cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy of mammary carcinomas arising in ras transgenic mice

Transgenic female mice carrying the V-Ha-ras transgene linked to the MMTV promoter, which developed mammary carcinomas, were treated with selected cancer chemotherapy drugs. Agents were administered i.p. on a daily x 9 schedule when mice developed tumors that were 50-100 mg in size. Drugs which are clinically effective against breast cancer were quite efficacious in the transgenic model at their maximum tolerated dose. Doxorubicin produced excellent responses in tumor-bearing transgenic mice, with several mammary carcinomas undergoing tumor shrinkage. Two anthrapyrazoles, DuP 937 and DuP 941, novel anticancer drugs with phase 2 activity against breast cancer, were as effective as doxorubicin in the oncomice. Mitoxantrone, a synthetic agent with some properties similar to the anthracyclines, also had antitumor activity, but not as pronounced as obtained with doxorubicin or the anthrapyrazoles. Cisplatin, a drug with limited use in human breast cancer, only caused modest antitumor responses. A computerized data analysis method based on the area under the tumor growth curve was developed to better quantitate the data and provide statistical information. This quantitative analysis confirmed the high statistical significance of the activity of doxorubicin or the anthrapyrazoles in the ras transgenic model, and defined an excellent dose response relationship for each drug tested. Our results suggest that the ras transgenic model may be useful for identifying drugs that have efficacy for breast cancer in women.
Distant allies and proximate enemies in issue voting: Myth or reality?

The purpose of this paper is to offer an explanation as to why Euclidean distance serves as a reasonably good approximation of reality when it does not incorporate explicity a consideration of the sides of the issue taken by the voter and candidate. The empirical evidence indicates quite clearly that Euclidean distance and side of issue are extremely highly correlated. Two general classes of explanation are offered. First, this powerful association can be seen as a function of the mathematical difficulty of actually being in close proximity to a preferred party while being on the opposite side of an issue on a 7-point scale. Second, even after this mathematical artifact is taken into account, the combined effects of assimilation, contrast, and negativity may bring favored candidates closer to the voter and drive the opposition further away, resulting in a strong correlation of Euclidean distance and side of the issue.
Dredge-samples from the submarine canyons between the Hudson Gorge and Chesapeake Bay

In August, 1935, the research vessel Atlantis of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution made a dredging trip to the outer part of the Hudson Gorge, to two valleys cutting the continental margin off the Delaware coast between 30° 30′ and 38° 06′ north latitude, and to one off Maryland lying between 37° 30′ and 37° 20′ north latitude. With the exception of the outer gorge of the Hudson, these canyons are in every way similar to those described by Shepard from Georges Bank, and their general configuration is too familiar to everyone to warrant further description here (F. P. Shepard, Canyons off the New England coast, Airier. J. Sci., v. 27, pp. 24–36, 1934). In many places the slope of the walls is apparently above the angle of repose of unconsolidated material, and presumably cliffs of truncated strata form part of the canyon walls. It is not the purpose of this preliminary report to enter into a discussion of the origin of these features. We are only concerned here with the nature of the material found within the canyons themselves. Whatever their origin may have been, it is obvious that factors were once in operation the dating of which would be of importance to geologists. Last summer's reconnaissance was a continuation of the problem begun the preceding year on Georges Bank, namely, of attempting to fix the maximum age of these valleys by means of fossiliferous samples dredged from their walls and, secondly, of gaining some knowledge of the type of material of which the continental margin is composed.
Reduced impact of nodal metastases as a prognostic factor for tonsil cancer in the HPV era.

Metastatic lymph nodes (LN) are an adverse prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that nodal metastases have reduced impact on survival in tonsil cancer in the HPV-predominant era. Incidence and mortality data of tonsil and oral cavity SCC between 1988 and 2007 were obtained from the SEER database. Based on published literature, we considered cases of tonsil cancer from 1988 to 1997 as the pre-HPV cohort (N = 752), and 1998–2007 as the HPV-predominant cohort (N = 2,755). Comparing the two cohorts, Kaplan–Meier 5-year overall survival (OS) for tonsil SCC improved from 54.0 to 74.3 % (p < 0.0001), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) improved from 66.0 to 82.9 % (p < 0.0001). Stratifying by LN involvement showed improved OS in the HPV-predominant cohort with one (63.6 vs. 79.7 %, p < 0.0001), two to three (54.2 vs. 75.9 %, p < 0.0001), four to eight (40.3 vs. 68.9 %, p < 0.0001), and greater than eight positive nodes (25.5 vs. 41.9 %, p < 0.0001). While metastatic LNs still negatively affect prognosis, their impact on OPC survival has diminished in the HPV-predominant era. This finding provides a rationale for additional studies of the prognostic significance of LN metastases in OPC cohorts of defined HPV status, and supports the concept that HPV-related OPC is a disease distinct from “classical” OPC, with unique prognostic features.
Technique and status of EUS-guided fine-needle injection

