cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyproterone acetate enhances TRAIL-induced androgen-independent prostate cancer cell apoptosis via up-regulation of death receptor 5

Virtually all prostate cancer deaths occur due to obtaining the castration-resistant phenotype after prostate cancer cells escaped from apoptosis and/or growth suppression initially induced by androgen receptor blockade. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was an attractive cancer therapeutic agent due to its minimal toxicity to normal cells and remarkable apoptotic activity in tumor cells. However, most localized cancers including prostate cancer are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, thereby creating a therapeutic challenge of inducing TRAIL sensitivity in cancer cells. Herein the effects of cyproterone acetate, an antiandrogen steroid, on the TRAIL-induced apoptosis of androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells are reported. Cell apoptosis was assessed by both annexin V/propidium iodide labeling and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage assays. Gene and protein expression changes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assays. The effect of cyproterone acetate on gene promoter activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Cyproterone acetate but not AR antagonist bicalutamide dramatically increased the susceptibility of androgen receptor-negative human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis but no effects on immortalized human prostate stromal PS30 cells and human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. Further investigation of the TRAIL-induced apoptosis pathway revealed that cyproterone acetate exerted its effect by selectively increasing death receptor 5 (DR5) mRNA and protein expression. Cyproterone acetate treatment also increased DR5 gene promoter activity, which could be abolished by mutation of a consensus binding domain of transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in the DR5 gene promoter. Cyproterone acetate increases CHOP expression in a concentration and time-dependent manner and endoplasmic reticulum stress reducer 4-phenylbutyrate could block cyproterone acetate-induced CHOP and DR5 up-regulation. More importantly, siRNA silencing of CHOP significantly reduced cyproterone acetate-induced DR5 up-regulation and TRAIL sensitivity in prostate cancer cells. Our study shows a novel effect of cyproterone acetate on apoptosis pathways in prostate cancer cells and raises the possibility that a combination of TRAIL with cyproterone acetate could be a promising strategy for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Male Puberty: What Is Normal and Abnormal?

Puberty is a pivotal time in an adolescent’s life. Knowing when puberty is precocious or delayed is important to correctly diagnose and treat abnormalities. Being able to appropriately check the progression of puberty is a foundation for reaching the correct diagnosis. Precocious puberty is generally accepted as a testicular volume ≥4 ml prior to 9 years of age, and delayed puberty is the lack of testicular growth by 14 years of age. Causes of precocious puberty include both gonadotropin-dependent (central) and gonadotropin-independent (peripheral) etiologies, and treatment varies according to the etiology. Delayed puberty also has multiple causes, including primary gonadal abnormalities such as testicular injury, and numerous causes of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, both congenital and acquired. Constitutional delay of growth and puberty is a particularly common etiology of delayed puberty. It is usually benign, but affected boys may benefit from a short course of testosterone. Correctly ascertaining the etiology of delayed puberty will direct the appropriate therapy. While precocious or delayed puberty may be benign, some causes are serious, making the need to understand this topic important for physicians.
Nurse's use of power to standardise nursing terminology in electronic health records.

Aims To describe nurses’ use of power to influence the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. Background Little is known about nurses’ potential use of power to influence the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. Methods The theory of group power within organisations informed the design of the descriptive, cross-sectional study used a survey method to assess nurses’ use of power to influence the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. The Sieloff–King Assessment of Group Power within Organizations© and Nursing Power Scale was used. A total of 232 nurses responded to the survey. Results The mean power capability score was moderately high at 134.22 (SD 18.49), suggesting that nurses could use power to achieve the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. The nurses’ power capacity was significantly correlated with their power capability (r = 0.96, P < 0.001). Conclusion Nurses may use power to achieve their goals, such as the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse administrators may use their power to influence the incorporation of standardised nursing terminology within electronic health records. If nurses lack power, this could decrease nurses’ ability to achieve their goals and contribute to the achievement of effective patient outcomes.
Registration Delay and Student Performance.

Tracking the difference between the time a first-year student is allowed to register for a course and the time he or she does register for a course (a student’s registration delay), we notice a negative correlation between registration delay and final grade in a course. The difference between a student who registers within the first two minutes they are allowed to and one who waits three weeks to register is approximately a full GPA point (on a 9 point scale). Registration delay may be a useful factor in helping to identify at-risk students, and should be taken into account as a confounding variable when doing educational studies on multi-section courses.
Making Android Run on Time

