cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hadron shower punchthrough for incident hadrons of momentum 15, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 GeV/c

Abstract We present data on the punchthrough probability for showers of positively charged hadrons with momenta 15, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 GeV/c. Data were taken using the CCFR neutrino detector (the Lab E detector), an iron calorimeter instrumented with counters every 10 cm of iron, and drift chambers every 20 cm of iron.
Novel therapeutics for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

A number of novel therapeutics are being developed for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Several of these agents have made their way into clinical trials. NMIBC includes a heterogeneous group of tumors with a wide range of recurrence and progression rates that must be considered in the design of clinical trials for these newer agents. Indeed, the goals of novel therapeutics for NMIBC differ depending on the recurrence and progression risk. The authors discuss the clinical experience with novel therapeutics, including alternative chemotherapeutics (apaziquone, docetaxel and gemcitabine), new paradigms for the delivery of chemotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy, emphasizing the need for appropriate risk stratification and comparison groups for future trials.
Genomic organization, expression of the human CBFA1 gene, and evidence for an alternative splicing event affecting protein function

The Cbfa1 gene, which encodes the transcription factor Osf2/Cbfa1 required for osteoblast differentiation in mouse and human, is mutated in cleidocranial dysplasia, a skeletal dysplasia. We describe here the isolation of the full-length human OSF2/ CBFA1 cDNAs, the genomic organization of the entire CBFA1 gene, its expression, and the existence of an alternative splicing event. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the human and mouse OSF2/CBFA1 cDNAs showed a 98% homology in the coding sequence and 96% in the 5′ untranslated (UTR) sequence. Analysis of CBFA1 genomic clones revealed that the 5′ UTR sequence of the human OSF2/CBFA1 cDNA lies 75 kb upstream of the originally described 5′ end of the gene. The existence of two OSF2/CBFA1 cDNAs is due to an alternative splicing event around exon 8 that affects the transcriptional activity of the protein. Northern blot analysis demonstrates that the expression of the human OSF2/CBFA1 gene is restricted to osteoblastic cells.
Antinociception in the rat induced by a cold environment

Rats placed in a cold environment (4 degrees C) for 2 h had a sustained increase in tail flick latency (TFL) as well as an increase in tail pinch latency (TPch) that was often biphasic with an early peak response at 15 min and a later, often higher, peak at 2 h. Plasma beta-endorphin levels after a modest increase at 5 min (24%) declined throughout the remaining time in the cold. The long-acting opioid antagonist naltrexone had no effect on TFL increases but led to greater increases in TPch (P less than 0.04). In morphine-tolerant rats TFL response was the same as in controls but TPch increases were greater (P less than 0.04). Rats exposed to 2 h of cold for 17 or 18 consecutive days generally developed tolerance to the analgesia of cold, i.e. TFL and TPch increases were diminished; however, the response to morphine on day 18 was the same as in rats never exposed to cold. Adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy led to significantly smaller increases in TFL (P less than 0.02 and P less than 0.001, respectively). The TPch response in contrast, was greater in adrenalectomized (P less than 0.001) and the same in hypophysectomized rats compared to sham controls. An opioid kappa receptor antagonist (Mr 1452) given prior to cold reduced both TFL and TPch response during the first hour. Thus the analgesia induced by cold appeared to shift from an early possibly kappa opioid to a later non-opioid form. The TFL effects seemed to be under hormonal influence while the TPch were not.
The Semiotic Mediation of Identity

The analysis of personal meanings and private intentions is central to most research and thinking about identity. More often than not, the individual is privileged as the creator or "agent" of meaning and the source of motivation. Understanding how identities are used by individuals to form satisfying relationships, meet socioemotional needs, and articulate plans and goals becomes the primary objective within this paradigm. However, in this article, by viewing identity from a semiotic perspective, I try to show that the categories and symbols that make up a person's identity serve dual functions: they mediate reflection on self and on the intentions, desires, and goals that orient the self in a particular behavioral environment; at the same time, identity expressions invoke tacit knowledge of life-chance differences linked to status domains. This knowledge, which is presupposed by the signs that make up identities rather than directly referenced by them, is integral to a culture's ethnopsychology and enables others to "make inferences about the interrelation of actor's goals, intentions and abilities" (White 1980:767).
Genital and perineal burns in children: 10 years of experience at a major burn center

