cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcohol dependence and free-choice drinking in mice

Alcohol dependence continues to be an important health concern and animal models are critical to furthering our understanding of this complex disease. A hallmark feature of alcoholism is a significant increase in alcohol drinking over time. While several different animal models of excessive alcohol (ethanol) drinking exist for mice and rats, a growing number of laboratories are using a model that combines chronic ethanol exposure procedures with voluntary ethanol drinking with mice as experimental subjects. Primarily, these studies use a chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure pattern to render mice dependent and a 2-h limited access procedure to evaluate drinking behavior. Compared to non-dependent mice that also drink ethanol, the ethanol-dependent mice demonstrate significant increases in voluntary ethanol drinking. The increased drinking significantly elevates blood and brain ethanol concentrations compared to the non-dependent control mice. Studies report that the increased drinking by dependent mice is driven by neuroadaptations in glutamatergic and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in different brain regions known to be involved in alcohol-related behaviors. The dysregulation of these systems parallels findings in human alcoholics and treatments that demonstrate efficacy in alcoholics can also reduce drinking in this model. Moreover, preclinical findings have informed the development of human clinical trials, further highlighting the translational potential of the model. As a result of these features, the CIE exposure and free-choice drinking model is becoming more widely used and promises to provide more insight into mechanisms of excessive drinking that may be important for developing treatments for human alcoholics. The salient features and possible future considerations for CIE exposure and free-choice drinking in mice are discussed.
In situ stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ18O) of very small teeth using laser ablation GC/IRMS

Abstract Current analytical methods for stable isotope analysis of tooth enamel are either destructive to small samples, or require a large amount of material, thereby prohibiting the analysis of very small teeth. This paper describes a number of improvements to thermal laser ablation methods that allow for in situ determination of δ 13 C and δ 18 O from tooth enamel as thin as 100 μm, representing nearly an order of magnitude decrease in ablation pit depth and volume, and enabling routine enamel-only analysis of small taxa such as rodents. We show that large teeth such as ungulate molars are problematic for this method because they have large CO 2 blanks and cause isotopic fractionation of sample CO 2 related to gas–surface interactions. Isotopic enrichment factors between laser and conventional phosphoric acid method isotope ratios are 13 e ⁎ laser-acid = − 0.3 ± 1.1‰ and − 0.5 ± 0.8‰ (1 σ , modern and fossil samples, respectively), and 18 e ⁎ laser-acid = − 6.4 ± 0.7‰ and − 5.1 ± 1.2‰. The utility of the method is demonstrated by detailed intra-tooth analyses of rodent and lagomorph incisors that reveal seasonal and other temporal variation in animal isotopic composition. The level of accuracy and precision is sufficient for application to many ecological and paleoenvironmental questions, including reconstruction of the dietary fraction of C 3 versus C 4 vegetation. The accuracy of oxygen isotope analyses is lower than that of conventional methods and some other laser methods, and though large-scale patterns are resolvable, the method is not ideal for applications requiring the highest possible accuracy.
Exploring academic dishonesty among undergraduate criminal justice majors: A research note

The nature and extent of academic dishonesty among undergraduate criminal justice majors at a mediumsized university in the Southeastern US were explored. Using several theories of deviance as theoretical frameworks, the research sought to investigate the motivations for such behaviors. Criminal justice majors indicated that they are aware of, have engaged in, and plan to become involved in various low, medium, and high levels of academically dishonest behavior in the future. Additionally, study results reveal that specific acts defined as academically dishonest by the university and individual professors are not viewed as dishonest by students. Implications and directions are discussed in light of these research results.
Photoperiodic Control of Hamster Testis

The response of the testes of juvenile and adult hamsters to various photoperiods was examined. The testes of juvenile animals reached maturity regardless of the light cycle on which the animals were raised. However, the testes of adult hamsters required at least 12.5 hours of light per day to maintain spermatogenesis and prevent degeneration. This is one of the few demonstrations of a response suitable for study in investigations of the photoperiodic control of testicular function in a laboratory mammal.
Alkali metal ion controlled product selectivity during photorearrangements of 1-naphthyl phenyl acylates and dibenzyl ketones within zeolites

Photochemical behaviors of 1-naphthyl phenyl acylates and dibenzyl ketones included in zeolites have been compared. 1-Naphthyl phenyl acylates while in solution produce eight photoproducts; within ...
Monte Carlo Simulation for Structure of Metallic Clusters