Time predictability is difficult to achieve in the complex, layered execution environments that are common in modern embedded devices. We consider the possibility of adopting the Android programming model for a range of embedded applications that extends beyond mobile devices, under the constraint that changes to widely used libraries should be minimized. The challenges we explore include: the interplay between real-time activities and the rest of the system, how to express the timeliness requirements of components, and how well those requirements can be met on stock embedded platforms. We report on the design and implementation of an Android virtual machine with soft-real-time support, and provides experimental data validating feasibility over three case studies.
What’s the Difference With “Difference”? Equity, Communication, and the Politics of Difference

Can use of the word difference help communication scholars to rethink communication with equity central, with the politics of difference at its center, or, in other words, where a deviation from an assumed norm is embraced as an intrinsic and valued part of the process of change making? Does adopting the words difference and equity in lieu of tolerance, diversity , and multiculturalism help bring us to a place where racialized minorities are not just window dressing, the tokens that stave off allegations of racism? In this essay, I briefly trace various discourses surrounding tolerance, multiculturalism, and diversity, before moving to difference to think to equity. Linguistic change coincides with and can foment historical and political change, yet we do not need more or different words: We need more equitable universities. Interrogating the language around this potentially change-making word uncovers, in the words of Herman Gray, a politics of difference that is unutterable without demands for equity.
Risk and Causes of Death among Former National Football League Players (1986-2012).

ABSTRACTPurposePrevious research identified decreased overall and cardiovascular mortality for National Football League (NFL) players from the 1959–1988 era. The present study explored the mortality risk among recent NFL players who played in an era of heavier linemen and nearly year-round physical
Racial Discrimination and Low Household Education Predict Higher Body Mass Index in African American Youth

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between environmental factors, including household education, community violence exposure, racial discrimination, and cultural identity, and BMI in African American adolescents. Methods: A community-based sample of 198 African American youth (120 girls, 78 boys; ages 11–19 years) from Washtenaw County, Michigan, were included in this analysis. Violence exposure was assessed by using the Survey of Children's Exposure to Community Violence; racial discrimination by using the Adolescent Discrimination Distress Index; cultural identity by using the Acculturation, Habits, and Interests Multicultural Scale for Adolescents; and household education by using a seven-category variable. Measured height and body weight were used to calculate BMI. Results: Racial discrimination was positively associated with BMI, whereas household education was inversely associated with BMI in African American adolescents (discrimination: β = 0.11 ± 0.04, p...
Large Hybrid Finite Element Methods for Electromagnetics

This chapter provides an overview of the finite element method (FEM) as applied to electromagnetic scattering and radiation problems. It begins with a review of the methodology with particular emphasis on new developments over the past five years relating to feed modeling, parallelization and mesh truncation. New applications which illustrate the method’s capabilities, versatility and utility for general purpose applications are discussed. Specifically, new finite element modeling of antennas on doubly curved platforms, bandpass radomes and jet engine scattering are presented using a variety of mesh truncation schemes (boundary integral, absorbing boundary conditions and perfectly matched absorbers) are presented. Also, an entire section of the chapter is devoted to a reduced order method based on the Pade expansion. This reduced order method is used to obtain broadband responses from a few data points of the entire response. It is introduced in this chapter for the first time in connection with hybrid finite element systems and promises substantial computational savings.
Return of cartoon to market e-cigarette-related products.

Introduction The tobacco industry’s use of cartoons to market products has been shown to be effective at increasing awareness and appeal of combustible cigarettes among youth. While the Master Settlement Agreement placed restrictions on the use of cartoons for major cigarette and smokeless (chew) tobacco brands in the USA, no such restrictions exist for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Research has shown that e-cigarette manufacturers are using cartoons to market products, but limited data exist on the extent of these practices. This study examined the extent of the use of cartoons to market e-liquids on Instagram. Methods Instagram posts with the hashtag #ejuice or #eliquid were collected from 3 November 2017 to 17 November 2017. Rules were established to identify Cartoon (the post contained a cartoon), Logo (the post was labelled a cartoon due to the logo) and Promo (the image of the post or accompanying text indicated it was a promotion) in the data (n=3481). Results Among all posts, 723 (20.77%) contained a Cartoon, and 479 (13.76%) were coded as a cartoon because of the Logo. In other words, 479/723 or (66.25%) of Cartoon were coded as cartoons due to the vendor’s or manufacture’s logo. Among all posts, 2360 (67.80%) were Promo. Conclusion Findings indicate that e-cigarette companies are using cartoons to market their products and many of these companies’ logos are cartoons. Empirical data are needed to determine whether cartoon marketing strategies impact perceived risk and benefits, product appeal, the intention to use and actual use of e-cigarettes.
Echocardiographic Measurements of Right Ventricular Mechanics in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at 36 Weeks Postmenstrual Age