1. Be familiar with published trials that used EUS-guided fine-needle injection (EUS-FNI) techniques to deliver antitumor agents. 2. Appreciate potential new agents for EUS-FNI. 3. Be acquainted with the technique for EUS-FNI. Current treatment options for locally advanced pancreatic cancer include supportive care, chemotherapy (single or combination), and chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. Studies of gemcitabine combined with other cytotoxic agents have not shown a survival advantage over gemcitabine alone. A study of gemcitabine combined with the epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist, erlotinib, revealed a statistically significant, albeit modest, survival advantage in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Currently, studies of gemcitabine combined with other targeted therapies (eg, cetuximab and panitumumab) are in progress. For patients with ‘‘borderline’’ resectable pancreatic cancer, the best strategy seems to be aggressive downstaging of the tumor with local treatment, including radiation therapy, and systemic agents. Varadhachary et al concluded that, in their experience, patients with tumors that respond to neoadjuvant therapy have a better chance of R0 resection, which usually translates to increased survival. EUS delivery of antitumor agents is a relatively new development. The first clinical phase 1 trial of this delivery method was reported in 2000, which assessed the feasibility and safety of EUS-guided direct injection of allogenic mixed lymphocyte culture (cytoimplant) into locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The median survival was 13.2 months, with 2 partial and 1 minor tumor responses. There were no major complications. The technique of EUS-FNI was also applied to the delivery of antitumor viral therapy with ONYX-015 (dl1520), an E1B-55kD gene-deleted replicationselective adenovirus that preferentially replicates in and kills malignant cells. No clinical pancreatitis occurred, despite mild, transient elevations in lipase levels in a minority of patients. TNFerade (GenVec Inc, Gaithersburg, Md) is the newest EUS-guided antitumor therapy. The attractiveness of this new approach is the potential to maximize local antitumor
Primary care needs of patients who have undergone gender reassignment

Purpose The purpose of this article is to inform nurse practitioners (NPs) about the primary care needs of patients who have undergone gender reassignment, either by hormone therapy alone or in conjunction with surgery. Data sources Data sources used were mainly from a review of the literature about gender identity disorder and gender reassignment. Information was also gathered from several leading surgeons on gender reassignment surgical procedures and subsequent clinical considerations. Conclusions There is very little written on the primary care clinical ramifications of transsexual patients and how clinicians can adapt their approaches to healthcare delivery to accommodate their special situations. Implications for practice Implications for practice include how an NP can adapt clinical practice approaches to provide for patients who have undergone gender reassignment. Changes that occur in the transsexual process may warrant noncustomary primary healthcare screening and examination.
In defense of reliabilism

Objections to reliabilist theories of knowledge and justification have looked insuperable. Reliability is a property of the process of belief formation. But the generality problem apparently makes the specification of any such process ambiguous. The externalism of reliability theories clashes with strongly internalist intuitions. The reliability property does not appear closed under truth-preserving inference, whereas closure principles have strong intuitive appeal. And epistemic paradoxes, like the preface and the lottery, seem unavoidable if knowledge or justification depends on the frequency with which a process generates true beliefs. The present theory has the conceptual resources to meet these challenges. It requires that a justificatory belief-formation process be intentionally applied. It distinguishes the justification of beliefs from that of the believer. And it avoids a frequency interpretation of reliability by introducing a notion of the normalcy of conditions under which processes are intentionally used.
Time-course for recovery of renal function after unilateral (single-tract) percutaneous access in the pig.

Abstract Introduction: The immediate (1–5 hours) response to percutaneous renal access (PERC) in pigs is vasoconstriction in the treated kidney. The present study determined the longer-term (72 hou...
Crash Injury Severity Analysis Using Bayesian Ordered Probit Models

Understanding the underlying relationship between crash injury severity and factors such as driver's characteristics, vehicle type, and roadway conditions is very important for improving traffic safety. Most previous studies on this topic used traditional statistical models such as ordered probit (OP), multinomial logit, and nested logit models. This research introduces the Bayesian inference and investigates the application of a Bayesian ordered probit (BOP) model in driver's injury severity analysis. The OP and BOP models are compared based on datasets with different sample sizes from the 2003 National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System (NASSGES). The comparison results show that these two types of models produce similar results for large sample data. When the sample data size is small, with proper prior setting, the BOP model can produce more reasonable parameter estimations and better prediction performance than the OP model. This research also shows that the BOP model provides a flexible framework that can combine information contained in the data with the prior knowledge of the parameters to improve model performance.
Dynamics of Slung Bodies Utilizing a Rotating Wheel for Stability

