaluator variability were determined. Setting Samples were obtained during outpatient fertility testing. Evaluators were colleagues at the same institution. Patients, Participants Women presenting with infertility undergoing routine evaluation. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure Variability in histologic dating of the endometrium. Results Inconsistencies between evaluators accounted for 65% of the observed variability, whereas 27% was because of inconsistencies in duplicate readings by the same evaluator. Regional differences in the uterus accounted for only 8% of the total variability. Conclusions The overall error from these sources have the potential to result in a substantial false-positive rate for diagnosis of luteal phase defect.
Perspectives on history: military dietetics in the Philippines during World War II.

The history of the profession of dietetics is a history of caring, dedicated, and capable individuals. This article examines the experiences of three dietitians during World War II in the Philippines—their pre-war status and their changing environments as the Japanese invaded the Philippines in overwhelming numbers. It recounts the extreme hardships they endured for 3 years as prisoners of war of the Japanese at Santo Tomas Internment Camp (formerly Santo Tomas University) in Manila. The article covers the time before Army dietitians had military status and concludes shortly after the former prisoners returned to the United States, when they were commissioned and promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.
Emmetropization in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): birth to young adulthood.

PURPOSE. To provide baseline measurements on the postnatal changes in refractive error, corneal curvature, and axial elongation of the eyes of normal monkeys. Little is known about the course of normal eye growth from birth to adolescence, particularly how refractive parameters co-vary during development. In animal models of ametropia, usually one eye is manipulated and the fellow eye serves as a control. However, given individual differences, and without baseline data, it is impossible to determine whether either eye develops normally. METHODS. Measurements were obtained on 237 rhesus monkeys, whose ages ranged from birth to 5 years. Examinations included cycloplegic refraction by retinoscopy, keratometry measurements, and A-scan ultrasound measurements of axial length. The time course of development was evaluated using a growth curve analysis appropriate for a mixture of cross-sectional and longitudinal data. RESULTS. At birth, all three parameters were normally distributed and only weakly correlated. Monkeys had + 7 D (SD = 2.3 D) of hyperopia, corneal power of 58 D (SD = 1 D), and axial length of 13.2 mm (SD = 0.4 mm). Refractive error ranged from +0.5 D to + 14.5 D, with a mean difference between the two eyes of 0.5 D. Corneal curvature ranged from 61 D to 54 D, with a mean difference between the two eyes of 0.8 D. Axial length ranged from 12.0 mm to 14.2 mm, with a mean difference between the two eyes of 0.1 mm. Although the degree of hyperopia achieved asymptote, of + 2 D, shortly after 1 year of age, corneal curvature and axial length did not achieve asymptote until nearly 5 years of age. By this time, refractive error had declined by 5 D, corneal curvature had declined by 7 D, and axial length had increased by 6 mm. CONCLUSIONS. The magnitude of the individual differences that can occur in a small sample of experimental subjects is large enough to necessitate reference to age norms derived from a large population. ()ur results provide a baseline for studies of normal and abnormal eye growth and ametropia in primates. Our results also led to the confirmation of a set of rules that have been offered as an explanation of how these three parameters interact during emmetropization.
Divinity and decay: the narrative of miraculous renovation and the repair of sacred images in colonial Mexico

Miraculous images in the early modern period were continually restored and touched up to ensure their continued decency, relevancy, and efficacy as divine conduits. This article focuses on the miraculous narratives that accompanied those artistic alterations, and in particular, on the trope of miraculous renovation that explained the dramatic restoration of several blackened and decayed crucifixes in seventeenth-century Mexico. By unpacking the biography of the Senor de Santa Teresa, Mexico's most famous Cristo Renovado, I reveal how the ‘renovation narrative’ that took hold in the region wove together artistic and religious discourses to explain the formal transformation of indecent statues of Christ. I also show how the story resolved broader concerns regarding artistic decorum, the inherently corruptible media from which the images were crafted, fears of native idolatry held by the clergy, and the struggle between devotees and patrons to control images imbedded within devotional communities.
3.3 A 14nm 1GHz FPGA with 2.5D transceiver integration

A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) family was designed to match a programmable fabric die built in 14nm process technology with 28Gb/s transceiver dice. The 2.5D packaging (Fig. 3.3.1) uses embedded interconnect bridges (EMIB) [1]. 20nm transceivers were reused enabling a transceiver roadmap independent of FPGA fabric. Fig. 3.3.2 shows a 560mm2 fabric die and six transceiver dice. The programmable fabric contains 2.8M logic elements, DSP, memory components, and routing interconnect operating at up to 1GHz. Applications drove the need for improved flexibility and security of the FPGA configuration system. A triple-modular redundant microprocessor-based secure device manager (SDM) was designed and is programmed by embedded software.
Prevention of postsurgical recurrence in Crohn’s disease: is it possible?

