cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein tyrosine kinase 6 promotes ERBB2-induced mammary gland tumorigenesis in the mouse.

Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) expression, activation, and amplification of the PTK6 gene have been reported in ERBB2/HER2-positive mammary gland cancers. To explore contributions of PTK6 to mammary gland tumorigenesis promoted by activated ERBB2, we crossed Ptk6−/− mice with the mouse mammary tumor virus-ERBB2 transgenic mouse line expressing activated ERBB2 and characterized tumor development and progression. ERBB2-induced tumorigenesis was significantly delayed and diminished in mice lacking PTK6. PTK6 expression was induced in the mammary glands of ERBB2 transgenic mice before tumor development and correlated with activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and increased proliferation. Disruption of PTK6 impaired STAT3 activation and proliferation. Phosphorylation of the PTK6 substrates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1; p130CAS) was decreased in Ptk6−/− mammary gland tumors. Reduced numbers of metastases were detected in the lungs of Ptk6−/− mice expressing activated ERBB2, compared with wild-type ERBB2 transgenic mice. PTK6 activation was detected at the edges of ERBB2-positive tumors. These data support roles for PTK6 in both ERBB2-induced mammary gland tumor initiation and metastasis, and identify STAT3, FAK, and BCAR1 as physiologically relevant PTK6 substrates in breast cancer. Including PTK6 inhibitors as part of a treatment regimen could have distinct benefits in ERBB2/HER2-positive breast cancers.
Fiber-Optic Networks: Future Trends

This paper describes approaches towards building high-speed terabit per second fiber-optic communication networks capable of supporting several hundreds of nodes, with each node being provided bandwidths of the order of 1 Gb/s.We describe network architectures using wavelength division multiplexing, where the terabit per second capacity is achieved by having many communication channels (perhaps a few hundred), each operated at a modest bit rate at a different optical wavelength in the Tiber.These networks can be classified into two categories: broadcast-and-select networks, and switched networks. We can also classify these networks as single-hop or multihop. We discuss the network architecture, component needs, and protocol issues associated with each category, and speculate about future trends in lightwave networks.
Estimated Economic Consequences of Ozone on Agriculture: Some Evidence from the U.S.

Abstract Tropospheric ozone at ambient levels reduces crop yields. These reductions Imply economic costs to society. This paper reports estimates of the economic consequences of ozone changes on U.S. agriculture, using recent data and procedures from an integrated assessment program. Results suggest that reductions in ozone will lead to economic benefits of from $1 to $3 billion U.S. dollars per year. Implications for stratospheric ozone changes are also discussed.
Instruction in STAPP

A few words should be spoken now about teaching STAPP methods. From what has been discussed already, it should be fairly obvious that this kind of brief therapy can easily be taught to relatively inexperienced therapists if certain preconditions are followed very rigorously.
The process, and technology management

Unless governed by a strict adherence to regulation, most processes in the world of product development involve team participation by many disciplines or functions, with the aim of developing an enriched process or product. On the other hand, many of the operations would appear to be fixed in nature. However, with the introduction of technological innovation in the process or in a component of the product, the process becomes dynamic. Technology management has a vital role in re–ordering processes and the development cycle.
A quantitative methodology for designing handling facilities for continuous production processes with no in-process inventory

SUMMARY A methodology which utilizes integer programming is developed as an aid to designers of production facilities. Specifically, the methodology can be used to determine optimal unloading configurations for mixed discrete products obtained from a production process which cannot be halted (clue to physical constraints or economies) and which has no in-process storage. The methodology is practical ; application to the design of unloading facilities for an existing float gloss process is given. Tests of the design methodology reveal that it gives least cost answers.
Heat transfer in laser processing of thin films

Melting and solidification of a silicon film by continuous wave laser beam irradiation has been studied. The silicon film melting and recrystallization is controlled by the temperature distribution in the semiconductor. Calculations have been carried out for a range of laser beam parameters and material translational speeds. The temperature field development also has been monitored with localized transient reflectivity measurements. During transient heating of semitransparent materials at the nanosecond scale, the thermal gradients across the heat affected zone are accompanied by changes in the material complex refractive index. These changes, coupled with wave interference, modify the energy absorption and thus the temperature field in the target material. These affects are taken into account in a rigorous manner using thin film optics theory.
Saliency-Based Position Estimation of Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machines Using Square-Wave Voltage Injection With a Single Current Sensor

This paper presents a saliency-based position sensorless drive of permanent-magnet (PM) machines using a single current sensor for cost-effective applications. For the single current sensor system, the dc-link current is measured for the reconstruction of three-phase currents. The phase current reconstruction can only be realized when active voltages are applied. This limitation results in six immeasurable areas for the current reconstruction using the pulsewidth modulation. In order to implement the saliency-based sensorless drive, a square-wave voltage is injected to minimize the harmonics of reconstructed saliency current for the rotor position estimation. By injecting a square-wave voltage on the direction of the rotor $d$ -axis, the injection voltage vector is nearly perpendicular to the fundamental voltage vector at low speed. The saliency reflected current or the fundamental current can be separately reconstructed by the dc-link current, leading to the reduced reconstruction errors and improved sensorless performance. By using the proposed signal injection technique on a single sensor system, the saliency-based sensorless drive can work on an interior PM machine with a salient ratio of $L_{q}/L_{d} = 1.35$ at 1% rated speed (60/6000 r/min) under full torque load based on the experimental evaluation.
Sign change of Hall coefficients for amorphous Ni0.80-xCrxP0.20 alloys.

