cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COBE anisotropy from supercluster gas

It is suggested that the microwave background anisotropy detected by the COBE DMR might be dominated not by the direct gravitational effect of primordial fluctuations in the last scattering surface, but by scattering off of moving electrons in optically thin, nearby superclusters. Hot diffuse clouds of ionized gas created during supercluster collapse produce Sunyaev-Zel'dovich and Doppler background anisotropy whose properties may closely mimic those of primordial anisotropy in current data. Strategies for and difficulties in separating the effects are discussed, based on the anisotropy spectrum, autocorrelation, correlation with galaxy catalogs, X-ray emission, and integrated spectral distortions.
Understanding the Heritage Language Student Proficiency and Placement

Given the ever-growing number of Spanish heritage learners in both universities and colleges, the need has continued to grow for the development of placement exams that accurately measure language ability, are simple to evaluate, and are easy to administer to large numbers of students. This article analyzes the implementation of a placement exam at a large public university, examines the results, and suggests ways to further develop heritage placement exams for Spanish heritage students.
THE TREATMENT OF VOCABULARIES IN TEXTBOOKS

Author's summary.— Each teacher has his own ideas about vocabularies. On the basis of simple logic not all can be right. Full and complete vocabularies have no place in texts beyond the first year. Attempts to corral practical, working vocabularies of a definite number of words held to be an objective of dubious merit.
A comparative study of the buccal pumping mechanism of tadpoles

To understand the ecological significance of diversity in the buccal pump morphology of anuran larvae we have developed a descriptive geometric model of the tadpole buccal pump. The model allows comparison of the buccal puinping mechanism of different species. The reliability of the model was established by comparing buccal volumes predicted by the model with buccal volumes reported in the literature for Rana sylvatica and Rana catesbeiana as well as those obtained from our own feeding experiments with Xenopus laevis larvae. The model was used to examine the following features for the larvae of 40 species from 11 anuran families: (1) the amount of deflection in the buccal floor with each stroke of the buccal pump (angle of rotation of the ceratohyal); (2) the mechanical advantage of the pump (the relative length of the lever arm on the ceratohyal); and (3) buccal volume. We identify patterns in diese three features that correlate with the feeding ecology of a variety of tadpoles. Macrophagous larvae tend to have a long lateral lever arm on the ceratohyal (high mechanical advantage), and produce a large buccal volume by deflecting a large buccal floor area through a shallow arc (i.e. a large bore, short stroke system). Midwater, microphagous larvae tend to have poor mechanical advantage, but nevertheless achieve a large buccal volume; in these forms the large buccal volume is obtained by deflecting a smaller buccal floor area through a larger arc (i.e. a small bore, long stroke system). Benthic larvae, such as stream tbrms with suctorial mouths, tend to have high mechanical advantage, but only modest buccal volume. Larvae can regulate their feeding rate by varying either the p umping rate (frequency modulation) or the buccal floor displacement (amplitude modulation). The anatomy of the buccal pump may determine not only the feeding ecology of a larva, but the predominant behavioral pattern it uses to regulate its feeding rate. Buccal volume has a negative allometric relationship to body length both intraspecifically and interspecihcally.
Navigating communities: race, place, and travel in the history of maritime Southeast Asia

This paper examines intersecting notions of distance, place and community across Insular Southeast Asia for the last several hundred years. The piece is not an attempt to chronicle all these affiliations over time and space, but is rather an effort to re-think how people have moved in Southeast Asian history, who they did this with and why. The essay is divided into three parts. The first section looks at some of the meanings of place in the last five centuries, as place has pertained to communities in ‘centers’ and maritime ‘peripheries’, as well as in several supposedly discrete arenas. The second section focuses on people, and how different communities in Southeast Asia have envisioned the terms and conditions of movement in divergent ways. The last third of the paper concentrates on period, or how conceptions of community, distance and travel have changed over time. It is hoped that this essay will show how all three of these variables – people, place, and periodization – have intersected in specific,...
Developing a body of knowledge for environmental engineering

An environmental engineering (EnvE) body of knowledge (BOK) is currently under development by a Working Group composed of academics, consultants, local and national government employees, and representatives of NCEES and ABET. The EnvE BOK is being developed in close consultation with these and other stakeholders. Our approach to developing the EnvE BOK is guided by expectations of educators and other stakeholders. Our goals are to make the BOK adaptable, in recognition of the fact that environmental engineering is rapidly evolving, and that the BOK should facilitate future needs. The BOK emphasizes the application of fundamental math and science knowledge domains to solving environmental engineering problems. The need for in-depth competence is recognized, but the BOK also needs to be sufficiently flexible to promote innovation. The EnvE BOK focuses on core competencies and knowledge domains integral to the understanding and practice of environmental engineering. It defines the BOK needed to enter the practice of environmental engineering at the professional level in the 21st century. This paper is an interim report on EnvE BOK development with a focus on the outcomes, knowledge domains, and levels of achievement to provide a basis for further input into the EnvE BOK development process.
Physiological status and disengagement theory: A study on a model population