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this report is to review a decade of experience in the management of perineal and genital burns at a major burn center. Methods: Seventy-eight children who sustained perineal or genital burns admitted to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston are discussed. Results: Genital and perineal burns occurred in the context of major burns and were rarely isolated. A total of 64.1% were caused by hot liquids (scalds), 29.5% were flame burns, 3.8% contact burns, and 2.6% electrical burns. A total of 61% of the burns could be treated conservatively with loose debridement, topical, and parenteral antibiotics with satisfactory outcomes. Foley catheterization did not increase the morbidity in these patients except in children less than 1 year of age. Testicular involvement was associated with the most severe burns. Child abuse was found in 46% and 48% of boys and girls, respectively, younger than 2 years that had sustained scald burns to the perineum and, or genitals. Conclusions: Most perineal and genital burns in children can be treated successfully with a conservative approach. Child abuse should be vigorously investigated. J Pediatr Surg 37:99-103. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Modeling of topology evolutions and implication on proactive routing overhead in MANETs

We present a mathematical framework for quantifying the impact of node mobility on the overhead of proactive routing protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). We focus on MANETs in which nodes move randomly. The analytical model we introduce models signaling overhead as a function of stability of topology, and characterizes the statistical distribution of topology evolutions. Although we could apply our analytical framework to any proactive routing scheme, we use the OLSR protocol as an example of our model, because it is a leading example of proactive routing for ad hoc networking. We corroborate the accuracy of the results obtained analytically by means of results obtained with discrete-event simulations using the same parameters adopted in the analytical model.
Leptin and its association with somatic depressive symptoms in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Background This study aimed to determine the association between circulating leptin levels and total depressive symptoms as well as depressive symptom dimensions (cognitive and somatic) after controlling for important confounding factors.
Counter-intuitive results in game theory

Abstract General comparative game statics results are derived in order to provide testable hypotheses in game-like situations. These results run counter to ordinary economic intuition. It becomes necessary to initially define whether a situation represents perfect competition or monopoly on the one hand or a game-like situation on the other hand because these different assumptions lead to greatly differing results. Several empirical applications of the theory are suggested.
The mechanism of the Gram reaction. III. Solubilities of dye-iodine precipitates and further studies of primary dye substitutes.

Solubilities of dye-iodine precipitates in alcohol and in aqueous safranin solution were determined by direct solubility methods and by photocolorimetric methods. It was found that, increasing precipitate solubility in alcohol or safranin solution gave decreasing differentiation between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Dyes which did not stain the cells well as a primary stain did not give good Gram stains, regardless of the solubilities of their precipitates. Some dyes (typified by methylene blue) which gave relatively alcohol-insoluble iodine precipitates gave inferior Gram differentiation because these precipitates were readily soluble in the safranin counterstain.Solubilities of precipitates of crystal violet and various iodine substitutes were determined photocolorimetrically. The ability of a substance to replace iodine in the Gram stain correlated with its ability to give a precipitate which was only slightly soluble in alcohol and relatively insoluble in aqueous safranin solution.It was c...
Clinical correlations of one-carbon metabolism abnormalities

Abstract 1. 1. Ninety psychiatric inpatients with a DSM III diagnosis of schizophrenia, mania, or major depression were studied. 2. 2. Upon admission/transfer to the Clinical Studies Unit, and prior to discharge, measurements of symptom severity (BPRS, Ham-D, Young's Mania Scale) and blood samples were obtained. 3. 3. Erythrocytes from these paired (admission and discharge) blood samples were assayed for methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity and phosphatidylcholine (PC) content. 4. 4. Comparisons were made between the changes in MAT Vmax, or % PC, and changes in symptom severity. 5. 5. For the majority of the patients (79.3% of the schizophrenics; 84.6% of the depressives; and 93.8% of the manics), clinical improvement was associated with a “normalization” of enzyme activity. The association between changes in % PC and clinical response did not achieve significant correlation.
The effect of chemical sympathectomy on catecholamine release at birth.

ABSTRACT. The precise source of circulating catecholamine (CA) at birth and their role in circulatory adaptation is unclear. In order to determine the contribution of increased postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity to the CA surge at birth, we induced complete sympathectomy in near term fetal lambs prior to delivery by giving 6-hydroxydopamine. Chronically catheterized fetal sheep received either 6-hydroxydopamine (n=5) or control infusion (n=6). Chemical sympathectomy was verified by tyramine infusion. Lambs were delivered at 142 ± 1 days of gestation and serial plasma CA, heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, blood gases, blood glucose, and free fatty acids, were measured before and for 4 h after delivery. Myocardial s-adrenergic receptors and tissue CA concentration were determined following sacrifice. Baseline circulating norepinephrine (NE) values were lower in sympathectomized animals (183 ± 45 versus 373 ± 125 pg/ml, p<0.05) and epinephrine values were slightly higher (118 ± 89 versus 48 ± 1 pg/ml, NS). There was only a 2-fold increase in NE after cord cutting in sympathectomized animals while control animals had a 4-fold increase (peak NE values 354 ±121 versus 1305 ± 363 pg/ml respectively, p<0.001). Epinephrine increased significantly in both groups and there were no significant differences between sympathectomized and control animals. Heart rate and blood pressure rose abruptly in both groups after cord cutting and there were no significant differences. Cardiac output was similar in both groups. Blood glucose in sympathectomized animals was significantly higher than control before (p<0.005) and after (p<0.001, peak values 66 ± 15 versus 35 ± 12 mg/dl). Plasma free fatty acid levels rose after cord cutting and were similar in both groups. Tissue NE content in the hearts of sympathectomized animals were less than 5% of control (mean 1.92 ± 0.5%), verifying the completeness of sympathectomy in this tissue. Myocardial s-adrenergic receptors were 229 ± 21 versus 199 ± 26 fmol/mg protein in sympathectomized and control animals, respectively. These results suggest that the majority of circulating NE seen at birth arises from postganglionic sympathetic neurons rather than adrenal medullary secretion. The comparable hemodynamic and metabolic homeostasis of the two groups underscores the importance of increased circulating adrenal epinephrine at birth.
Stimulatory and inhibitory regulation of DNA synthesis during spermatogenesis: studies in Squalus acanthias.