The structural stability and energetics for small copper and gold clusters Cun and Aun (n = 21–56) were investigated using an effective Monte Carlo simulated annealing method, which employs the Aggregate-Volume-Bias Monte Carlo (AVBMC) algorithm. Incorporated in the Monte Carlo method, is an efficient Embedded Atom Method (EAM) potential developed by the authors. In general agreement with previous empirical studies, the lowest-energy copper structures adapt a single icosahedral structural motif, with pentagonal bipyramid geometry as the building block. However, contrary to studies that describe gold as less symmetric, this work demonstrates that gold clusters adapt both an icosahedral and icositetrahedral structural motifs with many clusters having symmetric geometries.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Sound production in Scolytidae: Rivalry and premating stridulation of male Douglas-fir beetle

Abstract The previously reported attractant chirp of male Dendroctonus pseudotsugae changed to a distinctive long interrupted chirp after several minutes in the female gallery, and the same chirp occurred during fighting with another male. It was experimentally evoked by synthetic 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one and frontalin, both known pheromone components of the male. A different, short, uninterrupted male chirp emitted shortly before copulation, was not evoked by these pheromones. It is suggested that chemostimulus allows or maintains dual contexts for the interrupted chirp. Observation of premating and mating behaviour showed some initial male aggressiveness with the female that subsided as gallery cooperation was established before mating and as the uninterrupted chirp replaced the interrupted chirp.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus: Qualification of Neuvus Debulking After Split‐thickness Excision

: Although giant congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) may undergo malignant transformation, their complete surgical removal is commonly difficult to achieve and may require sacrifice of normal skin. We treated a patient with CMN by a combination of full-thickness excision and primary closure of the central atypical portion and split-thickness excision of the remainder. Histometric analysis of the tissues obtained at surgery indicated that the split-thickness procedure removed approximately 70% of the cellular nevus content from that area. Total debulking by the combined procedure was calculated to be approximately 80%. If the risk of malignant degeneration is proportional to the number of melanocytes present, the debulking procedure described may provide a useful alternative for the management of some giant CMN. The cosmetic result is satisfactory and the significant lightening in color and removal of nodular irregularities may facilitrate prospective follow-up of the residual lesion.
Building relational world models for reinforcement learning

Many reinforcement learning domains are highly relational. While traditional temporal-difference methods can be applied to these domains, they are limited in their capacity to exploit the relational nature of the domain. Our algorithm, AMBIL, constructs relational world models in the form of relational Markov decision processes (MDPs). AMBIL works backwards from collections of high-reward states, utilizing inductive logic programming to learn their preimage, logical definitions of the region of state space that leads to the highreward states via some action. These learned preimages are chained together to form an MDP that abstractly represents the domain. AMBIL estimates the reward and transition probabilities of this MDP from past experience. Since our MDPs are small, AMBIL uses value-iteration to quickly estimate the Q-values of each action in the induced states and determine a policy. AMBIL is able to employ complex background knowledge and supports relational representations. Empirical evaluation on both synthetic domains and a sub-task of the RoboCup soccer domain shows significant performance gains compared to standard Q-learning.
Data mining for the development of a global port-to-port freight movement database

The difficulty of integrating data from multiple transportation data sources has been an ongoing challenge for researchers who study the movement of freight across the globe. The difficulty is due to the data sources using different units, scales, data frequencies and commodity codes. This paper proposes a three-step data mining model to select and integrate data sources for freight transportation applications, with a special focus on global port-to-port freight movement between the USA and other countries. The data filtration step is developed to select the relevant data sources from a set of original data sources, and then identify the most efficient subset of the selected relevant data sources. The data integration step implements some specific integration techniques to build a new database for a given freight transportation research. The data interaction step investigates data applications of the newly built database in a variety of application domains. The approach is demonstrated by establishing a database in studying the global containerised freight movement for the USA.
Physiological consequences of heat stress in pigs

Heat stress negatively influences the global pork industry and undermines genetic, nutritional, management and pharmaceutical advances in management, feed and reproductive efficiency. Specifically, heat stress-induced economic losses result from poor sow performance, reduced and inconsistent growth, decreased carcass quality, mortality, morbidity, and processing issues caused by less rigid adipose tissue (also known as flimsy fat). When environmental conditions exceed the pig’s thermal neutral zone, nutrients are diverted from product synthesis (meat, fetus, milk) to body temperature maintenance thereby compromising efficiency. Unfortunately, genetic selection for both increased litter size and leaner phenotypes decreases pigs’ tolerance to heat, as enhanced fetal development and protein accretion results in increased basal heat production. Additionally, research has demonstrated that in utero heat stress negatively and permanently alters post-natal body temperature and body composition and both variables represent an underappreciated consequence of heat stress. Advances in management (i.e. cooling systems) have partially alleviated the negative impacts of heat stress, but productivity continues to decline during the warm summer months. The detrimental effects of heat stress on animal welfare and production will likely become more of an issue in regions most affected by continued predictions for climate change, with some models forecasting extreme summer conditions in key animal-producing areas of the globe. Therefore, heat stress is likely one of the primary factors limiting profitable animal protein production and will certainly continue to compromise food security (especially in emerging countries) and regionalise pork production in developed countries. Thus, there is an urgent need to have a better understanding of how heat stress reduces animal productivity. Defining the biology of how heat stress jeopardises animal performance is critical in developing approaches (genetic, managerial, nutritional and pharmaceutical) to ameliorate current production issues and improve animal wellbeing and performance.
Conservation and diversification of gene function during mouthpart development in Onthophagus beetles