Abstract This paper reports a study of various aspects of behavior of persons in a wide range of age groups. Principal emphasis is placed on behavior that is indicative of the social roles played as a function of age. The subjects include an age range from 20 to 99 years. They were interviewed as part of a household survey of the city of Riverside, California. The survey design (described in more detail below) was a stratified random sample giving appropriate representation of ethnic groups, and of socio-economic status as indicated by housing levels. The total sample represents a cross-section of the population of the community, a city of approximately 85 000 population. The first part of the report describes the methods used in collecting the data and the ethnic, economic, and certain other characteristics of the population and is followed by the chief findings. On the basis of this study, it appears that the level of social activity in which aging members of a population engage is an inverse function of the physical activity required for such activities. Thus, the degree of “disengagement” appears to reflect altered physiological capacities rather than primarily psychological-social vectors that change with age.
Central and peripheral expression of neurokinin-1 and neurokinin-3 receptor and substance P-encoding messenger RNAs: peripheral regulation during formalin-induced inflammation and lack of neurokinin receptor expression in primary afferent sensory neurons.

Abstract The neurokinin-1 receptor and its tachykinin neuropeptide ligand substance P are associated with the mediation of nociception. Substance P released from primary afferent sensory neurons activates neurokinin receptors on both central and peripheral targets that mediate specific aspects of central sensitization and inflammatory function; however, an autoreceptor function for the neurokinin-1 receptor remains highly controversial. Activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor by substance P during chronic nociception increases neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression in the spinal cord. Similarly, neurokinin-3 receptors on peripheral or target tissues or neurons could play an important role in the sensitization of sensory neurons. Therefore, this study (i) mapped the steady-state levels of substance P-encoding preprotachykinin, neurokinin-1 and neurokinin-3 receptor messenger RNAs in central and peripheral tissues including sensory ganglia, and (ii) investigated whether formalin-evoked nociception altered the quantity or location of neurokinin-1 or neurokinin-3 receptor messenger RNAs in the sensory ganglia or inflamed peripheral targets for substance P. Solution hybridization–nuclease protection assays quantified neurokinin receptor messenger RNA levels in central and peripheral tissues from normal and formalin-inflamed rats. High concentrations of the neurokinin-1 receptor were found in whole brain, spinal cord, and peripheral target organs innervated by substance P-containing neurons. Measurable levels of neurokinin-3 receptor messenger RNA were found only in brain, spinal cord and urinary bladder. Results also show that neither neurokinin-1 nor neurokinin-3 receptor messenger RNAs were detectable in primary afferent sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia of normal or formalin-inflamed rats. Neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA levels were, however, significantly increased in hindpaw tissues inflamed by formalin for 6 h. These results indicate that the plasticity of neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression in non-neuronal peripheral cells could regulate sensitivity to substance P in a manner similar to that in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Altered neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression provides a useful marker of long-term nociceptive activation and may mediate peripheral mechanisms of hyperalgesia and cellular sensitization during inflammation. Importantly, inflammation does not induce a phenotypic change in afferent sensory neurons providing neurokinin receptor targets for the direct sensitization of these neurons by substance P.
Bayesian Models for Reidentification of Trucks Over Long Distances on the Basis of Axle Measurement Data

Vehicle reidentification methods can be used to anonymously match vehicles crossing 2 different locations on the basis of vehicle attribute data. In this article, reidentification methods are developed to match commercial vehicles that cross 2 weigh-in-motion sites in Oregon that are separated by 145 miles. Using vehicle length and axle data as attributes to characterize vehicles, a Bayesian model is developed that uses probability density functions obtained by fitting Gaussian mixture models to a sample data set of matched vehicles. The reidentification model when applied to a test data set (where each downstream vehicle also crosses the upstream site) matches vehicles with an accuracy of 91% when both axle weight and axle spacings data are used. To account for the fact that not all vehicles in the downstream also cross the upstream site, an additional new step is developed to screen mismatched vehicles produced by the algorithm. For this step, several screening methods are developed that allow the user ...
Dysphagia, short-term outcomes, and cost of care after anterior cervical disc surgery