Spermatogenesis is a unique developmental sequence involving multiple cell to cell interactions and several categories of regulatory molecules. In contrast to conventional mammalian models in which testicular organization is highly complex, the testis of the dogfish shark Squalus acanthias is technically advantageous for elucidating stage-dependent structural and functional charactericsics and for in vitro regulatory studies. Using incorporation of [3H]thymidine into acid-insoluble molecules as a measure of DNA synthesis by spermatocysts (germ cell/Sertoli cell units) of premeiotic stages, we obtained evidence of a growth inhibitory bioactivity (chalone) within the testis. This activity is differentially distributed (postmeiotic > meiotic > premeiotic), suggesting that more advanced developmental stages, which are upstream in the vascular pathway within the testis, may control the size of the proliferating spermatocyst population and, hence, the advance of less mature stages. These data provide direct evidence for humoral communication between stages of spermatogenesis.
Energy density of nonminimally coupled scalar field cosmologies.

Scalar fields coupled to gravity via \ensuremath{\xi}R${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}^{2}$ in arbitrary Friedmann-Robertson-Walker backgrounds can be represented by an effective flat space field theory. We derive an expression for the scalar energy density where the effective scalar mass becomes an explicit function of \ensuremath{\xi} and the scale factor. The scalar quartic self-coupling gets shifted and can vanish for a particular choice of \ensuremath{\xi}. Gravitationally induced symmetry breaking and destabilization are possible in this theory.
An improved simulation algorithm for the determination of motor starting transients

The effects of starting large motors have long been of interest to power engineers. A significant amount of research has been conducted in this area, culminating in the development of a variety of computer algorithms designed to predict the effects of the motor starting transients. A review of some of the computer-based techniques is provided as background material in this paper. An improved simulation algorithm for motor starting analyses has been developed based on a combined time- and frequency-domain simulation technique. The complete differential equation-based dq0 induction motor model is used to represent the behavior of the induction machine. The complete model is chosen to allow the direct inclusion of models for typical motor starters/controllers and to avoid inaccuracies associated with reduced-order models. Frequency-domain techniques are used to formulate a multi-phase industrial power distribution system model. A least-squares estimation technique developed for digital relaying applications is used as an "interface" between the time-domain differential equation solutions and the frequency-domain network solutions. Simulation results obtained using the presented algorithm are accurate relative to the ElectroMagnetics Transients Program but can be obtained in a much shorter time period. >
Access point selection algorithm for multi-rate WLANs to optimise throughput and guarantee fairness

A novel Access Point (AP) selection algorithm to maximise the system throughput while considering user fairness is proposed for multi-rate WLANs. When a new-coming user enters an overlapping area of multiple APs, it chooses the one to achieve the highest system throughput. For existing users that locate in the overlapping area, they may also need to change their AP associations due to the dynamic nature of traffic load. To enable the fairness among users, each user is guaranteed a minimum transmission opportunity. In-depth theoretical analysis and extensive simulations are performed to verify the throughput optimisation and user fairness.
40 years of military medical education: an overview of the Long-Term Career Outcome Study (LTCOS).