SUMMARY The evolutionary success of insects is in part attributable to the tremendous diversification of their mouthparts, which permitted insects to radiate into novel food niches. The developmental genetic basis of mouthpart development has been well studied in at least two insect taxa possessing derived mouthparts, the hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus and Drosophila. However, much less is known about the regulation of mouthpart differentiation of the presumed ancestral mandibulate type. Here we aim to extend current insights into the patterning of mandibulate mouthparts through a functional genetic analysis of three leg gap genes, homothorax (hth), dachshund (dac), and Distal-less (Dll), in the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus, a species whose mouthpart arrangement has in part retained, as well as diverged form, the ancestral mandibulate mouthpart type. We specifically include in this study a first functional genetic analysis of the adult labrum, an enigmatic mouthpart whose appendicular origin has been the subject of a long-standing debate. Our results support a functional role of all three patterning genes in the development of the labium, maxilla, as well as the labrum. In contrast, mandible development appeared to rely only on the patterning functions of hth and dac, but not Dll. Here, our results raise the possibility that evolutionary changes in the dac-patterning may have played an important role in the evolutionary transition from a short, triangular mandible adapted for chewing to the elongated, flat, and blade-like mandible of modern filter-feeding scarabaeine beetles. In general, our results contribute to a growing body of studies that suggest that basic patterning genes can contribute to morphological evolution of adult features while maintaining traditional patterning responsibilities at earlier developmental stages or in other body regions.
Pharmacokinetics of the potent hallucinogen, salvinorin A in primates parallels the rapid onset and short duration of effects in humans

Salvia divinorum, a mint plant originally used by the Mazatecs of Oaxaca, Mexico in spiritual rituals has gained popularity, in smoked form, as a legal hallucinogen in the United States and Europe. Abuse results in rapid onset and short-lasting effects that include visual hallucinations and motor-function impairment. Salvinorin A, the psychoactive component of S. divinorum, is a uniquely potent agonist at kappa-opioid receptors, targets for new therapeutic drugs. We labeled salvinorin A with C-11 by acylation of salvinorin B with [11C]-acetyl chloride to study whether its kinetic behavior in the brain parallels its uniquely fast, yet brief physiological effects. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies performed in 6 adult female baboons indicated extremely rapid brain uptake reaching a peak accounting for 3.3% of the total administered dose in 40 s and clearing with a half-life of 8 min. [11C]-salvinorin A was distributed throughout the brain with the highest concentration in the cerebellum and a notable concentration in the visual cortex, perhaps accounting for its physiological effects when smoked. Naloxone administration did not reduce the overall concentration of [11C]-salvinorin A significantly nor did it change its regional distribution. Peripheral organ kinetics suggested at least two modes of metabolism and excretion occur: through the renal and biliary systems. Our findings have revealed that the exceptionally rapid uptake and brief duration of salvinorin A in the brain match the time-course of visual hallucinations for S. divinorum when smoked. The effects of salvinorin A may occur at <10 mug in the human brain, emphasizing its remarkable potency.
Performance and security lessons learned from virtualizing the alpha processor

Virtualization has become much more important throughout the computer industry both to improve security and to support multiple workloads on the same hardware with effective isolation between those workloads. The most widely used chip architecture, the Intel and AMD x86 processors, have begun to support virtualization, but the initial implementations show some limitations. This paper examines the virtualization properties of the Alpha architecture with particular emphasis on features that improve performance and security. It shows how the Alpha's features of PALcode, address space numbers, software handling of translation buffer misses, lack of used and modified bits, and secure handling of unpredictable results all contribute to making virtualization of the Alpha particularly easy. The paper then compares the virtual architecture of the Alpha with Intel's and AMD's virtualization approaches for x86. It also comments briefly on Intel's virtualization technology for Itanium, IBM's zSeries and pSeries hypervisors and Sun's UltraSPARC virtualization. It particularly identifies some differences between translation buffers on x86 and translation buffers on VAX and Alpha that can have adverse performance consequences.
Liquid-liquid coexistence surface for lysozyme: role of salt type and salt concentration.