filler, R. H., "Rotor Blade Harmonic Airloadings," AIAA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 7, July 1964, p. 1260. Curtiss, H. C. Jr., "The Use of Complex Coordinates in the study of Rotor Dynamics," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 10, No. 5, May 1973, pp. 285-295. Ormiston, R; A. and Peters, D. A., "Hingeless Rotor Response with Non-Uniform Inflow and Elastic Blade Bending," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 9, No. 10, Oct. 1972, pp. 730-736. Kerr, A. W., Potthast, A. J., and Anderson, W. D., "An Interdisciplinary Approach to Integrated Rotor/Body Mathematical Modeling," Mideast Region Symposium, American Helicopter Society, 1972. Hohenemser, K. H. and Crews, S. T., "Model Tests on Unsteady Rotor Wake Effects," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 10, No. 1, Jan. 1973, pp. 58-60. Carpenter, P. J. and Fridovich, B., "Effect of a Rapid Blade Pitch Increase on the Thrust and Induced Velocity Response of a Full Scale Helicopter Rotor," TN 3044, Nov. 1953, NACA. Hohenemser, K. H. and Yin, S. K., "Some Applications of the Method of Miiltiblade Coordinates," Journal American Helicopter Society, Vol. 17, No. 4, July 1972, pp. 3-12. Dynamics of Slung Bodies Utilizing a Rotating Wheel for Stability
Correction of astigmatic optical systems consisting of an object inside a cylinder

Abstract The image of an object inside a glass tube is distorted because of the astigmatism of the optical system. Under certain conditions an undistorted image can be obtained by immersing the tube in an external fluid of appropriate index of refraction. The refractive index of the external fluid that so functions can be obtained by ray-tracing optics, given the dimensions and properties of the components of the system. An algorithm is developed to solve the various equations entailed. The method is applied to the determination of the contact angle of a meniscus in a capillary tube and to develop an accurate correction for the optics of the spinning-drop interfacial tensiometer.
The mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effects of thrombin on myometrial smooth muscle

Abstract Objective: The mechanisms underlying the stimulation of uterine contractions in the presence of intrauterine hemorrhage have not been well defined. Thrombin, a blood coagulation factor, activates membrane receptors to result in the stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway and the mobilization of cytosolic calcium in platelets. Our studies sought to determine whether thrombin stimulates similar events in myometrial smooth muscle. Study Design: Cytosolic calcium imaging and in vitro contraction studies were performed with rat myometrial tissue. Results: At a concentration range of 1 to 100 U/mL thrombin produced phasic myometrial contractions, which were comparable in intensity to those produced by oxytocin and prostaglandin F2α. Thrombin-induced cytosolic calcium concentration oscillations were similar to those produced by oxytocin. Contractions stimulated by thrombin were significantly suppressed in response to inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. These studies also confirmed that membrane receptor–Gq protein coupling events play a more important role than tyrosine kinase–mediated events during thrombin stimulation of myometrial smooth muscle. Conclusion: Thrombin is a potent uterotonic agonist, and its effects in myometrium are mediated by intracellular signaling events comparable to those activated by classic uterotonic agents. The physiologic importance of thrombin appears to be related to its potential role in the stimulation of uterine contractions in the presence of intrauterine hemorrhage. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:674-81.)
A PARTICULATE BODY ASSOCIATED WITH EPITHELIAL CELLS CULTURED FROM MAMMARY CARCINOMAS OF MICE OF A MILK-FACTOR STRAIN

Epithelial cells from spontaneous and transplanted mammary adenocarcinomas developing in high-tumor strain C3H mice have been grown in vitro and studied with the electron microscope. In preparations from three out of six tumors, an unusual particulate body has been found associated with the cells. The particles appear to have a spherical shape and a double structure consisting of a dense center and less dense outer zone. The diameter of the central dense portion is fairly uniform from particle to particle, averaging approximately 75 mµ, whereas the outside, whole particle diameter is more variable and averages about 130 mµ. From the micrographs it would appear that these peculiar virus-like bodies are situated chiefly in the ectoplasmic portion of the cell. They may occur singly, in pairs, or in clumps of varying sizes. Cells containing great numbers of the particles show signs of degeneration, and cell fragments are frequently encountered with many particles on them. So far, the particles have been found only in association with the epithelial cells of the cultures. They are apparently not derived from the culture media. All in all the findings are consonant with the view that the particles represent the milk agent. Further evidence for or against this assumption is being sought from a study of cells from normal tissue and tumors demonstrated to be agent-free.
SAS Code for Calculating Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and Effect Size Benchmarks for Site-Randomized Education Experiments:

When evaluators plan site-randomized experiments, they must conduct the appropriate statistical power analyses. These analyses are most likely to be valid when they are based on data from the jurisdictions in which the studies are to be conducted. In this method note, we provide software code, in the form of a SAS macro, for producing statistical power analyses using such data. The macro is designed to estimate statistical parameters for multiple school subjects and multiple grades in a single computer run. Among other convenient features, the macro calculates intraclass correlation coefficient confidence intervals, which are essential for planning studies conservatively. We also provide a SAS macro for calculating benchmarks–again, using locally-based–data for interpreting the feasibility of achieving the minimum detectable effect sizes that are calculated in statistical power analyses. The benchmarks are potentially useful for interpreting the meaning of the effect sizes that are achieved in completed s...
Heterogeneity of deep subsurface microorganisms and correlations to hydrogeological and geochemical parameters

Nineteen samples were obtained from a 21‐m3 section of zeolitized volcanic ash‐fall tuff, 390 m below the surface of Rainier Mesa, Nevada. Rock mined aseptically from the walls of deep subsurface tunnels provided pristine samples for microbiological and geochemical analyses. Microbiological parameters measured on all samples included direct counts and the abundance, diversity, morphology, and metabolic traits of culturable organisms. Physical and chemical parameters measured included ionic and nutrient chemistries, mineralogy, porosity, moisture content, and permeability. The results indicate that the culturable microbiological community size and composition exhibit random spatial variability within the geologically/geochemically homogeneous rock section. The relative abundance of microorganisms testing positive for nitrate reductase demonstrated a spatial trend along the vertical and front‐to‐back axes of the rock section by gradient analysis. The porewater concentration of nitrate correlated with number...
Legitimating totalitarianism: Melodrama and mass politics in North Korean film

Abstract This article attempts to analyze the construction and maintenance of political legitimacy in North Korea through the lens of its state-produced films. After classifying North Korea’s regime as totalitarian, we then discuss the strategies of legitimation available given this classification, and highlight the importance of ideology therein. Next, we demonstrate the importance of film within North Korea’s ideological apparatus and thematically analyze six North Korean films dating from 1948–2006. From this analysis, we situate the social role of film in contemporary North Korea and argue that it will remain a crucial force amongst the country’s various attempts to maintain legitimacy.
A clinical method for real-time dosimetric guidance of transperineal 125I prostate implants using interventional magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Purpose: The clinical utility of an interventional magnetic resonance (IMR)-guided implant technique with real-time dosimetric feedback is presented. Methods and Materials: The work was carried out at a IMR unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Planning and dosimetric feedback were provided by a software system that provides an interface to the IMR images, anatomy demarcation, template registration, dose calculation engine for planning, and evaluating the implant. Planning during the procedure permits the incorporation of actual needle trajectories in the dose calculations. Results: Fifteen patients were planned in the treatment position. During source placement, actual needle locations were incorporated into the dose calculations. After accounting for the observed needle trajectories of the planned needles, 14 of 15 patients (93%) required additional sources to achieve the desired coverage of the target volume. Conclusion: A brachytherapy implant procedure which provides clinically significant advances has been implemented. Specifically, the planning system allows dosimetric validation of the needle placement. This procedure is effective in delivering brachytherapy to the target volume and assuring that the implant is delivered in accordance with the preplan. The dosimetric feedback could be incorporated in ultrasound-guided implants.
The relationship between family aggression history and expressed aggression among college males

The relationship between family of origin aggression and aggression across numerous relationship types was examined among a sample of 197 college-aged males. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire assessing the frequency and severity of family aggression (aggression between parents, parental aggression directed toward participants), as well as the frequency and severity of participants' aggression across a number of relationship types (dating, friends, strangers, people in bars, co-workers, bosses, police officers). The results of the present study indicate that a substantial proportion of college-aged males report a history of aggressive behavior, both in dating/spousal relationship and other-relationship types. Analyses revealed that observing parental aggression and receiving aggression from parents was related to aggression in dating relationships. However, only received aggression from parents was related to more general aggressiveness in other non-dating/spousal relationship types. The pattern of findings also suggest that it is important to assess the aggressive behavior of both parents to get a better understanding of the link between family aggression and later expressed agression.
Tryptophan hydroxylase is expressed by photoreceptors in Xenopus laevis retina

Serotonin has important roles, both as a neurotransmitter and as a precursor for melatonin synthesis. In the vertebrate retina, the role and the localization of serotonin have been controversial. Studies examining serotonin immunoreactivity and uptake of radiolabeled serotonin have localized serotonin to inner retinal neurons, particularly populations of amacrine cells, and have proposed that these cells are the sites of serotonin synthesis. However, other reports identify other cells, such as bipolars and photoreceptors, as serotonergic neurons. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the serotonin synthetic pathway, was recently cloned from Xenopus laevis retina, providing a specific probe for localization of serotonin synthesis. Here we demonstrate that the majority of retinal mRNA encoding TPH is present in photoreceptor cells in Xenopus laevis retina. These cells also contain TPH enzyme activity. Therefore, in addition to being the site of melatonin synthesis, the photoreceptor cells also synthesize serotonin, providing a supply of the substrate needed for the production of melatonin.
Profiling of prostanoids in zebrafish embryonic development

