cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing fetal position.

The need for an optimally positioned fetus late in pregnancy and during labor and birth is addressed. The maternal postures recommended to facilitate anterior fetal rotation are safe, simple, economic, and based on scientific theory. Explanation of these postures is offered including the use of rotation and maintenance postures.
Patterning poly(organophosphazenes) for selective cell adhesion applications.

Five polyphosphazenes with different hydrophilicites were synthesized and screened in vitro. The purpose was to identify unique types of polymeric substrates that distinctly favored or markedly prevented cellular adhesion. The SK-N-BE(2c) human neuroblastoma cell line, utilized for its electrogenic responses, was used to test this differential adhesion. In particular, the objective was to specifically culture this cell line in a highly selective pattern. Each candidate polymer was cast into films and plated with neuroblastoma cells for 3 days. The polyphosphazene materials which showed negative cellular adhesive properties (-CAPs) were poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] (TFE) and poly[bis(methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP). The polyphosphazenes which showed positive cellular adhesive properties (+CAPs) were poly-[(methoxyethoxyethoxy) 1.0 (carboxylatophenoxy) 1.0 phosphazene] (PMCPP), poly [(methoxyethoxyethoxy) 1.0 -(cinnamyloxy) 1.0 phosphazene] (PMCP), and poly[(methoxyethoxyethoxy) 1.0 (p-methylphenoxy) 1.0 phosphazene] (PMMP). To test cellular selectivity, films of -CAP and +CAP were copatterned onto glass substrates. The micropatterned films were plated with SK-N-BE(2c) neuroblastoma cells for one week. The results showed that neuroblastoma cells adhere selectively (over 60%) to the +CAP microfeatures. We also showed that multiple properties can be achieved with a single material and that we can use TFE as both a -CAP and an insulation layer and PMCP as a conductive +CAP layer.
C-phosphorylation of enolates: an alternate route to complex carbonyl-activated phosphonates

Abstract A one-pot two-step phosphorylation procedure is described which is suitable for the preparation of thermally lacible or highly substituted dialkyl phosphonates for use in Horner-Emmons olefinations. Such systems are not readily available using the traditional methods such as the Arbuzov reaction or acylation of dialkyl phosphonate carbanions. Reaction of dioxinone lithium enolates with diethyl chlorophosphite followed by oxidation provide the desired phosphonates in good to excellent yields and conversions.
De-orphanization of Cytochrome P450 2R1 A MICROSOMAL VITAMIN D 25-HYDROXYLASE

The conversion of vitamin D into an active ligand for the vitamin D receptor requires 25-hydroxylation in the liver and 1α-hydroxylation in the kidney. Mitochondrial and microsomal vitamin D 25-hydroxylase enzymes catalyze the first reaction. The mitochondrial activity is associated with sterol 27-hydroxylase, a cytochrome P450 (CYP27A1); however, the identity of the microsomal enzyme has remained elusive. A cDNA library prepared from hepatic mRNA of sterol 27-hydroxylase-deficient mice was screened with a ligand activation assay to identify an evolutionarily conserved microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP2R1) with vitamin D 25-hydroxylase activity. Expression of CYP2R1 in cells led to the transcriptional activation of the vitamin D receptor when either vitamin D2 or D3 was added to the medium. Thin layer chromatography and radioimmunoassays indicated that the secosteroid product of CYP2R1 was 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Co-expression of CYP2R1 with vitamin D 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) elicited additive activation of vitamin D3, whereas co-expression with vitamin D 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) caused inactivation. CYP2R1 mRNA is abundant in the liver and testis, and present at lower levels in other tissues. The data suggest that CYP2R1 is a strong candidate for the microsomal vitamin D 25-hydroxylase.
Bonded wedges with an interface crack under anti-plane shear loading*

The primary aim of this paper is to describe an analytical technique which may be used in connection with the general problem of bonded wedges containing radial cracks. The technique consists of the reduction of the related dual integral equations of the problem to a singular integral equation in a systematic manner, and is described by applying it to a relatively simple anti-plane shear problem. The paper also presents the results of various numerical examples and the closed form solution for the special case of two bonded wedges with equal angles and an interface crack.
Barrier to asymmetric internal rotation, conformational stability, vibrational spectra and assignments, and Ab Initio calculations of n‐butane‐d0, d5 and d10