The liquid−liquid phase separation curves for lysozyme in a salt solution are known to depend on salt type and salt concentration. For the case of monovalent cations, the cloud point temperature typically increases with increasing salt concentration, for fixed lysozyme concentration. For the case of divalent cations, however, a maximum in the cloud point temperature is observed that has been interpreted as being due to ion binding to the protein surface and subsequent water structuring. In this paper, we use a simple square well model due to Grigsby et al. (Biophys. Chem. 2001, 91, 231−243), whose well depth depends on salt type and salt concentration, to determine the phase coexistence surfaces from experimental data. The surfaces are shown as a function of temperature, salt concentration, and protein concentration for two typical salts, NaCl and MgCl2. These surfaces are calculated using the results of a single standard Monte Carlo simulation and a simple scaling argument and are in reasonably good agre...
Early effects of Communities That Care on targeted risks and initiation of delinquent behavior and substance use.

See Editorial p. 3 Abstract Purpose: Communities That Care (CTC) is a prevention system designed to reduce levels of adolescent delinquency and substance use through the selection and use of effective preventive interventions tailored to a community's specific profile of risk and protection. This article describes early findings from the first group-randomized trial of CTC. Methods: A panel of 4407 fifth-grade students was surveyed annually through seventh grade. Analyses were conducted to assess the effects of CTC on reducing levels of targeted risk factors and reducing initiation of delinquent behavior and substance use in seventh grade, 1.67 years after implementing preventive interventions selected through the CTC process. Results: Mean levels of targeted risks for students in seventh grade were significantly lower in CTC communities compared with controls. Significantly fewer students in CTC communities than in control communities initiated delinquent behavior between grades 5 and 7. No significant intervention effect on substance use initiation by spring of seventh grade was observed. Conclusions: CTC's theory of change hypothesizes that it takes from 2 to 5 years to observe com- munity-level effects on risk factors and 5 or more years to observe effects on adolescent delinquency or substance use. The early findings indicating hypothesized effects of CTC on targeted risk factors and initiation of delinquent behavior are promising. © 2008 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Effects of implementing family-centered rounds (FCRs) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Objectives: (1) Evaluate impact of FCR on provider satisfaction and collaboration. (2) Evaluate impact of FCR on parent satisfaction with provider communication. Methods: Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions (CSACD) questionnaire was given to staff on 4 patients 2 days a week for 5 weeks prior to and 6 months after implementation of FCR. Parents received a Parents Stress Scale and Neonatal Instrument of Parent Satisfaction before discharge, prior to and 6 months after starting FCR.Results: 278/288 (97%) staff surveys were completed, 142 pre and 136 post. On the CSACD survey NNPs and fellows showed increased (p < 0.05) collaboration and satisfaction post FCR. No group had decreased satisfaction. Twenty-eight of 45 (62%) parent surveys were completed, 12 pre and 16 post. Parents’ satisfaction scores increased (p < 0.01) pre vs. post on survey items regarding communication, meeting with physicians, and obtaining information about their infants. Conclusions: FCR was associated with enhanced col...
On active control of flow induced vibrations

In this paper, we consider the design of active control strategies for flutter suppression in an aeroelastic system consisting of a two dimensional airfoil section with dynamics coupled to the surrounding flow. To facilitate this, a three-degree of freedom model for the airfoil section and a potential flow model for the flow are used. We present an example to demonstrate the feasibility of state feedback control.
Writing a user functional description for an Army software metrics support tool

This paper describes the experience of building a users functional description (UFD) document for an Army metrics support tool. The purpose of the UFD is to capture the users' domain knowledge, but the users are often not in a position to write the UFD. As a contractor, the author wrote the UFD and struggled to reflect the users' viewpoint. This report reflects the lessons learned in trying to write a UFD from the users' viewpoint.
Exploring the linkages between transportation, urban form, and energy

Accounting for and understanding the interrelationships between land use and transportation outcomes remains a key focus of research. Achieving greater understandings of these connections creates the possibility to address many problems that make transportation systems unsustainable. It is thus important to explore the links between transportation, urban form, and energy use. This special section in this issue of the Journal of Transport Geography attempts to do so with seven papers that reflect these issues by examining urban planning initiatives, household energy use, land use and emissions, equity among urban residents, landscape and driving behavior, alternative fuel vehicle drivers, and inter-city transit planning.
Carbon isotope signatures of fatty acids in Geobacter metallireducens and Shewanella algae

