cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of soluble guanylate cyclase in NO-induced increases in aqueous humor outflow facility and in the trabecular meshwork.

PURPOSE Nitric oxide (NO) increases the rate at which aqueous humor exits the eye; however, the involvement of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is unknown. This study investigated the role of sGC in mediating the NO-induced increases in outflow facility. METHODS Outflow facility was measured in porcine eyes using the anterior segment organ culture perfusion system. sGC activity was assessed by cGMP production in low-passage porcine and human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and transformed human TM cells, as measured by enzyme immunoassay. sGCalpha and sGCbeta isoform expression were determined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS Activation of sGC is necessary for the NO-induced increases in outflow facility (0.3215 microL/min per mm Hg [baseline outflow facility]+/-0.0837 [SEM]). NO resulted in increased sGC activity that was abolished by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-1 (ODQ). Western blot analysis of total protein demonstrated an equivalent ratio of sGCalpha and sGCbeta subunit expression. In transformed cell fractions, however, the level of cytoplasmic sGCalpha subunit expression was decreased compared with low-passage human TM cells. CONCLUSIONS Activation of sGC is involved in the NO-induced increases in outflow facility. The expression of alpha and beta sGC subunits in an equivalent ratio would suggest a functional sGC heterodimer because DETA-NO increased cGMP levels in low-passage human and porcine TM cells. However, the inability of DETA-NO to cause increases in cGMP levels in transformed TM cells suggests that though the sGC heterodimer is necessary, it is not sufficient and may require other factors not present in transformed cells.
Long-term single institution comparison of endovascular aneurysm repair and open aortic aneurysm repair

Introduction Since the development of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), there remains concerns regarding its durability, need for secondary procedures, and associated long-term morbidity. We compared these two approaches to evaluate secondary interventions and their respective long-term durability. Methods All patients who had undergone endovascular and open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair were identified from a prospectively maintained registry. Health system charts, medical communication, and national death indexes were reviewed. Secondary interventions were classified as vascular (aortic graft or remote) and nonvascular (incisional or gastrointestinal). Results Between July 1985 and September 2009, 1908 patients underwent 1986 AAA repair procedures (EVAR = 1066; open = 920). Patients were followed up to 290 months (mean 27.6 ± 35.9) and identified with 427 surgical encounters (EVAR 233% to 21.9%; open 194% to 21.1%). Most encounters (338% to 74.6%) were related to vascular disease: 178 (EVAR = 131; open = 47) related to the aortic graft; 160 (EVAR = 93; open = 67) were related to nonaortic vascular disease. The remaining 89 surgical encounters included incisional hernias, small bowel obstruction, intra-abdominal abscesses, and wound dehiscence requiring operation. Of these 89 encounters (EVAR = 9; open = 80), 44 patients required surgical intervention and 36 required hospitalization without surgical procedure. Over the period of 100 months, the all-cause mortality rate was 25.2% after EVAR and 39.1% after open repair. One-year survival was 88.0% (SE 0.01) and 85.0% (SE 0.01), while 5-year survival was 58.0% (SE 0.02) and 53.0% (SE 0.02) for EVAR and open repair, respectively (log-rank P value Conclusion EVAR requires more late secondary vascular interventions than open AAA repair, but patients who undergo open repair have more nonvascular long-term morbidity. Long-term survival is better after EVAR compared to open repair in this selected patient group.
Mass Transport in Thermoresponsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) Hydrogels Studied by Electroanalytical Techniques: Swollen Gels

Steady-state voltammetry and chronoamperometry at microelectrodes were used to study mass transport properties of temperature sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid), NIPA-AA, hydrogels. 1,1‘-Ferrocenedimethylanol, Fc(MeOH)2, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy, TEMPO, were used as electroactive probe molecules. The activation energy of diffusion of Fc(MeOH)2 in aqueous solutions and in NIPA-AA hydrogels was found to be in the range of 17−19 kJ/mol, which suggests that the local microscopic viscosity does not change significantly because of the gelation process, although the macroscopic viscosity of the gels is extremely large. It was found that the diffusion coefficients of Fc(MeOH)2 and TEMPO in NIPA-AA hydrogels in their swollen state are approximately 20%−50% smaller than those in aqueous solutions, and that the diffusion coefficient of probe molecules in these gels is inversely proportional to the concentration of copolymer in the hydrogels. The “obstruction effect” and “hydration ...
Implementation design for databases: the 'forgotten' step

Most methodologies for database analysis and design specify conceptual, logical, and physical design as the three major design steps. However, although this three-step approach is popular, there is no consensus on when to use implementation design techniques, such as table partitioning and denormalization. Consequently, these techniques are treated as substeps in one of the three main design steps. This inconsistent treatment may be why many designers frequently rely on their intuition in applying implementation design techniques. Clearly, this ad hoc practice shouldn't continue. Ad hoc anything is not a good idea when designing a complex system. To resolve this problem, the author proposes that we extend the three-step methodology to include a fourth major step: implementation design. In this methodology, implementation design is the process of modifying an "ideal" logical data model (relational or object-oriented) to produce a more machine-efficient, "pragmatic" model: the implementation model. The implementation model, in turn, serves as input to the physical design step. This four-step method will encourage practitioners to resist the ad hoc approach and simplify the other design steps. It will also help in addressing the additional complexity associated with advanced database architectures, such as distributed and parallel databases and data warehouses.
The influence of technology on cancer nursing.