Prostanoids (PG) play important roles in vascular, pulmonary, reproductive and renal physiology. Little is known about their roles in the embryonic development. Using the oviparous zebrafish embryo as a model, we determined the temporal expression of PGs synthesized from exogenous prostaglandin H(2). Prostaglandin E(2) is the major PG throughout first 120 h post-fertilization (hpf), whereas prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) is at a lower but also a constant level. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that transcripts of cytosolic and membrane-bound PGE synthases were evident during the 120 hpf period. Compared with thromboxane A(2), the level of prostacyclin (PGI(2))is higher at first 24 hpf, the stage before the formation of blood vessel. RT-PCR showed that transcript of prostacyclin synthase appeared at 7 hpf whereas thromboxane synthase appeared at 48 hpf, suggesting that PGI(2) has additional functions besides hemostasis. Interestingly, level of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) followed an exponential decay over 120 hpf with a rate constant of 0.048 h(-1) and transcript of lipocalin-type PGD synthase was expressed at a higher level at early stage of development, suggesting that PGD(2) is highly regulated during embryogenesis.
On the semiconductor laser logarithmic gain-current density relation

The simplified relation, alpha =G/sub 0/ In ( eta /sub i/J/J/sub 0/), between material gain alpha and current density J is shown to be a very good shape approximation, for quantum wells and bulk materials, essentially independent of the type of recombination processes present. Simulations show that for a given material system, G/sub 0/ decreases by only about 30% from pure electron-hole-recombination-dominated to pure Auger-recombination-dominated. A generic quantum-well situation is explored to reveal the density of states and recombination coefficient dependence of G/sub 0/ and to formulate simple estimates for G/sub 0/. The results were tested against published data for eight quantum-well diode lasers. The predicted values of G/sub 0/ were generally found to be in agreement with experiments only for the wider gap diodes. The discrepancies were attributed in part to carrier induced absorption, and it is shown that the formalism can be modified in selected cases to incorporate this without changing the basic form of the gain. A new expression which relates the temperature dependence of the measured parameters to the characteristic temperature, T/sub 0/, is provided. >
Mathematical framework for unsaturated flow in the finite deformation range

SUMMARY The presence of fluid in the pores of a solid imposes a volume constraint on the deformation of the solid. Finite changes in the pore volume alter the degree of saturation of a porous material, impacting its fluid flow and water retention properties. This intricate interdependence between the hydromechanical properties related to solid deformation and fluid flow is amplified when the deformation of the solid matrix is large. In this paper, we present a mathematical framework for coupled solid-deformation/fluid-diffusion in unsaturated porous material considering geometric nonlinearity in the solid matrix. The framework relies on the continuum principle of thermodynamics to identify an effective or constitutive stress for the solid matrix, and a water-retention law that highlights the interdependence of the degree of saturation, suction, and porosity of the material. Porous materials are typically heterogeneous, making them susceptible to localized deformation. In this work, we consider random heterogeneities in density and degree of saturation as triggers of localized deformation in a porous material. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental diabetes in pregnant mice. Prevention of congenital malformations in offspring by insulin.

The main purpose of these experiments was the prevention of congenital malformations in offspring of alloxan-diabetic mice by insulin injections administered during pregnancy. The optimum dose of insulin and timing of its administration are described for mice made hyperglycemic by injection of alloxan of 80 mg. per kilogram of body weight. Copulated female mice were given alloxan intravenously on the fourth day of gestation, followed by 0.4 units of Lente insulin every twelve hours beginning thirty to thirty-six hours after alloxan injection, and continuing until the sixteenth day of gestation. The control group was given only the alloxan injection on the fourth day of gestation. Pregnant mice were sacrificed on the nineteenth day of gestation; fetuses were removed by laparotomy and examined for external defects and skeletal deformities. In fifty successful pregnancies treated with insulin, only one fetus (0.2 per cent) of 472 was malformed with a cleft palate; in fifty successful pregnancies given alloxan alone fourteen or 28 per cent of mice had one or more malformed fetuses. Altogether, twenty-two or 5.0 per cent of 437 fetuses in the latter group had malformations which included craniorhachischisis (seven fetuses), cleft palate (six fetuses), club foot (five fetuses), spina bifida, anencephalus, open eye, microphthalmia and skeletal deformities in one or more fetuses. The difference between the alloxan group and insulin treated group in the number of mothers having malformed fetuses, and in the number of malformed fetuses produced was statistically significant according to the chi-square test with a probability level of less than 0.01. In the alloxan group, increased body weight associated with advancing pregnancy was less advanced in mice having malformed fetuses than in those having normal fetuses. The foregoing tendency was also statistically significant with a probability level less than 0.01. However, no appreciable correlation was observed between the magnitude of hyperglycemia of mother mice and the frequency of fetuses with congenital malformations.
Prevalence and correlates of dental anxiety in patients seeking dental care.