The goal of this study was to examine carbon isotope fractionations associated with lipid biomarkers of different ironreducing bacteria. Experiments were conducted using a Geobacter metallireducens strain GS-15 (grown on acetate) and a Shewanella algae strain BrY (grown on lactate). Both organisms were grown anaerobically using ferric citrate as the electron acceptor. The d 13 C of total biomass of GS-15 was � 34.3x, which was about 7.2xlower than the substrate acetate (d 13 C=� 27.1x). The d 13 C of total biomass of BrY was � 30.0x, which was about 7.1xlower than the substrate lactate (d 13 C=� 22.9x). Isotopic fractionations (e) between fatty acid sand biomass within the same strain were consistently greater for BrY (� 10.9xto � 15.5x) than for GS-15 (� 4.5x to � 8.6x). The lipid biomarker 10Me16:0, which was only found in GS-15 cultures, had an e value of � 5.39F0.73x(n=2). The differences in fractionation may reflect the carbon assimilation pathways by which the fatty acids were synthesized: the smaller fractionations in GS-15 may be associated with the tricarboxylic cycle, whereas the greater fractionations in BrY may be associated with the serine pathway. The difference in isotope fractionations between lipid biomarkers and total biomass of different iron-reducing bacteria may be used to enhance our understanding of the microbial community structure in an iron-reducing environment. D 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Fixation of mandibular osteotomies: Comparison of locking and nonlocking hardware

Background. The outcome of patients undergoing rigid plate fixation of symphyseal mandibular osteotomies for exposure, resection, and reconstruction of tumors in the oral cavity or oropharynx was analyzed to determine the impact of hardware selection on complications. Methods. Forty-five patients underwent titanium plate rigid internal fixation of mandibular osteotomies during cancer resection and free flap reconstruction at an academic medical center. The incidence of hardware-related complications and mandibular nonunion was compared in patients receiving either locking hardware or nonlocking hardware. Results. The incidence of osteotomy-related complications in patients with an inferior border nonlocking mandibular fracture plate was 21%. In the patients with locking hardware or an inferior border nonlocking mandibular fracture plate combined with a tension band, there were no hardware-related complications and no mandibular nonunions. This difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 6.01, p < .05). Conclusions. Locking mandibular reconstruction plates are associated with fewer complications than inferior border nonlocking mandibular fracture plates for rigid fixation of mandibular osteotomies in patients undergoing resection of head and neck cancer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Thermal Degradation Kinetics of Distillers Grains and Solubles in Nitrogen and Air

The pyrolysis and oxidation kinetics of distillers grains and solubles were determined using thermogravimetric analysis. The starting temperature of pyrolysis and oxidation of distillers grains and solubles increased with the increase of heating rate and initial moisture content. The pyrolysis and oxidation of distillers grains and solubles were completed at 650°C and 850°C, respectively, which were independent of the heating rate and the initial moisture content. The residual weights of distillers grains and solubles after pyrolysis and oxidation were 27.15% and 5.49% of the original dry mass of distillers grains and solubles. Thermogravimetrical analysis data was used to determine kinetic parameters of the thermal degradation of distillers grains and solubles. Predicted dynamic residual weights of distillers grains and solubles during thermal degradation agreed well with experimental data.
Heuristics for iterative software development

The author discusses the foundation principles of iterative software development. He goes on to examine a set of heuristics that he has found useful when applying iterative development methods to define the contents of subsequent increments. Understanding the heuristics helps provide vision and focus, which is essential when building complex systems. All the examples share the same domain, that of an advanced air traffic control (ATC) system, admittedly simplified to illustrate the points for an audience that might not be familiar with the ATC domain. The choice is not accidental. Designers successfully used incremental development, and the heuristics described, to build the Canadian Automated Air Traffic System, probably the most advanced system of its kind.
Peak Experiences Explored Through Literature

A sense of connection with the natural world is an often-noted aspect of children’s spirituality (Nye, 1998; Hart, 2003); it is in the natural world that many children report having “peak experiences” of peace, oneness, and timelessness (Schlarb, 2004). Yet encounter with the natural world is increasingly rare for many children today.
Enterprise Risk Management in Financial Intermediation Revisited

This paper amplifies themes growing out of Greenbaum, 2012. That paper presented a framework for thinking about Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). We begin this paper by deconstructing the concepts of risk, risk management and ERM. These are all unsettled ideas, but they have been adapted and deployed in the effort to advance management techniques in public companies and other types of organizations concerned with their mortality. We next explore the distinction between core risks, those that businesses process profitably and ancillary risks, all others that constitute a nuisance in that the firm possesses no special skills in dealing with them. In the final section, we share some normative thoughts about ERM as a process. The perspective is unabashedly that of the board member. At the end of the day, ERM is little more than formality designed to reduce the threat of terminal hazards, hazards that tend to be ignored in the normal course of events.
Abstract 1344: TGFß, an inflammation and immune suppressor in tumor microenvironment and progression