Objective To test the hypothesis that specific echocardiographic measurements of right ventricular (RV) mechanics at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) are associated with the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Study design A subset of 93 preterm infants (born between 27 and 29 weeks of gestation) was selected retrospectively from a prospectively enrolled cohort. BPD was defined using the National Institutes of Health workshop definition, with modifications for oxygen reduction testing and altitude. The cohort was divided into no-BPD and BPD groups using previously published methodology for analyses. Echocardiographic measurements of RV function (ie, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area of change, systolic-to-diastolic ratio, tissue Doppler myocardial performance index, and RV strain), RV remodeling/morphology (end-systolic left ventricular eccentricity index), and RV afterload (pulmonary artery acceleration time measure) were evaluated at 36 weeks PMA. Multivariable logistic regression determined associations between RV measurements and BPD severity. Results Compared with the no-BPD cohort, the BPD group had lower birth weight z-scores (P = .04) and trended toward a male predominance (P = .08). After adjusting for birth weight z-score, gestational age, and sex, there were no between-group differences in echocardiographic measurements except for the eccentricity index (scaled OR [0.1-unit increase], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.13-2.12; P = .01). Conclusions Among conventional and emerging echocardiographic measurements of RV mechanics, eccentricity index was the sole variable independently associated with BPD severity in this study. The eccentricity index may be a useful echocardiographic measurement for characterizing RV mechanics in patients with BPD at 36 weeks PMA.
A Machine Learning Approach Relating 3D Body Scans to Body Composition in Humans

A long-standing question in nutrition and obesity research involves quantifying the relationship between body fat and anthropometry. To date, the mathematical formulation of these relationships has relied on pairing easily obtained anthropometric measurements such as the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, or hip circumference to body fat. Recent advances in 3D body shape imaging technology provides a new opportunity for quickly and accurately obtaining hundreds of anthropometric measurements within seconds, however, there does not yet exist a large diverse database that pairs these measurements to body fat. Herein, we leverage 3D scanned anthropometry obtained from a population of United States Army basic training recruits to derive four subpopulations of homogenous body shape archetypes using a combined principal components and cluster analysis. While the Army database was large and diverse, it did not have body composition measurements. Therefore, these body shape archetypes were paired to an alternate smaller sample of participants from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA that were not only similarly imaged by the same 3D scanning machine, but also had concomitant measures of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition. With this enhanced ability to obtain anthropometry through 3D scanning quickly of large populations, our machine learning approach for pairing body shapes from large datasets to smaller datasets that also contain state-of-the-art body composition measurements can be extended to pair other health outcomes to 3D body shape anthropometry.
Using a Feminist Standpoint Perspective and Praxis Lens to Challenge Neoliberalism in Eurozone Austerity Policy

The economic downturn in Eurozone countries started in late 2007, and it continues today, over a decade later. Current Eurozone economic austerity policy is a quantitatively driven “one size fits a...
Evolution of extravascular implantable defibrillator technologies

Abstract The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has been successfully treating patients with lethal ventricular arrhythmias for decades. The main acute and chronic complications of this therapy modality are related to the use of a transvenous lead. An entirely extravascular ICD concept was developed over the last 20 years, with emergence of the subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD). This device was approved for clinical use seven years ago, and accumulating real-life experience confirms its safety and efficacy. The main limitations related to this system include the lack of pacing capabilities for bradycardia, tachycardia or resynchronization therapy, a large size, and relatively high energy requirements for effective defibrillation. This review article summarizes current knowledge and potential future developments of the extravascular ICD technologies.
Reactive power optimization and fault analysis based on intelligent distribution network simulation platform

Intelligent distribution network is one of the key technologies and the important part of smart grid. It has great significance to the high-quality electric energy and the promotion of new energy revolution which can promote environmental protection and sustainable development. At present, our country’s smart distribution network is still in its initial stage which is relatively weak. It cannot solve the problem of a large number of renewable energy accesses to the power grid and achieve the optimal operation of distribution network and itself healing control. With the gradual deepening of the construction of smart distribution network, the future power grid will be more complex, and its operation and control is bound to be more highly dependent on digital simulation tools. At first, the three aspects of the distribution network simulation platform is analyzed in this paper. Secondly, the model and algorithm of the function module of the simulation platform are analyzed in the two parts of the reactive power optimization and fault analysis. Reactive power optimization part of the column writes the objective function, equality and inequality constraints. The function of reactive power optimization is realized by using particle swarm optimization algorithm. Fault analysis section describes the module data relations, three-phase short-circuit fault and asymmetric fault processing flow. Finally, the line model is built in the simulation platform, which verifies the correctness of the simulation platform.
Changing seasonality of the sea: past, present, and future

