cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A correlation study of students' perception of their active role as related to their clerkship experiences

Previous studies have indicated the importance of students' active involvement in clinical learning. The present study examined medical students' active participation in clinical clerkships as related to their ratings of clerkship experiences. The general hypothesis is that students' perception of being active in the clerkship will be positively related to their experience with attendings and residents and to their overall satisfaction with their clerkship experience. This hypothesis was examined in teaching rounds, work rounds and in conferences, and was confirmed in the study. Future study may be needed to explore specific approaches to bring students into an active process in different clinical learning settings.
Mechanisms of tissue injury in hyperacute xenograft rejection.

For nearly three-quarters of a century, it has been known that the transplantation of an organ from an individual of one species into an individual of a phylogenetically distant species leads rapidly and inexorably to a violent form of rejection that culminates in the demise of the organ graft [1-5]. This phenomenon of hyperacute xenograft rejection poses what appears to be an absolute barrier to clinical xenotransplantation [4].
Contrast echocardiography: An introduction

The articles in this supplement are excerpted from presentations made at the 5th annual Advances in Echocar-diography conference held October 4–5, 1990, in Chicago. The 2-day symposium was organized by Steven B. Feinstein, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. The conference was sponsored by the University of Chicago and Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital. This supplement is supported by an educational grant from the Mallinckrodt Cardiology Division.
Quantitative synthesis of full-length globin genes: Dependence on template

Abstract An efficient two step method for the synthesis of full-length globin gene is described. T4 DNA polymerase directs the conversion of greater than 70% of input globin cDNA template into duplex DNA. A majority of these molecules are full-length double stranded molecules. This duplex DNA was characterized with respect to size by analytic 4.0% polyacrylamide − 0.6% agarose composite gel electrophoresis. The contour length of the molecules and the integrity of the duplex DNA were also evaluated by direct visualization using electron microscopy. A mean number of 588 base pairs was determined for the approximately 400 molecules measured. Globin mRNA transcription in the absence of the antibiotic actinomycin D was shown to be less efficient in template utilization and less effective in synthesizing complete gene copies.
Commitment: A behavioral approach to job involvement☆

Abstract This study views job involvement and commitment as interchangeable labels for the same job behavior. Work commitment behaviors were defined as a special class of socially acceptable work behaviors that exceed formal and/or normative expectations relevant to work. The main purpose of this study was the development of a measure of work commitment based on this definition. A daily record measured the amount of personal time that each subject devoted to work-related activities beyond the required working day. For a sample of 54 female elementary school teachers, the work commitment measure demonstrated moderate correlations with two attitudinal measures of job involvement and a job satisfaction scale. The feasibility and usefulness of defining and measuring involvement behaviorally were demonstrated.
Location of promoter sites on plasmid NTP1 which contains the ampicillin resistance transposon Tn1701.

Abstract We have modified the gene 32 protein electron microscopic method of Delius et al. (1973) so that promoter regions on covalently closed circular DNA templates may be mapped relative to specific restriction endonuclease cleavage sites. Using this method, four promoter regions have been located on the physical map of plasmid NTP1 at 0.01, 0.12, 0.33 and 0.45 NTP1 units. Transcription from all four promoters is to the right. Two of these promoters, at 0.01 and 0.12 NTP1 units, are located within the ampicillin resistance transposon recently designated Tn1701. The promoter located at 0.01 NTP1 units was found to be the strongest of the four promoters; it is proximal to the β-lactamase gene which is responsible for ampicillin resistance.
Zeolite Y coatings on Al-2024-T3 substrate by a three-step synthesis method

A zeolite Y coating has been formed on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 (Al 2024-T3) by a novel three-step synthesis method. In the first step, the bottom layer is formed by synthesizing a high-silica-zeolite (HSZ) ZSM-5 film on the Al 2024-T3 substrate. In the second step, the ZSM-5 film is seeded with zeolite Y followed by a short ZSM-5 synthesis to form the bridging layer. Finally, the low-silica-zeolite (LSZ) Y film is synthesized on the bridging layer by seeded growth to form the top layer. The ZSM-5 film offers excellent corrosion protection for the aluminum under the high pH conditions required for LSZ Y synthesis. The bridging layer is critical in providing adhesion between the bottom and top layers.
Hong Kong as a Global Metropolis

List of figures List of maps List of tables Preface 1. Enigma 2. Intermediaries of capital 3. From Canton to Hong Kong 4. Hub of the China trade 5. Chinese and foreign social networks of capital 6. Trade and finance center for Asia 7. Industrial metropolis 8. Global metropolis for Asia 9. Hong Kong, China Bibliography Index.
Sunlight Readable Fast-Response Transflective LCDs by Horizontal Electric Fields