ABSTRACTIn 2005, the Long-Term Career Outcome Study (LTCOS) was established by the Dean, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). The original charge to the LTCOS team was to establish an electronic database of current and past students at USU. Since its inception, however, the LTCOS team has broadened its mission and started collecting and analyzing data on a continuous basis for the purposes of program evaluation and, in some cases, research. The purpose of this commentary is to review the history of the LTCOS, including details about USU, a brief review of prior LTCOS work, and progress made since our last essay on LTCOS efforts. This commentary also provides an introduction to the special issue, which is arranged as a series of articles that span the medical education continuum (i.e., before, during, and after medical school). The relative balance of articles in each phase of training represents the LTCOS team's efforts to address the entire cont...
A SECOND-ORDER DYNAMIC MODEL FOR THE FROST HARDINESS OF TREES

Abstract The development of frost hardiness in forest trees is described by a dynamic model in which the input variables are the prevailing environmental conditions and the developmental stage of trees. The assumption of the model is that for each temperature and photoperiod there is a discrete stationary level of frost hardiness, which is attained if these environmental factors remain constant. The dependence of the stationary level on temperature and photoperiod is assumed to be piece-wise linear and additive. The rate of acclimation, i.e. frost hardening or dehardening, is described as a second-order dynamic process with two time constants, the second of which changes depending on the stage of the annual development of the trees. The frost hardiness model was calibrated and tested using experimental data from Douglas fir [ Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco] seedlings. The results suggest that the second-order model describes the changes in frost hardiness better than the first-order model with only one time constant.
Solubility of Carbon Dioxide in Water under Incipient Clathrate Formation Conditions

The solubility of carbon dioxide in water was measured at temperatures from 1 °C to 15 °C, at pressures approaching the clathrate-forming pressure. The goal was to fill gaps in the literature as well as to look for evidence of structural changes in liquid water near the onset of clathrate formation. The data were analyzed according to the Krichevsky−Kasarnovsky (KK) equation. The Henry's law constant KH and the partial molar volume at infinite dilution were determined at each temperature. Contrary to claims based on older data in the literature, the KK equation was found to be an adequate representation of the solubility. The Henry's law constants are in excellent agreement with accepted literature values. No evidence was found for dramatic changes in water structure as the clathrate-forming pressure is approached.
Social interactions as an ecological constraint in a eusocial insect

The ecological constraints model (ECM) was formulated to predict how different ecological factors affect cooperative-breeding vertebrates. Within these groups some individuals help raise nondescendent young because of constraints that limit their own reproduction (e.g. limited foods, reproductive opportunities and nesting sites). Despite similarities between cooperative-breeding vertebrates and facultatively social insects, few studies have explicitly and experimentally determined how the ECM applies to social insects. In this study, we examined the potential effects of predation, density and nest site limitation as well as differences in nest site quality on the alternative nesting tactics of the paper wasp Mischocyttarus mexicanus. Accurate field estimates of density were possible because multiple nests are initiated in isolated Sabal palmetto trees. Results from a 17-month census showed more solitary nesting when density was low and nest sites were plentiful. In addition, females appeared to prefer nests initiated on unoccupied east-facing fronds. We then examined the potential effect of density and nest site limitation in a field experiment by adding or removing fronds from S. palmetto and forcing all females to renest. The percentage of haplometrotic females decreased when fronds were removed (increased density treatment), increased when fronds were added (decreased density treatment), and showed a mixed response when frond number remained unchanged (control density treatment). Nest site limitation did not appear to affect renesting females: the percentage of available unoccupied fronds was not affected by treatment. Mischocyttarus mexicanus females responded primarily to their social environment within palm groves and to variation in nest site quality, instead of constraints that typically affect cooperative-breeding vertebrates.
A Review of the Neotropical Genus Marmarina Kirby, 1827 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini), with Description of a New Species from Argentina

Abstract The Neotropical genus Marmarina Kirby, 1827 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) is reviewed. Marmarina parvula Ratcliffe, new species, is described from Argentina. Redescriptions, diagnoses, distributions, and illustrations of the five species are provided.
Extrapolation of maternal weight in sequential aneuploidy screening

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the impact on the risk calculation of various ways of handling maternal weight when these data are provided in the first part but not the second part of a sequential screening protocol. Method A retrospective analysis of 38 986 sequential screens was carried out in which weight was provided in both the first and second trimesters. Three potential strategies for calculating multiples of the median values when the weight is not recorded at the time of second trimester risk evaluation were evaluated. First, perform no weight adjustment. Second, use the first trimester weight. Third, use the predicted second trimester weight on the basis of the first trimester weight. To predict the second trimester weight, we used a random-effects, multi-level model. Results The screen positive rate for Down syndrome was 3.0% (1151/38 986) and trisomy 18 alone 0.12% (47/38 986). The three strategies resulted in 196 (0.50%), 41 (0.11%), and 23 (0.06%) patients switching risk categories with the no adjustment, first trimester weight, and predicted weight strategies, respectively. Conclusion Utilizing the first trimester weight or the predicted second trimester weight in sequential screening when second trimester weight is not provided offers an affordable alternative for laboratories to provide robust risk calculations and interpretations without requiring excessive use of resources. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption, degradation, and transport of methyl iodide and other iodine species in geologic media