Objectives To examine the prevalence of dental anxiety and its associations with pain and other psychological variables among patients seeking dental treatment and develop a directed acyclical graph of these relationships. Methods One hundred and twenty patients who sought regular or emergency dental care completed a semi-structured interview assessing DSM-IV specific phobia of dental procedures and questionnaires assessing dental anxiety, pain at last dental visit, blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia, social appearance anxiety, and other psychological constructs. Differences between regular and emergency patients were explored using t-tests. Potential excess risk of dental anxiety due to interactions between pain and psychological processes was explored. Finally, multivariate linear regression was conducted. Results Thirty-five percent of participants came for emergency care. Almost half (49.2%) reported moderate or high anxiety, and 20% met criteria for specific phobia. The relationship between pain at the last dental visit and dental anxiety scores was confounded by social appearance anxiety and BII phobia. Conclusion The dental anxiety–pain response may be affected by psychological processes such as social appearance anxiety and BII phobia. Targeting these related psychological constructs may improve the management of anxiety treatment among adult patients seeking dental care.
Firm Growth and Disclosure: An Empirical Analysis

Extant theoretical research posits that information asymmetry and agency issues affect the cost of external financing and hence impact firms' ability to finance its growth opportunities. In contrast, the literature on disclosure policy posits that an expanded and credible disclosure lowers the cost of external financing and improves firm's ability to pursue potentially profitable projects. An empirical implication is that disclosure can help firms grow by relaxing external financing constraints, thereby allowing capital to flow to positive NPV projects. This paper empirically evaluates this prediction using firm-level data over an eleven-year period. As anticipated by theory, we find a positive relation between firm disclosure policy and externally financed growth rate, after controlling for other influences.
Pituitary cell type-specific electrical activity, calcium signaling and secretion

All secretory anterior pituitary cells exhibit spontaneous and extracellular calcium-dependent electrical activity, but differ with respect to the patterns of firing and associated calcium signaling and hormone secretion. Thus, somatotrophs and lactotrophs fire plateau-bursting action potentials spontaneously and without coupling to calcium release from intracellular stores, which generate calcium signals of sufficient amplitude to keep steady hormone release. In these cells, both spontaneous electrical activity and basal hormone secretion can be further amplified by activation of Gq/11 and Gs-coupled receptors and inhibited by Gi/o/z-coupled receptors. In contrast, gonadotrophs fire single, high-amplitude spikes with limited ability to promote calcium influx and exocytosis, whereas activated Gq/11-coupled receptors in these cells transform single-action potential spiking into the plateau-bursting type of electrical activity and trigger periodic high-amplitude calcium signals and exocytosis of prestored secretory vesicles. Here, we review biochemical and biophysical aspects of spontaneous and receptor-controlled electrical activity, calcium signaling, and hormone secretion in pituitary cells.
Sustainable Growth of Dehalococcoides mccartyi 195 by Corrinoid Salvaging and Remodeling in Defined Lactate-Fermenting Consortia

Corrinoids are essential cofactors of reductive dehalogenases in Dehalococcoides mccartyi, an important bacterium in bioremediation, yet sequenced D. mccartyi strains do not possess the complete pathway for de novo corrinoid biosynthesis. Pelosinus sp. and Desulfovibrio sp. have been detected in dechlorinating communities enriched from contaminated groundwater without exogenous cobalamin corrinoid. To investigate the corrinoid-related interactions among key members of these communities, we constructed consortia by growing D. mccartyi strain 195 (Dhc195) in cobalamin-free, trichloroethene (TCE)- and lactate-amended medium in cocultures with Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) or Pelosinus fermentans R7 (PfR7) and with both in tricultures. Only the triculture exhibited sustainable dechlorination and cell growth when a physiological level of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB), the lower ligand of cobalamin, was provided. In the triculture, DvH provided hydrogen while PfR7 provided corrinoids to Dhc195, and the initiation of dechlorination and Dhc195 cell growth was highly dependent on the growth of PfR7. Corrinoid analysis indicated that Dhc195 imported and remodeled the phenolic corrinoids produced by PfR7 into cobalamin in the presence of DMB. Transcriptomic analyses of Dhc195 showed the induction of the CbiZ-dependent corrinoid-remodeling pathway and BtuFCD corrinoid ABC transporter genes during corrinoid salvaging and remodeling. In contrast, another operon annotated to encode a putative iron/cobalamin ABC transporter (DET1174-DET1176) was induced when cobalamin was exogenously provided. Interestingly, a global upregulation of phage-related genes was observed when PfR7 was present. These findings provide insights into both the gene regulation of corrinoid salvaging and remodeling in Dhc195 when it is grown without exogenous cobalamin and microbe-to-microbe interactions in dechlorinating microbial communities.
A New Wide-Band System Architecture for Mobile High Frequency Communication Networks