The magnetic susceptibilities, resistivities, and Hall coefficients of amorphous ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.80\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Cr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{0.20}$ (0.00\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.40) alloys are reported. A sign change with temperature of the Hall coefficient for a single paramagnetic amorphous alloy that correlates with the temperature-dependent valence susceptibility has been observed (x=0.20), indicating that an extraordinary contribution to ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$ is responsible for the positive Hall effect in these paramagnetic alloys. Also, an unexplained relatively large contribution to ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$ that is linear in T has been observed in some of these alloys. A gradual change in magnetic properties with composition from large cluster-dominant phase to Kondo-impurity phase has been observed.
Automated Discrimination of Shapes in High Dimensions

We present a new method for discrimination of data classes or data sets in a high-dimensional space. Our approach combines two important relatively new concepts in high-dimensional data analysis, i.e., Diffusion Maps and Earth Mover's Distance, in a novel manner so that it is more tolerant to noise and honors the characteristic geometry of the data. We also illustrate that this method can be used for a variety of applications in high dimensional data analysis and pattern classification, such as quantifying shape deformations and discrimination of acoustic waveforms.
Solid-phase synthesis and chemical properties of 2-(2-amino/hydroxyethyl)-1-aryl-3,4-dihydropyrazino[1, 2-b]indazol-2-iums.

Amino alcohols, diamines, benzenesulfonyl chlorides, and bromoketones were used to prepare polymer-supported 2-(2-(2-(amino/hydroxyl)ethylamino)ethyl)-3-benzoyl-2H-indazoles. Acid-mediated release yielded 2-((amino/hydroxyl)ethyl)-1-aryl-3,4-dihydropyrazino[1,2-b]indazole-2-iums. In neutral pH, iminiums spontaneously cyclized to complex fused heterocycles 3,6,9,10-tetraazatetracyclo[7.7.0.02,6.011,16]hexadeca-11,13,15-trienes, 3-oxa-6,9,10-triazatetracyclo[7.7.0.02,6.011,16]hexadeca-11,13,15-trienes, and 3,7,10,11-tetraazatetracyclo[8.7.0.02,7.012,17]heptadeca-12,14,16-trienes. Transformations were carried out under mild conditions and tolerated diverse substitution patterns.
Design Principles for Cognitive Artifacts

Modern designs are more than ever before required to be understandable and usable by their intended audience. As machines get ever more complex, it becomes essential for designers to provide a user-centered design that focuses upon the needs and abilities of the user. This paper presents an analysis of cognitive artifacts—devices designed to maintain, display, or operate upon information in order to serve a representational function. An important design consideration is the human action cycle which means that artificial devices must support both execution and evaluation.
Routine design with information content and fuzzy quality function deployment

Design can be classified into four basic categories: creative design, innovative design, redesign, and routine design. This paper describes a method for performing routine design by utilizing information content and fuzzy quality function deployment. An attempt has been made to associate with each critical characteristic of a product a value representing the information content, which is a measure of probability that a system can produce the parts as specified by the designer, using a specific manufacturing technology for making the parts. Once the information content of each design alternative is computed, the system will select an alternative with the minimum amount of information content. The proposed method provides us with a means for solving the critical design evaluation and validation problem.
Stretch-induced moulting in Oncopeltus fasciatus

Fifth instar nymphs of Oncopeltus fasciatus initiate a moulting cycle when they reach a critical weight of 27.9±1.1 (±S.D.) mg for females or 23.7±1.2 mg for males. This critical weight is not absolute. Its precise value depends on the somatic size of the individual. Large-bodied individuals have a higher critical weight than small-bodied ones. Sexual size-dimorphism accounts largely for sex differences in critical weights. Animals of a subcritical weight can be induced to moult by means of a saline injection, in the absence of further food intake or growth. Since a saline injection only stretches the abdominal wall it is suggested that moulting in Oncopeltus is triggered by stimulation of abdominal stretch receptors, as in bloodsucking Reduviidae. The critical weight is thus an index of the size at which a critical degree of stretch is achieved.
Correlation of Pneumocystis carinii cyst density with mortality in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Pneumocystis pneumonia