Objectives: To summarize technologies that have been described in nursing literature (in the context of oncology) over the last 25 years, and to present projections of possible technology in the future of oncology nursing. Data Sources: CINAHL (1982 to present), MEDLINE (1976 to 1984), and author identification of articles. Conclusions: Technology has greatly influenced the evolution of oncology nursing, particularly concerning treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biotherapy, marrow and blood transplantation), access devices, and genetic and information technologies. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurses must be prepared to deal with how technology affects their philosophical perspective of nursing and the challenges presented by technology.
Matrix element evaluation in the unitary group approach to the electron correlation problem

Computationally effective formulations are presented for the evaluation of matrix elements of unitary group generators and products of generators between Gelfand states. These matrix elements are the coefficients of the orbital integrals in the expressions for the Hamiltonian matrix elements in the Gelfand basis, and as such are the key elements in any application of the unitary group approach to wave-function calculations. The present formulations, which, like previous analyses, result in a simple factorization of the generator matrix elements, are based on a graphical representation of the Gelfand basis, and do not require orbital permutations or an interpretation of the Gelfand states in terms of Young tableaus. It is shown that the resulting formalism can lead to very efficient procedures for “direct” configuration-interaction calculations, and probably also for perturbation-theory treatments.
Thermal history induced variable relaxor behavior in the high TC ternary ferroelectric 0.6Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.05Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.35PbTiO3

Abstract Studies carried out on a perovskite-structured rhombohedral 0.6Bi(Mg 1/2 Ti 1/2 )O 3 –0.05Bi(Zn 1/2 Ti 1/2 )O 3 –0.35PbTiO 3 (xBZT–yBMT–zPT) ceramic quenched from temperatures below 1000 °C show that the dielectric properties are dramatically altered by the thermal history. Samples quenched from temperatures 650 °C–900 °C show classical ferroelectric switching behavior that is not observed on either side of this temperature range. The quenched states lose their switchable ferroelectric properties when heated to temperatures as low as 400 °C. The results demonstrate for the first time that the dielectric and electromechanical response, as observed at room temperature, can be varied between normal to relaxor behavior by changing thermal quenching conditions.
Physiological disorders of the apple at mid-season stage of development

Abstract Morphological and anatomical development of epidermis, hypodermis and cortical cells in relation to cuticle on young developing apples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Initial symptoms of abnormal cell development appeared in the orchard at approximately mid-season growth as depressions on the fruit surface. They were observed on the calyx or basin areas, light-reddish brown in color with a light-greenish margin. Normal fruit tissue was covered by a well-defined, uniform cuticle subtended by an epidermis contiguous to 10–12 layers of hypodermal cells. In areas where anthocyanin development was evident, collapse and fragmentation of cortical cells extended deep within the cortex nearly to the core-line bundles. The cuticle was thin, subtended by fragmented thick-walled hypodermal cells; however, cuticle thickening occurred at the edge of the tissue fissure. Cell senescence was indicated by extreme cell-wall thickening in the hypodermis. The fruit was incapable of further growth expansion in the affected area, as a result of cell collapse.
Cytochrome c3. A class of electron transfer heme proteins found in both photosynthetic and sulfate-reducing bacteria

Abstract Cytochromes c with absorption spectra and oxidation-reduction potentials very similar to those of Desulfovibrio vulgaris cytochrome c3 were isolated from the photosynthetic bacteria Chloropseudomonas ethylicum, Rhodopseudomonas spheroides and Rps. palustris, as well as from the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans. Analysis of the highly purified C. ethylicum cytochrome c-551.5 indicates that this protein contains three heme groups per molecule, as compared to Desulfovibrio cytochrome c3, which has four hemes. It is suggested that a special class of cytochromes c be recognized which has absorption spectra and oxidation-reduction potentials similar to those of Desulfovibrio cytochrome c3.
Redox-mediated activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta 1