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Alterations in TGFβ signaling have significant effects on tumor initiation and progression. TGFβ functions both as a tumor suppressor and as a tumor promoter. Most work so far to dissect mechanisms underlying this dual role of TGFβ has been largely focused on differential regulation of signaling pathways by tumor autonomous TGFβ signaling. Studies from our lab demonstrate that TGFβ significantly regulate inflammation in tumor microenvironment and host immune response. When TGFβ R2 receptor is deleted in mammary cancer epithelial cells, there was an increased inflammation and recruitment of Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid cells, which leads to increased tumor invasion and metastasis. This infiltration of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells also results in increased abundance of TGFβ1 and metalloproteinase activity in tumors with Tgfbr2 deletion. Interestingly, Tumor-infiltrating Gr-1+CD11b+ cells exhibited significant elevated TGFs signaling including increased expression of RI and RII receptor, TGFs1 and TGFs3 ligands, as well as latent transforming growth factor s binding protein when compared with normal myeloid cells. Genetic deletion of Tgfbr2 in myeloid cells significantly attenuated 4T1 breast carcinoma tumor growth and metastasis. This is accompanied with significantly increased IFNγ production in the lungs of tumor bearing mice. These data suggest that TGFs, the tumor suppressor, also functions as an inflammation and immune suppressor. TGFs signaling in host derived myeloid cells is an important mediator in tumor immune surveillance. This new understanding of TGFs in inflammation and immune response in the interface of tumor and host may provide insight information for TGFs switch from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1344.
Personalized Compass: A Compact Visualization for Direction and Location

Maps on mobile/wearable devices often make it difficult to determine the location of a point of interest (POI). For example, a POI may exist outside the map or on a background with no meaningful cues. To address this issue, we present Personalized Compass, a self-contained compact graphical location indicator. Personalized Compass uses personal a priori POIs to establish a reference frame, within which a POI in question can then be localized. Graphically, a personalized compass combines a multi-needle compass with an abstract overview map. We analyze the characteristics of Personalized Compass and the existing Wedge technique, and report on a user study comparing them. Personalized Compass performs better for four inference tasks, while Wedge is better for a locating task. Based on our analysis and study results, we suggest the two techniques are complementary and offer design recommendations.
Synergistic interaction of glucose and neurohumoral agonists to stimulate islet phosphoinositide hydrolysis

The interaction between neurohumoral agonists and glucose to stimulate phosphoinositide (PI)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) and insulin release was examined. In freshly isolated rat islets, maximal glucose (40 mM), cholecystokinin (CCK; 300 nM), or carbachol (CCh; 1 mM) stimulated PI hydrolysis 6.5-, 9.8-, and 5.7-fold, respectively, above basal. The combination of glucose and CCK or of glucose and CCh, but not of CCK and CCh, synergistically increased PI hydrolysis 23.2- and 21.6-fold, respectively, indicating that these secretagogues activate PLC by distinct pathways and that there is an interaction between them. This synergy was maximal at physiological concentrations of stimulatory glucose (8-10 mM) and was paralleled by a marked synergistic stimulation of insulin secretion. The enhanced PI response was partially Ca2+ dependent and may involve the activation of distinct isozymes of PLC, which we identify in islets. These studies demonstrate for the first time a unique and highly sensitive synergistic interaction between glucose and neurohumoral agonists to stimulate PI hydrolysis, and they suggest that enhanced PI hydrolysis is important in the potentiation of glucose- and neurohumoral-stimulated insulin secretion.
Prodigies and Savants

This chapter describes cited contemporary models of intelligence for each of the three levels: psychometric, physiological, and social. The contemporary models that bridge more than one level are examined. The chapter discusses the extended theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence (Gf-Gc theory), the three-stratum theory, the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, and critique of the psychometric level and its models. According to the dual process (DP) theory intelligent behavior can be explained through a hierarchical structure of directed and spontaneous mental processes. Sternberg notes that his analytic, practical, and creative aspects of intelligence could be applied to Gardner's domains of intelligences. Similarly, neuroimaging studies could examine areas of the brain that are activated before and after the acquisition of expertise. The psychometric, physiological, and social levels and their current models have headed the field of intelligence down three productive paths. Perhaps the time has come for these paths to converge into one.
Effects of a warming trend on cool climate viticulture in Michigan, USA