The asymmetric torsional potential function of n-butane has been redefined based on a combination of results obtained from experimental and theoretical calculations. From the vibrational spectra of gaseous n-butane below 500 cm−1 the asymmetric torsional fundamentals of the more stable s-trans and high-energy gauche conformations of n-butane have been assigned at 121.28 and 116.60 cm−1, respectively, each with excited states falling to lower frequencies. Additionally, from variable-temperature studies of the Raman spectra for n-butane-d0 and d10, the conformational enthalpy difference has been determined to be 381 ± 41 cm−1 (1089 ± 117 cal mol−1) and 369 ± 72 cm−1 (1055 ± 206 cal mol−1), respectively. Optimized structural parameters, obtained from ab initio methods, for the s-trans and gauche conformers have been used to allow for structural relaxation during the asymmetric internal rotation and to place constraints on the determined potential function. The resulting potential coefficients are V1 = 584 ± 7, V2 = -96 ± 7, V3 = 1165 ± 3, V4 = 45 ± 3, V5 = -3 ± 2 and V6 = -40 + 1 and the s-trans to gauche, gauche to gauche and gauche to s-trans barriers are determined to be 1274, 1370 and 891 cm−1, respectively, with an enthalpy difference between the conformers of 383 ± 17 cm−1 (1095 ± 49 cal mol−1). This potential function is consistent with a dihedral angle for the gauche conformer of 65.4°. Additionally, this potential has a ‘syn’ barrier, which is the energy difference between the s-trans minimum and the gauche to gauche transition state, of 1753 cm−1 (5.01 kcal mol−1), which is in excellent agreement with the most recent value of 1836 cm−1 (5.25 kcal mol−1) obtained from a very high-level ab initio calculation. In order to provide a more complete description of the normal vibrational modes of n-butane, normal coordinate analyses have been completed for n-butane-d0, -d5 and -d10 based on force constants from ab initio calculations. The infrared (3500-40 cm−1) and Raman (3500-10 cm−1) spectra of n-butane-d5 and -d10 have been obtained and complete vibrational assignments are provided. The structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation and vibrational frequencies which have been determined experientally are compared with those obtained by ab initio methods.
Self-Consistent-Field Wave Functions for Hole States of Some Ne-Like and Ar-Like Ions

Analytic self-consistent-field (SCF) wave functions were computed for the ground states of the closed-shell atomic systems ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, Ne, and ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$, and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, Ar, and ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$; and for those ground and excited states of the open-shell systems which are obtained by removing a single electron from any one of the occupied shells of these closed-shell systems. Details of the calculation of the functions are presented, with emphasis on a justification of the procedures used for the calculations for excited states. A high accuracy is obtained; the calculations for the closed-shell systems give the most accurate analytic SCF wave functions which have yet been reported. Ionization potentials are calculated and compared with experimental values. Computed ionization potentials for the removal of a $2s$ electron from ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, Ar, and ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$, for which no direct experimental data are available, are estimated to be accurate to 1%. It is found that the removal of an electron from the outermost $s$ shell increases the correlation energy, in contradiction to the predictions of a recently proposed semiempirical scheme for estimating the correlation energy. For example, the magnitude of the correlation energy of the lowest $^{2}S$ state of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ is \ensuremath{\sim}4 eV greater than the magnitude of the correlation energy of neutral Ar. The effect of the nonzero off-diagonal Lagrangian multipliers is considered and found to be important for the inner shell hole states.
Urea transport in freshly isolated and cultured cells from rat inner medullary collecting duct.

Regulation of urea transport by vasopressin in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells is thought to be important for the urinary concentrating mechanism. Isolated tubule perfusion studies suggest the existence of a saturable urea carrier. We have measured14C-urea efflux in IMCD cells which were freshly isolated and grown in primary culture. Cells were isolated from rat papilla by collagenase digestion and hypotonic shock. In suspended cells,14C-urea efflux (Jurea from loaded cells was exponential with time constant 59±3 sec (sem,n=6, 23°C).Jurea had an activation energy of 4.1 kcal/mole and was inhibited 42±7% by 0.25mm phloretin and 30–40% by the high affinity urea analogues dimethylurea and phenylurea.Jurea was increased 40–60% by addition of vasopressin (10−8m) or 8-bromo-cAMP (1mm); stimulatedJurea was inhibited 55±8% by the kinase A inhibitor H-8. Phorbol esters and epidermal growth factor did not alterJurea. IMCD cells grown in primary culture were homogeneous in appearance with>fivefold stimulation of cAMP by vasopressin. The exponential time constant for urea efflux was 610±20 sec (n=3).Jurea was not altered by vasopressin, cAMP or phloretin. Another function of in vivo IMCD cells, vasopressin-dependent formation of endosomes containing water channels, was absent in the cultured cells. These results demonstrate presence of a urea transporter on suspended IMCD cells which is activated by cAMP and inhibited by phloretin and urea analogues. The urea transporter and its regulation by cAMP, and cAMP-dependent apical membrane endocytosis, are lost after growth in primary culture.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STUDENT-RATING FEEDBACK FOR IMPROVING COLLEGE INSTRUCTION: A Meta-Analysis of Findings