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta) is a multifunctional cytokine that orchestrates response to injury via ubiquitous cell surface receptors. The biological activity of TGF beta is restrained by its secretion as a latent complex (LTGF beta) such that activation determines the extent of TGF beta activity during physiological and pathological events. TGF beta action has been implicated in a variety of reactive oxygen-mediated tissue processes, particularly inflammation, and in pathologies such as reperfusion injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. It was recently shown to be rapidly activated after in vivo radiation exposure, which also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present studies, the potential for redox-mediated LTGF beta activation was investigated using a cell-free system in which ROS were generated in solution by ionizing radiation or metal ion-catalyzed ascorbate reaction. Irradiation (100 Gray) of recombinant human LTGF beta in solution induced 26% activation compared with that elicited by standard thermal activation. Metal-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation elicited extremely efficient recombinant LTGF beta activation that matched or exceeded thermal activation. The efficiency of ascorbate activation depended on ascorbate concentrations and the presence of transition metal ions. We postulate that oxidation of specific amino acids in the latency-conferring peptide leads to a conformation change in the latent complex that allows release of TGF beta. Oxidative activation offers a novel route for the involvement of TGF beta in tissue processes in which ROS are implicated and endows LTGF beta with the ability to act as a sensor of oxidative stress and, by releasing TGF beta, to function as a signal for orchestrating the response of multiple cell types. LTGF beta redox sensitivity is presumably directed toward recovery of homeostasis; however, oxidation may also be a mechanism of LTGF beta activation that can be deleterious during disease mechanisms involving chronic ROS production.
Using subjective health assessments in practice and policy-making

This paper discusses the use of subjective health assessment in medical practice and social policy-making. The importance of recognising patients' perceptions of their health when attempting to improve patient-practitioner relationships and formulate effective health care policies is stressed. The paper describes some of the tensions that exist between objective and subjective assessments of health. It is argued that there is a need for a unifying theory to underpin the use of subjective health perceptions. Suggestions are made for the effective employment of these indicators.
Interaction of interferon with chick embryo cells

The degree of resistance to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) increased with the time of contact of chick embryo cells with interferon at 37°C. Resistance developed in cells which were held in contact with interferon at 4°C for an hour, washed free of interferon and then incubated at 37°C before inoculation. The degree of resistance that developed after such treatment was lower than that formed when both the contact with interferon as well as further incubation were performed at 37°C. Increased time of contact with interferon at 4°C led to increased protection. This is considered evidence that the resistance developed after treatment at 4°C was not due to residual unbound interferon carried over to 37°C. Instead it must have been the result of some kind of interaction between interferon and cells taking place at 4°C. Incubation of cells with interferon in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) not only failed to increase, but even significantly decreased, the degree of resistance. Incubation of cells with a high concentration of fetal calf serum (FCS) inhibited the action of interferon and increased the yield of VSV.
Identities in the Making: Realized In-Between Self and Other

A middle school is a complex setting in which to develop a sense of self. The following accounts of three young women reveal ways that identity is confronted, offering insights for all learners. The intent is to show how prospective and practicing teachers can gain greater access to fostering identities in the making. The language of Bakhtin gives expression to the necessary teaching and learning conditions for students to look at the sense and selves being made on a continual basis. We conclude that valuing and validating identities in the making require that learning spaces be created, sustained, and nurtured as living, evolving encounters for negotiating ideas, making connections, and seeing possibilities, gaining insights into self and other. Educators must appreciate the student risking of self entailed in such learning encounters. Just as greater self-understanding should be at the core of all learning, and must be known in order to foster such understandings in others, so the tradition of self-stud...
Use of the McGill Pain Questionnaire to measure pain: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis of 51 studies was done to estimate normative mean McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) scores and to assess pain quality and pain intensity as measured by the MPQ in 3,624 subjects with seven painful conditions. Across the painful conditions, all of the estimated normative mean scores were no more than 50% of the maximum score, suggesting that scores may be skewed to the left. Although the estimated normative mean scores were similar among the seven painful conditions, higher affective scores appeared to differentiate chronic painful conditions from acute painful conditions. Of the 78 MPQ words that describe pain quality, only 19 were selected by more than 20% of the subjects. Data reported in the majority of these studies were inadequate to test for differences in scores or word selection pattern by the seven painful conditions.
Trifluralin effects on carrot callus tissue

Abstract The effect of trifluralin on the growth, oxygen uptake, and adenosine phosphates level of carrot ( Daucus carota L.) callus tissue was determined over a period of 18 days after subculture. The herbicide (10 −4 and 10 −5 M ) reduced fresh weight gain significantly; the reduction was less with lower trifluralin concentrations. Dry weight accumulation was not inhibited until after Day 6 of the test period and thereafter was reduced by all concentrations tested. Oxygen consumption was inhibited by trifluralin (10 −4 and 10 −5 M ) throughout the test period. Concentrations of 10 −6 .10 −7 , and 10 −8 M produced variable effects. The response profile of O 2 consumption in the presence of dinitrophenol was different from that of trifluralin. Analysis of adenosine phosphates level gave no clear response trend. Energy charge values of 0.7 to 0.85 were obtained for untreated tissue. Trifluralin had no effect on energy charge until Day 9 (10 −4 M ) and after Day 15 (all concentrations).
High-Energy High-Rate Processing of High-Temperature Metal-Matrix Composites