Abstract Fifteen percent to 20% of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pneumocystis pneumonia do poorly despite early intervention. It is not known what distinguishes those who die, despite early intervention and aggressive therapy, from those who readily respond to therapy. We used image analysis to determine the relative abundance of cysts within aggregates of Pneumocystis carinii found in induced sputa (21 patients) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (14 patients) from 35 patients with pneumocystis pneumonia. We calculated a cyst density (number of cysts per area of aggregate) for each aggregate and a mean cyst density for all of the aggregates on the smear. Six patients died within 2 weeks of diagnosis; four of these six patients who had autopsies all had residual P carinii . The mean cyst density for those who died was 9.7 ± 3.9 (range, 5 to 15 × 10 −3 ). The 29 patients who survived beyond 2 weeks had a mean cyst density of 18.4 ± 8.7 (range, 5 to 35 × 10 3 ; P = .01). Mean cyst density was not influenced by the number of aggregates present in the smear, the variation in cyst density among aggregates in a smear, or the episode of pneumocystis pneumonia. Cyst density determinations alone should not be used to predict outcome for individuals with P carinii pneumonia until further study is completed. Nevertheless, the current study suggests that a low cyst density specimen, which may indirectly indicate a greater proportion of trophozoites compared with a high cyst density specimen, may be associated with an unfavorable outcome in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated pneumocystis pneumonia.
Enhanced ORR activity of cobalt porphyrin co-deposited with transition metal oxides on Au and C electrodes. The ORR threshold data

We co-deposited cobalt porphyrins (CoP) and transition metal oxides on gold and carbon/graphene electrodes as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Porphyrins were adsorbed spontaneously, and the transition metal oxides (CoOx and NiOx) were deposited using spontaneous deposition tactics or an electrochemical deposition method. The electrodes were characterized in acidic media by cyclic voltammetry (CV), by broad-band sum frequency generation (BB-SFG) and – in vacuum – by the Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The ORR activity data indicate that the activity of cobalt porphyrin towards ORR is enhanced by co-deposited transition metal oxides. The detailed reasons for this behavior are being interrogated.
Authentic religious experience or insanity

This study examined how mental health professionals make judgments about the religious authenticity and mental health of behaviors motivated by religious ideation. Participants were presented with written vignettes of religiously motivated behavior. The context of religious behavior varied on 6 dimensions and also on 3 levels of conventionality. The results indicated that the determining factor in the ratings was not dimensions of religious experience, but the degree that the experience deviated from conventional religious beliefs and practices. The more unconventional the behavior, the less religiously authentic and mentally healthy it was deemed to be.
Case Report: Carcinomatous Involvement of the Thyroid Presenting as Subacute Thyroiditis

ABSTRACT Carcinomatous involvement of the thyroid is a most unusual cause of hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis, with only a few cases reported in the literature. The authors present a 35-year-old woman with signs, Symptoms, and laboratory findings of hyperthyroidism, and subacute thyroiditis that was due to extensive replacement of the thyroid gland by adenocarcinoma (shown by fine needle aspiration). After chemotherapy with vincristine and cisplatin, the swelling of the thyroid resolved, thyroidal uptake of radioactive iodine increased, and mild hypothyroidism developed. Despite the ipiprovement in her thyroid status, she died from progressive malignancy. This case illustrates the value of fine needle aspiration cytology where doubt exists in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders.
Transcriptional regulation by changes in tonicity

Transcriptional regulation by changes in tonicity. Most organisms respond to a hypertonic environment by accumulating small organic solutes. In contrast to high concentrations of electrolytes, the small organic solutes do not perturb the activity of enzymes and other macromolecules within the cell. When the renal medulla becomes hypertonic during antidiuresis, multiple signaling pathways are activated. Here, we review the role of tonicity responsive enhancers (TonE) binding protein (TonEBP), a transcription factor activated in hypertonic cells. The activation of TonEBP by hypertonicity results from its translocation to the nucleus as well as an increase in TonEBP mRNA and protein. TonEBP may have a role beyond the response to tonicity since it is highly expressed in activated lymphocytes and in developing tissues.
Temperature rise of small oil-filled distribution transformers supplying nonsinusoidal load currents

Temperature rise tests on standard single-phase, oil-filled distribution transformers are compared for sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal current conditions. In addition to a stock 50 kVA unit, two 25 kVA transformers were specifically constructed with embedded thermocouples that permitted the true hot-spot temperatures to be measured under load. Test results show that when subjected to full-load currents having low-order harmonic distortion values up to 40 percent THD, the average winding temperature rise is 2 to 7/spl deg/C hotter than for full-load sinusoidal currents. The greatest difference recorded between the average winding temperature and the hot-spot temperature was 7/spl deg/C, significantly less than the 15/spl deg/C allowance given in the standards. This study indicates that the present standard for sizing small distribution transformers supplying nonsinusoidal currents appears to provide good estimations of load capability.
Contingent Government Workers and Labor Solidarity: The Case of Contract Welfare-to-Work Staff and Their Clients