This article applied meta-analytic methodology to integrate findings from 22 comparisons of the effectiveness of student-rating feedback at the college level. On the average, feedback had a modest but significant effect on improving instruction. Instructors receiving mid-semester feedback averaged. 16 of a rating point higher on end-of-semester overall ratings than did instructors receiving no mid-semester feedback. This corresponded to a gain of over one-third of a standard-deviation unit, or a percentile gain of 15 points. The effects of student-rating feedback were accentuated when augmentation or consultation accompanied the ratings. Other study features, such as the length of time available to implement changes and the use of normative data, did not produce different effect sizes.
Efficient Delegation by an Informed Principal

Motivated by examples from the automobile industry, insurance, retailing, and multinational strategy, we study an organizational structure we refer to as "partial delegation." In a bargaining problem between an informed party and an uninformed party, partial delegation involves the informed party delegating bargaining to an agent while retaining control of its private information. We show that partial delegation enables the informed party to earn information rents without creating quantity distortions. First-best quantities are traded in equilibrium. We argue that partial delegation allows an informed party to implement efficient trade with outside parties by endogenously improving its bargaining power.
The effects of stimulus differences, light intensity, and selective attention on the amplitude of the visual averaged evoked potential in man ☆

Abstract 1. 1. Stimuli may be designed so that the amplitude of the averaged evoked potential (AEP) produced by them may be sensitive or insensitive to the subject's attention. 2. 2. The AEPs resulting from stimuli that are sensitive to attention are increased to a maximal amplitude when the subject is attending (responding) to the stimuli; when he is not, they are dependent on and proportional to the intensity of the stimuli. 3. 3. The amplitude of AEPs produced by stimuli that are not sensitive to attention is proportional to the light intensity of the stimuli.
Cellular fatty acid uptake : the contribution of metabolism

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to highlight the importance of fatty acid metabolism as a major determinant in fatty acid uptake. In particular, we emphasize how the activation, intracellular transport and downstream metabolism of fatty acids influence their uptake into cells.Recent findi
Aspects of Attention, Orientation, and Status Hierarchy in Mandrills (Mandrillus Sphinx) and Gelada Baboons (Theropithecus Gelada)

Social visual attention, body orientation, and the status hierarchy were studied in groups of baboons, Mahdrillus sphinx and Theropithecus gelada. In the gelada group, social attention of the dominant male was found to be directed more to his group than was the case in the mandrill group. This was correlated with a greater amount of mutual visual attention between the dominant male and his harem in geladas, relative to the mandrills. A general discussion of the Importance of vigilance for external danger in group living primates was presented, with particular reference to the role of the dominant male. Secondary referents (statistically significant peaks of social attention) were found to occur in the lower levels of the status hierarchy in both groups. This was related to a current theory of primate aggression. Body orientation was related to avoidance of presenting a potentially threatening posture in mandrills and to sexual advertisement in geladas.
Determinants of Sanctions Effectiveness: Sensitivity Analysis Using New Data

In the literature on sanctions effectiveness, scholars have identified a number of factors that may contribute to sanctions success. However, existing empirical studies provide mixed findings concerning the effects of these factors. This research note explores two possible reasons for this lack of consistency in the literature. First, informed by the recent theories that suggest threats are an important part of sanctions episodes, we analyze both threats and imposed sanctions. Second, to lessen model dependency of empirical findings, we employ a methodology that permits us to check systematically the robustness of the empirical results under various model specifications. Using the newly released Threat and Imposition of Economic Sanctions data, our analyses of both threats and imposed sanctions show that two factors—involvement of international institutions and severe costs on target states—are positively and robustly related to sanctions success at every stage in sanctions episodes. Our analyses also identify a number of other variables that are systematically related to sanctions success, but the significance of these relationships depends on the specific model estimated. Finally, our results point to a number of differences at the threat and imposition stages, which suggests specific selection effects that should be explored in future work.
Stochastic mechanics according to E. Schrödinger

En 1931, Schrodinger a echoue pour etablir son equation d'onde de facon probabiliste. On montre que, apres quelques ameliorations, son programme donne 2 versions de mecanique stochastique. L'une coincide avec la mecanique stochastique de Nelson, l'autre avec la version de cette theorie en temps imaginaire, dont on ne connaissait pas l'existence. La construction est basee sur l'approche variationnelle suggeree par Yasue
Two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging by using wavelength division scanning

We demonstrate a new wavelength-division scanning method for two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging. Two-photon imaging results using lateral wavelength division scanning are presented. Feasibility of axial wavelength division scanning is discussed.
Signal sensitivity and intensity enhancement for a polymer-based Fabry-Perot Interferometer with embedded nanostructures in its cavity