Two single-cell-gap transflective display devices with vertically aligned positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal driven by horizontal electric fields are proposed. In these displays, patterned reflectors are located at transmittance-inefficient regions to serve as reflective mode. These displays exhibit fast response time, high transmittance, and wide view with optical compensation. Potential applications of these displays for sunlight readable mobile devices are emphasized.
Native-oxide-confined mid-IR quantum cascade lasers via non-selective oxygen-enhanced wet oxidation

In this work, a novel self-aligned process utilizing non-selective, 0 2 -enhanced wet thermal oxidation is presented for fabricating InP-based, ridge waveguide mid-infrared (λ=5.4 μm) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with a strain-compensated, 30-stage (1.53 μm thick) InGaAs/AlInAs active region, grown via metal organic chemical vapor deposition. This process, previously used in GaAs-based diode lasers containing low-Al content AlGaAs or even Al-free III-As alloys, forms a highly-insulating native oxide layer while simultaneously smoothing and passivating the etch-exposed active region, resulting in low-loss, strongly-confining waveguides. Here we report the first application of this process for directly oxidizing the deeply-etched QCL InGaAs/AlInAs active region ridge waveguide sidewalls and field (outside the ridge), eliminating the need for a deposited dielectric for electrical isolation, thus allowing self-aligned device fabrication. An 8 hour, 500 °C wet oxidation with 7000 ppm added O 2 (relative to N 2 carrier gas) yields a uniform oxide of ~350 nm in the field outside the ridge to ~500 nm on the ridge sidewall. Laser devices tested under room temperature, pulsed excitation exhibit a threshold current density of J th ~3.2 kA/cm 2 for a 19.5 μm wide x 3 mm long stripe width.
Aging characterization of advanced polymer systems

Aging of three advanced polymer systems used as adhesives in the aerospace industry is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).Since significant changes in mechanical properties were observed for AF191, FM®73, and FM®5 bonded joints, the purpose of this work was to identify whether there is any chemical and physical degradation for the adhesives used in these joints. Each of the adhesives has been evaluated after exposing to Hot/Wet and Hot/Dry environments for 5000 h. They were also thermally cycled in conditions that represent subsonic and supersonic cruise. Hot/wet exposures demonstrated a greater amount of possible degradation than hot/dry or thermally cycled exposures. The hot/wet aging condition resulted in more pronounced O-H, C-H, and N-H infrared absorptions, reduced glass transition temperature of adhesives, and redu...
Quaternary to binary bit conversion CMOS integrated circuit design using multiple-input floating gate MOSFETS

Multiple-input floating gate MOSFETs and floating gate potential diagrams have been used for the conversion of quaternary-valued input into corresponding binary output in CMOS integrated circuit design environments. The method is demonstrated through the design of a circuit for conversion of quaternary inputs into the corresponding binary bits in a standard 1.5 µm digital CMOS technology. The physical design of the circuit is simulated and tested with SPICE using MOSIS BSIM3 model parameters. Measurements on fabricated devices for the conversion of quaternary input (decimal 0-3) into binary output (binary 00-11) have shown agreement with the corresponding simulated values. The conversion method is simple and compatible with the present CMOS process. The circuit can be embedded in digital CMOS VLSI design architectures.
Feature analysis of selected database recovery techniques

Database recovery techniques in a real-time environment for so called single-division databases are investigated. A classification of database recovery goals and a classification of database system crashes is presented. It is shown that the (best) recovery goal is a function of a crash category against which the system is to be protected. In particular, for the broadest category of hidden hard crashes an actual past state is an attainable recovery goal. It is described how to reach this goal using a generic recovery technique, based on an idea of a database recovery block. The specific recovery techniques implementing the generic technique are described. Then the representation of each specific recovery technique in terms of atomic "primitives" is demonstrated. The claim is made that this "divide-and-conquer" approach can facilitate the analysis of the database recovery techniques.
Simple circuit for laboratory temperature regulation.

A temperature regulator is described which is used in conjunction with a commercial electronic thermometer. Electrical transients are eliminated through the use of a battery-powered d.c. proportional controller. The result is an accurate, inexpensive laboratory instrument which can be used to maintain eitherin vivo orin vitro preparations within 0·2 C of desired temperature.
Diffuse and Specific Tectopulvinar Terminals in the Tree Shrew: Synapses, Synapsins, and Synaptic Potentials