Historically, Michigan’s climate had mainly three challenges for grape production: growing season temperatures were too low, the growing season was too short and there was too much rain near harvest. However, climate change in the past decades has led to a vastly different landscape that is evolving to meet the new climate. Recently, there has been a significant move from Vitis labrusca (North American) grape plantings to Vitis vinifera (wine grapes) as a consequence of Michigan’s shifting climate. The goal of this study was to analyze the historical shift in climate and its potential future impact on the grape industry. We obtained data climate model projection data from two greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios. First, a multi-linear regression model was built to predict future grape yields (t/ac) using data from the climate model projections. Second, trends in the severity of the three challenges (temperature, season length, precipitation timing) were analyzed. In both GHG scenarios grape yields are seen to improve, but to different extents. The improvement is likely a response to warmer season temperatures canceling out losses to early season frost. Model projections recommend that Michigan’s future climate will be more accommodating for all varieties of grapes. This suggests that grape production will continue to grow, but the landscape will continue to evolve with more emphasis on varieties that are more climatically sensitive to cold temperatures. Climate change has greatly affected Michigan’s viticultural landscape, and will continue to do so in the coming decades.
CEO compensation and performance in US private foundations

In a large sample of US private foundations, we examine the association between CEO compensation and an accounting-based measure of performance, administrative efficiency. We document a positive pay-performance association across time within foundations, but a negative association across foundations. We interpret our evidence as follows: some foundation boards reward CEOs for high administrative efficiency, which results in a positive pay-performance association. However, some foundations are poorly monitored relative than others, resulting in higher CEO compensation and lower efficiency.
Abstract B28: Dynamic interplay between type I collagen signaling and invasion in pancreatic cancer

The stroma of pancreatic cancer can restrict as well as promote tumor progression. Why the stroma exhibits these paradoxical functions remains unclear. One of the major components of the pancreatic cancer stroma is fibrillar type I collagen. High levels of collagen in primary tumor specimens have been associated with poor survival and resistance to therapy in pancreatic cancer patients. To determine the effects of type I collagen on cancer cell behavior, we performed intravital confocal microscopic imaging in mice. We used mice that expressed GFPtopaz fused to the α2 chain of type I collagen under control of a 3.6kb fragment of the COL1A1 promoter [α2(I)-col-GFP mice]. Live imaging of pancreatic tumors, formed after orthotopic injection of cells derived from the classical KPC mouse models, showed that type I collagen architecture in the tumors was heterogeneous. Strikingly, we observed that invasive cancer cells migrated out of the tumors on linear type I collagen. Linearization of collagen fibers through cross-linking, catalyzed by lysyl oxidases (LOXs), is inversely correlated with metastasis-free survival in breast cancer. However, in our pancreatic cancer model, inhibiting LOX promoted collagen linearization, tumor growth and metastatic spread. Elevated collagen-mediated signaling, through activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and discoidin domain receptor (DDR1), was also observed in the tumors treated with lysyl oxidase inhibitor. Lysyl oxidase inhibition also promoted cell contractility as shown by elevated phosphorylated mysosin light chain 2 (p-MLC2) in vivo and by in collagen contractility assays in vitro. TGF-β signaling is a potent stimulator of collagen secretion and of invasive behavior, and it is aberrantly regulated in pancreatic cancer. We observed that lysyl oxidase inhibitor increased phosphorylated Smad3, a downstream effector of TGF-β signaling. Together, our data suggest that the influence of collagen on tumor behavior depends on its architecture. In areas of linear collagen, we find high cancer cell motility out of the tumors and this correlates with increased FAK and TGF-β signaling activity. The architecture-specific function of collagen could potentially explain the paradoxical role for the stroma in pancreatic cancer progression. Citation Format: Mario A. Shields, Pascal Maguin, Sarah L. Dallas, Mikala Egeblad.{Authors}. Dynamic interplay between type I collagen signaling and invasion in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2016 May 12-15; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(24 Suppl):Abstract nr B28.
Perceived Environmental Pollution and Its Impact on Health in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Objectives Environmental pollution is a significant global issue. Both objective (scientifically measured) environmental pollution and perceived levels of pollution are important predictors of self-reported health. The purpose of this study was to compare the associations between perceived environmental pollution and health in China, Japan, and South Korea. Methods Data were obtained from the East Asian Social Survey and the Cross-National Survey Data Sets: Health and Society in East Asia, 2010 (n=7938; China, n=3866; Japan, n=2496; South Korea, n=1576). Results South Koreans perceived environmental pollution to be the most severe, while Japanese participants perceived environmental pollution to be the least severe. Although the Japanese did not perceive environmental pollution to be very severe, their self-rated physical health was significantly related to perceived environmental pollution, while the analogous relationships were not significant for the Chinese or Korean participants. Better mental health was related to lower levels of perceived air pollution in China, as well as lower levels of perceived all types of pollution in Japan and lower levels of perceived noise pollution in South Korea. Conclusions Physical and mental health and individual socio-demographic characteristics were associated with levels of perceived environmental pollution, but with different patterns among these three countries.
An Ethic of Democratic, Curriculum-Based Teacher Leadership