Abstract Phenology (the science of how climate and weather affect seasonal, ecological cycles) has been understudied in marine ecosystems despite its vital role in mediating interspecific interactions and promoting ecosystem services. Seasonal mismatches between larval fishes and their prey can result in low larval survival and poor fisheries recruitment. Climate change may increase the frequency of mismatches if seasonal plankton blooms and fish reproduction are cued by different climatic drivers. Multidecadal time series with a high temporal resolution are needed to document how climate change impacts marine phenology, but such time series are rare due to the challenges of gathering these data at sea. In locations where such time series exist, rapid changes in fish and zooplankton phenology have been observed, whereas phytoplankton and seabirds have experienced smaller or more variable phenological changes. This suggests that each trophic level is responding differently to changes, which could restructure many ecological interactions.
Sequential Optimization in Locally Important Dimensions

Optimizing an expensive, black-box function f(·) is challenging when its input space is high-dimensional. Sequential design frameworks first model f(·) with a surrogate function and then optimize a...
Improving Neonatal Follow Up – Using Quality Improvement Methodology for Short- and Long-term Outcomes

Background: Neonatal follow up (NFU) clinics play an important role in the multidisciplinary care of an increasing population of preterm infants surviving with complex medical needs. They provide parent support after discharge, act as a liaison with community physicians and agencies, and aid in early identification of developmental disabilities and referral to appropriate services. Despite the inherent value of NFU clinics, many programs report poor compliance with follow up visits. Preterm infants who are followed with difficulty have higher rates of disability and lower IQ scores, even after adjustment of …
The Economic Consequences of Accounting Fraud in Product Markets: Theory and a Case from the U.S. Telecommunications Industry (WorldCom)

This article studies the effects of accounting fraud on the product market. The model presented in this article relies on the idea that a firm's financial statements and actions must be consistent with each other. If the firm is behaving fraudulently, insofar as its financial statements portray it as relatively efficient, the firm must act accordingly, that is, increase its market share and/or reduce its prices. If the firm does not behave in keeping with its fraudulent financials, the market would be able to identify the fraud. As such, the manager will take actions and make pricing decisions that are not optimal. These actions can have a significant adverse effect on social welfare. This article utilizes the WorldCom case to illustrate the implications of such fraudulent behavior and its economic significance in product markets
A Range Extension for the Rock Vole, Microtus chrotorrhinus , in Labrador

Rock Voles ( Microtus chrotorrhinus ) were previously documented only from the southern coast of Labrador and the Strait of Belle Isle south of Hamilton Inlet. During two field seasons in 2000 and 2001, both in July, six Rock Vole specimens were collected on Southern Island, off the north-central coast of Labrador, extending the range of the subspecies Microtus chrotorrhinus ravus approximately 250 km to the central Labrador coast north of Hamilton Inlet. Rock Voles were trapped primarily in stunted Black Spruce ( Picea mariana ) forest and areas associated with rocks, thick brush, and water.
Development of an Oncology Acute Care Risk Prediction Model.

PURPOSEAcute care utilization (ACU), including emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admissions, is common in patients with cancer and may be preventable. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid ...
Carbonaceous Deposits in a Fuel-Film Cooled Rocket Combustor: Electron Microscopy

The high gas–side heat transfer coefficients expected in high-pressure oxygen-rich staged combustion kerosene–oxygen engines require fuel–film cooling in parallel with regenerative cooling to keep ...
Institutional quality assurance for breast cancer HER2 immunohistochemical testing: identification of outlier results and impact of simultaneous fluorescence in situ hybridization cotesting

Summary The College of American Pathologists Accreditation Checklist requires comparison of laboratory predictive results with published benchmarks but does not require analysis of individual pathologists. With the availability of targeted human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein therapy, uniform reporting of HER2 protein status by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is essential. Our aim was to compare HER2 IHC results among pathologists in routine clinical practice within a single institution and assess the impact of simultaneous IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) ordering. We reviewed reports from 928 consecutive breast needle biopsies from 2008 to 2012 at a tertiary academic medical center in which HER2 IHC and HER2 FISH were ordered. There was a significant association between breast pathologist and IHC result (negative, 49.8%-83.2%; positive, 8.7%-14.1%; equivocal, 5.2%-41.5%; P P = .69). For 1 pathologist, IHC signed out with FISH had an equivocal rate nearly 2-fold lower than IHC results that were reported first (10.5% versus 20.9%) ( P = .04). Institutions should be aware that although overall HER2 IHC reporting may be consistent with guidelines, there can be significant variation among practitioners. In addition to aggregate data, we recommend comparing the rates from individual pathologists to standards. Furthermore, routine simultaneous ordering of both IHC and FISH could impact interpretation of test results and may inappropriately encourage less confidence in IHC results among pathologists.
Decentralized sparsity-based multi-source association and state tracking