A new wide-band HF communication system architecture for a multiple, mobile terminal network has been proposed and analyzed. This architecture embodies the complete removal of high power switching and tuning and achieves control of unwanted radiation by the use of highly linear power amplifiers and adaptive interference cancellation methods. To provide maximum flexibility in system operation, provision is made for transmitting and receiving subsystem assets to be shared among users to the greatest degree possible. The transmitter is simply a power bank into which all exciters are connected, and each receiver has access to a selection of antennas through power dividers, diversity combiners, and adaptive array processors. The implementation of this architecture will permit rapid and flexibile frequency selection and channel configuration to accommodate the complex network relaying strategy that will be necessary in modern warfare environment. Research is being conducted by the U.S. Navy on the technologies that require advancement if this architecture is to be brought to fruition for intratask-force communication. A system engineering analysis, substantial measurements and simulations of adaptive cancellation system performance, and development of critical system components have been conducted to validate the architectural concept.
A data locality optimizing algorithm

This paper proposes an algorithm that improves the locality of a loop nest by transforming the code via interchange, reversal, skewing and tiling. The loop transformation algorithm is based on two concepts: a mathematical formulation of reuse and locality, and a loop transformation theory that unifies the various transforms as unimodular matrix transformations.The algorithm has been implemented in the SUIF (Stanford University Intermediate Format) compiler, and is successful in optimizing codes such as matrix multiplication, successive over-relaxation (SOR), LU decomposition without pivoting, and Givens QR factorization. Performance evaluation indicates that locality optimization is especially crucial for scaling up the performance of parallel code.
A disaggregation algorithm for the optimization of stochastic planning models

This paper considers stochastic linear programming models for production planning where cost coefficient and RHS term uncertainties are represented by finite discrete probability distribution functions. The solution of the two-stage fixed recourse problem is considered, for which a sensitivity-based successive disaggregation algorithm is proposed. The bounding properties of the aggregate sub-problems are examined in the context of the disaggregation algorithm. The partitioning algorithm converges to the exact solution in a finite number of iterations, and has a highly parallel decomposition and computer implementation. Example problems for the two-stage case are presented to demonstrate the solution technique. Results are compared with the alternative solution methods, variants of Benders decomposition schemes tailored to the dynamic staircase LP structure. Theoretical properties of the algorithm are examined, and several example problems are solved where the certainty equivalent problem involves millions of variables and constraints.
Study of interference between surface plasmon polaritons by leakage radiation microscopy

Interference between two perpendicular surface plasmon polariton (SPP) beams was studied using a leakage radiation microscope, which allows for the observation of SPP propagation without disturbing the two-dimensional interference pattern formed at the region where the beams cross each other. Interference fringes were observed at the image plane of the microscope. Experimental results were discussed using both classical and quantum descriptions of light. Features observed in the Fourier-plane image directly demonstrate that, in correspondence with the widespread quantum description of light, photons do not propagate following the classical lines of electromagnetic energy flow.
Continuous medial representations for geometric object modeling in 2D and 3D

We describe a novel continuous medial repre- sentation for describing object geometry and a deformable templates method for tting the representation to images. Our representation simultaneously describes the boundary and medial loci of geometrical objects, always maintaining Blum's symmetric axis transform (SAT) relationship. Cu- bic b-splines dene the continuous medial locus and the as- sociated thickness eld, which in turn generate the object boundary. We present geometrical properties of the rep- resentation and derive a set of constraints on the b-spline parameters. The 2D representation encompasses branching medial loci; the 3D version can model objects with a sin- gle medial surface, and the extension to branching medial surfaces is a subject of ongoing research. We present prelim- inary results of segmenting 2D and 3D medical images. The representation is ultimately intended for use in statistical shape analysis.
Role of Melanocortin-4 Receptors in Mediating Renal Sympathoactivation to Leptin and Insulin