Crohn’s disease (CD) is diagnosed in about 20 % of patients before the age of 18 years. Its phenotype is more complicated than in adult-onset CD and requires more aggressive therapy, including surgery. Surgery rates in pediatric CD range between 10 and 72 %. Indications for surgery include medically refractory disease (especially with growth failure) and complicated behaviour. Surgery is crucial, allowing children to catch up in growth and height before late puberty. However, surgery is not curative and post-operative recurrence (POR) is almost inevitable. Even if pediatric data are scarce, clinical recurrence has been reported in 50–94 % and re-operation in 18–54 % of cases, depending on the follow-up time. Thus, prevention of POR has a decisive role in managing CD. Several strategies have been used to decrease POR, with only some being efficacious and not in all cases. Therefore, currently, no standard of care for the management of postoperative CD does exist. The published studies in adults, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown efficacy for thiopurines, nitroimidazole antibiotics and anti-TNFα agents, while budesonide, probiotics and interleukin-10 were not effective. Although safe, mesalazine is of little benefit and not recommended, except in few selected patients. Since no randomized-controlled trial has been performed in children, data have to be extrapolated from adults and enteral nutrition may play an important role. In the prevention of recurrence, it is imperative to consider its risk factors, how it should be assessed, and what medication to use in relation to risk factors and cost-efficacy, based on actual evidence.
The Impact of Ecological Factors on Game‐Based L2 Practice and Learning

Various empirical studies have demonstrated that digital gaming can promote second language (L2) use and learning and that game-based L2 learning is a dynamic, emergent activity that is shaped by the interactions of different factors. Although a deeper understanding of gaming ecology on game-based L2 use and learning is necessary to inform the selection and adaptation of digital games for L2 learning and teaching, to date the ecology of digital game-based learning remains underexplored. To address this gap, the present exploratory case study investigated the effect of learners’ L2 proficiency, L2 learner identity, and gaming experience on the use of L2 in-game discourse of six learners of Arabic when playing the simulation-management video game Baalty. Informed by ecological approaches to L2 learning, data collected through questionnaires, think-aloud protocols, observations, walk-throughs, gaming journals, and interviews were analyzed and triangulated. Data analysis revealed that player–game interaction was deeply embedded in the gaming ecology and that learners’ L2 proficiency, L2-learner identities, and gaming experience shaped the L2 learning potential of digital gaming. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Facilitating Community Engagement in Academic Pharmacy Careers

Despite the recognized value of community engagement in academic pharmacy, the implementation of sustainable and fruitful community partnerships can be challenging. This manuscript will highlight a junior faculty member’s journey with community engagement, sharing the ways that community engagement can guide an academic career and the benefits of community engagement in teaching, research and service. Also highlighted is the role – and argued responsibility - of the academic institution in community engagement, as well as an identification of the barriers that might be interfering with pharmacy faculty community engagement. Considerations for the development of faculty members striving to more fully incorporate engagement into their teaching, research, and service are provided. Conflict of Interest I declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties. Type: Commentary
Contrasting mechanisms of penile urethral formation in mouse and human

This paper addresses the developmental mechanisms of formation of the mouse and human penile urethra and the possibility that two disparate mechanisms are at play. It has been suggested that the entire penile urethra of the mouse forms via direct canalization of the endodermal urethral plate. While this mechanism surely accounts for development of the proximal portion of the mouse penile urethra, we suggest that the distal portion of the mouse penile urethra forms via a series of epithelial fusion events. Through review of the recent literature in combination with new data, it is unlikely that the entire mouse urethra is formed from the endodermal urethral plate due in part to the fact that from E14 onward the urethral plate is not present in the distal aspect of the genital tubercle. Formation of the distal portion of the mouse urethra receives substantial contribution from the preputial swellings that form the preputial-urethral groove and subsequently the preputial-urethral canal, the later of which is subdivided by a fusion event to form the distal portion of the mouse penile urethra. Examination of human penile development also reveals comparable dual morphogenetic mechanisms. However, in the case of human, direct canalization of the urethral plate occurs in the glans, while fusion events are involved in formation of the urethra within the penile shaft, a pattern exactly opposite to that of the mouse. The highest incidence of hypospadias in humans occurs at the junction of these two different developmental mechanisms. The relevance of the mouse as a model of human hypospadias is discussed.
The plasticity of alcohol addiction suggests novel approaches to pharmacological intervention