Abstract Iodine is an important element in studies of human nutrition to combat I deficiency disorders, and in protection of the environment and human health from anthropogenic release of radioactive I. Biogeochemical cycling of I in the subsurface environment is complex, because it occurs in multiple oxidation states and as inorganic and organic species that may be volatile, hydrophilic and biophilic. Predicting the fate and transport of anthropogenic radioiodine deposited from the atmosphere or released into the subsurface requires knowledge of the sorption and degradation behavior of the various I species that may interact with soils and sediments. In this study, sorption, degradation, and transport behavior of I species (iodide, iodate, methyl iodide, and 4-iodoaniline) were examined in 12 geologic samples of differing physico-chemical characteristics, collected at numerous nuclear facilities in the USA. In particular, this work focuses on the sorption and degradation behavior of CH3I in geologic media, for which few studies are available, even though it is recognized as an important gaseous form of I in the marine atmosphere, and as a major form released from nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities and during nuclear accidents. Results from complementary batch and column experiments show that different I species exhibit very different sorption and transport behavior in geologic media. Sorption of I− is in general minimal, but a low concentration (5 × 10−13 M) of radioactive 125I is found to be strongly sorbed onto samples with high organic matter. Sorption of IO 3 - is consistently greater than that of I−, and sorption of 4-iodoaniline is generally strong and seems to be related to the amount of organic matter in the media. Methyl iodide is weakly sorbed onto 12 geologic samples with a distribution coefficient of about 1 mL/g, but its degradation varies greatly as a function of organic matter content, with a regression line of t1/2 = 0.084 × OM + 0.088 (R2 = 0.898, N = 6) where t1/2 is the degradation half-life and OM is the organic matter content. These results will be useful in predicting the mobility of anthropogenic radioactive I deposited on a soil surface, and highlight the fact that it will exhibit different residence times according to its original chemical form and to the composition of host sediments.
Epidemiology of Varicella in Connecticut, 2001–2005

We analyzed varicella surveillance data in Connecticut for 2001-2005, to describe the epidemiology of varicella in a highly vaccinated population after the introduction of varicella vaccine and to determine the number of preventable cases that had occurred during school-related outbreaks. Overall, the incidence of varicella did not change during the surveillance period. Vaccination rates among reported case patients increased, and the severity of infection decreased. An annual median of 2.5 cases/outbreak was identified as being preventable, with a majority of these cases being preventable by revaccination of previously vaccinated persons. Continued surveillance is needed in order to monitor changing trends in varicella epidemiology.
Optical Method for Measuring Low Wall Shear Stresses Using Thermal Tufts

A thermal tuft method for the measurement of low wall shear stresses is described. Previous work described how the thermal tuft method can be used for flow visualization, but this work extends the technique to quantitative measurements of low values of wall shear stress. The laser thermal tuft involves heating a spot on a surface with a laser, which produces a teardrop-shaped surface temperature distribution pointing downstream of the heated spot. The temperature profile can be determined with liquid crystals, infrared thermography, or other methods. In the present study, it is demonstrated by theory and experiment that the lengths of these teardrop-shaped tufts are determined by the wall shear stress. Theoretical results evaluate the effects of laser power, laser spot size, and liquid crystal cutoff temperature on the tuft length. Effects of the thermal boundary-layer thickness are evaluated and found to be negligible for heights up to half of the hydrodynamic boundary-layer thickness. Experimental results agree with theoretical predictions, indicating shorter tuft lengths as shear stress increases. Thermal tufts can be used to measure the wall shear stress at multiple locations, thereby mapping out the wall shear stress distribution.
URINARY FUNCTION AND BOTHER AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY OR RADIATION FOR PROSTATE CANCER:: A LONGITUDINAL, MULTIVARIATE QUALITY OF LIFE ANALYSIS FROM THE CANCER OF THE PROSTATE STRATEGIC UROLOGIC RESEARCH ENDEAVOR

Purpose: We measure the effect of time on urinary function and bother during the first 2 years following treatment for early stage prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: We studied urinary function and bother in 564 men recently diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer and treated with radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy with or without nerve sparing. Outcomes were assessed with the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index, which is a validated, health related quality of life instrument that includes these 2 domains. To minimize the influence of other factors we adjusted for age, co-morbidity, general health, pad use, anticholinergics or procedures for urethral stricture. All subjects were drawn from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE ‡), which is a national longitudinal database.Results: Urinary function improved with time during the first year after surgery but remained fairly constant during year 2. Urinary function remained stable throughout the 2 years after radiation. Uri...
Some Aspects of the Problem of Prematurity