Dysphonia and dysphagia are common complications of anterior cervical discectomy (ACD). We sought to determine the relationship between dysphagia and in-hospital mortality, complications, speech therapy/dysphagia training, length of hospitalization, and costs associated with ACD. Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 1,649,871 patients who underwent ACD of fewer than four vertebrae for benign acquired disease between 2001 and 2010 were analyzed using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Dysphagia was reported in 32,922 cases (2.0 %). Speech therapy/dysphagia training was reported in less than 0.1 % of all cases and in only 0.2 % of patients with dysphagia. Dysphagia was significantly associated with age ≥65 years (OR = 1.5 [95 % CI 1.4–1.7], P < 0.001), advanced comorbidity (OR = 2.3 [2.0–2.6], P < 0.001), revision surgery (OR = 2.7 [2.3–3.1], P < 0.001), disc prosthesis placement (OR = 1.5 [1.0–2.0], P = 0.029), and vocal cord paralysis (OR = 11.6 [8.3–16.1], P < 0.001). Dysphagia was a significant predictor of aspiration pneumonia (OR = 8.6 [6.7–10.9], P < 0.001), tracheostomy (OR = 2.3 [1.6–3.3], P < 0.001), gastrostomy (OR = 30.9 [25.3–37.8], P < 0.001), and speech therapy/dysphagia training (OR = 32.0 [15.4–66.4], P < 0.001). Aspiration pneumonia was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 15.9 [11.0–23.1], P < 0.001). Dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis, and aspiration pneumonia were significant predictors of increased length of hospitalization and hospital-related costs, with aspiration pneumonia having the single largest impact on length of hospitalization and costs. Dysphagia is significantly associated with increased morbidity, length of hospitalization, and hospital-related costs in ACD patients. Despite the known risk of dysphagia in ACD patients and an established role for the speech-language pathologist in dysphagia management, speech-language pathology intervention appears underutilized in this population.
The effect of carbon dioxide level and temperature on the in vitro metabolism of testis tissue.

Abstract 1. 1. Normal testis tissue from sixty mature rabbits was studied to determine the effect of 0, 2, 5 and 10% CO 2 levels, temperature (33 and 37°C) and length of incubation time, at hourly intervals from 1 to 4, on glucose and O 2 uptake and lactate and CO 2 production. 2. 2. There was generally a significant effect of the time of incubation due to a high activity during the first hour and no evident effect thereafter. This was possibly due to either tissue damage or substrate depletion during preparation. 3. 3. Increased temperature caused increased metabolic activity as shown by other workers in vivo . 4. 4. At 0 and 10% CO 2 there was marked decrease in metabolic activity, indicating a need for some CO 2 by the testis tissue and an inhibitory effect by CO 2 at higher levels. At these two levels there was a shift in metabolism from respiration to glycolysis. 5. 5. The maximum metabolic activity occurred at 2 and 5% Co 2 which is near the levels previously reported in vivo .
Tissue glutathione levels in mice treated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is widely distributed among living cells and is involved in many biological functions. It provides the sulfhydryl groups for conjugation of toxic metabolites of several xenobiotica. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity is a classical example of this property. For this purpose, we studied the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on tissue levels of GSH in the mice. Groups of male Swiss Webster mice weighing 25±5 g were treated with 50 mg/kg, PO THC at 1300 h. Control mice were given equal volume of sesame oil (5 ml/kg, PO) which was the vehicle for THC. Ninety minutes following THC administration, mice were sacrificed, their plasma, brain, heart, liver, kidney and testis were collected. All tissues were homogenized in 5% TCA/EDTA solution and supernatant solutions of these homogenates were diluted. In these diluted samples, levels of GSH were determined by a modified spectrophotometric procedure and the GSH levels were expressed as micromoles of GSH/g tissue. In this study, THC caused no effects on GSH levels in brain, heart, testis and plasma. However, GSH levels in liver and kidney were decreased by 14% and 7% respectively. Although the decrease in kidney GSH levels were insignificant, these changes in liver and kidney could be indicative of a possible metabolic and/or dispositional interaction between THC and different commonly available drugs such as acetaminophen.
The Crumbling Pedestal: Changing Images of Japanese Teachers.

Teachers in Japan are no longer are held in high esteem simply because of their position in the Confucian hierarchy of status and authority. Gone is the time when the word of the sensei would bring...
IMPORTANCE OF FACIAL PATTERN TO SEXUAL SELECTION IN GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (VERMIVORA CHRYSOPTERA)

Abstract The importance of the black facial pattern in sexual selection in Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) was evaluated through experimental plumage modification. We lightened the throat patch and eye mask with hair bleach, which essentially created artificial Brewster's Warbler (F1 generation of Golden-winged Warbler × Blue-winged Warbler [V. pinus]) plumage phenotypes. Experimental males lost their original territories and failed to obtain mates. We concluded that there is sexual selection against the Brewster's facial pattern. Sexual selection attributable to the face pattern may explain the apparent greater effect of hybridization on Golden-winged Warblers than on Blue-winged Warblers. Importancia del Patron Facial en la Seleccion Sexual de Vermivora chrysoptera
Vortex strings in electric dipole radiation near a mirror

Abstract The energy flow pattern of the radiation emitted by an oscillating electric dipole near a mirror has a complicated structure, including numerous singularities and vortices. We consider the flow lines of energy in the plane through the surface normal and the oscillation direction of the dipole. It is shown that the vortices are due to the vanishing of the magnetic field at their centers. The locations of the vortices have the appearance of beads on strings, and there are four such strings. The rotation direction of the energy flow for each vortex on a given string is the same. There are two strings with clockwise rotation and two strings with counterclockwise rotation. Field lines of energy flow either start or end at the center of a vortex. For a given string, field lines end at each vortex or field lines start at each vortex. There are two strings on which field lines end at the centers of the vortices, and there are two strings on which field lines start inside the vortices.
Aspirin-sensitive asthma and upper airway diseases.