The pulvinar nucleus of the tree shrew receives both topographic (specific) and nontopographic (diffuse) projections from superior colliculus (SC), which form distinct synaptic arrangements. We characterized the physiological properties of these synapses and describe two distinct types of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) that correlate with structural properties of the specific and diffuse terminals. Synapses formed by specific terminals were found to be significantly longer than those formed by diffuse terminals. Stimulation of these two terminal types elicited two types of EPSPs that differed in their latency and threshold amplitudes. In addition, in response to repetitive stimulation (0.5–20 Hz) one type of EPSP displayed frequency-dependent depression whereas the amplitudes of the second type of EPSP were not changed by repetitive stimulation of up to 20Hz. To relate these features to vesicle release, we compared the synapsin content of terminals in the pulvinar nucleus and the dorsal lateral geniculate (dLGN) by combining immunohistochemical staining for synapsin I or II with staining for the type 1 or type 2 vesicular glutamate transporters (markers for corticothalamic and tectothalamic/retinogeniculate terminals, respectively). We found that retinogeniculate terminals do not contain either synapsin I or synapsin II, corticothalamic terminals in the dLGN and pulvinar contain synapsin I, but not synapsin II, whereas tectopulvinar terminals contain both synapsin I and synapsin II. Finally, both types of EPSPs showed a graded increase in amplitude with increasing stimulation intensity, suggesting convergence; this was confirmed using a combination of anterograde tract tracing and immunocytochemisty. We suggest that the convergent synaptic arrangements, as well as the unique synapsin content of tectopulvinar terminals, allow them to relay a dynamic range of visual signals from the SC.
Magnetically orientated tissue-equivalent tubes: application to a circumferentially orientated media-equivalent

Circumferential orientation of collagen fibrils in a media-equivalent (ME) is achieved in a simple and effective way using the orientating effects of a strong magnetic field during collagen fibrillogenesis when the ME is first created. Circumferential orientation of the entrapped smooth muscle cells (SMC) is achieved subsequently via cell contact guidance, the induced SMC orientation along orientated fibrils. After describing the methods used, several lines of evidence are provided showing that the magnetically orientated ME is circumferentially orientated, including collagen birefringence, circumferential SMC orientation, accelerated ME compaction and increased ME stiffness with reduced creep in the circumferential direction as compared to control MEs not exposed to a magnetic field during fibrillogenesis. The optimization of these methods is discussed in order to better mimic the circumferential orientation and mechanical properties of a natural medium. Other applications of magnetically orientated tissue-equivalents are indicated.
On polynomial interpolation at the points of a geometric progression

This note pursues two aims: the first is historical and the second is factual. 1. We present James Stirling's discovery (1730) that Newton's general interpolation series with divided differences simplifies if the points of interpolation form a geometric progression. For its most important case of extrapolation at the origin. Karl Schellbach (1864) develops his algorithm of q -differences that also leads naturally to theta-functions. Carl Runge (1891) solves the same extrapolation at the origin, without referring to the Stirling-Schellbach algorithm. Instead, Runge uses “Richardson's deferred approach to the limit” 20 years before Richardson. 2. Recently, the author found a close connection to Romberg's quadrature formula in terms of “binary” trapezoidal sums. It is shown that the problems of Stirling, Schellbach, and Runge, are elegantly solved by Romberg's algorithm. Numerical examples are given briefly. Fuller numerical details can be found in the author's MRC T.S. Report #2173, December 1980, Madison, Wisconsin. Thanks are due to the referee for suggesting the present stream-lined version.
Functional differences in forebrain auditory regions during learned vocal recognition in songbirds

Converging evidence implicates the auditory forebrain regions caudal medial mesopallium (formerly cmHV) and caudal medial nidopallium in the perceptual processing of conspecific vocalizations in songbirds. Little is known however, about more specific processing within these regions especially during song-based perceptual behaviors. One hallmark of the caudal medial mesopallium and caudal medial nidopallium, areas analogous to mammalian secondary auditory cortical structures, is their robust expression of the immediate-early-gene zenk in response to conspecific songs. Using European starlings operantly trained to recognize the songs of individual conspecifics, we show that the levels and patterns of zenk protein expression in the caudal medial nidopallium and caudal medial mesopallium differ when song recognition demands are placed on the system. In the caudal medial mesopallium, expression is significantly elevated above basal levels during the recognition of familiar songs, the acquisition of novel associations for familiar songs, and the acquisition of novel song discriminations. In the caudal medial nidopallium, however, expression is significantly elevated above basal levels only during the acquisition of novel song discriminations. The results directly implicate the caudal medial nidopallium and caudal medial mesopallium in at least a portion of the auditory processes underlying vocal recognition. Moreover, the observed differences between these regions imply the functional localization (or at least the concentration) of different auditory processing mechanisms within the caudal medial nidopallium and the caudal medial mesopallium.
Effect of cosolvent organic molecules on the adsorption and structural properties of soft-templated ordered mesoporous alumina.