A white-light source operated polymer-based micromachined Fabry-Perot Interferometer (µFPI) with embedded nanostructures in its cavity is reported for the first time. The nanostructures inside the cavity are Au-coated nanopore-plasmonic substrate, forming an Au-nanopore-FPI. It offers at least three advantages over a traditional μFPI including the increased sensing surface area, the extended penetration depth of the excitation light and the tremendous amplification of the optical transducing signal due to the localized surface Plasmon resonance (L-SPR) effect. Measurements have been carried out on the prototype devices. It shows tremendous enhancement of output signal intensity, sensitivity and contrast for the Au-nanopore-µFPI compared to traditional µFPI. Several chemicals have been evaluated using these devices.
An Approximate Analysis of the Diffusing Flow in a Self-controlled Heat Pipe

Constant-density two-dimensional axisymmetric equations are presented for the diffusing flow of a class of self-controlled heat pipes. The analysis is restricted to the vapor space. Condensation of the vapor is related to its mass fraction at the wall by the gas kinetic formula. The Karman-Pohlhausen integral method is applied to obtain approximate solutions. Solutions are presented for a water heat pipe with neon control gas.
Excitatory actions of vasoactive intestinal peptide on mouse thalamocortical neurons are mediated by VPAC2 receptors.

Thalamic nuclei can generate intrathalamic rhythms similar to those observed at various arousal levels and pathophysiological conditions such as absence epilepsy. These rhythmic activities can be a...
In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study of walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV) nucleic acids and proteins in spontaneous sarcomas of adult walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum).

Twenty-two anatomically independent dermal sarcomas from six adult walleye fish (Stizostedion vitreum) collected during the spring from Oneida Lake, New York, were examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for the presence of walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV). The viral RNA, DNA, and 90-kd protein were localized at the cellular level. Riboprobes complementary to the 5' terminal region of WDSV genome were used to detect viral nucleic acids. Rabbit polyclonal antiserum was generated against the 90-kd virus-associated antigen, presumably a product of the env gene, for immunohistochemical studies. Viral tran- scripts were detected in the neoplastic cells of all dermal sarcomas, in which they were generally abundant. Rare mononuclear inflammatory cells and cells within the epidermis also expressed viral RNA. In all sarcomas, low to moderate levels of viral DNA were present in all neoplastic and most mononuclear inflammatory and epidermal cells. Many neoplastic cells were immunopositive for the virus-associated protein. The distribution of immunopositive neoplastic cells mimicked approximately that of cells containing viral transcripts. The number of neoplastic cells with transcripts exceeded that of cells with protein, suggesting that productively infected neoplastic cells constituted a subset of the neoplastic cells that expressed WDSV transcripts. The viral antigen was also present within many mononuclear inflammatory cells. These data suggested that 1) dermal sarcomas were associated with elevated transcriptional activity of WDSV in the neoplastic cells and 2) the cell tropism of WDSV extended beyond the mesenchymal fibroblast-like neoplastic cells and included at least mononuclear inflammatory and epidermal cells.
α-Synuclein: Membrane Interactions and Toxicity in Parkinson's Disease

In the late 1990s, mutations in the synaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) were identified in families with hereditary Parkinson's disease (PD). Rapidly, α-syn became the target of numerous investigations that have transformed our understanding of the pathogenesis underlying this dis- order. α-Syn is the major component of Lewy bodies (LBs), cytoplas- mic protein aggregates that form in the neurons of PD patients. α-Syn interacts with lipid membranes and adopts amyloid conformations that deposit within LBs. Work in yeast and other model systems has revealed that α-syn-associated toxicity might be the consequence of abnormal membrane interactions and alterations in vesicle trafficking. Here we review evidence regarding α-syn's normal interactions with membranes and regulation of synaptic vesicles as well as how overexpression of α-syn yields global cellular dysfunction. Finally, we present a model linking vesicle dynamics to toxicity with the sincere hope that understanding these disease mechanisms will lead to the development of novel, potent therapeutics.
Section 504 What Teachers Need to Know

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is civil rights legislation that is beginning to have a major impact on public schools. Schools have recently begun to pay more attention to this law because parents are beginning to request services for children not eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Schools must ensure that students who are protected under Section 504 have equal access to a free, appropriate public education and to extracurricular activities. To ensure this, schools must take several specific steps. This article presents an overview of the requirements of 504 and provides schools with actions that can be taken to ensure compliance.
A randomized controlled trial of intensive referral to 12-step self-help groups: One-year outcomes