BACKGROUND Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) consists of nasal polyposis, rhinosinusitis, asthma, and aspirin (ASA) sensitivity. OBJECTIVE This article details how to diagnose and treat AERD and describes the procedures associated with ASA challenge and desensitization, benefits associated with ASA desensitization, and appropriate doses for treatment. METHODS Criteria for diagnosis of AERD as well as desensitization protocols for oral ASA challenge and combined intranasal ketorolac and oral ASA challenge, are detailed in this article based on literature review. RESULTS AERD requires a multidimensional approach to treat the disease given the multiple conditions. With successful ASA desensitization and maintenance of ASA administration, all patients are able to achieve ASA tolerance and select patients are able to achieve improvement in clinical markers such as global scores and reduction in use of topical and systemic corticosteroids.
Third hole planned at Valles Caldera

Valles caldera, N. Mex., is the culmination of more than 13 million years of volcanism in the Jemez volcanic field and is an excellent model for resurgent calderas and for the high-temperature geothermal systems found with them. This month one of the biggest diamond drills in the world will start the third research core hole in the caldera. Valles Caldera 2B will be the tenth core hole in the Department of Energy's Continental Scientific Drilling Program. CSDP drilling in the 1.1-million-year-old caldera began in 1984 in the southwest moat zone when the research hole Valles Caldera 1 was continuously cored to 856 m. VC-1 intersected a hydrothermal outflow plume from the deep geothermal system. Data indicate multiple episodes of hydrothermal activity in the volcanic field's history, as well as multiple episodes of rhyolite magma generation during evolution of the caldera. The June 10, 1988 (vol. 63), issue of Journal of Geophysical Research—Solid Earth and Planets carried a special section on results from VC-1.
Suppression of EAE and prevention of blood-brain barrier breakdown after vaccination with novel bifunctional peptide inhibitor.

Abstract The efficacy of bifunctional peptide inhibitor (BPI) in preventing blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown during onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and suppression of the disease was evaluated in mice. The mechanism that defines how BPI prevents the disease was investigated by measuring the in vitro cytokine production of splenocytes. Peptides were injected 5–11 days prior to induction of EAE, and the severity of the disease was monitored by a standard clinical scoring protocol and change in body weight. The BBB breakdown in diseased and treated mice was compared to that in normal control mice by determining deposition of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA) in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Mice treated with PLP-BPI showed no or low indication of EAE as well as normal increase in body weight. In contrast, mice treated with the control peptide or PBS showed a decrease in body weight and a high disease score. The diseased mice had high deposition of Gd-DTPA in the brain, indicating breakdown in the BBB. However, the deposition of Gd-DTPA in PLP-BPI-treated mice was similar to that in normal control mice. Thus, PLP-BPI can suppress EAE when administered as a peptide vaccine and maintain the integrity of the BBB.
Primary lymphoma of bone: A review

Lymphomas commonly occur in lymph nodes, while their origin in extranodal sites is less common. When nodal lymphomas spread systemically, they commonly involve the skeletal system, with bone involvement seen in 16–20% of patients. Lymphoma originating in the bone is rare and designated as primary bone lymphoma (PBL). Oberling was the first person to describe PBL in 1928. Subsequently, in 1932, Parker and Jackson described a series of PBLs under the designation of reticulum cell sarcoma of the bone. The lymphoid origin was later confirmed by the availability of immunohistochemistry. According to the World Health Organization, diagnosing a PBL entails having skeletal tumor(s) without visceral or regional lymph node involvement. PBL accounts for less than 1% of all malignant lymphomas, 7% of malignant bone tumors, and 4–5% of extranodal lymphomas. The majority of the PBLs are primary bone diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (PBDLBCL). Rarely, follicular, marginal zone, anaplastic large cell, Hodgkin, and T-cell lymphomas can originate in bone. In this review, we describe the clinical features, gross and microscopic findings, ancillary studies, differential diagnoses, prognostic markers, and treatment of PBDLBCL. Rare variants of PBL are also described briefly.
Relationships among Community Reintegration, Coping Strategies, and Life Satisfaction in a Sample of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