Advances in kinetic energy storage devices have opened up a new approach to powder processing of High Temperature Composites. The processing consists of internal heating of a customized powder blend by a fast electrical discharge of a homopolar generator. The high-energy high-rate “lMJ in 1s” pulse permits rapid heating of a conducting powder in a cold wall die. This short time at temperature approach offers the opportunity to control phase transformations and the degree of microstructural coarsening not readily possible using standard powder processing approaches. This paper will describe the consolidation results of two high temperature composite materials, (W-Ni-Fe)/B 4 C and (Ti 3 Al+Nb)/SiC. The focus of this study was the identification of the reaction products formed at the matrix/reinforcement interface as a function of input energy and applied stress. Input energies beyond a threshold value for each system were required to produce detectable reaction products. In the (W-Ni-Fe)/B 4 C system, the reaction products formed at 4000 kJ/kg input energy under 420 MPa applied stress were a series of complex carbides and borides including W 2 C, FeWB, Fe 3 C, Fe 6 W 6 C and Ni 4 B 3 . The intermetallic Fe 7 W 6 was also observed. In the (Ti 3 Al+Nb)/SiC system, the reaction products observed at 3400 kJ/kg and 210 MPa were TiC and TiSi 2 .
Finite-Sample Properties of Some Old and Some New Estimators of a Common Odds Ratio from Multiple 2 × 2 Tables

Abstract A simulation study was used to determine the finite-sample properties of various estimators of a common odds ratio from multiple 2 × 2 tables. The maximum likelihood, Mantel-Haenszel, and Woolf estimators plus four variants of each were considered. The original Woolf estimator and one of its variants are dismissed on the grounds that they often cannot be calculated. In terms of minimum bias, maximum likelihood is the recommended procedure after adding .25 to each cell.
Quasiparticle energy spectra and magnetic response of certain curved graphitic geometries.

The quasiparticle energy spectra associated with some memebrs of fullerene (curved graphitic geometries, e.g., ${\mathrm{C}}_{50}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$, and helical graphitic microtubules) are obtained anayltically within the Hartree-Fock mean-field approximation. The magnetization and magnetic susceptibility are calculated in the presence of a strong external magnetic field at zero temperature. Interesting theoretical predictions such as the single quasiparticle excitation energies for ${\mathrm{C}}_{50}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{50}^{+}$; ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}^{+}$; ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}^{+}$ as well as the presence of an extra peak in de Haas\char21{}van Alphen oscillations for a helical graphitic microtubule are discussed in terms of accessible experimental measurements.
A study of the decay KLO → πμν

Abstract We report results from a Dalitz plot analysis of 16 386 K μ3 0 candidates obtained in an experiment with high efficiency across the Dalitz plot and very low background. We measure the vector and scalar from factors and obtain the following values for the linear expansion parameters: γ + = 0.028 ± 0.011, γ 0 = 0.039 ± 0.010.
Proteinuria in long term streptozotocin diabetes in rats

Abstract The total protein excretion rate of Munich-Wistar rats studied 80–90 days after the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin was more than double that of age-matched controls. The urine proteins consisted of only albumin and pre-albumin fractions. Dextran/inulin clearance ratios were not higher in the diabetic rats, and it is concluded that the proteinuria is not due to an increased glomerular permeability to protein. Kidney size was increased 1.7 fold and body weight was 60% of control. Glomerular filtration rate uncorrected for kidney or body weight was also not different from controls.
Raman study of chain deformation in polypropylene

Raman spectroscopy was used to study the transfer of energy that occurs among the internal vibrations of crystalline isotactic polypropylene as it is compressed. The \({\text{C}}--\mathop {\mathop {\text{C}}\limits_| --C}\limits_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{3}} }\) group was found to play a significant role in the subsequent chain deformation.
Fueling our transportation future.

This article focuses on ways to lower the demand for oil and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in cars and light trucks. The massive use of petroleum-based fuels for transportation release vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere--25% of the total worldwide. Options for reducing these emissions include improving vehicle technology, reducing vehicle size, developing different fuels, and changing the way vehicles are used.
Placental fluid in measles prophylaxis

A F R E S H L Y expelled human placenta when cut up and squeezed in a simple hand press yields a cloudy sanguineous fluid. I f the fluid, together with the blood which is expelled with the placenta, is centrifuged, a supernatant fluid is obtained, the diphtheria antitoxic titer of which, in most instances, is identical with the diphtheria antitoxic titer of the serum obtained from the blood of the corresponding woman during the last stage of labor. 1 Comparison of the antitoxie titer of the placental fluid and corresponding maternal blood serum was made in 18 instances, and, as noted in Table I, the figures were identical in 13 of the 18 instances and very similar in the remaining 5.
Viral serotype and the transgene sequence influence overlapping adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer in skeletal muscle.