Contemporary US labor solidarity faces new opportunities and challenges in the midst of global economic and governmental restructuring. Indicative of these changes the 1996 welfare reform has created a new brand of contingent government contract workers to implement welfare-to-work while simultaneously fostering contingent work among welfare clients. In this paper I use ethnographic data from a major city in New York State to explore the relative positioning of these labor groups and I ask whether contingent government workers could mediate between organized labor and welfare recipients, thereby facilitating political collaboration. I conclude by identifying considerable structural and interpersonal barriers to solidarity including lack of contingent worker consciousness, difference in “skill” levels, antagonistic relationships with clients and a tendency to interpret client hardships in terms of personal defects. I contrast these findings with instances where labor unions have become involved in welfare issues and propose steps toward a new paradigm for labor solidarity.
Microscopic study of coupled heat and mass transport during unidirectional solidification of binary solutions—I. thermal analysis

Abstract Coupled heat and mass transport phenomena occurring during the unidirectional solidification of a binary solution are studied utilizing a specially designed freezing stage for transmitted light microscopy. The apparatus provides the capability for real time direct observation of the freezing process along with simultaneous measurement of the time evolution of cellular-scale coupled concentration and temperature fields and their interaction. The experimental data provide a comprehensive specification of a freezing process at the microscopic level for use in developing models of the binary solidification process, including temporal and spatial temperature profiles, local rates of cooling and heat flux, and interface velocity and temperature.
Will stringent total nitrogen wastewater treatment plant discharge regulations achieve stream water quality goals

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) proposed the in-stream numeric nutrient criteria as 2 mg TN per L and 0.16 mg TP per L for warm surface waters and 0.40 mg TN per L and 0.11 mg TP per L for cold surface waters. Consequently the department presented the nutrient limits for the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as annual averages of 0.7 mg TP per L and 5.7 mg TIN per L and quarterly averages of 1.0 mg TP per L and 9.0 mg TIN per L. Implementing stringent nutrient reduction at point sources is unlikely to result in improvements to the environment without non-point source controls. In this study, total nitrogen (TN) load inputs from known point source, WWTPs, and other non-point sources at six sub-basins of the Cache La Poudre (CLP) River Basin were estimated and compared under various hydrologic conditions. Significant loading exceedance from the proposed limits was observed during lower flow conditions and other sources dominated during events when the exceedance was observed except for one point. The point receives direct TN inputs from a WWTP which has the highest TN concentration in its effluent among all WWTPs in the study area; however, TN loads entered the point from other sources were significant during higher flow conditions. TN loads in the CLP River were simulated to determine whether the loads meet the proposed in-stream limits in a case in which all WWTPs comply with the proposed regulations for WWTPs. From this study, it was observed that reducing TN concentrations only at WWTPs merely impacts total TN loads in the river.
Why Are Parent Partnerships a Puzzlement? A Commentary.

In what ways might we counteract the prevailing practices that encourage school professionals to resist, ignore, avoid, and discount parental opinions, perspectives, desires, and knowledge about th...
Long-term outcomes of urethroplasty with abdominal wall skin grafts.

Objective To report the long-term outcomes of urethroplasty using abdominal wall skin (AWS) grafts. Men with long-segment strictures, prior urethroplasty, and lichen sclerosus (LS) pose challenges in surgical management, including the choice of graft tissue for urethral reconstruction. AWS grafts are an alternative when buccal mucosa or penile grafts are not feasible or chosen by the patient. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 238 patients who underwent urethroplasty (2000-2010) with at least 1 year of follow-up. Demographics, etiology, comorbidities, prior procedures, and surgical technique were analyzed for correlation with recurrence. Results Mean age was 42.9 years (range, 15-79 years), mean stricture length 5.6 cm (1-24 cm), and median follow-up of 59.3 months (12.5-147 months). A total of 58.4% patients had prior intervention, of which 15 patients (6.3%) had urethroplasty and 41 patients (17.2%) had hypospadias repair. Twenty-six patients (10.9%) underwent urethroplasty with AWS graft, whereas 107 (45.0%) and 12 (5.0%) patients were augmented with buccal mucosa or genital skin. Sixty-six patients (27.7%) had stricture recurrence at a mean of 34.5 months (range, 1.87-87.1 months). On univariate analysis, patients with AWS graft had longer strictures ( P = .0001), were more likely to have LS ( P = .0002), prior urethroplasty ( P = .007), and recurrence ( P = .002). On multivariate analysis, prior urethroplasty (odds ratio [OR], 5.3; P = .009), diabetes (OR, 2.6; P = .04), and LS (OR, 2.8; P = .05) were significantly associated with recurrence, whereas AWS graft was not (OR, 2.0; P = .28). Conclusion AWS grafts are an alternative tissue source for urethral stricture, but may be associated with greater risk of recurrence. This may be secondary to patient selection, with this population often having other risk factors for recurrence.
Measuring approaches to learning in preschoolers: validating the structure of an instrument for teachers and parents