In this study of 78 people living in the community 1 to 7 years after spinal cord injury, community integration and reported coping strategies were investigated for their association with life satisfaction. Community integration was measured in terms of objective and subjective handicap in social roles. Objective handicap, defined by the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), and subjective handicap, defined by the Perceived Handicap Questionnaire (PHQ), were hypothesized to show an inverse relationship with life satisfaction, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z). It was hypothesized that each measure of handicap would provide unique explanation of variability in life satisfaction. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that differences in participants' use of coping strategies, measured via an abbreviated version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (abbrWOC), would be associated with differences in their reported handicap and life satisfaction. Participants' use of coping st...
Catalytic properties of molybdenum-containing zeolites in epoxidation reactions: I. Catalysts preparation and characterization

Abstract Molybdenum ions have been introduced into a Y-type zeolite by using a solid-solid exchange method, in which the ultrastable zeolite or normal hydrogen zeolite was mixed with MoOCl 4 and heated to 400 °C. The physicochemical properties of the resulting MoHY u , MoHY, and MoCoHY zeolites were investigated by infrared, EPR and photoelectron spectrscopy and by X-ray diffraction techniques. Comparison of the XPS signals of Mo in an impregnated sample with those of an ionexchanged sample confirms that the molybdenum ions were indeed exchanged into zeolites. The binding energies of the Mo 3 d doublet at 232.7 and 235.8 eV show that the Mo ion was mainly present as Mo(VI); however, EPR spectra of the fresh, dehydrated molybdenum-exchanged zeolites reveal that about 3.5% of the molybdenum was present as the Mo(V) ion. After being used as a catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclohexene, all of the low-valent Mo ions were oxidized to Mo(VI), whereas there was no change in the oxidation state of Co(II) ions. A band at 900 cm −1 in the infrared spectra of MoHY and MoCoHY zeolites is attributed to the MoO bond vibration. Based on the spectroscopic data, two structures of molybdenum ions in Mo-exchanged zeolites are postulated. Structural analysis of the zeolites by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrscopy indicates that the solid-phase exchange reaction resulted in some loss in crystallinity for all of the Mo-exchanged zeolites.
K-type coefficients in the littoral drift system: Variable or constant?

Abstract The analysis by Tanner (1979) of the k -coefficient in the littoral drift equation, which led him to believe that it varies between 1.0 and 10 −5 , is concluded to be invalid. k appears to be relatively constant for sandy ocean beaches, perhaps decreasing somewhat for gravel beaches or for sandy beaches with much reduced wave energy levels. k should not be made a function of the ratio of the net littoral drift to the gross littoral drift as Tanner has done.
Urban Teacher Commitment: Exploring Associations with Organizational Conflict, Support for Innovation, and Participation.

This study explores relationships between teachers' organizational commitment and interpersonal conflict, participation activities beyond the classroom, and innovation in schools. Potential relationships among study variables are suggested in research that views affective commitment as a proxy measure for decisions to leave the school. Increments in experience in the profession are negatively associated with organizational commitment. Higher levels of interpersonal conflict are linked to lower levels of organizational commitment. Participation in activities beyond the classroom is marginally related to commitment, whereas support for innovation has a strong positive effect on teachers' commitment. Results, considered in context, suggest the importance of high levels of commitment and commitment norms in terms of the teachers' work performance and the stability of the professional workforce.
Thermal diffusivity of mantle minerals

The thermal diffusivity tensors at ambient pressure and temperature of three silicate mineral phases abundant in the upper mantle (San Carlos olivine [Mg0.89Fe0.11]2SiO4, Kilbourne Hole orthopyroxene [Mg1.63Fe0.17Ca0.04Mn0.01] [Cr0.01 Al0.12] [Si1.89Al0.11]O6 and a garnet of intermediate composition Py51Al32Gr16Sp1 are reported. The extension to high pressure and temperature of the experimental technique employed here is discussed and, for olivine, data at high pressure are also reported. The diffusivity in the two orthorhombic minerals is highly anisotropic, the components of the tensor along the a, b, and c crystallographic axes, in units of mm2/sec, being [2.16 1.25 1.87] in the case of olivine and [1.26 1.05 1.66] in the case of the orthopyroxene. The isotropic thermal diffusivity in garnet is 1.06 mm2/ sec. The experimental uncertainty is approximately 2%. The pressure dependence of thermal diffusivity is approximately 4% per GPa. The relation of thermal to elastic anisotropy is briefly considered. A model incorporating elastic anisotropy, anharmonicity described by acoustic Gruneisen parameters, Brillouin zone structure, and the increased phase volume for the scattering of short wavelength phonons provides a qualitatively reasonable description of the thermal diffusivity anisotropy. Since both olivine and orthopyroxene are aligned by flow deformation processes, the upper mantle is expected to be thermally anisotropic.
Sexual dimorphism in sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the rat hypogastric nerve