Abstract Ordered mesoporous aluminas with high surface areas (up to 783 m2/g), large pore volumes (up to 0.82 cm3/g) and the presence of complementary micropores (up to 0.17 cm3/g) are synthesized with Pluronic® F127 or P123 triblock copolymers in a one-pot synthesis of metal alkoxide, template and cosolvent molecules such as 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene or 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene in an acidic ethanol solution at 15 °C. Materials are characterized by nitrogen adsorption analysis, small-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
The enigmatic effects of caffeine in cell cycle and cancer

Caffeine may very well be the most frequently ingested neuroactive drug in the world. Mechanistically, caffeine has been reported to affect cell cycle function, induce programmed cell death or apoptosis and perturb key cell cycle regulatory proteins. Although the effects of caffeine have been heavily investigated, much of the research data regarding caffeine's effects on cell cycle and proliferation seem ambiguous. One important factor may be that caffeine has been used experimentally in numerous cell types under a variety of conditions at concentrations ranging from micromolar to high millimolar. Physiologically, achieving experimental blood levels of caffeine would be extremely difficult without adverse side effects. Therefore, the relevance of experimental data obtained by using high concentrations of caffeine is not clear and may account for some of the discrepancies in the literature. This review attempts to reconcile data regarding the cellular effects of caffeine by examining reported effects on cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis with careful attention to differences in experimental conditions and caffeine concentration utilized.
Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 as Therapeutic Targets in Bone Diseases

The processes of bone growth, modeling, and remodeling determine the structure, mass, and biomechanical properties of the skeleton. Dysregulated bone resorption or bone formation may lead to metabolic bone diseases. The Wnt pathway plays an important role in bone formation and regeneration, and expression of two Wnt pathway inhibitors, sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), appears to be associated with changes in bone mass. Inactivation of sclerostin leads to substantially increased bone mass in humans and in genetically manipulated animals. Studies in various animal models of bone disease have shown that inhibition of sclerostin using a monoclonal antibody (Scl-Ab) increases bone formation, density, and strength. Additional studies show that Scl-Ab improves bone healing in models of bone repair. Inhibition of DKK1 by monoclonal antibody (DKK1-Ab) stimulates bone formation in younger animals and to a lesser extent in adult animals and enhances fracture healing. Thus, sclerostin and DKK1 are emerging as the leading new targets for anabolic therapies to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and for bone repair. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the effects of Scl-Ab and DKK1-Ab in humans for the treatment of bone loss and for bone repair.
A simple scheme for implementing wave absorption in quasi-neutral simulations of ECR plasmas

Summary form only given. The NRL program in modeling of high density plasma processing reactors is currently focusing on the ECR reactor. This is characterized by a long mean free path for both electrons and ions, but where self electrostatic fields also play an important role. However since plasma frequency time scales and Debye length scales are very short compared to other times and lengths of interest, neither a fluid formulation nor a full particle simulation are the optimum modeling tool. Accordingly the modeling effort has focused on the development of a quasi-neutral particle simulation technique. The one thing not modelled up to now is the power deposition in the plasma from the incident wave. This paper develops a scheme for modeling wave absorption.
Mucosal Dendritic Cells

The internal surfaces of the human body are covered by distinct types of epithelial cells and mucus-secreting cells. The mucosal surfaces serve many vital functions, such as respiration (nasal passage and lung), absorption (gastrointestinal tract), excretion (lung, urinary tract, large intestine), and reproduction (reproductive tract). In performing these functions, the host is inevitably exposed to environmental antigens, food particles, commensal flora, and pathogens. Mucosal surfaces contain specialized dendritic cells (DCs) capable of sensing these external stimuli and mounting appropriate local responses depending on the nature of the elements they encounter. In the absence of pathogens, mucosal DCs either ignore the antigen or induce regulatory responses. Upon recognition of microorganisms that invade the mucosal barrier, mucosal DCs mount robust protective immunity. This review highlights progress in our understanding of how mucosal DCs process external information and direct appropriate responses by mobilizing various cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems to achieve homeostasis and protection.
Predicting Willingness to Adopt a Child: A Consideration of Demographic and Attitudinal Factors

This article reports the results of a study to identify demographic and attitudinal factors associated with willingness to adopt a child. Data were gathered from a randomly drawn sample of married ...
Extracellular pressure stimulates macrophage phagocytosis by inhibiting a pathway involving FAK and ERK

We hypothesized that changes in extracellular pressure during inflammation or infection regulate macrophage phagocytosis through modulating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-ERK pathway. Undifferenti...
Cigarette Smoking and Pulmonary Function in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Exposed to Pulmonary-Toxic Therapy: Results from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

Treatments for childhood cancer can impair pulmonary function. We assessed the potential impact of cigarette smoking on pulmonary function in 433 adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who received pulmonary-toxic therapy, using single breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin (DLCOcorr), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). FEV1/FVC median values among current [1.00; interquartile range (IQR): 0.94-1.04] and former smokers (0.98; IQR: 0.93-1.04) were lower than those who had never smoked (1.02; IQR: 0.96-1.06; P = 0.003). Median FEV1/FVC values were lower among those who smoked ≥ 6 pack-years (0.99; IQR: 0.92-1.03) and those who smoked <6 pack-years (1.00; IQR: 0.94-1.04), than among those who had never smoked (P = 0.005). Our findings suggest that CCSs have an increased risk for future obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Follow-up is needed to determine whether smoking imparts more than additive risk. Smoking prevention and cessation need to be a priority in this population.
Regularization of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability by surface tension

The Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is present in the motion of a vortex sheet without surface tension. This can be seen from the linearization of the equations of motion, and there have also been proofs of ill-posedness for the full nonlinear equations. In the presence of surface tension, the linearized equations no longer exhibit an instability, and it has been believed that the full equations should then be well-posed. In this paper, I sketch a proof that the vortex sheet with surface tension is well-posed in the case of both two- and three-dimensional fluids. The proof in the case of three-dimensional fluids is the joint work with Nader Masmoudi. The method is to first reformulate the problem using suitable variables and parametrizations, and then to perform energy estimates. The choice of variables and parametrizations in the two-dimensional case is the same as that of Hou et al . in a prior numerical work.
The Biology of Interleukin-2

Much data support an essential role for interleukin (IL)-2 in immune tolerance. This idea is much different from the early paradigm in which IL-2 is central for protective immune responses. This change in thinking occurred when a T regulatory cell defect was shown to be responsible for the lethal autoimmunity associated with IL-2/IL-2R deficiency. This realization allowed investigators to explore immune responses in IL-2-nonresponsive mice rendered autoimmune-free. Such studies established that IL-2 sometimes contributes to optimal primary immune responses, but it is not mandatory. Emerging findings, however, suggest an essential role for IL-2 in immune memory. Here, the current understanding of the dual role of IL-2 in maintaining tolerance and contributing to immunity in vivo is reviewed with some emphasis on T regulatory cell production and homeostasis. Also discussed are implications of this new appreciation concerning the immunobiology of IL-2 with respect to targeting IL-2 or its receptor in immunotherapy.
Hepatic stellate cell progenitor cells

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are recognized as a major player in liver fibrogenesis. Upon liver injury, HSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts and participate in progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Additional cell types such as resident liver fibroblasts/myofibroblasts or bone marrow cells are also known to generate myofibroblasts. One of the major obstacles to understanding the mechanism of liver fibrogenesis is the lack of knowledge regarding the developmental origin of HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells. Recent cell lineage analyses demonstrate that HSCs are derived from mesoderm during liver development. MesP1-expressing mesoderm gives rise to the septum transversum mesenchyme before liver formation and then to the liver mesothelium and mesenchymal cells, including HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells around the veins during liver development. During the growth of embryonic liver, the mesothelium, consisting of mesothelial cells and submesothelial cells, migrates inward from the liver surface and gives rise to HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells, including portal fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells around the portal vein, and fibroblasts around the central vein. Cell lineage analyses indicate that mesothelial cells are HSC progenitor cells capable of differentiating into HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells during liver development.
Retrofit of flat panel color displays in the F-16A/B

Replacement of the Radar Electro-Optical (REO) Display Set, including its monochrome cathode ray tubes in the F-16A/B, with color active matrix liquid crystal displays presents many opportunities to improve the information presentation to the pilot and the pilot's interaction with the avionics system. The author presents the process followed by Battelle under the US Air Force Material Command's Design Engineering Program to develop the display formats and pilot-computer interface with the improved REO Display Set. While the general guideline for computer-generated images is no more than five to seven colored elements at a time, the system being designed for the F-16A/B provides many more colors for reasons of realism in future images to be displayed in combat and transport aircraft. The system provides for technology insertion and growth due to its use of an open system architecture implementation of a multiprocessing capability. While the initial software will implement the F-16A/B REO systems' symbology, the capability is provided to generate realistic images that will aid pilots in performance of their missions. >
Rational development of antigen-specific therapies for type 1 diabetes

Administration of autoantigens, especially via the mucosal route, can induce tolerance under certain circumstances. In autoimmune diabetes, mucosal vaccination with autoantigens was frequently effective in restoring tolerance in mice but has not yet succeeded in humans. Furthermore, in some instances, autoimmunity can be precipitated upon autoantigen administration. We will here briefly discuss the underlying reasons and delineate which efforts should be made in the future to rationally translate antigen-specific immunotherapy, for example, by establishing better assays to reduce the risk for possible adverse events in humans.
A transient wave of BMP signaling in the retina is necessary for Müller glial differentiation