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the molecular and cellular alterations in the glutamatergic system that appears to underlie alcohol-associated plasticity. The vast majority of neurons across all brain regions possess glutamatergic inputs, with half of the synapses using glutamate as a neurotransmitter. Glutamate affects neuronal function by activating either postsynaptic ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Many of the behavioral manifestations of alcohol dependency involve the NMDA receptor system. Evidence from both humans and animal models suggests that alterations in N-methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptors are major mediators of alcohol dependency, tolerance, craving, and relapse. Cellular models of synaptic plasticity have demonstrated changes in the sub-cellular localization of glutamate receptors that are accompanied by molecular re-organization of dendritic spines. It is suggested that ethanol may regulate activity-dependent NMDA receptor trafficking at the postsynaptic density of dendritic spines, which may explain ethanol-induced adaptive processes that underlie alcohol dependency. A study has demonstrated a physical link between mGluR5 and NMDA receptors by anchoring proteins at synaptic and perisynaptic sites. It is suggested that experimental approaches that focus on reversing neuroadaptations that are common to other drugs of abuse would likely increase the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapies in poly-drug abusers.
Quantum Degeneracy in Lithium Gases

Lithium is an attractive atom for studies of quantum degenerate gases because its two naturally occurring isotopes, 6Li and 7Li, have opposite exchange symmetry and have stable nuclei. Since 6Li is composed of an odd number of spin-1/2 particles (3 electrons, 3 protons, 3 neutrons), it is itself a half-integer composite particle obeying Fermi-Dirac statistics. On the other hand, 7Li with its extra neutron is a composite boson. The phenomena exhibited by each isotope, therefore, should be vastly different at ultra-low temperatures, where effects of quantum degeneracy are manifested. For example, we have shown that 7Li undergoes Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) [1], the paradigm of all quantum statistical phase transitions. A gas of 6Li, conversely, cannot directly Bose condense, although they can undergo a BEC-like phase transition in which particles form ‘Cooper pairs’. This effect is responsible for electronic superconductivity and for superfluidity of 3He.
Biologically-Inspired Vision Processing

Computational vision is the field of visual information processing [1, 2]. The main objectives of computer vision are to develop practical image understanding systems and to understand the mechanisms underlying human vision. Early vision is a set of visual modules which can extract such physical properties of the object under view as distance, orientation, reflectance, color, texture, and so on. Several obstacles have been circumvented and efficient algorithms have been developed in hardware implementation of the early vision system. Image acquisition and the spatio-temporal smoothing for noise removal can be performed in a silicon retina chip. The feature-extraction processing is the next step which emphasizes some important properties of the image such as the edge-detection and motion-detection processing.
OPERATION OF SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS IN WINTER

ABSTRACT A review is offered of the methods used to protect solar heating systems against ice damage caused by freezing winter weather, based on construction, operation, and monitoring of 183 systems in Ontario, Canada. Some unforeseen winter and summer mechanical problems caused by the freeze protection systems are described, along with successful solutions, The general conclusion is that a solar heating system with any of the standard freeze protection systems is capable of operating reliably in Ontario winter conditions, with proper design, installation, and operation. However, the proper design features are not universally known or accepted.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? Mortality Salience, Death-Thought Accessibility, and Self-Forgiveness

Terror management theory claims the quintessential indicator of cultural adherence is human self-esteem, and self-esteem is vital to suppressing death-thoughts into the unconscious to buffer agains...
Can Threat Increase Support for Liberalism? New Insights Into the Relationship Between Threat and Political Attitudes:

The extant literature demonstrates that exposure to threat almost always increases support for political conservatism. But can threat increase the support for political liberalism? The current arti...