Background The overlapping approach was developed recently to expand the adeno-associated viral (AAV) packaging capacity. In this approach, a gene is split into two partially overlapping fragments and separately packaged into an upstream and a downstream vector, respectively. Transgene expression is achieved in co-infected cells after homologous recombination. Despite the promising proof-of-principle results in the lung, the efficiency has been very disappointing in skeletal muscle. Here we examined two potential rate-limiting factors including AAV serotype and the transgene sequence. Methods To study serotype effect, we delivered AAV-2, -5 and -6 overlapping vectors (5 × 108 vg particles of the upstream and the downstream vectors, respectively) and 5 × 108 vg particles of the intact gene vector to the tibialis anterior muscles of 7-week-old C57Bl/6 mice, respectively. To determine the effect of transgene sequence, we compared LacZ and alkaline phosphatase (AP) overlapping vectors. Transduction efficiency was quantified 6 weeks later by scoring the percentage of transgene-positive myofibers. Results AAV-2 overlapping vectors barely resulted in detectable transduction. Transduction efficiency was significantly improved in AAV-5 and AAV-6. The highest level was achieved in AAV-6 that reached 42% and 96% of that of the intact gene vector for the LacZ gene and the AP gene, respectively. Surprisingly, AAV-6 overlapping vector resulted in higher transduction than did AAV-2 and AAV-5 intact gene vectors. Conclusions Our findings suggest that AAV serotype and the transgene sequence play critical roles in the overlapping approach. AAV-6 holds great promise for overlapping vector-mediated muscle gene therapy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SUBGOAL ORDERING AND GRANULARITY CONTROL FOR INCREMENTAL PLANNING

In this paper, we study strategies in incremental planning for ordering and grouping subproblems partitioned by the subgoals of a planning problem. To generate a rich set of partial orders for orde...
Change Over Time: Conducting Longitudinal Studies of Children's Cognitive Development

Developmental scientists have argued that the implementation of longitudinal methods is necessary for obtaining an accurate picture of the nature and sources of developmental change (Magnusson & Cairns, 1996; Morrison & Ornstein, 1996; Magnusson & Stattin, 2006). Developmentalists studying cognition have been relatively slow to embrace longitudinal research, and thus few exemplar studies have tracked individual children's cognitive performance over time and even fewer have examined contexts that are associated with this growth. In this article we first outline some of the benefits of implementing longitudinal designs. Using illustrations from existing studies of children's basic cognitive development and of their school-based academic performance, we discuss when it may be appropriate to employ longitudinal (versus other) methods. We then outline methods for integrating longitudinal data into one's research portfolio, contrasting the leveraging of existing longitudinal data sets with the launching of new longitudinal studies in order to address specific questions concerning cognitive development. Finally, for those who are interested in conducting longitudinal investigations of their own, we provide practical on-the-ground guidelines for designing and carrying out such studies of cognitive development.
A local functional calculus and related results on the single-valued extension property

We study the local functional calculus of an operator T having the single-valued extension property. We consider a vector f(T, v) for an analytic function f on a neighborhood of the local spectrum of a vector v with respect to T and show that the local spectrum of v and the local spectrum of f(T, v)are equal with the possible exception of points of the local spectrum of v that are zeros of f, that is, we show that \( \sigma_{T} \)(v) is equal to \( \sigma_{T}\)(f(T,v)) union the set of zeros of f on \( \sigma_{T} \)(v). This local functional calculus extends the Riesz functional calculus for operators. For an analytic function f on a neighborhood of \( \sigma\)(T), we use the above mentioned proposition to obtain proofs of the results that if T has the single-valued extension property, then f(T) also has the single-valued extension property, and conversely if f is not constant on each connected component of a neighborhood of \( \sigma\)(T) and f(T) has the singlevalued extension property, then T also does.
Full length and discrete partial reverse transcripts of globin and chorion mRNAs

Abstract Rabbit globin mRNA was copied by AMV reverse transcriptase in the presence of various concentrations of deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs). The cDNAs were analyzed by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions in formamide-polyacrylamide gels. Discrete size products were detected, ranging from 65 to 650 nucleotides—that is, up to the full length of the mRNA template. Increasing the concentrations of all four dNTPs stimulated formation of full-length transcripts and made the incomplete copies less abundant. Hybridization and nuclease digestion experiments indicated that the full-size product is indeed a complete transcript of globin mRNA. Similar results were obtained with chorion mRNAs. The possible usefulness of the discrete partial transcripts is discussed.
Tree-based trajectory planning to exploit atmospheric energy