Summary A consideration of recent statistics on premature mortality indicates that marked progress has been made, with the exception of the now predominant group of deaths due to physiological immaturity . The need for studies of this obscure subject is stressed; a hopeful approach appears to be the study of tissue enzyme systems. Resume On s'apercoit, en consideant les recentes statistiques de mor-talite infantile, que des progres remarquables ont ete faits, a 1'exception d'un groupe, actuellement predominant, de morts par immaturite physiologique . Il est done necessaire d'etudier ce sujet mal connu; sans doute pourra-t-on l'aborder par 1'etude des systemes d'enzymes tissulaires. Zusammenfassung Eine Betrachtung neuer Statistiken uber die Mortalitat von Fruhgeburten zeigt, dass bemerkenswerte Fortschritte gemacht worden sind, ausgenommen die jetzt vorherrschende Gruppe von Todesfallen bei physiologischer Unreife . Die Notwendigkeit der Erforschung dieses dunklen Gebietes wird betont. Ein ver-sprechender Weg scheint zu sein die Gewebe-Forschung der En-zym-Systeme. Sumario Un estudio de las estadisticas recientes de mortalidad prematura indica que se han hecho notables progresos con la excepcion del grupo de casos, ahora predominante, de muertes debidas a inmadurez fisiologica. Se recalca la necesidad de estudios sobre esta oscura materia; una manera prometedora de acercarse a este problema parece ser el estudio de los sistemas de las encimas del tejido.
Gene selection using a two-level hierarchical Bayesian model

Summary: The fundamental problem of gene selection via cDNA data is to identify which genes are differentially expressed across different kinds of tissue samples (e.g. normal and cancer). cDNA data contain large number of variables (genes) and usually the sample size is relatively small so the selection process can be unstable. Therefore, models which incorporate sparsity in terms of variables (genes) are desirable for this kind of problem. This paper proposes a two-level hierarchical Bayesian model for variable selection which assumes a prior that favors sparseness. We adopt a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) based computation technique to simulate the parameters from the posteriors. The method is applied to leukemia data from a previous study and a published dataset on breast cancer. Supplementary information: http://stat.tamu.edu/people/faculty/bmallick.html
Measurements of ligament tissue cross-sectional area

An experimental method utilizing a high-speed computerized image analysis system to measure the cross-sectional area of ligament tissue was developed. The method consists of flash-freezing ligament tissue in liquid nitrogen and then sectioning the tissue at discrete locations along its length. A nondestructive casting technique was also developed to determine the cross-sectional area of ligament specimens prior to sectioning. Images of individual cross-sections for both ligament and cast sections were acquired using a high-resolution video-camera system. A comparison study was performed for an average area value of ligament cross sections and an average area value for cast cross sections. The variations between these are within 8.3%. A section-by-section comparison of ligament versus casting was also performed. In most cases, the variations between ligament section and cast section was less than 10%. The casting technique utilizing the image analysis system in an accurate, nondestructive way to determine the cross-sectional area of ligament tissue. It does not assume a shape for the area and can detect concavities on the surface of the tissue. >
Interpreting elementary science teacher responsiveness through epistemological framing

In this study we build on the closely related constructs of teacher attention and responsiveness to explore how one fifth-grade teacher facilitates scientific inquiry. We illustrate the dual use of responsiveness and framing through the case study of Mrs. Charles, who skillfully elicits and builds on students' ideas in her science classroom. In our analysis, we found that ranking the extent of this teacher's responsiveness was inadequate for describing the nature of her teaching and for uncovering ways in which this teacher might progress. Analyzing Mrs. Charles's practice in terms of her framing of the situation, however, began to reveal patterns and nuances in the nature of her responsiveness. We argue that it is through the overlay of her epistemological framing onto an analysis of her responsiveness that we get a fuller picture of Mrs. Charles's practice: inviting and valuing students' contributions while encouraging exploration of certain ideas over others.
THE CONCEPT OF CARE ETHICS IN BIOMEDICINE The Case of Disability

My aim in this paper is to offer an oblique approach to the question of biomedicine and the limits of human existence by discussing the role of a care-based ethic in contemporary discussions of disability. Contemporary discussions of disability have resisted the notion that disability is essentially a matter of biology and medicine – that biomedicine has any exclusive right to define, or even to redress, the adverse living conditions that physiological impairments can impose on individuals. In this paper I endorse this critique, but at the same time want to urge caution in a concomitant rejection, which is also found in the disability literature, of the conception of care. Care addresses the limits and limitations of human existence, and disability is a condition in which humans at once encounter and challenge those limits. In this respect, disability shares with many issues of biomedicine questions of vulnerability and dependency. An ethics based on care offers distinct resources for discussions of biomedicine, but I will confine my remarks to exploring the importance of these for disability.
Vorapaxar for reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events in myocardial infarction and peripheral artery disease.