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) applied to one hypogastric nerve labelled sensory neurons in T11-L3 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) bilaterally and preganglionic neurons (PGN) in the spinal cord segments T13-L3. An average of 130 small DRG neurons were labelled per animal (male or female). These were concentrated in the L1 + L2 DRGs (92%). About 75% were located ipsilateral to the site of HRP application. Central projections from DRG neurons were noted throughout Lissauer's tract and in the marginal zones (medial and lateral) near the borders of Lissauer's tract. A short projection was also seen extending to the dorsolateral funiculus. More than 90% of the preganglionic neurons were located in segments L1 + L2. Most of these were found in the dorsal commissural nucleus (75%) and most of the remainder were located bilaterally in the intermediolateral columns. Somewhat more intermediolateral neurons were labelled on the ipsilateral side than on the contralateral side. There were a few intercalating neurons and a very few funicular cells. An average of 415 PGNs were labelled in the male animals and 110 in the females, demonstrating a strong sexual dimorphism. No dimorphism was found in the sensory components.
908 NORMALIZATION OF ABNORMAL VON WILLEBRAND FACT0R (VWF) MULTIMERS FOLLOWING CLOSURE OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (VSD)

Plasma samples from 8 children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) were previously found to lack the high molecular weight vWf multimers by electrophoresis in SDS-agarose followed by staining with 125I-radiolabeled anti-vWf and autoradiography. Low vWf by antigenic and ristocetin cofactor assays were found in 4 whereas all had normal VIII:C; none had evidence of intravascular coagulation. To determine if these children were different from others with VSD, cardiac catheterization findings were evaluated. All had a sealed foramen ovale and high or high normal end diastolic pulmonary artery pressure. To date, 3 of the children have been re-studied after surgical correction of their VSD. Two had normalization of vWf multimers; the third, whose vWf was abnormal postoperatively, had a residual pressure gradient across a previous pulmonary artery banding site. Multimeric abnormalities were not found in the parents of 3 patients. Thus, some patients with VSD and an abnormal hemodynamic state may have an “acquired” loss of the high vWf multimers that is normalized with correction of the hemodynamic defect.
Plain films in the evaluation of batteries as esophageal foreign bodies.

Summary Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of plain films in differentiating coin batteries from coins. Setting Study was conducted at a tertiary referral university medical center. Methods Eleven radiographs were taken of various objects and independently reviewed by 14 radiologists and otolaryngologists. Reviewers were asked to identify the object filmed as either a battery or not a battery. In addition, otolaryngologists were asked if they would immediately proceed to the operative suite for removal based on the film. Results were tabulated and analyzed using a spreadsheet. Results Overall, plain films had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.4% and 79.1%, respectively with an overall accuracy of 79.8%. When used as a test to determine urgency of removal, sensitivity increases to 94.4% while specificity decreases to 67.1% with an overall accuracy of 83.1%. Conclusions Plain films are an effective method of evaluating for the possibility of batteries as esophageal foreign bodies.
Estrogen receptors in breast carcinogenesis and endocrine therapy

Excessive exposure to estrogen has long been associated with an increased risk for developing breast cancer and anti-estrogen therapy is the gold standard of care in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER) α-positive breast cancers. However, there are several mysteries concerning both anti-estrogen, tamoxifen, and estrogen. The most important of these are: (1) some ERα-positive breast cancers do not respond to tamoxifen; (2) some ERα-negative breast cancers do respond to tamoxifen; (3) initial or acquired resistance to tamoxifen occurs with recurrent tumors; (4) estrogen can cause marked tumor regression in long-term tamoxifen-resistant ERα-positive breast cancer. These mysteries indicate that we do not know enough about estrogen signaling to understand the effects of targeting these receptors in cancer. The discovery of ERβ, the second estrogen receptor, has added another level of complexity to estrogen signaling. This review summarizes recent publications and makes an updated portrait of ERα and ERβ in breast carcinogenesis and endocrine cancer therapy.
Direct formation of 4-alkoxy derivatives from 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone and aliphatic alcohols

The reaction of 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DHF) with aliphatic alcohols using a small amount of strong acid catalyst proceeded, in an analogous way to classical carboxylic acid ester formation, to give good yields of the 4-alkoxy derivatives. This raises the possibility that this type of ester-like formation might occur in foods that contain both DHF and alcohols. Odor threshold determinations of 4-alkoxy DHF derivatives from a number of common food alcohols including methanol, ethanol, butanol, 3-methylbutanol, and (Z)-3-hexenol showed them, however, to be relatively weak odorants. Keywords: 2,5-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone; alkoxy derivatives; synthesis; odor thresholds
CRYSTALLINE CHYMO-TRYPSIN AND CHYMO-TRYPSINOGEN : I. ISOLATION, CRYSTALLIZATION, AND GENERAL PROPERTIES OF A NEW PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME AND ITS PRECURSOR.