This paper presents an approach to planning long distance trajectories for small unmanned aerial vehicles. The feasibility of such long-distance flights is dependent on exploiting atmospheric energy, which is possible in regions where there is a strong vertical component of wind. Here a tree- based approach is used to find a feasible trajectory between the start position and a distant (i.e. beyond simple gliding range) goal. To improve computation time a set of branches is pre-computed from the space of allowable inputs allowing fast expansion of a node. Nodes are selected for expansion based on a weighted random approach. Simulation results show that feasible paths can be found using this method.
Computer and Music Pedagogy

As computer and Internet-based technology have advanced in the past decades, educators experimented and developed new pedagogical approaches in music education. The use of the computer in music teaching and learning can be broadly grouped into three categories: knowledge-based exercises, software that enhances music practice, and visualization software for music teaching. The essay also briefly explores the general use of technology in music instruction in the areas of MIDI, notation software, and the new opportunities for distance delivery of music education over the Internet. The essay concludes by looking forward to the development of fuzzy logic and artificial intelligence that could bring computer use in music pedagogy to a higher level.
Predicting live and dead basal area from LandTrendr variables in beetle-affected forests

Recent bark beetle outbreaks in western North America have been widespread and severe. Forest managers need accurate information on beetle-induced tree mortality to make better decisions on how best to remediate beetle-killed forests and restore healthy ecosystem services. We applied the LandTrendr analysis tool, which can detect beetle-induced tree mortality, to Landsat image time series (1984-2010) at study areas affected by bark beetles in Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona. LandTrendr outputs indicating the timing, magnitude, and duration of disturbance events were generated consistently in all study areas considered and were used to predict Dead Basal Area (BA), Live BA, Total BA, and Percent Dead BA, as summarized from field plot observations geolocated within each study area, using The Random Forest (RF) classification and regression tree algorithm. RF models explained 11-53, 15-55, 11-47, and 17-56% of variance in total, live, dead, and %dead BA, respectively. RF models based on plots from all study areas explained 42, 30, 47, and 51% of variance in total, live, dead, and %dead BA, respectively. This was generally higher than the variance explained within a single study area. These results demonstrate potential for applying LandTrendr for mapping the timing, duration, spatial extent, and magnitude of bark beetle infestations from the historical Landsat image record, which would help forest scientists and managers to better map and monitor beetle effects on coniferous forests and manage their recovery.
Origin of minor and trace element compositional diversity in anorthitic feldspar phenocrysts and melt inclusions from the Juan de Fuca Ridge

[1] Melt inclusions trapped in phenocryst phases are important primarily due to their potential of preserving a significant proportion of the diversity of magma composition prior to modification of the parent magma array during transport through the crust. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of formational and post-entrapment processes on the composition of melt inclusions hosted in high anorthite plagioclase in MORB. Our observations from three plagioclase ultra-phyric lavas from the Endeavor Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge document a narrow range of major elements and a dramatically greater range of minor and trace elements within most host plagioclase crystals. Observed host/inclusion partition coefficients for Ti are consistent with experimental determinations. In addition, observed values of DTi are independent of inclusion size and inclusion TiO2 content of the melt inclusion. These observations preclude significant effects from the re-homogenization process, entrapment of incompatible element boundary layers or dissolution/precipitation. The observed wide range of TiO2 contents in the host feldspar, and between bands of melt inclusions within individual crystals rule out modification of TiO2 contents by diffusion, either pre-eruption or due to re-homogenization. However, we do observe comparatively small ranges for values of K2O and Sr compared to P2O5 and TiO2 in both inclusions and crystals that can be attributed to diffusive processes that occurred prior to eruption.
Hormonal circadian rhythms in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: identifying optimal monitoring times and novel disease biomarkers