This study examined a 13-item instrument measuring approaches to learning (AtL) as a component of school readiness in the context of early childhood socio-emotional development. Few instruments, limited to preschool teacher ratings, measure AtL among kindergarteners with short easy-to-use questionnaires. We investigated psychometric properties of the instrument designed to provide practical measures of AtL behaviours identified in the Arizona Early Learning Standards with teacher (n = 205) and guardian (n = 1025) samples. We found a one-factor structure via exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The multi-group CFA for combined teacher and guardian models indicated a good fit, which demonstrated the structure validity of the AtL instrument. This finding, combined with evidence of reliability of the instrument, supported the educational utility of the AtL as a new tool for measuring school readiness among kindergarteners in Arizona.
A metaphor for standing waves in the neocortex

Neocortical dynamics evidently involves very complex, nonlinear processes including top-down and bottom-up interactions across spatial scales. These include nonlinear circuit effects at the macrocolumn scale and linear or quasilinear long range neural interactions along corticocortical fibres. The dynamics may also be strongly influenced by global (periodic) boundary conditions. Since any particular theory of neocortical dynamics is bound to be controversial, examine a relatively simple physical system consisting of a linear string with many attached nonlinear springs which exhibits transitions from periodic to chaotic behaviour as mesoscopic nonlinear influences dominate macroscopic linear effects. Apparent analogies to neocortical dynamics at multiple scales are considered. >
Blood glucose level affects perceived sweetness intensity in rats.

Abstract Electrophysiological data indicate that hyperglycemia is associated with decreased neural taste responsiveness to 1.0 M glucose, but not to 0.01 M quinine HCl, in the rat's hindbrain. The present behavioral experiment was conducted to determine whether this suppression of neural activity is manifested in a reduced intensity perception to glucose, but not quinine. Each rat learned to avoid 1.0 M glucose through development of a conditioned taste aversion. Perceived intensity was then measured in control and in hyperglycemic rats by the extent to which they generalized to each test concentration of glucose. Experimental subjects treated moderate glucose concentrations (0.6–2.0 M) as if their intensity perceptions were reduced by 47%. This is consistent with the mean reduction of 43% in taste-evoked neural activity associated with hyperglycemia. A corresponding experiment gave no indication of a change in intensity perception to quinine as a function of hyperglycemia, again in accord with earlier electrophysiological results. We conclude that nutritional state may selectively affect gustatory sensitivity in the rat.
Development’s Tortoise and Hare: Pubertal Timing, Pubertal Tempo, and Depressive Symptoms in Boys and Girls

Although the sequence of pubertal maturation remains consistent across most individuals, the timing and tempo of development fluctuate widely. While past research has largely focused on the sequelae of pubertal timing, a faster tempo of maturation might also present special challenges to children for acclimating to new biological and social milestones. Using latent growth curve modeling, the present study investigated how pubertal tempo and pubertal timing predicted depressive symptoms over a 4-year period in a sample of children recruited from New York City area public schools. Rate of intraindividual change in parent-reported Tanner stages was used as an index of pubertal tempo, and more advanced Tanner development at an earlier chronological age was used as an index of pubertal timing. For girls (N = 138, M = 8.86 years old at Time 1), pubertal timing emerged as the most salient factor, and the tempo at which girls progressed through puberty was not significant. In boys (N = 128, M = 9.61 years old at Time 1), both timing and tempo of development were significant; notably, however, the effects of pubertal tempo were stronger than those of timing. These findings highlight the need to consider multiple sources of individual variability in pubertal development and suggest different pubertal challenges for boys and girls.
Measured Light-Scattering Properties of Individual Aerosol Particles Compared to Mie Scattering Theory

Monodispersed spherical aerosols of 0.26–2-μ diameter with approximate range of indexes of refraction of atmospheric aerosols have been produced in the laboratory by atomization of liquids with a vibrating capillary. Integrated light scattered 8 through 38 degrees from the direction of forward scattering has been measured with a photoelectric particle counter and compared to Mie theory calculations for particles with complex indexes of refraction 1.4033–0i, 1.592–0i, 1.67–0.26i, and 1.65–0.069i. The agreement is good. The calculations take into account the particle counter white light illumination with color temperature 3300 K, the optical system geometry, and the phototube spectral sensitivity. It is shown that for aerosol particles of unknown index of refraction the particle counter size resolution is poor for particle size greater than 0.5μ, but good for particles in the 0.26–0.5-μ size range.
Quantitative fire hazards analysis—An overview of needs, methods and limitations

Abstract This year's SFPE symposium “Techniques for Quantitative Fire Hazard Analysis” focuses on available analytical techniques for fire hazard prediction. Topics include damage-ability factors, calculations for discrete fire hazards, prediction of fire effects in enclosures, applications of computer models and the basics of probabilistic and statistical methods for addressing uncertainty. The emphasis will be on applications. This introductory paper provides an overview addressing such issues as the need for quantitative methods, the technical basis for development of these methods, and a review of the more popular methods available to the fire protection community. Major emphasis is placed on the importance of developing an understanding of the technical basis and limitations of such methods. An example problem illustrates this importance.
Is George Bailey Dead