The primary glial cells in the retina, the Muller glia, differentiate from retinal progenitors in the first postnatal week. CNTF/LIF/STAT3 signaling has been shown to promote their differentiation; however, another key glial differentiation signal, BMP, has not been examined during this period of Muller glial differentiation. In the course of our analysis of the BMP signaling pathway, we observed a transient wave of Smad1/5/8 signaling in the inner nuclear layer at the end of the first postnatal week, from postnatal day (P) 5 to P9, after the end of neurogenesis. To determine the function of this transient wave, we blocked BMP signaling during this period in vitro or in vivo, using either a BMP receptor antagonist or noggin (Nog). Either treatment leads to a reduction in expression of the Muller glia-specific genes Rlbp1 and Glul, and the failure of many of the Muller glia to repress the bipolar/photoreceptor gene Otx2. These changes in normal Muller glial differentiation result in permanent disruption of the retina, including defects in the outer limiting membrane, rosette formation and a reduction in functional acuity. Our results thus show that Muller glia require a transient BMP signal at the end of neurogenesis to fully repress the neural gene expression program and to promote glial gene expression.
A Parallelizing Matlab Compiler Framework and Run Time for Heterogeneous Systems

Compute-intensive applications incorporate ever increasing data processing requirements on hardware systems. Many of these applications have only recently become feasible thanks to the increasing computing power of modern processors. The Matlab language is uniquely situated to support the description of these compute-intensive scientific applications, and consequently has been continuously improved to provide increasing computational support in the form of multithreading for CPUs and utilizing accelerators such as GPUs and FPGAs. Moreover, to take advantage of the computational support in these heterogeneous systems from the problem domain to the computer architecture necessitates a wide breadth of knowledge and understanding. In this work, we present a framework for the development of compute-intensive scientific applications in Matlab using heterogeneous processor systems. We investigate systems containing CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs. We leverage the capabilities of Matlab and supplement them by automating the mapping, scheduling, and parallel code generation. Our experimental results on a set of benchmarks achieved from 20x to 60x speedups compared to the standard Matlab CPU environment with minimal effort required on the part of the user.
A Spectral Element Method with Transparent Boundary Condition for Periodic Layered Media Scattering

We present a high-order spectral element method for solving layered media scattering problems featuring an operator that can be used to transparently enforce the far-field boundary condition. The incorporation of this Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) map into the spectral element framework is a novel aspect of this work, and the resulting method can accommodate plane-wave radiation of arbitrary angle of incidence. In order to achieve this, the governing Helmholtz equations subject to quasi-periodic boundary conditions are rewritten in terms of periodic unknowns. We construct a spectral element operator to approximate the DtN map, thus ensuring nonreflecting outgoing waves on the artificial boundaries introduced to truncate the computational domain. We present an explicit formula that accurately computes the Fourier coefficients of the solution in the spectral element discretization space projected onto the boundary which is required by the DtN map. Our solutions are represented by the tensor product basis of one-dimensional Legendre---Lagrange interpolation polynomials based on the Gauss---Lobatto---Legendre grids. We study the scattered field in singly and doubly layered media with smooth and nonsmooth interfaces. We consider rectangular, triangular, and sawtooth interfaces that are accurately represented by the body-fitted quadrilateral elements. We use GMRES iteration to solve the resulting linear system, and we validate our results by demonstrating spectral convergence in comparison with exact solutions and the results of an alternative computational method.
All Is Right with the World: Schema Congruity and Trust Beliefs in B2C Electronic Commerce

Business-to-Consumer e-commerce vendors view consumer trust as an important determinant of purchasing intent. Based on the cognitive dissonance and schema-congruity theories, this paper examines the impact of schema-congruity between the website design elements of color and typography with the product context in impacting trust. Websites perceived as compatible with subconsciously internalized belief systems and hence deemed schema-congruent by consumers are expected to engender higher levels of trust. A controlled experimental study involving 128 participants spanning eight different schema-congruency conditions was conducted. Results indicated that completely schema-congruent websites engendered higher levels of trust. Partially schema-congruent and schema-incongruent websites registered significantly lower levels of trust due to cognitive dissonance arising out of their incompatibility with consumer belief systems. The judicious selection of color and typography perceived as schema-congruent with the product context can serve to enhance consumer trust in e-commerce websites.
A Social Relations Model for the Colonial Behavior of the Zebra Finch

A social relations model was developed for 5 years of behavioral recordings from a captive colony of Zebrafinches (Taeniopygia guttata). A quantitative ethogram was applied, using one-zero focal animal sampling on an ethologically comprehensive checklist of 52 behavioral items (Figueredo, Petrinovich, & Ross, 1992). Of the 9 ethological factors previously identified, only 4 of the 6 social factors (Social Proximity, Social Contact, Social Submission, and Social Aggression) were used. Major results were as follows: (1) Individual finches showed systematically different response dispositions that were stable over a 5-year period as both subjects and objects of behavior; (2) Interactions between finches differed systematically by the sexes of both the subjects and the objects of behavior; (3) Behavioral interactions between finches and their mates differed systematically according to the subjects' sex, but also differed systematically from those with other members of the objects' sex; (4) Behavioral interactions between finches and their relatives differed systematically between different discrete categories of relatives, but did not vary as a systematic function of either graded genetic relatedness or familiarity due to common rearing; and (5) Behavioral interactions between finches and their relatives showed an overall bias towards preferential interactions with male relatives. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v1i1_figueredo
Use of the "Theme Study" as Means of Curriculum Development in Continuation High Schools.