A new crystalline protein, chymo-trypsinogen, has been isolated from acid extracts of fresh cattle pancreas. This protein is not an enzyme but is transformed by minute amounts of trypsin into an active proteolytic enzyme called chymo-trypsin. The chymo-trypsin has also been obtained in crystalline form. The chymo-trypsinogen cannot be activated by enterokinase, pepsin, inactive trypsin, or calcium chloride. There is an extremely slow spontaneous activation upon standing in solution. The activation of chymo-trypsinogen by trypsin follows the course of a monomolecular reaction the velocity constant of which is proportional to the trypsin concentration and independent of the chymotrypsinogen concentration. The rate of activation is a maximum at pH 7.0–8.0. Activation is accompanied by an increase of six primary amino groups per mole but no split products could be found, indicating that the activation consists in an intramolecular rearrangement. There is a slight change in optical activity but no change in molecular weight. The physical and chemical properties of both proteins are constant through a series of fractional crystallizations. The activity of chymo-trypsin decreases in proportion to the destruction of the native protein by pepsin digestion or denaturation by heat or acid. Chymo-trypsin has powerful milk-clotting power but does not clot blood plasma and differs qualitatively in this respect from the crystalline trypsin previously reported. It hydrolyzes sturin, casein, gelatin, and hemoglobin more slowly than does crystalline trypsin but the hydrolysis of casein is carried much further. The hydrolysis takes place at different linkages from those attacked by trypsin. The optimum pH for the digestion of casein is about 8.0–9.0. It does not hydrolyze any of a series of dipeptides or polypeptides tested. Several chemical and physical properties of both proteins have been determined.
The performance implications of thread management alternatives for shared-memory multiprocessors

An examination is made of the performance implications of several data structure and algorithm alternatives for thread management in shared-memory multiprocessors. Both experimental measurements and analytical model projections are presented. For applications with fine-grained parallelism, small differences in thread management are shown to have significant performance impact, often posing a tradeoff between throughput and latency. Per-processor data structures can be used to to improve throughput, and in some circumstances to avoid locking, improving latency as well. The method used by processors to queue for locks is also shown to affect performance significantly. Normal methods of critical resource waiting can substantially degrade performance with moderate numbers of waiting processors. The authors present an Ethernet-style backoff algorithm that largely eliminates this effect. >
DOGMATISM AND SOCIOMETRIC STATUS AS DETERMINANTS OF INTERACTION IN A SMALL GROUP

This study investigated the correlations between dogmatism and sociometric status as predictors of interaction in a small group (n = 14). Results showed a positive correlation between sociometric status and various indexes of interaction and a negative correlation between dogmatism and sociometric status. The expected correlation between dogmatism and interactions did not appear.
Precise alignment using optical phase-shifting technique

A new precise alignment technique using optical phase-shifting, Fourier transform and spatial filtering has been developed for registering a symmetric pattern on the substrate to a phase-shifting pattern on the reticle. The alignment between two marks was determined by detecting a minimum point in the zero order spatial frequency intensity of the light reflected from the alignment mark on the substrate. The minimum is due to the complete phase-cancellation when the alignment marks co-centered. The theoretical analysis and computer simulations were performed to show that this technique is not affected by variations of linewidth and step height of the alignment mark pattern as well as variations of optical properties of the substrate in which the alignment mark is built. The preliminary experimental results were in good agreement with the calculations. It has been shown that this technique does not have the alignment ambiguity problem existed in the techniques using grating pattern and detecting interference moire image. Current results indicate that the overlay accuracy of the technique can be better than 0. 1 .tm.
Posterior dorsomedial striatum is critical for both selective instrumental and Pavlovian reward learning

The dorsal striatum (DS) has been implicated in instrumental learning but its role in the acquisition of stimulus-driven behaviour is not clear. To explore the contribution of the DS to both response-outcome (R-O) and stimulus-outcome (S-O) associative learning, we pharmacologically inactivated subregions (dorsolateral, anterior dorsomedial and posterior dorsomedial) of the DS during acquisition sessions in which subjects acquired two unique, novel R-O pairs or two unique, novel S-O pairs. To test whether specific R-O or S-O associations were learned under inactivation, rats were tested following selective-satiety devaluation of one outcome under drug-free conditions. In the instrumental task, control rats and rats with dorsolateral striatum (DLS) inactivation during learning responded less on the lever that had earned the devalued outcome than on the alternative lever at test, indicating that the DLS is not critical for the formation of R-O associations. In contrast, rats with inactivation of the medial DS (DMS) (either anterior or posterior) during learning responded indiscriminately, suggesting failure to acquire the novel R-O associations. In the Pavlovian task, both controls and rats with anterior DMS inactivation during learning responded less in the presence of the stimulus predicting the devalued outcome, whereas rats with DLS or posterior DMS inactivation during learning responded equally to the stimuli, indicating that they had not acquired the novel S-O associations. These data confirm that the DLS and anterior region DMS mediate different aspects of reward-related learning, and suggest that the posterior DMS may mediate a function common to both forms of learning (R-O and S-O). Finally, we demonstrate that both S-O and R-O associations are required for selective Pavlovian-instrumental transfer.
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Co-activator 1-α as a Critical Co-activator of the Murine Hepatic Oxidative Stress Response and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis

A key transcriptional regulator of cell metabolism, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1-α (PPARGC-1-α or PGC-1α), also regulates mitochondrial biogenesis, but its role in antioxidant gene regulation is not well understood. Here, we asked whether genetic heterozygosity of PGC-1α modulates gene expression for the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme SOD-2 during hepatic inflammatory stress. Using Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis in mice, we found significant Sod2 gene induction in WT mice, whereas PGC-1α heterozygotes (PGC-1α+/−) failed to augment Sod2 mRNA and protein levels. Impaired Sod2 regulation in PGC-1α+/− mice was accompanied by oxidative stress shown by elevated mitochondrial GSSG/GSH and protein carbonyls. In silico analysis of the mouse proximal Sod2 promoter region revealed consensus binding sites for the Nfe2l2 (Nrf2) transcription factor. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated diminished Nfe2l2 protein binding to the antioxidant response element promoter site proximal to the Sod2 start site in PGC-1α heterozygous mice, implicating PGC-1α in facilitation of Nfe2l2 DNA binding. Nuclear protein co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated an interaction between hepatic Nfe2l2 and PGC-1α in WT mice that was greatly reduced in PGC-1α+/− mice. The data indicate that PGC-1α promotes mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme expression through Nfe2l2-mediated SOD-2 expression in sepsis. The presence of this new PGC-1α-dependent signaling axis indicates that PGC-1α opposes mitochondrial oxidative stress by means of selective induction of one or more antioxidant response element-driven genes. By implication, exploitation of this axis could lead to new pharmacological interventions to improve the antioxidant defenses during oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage.
Exploration of Asynchronous Online Teaching with a Network Analysis of Class Interaction

Constant changes in technology for course delivery, along with constant changes in the technological social landscape, challenge the instructional technologist when it comes to nailing down the appropriate teaching technology for online or distance learning courses. This paper focuses on the ongoing problem of how to best teach online courses in the computer information systems (CIS) field for a graduate master’s program. Although it is generally thought that specific methods should be used to extend traditional electronic communication tools such as email, discussion forums, and live chats, there is no universal agreement as to what those tools should be. The foci of this research are to 1) shed light on current teaching practices, 2) make suggestions for methods which augment traditional email, forums, and chats, 3) to measure email interaction in two CIS core courses, and 4) to glean information based on the email interaction captured. Leaping onto the current flavor of the month online community like Twitter, Facebook, etc. is considered as an addition at the coursesite level, but is probably not a good idea where university policies, standards, and accreditation play a role. Additionally, the collaborative learning that social networks encourage may not be appropriate for all learning disciplines, especially in the fields of computer science and mathematics.
Suppression of predatory behaviors in laboratory mice following lithium chloride injections or electric shock

The present study compared the relative effectiveness of electric-shock and lithium chloride (LiC1) injections in suppressing cricket killing and eating by mice. Male ICR mice were tested for cricket killing and eating. Mice that attacked and ate a cricket were punished (with electric shock or LiC1 injections) after killing and eating crickets. Control mice received saline injections, delayed shock, or delayed LiCl injections after attacking and eating crickets. LiCl injections and electric shock were both effective in suppressing cricket killing and eating. Shock suppressed both attack and eating responses, while LiCl injections suppressed eating responses more than attack responses.
An initial exploration of hyperlinks of African government portal websites

This paper presents preliminary results of an exploratory analysis of hyperlinks from (outlinks) and to (inlinks) government portal Websites of African countries. Analyses of the data revealed the nature of the portal Websites and the countries in terms of their online presence and visibility.
Infants’ representations of three-dimensional occluded objects

Infants' ability to represent objects has received significant attention from the developmental research community. With the advent of eye-tracking technology, detailed analysis of infants' looking patterns during object occlusion have revealed much about the nature of infants' representations. The current study continues this research by analyzing infants' looking patterns in a novel manner and by comparing infants' looking at a simple display in which a single three-dimensional (3D) object moves along a continuous trajectory to a more complex display in which two 3D objects undergo trajectories that are interrupted behind an occluder. Six-month-old infants saw an occlusion sequence in which a ball moved along a linear path, disappeared behind a rectangular screen, and then a ball (ball-ball event) or a box (ball-box event) emerged at the other edge. An eye-tracking system recorded infants' eye-movements during the event sequence. Results from examination of infants' attention to the occluder indicate that during the occlusion interval infants looked longer to the side of the occluder behind which the moving occluded object was located, shifting gaze from one side of the occluder to the other as the object(s) moved behind the screen. Furthermore, when events included two objects, infants attended to the spatiotemporal coordinates of the objects longer than when a single object was involved. These results provide clear evidence that infants' visual tracking is different in response to a one-object display than to a two-object display. Furthermore, this finding suggests that infants may require more focused attention to the hidden position of objects in more complex multiple-object displays and provides additional evidence that infants represent the spatial location of moving occluded objects.