cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NT5E/CD73 as Correlative Factor of Patient Survival and Natural Killer Cell Infiltration in Glioblastoma.

CD73, a cell-surface protein encoded by the gene NT5E, is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM), where it contributes to the tumor’s pathophysiology via the generation of immunosuppressive adenosine. Adenosinergic signaling, in turn, drives immunosuppression of natural killer (NK) cells through metabolic and functional reprogramming. The correlation of CD73 with patient survival in relation to GBM pathology and the intratumoral infiltration of NK cells has not been comprehensively studied before. Here, we present an analysis of the prognostic relevance of CD73 in GBM based on transcriptional gene expression from patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Utilizing bioinformatics data mining tools, we explore the relationship between GBM prognosis, NT5E expression, and intratumoral presence of NK cells. Our analysis demonstrates that CD73 is a negative prognostic factor for GBM and that presence of NK cells may associate with improved prognosis. Moreover, the interplay between expression of NT5E and specific NK genes hints to potential functional effects of CD73 on NK cell activation.
Honeybees use their wings for water surface locomotion.

Honeybees display a unique biolocomotion strategy at the air–water interface. When water’s adhesive force traps them on the surface, their wetted wings lose ability to generate aerodynamic thrust. However, they adequately locomote, reaching a speed up to 3 body lengths·s−1. Honeybees use their wetted wings as hydrofoils for their water surface propulsion. Their locomotion imparts hydrodynamic momentum to the surrounding water in the form of asymmetric waves and a deeper water jet stream, generating ∼20-μN average thrust. The wing kinematics show that the wing’s stroke plane is skewed, and the wing supinates and pronates during its power and recovery strokes, respectively. The flow under a mechanical model wing mimicking the motion of a bee’s wing further shows that nonzero net horizontal momentum is imparted to the water, demonstrating net thrust. Moreover, a periodic acceleration and deceleration of water are observed, which provides additional forward movement by “recoil locomotion.” Their water surface locomotion by hydrofoiling is kinematically and dynamically distinct from surface skimming [J. H. Marden, M. G. Kramer, Science 266, 427–430 (1994)], water walking [J. W. M. Bush, D. L. Hu, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 38, 339–369 (2006)], and drag-based propulsion [J. Voise, J. Casas, J. R. Soc. Interface 7, 343–352 (2010)]. It is postulated that the ability to self-propel on a water surface may increase the water-foraging honeybee’s survival chances when they fall on the water.
Dose Escalation of Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation in Advanced Acute Leukemia

For patients with relapsed/refractory active leukemia undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), conditioning regimens at present fail to provide acceptable disease control. A proposed solution has been to intensify chemotherapy and/or total body irradiation (TBI); however, increased toxicities offset gains from therapy, resulting in a lack of survival benefit. Total marrow and lymphoid irradiation, or TMLI, is a technique that permits precise delivery and increased intensity treatment via sculpting radiation to sites with high disease burden or high risk for disease involvement. Normal tissue is avoided. We conducted a phase I trial in 51 patients with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia undergoing HSCT using a matched related, matched unrelated, or one-allele mismatched unrelated donor. Escalating doses of TMLI (range 1200–2000 cGy) were combined with cyclophosphamide (CY) and etoposide (VP16). Only one dose-limiting toxicity, at 1500 cGy, was observed. We declared the maximum tolerated dose to be 2000 cGy, as TMLI simulation studies indicated that >2000 cGy may deliver toxic doses to normal organs. The posttransplant nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rate was only 3.9% at day +100 and 8.1% at 1 year. The rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were in line with traditional conditioning regimens. At day +30, 88% of all patients achieved a complete remission (CR), which was also achieved by 100% of patients treated at 2000 cGy. The estimated 1-year overall survival was 55.5%. We followed this trial with a phase II study, in which we obtained 2-year estimates of OS and progression-free survival (PFS) of 41% and 27%, respectively. The estimates of NRM at 100 days and 2 years were 6% and 9%, respectively. Toxicities continued to be moderate and manageable. The TMLI/CY/VP16 conditioning regimen is well tolerated at TMLI doses up to 2000 cGy, with low NRM rate and no increased risk of GVHD.
Matchmaking Between Condensed Matter and Quantum Foundations, and Other Stories: My Six Decades in Physics

I present some rather selective reminiscences of my long career in physics, from my doctoral work to the present. I do not spend time on topics such as the nuclear magnetic resonance behavior of 3H...
Polarization Recovery Behavior of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 on Gallium Nitride HEMT Heterostructures