This article presents the evaluation of written paragraphs which described twenty-one drug abuse prevention "themes" contained in thirty-five separate activities, as part of the process of curriculum development targeting Continuation High School students. The goal was to determine which activities were most preferred by these youth. The paragraphs consisted of descriptions of traditional drug abuse prevention program activities, alternative activities using the themes underlying traditional activities, and novel activities generated from newly developed themes. The study was conducted with seven Continuation High Schools. Three hundred and fifteen students participated in this study. Each student rated detailed written descriptions of five activities. Classrooms were randomly assigned to different combinations of paragraphs. An analysis of variance indicated that there were significant differences in preferences among activities, with a marked preference for the alternative and novel activity presentations. Females, Latinos, older students, and non-marijuana users rated the activities higher overall. There were no significant interactions between demographic variables and order of activity preference. If there is a limit in amount of allotted time and resources, the theme study is an appropriate and cost-effective tool for gaining important information for health curricula development.
A Universal Scaling Analysis of Nonisothermal Kinetics in Block Copolymer Phase Transitions

Recently, Farjas and Roura (FR) have proposed a universal scaling law to describe nonisothermal crystallization kinetics based on a modification of the conventionally used Avrami model. In this let...
Logistic controlling as a possible way to prosperity in the Czech Republic

The paper shows problems in the logistics and logistic controlling in the conditions of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic. It includes results of the first phase of research within this area made in 2008 – 2009. The set includes answers of 104 enterprises in total of 132 possible answers (in a questionnaire research). We can find the main trends in relationships among the answers, i.e. size of enterprises and the function of the controlling department.
Homogeneous charge compression ignition with nondilute stoichiometric methane–air at extreme compression ratios

This article reports continuing research into operating a free-piston internal combustion engine at extremely high compression ratios. In particular, the use of a homogeneous charge compression ign...
Supportive care of the lung cancer patient

The care of lung cancer patients involves a specialized team approach. Complications arising from the underlying illness or its treatment are common occurrences that must be anticipated and treated properly. Psychosocial issues commonly arise in patients and their families during the course of the illness. Caregivers skilled in helping a patient and family members come to terms with this frequently fatal disease are integral members of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists.
A life-cycle framework for integrating green building and hazard-resistant design: examining the seismic impacts of buildings with green roofs

AbstractBuilding design and performance are increasingly being scrutinised from perspectives of both sustainability and hazard resistance. However, the approaches taken to consider these perspectives are disconnected; green building rating systems do not consider hazard resistance in their assessments, while performance-based engineering methods have tended to neglect consideration of environmental impacts. This study presents a framework to assess a building’s life-cycle performance in terms of social, environmental and economic impacts using probabilistic approaches, considering the possible occurrence of an earthquake or other extreme event. The framework is illustrated through a case study of an office building in Los Angeles, designed with and without different types of vegetated (green) roofs, and at risk from varying earthquake hazard scenarios. The case study results demonstrate trade-offs between upfront building costs, material choices, hazard resistance and environmental impact.
Accuracy and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided pars interarticularis injections on immediate and short-term pain relief.

To determine the accuracy and short-term efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided steroid/anesthetic injections for symptomatic pars interarticularis (pars) defects. Following IRB approval, all fluoroscopically guided pars injections from a single institution (6/2010 to 3/2016) were retrospectively and independently reviewed by two MSK radiologists. The radiologists evaluated the fluoroscopic images to determine if all of the pars injections associated with each procedure were intra-pars (n = 57 procedures; 106 pars injections), peri-pars (n = 3 procedures; three pars injected), or a combination of intra-pars and peri-pars (n = 6 procedures; 12 pars injected). The patients were asked their pain score (graded on a scale of 0–10) pre-injection, 5–10 min and 1-week post-injection. Age, gender, and fluoroscopic times were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on the all intra-pars injections only. Exact inter-reader agreement was present in 92 % (112/121) of the injections, with 57 of the procedures (106 pars injections) performed on 41 patients (mean age 36; 18 M, 23 F) all intra-pars. The mean pre-injection and 5–10 min post-injection reduction in pain for the all intra-pars injections was −3.0 units (95 % CI: [−3.9, −2.1] units; p < 0.001) with a mean 1-week post-injection (n = 21 procedures; 38 pars) reduction in pain of −0.7 units (95 % CI [−1.5, 0.0]; p = 0.06). The geometric mean fluoroscopic time per pars injected was 42 s. Over 92 % of fluoroscopically guided injections for symptomatic spondylolysis are technically successful with minimum fluoroscopic time, resulting in statistically significant pain reduction immediately post-injection and a trend in pain reduction 1-week post-injection.
Dynamics of Heterogeneous Connected Vehicle Systems

Abstract In this paper, we propose a method to analyze the longitudinal dynamics of heterogeneous connected vehicle systems including human-driven vehicles and vehicles driven by connected cruise control. Human reaction time and digital sampling time are incorporated in the models. Conditions of plant stability and head-to-tail string stability are presented.
How petals change their spots: cis-regulatory re-wiring in Clarkia (Onagraceae).