Purpose The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, dosage and administration, cost, and place in therapy of vorapaxar in the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic events are reviewed. Summary Vorapaxar is a highly selective, reversible antagonist of protease-activated receptor-1 expressed on platelets. Vorapaxar competitively inhibits thrombin from activating the receptor, thereby decreasing platelet aggregation. Vorapaxar is rapidly absorbed and distributed, with peak plasma levels being reached within 60–90 minutes. Vorapaxar’s effective half-life is three to four days and its terminal elimination half-life is eight days. Vorapaxar sulfate 2.5 mg (equivalent to 2.08 mg of vorapaxar) orally daily without a loading dose was clinically effective for the secondary prevention of ischemic events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) without a history of stroke. Phase II and III trials of vorapaxar given with aspirin or a thienopyridine or both demonstrated a reduction in the primary endpoint of cardiovascular death, MI, and stroke in patients with a history of MI or coronary artery disease and PAD. Patients with a history of stroke were found to have an increased rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), which led to a boxed warning placed on vorapaxar’s labeling to warn of the increased risk for bleeding in patients with a history of stroke. Conclusion Vorapaxar is a novel antiplatelet agent that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing atherosclerotic events in patients with a history of MI or PAD without a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or ICH when taken in combination with aspirin and clopidogrel.
Peptides of the growth hormone-releasing hormone family : Differential expression in rat testis.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) belongs to a family of peptides expressed at high levels in the brain and digestive system of mammals. We have identified GHRH mRNA and peptide in rat and human germ cells, and detected a GHRH receptor mRNA in Sertoli cells. GHRH treatment of cultured Sertoli cells results in accumulation of cAMP and increased expression ofc-fos and stem cell factor (SCF), two factors critical for normal germ cell development. The current study was designed to localize within testis the transcription of other members of the GHRH family, and their receptors, and to determine if they also stimulate SCF. RNAs from separated testicular cells were amplified by comparative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Southern blot analysis of the PCR products verified the presence of five GHRH family peptide and receptor transcripts in distinct testicular cell types. Transcripts encoding VIP and glucagon, and the receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) and glucagon, were detected predominantly in Leydig cells. In contrast, expression of GHRH, PACAP, secretin, and secretin receptor predominated in germ cells. Receptors for GHRH and VIP were expressed equally in all testicular cell types. To determine if, like GHRH, any of these other peptides activate Sertoli cell expression of SCF, primary Sertoli cell cultures were treated for 4–6 h with 10 or 100 nM of each individual factor. There was no consistent stimulation of SCF mRNA by VIP, PACAP, glucagon, or secretin. Differential expression of these peptides and their receptors suggests that they may each have unique paracrine functions within the testis.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in a patient with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis

Background Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a condition in which metastatic cancer cells infiltrate the meninges of the brain and spinal cord, progressing to also involve the cerebrospinal fluid. Incidence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis arising from an esophageal cancer is particularly rare.
Discourse theory and “contrastive rhetoric”∗

This paper attempts to appraise Robert Kaplan's “contrastive rhetoric” in the light of a multilanguage research project on discourse structure. It claims that, whereas different languages do favor different rhetorical patterns, Kaplan's specific analyses are in need of substantive revision. As a specific example, this paper argues against Kaplan's observation of “parallelism” in Arabic, instead claiming that Arabic and certain other languages are characterized by “fluidity,” defined here as a preference for “flattening” in sentence‐connection, distinct from subordination (hierarchical clause‐connection), and also from true parallelism (characteristic of Chinese and Vietnamese discourse).
Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies the Effect of Beta-Blocking Agents on a Molecular Pathway of Contraction in the Heart and Predicts Response to Therapy

Over the last decades, beta-blockers have been a key component of heart failure therapy. However, currently there is no method to identify patients who will benefit from beta-blocking therapy versus those who will be unresponsive or worsen. Furthermore, there is an unmet need to better understand molecular mechanisms through which heart failure therapies, such as beta-blockers, improve cardiac function, in order to design novel targeted therapies. Solving these issues is an important step towards personalized medicine. Here, we present a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of molecular pathways that are affected by beta-blocking agents and a transcriptomic biomarker to predict therapy response.
Organizing empyema induced in mice by Streptococcus pneumoniae : effects of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 deficiency