The problem of tracking multiple sources using observations acquired at spatially scattered sensors is considered here. Two different sensing architectures are studied: (i) a fusion-center based topology where sensors have a limited power budget; and (ii) an ad hoc architecture where sensors collaborate with neighboring nodes enabling in-network processing. A novel source-to-sensor association scheme and tracking is introduced by enhancing the standard Kalman filtering minimization formulation with norm-one regularization terms. In the fusion-based topology a pertinent transmission power constraint is introduced, while coordinate descent techniques are employed to recover the unknown sparse observation matrix, select pertinent sensors and subsequently track the source states. In the ad hoc topology, the centralized minimization problem is written in a separable way and the alternating direction method of multipliers is utilized to construct an in-network algorithmic tracking and association framework. Numerical tests demonstrate that the resulting schemes are capable to associate sources with sensors, and track the unknown sources while adhering to any imposed power constraints. HighlightsWe develop distributed source-to-sensor association scheme and tracking schemes.An norm-one regularized Kalman filter formulation is introduced.Ad hoc and fusion-center based sensor networks are considered.In-network processing via alternating direction method of multipliers.
RNA and the Cellular Biochemistry Revisited

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the study of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and its transcription. RNA is a long, unbranched polymer of ribonucleoside monophosphate moieties joined together by phosphodiester linkages, and both eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNAs are essentially single-stranded molecules. RNA molecules are produced by the process of transcription; wherein, transcription is the process by which a single-stranded RNA molecule is synthesized from a specific chromosome locus. The RNA molecule that results from the transcription of an operon is usually polycistronic, meaning that more than one polypeptide is encoded in a single RNA transcript and the immediate products of transcription are RNA molecules whose sequence correlates precisely with the DNA from which it is derived. These primary transcription products are only a precursor to functional RNA. The synthesis of RNA is mediated by the activity of enzymes known as RNA polymerases. Transcription results in the production of transcripts. These transcripts observed within a cell are broadly classified as ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA), or messenger RNA (mRNA). The rRNA is the most abundant RNA component in the cell whereas the tRNA is responsible for the transportation of amino acids to the ribosome to support de novo protein synthesis. The mRNA drives the phenotype of the cell, although it is the least abundant of all transcript types.
The Tn3 beta-lactamase gene acts as a hotspot for meiotic recombination in yeast.

Although genetic distances are often assumed to be proportional to physical distances, chromosomal regions with unusually high (hotspots) or low (coldspots) levels of meiotic recombination have been described in a number of genetic systems. In general, the DNA sequences responsible for these effects have not been determined. We report that the 5' region of the β-lactamase (amp(R)) gene of the bacterial transposon Tn3 is a hotspot for meiotic recombination when inserted into the chromosomes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When these sequences are homozygous, both crossing over and gene conversion are locally stimulated. The 5' end of the β-lactamase gene is about 100-fold ``hotter'' for crossovers than an average yeast DNA sequence.
Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of aryl halides using bulky biarylmonophosphine ligands

Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of aryl halides using bulky biarylmonophosphine ligands
Cancer treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound: A combined therapy/imaging system for precision noninvasive lesion formation

A system with combined therapy/imaging capability for noninvasive lesion formation in tissue using high-intensity focused ultrasound will be presented. The system combines a highly focused therapeutic device with an imaging transducer for monitoring the treated volume in realtime using signal processing algorithms of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) echo data. Preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to distinguish between reversible and irreversible change in the state of the tissue due to high-intensity focused ultrasound. An autoregressive model has been assumed for processing echo data from the treated region. The reflection coefficients for a low-order AR model are calculated from A-line data taken during the treatment (every 1 to 2 seconds). The contours of the reflection coefficients can be used to distinguish between reversible and irreversible change in the state of the tissue. Noninvasive quantitative measures of thresholds for irreversible tissue damage based on the AR reflection coefficients are currently being investigated. Experimental results from our investigation will be presented. In addition, a review of the current status of research on tissue ablation using high-intensity focused ultrasound will be given.
A precision measurement of the branching fraction B(τ± → h±π0ντ) from CLEO II

Using data from the CLEO II detector at CESR, we measure B(τ± → h±π0ντ) where h± refers to either π± or K±. We use τ+τ− events in which one tau decays to h±π0ντ and the other decays into either e±νeντ, μ±νμντ, h±π0ντ, or h±h+h−(π0)ντ. We use three different methods to measure this branching fraction. The combined result is B(τ± → h±π0ντ) = 0.2587 ± 0.0012 ± 0.0042, in good agreement with predictions from CVC. This result, in combination with other precision measurements, reduces the significance of the one-prong problem in tau decays. Preliminary results from a fit to the π±π0 mass distribution are also presented.
False positive reporting of Hirschsprung's disease in Alaska: an evaluation of Hirschsprung's disease surveillance, birth years 1996-2007.

BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a potentially fatal congenital intestinal obstruction syndrome. For birth years 1996–2002, reported HSCR prevalence in Alaska was approximately six times higher than the national estimate of two per 10,000 live births. In 2008 we completed a case verification study of HSCR reported to the Alaska Birth Defects Registry (ABDR) to verify prevalence and evaluate sensitivity and predictive value of HSCR surveillance. METHODS We abstracted medical records for children reported with HSCR who were born in 1996–2007 and matched to an Alaska birth certificate. We categorized reports as confirmed, ruled out, or inconclusive. ABDR sensitivity was validated by cross-referencing hospital discharge data with confirmed HSCR cases. RESULTS Overall sensitivity of the ABDR was 94.4%, and positive predictive value (PPV) was 31.1%. Following case verification, HSCR prevalence was three per 10,000 live births statewide and 5.6 and 2.1 per 10,000 live births for Alaska Natives and non-Natives, respectively. Positive predictive value was twice as high for the Alaska Native population as the non-Native population. CONCLUSIONS Multiple-source passive surveillance methodology resulted in high sensitivity for HSCR ascertainment; however, case verification was required to rule out false-positive reports, which obscured the true distribution of Alaska Native versus non-Native HSCR cases. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Negatively reinforced key pecking

A reinforcement-switching procedure was used to produce negatively reinforced key pecking in pigeons. First, key pecking on a chain schedule (fixed-interval 10-sec variable-interval 60-sec) was conditioned using grain reinforcement. Second, intermittent shock in the initial link was introduced at a low intensity and gradually increased. Third, food reinforcement in the terminal link was eliminated. With shock at 90 V occurring on the average every 3 sec, initial-link pecking was maintained with no terminal-link food. Three of four pigeons responded consistently at shock intensities of 90, 70, and 50 V but not at 30 V. A fourth pigeon responded at but not below 90 V. Rate of response was directly related to shock frequency. Eliminating food deprivation did not affect the negatively reinforced performance.
Choice and voice: creating a community of practice in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The development and utility of genetically modified (GM) crops for smallholders around the world is controversial. Critical questions include what traits and crops are to be developed; how they can be adapted to smallholders’ ecological, social and economic contexts; which dissemination channels should be used to reach smallholders; and which policy environments will enable the greatest benefits for smallholders and the rural poor. A key question is how the voices of smallholders who have experience with or desire to use GM technologies enter the larger debate. Africa has the greatest number of smallholders and poor with the least exposure to GM crops. Because of the well-established use of GM crops in South Africa by commercial farmers, we formed a community of practice (CoP) involving smallholders, extension, researchers, non-profits and agribusiness in KwaZulu-Natal to examine the conditions under which GM crops are used by smallholders, how smallholders interact with GM technologies and what insights smallholders and other stakeholders can provide regarding these questions. One of the advantages of the CoP approach is that it brings stakeholders together in a non-hierarchical way that encourages new ways of thinking and new partnerships. Such interaction around a specific project can enhance the voice of smallholders in a variety of ways. In our project, smallholder participants have increased their knowledge and can make better decisions about GM technologies, which had been barriers for them. Notably, they have also improved their knowledge of maize production practices, accessed new practice networks, and met new researchers and resource providers. They are now being integrated into these networks in a way that should improve their livelihoods and make the wants and needs of smallholders better known. Such knowledge and experience has improved their voice in agriculture and rural development discussions.
KINETICS OF THE ACID‐CATALYZED AQUATION OF CIS‐ AND TRANS‐DIACETATOBIS(1,2‐PROPANEDIAMINE)COBALT(III) CATIONS

Abstract The aquation of both cis- and trans-Co(pn)2(AcO)2+ is catalyzed by H+, in aqueous solutions. The observed pseudo first-order rate constant, kobsd, shows a linear dependence on [H+] and there is kinetic, and in the case of the trans isomer spectrophotometric, evidence for a pre-equilibrium association of the complex cation with the proton. The kinetics obey the rate law −dln[complex]/dt = αQ[H+]/1 + Q[H+] (where Q = the pre-equilibrium constant for protonation and α = the aquation rate constant for the protonated species). The cis diacetato cation aquates with complete retention of configuration yielding cis-Co(pn)2(AcO)(H2O)2+. Aquation of the trans diacetato proceeds with stereochemical change to yield an equilibrium mixture of cis- and trans-Co(pn)2(AcO)(H2O)2+ in the ratio 3:1, respectively. Both cis- and trans-Co(pn)2(AcO(H2O)2+ isomerize to an equilibrium mixture that is 75% cis and 25% trans.
4: Instructional Development: Methodology and Research:

Within the past few years, a major portion of the money available for educational improvement has been channeled into the development of instructional systems and products, and a number of books and manuals to give guidance to developers of instructional systems have appeared (Briggs, 1970; Gerlack & Ely, 1971; Kemp, 1971; M. D. Merrill, 1971 la; Popham & Baker, 1970). While they vary in terminology and detail, they all include the following components: behavioral objectives, pretest, instructional activities, posttest, and revision based on empirical tryouts. This model was first given widespread exposure by Glaser (1965, 1966) in his papers describing the emerging field of instructional psychology. M. D. Merrill (1972a, 1972b) has suggested that three premises underlie this basic model:
Asphaltene deposition: a survey of field experiences and research approaches

Abstract The paper reviews the experiences]of the oil industry and the progress and direction of the research community in their efforts to provide solutions to the asphaltene deposition problem. The oil industry, basically, seems to be combating the problem through remedial rather than preventive methods. Mechanical and chemical cleaning methods are being improvised to maintain production at economical levels. The research community, currently, is rather split in the approach to model the asphaltene deposition problem. One school of thought considers the asphaltenes dissolved in the oil in a true liquid state and dwells upon thermodynamic techniques to predict their phase behavior. Another considers asphaltenes to exist in oil in a colloidal state, as minute suspended particles, and utilizes colloidal science techniques, among other, to predict their phase behavior. Experimental work over the last 40 years suggests that asphaltenes may exist in a colloidal state in the crude oil and further pursue of the subject in this direction by both the industrial and research communities is warranted.
Measurement of atomic oxygen and related airglows in the lower thermosphere

Instruments on board a sounding rocket were used to make simultaneous observations of atomic oxygen density and airglow emissions between 80 and 120 km. Atomic oxygen was measured with a resonance lamp and was found to have a peak density of 6 x 10 to the 11th at 94 km. Similar structure is seen in the oxygen density profile on both uplegs and downlegs. The following airglow emissions were measured by using vertical-viewing photometers: Herzberg I bands near 300 nm; O(1S) green line at 557.7 nm; background at 566 nm; O2(1 Delta g) bands at 1.27 microns; and OH (X 2 pi) Meinel bands near 1.7 microns.
Doppler ultrasound color flow imaging in the study of breast cancer: Preliminary findings

A prospective study of the Doppler color flow features of 55 proved breast cancers was performed. On a three-level scale of low to marked vascularity, visual assessment of the color flow images classified 82% of the cancers as moderately or markedly vascular (minimal: 14%, moderate: 29%, marked: 53%). Four percent of the cancers had no detectable flow. In 29 women, a volume of tissue comparable to the cancer was scanned in the contralateral normal breast. Sixty-nine percent of the normal breasts had moderate or marked vascularity (minimal: 28%, moderate: 41%, marked: 28%), and 3% were avascular. There was poor distinction between normal tissues and cancer which suggests that more sensitive Doppler methods than were employed in this study may be needed in order to detect the small vessel flow reported to be rather specific for malignancy. The high, 82%, detection rate of tumor vessels in this study suggests the potential use of color flow Doppler for directing more specific but lengthy Doppler procedures.
Survival of myxobacter strain 8 in natural soil in the presence and absence of host cells

Abstract Myxobacter strain 8 is one component of a sequence of three predatory bacteria that develop in soil when Micrococcus luteus host cells are added to the soil. The survival of strain 8 in the presence and absence of added host cells in natural soil not allowed to dry out was examined. Strain 8 vegetative cells died relatively rapidly in unamended soil. Death was faster and occurred to a greater extent in acidic than in neutral pH soil. However, in both cases death was accompanied by formation of sonication-resistant myxospores so that they comprised the ultimate population. These myxospores survived for prolonged periods in both acidic and neutral pH soils. Vegetative cells added in high numbers to soil did not multiply under any of the conditions tested. They did multiply, however, when they were added in low numbers to soil (including acidic soil) receiving sequential (additive) amendments of heart infusion broth or living M. luteus cells. This multiplication produced strain 8 cell numbers approximating those in the above experiments receiving high strain 8 cell number inoculations. Possibly, this represents a maximum vegetative cell number for soil. Germination of the myxospores in soil, followed by growth, seemed to require an approximately neutral pH and the presence of a proper host organism. Germination occurred with M. luteus as host, but not with Escherichia coli . A delayed germination occurred when sequential amendments of heart infusion broth, instead of M. luteus host cells, were made, but this could reflect a growth response by some indigenous components of the soil microflora that then served as host cells for germination.
Reference Group Theory, Social Comparison Theory, and the Study of Politics