Objective: This study implemented and evaluated procedures to help clinicians make effective referrals to 12-step self-help groups (SHGs). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) entering a new outpatient treatment episode (N = 345; 96% had previous SUD treatment) were randomly assigned to a standard referral or an intensive referral-to-self-help condition and provided self-reports of 12-step group attendance and involvement and substance use at baseline and at six-month and one-year follow-ups (93%). In standard referral, patients received a schedule for local 12-step SHG meetings and were encouraged to attend. Intensive referral had the key elements of counselors linking patients to 12-step volunteers and using 12-step journals to check on meeting attendance. Results: Compared with patients who received standard referral, patients who received intensive referral were more likely to attend and be involved with 12-step groups during both the first and second six-month follow-up periods, and improved more on alcohol and drug use outcomes over the year. Specifically, during both follow-up periods, patients in intensive referral were more likely to attend at least one meeting per week (70% versus 61%, p = .049) and had higher SHG involvement (mean = 4.9 versus 3.7, p = .021) and abstinence rates (51% versus 41%, p = .048). Twelve-step involvement mediated the association between referral condition and alcohol and drug outcomes, and was associated with better outcomes above and beyond group attendance. Conclusions: The intensive referral intervention was associated with improved 12-step group attendance and involvement and substance use outcomes. To most benefit patients, SUD treatment providers should focus 12-step referral procedures on encouraging broad 12-step group involvement, such as reading 12-step literature, doing service at meetings, and gaining self-identity as a SHG member. © 2007 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Early Middle English Evidence for Old English Meter: Resolution in Poema morale

In the twelfth-century Middle English Poema morale , perhaps the earliest English composition in a septenary meter, the metrical position at the end of the first hemistich is distinguished from all other positions in admitting a short syllable plus another in a pattern that would disrupt the meter, creating an extra unstressed syllable, if the two were not resolved, as in the word dede in the verse Ic welde more thanne ic dede; | mi wit oh to bi more . Here resolution seems to have been carried over from Old English into a Middle English isometric meter based on Latin models. This constitutes significant evidence for resolution as a genuine property of Old English verse, which in turn lends strong support to Eduard Sievers's metrical analysis of early Germanic alliterative verse. I am grateful to Kari Gade, who read this paper in draft and made some important corrections, and to Geoffrey Russom, Donka Minkova, and Robert Stockwell, who offered valuable comments on the paper when it was presented at the seventh Germanic Linguistics Annual Conference, held in Banff in April, 2001. Tomas Riad generously provided copies of papers, both published and unpublished, and the two anonymous referees for JGL offered lengthy and challenging critiques, resulting in several alterations. To all of these scholars I owe sincere thanks, and of course deficiencies in the paper are in no way attributable to them.
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN RATES OF VOCAL PRODUCTION OF FREE‐RANGING BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

Echolocation and whistle production, group sizes, and activities of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins were compared across four regions (Wilmington, NC Intracoastal Waterway [ICW]; Wilmington coastline; Southport, NC coastline; and Sarasota, FL inshore waters). Number of whistles and echolo-cation bouts differed significantly across sites. Dolphins whistled significantly more in Southport than in the other sites, independent of group size. Unlike at the other sites, dolphin vocalizations in Southport did not vary significantly across activities; this difference may be due to the fact that Southport animals were often found behind shrimp-trawling vessels, which may affect their behavior. Resident Sarasota dolphins vocalized significantly less than dolphins at the NC sites. At most sites, echolocation production per dolphin decreased as group size increased, supporting the idea that echolocation information is shared. In the ICW and Sarasota, echolocation production per dolphin was highest while feeding, indicating that echolocation is used in foraging. At all sites but Southport, whistle production per dolphin was highest while socializing, indicating that whistles are used in communication. Overall, these data show that dolphins have different vocal and activity patterns at different sites; thus, caution should be used when extrapolating results from one study site to another.
Ventilator Liberation for High-Risk-for-Failure Patients: Improving Value of the Spontaneous Breathing Trial

Several patient populations have been identified as high risk for extubation failure despite successful completion of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Extubation failure and subsequent need for emergent re-intubation have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this review, we discuss ways to optimize the value and performance of the SBT in a subgroup of high-risk patients (elderly, cardiac, and/or respiratory failure) to reduce the rate of extubation failure. We recommend the use of T-piece mode, longer duration SBT, and measurement of the rapid shallow breathing index (breathing frequency/tidal volume in L) off ventilatory support to increase the predictive value of the SBT. In addition, measurement of changes in central venous oxygen saturation and serum brain natriuretic peptide, and measurements of mitral inflow and annular velocity using bedside transthoracic echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging may help guide the clinician in determining who and when to extubate and thus minimize the rate of extubation failure. Arterial blood gas analysis performed at the end of the SBT may help determine who will benefit from prophylactic use of noninvasive ventilatory support postextubation.
Mammary cancer initiation and progression studied with magnetic resonance imaging