Pleural infection affects about 65,000 patients annually in the US and UK. In this and other forms of pleural injury, mesothelial cells (PMCs) undergo a process called mesothelial (Meso) mesenchymal transition (MT), by which PMCs acquire a profibrogenic phenotype with increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix proteins. MesoMT thereby contributes to pleural organization with fibrosis and lung restriction. Current murine empyema models are characterized by early mortality, limiting analysis of the pathogenesis of pleural organization and mechanisms that promote MesoMT after infection. A new murine empyema model was generated in C57BL/6 J mice by intrapleural delivery of Streptococcus pneumoniae (D39, 3 × 107–5 × 109 cfu) to enable use of genetically manipulated animals. CT-scanning and pulmonary function tests were used to characterize the physiologic consequences of organizing empyema. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to assess pleural injury. ELISA, cytokine array and western analyses were used to assess pleural fluid mediators and markers of MesoMT in primary PMCs. Induction of empyema was done through intranasal or intrapleural delivery of S. pneumoniae. Intranasal delivery impaired lung compliance (p < 0.05) and reduced lung volume (p < 0.05) by 7 days, but failed to reliably induce empyema and was characterized by unacceptable mortality. Intrapleural delivery of S. pneumoniae induced empyema by 24 h with lung restriction and development of pleural fibrosis which persisted for up to 14 days. Markers of MesoMT were increased in the visceral pleura of S. pneumoniae infected mice. KC, IL-17A, MIP-1β, MCP-1, PGE2 and plasmin activity were increased in pleural lavage of infected mice at 7 days. PAI-1−/− mice died within 4 days, had increased pleural inflammation and higher PGE2 levels than WT mice. PGE2 was induced in primary PMCs by uPA and plasmin and induced markers of MesoMT. To our knowledge, this is the first murine model of subacute, organizing empyema. The model can be used to identify factors that, like PAI-1 deficiency, alter outcomes and dissect their contribution to pleural organization, rind formation and lung restriction.
Adolescents' theories of the commons.

Abstract Drawing from research on civic engagement and environmental commitment, we make a case for the processes inherent in how adolescents’ ideas about the commons (those things that bind a polity together) develop. Engagement in the public realm with a plethora of perspectives and a goal of finding common ground is fundamental. Adolescents participate in the public realm through mini-polities (e.g., schools, community organizations). Practices in those settings can reinforce or challenge dominant political narratives. Special attention is given to the natural environment as a commons that transcends generations and to the opportunities in schools and in community partnerships that enable adolescents to realize their interdependence with nature and to author decisions about the commons.
Notch Signaling Activation Is Associated with Patient Mortality and Increased FGF1-Mediated Invasion in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a cancer subtype that lacks validated prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers, and human papillomavirus status has not proven beneficial in predicting patient outcomes. A gene expression pathway analysis was conducted using OSCC patient specimens to identify molecular targets that may improve management of this disease. RNA was isolated from 19 OSCCs treated surgically at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB; Birmingham, AL) and evaluated using the NanoString nCounter system. Results were confirmed using the oral cavity subdivision of the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer (HNSCC) study generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network. Further characterization of the in vitro phenotype produced by Notch pathway activation in HNSCC cell lines included gene expression, proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and radiosensitivity. In both UAB and TCGA samples, Notch pathway upregulation was significantly correlated with patient mortality status and with expression of the proinvasive gene FGF1. In vitro Notch activation in HNSCC cells increased transcription of FGF1 and induced a marked increase in cell migration and invasion, which was fully abrogated by FGF1 knockdown. These results reveal that increased Notch pathway signaling plays a role in cancer progression and patient outcomes in OSCC. Accordingly, the Notch–FGF interaction should be further studied as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for OSCC. Implications: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity who succumb to their disease are more likely to have upregulated Notch signaling, which may mediate a more invasive phenotype through increased FGF1 transcription. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 883–91. ©2016 AACR.
‘Remember When?’: Analyzing Nostalgic and General Facebook Posts

Why do people post on Facebook? Nascent evidence suggests that nostalgia (a longing for the past) occurs in social media; more specifically, users indulge in nostalgia (remembering the good old days) while interacting on Facebook. This nostalgic longing appears to occur among all age groups; even 20-year-olds are known to exchange nostalgic posts on social media. Although a rich body of knowledge exists around, little academic research currently explores nostalgia within Facebook conversations. This research aims to fill this gap in the literature by examining 10,000 nostalgic posts and a baseline sample of 10,000 general posts, both obtained from a database containing private and public posts.
Integrating Language Understanding Agents Into the Semantic Web

Many intelligent agents need knowledge and information to support their reasoning and problem solving. The World Wide Web is a vast, open, accessible and free source of knowledge, but virtually all of it is encoded as natural language text � a form difficult for most agents to directly understand. We describe initial work on adapting a mature language understanding agent to process Web text and publish its output in the SemanticWeb language OWL. This approach adds knowledge on the Web in a form designed for agents to use. Moreover, language understanding agents can use the growing knowledge on the Semantic Web in their own language understanding tasks. Importing and exporting knowledge in the different knowledge representation formalisms used by these agents poses significant challenges. In particular we need to bridge the gap between the representation features of traditional non web-based representations and newer web-based formalisms such as OWL.