Summary An experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that the federal government is a major determinant of standards by which citizens evaluate public policy. Ss were 80 freshmen students (46 males, 34 females) enrolled in an introductory American Government class at Ohio University. The test instrument consisted of presenting to each of four randomly divided groups one of four different sets of standards purported to be those of the federal government. The results illustrated that effective manipulation of standards may be quite possible, especially for the issue of poverty (F = 8.50, df = 3,75, p < .001). The experiment suggests governments not only react to demands as indicated in much of the traditional theoretical literature, but also may determine the demands by means of changing expectations about government performance.
Identification of a glutathione peroxidase homolog in Neisseria meningitidis

Glutathione peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme found in a diverse array of eukaryotic species. We have determined the DNA sequence of a glutathione peroxidase homolog in the pathogenic bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The sequence displays features of a functional gene, but lacks a selenocysteine-encoding in-frame TGA codon characteristic of most mammalian glutathione peroxidase genes. The derived amino acid sequence encoded by the N. meningitidis homolog predicts a 19.9 kDa protein that displays a high level of amino acid identity with other gluathione peroxidase sequences, particularly within four conserved regions of the enzyme.
Acute short radiolunate ligament rupture in a rock climber

We report the occurrence of a short radiolunate ligament rupture in a rock climber. To our knowledge, an isolated traumatic rupture of this ligament has not been described in the literature, and awareness of this entity allows initiation of therapy. The magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound appearances are reviewed and the mechanism of injury is discussed.
Of Iguanas and Dinosaurs: Social Behavior and Communication in Neonate Reptiles

Newborn and newly hatched reptiles show diverse types of social behavior. Aggregation behavior in snakes, dominance in turtles, vocalization in crocodilians, and synchronized nest emergence, migration, and foraging behavior in iguanas are documented. Such evidence casts doubt on inferences about a generalized reptilian level of social organization qualitatively inferior to that found in birds and mammals.
Cytoplasmic localization of the androgen receptor is independent of calreticulin

Identification and characterization of factors regulating intracellular localization of the androgen receptor (AR) are fundamentally important because nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of AR is a critical step in AR regulation by androgen manipulation. Normally, AR is localized to the cytoplasm in the absence of androgen. Upon ligand binding, AR translocates to the nucleus, where it can modulate transcription of AR-responsive genes. The withdrawal of androgen results in the export of unliganded AR from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it is transcriptionally inactive. Calreticulin has been implicated as a possible nuclear export factor for AR because the two proteins form a complex. In this study, we assessed whether the cytoplasmic localization of AR requires binding to calreticulin. To test this we substituted the calreticulin binding sequence (CBS) KVFFKR (residues 579-584) with the amino acids RLAARK in AR and monitored the cellular localization of a GFP-AR fusion protein in the absence of androgen. We also determined if knockdown or knockout of calreticulin expression affected the cytoplasmic localization of the AR. We found that a mutated CBS did not affect the localization of AR and that in the absence of androgen, AR is localized to the cytoplasm regardless of its ability to interact with calreticulin. Also, a reduction in the levels or loss of calreticulin did not affect the localization of AR. These data argue that calreticulin is not required for the cytoplasmic localization of AR.
Current status of laparoscopic surgery of the pancreas

Laparoscopic surgery of the pancreas remains, other than for certain clear indications, primarily investigational. However, in the past few years, laparoscopic therapy for pancreatic diseases has made significant strides and will undoubtedly contribute increasingly to the care of the surgical patient with pancreatic disease. This review discusses the current status of minimally invasive surgical therapy of pancreatic diseases and reviews the current literature. There are four major areas of clinical and laboratory investigation, including diagnostic laparoscopy for staging of pancreatic cancer, laparoscopic palliation of unresectable pancreatic cancer, laparoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst, and laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy (pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and enucleation for islet cell tumors). The increased sensitivity of staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound as a staging modality in the diagnosis of previously unrecognized metastatic disease from pancreatic cancer is clearly the most utilitarian application of laparoscopic technology in this patient population. Additionally, a natural extension of staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound is the ability to improve the quality of life for the patient with unresectable pancreatic cancer by palliating the biliary and gastrointestinal obstruction and the debilitating pain, without the need for and morbidity of open laparotomy. Laparoscopic internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts remains early in its development but appears to have potential benefit from application of minimal access techniques. And laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy, both pancreaticoduodenectomy, and, to a lesser degree, distal pancreatectomy, remain primarily investigational without clearly established benefits from the use of minimal access techniques.