Previous work from this laboratory demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects early murine mammary cancers and reliably differentiates between in situ and invasive cancer. Based on this previous work, we used MRI to study initiation and progression of murine mammary cancer, and monitor the transition from the in situ to the invasive phase. In total, seven female C3(1) SV40 Tag mice were imaged every two weeks between the ages of 8 to 23 weeks. Lesions were identified on T2-weighted images acquired at 9.4 Tesla based on their morphology and growth rates. Lesions were traced manually on MR images of each slice. Volume of each lesion was calculated by adding measurements from individual slices. Plots of lesion volume versus time were analyzed to obtain the specific growth rate (SGR). The time at which in situ cancers (referred to as ‘mammary intraepithelial neoplasia (MIN)’) and invasive cancers were first detected; and the time at which in situ cancers became invasive were recorded. A total of 121 cancers (14 to 25 per mouse) were identified in seven mice. On average the MIN lesions and invasive cancers were first detected when mice were 13 and 18 weeks old, respectively. The average SGR was 0.47 ± 0.18 week-1 and there were no differences (P >0.05) between mice. 74 lesions had significantly different tumor growth rates before and after ~17 weeks of age; with average doubling times (DT) of 1.88 and 1.27 weeks, respectively. The average DT was significantly shorter (P <0.0001) after 17 weeks of age. However, the DT for some cancers was longer after 17 weeks of age, and about 10% of the cancers detected did not progress to the invasive stage. A wide range of growth rates were observed in SV40 mammary cancers. Most cancers transitioned to a more aggressive phenotype at approximately 17 weeks of age, but some cancers became less aggressive. The results suggest that the biology of mammary cancers is extremely heterogeneous. This work is a first step towards use of MRI to improve understanding of factors that control and/or signal the development of aggressive breast cancer.
Training-Free, Generic Object Detection Using Locally Adaptive Regression Kernels

We present a generic detection/localization algorithm capable of searching for a visual object of interest without training. The proposed method operates using a single example of an object of interest to find similar matches, does not require prior knowledge (learning) about objects being sought, and does not require any preprocessing step or segmentation of a target image. Our method is based on the computation of local regression kernels as descriptors from a query, which measure the likeness of a pixel to its surroundings. Salient features are extracted from said descriptors and compared against analogous features from the target image. This comparison is done using a matrix generalization of the cosine similarity measure. We illustrate optimality properties of the algorithm using a naive-Bayes framework. The algorithm yields a scalar resemblance map, indicating the likelihood of similarity between the query and all patches in the target image. By employing nonparametric significance tests and nonmaxima suppression, we detect the presence and location of objects similar to the given query. The approach is extended to account for large variations in scale and rotation. High performance is demonstrated on several challenging data sets, indicating successful detection of objects in diverse contexts and under different imaging conditions.
Reptilian Prey of the Sonora Mud Turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense) with Comments on Saurophagy and Ophiophagy in North American Turtles

Abstract We detected evidence of predation by the Sonora mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense) on the Arizona alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii nobilis) and the ground snake (Sonora semiannulata) at Montezuma Well, Yavapai County, Arizona. Lizards have not been reported in the diet of K. sonoriense, and saurophagy is rare in turtles of the United States, having been reported previously in only two other species:, the false map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) and the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina). While the diet of K. sonoriense includes snakes, ours is the first record of S. semiannulata as food of this turtle. Ophiophagy also is rare in turtles of the United States with records for only five other species of turtles. Given the opportunistic diets of many North American turtles, including K. sonoriense, the scarcity of published records of saurophagy and ophiophagy likely represents a shortage of observations, not rarity of occurrence.
Automatic Model Generation From Range And Intensity Images Of An Object

A procedure is described by which a model can be generated automatically from multiple range and intensity images of an object. The procedure extracts feature points from a series of images, determines corresponding points in various views, and transforms (rotates and translates) all extracted points to a single frame of reference. Use of points allows both efficient solution for transformations and compact coding of many types of features. However, once the transformations between views have been determined, all original data can be brought into a single frame of reference as desired to generate many different models. An implementation which constructed models of several relatively simple objects is described in detail. Although both random and systematic errors are present in range and intensity data, the procedure and algorithms are sufficiently robust to overcome these deficiencies. Uncertainty in final models was on the order of 1mm (1% of object size), approximately the same as the average deviation of the range data. Limitations are discussed, as well as applications in object recognition, CAD/CAM, and computer graphics.
Lessons learned in service‐learning: personnel preparation through community action

As we move through the 21st century, the need to prepare professionals to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds is of utmost importance. This paper discusses the use of service‐learning in a pre‐service preparation program at a metropolitan university. Service‐learning was infused into a course examining issues and trends in urban special education with the goal of partnering pre‐professionals with children and youth from the surrounding community to help them to identify and address social issues. A description of the process of implementation is provided, along with outcomes and lessons learned. It was established that service‐learning can be a viable tool in pre‐professional training for engaging students in community action while concurrently challenging their notions of working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
The sirtuin SIRT6 blocks IGF-Akt signaling and development of cardiac hypertrophy by targeting c-Jun