ABSTRACTThis article opens with an overview of the current policy interest in “teacher leadership” with its particular challenges and opportunities. Teacher-leader interpretations based on standardized instructional management platforms grounded in neoliberalism are critically challenged. The referent for this critical questioning is a normative vision of teachers working as lead professionals for democratic ways of living. Eight key concepts guiding the collegial enactment of this vision are introduced, and the article concludes with the recognition that this understanding of teacher leadership is informed by a fluid, holistic hermeneutics that stands in contrast to value-neutral forms of technical rationality and dogmatic ideologies.
A COMPLETE SET OF SYSTEMS THINKING SKILLS

This paper proposes a complete set of systems thinking skills for use across many different disciplines. The paper places particular emphasis on the ability to assess each of the skills quantitatively, a comprehensible description of the skills, and the completeness of the set. The proposed skills were derived from a review of the literature, the application of systems thinking experience, and the application of systems thinking to itself. Several different sets of systems thinking skills can be found throughout the systems community, but common key concepts can be distilled from these sets. When combinations of these concepts are considered separately, holistically, and together as a system, a single, cohesive set of skills emerges. Systems thinking is widely believed to be of critical importance across many different fields; it has been said that skillful use of systems thinking skills could have prevented such disasters as World War II, the Great Depression, and the Challenger space shuttle disaster, as well as lessened or avoided the effects of many major environmental disasters. At the opposite send of the spectrum, systems thinking can be used to enhance health care, improve the economy, improve technology, laws, international and interpersonal relationships, schools, organizations, and so much more. However, this very useful skill set still lingers outside mainstream education. To address this problem, a set of assessable, comprehensible systems thinking skills is required. Such skills are defined, described, and detailed in this paper.
A data-driven analysis of outage duration in power distribution systems

This paper presents a data-driven approach for exploring outage duration in power distribution systems. The primary goals are to analyze and interpret the outage duration according to the underlying causes and to identify significant variables that strongly impact the outage duration. To carry out this study, actual outage data collected by a major utility company that has operations in the southeastern US is utilized. First, practical issues associated with the outage data set are discussed, and necessary data pre-processing tasks are carried out. Afterward, two types of analysis, namely statistical and visual analytics are conducted to investigate several features that could contribute to outage durations. Also, field engineering insights are provided to interpret the quantitative results. Finally, the importance of all features is examined by employing a data analytics algorithm and the most important features are identified. The results of this paper could be used by utilities to enhance their outage management systems and to gain valuable information for carrying out essential preventive maintenance for the purpose of reducing the duration of future outages.
Balanced system design for distributed deep learning with fast GPUs

The field of Deep Learning has benefitted greatly by the availability of accelerators like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and of open source deep learning frameworks which can exploit these GPUs. As the GPUs become faster, a key aspect of system design is being able to supply them data at a rate where they can be kept busy. A balanced system design is important. In this paper, we investigate these issues with experiments on a distributed deep learning system called Phalanx. Phalanx is a data parallel distributed deep learning system which exploits Caffe as its basic learning engine in the nodes. These nodes run on GPUs and uses infiniband for communication1
Abilità di riduzione e superamento dello stress per clinici che operano in posizioni di soccorso rivolte a crisi o disastri

Un altro fattore importante per garantire il benessere mentale degli operatori di soccorso alla crisi e in caso di disastri e quello di fornire una struttura, mantenendo costantemente un ambiente di cura per l’operatore stesso; a seguire, suggerimenti diretti al personale che si occupa di salute mentale per gestire lo stress mentre si lavora ad un’operazione derivante da un disastro.
La “bosse du flanc”: Maupassant et l'obstétrique

In spite of a profound disgust professed by Maupassant's male characters for “the filthy and ridiculous act of reproduction,” as the protagonist of L'Inutile beaute puts it, the writer's fiction tells recurring stories of unwanted pregnancies and botched deliveries, abortions and miscarriages. For Maupassant, the womb is a powerful threat to manhood, a woman's ultimate instrument of destruction: the “bosse du flanc,” a derogatory term used by Maupassant to describe a pregnancy in Mont-Oriol, is the means by which feminine “terrorism” is activated. Women are both the perpetrators and the victims of this obstetrical terrorism: during gestation, the fetus is felt to be a foreign entity, another “Horla”, attacking the integrity of the womb. Parturition is a form of mutilation for the woman, and new mothers often resort to infanticide or suicide. Pregnancy is also threatening to others. For the male character, it implies an unknown origin, casting doubt over his claim to paternity: threatened in his ability to reproduce, he finds himself an outsider, even in the most intimate encounters. His wish is for a sterile woman, a womb that would be perpetually unoccupied. But even sterile women turn away, as does the frigid heroine of Maupassant's last novel Notre cœur, and men find themselves dispossessed by a growing sense of alienation.