As consolidation, deregulation, and technological advances transform the financial services industry, it is generally believed that community banks provide relationship-based banking services for small businesses, family farmers, and depositors of low to moderate wealth. Using data from actual loan applications to a rural community bank (not too dissimilar to It's A Wonderful Life's ‘Bailey Building and Loan Company’ in Bedford Falls), the role of relationship lending in the market for home mortgages is examined for a financial institution with a long-perceived tradition of character lending. No evidence is found that prior account holders are given any advantage in the approval process for a home loan. Nearly all of the loan decisions are based on objective criteria such as personal wealth, debt obligations, and credit score. This has obvious implications for historically underserved consumers who are often rationed out of a credit market that allocates loan funds based solely on credit scoring techniques.
RELATIONSHIP OF DIAPHRAGMATIC CONTRACTILITY TO DIAPHRAGMATIC BLOOD FLOW IN A NEWBORN MODEL

We determined the relationship of diaphragmatic contraction rate to diaphragmatic blood flow (Qdi), metabolism, and contractility in 6 newborn lambs. The diaphragm was paced for 15 min. at slow (SC, 20/min) and fast (FC, 100/min) contraction rates each followed by a 30 min. recovery period in open-chested, mechanically ventilated lambs. Qdi was measured with radiolabeled microspheres. Transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) was measured with the abdomen tightly casted to preserve length and geometry of the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic fatigue was defined as a reduction in Pdi at stimulation frequencies of 10-100 Hz. With SC there was a mild reduction in Pdi at all stimulation frequencies. Pdi was profoundly reduced at all stimulation frequencies during FC with only partial recovery. During SC there was a significant increase compared to control In Qdi (273%), diaphragmatic O2 delivery (ODdi 273%), O2 consumption (VO2di, 593%), and fractional O2 extraction (Edi, 188%). During FC there was a further increase in Qdi (332%), ODdi (331%), and VO2di (729%). These increases were also significantly different from SC (P<0.05). Edi was increased compared to control (188%) but similar to SC. Lactate gradient (lac v-a) remained unchanged. We conclude that diaphragmatic fatigue at fast contraction rates is unrelated to a limitation in aerobic metabolism, as the muscle is able to increase ODdi and VO2di while lac v-a remains unchanged.
Developmental differences in acute nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic system response to haloperidol.

Developmental Differences in Acute Nigrostriatal and Mesocorticolimbic System Response to Haloperidol
Dantrolene reconstitution: can warmed diluent make a difference?

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the drug constitution of dantrolene by comparing reconstitution with diluent at ambient and warmed temperatures, so as to determine whether differences in reconstitution time might provide clinical or therapeutic advantages. Design Randomized study. Setting University-affiliated medical center. Measurements and Main Results We reconstituted 10 vials of dantrolene, 5 with room-temperature diluent (sterile water) and 5 with diluent warmed to approximately 41°C. Injection of diluent (10 seconds) was followed by 5 seconds of observation and recurring 15-second cycles (10 seconds of moderate manual agitation followed by 5 seconds of observation) until full reconstitution. In a second series of reconstitutions, warmed diluent injection was immediately followed by predetermined lengths of moderate manual agitation, and reconstitution status was noted at the end of each trial. Time to full reconstitution was based on a series of predetermined objective criteria. In experiment 1, with ambient-temperature diluent (22.0°C -23.1°C), reconstitution occurred in 90 to 130 seconds; whereas warmed diluent (40.7°C-41.3°C) reconstitution occurred in less than 30 seconds ( P Conclusion The use of prewarmed diluent to 41°C significantly reduces dantrolene reconstitution time. Further studies should evaluate the efficacy of dantrolene reconstituted with warmed diluent.
Role of cytosol and polysomes in the stimulation by androgen of protein biosynthesis in the mouse kidney

Abstract The amino acid incorporating activity of the polysomes and cytosol of mouse kidney decreased after castration and was restored to or above normal by androgen administration. The substitution of cytosol from normal or androgen-treated mice enhanced the activity of the polysomes of the castrated mice but not to that of either the normal or treated mice. The reverse was observed when cytosol from the castrated mice was substituted for that of the normal or androgen-treated mice. The removal of low molecular weight substances from the cytosol by filtration through Sephadex G-25 enhanced the activity of the cytosol without altering the hormonal effect. The addition of the other 19 amino acids to the incubating system also did not alter the difference among the three groups of mice. Thus, a factor(s) in the cytosol was decreased after castration and increased after androgen administration. A change in the quality of the polysomes accounted for a small part of the decrease of activity after castration and the increase after androgen administration.
In Vitro Transformation of Primary Human CD34+ Cells by AML Fusion Oncogenes: Early Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Possible Drug Target in AML