Abnormal activation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-Akt signaling is implicated in the development of various diseases, including heart failure. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate activation of this signaling pathway are not completely understood. Here we show that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a nuclear histone deacetylase, functions at the level of chromatin to directly attenuate IGF-Akt signaling. SIRT6-deficient mice developed cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, whereas SIRT6 transgenic mice were protected from hypertrophic stimuli, indicating that SIRT6 acts as a negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy. SIRT6-deficient mouse hearts showed hyperactivation of IGF signaling-related genes and their downstream targets. Mechanistically, SIRT6 binds to and suppresses the promoter of IGF signaling-related genes by interacting with c-Jun and deacetylating histone 3 at Lys9 (H3K9). We also found reduced SIRT6 expression in human failing hearts. These findings disclose a new link between SIRT6 and IGF-Akt signaling and implicate SIRT6 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.
Dynamic stringing: improving cross-functional accountability

Purpose – This article sets out to examine the common organizational problem of inadequate tracking and follow‐through of cross‐functional corrective actions and strategic objectives. Various solutions were tested to develop a “best practice” for improving the effectiveness and accountability of implementing action plans.Design/methodology/approach – Program audits were conducted on the tracking and effectiveness of strategic objectives and corrective action plans at 24 aerospace‐related companies (e.g. Northrop, Allied Signal) in the USA.Findings – Generally, strategic objectives and correction actions are performed adequately and on‐time within an organization's function (e.g. engineering). The adequacy of cross‐functional actions, however, was a completely different story. Typically, these actions were delayed past the “need by dates” and often failed to satisfy the internal customer's need. Several solutions were examined and “the dynamic stringing” method proved to be the most effective.Research limi...
Biology and immature stages of Brachydeutera sturtevanti (Diptera: Ephydridae), a hyponeustic generalist.

Abstract Brachydeutera sturtevanti Wirth is a shore fly found commonly in a variety of lentic habitats, including ephemeral pools, in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. We conducted field studies and laboratory rearings to elucidate the morphology and trophic ecology of this colonizer species important to newly flooded habitats such as constructed wetlands. The larvae are generally hyponeustic, suspended from the water surface by hydrofuge hairs on the posterior spiracles. All instars exhibit extremely versatile feeding strategies by collecting or scraping algae and detritus from solid substrates, or by bringing their mouthparts to the water surface and creating a vortex to initiate filter feeding. The mouthhooks are modified to form dorsoventrally-flattened plates lined with stout projections that facilitate the versatile larval feeding. The incubation period under laboratory conditions (20–22°C) was 1–4 d; the three stadia lasted 3–5 d each while the pupal period was 6–8 d. The results of a col...
Sex Differences in Circadian Dysfunction in the BACHD Mouse Model of Huntington’s Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects men and women in equal numbers, but some epidemiological studies indicate there may be sex differences in disease progression. One of the early symptoms of HD is disruptions in the circadian timing system, but it is currently unknown whether sex is a factor in these alterations. Since sex differences in HD could provide important insights to understand cellular and molecular mechanism(s) and designing early intervention strategies, we used the bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD) to examine whether sex differences in circadian behavioral rhythms are detectable in an animal model of the disease. Similar to BACHD males, BACHD females display circadian disruptions at both 3 and 6 months of age; however, deficits to BACHD female mouse activity levels, rhythm precision, and behavioral fragmentation are either delayed or less severe relative to males. These sex differences are associated with a smaller suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in BACHD male mice at age of symptom onset (3 months), but are not associated with sex-specific differences in SCN daytime electrical activity deficits, or peptide expression (arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide) within the SCN. Notably, BACHD females exhibited delayed motor coordination deficits, as measured using rotarod and challenge beam. These findings suggest a sex specific factor plays a role both in non-motor and motor symptom progression for the BACHD mouse.
Endurance, interval sprint, and resistance exercise training: impact on microvascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) alters capillary hemodynamics, causes capillary rarefaction in skeletal muscle, and alters endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype, resulting in impaired vasodilatory responses. These changes contribute to altered blood flow responses to physiological stimuli, such as exercise and insulin secretion. T2D-induced microvascular dysfunction impairs glucose and insulin delivery to skeletal muscle (and other tissues such as skin and nervous), thereby reducing glucose uptake and perpetuating hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. In patients with T2D, exercise training (EX) improves microvascular vasodilator and insulin signaling and attenuates capillary rarefaction in skeletal muscle. EX-induced changes subsequently augment glucose and insulin delivery as well as glucose uptake. If these adaptions occur in a sufficient amount of tissue, and skeletal muscle in particular, chronic exposure to hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and the risk of microvascular complications in all vascular beds will decrease. We postulate that EX programs that engage as much skeletal muscle mass as possible and recruit as many muscle fibers within each muscle as possible will generate the greatest improvements in microvascular function, providing that the duration of the stimulus is sufficient. Primary improvements in microvascular function occur in tissues (skeletal muscle primarily) engaged during exercise, and secondary improvements in microvascular function throughout the body may result from improved blood glucose control. We propose that the added benefit of combined resistance and aerobic EX programs and of vigorous intensity EX programs is not simply "more is better." Rather, we believe the additional benefit is the result of EX-induced adaptations in and around more muscle fibers, resulting in more muscle mass and the associated microvasculature being changed. Thus, to acquire primary and secondary improvements in microvascular function and improved blood glucose control, EX programs should involve upper and lower body exercise and modulate intensity to augment skeletal muscle fiber recruitment. Under conditions of limited mobility, it may be necessary to train skeletal muscle groups separately to maximize whole body skeletal muscle fiber recruitment.
Abstract C4: Sp2: A regulator of stem cell differentiation and tumorigenesis