Central melanocortin signaling plays an important role in regulation of energy homeostasis by leptin and insulin. We investigated the interaction between leptin, insulin, and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC-4Rs) in the control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in mice. We compared the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of leptin, insulin, MC-3/4R agonist (MTII), and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) on RSNA in leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, MC-4R knock-out mice, and their wild-type controls. ICV administration of leptin and MTII caused a significant and dose-dependent increase in RSNA in control mice. As expected, leptin had no significant effect on RSNA in the db/db mice. Interestingly, db/db mice exhibited markedly attenuated RSNA responses to ICV administration of MTII. However, the increase in RSNA induced by insulin and CRF was comparable between db/db and control mice. In the heterozygous and homozygous MC-4R knock-out mice, the RSNA response to MTII was attenuated and abolished, respectively. The RSNA response to ICV leptin and insulin was also attenuated and abolished in the heterozygous and homozygous MC-4R knock-out mice, respectively. In contrast, CRF induced a similar increase in RSNA in the MC-4R knock-out and wild-type mice. Our data demonstrate that in the absence of leptin receptors, the sympathoexcitatory effects of melanocortin system stimulation are attenuated. In addition, the renal sympathoexcitatory responses to leptin and insulin are dependent on the MC-4R, demonstrating an important role for the MC-4R in the regulation of renal sympathetic nerve outflow by leptin and insulin.
Simulation of in-hospital pediatric medical emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrests: highlighting the importance of the first 5 minutes.

OBJECTIVES. Outcomes of in-hospital pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest are dismal. Recent data suggest that the quality of basic and advanced life support delivered to adults is low and contributes to poor outcomes, but few data regarding pediatric events have been reported. The objectives of this study were to (1) measure the median elapsed time to initiate important resuscitation maneuvers in simulated pediatric medical emergencies (ie, “mock codes”) and (2) identify the types and frequency of errors committed during pediatric mock codes. METHODS. A prospective, observational study was conducted of 34 consecutive hospital-based mock codes. A mannequin or computerized simulator was used to enact unannounced, simulated crisis situations involving children with respiratory distress or insufficiency, respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, and/or cardiopulmonary arrest. Assessment included time elapsed to initiation of specific resuscitation maneuvers and deviation from American Heart Association guidelines. RESULTS. Among the 34 mock codes, the median time to assessment of airway and breathing was 1.3 minutes, to administration of oxygen was 2.0 minutes, to assessment of circulation was 4.0 minutes, to arrival of any physician was 3.0 minutes, and to arrival of first member of code team was 6.0 minutes. Among cardiopulmonary arrest scenarios, elapsed time to initiation of compressions was 1.5 minutes and to request for defibrillator was 4.3 minutes. In 75% of mock codes, the team deviated from American Heart Association pediatric basic life support protocols, and in 100% of mock codes there was a communication error. CONCLUSIONS. Alarming delays and deviations occur in the major components of pediatric resuscitation. Future educational and organizational interventions should focus on improving the quality of care delivered during the first 5 minutes of resuscitation. Simulation of pediatric crises can identify targets for educational intervention to improve pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation and, ideally, outcomes.
Evolutionary divergence in the feeding mechanism of fishes

related to feeding style . How hyomandibular morphology affects function during feeding is of great interest since hyoid movement is a key component in the feeding mechanism . Cranial kinematics and buccal pressure during feeding was quantified in elasmobranchs and teleostomes. The feeding mechanism in elasmobranchs withanterior(AHY)orlateral(LHY)directedhyomandibulae differsfromteleostomesprimarilyinhyoidmove ments due to morphological constraints . The hyoid expands ventrally during feeding in the species studied; however,thehyoidlaterallycompressesin AHYandLHY speciesbutnotinteleostomesorsharkspecieswith posteriordirectedhyomandibulae(PHY) .Anteriorandlateralhyomandibularorientationinelasmobranchscon strains them to adduct during feeding. This represents a fundamental difference in the feeding mechanism re gardless of feeding style between elasmobranchs with AHY or LHY compared to sharks with PHY and teleostomesasaresultofmorphologicaldivergenceinhyoidmorphology .Itappearsthatposteriordirectedhy omandibulaemayhaveevolvedtoincreasethegapeinspecializedbitefeedingsharkswhilelateraldirectedhy omandibulae evolved in specialized suction feeders.
The Way, Multimodality of Ritual Symbols, and Social Change: Reading Confucius's Analects as a Rhetoric

Most rhetorical readings of Confucius's Analects have focused on his views on eloquence, reflecting an insuppressible impulse among comparative rhetoricians to match Confucian rhetoric to Greco–Roman rhetorical framework. My reading of the text argues that Confucius was more concerned about the suasory power of the multimodality of ritual symbols than narrowly verbal persuasion. To achieve the Way for restoring social unity and peace, Confucius emphasizes the ritualization of both the self and the others through studying history and performing rituals reflectively. I suggest, as the first Chinese rhetoric par excellence, the Analects shares some similar features with epideictic rhetoric.