Different fusion oncogenes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have distinct clinical and laboratory features suggesting different modes of malignant transformation. Here we compare the in vitro effects of representatives of 4 major groups of AML fusion oncogenes on primary human CD34+ cells. As expected from their clinical similarities, MLL-AF9 and NUP98-HOXA9 had very similar effects in vitro. They both caused erythroid hyperplasia and a clear block in erythroid and myeloid maturation. On the other hand, AML1-ETO and PML-RARA had only modest effects on myeloid and erythroid differentiation. All oncogenes except PML-RARA caused a dramatic increase in long-term proliferation and self-renewal. Gene expression profiling revealed two distinct temporal patterns of gene deregulation. Gene deregulation by MLL-AF9 and NUP98-HOXA9 peaked 3 days after transduction. In contrast, the vast majority of gene deregulation by AML1-ETO and PML-RARA occurred within 6 hours, followed by a dramatic drop in the numbers of deregulated genes. Interestingly, the p53 inhibitor MDM2 was upregulated by AML1-ETO at 6 hours. Nutlin-3, an inhibitor of the interaction between MDM2 and p53, specifically inhibited the proliferation and self-renewal of primary human CD34+ cells transduced with AML1-ETO, suggesting that MDM2 upregulation plays a role in cell transformation by AML1-ETO. These data show that differences among AML fusion oncogenes can be recapitulated in vitro using primary human CD34+ cells and that early gene expression profiling in these cells can reveal potential drug targets in AML.
The median voter hypothesis: Evidence from general purpose local governments

The median voter hypothesis (MVH) represents a much-used as well as much-criticized tool in the hands of public finance economists. To evaluate the MVH, this paper applies the Cox specification test using data from general purpose municipal governments. The Cox test allows for possible simultaneous rejection of the MVH and all tested models, thus providing stricter criteria than applied to date in empirical MVH analyses. The test results reveal that the MVH is appropriate for explaining the aggregate behavior of municipal governments, but not specific services. Further, the single service and single tax base assumptions are not critical to the empirical MVH performance.
Evidence that beta-endorphin is synthesized in cells in the nucleus tractus solitarius: detection of POMC mRNA.

Abstract Evidence from a number of sources indicates that the major site of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-producing cells in the CNS is the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Using immunocytochemical techniques, a second, smaller group of POMC cells has been detected in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) area of the caudal medulla. However, POMC mRNA has never been reported in the NTS even though it has been found in other extrahypothalamic brain regions. Thus, there is some uncertainty as to whether POMC peptides are actually synthesized de novo in the NTS. In the present study, we used biochemical and anatomical techniques to examine whether POMC mRNA is localized in the NTS. Using in situ hybridization, cells containing POMC mRNA were found in the caudal portion of the NTS. The nucleic acid distribution correlated well with the anatomical distribution of 16k POMC peptide immunoreactivity as determined by immunocytochemistry. Northern analysis revealed that the apparent size of POMC mRNA in the NTS was similar to that found in the arcuate nucleus or the pituitary gland. Results of RNase protection assays using a POMC riboprobe complementary to the 5′ end of exon 3 suggested that POMC mRNA in the NTS and arcuate nucleus are identical in this region of the message at least. We also calculated POMC peptide product to mRNA ratios in different tissues and found that NTS cells appear to produce less peptide per mRNA molecule than those in the arcuate nucleus or pituitary gland. Taken together, these data provide the strongest evidence to date that POMC is synthesized de novo in the NTS and offer support for a role for POMC-derived opioid and non-opioid peptides in autonomic functions in the caudal medulla.
Design considerations for a separated turn isochronous cyclotron

Abstract The objective of this machine is the production of large proton currents at energies from 200 to 1000 MeV with clear turn separations so that 100% beam extraction is achieved. Each stage of the cyclotron consists of a “ring” of identical magnet sectors interpersed with an appropriate set of rf acceleration cavities. The beam is injected from a linac thereby eliminating the central region problems associated with present isochronous cyclotrons. As a result of the narrow magnet gaps, the machine has relatively strong axial focusing throughout. The orbital frequency is high enough so that the beam can be accomodated within the space charge limits. Additional small third harmonic cavities provide for a “flat-top” on the resultant voltage wave form thereby allowing a relatively large phase width in the accelerated beam. Conditions for achieving clear turn separation are analysed and found feasible. For a reasonable total number of turns, the isochronous field trimming requirements are quite tractable. Tentative design figures are presented and compared with the present Separated Orbit Cyclotron (SOC) designs.
Magnetic susceptibility of rocks in the Nutbush Creek ductile shear zone, North Carolina