Transcription factors regulate gene expression and de‐regulation of their activities can transform normal cells into tumor cells. The Sp‐family of transcription factors consists of nine distinct proteins (Sp1‐9) that are evolutionarily‐conserved and share a common DNA‐binding domain. Sp2 is one of several poorly‐characterized members of this transcription factor family. Previous data from our lab and others has indicated that Sp2 is over‐expressed in human prostate cancer and in murine skin squamous cell carcinoma. To determine if the de‐regulated expression of Sp2 is oncogenic, transgenic mice over‐expressing mouse Sp2 via the keratin 5 (K5) promoter were generated. This promoter drives expression of linked genes in basal cells of stratified epithelia, such as skin. Two different transgenic lines (Family A and C) were derived and characterized. The transgenes carried by Family A and C mice were localized to chromosomes 6 and 5, respectively. Endogenous genes were not disrupted by transgene integration in Family A, whereas transgene integration in Family C mice occurred within the latrophilin 3 (Lphn3/CIRL3) locus. Homozygous Family A and C animals develop normally and are indistinguishable from wild‐type and hemizygous littermates until post‐natal day 2. Family C animals invariably perish at this time due to skin deterioration whereas homozygous Family A animals develop skin lesions on post‐natal day 4, are runted and developmentally retarded and perish prior to post‐natal day 13. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that that an expanded population of K5‐negative, K14‐positive progenitor cells inundates all epidermal cell layers of homozygous Family A animals. Expression of markers of differentiated basal keratinocytes (e.g., keratin 10, loricrin) is decreased in homozygous Family A animals. The expression level of keratin 6, a marker of epidermal wounding, inflammation, and/or tumorigenesis is increased in Family A animals beginning at post‐natal day 4 as is the expression and distribution of CD34, a hair follicle stem cell marker. Hemizygous Family A animals progress to adulthood unremarkably, however 70% exhibit varying degrees of alopecia (hair loss) beginning at 1 month of age. Family C hemizygotes do not develop alopecia, however an expanded pool of progenitor cells renders these animals susceptible to wound‐induced neoplasia, and the incidence of papilloma formation rises with an age‐dependent increase in Sp2 levels. Sp2 expression in Family A hemizygotes is insufficient to promote wound‐induced neoplastic growth, but epidermal differentiation is slowed sufficiently to retard rates of wound healing. These and other results have led us to speculate that Sp2 functions to limit stem cell differentiation and thus its over‐expression contributes to the outgrowth of poorly‐differentiated, tumorigenic cells. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):C4.
Identification of alfalfa resistance to the threecornered alfalfa hopper (Homoptera : Membracidae)

Six alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., cultivars were screened in the greenhouse for antixenosis and antibiosis to the threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say). The cultivars ‘Zia’ and ‘Cimarron VR’ showed antixenotic properties by harboring lower adult populations and exhibiting less girdle damage. ‘Cimarron’ was the most preferred cultivar based upon increased girdle damage and larger adult populations. In the antibiosis test, significant variation among the cultivars was found for adult male weights but not female weights, indicating sex-based differences in threecornered alfalfa hopper susceptiblity to antibiotic factors. ‘Dona Ana’ exhibited antibiosis by decreasing male adult threecornered alfalfa hopper weights; however, nymphal duration and female weights were not affected. Nymphal duration was significantly shorter on ‘Zia’ compared with ‘Florida 77’. Results show that variation in alfalfa susceptibility to the threecornered alfalfa hopper does exist, and further development of resistance may increase the importance of host-plant resistance in the management of this alfalfa pest.
Skylab induced environment

This induced environment consists of particles and gases which emanate from the spacecraft in orbit and form the 'contamination cloud'. The presence of the cloud can present certain problems connected with scattering effects and the deposition of condensibles on optical surfaces. Measures taken to investigate these effects involved the placement of quartz crystal microbalance deposition monitors at certain locations to determine molecular film build-up during the flight.