Summary A long-standing question in evolutionary developmental biology is how new traits evolve. Although most floral pigmentation studies have focused on how pigment intensity and composition diversify, few, if any, have explored how a pattern element can shift position. In the present study, we examine the genetic changes underlying shifts in the position of petal spots in Clarkia. Comparative transcriptome analyses were used to identify potential candidate genes responsible for spot formation. Co-segregation analyses in F2 individuals segregating for different spot positions, quantitative PCR, and pyrosequencing, were used to confirm the role of the candidate gene in determining spot position. Transient expression assays were used to identify the expression domain of different alleles. An R2R3Myb transcription factor (CgMyb1) activated spot formation, and different alleles of CgMyb1 were expressed in different domains, leading to spot formation in different petal locations. Reporter assays revealed that promoters from different alleles determine different locations of expression. The evolutionary shift in spot position is due to one or more cis-regulatory changes in the promoter of CgMyb1, indicating that shifts in pattern element position can be caused by changes in a single gene, and that cis-regulatory rewiring can be used to alter the relative position of an existing character.
Immunomodulatory Functions of BTLA and HVEM Govern Induction of Extrathymic Regulatory T Cells and Tolerance by Dendritic Cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate immunity and also antigen-specific tolerance mediated by extrathymic regulatory T (Treg) cells, yet it remains unclear how DCs regulate induction of such tolerance. Here, we report that efficient induction of Treg cells was instructed by BTLA+DEC205+CD8+CD11c+ DCs and the immunomodulatory functions of BTLA. In contrast, T cell activation in steady state by total CD11c+ DCs that include a majority of DCs that do not express BTLA did not induce Treg cells and had no lasting impact on subsequent immune responses. Engagement of HVEM, a receptor of BTLA, promoted Foxp3 expression in T cells through upregulation of CD5. In contrast, T cells activated in the absence of BTLA and HVEM-mediated functions remained CD5lo and therefore failed to resist the inhibition of Foxp3 expression in response to effector cell-differentiating cytokines. Thus, DCs require BTLA and CD5-dependent mechanisms to actively adjust tolerizing T cell responses under steady-state conditions.
Pilot Study of Low Dose Melphalan and Bortezomib for Treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Elderly patients with AML (>60) have a poor prognosis due to high risk cytogenetics and a high incidence of secondary AML. Comorbid conditions make induction therapy more risky and less effective. There is a need for less toxic and more effective treatment for these patients. The combination of bortezomib (B) and melphalan (M) demonstrate synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro against AML cell lines providing a rationale for this combination in patients with AML. We report the initial results of a pilot study of low-dose M and B for the treatment of patients with AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Eligibility requirements included a diagnosis of AML or high-risk MDS and subjects were not candidates for standard induction therapy or had failed therapy. Strata 1 included patients who had received no previous therapy and strata 2 patients with refractory or relapsed disease. Treatment consisted of M (2mg) oral daily dose and B (1.0mg/M2) on day 1, 4, 8 &11 of a 28 day cycle. Ten patients have been enrolled. Median age was 69 (range 54–79), 8 patients w/ AML and 2 w/ refractory MDS. Five patients were previously treated (strata 2); regimens included induction (7(3), auto SCT (1) and azacytadine (2). Cytogenetic abnormalities were present in 70% of patient specimens. To date 25 cycles of treatment have been given (range 1–6). Six patients are evaluable for response. Two patients (both with MDS) were withdrawn after 1 cycle for cytopenias. Two patients with AML achieved CR by bone marrow morphology. One patient, a 78 year old man with multiple cytogenetic abnormalities and no previous treatment achieved remission with normalization of cytogentetics after 4 cycles. A 74 year old man who had failed previous therapy for his AML achieved a morphologic remission with persistent cytogenetic abnormalities after 6 cycles. Three patients required admission for management of febrile episodes in association with neutropenia that were disease related. There were no treatment related admissions or grade 3/4 non hematologic toxicity events. The 74 year old man who achieved a CR with no “in hospital” days while on study had previously failed to respond to two induction attempts which required a 44 day hospitalization. Accrual continues. In summary, the combination of low dose oral melphalan with low dose bortezomib appears to be a novel, active and well tolerated outpatient treatment for elderly patients with high risk MDS and AML.