Abstract Applicability of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) as a strain indicator is investigated for the Falls lineated gneiss, a strongly lineated, weakly foliated tectonite lying within the Nutbush Creek fault zone (NCFZ). The NCFZ is a major Alleghanian ductile shear zone within the southern Appalachian Piedmont and is characterized along most of its length by a pronounced, linear trend on aeromagnetic maps. Sampling was conducted along a traverse near Raleigh N.C., that extended through the lineated gneiss, across the eastern boundary of the NCFZ and into adjacent, supposedly unsheared Raleigh-belt gneiss. Petrofabric element orientations are similar within the Falls lineated gneiss and the Raleigh-belt gneiss but foliation is better developed than lineation in the Raleigh-belt gneiss. Mineral lineation parallels the strike of the NCFZ. Results of the AMS analysis are remarkably consistent along the entire traverse. Mean susceptibilty ellipsoids are uniformly prolate and display little variation in spatial orientation. In both the Falls lineated gneiss and the Raleigh-belt gneiss, mean maximum susceptibility axes are oriented along the trend of mineral lineation, and mean minimum susceptibility axes coincide with poles to foliation. Magnetic fabric in both lithologies is dominated by the alignment of magnetite grains in the direction of silicate-mineral lineation; magnetic lineation is better developed than magnetic foliation even in Raleigh-belt rocks. Similarity of the magnetic fabrics in the lineated gneiss and the Raleigh-belt gneiss suggests that both fabrics were produced by the same deformational process. The possibility that the Raleigh-belt rocks are actually part of the NCFZ is suggested by alignment of petrofabric elements along the strike of the fault zone. The presently mapped eastern boundary of the NCFZ which was defined on the basis of lithologie and mesoscopic rock fabric differences, may separate two distinct units within the fault zone. AMS results for Raleigh-belt rocks located north of the study area suggest that deformation associated with the fault zone may extend several kilometers east of its presently mapped boundary at certain locations. AMS results provide insight into the size of the strain field associated with the NCFZ but cannot be used to estimate either the strain history or the magnitude of strain experienced by rocks within the fault zone.
Recognition of deformable object category and pose

We present a novel method for classifying and estimating the categories and poses of deformable objects, such as clothing, from a set of depth images. The framework presented here represents the recognition part of the entire pipeline of dexterous manipulation of deformable objects, which contains grasping, recognition, regrasping, placing flat, and folding. We first create an off-line simulation of the deformable objects and capture depth images from different view points as training data. Then by extracting features and applying sparse coding and dictionary learning, we build up a codebook for a set of different poses of a particular deformable object category. The whole framework contains two layers which yield a robust system that first classifies deformable objects on category level and then estimates the current pose from a group of predefined poses of a single deformable object. The system is tested on a variety of similar deformable objects and achieves a high output accuracy. By knowing the current pose of the garment, we can continue with further tasks such as regrasping and folding.
SU-FF-J-71: Shifting MLC Shapes to Adjust for Daily Motion of the Prostate in the Concurrent Treatment of Pelvic Lymph Nodes and Prostate

Purpose: To determine if adjusting the multileaf collimator(MLC) leaf positions to follow daily motion of the prostate is a feasible alternative to moving the patient, and to apply this adaptive strategy to concurrent treatment of the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes Method and Materials: A leaf‐shifting algorithm was proposed to adjust MLC leaf positions to follow prostate movement while keeping the MLC portal shape unchanged. The MLC shift for each segment was calculated based on the beam direction, and the direction and magnitude of prostate movement. A computer program was written to implement this algorithm. The shifted MLC shapes were subsequently imported back into a commercial treatment planning system for the final dose calculation. For prostate‐only plans, isodose distributions were compared between the shifted MLC plans and shifted isocenter plans, which mimic the adjustment of patient position. For plans including the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes, isodose distributions were compared between the partially shifted MLC plans and shifted isocenter plans. Results: For prostate‐only plans, the isodose distributions were the same for shifted MLC positions and for shifted isocenters. For pelvic lymph node plans, shifting patient treatment position to follow prostate movement significantly reduced the dose coverage to the pelvic lymph nodes. Shifting MLC leaves associated with the prostate while keeping the MLC leaves associated with the lymph nodes unchanged resulted in improved dose coverage to both the prostate and the pelvic lymph nodes. Conclusion: Shifting MLC portal shapes is equivalent to shifting patient treatment position. In order to concurrently treat the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes, with the prostate moving independently, shifting the MLC shape is a better adaptive strategy than shifting the patient. Conflict of Interest : Research supported in part by Siemens.
The Seasons of a Scholar's Calling: Insights from Mid‐Field

. A scholar's calling at mid-career is latticed with challenges and changing responsibilities. In this essay the author considers faculty role changes during the mid-career phase of life as a teacher. The essay first addresses issues related to the responsibility of mid-career faculty to mentor the next generation of scholars/teachers. Keenly aware of stresses under which pre-tenure faculty labor the author highlights proven strategies and insights for successful mentoring. The last half of the essay offers reflections on life as a scholar, colleague and teacher at mid-career. With transparent honesty the author scrawls contours of experience, motivations, and challenges for mid-career faculty and sketches specific strategies for maneuvering through this phase of one's career.
Mesozoic apparent polar wander and Atlantic plate tectonics

New palaeomagnetic data indicate that the North American apparent polar wander curve followed an approximately latitudinal path for most of the Mesozoic. This has important implications concerning the early phases of seaftoor spreading in the Atlantic, particularly as Africa seems to have been stationary at that time.