Objectives: The treatment goal in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is to replace glucocorticoids while avoiding androgen excess and iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. However, there is no consensus on how to monitor disease control. Our main objectives were to evaluate hormonal circadian rhythms and use these profiles to identify optimal monitoring times and novel disease biomarkers in CAH adults on intermediate- and long-acting glucocorticoids. Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in 16 patients with classic CAH. Methods: Twenty-four-hour serum sampling for ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (A4), androsterone, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and 24-h urinary pdiol and 5β-pdiol was carried out. Bayesian spectral analysis and cosinor analysis were performed to detect circadian rhythmicity. The number of hours to minimal (TminAC) and maximal (TmaxAC) adrenocortical hormone levels after dose administration was calculated. Results: A significant rhythm was confirmed for ACTH (r2, 0.95; P<0.001), 17OHP (r2, 0.70; P=0.003), androstenedione (r2, 0.47; P=0.043), androsterone (r2, 0.80; P<0.001), testosterone (r2, 0.47; P=0.042) and progesterone (r2, 0.64; P=0.006). The mean (S.D.) TminAC and TmaxAC for 17OHP and A4 were: morning prednisone (4.3 (2.3) and 9.7 (3.5) h), evening prednisone (4.5 (2.0) and 10.3 (2.4) h), and daily dexamethasone (9.2 (3.5) and 16.4 (7.2) h). AUC0–24 h progesterone, androsterone and 24-h urine pdiol were significantly related to 17OHP. Conclusion: In CAH patients, adrenal androgens exhibit circadian rhythms influenced by glucocorticoid replacement. Measurement of adrenocortical hormones and interpretation of results should take into account the type of glucocorticoid and time of dose administration. Progesterone and backdoor metabolites may provide alternative disease biomarkers.
Proteomic and metabolomic profiles demonstrate variation among free-living and symbiotic vibrio fischeri biofilms

A number of bacterial species are capable of growing in various life history modes that enable their survival and persistence in both planktonic free-living stages as well as in biofilm communities. Mechanisms contributing to either planktonic cell or biofilm persistence and survival can be carefully delineated using multiple differential techniques (e.g., genomics and transcriptomics). In this study, we present both proteomic and metabolomic analyses of Vibrio fischeri biofilms, demonstrating the potential for combined differential studies for elucidating life-history switches important for establishing the mutualism through biofilm formation and host colonization. The study used a metabolomics/proteomics or “meta-proteomics” approach, referring to the combined protein and metabolic data analysis that bridges the gap between phenotypic changes (planktonic cell to biofilm formation) with genotypic changes (reflected in protein/metabolic profiles). Our methods used protein shotgun construction, followed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection and quantification for both free-living and biofilm forming V. fischeri. We present a time-resolved picture of approximately 100 proteins (2D-PAGE and shotgun proteomics) and 200 metabolites that are present during the transition from planktonic growth to community biofilm formation. Proteins involved in stress response, DNA repair damage, and transport appeared to be highly expressed during the biofilm state. In addition, metabolites detected in biofilms correspond to components of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix (sugars and glycerol-derived). Alterations in metabolic enzymes were paralleled by more pronounced changes in concentration of intermediates from the glycolysis pathway as well as several amino acids. This combined analysis of both types of information (proteins, metabolites) has provided a more complete picture of the biochemical processes of biofilm formation and what determines the switch between the two life history strategies. The reported findings have broad implications for Vibrio biofilm ecology, and mechanisms for successful survival in the host and environment.
Pre-Service Teachers' Perception of and Technology Competency at Creating and Using E-Picture Books.

This study investigated pre-service teachers’ perception of and technology competency in creating and using e-picture books in their future classrooms. Participants were 114 pre-service teachers in a required Early Childhood Education undergraduate course at a mid-western university in the United States. As part of the course assignments, participants created an e-picture book using PowerPoint and participated in an online survey through Qualtrics. The questionnaire consisted of three parts with questions about the teachers’ perspectives on technology use, the teachers’ recognition of technology competency, and their beliefs about e-picture book use for their teaching career. The collected quantitative data were analyzed through the analysis software provided by Qualtrics and qualitative data were analyzed according to coding methods suggested by Huberman and Miles (1994). Findings implied that instruction in creating e-picture books using PowerPoint may help pre-service teachers understand the necessity of technology-supported material and technology-supported intervention in emergent literacy. These results can be used to further improve teacher education and to activate technology-supported emergent literacy education. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
The Depiction of Female Municipal Police Officers in the First Four Decades of the Core Cop Film Genre: “It's a Man's World”

In a first-step cultivation theory analysis, this study examined the frequency and quality of female municipal police officers depicted in either the leading or joint leading role in the first 4 decades of the core cop film genre. An examination of 112 films released between 1971 and 2011 found that only 15 films portrayed female municipal police officers in either the leading or joint leading role. Findings revealed that key barriers regularly faced by female police officers, such as sexual harassment, gender harassment, and gender discrimination, were not addressed in the films. Female municipal police officers were, however, repeatedly depicted as having had intimate relationships with senior male police officers and/or portrayed as becoming officers because of being scarred emotionally or mentally by past traumatic events. According to cultivation theory, such depictions would cultivate a perceived social reality in which females only become police officers if they are emotionally scarred and intimacy...
An Investigation of the Informational Needs of Ovarian Cancer Patients and Their Supporters

Numerous Internet-based peer support groups exist to support the informational needs of patients with chronic illnesses. By analyzing the discussions available in the forum of a major ovarian cancer support group, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA), this study investigates the type of information that newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients and their supporters seek. Using content analysis, 206 publicly available discussion posts exchanged on OCNA were analyzed by two researchers. Each discussion point was classified into one of the three broad themes that emerged: ovarian cancer-specific, treatment-related, or coping information. The discussion points were further analyzed using a multinomial logit model to predict the type of the desired information based on the role of the person looking for the information, the disease phase in which the information was sought, the emotional status of the information seeker, and the stage of the cancer. The results suggest that there is a wide variety of information seekers with divergent goals. Treatment-related material was the most sought-after information by patients, while coping information was most sought by supporters. When forum posts were negative in tone, the information seekers were more likely to be looking for ovarian cancer-specific information than either treatment-related information or coping information. This suggests that the presentation of ovarian cancer-specific information should be particularly sensitive to the negative emotional state of the people seeking this information.
Professional socialization of pharmacy students: do we have the right ingredients AND the right formula for success?

Abstract The development of professional attitudes and behaviors in students who will become pharmacists is an important outcome for pharmacy education. The literature in higher education has shown that student engagement during college leads to positive learning outcomes as well as the development of character. Assuming that character development and professionalism development are parallel processes, this preliminary research seeks to describe first-year experience (FYE) programming and health professional schools' programming intended to promote professional behavior. Objectives (1) To compare strategies used by undergraduate FYE programs to enhance student engagement with approaches used by professional doctoral programs to improve professionalism; and (2) to recommend methods of improving development of professionalism in pharmacy education. Methods Interviews were conducted with FYE leaders and professional school leaders in six US universities that have pharmacy schools. An analysis of the literature in higher education on student engagement and FYE was conducted. Results Both FYE and professional programs used orientation programs, course work, and student codes of conduct to develop character or professionalism, respectively. The FYE programs included more reflective/writing activities, peer mentoring, and diversity activities than professional schools. Conclusions The undergraduate FYE is a useful framework for developing professional attitudes and behaviors in pharmacy students. Recommendations for pharmacy education include: (1) incorporating professionalism development into program mission statements; (2) communicating the importance of developing professionalism to students; (3) offering activities aimed at professional development; and (4) engaging students fully in these activities.
Alternatively spliced isoforms of the putative renal Na-K-Cl cotransporter are differentially distributed within the rabbit kidney

Abstract We have used cDNA probes derived from the secretory form of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter to screen both cortical and medullary rabbit kidney cDNA libraries. A sequence of 4750 bases was identified from multiple clones. The DNA encodes a protein containing 1099 amino acids, which is 61% identical over its length to the secretory Na-K-Cl cotransporter from shark rectal gland. From analysis of amino acid hydropathy, we predict that this putative renal Na-K-Cl cotransporter has 12 transmembrane helices and large N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic regions. Two sites for N-linked glycosylation are predicted on an extracellular loop. Three potential sites for modulation by protein kinase A are in the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Most of the isolated renal cDNA clones were identical over all regions of overlap; however, there was a 96-bp region for which there were three different but homologous variants (A, B, and F). This region of divergence was identified as an alternatively spliced cassette exon since clones were identified that contained intronic DNA as well as consensus splice acceptor sites that bounded the region. Tissue Northern blot analysis revealed a broad band at approximately 5.1 kb that was unique to the kidney. High-stringency Northern blot analysis of cortical and medullary mRNA using antisense oligonucleotides synthesized over each of the three cassette exons revealed that the isoforms were differentially distributed within the kidney--B almost exclusively in cortex, F almost exclusively in medulla, and A about equally distributed.
Improved modeling of the Arctic halocline with a subgrid‐scale brine rejection parameterization

[1] The halocline in the Arctic Ocean plays an important role in regulating heat exchange at the bottom of the mixed layer and it has a direct effect on the ocean sea ice energy balance and sea ice mass balance. Modeling the halocline, however, remains a challenge in current state-of-the-art coupled ocean sea ice models including those that participated in the Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project. In this study, we successfully reproduce a cold halocline in the Canada Basin by implementing a subgrid-scale brine rejection parameterization in an ocean general circulation model. The brine rejection scheme improves the solution by redistributing surface salts rejected during sea ice formation to their neutral buoyancy depths. The depths are based on salt plume physics and published laboratory and numerical experiments. Compared with hydrographic data from 1993 to 2004, distribution of most of the rejected salt to the bottom of the mixed layer seems to yield the lowest model-data misfits. We also show that the model's mixed layer depth is sensitive to the background diffusivity ν used in the k-profile parameterization vertical mixing scheme. A background diffusivity of 10−6 m2/s in combination with brine rejection scheme described herein yield the best simulation of the Arctic halocline.