Ferroelectric (FE) devices have attracted much attention with potential application to a wide range of uses, including memory, steep slope transistors, and neuromorphic computing [1]–[2]. These studies [3]–[4] have primarily focused on the FE properties obtained on silicon substrates, and thus provide limited insight into the FE behavior that can be expected on other materials such as GaN. In contrast to traditional oxide and nitride dielectrics used in GaN MISHEMTs, FE materials have strong polarization effects that can be used to augment polarization engineering of 2D-electron gases (2DEGs) and threshold voltage control in GaN based transistors. In this work, the ferroelectric polarization switching behavior of Hf 0.5 Z 0.5 O 2 (HZO) on AIGaN/GaN HEMT structures is discussed. Significant ferroelectric polarization switching as well as distinct polarization recovery behavior have been observed for both metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor (MFS) and metal-ferroelectric-oxide-semiconductor (MFOS) devices. These results have significant implications for the devices design exploiting FE effects in GaN and related materials.
Stimulated bone growth and metal-infused skeletons: From comic books to commonplace

Three-dimensional titanium surfaces patterned with nanometer-sized features demonstrate accelerated bone growth and mineralization in mice.
Technical Note: A methodology for improved accuracy in stopping power estimation using MRI and CT

Purpose Proton therapy is becoming an increasingly popular cancer treatment modality due to the proton's physical advantage in that it deposits the majority of its energy at the distal end of its track where the tumor is located. The proton range in a material is determined from the stopping power ratio (SPR) of the material. However, SPR is typically estimated based on a computed tomography (CT) scan which can lead to range estimation errors due to the difference in x-ray and proton interactions in matter, which can preclude the ability to utilize protons to their full potential. Applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiotherapy have increased over the past decade and using MRI to calculate SPR directly could provide numerous advantages. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical implementation of a novel multimodal imaging method for estimating SPR and compare the results of this method to physical measurements in which values were computed directly using tissue substitute materials fabricated to mimic skin, muscle, adipose, and spongiosa bone. Methods For both the multimodal imaging method and physical measurements, SPR was calculated using the Bethe-Bloch equation from values of relative electron density and mean ionization potential determined for each tissue. Parameters used to estimate SPR using the multimodal imaging method were extracted from Dixon water-only and (1 H) proton density-weighted zero echo time MRI sequences and CT, with both kVCT and MVCT used separately to evaluate the performance of each. For comparison, SPR was also computed from kVCT using the stoichiometric method, the current clinical standard. Results Results showed that our multimodal imaging approach using MRI with either kVCT or MVCT was in close agreement to SPR calculated from physical measurements for the four tissue substitutes evaluated. Using MRI and MVCT, SPR values estimated using our method were within 1% of physical measurements and were more accurate than the stoichiometric method for the tissue types studied. Conclusions We have demonstrated the methodology for improved estimation of SPR using the proposed multimodal imaging framework.
Predictors of outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients less than eighty years old compared to those eighty years old and older who underwent stent retriever thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery occlusion-a pilot study. (P4.305)

BACKGROUND: Outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients 蠅 80 years is not clearly understood especially those with large artery occlusion and high NIHSS. Uncertainty leads to exclusion of these patients from stent retriever thrombectomy (SRT). Objective: To evaluate predictors of outcome in AIS patients 蠅 80 years compared to those 8 mm) (LCB). METHODS: Consecutive AIS patients with NIHSS 蠅10 from MCA occlusion with LCB who underwent SRT were enrolled from 2012 to 2014. Outcome was measured using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 30 days. Data was analyzed using SAS software. RESULTS: 21 patients with mean age of 70.60±14 years old with mean NIHSS 16±15 underwent SRT for MCA occlusion. Complete (TICI3) and near complete (TICI2b) recanalization was observed in 90.5[percnt] and 9.5[percnt] respectively. Time to recanalization from stroke onset was 230±160 minutes. Presenting NIHSS of 16.76 dropped to 7, 5 and 2 at immediate, 24 hours and 30 days post SRT respectively. Good outcome (mRS ≤2) was observed in 76[percnt] and poor outcome in 24[percnt]. In univariate analysis recanalization time, immediate and 24 hours post SRT NIHSS were predictors of outcome (p= 0.0039, 0.003 and 0.043 respectively). In multivariate stepwise regression analysis recanalization time (p=0.03) and immediate post SRT NIHSS (p =0.003) were the only predictors of outcome. Patient9s age and presenting NIHSS was not a predictor of outcome despite patients 蠅80 years old having higher presenting NIHSS (p=0.006). There were no difference in time to recanalization (67±16, 60.23±22.38, p=0.42) and recanalization rates in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients 蠅80years has similar chance of recanalization and clinical outcome compared to age Disclosure: Dr. Lodi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reddy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Devasenapathy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shehadeh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hourini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chou has nothing to disclose.
Structural Features of Heparin and Its Interactions With Cellular Prion Protein Measured by Surface Plasmon Resonance.

Self-propagating form of the prion protein (PrP Sc ) causes many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS). Heparin is a highly sulfated linear glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and is composed of alternating D-glucosamine and L-iduronic acid or D-glucuronic acid sugar residues. The interactions of heparin with various proteins in a domain-specific or charged-dependent manner provide key roles on many physiological and pathological processes. While GAG-PrP interactions had been previously reported, the specific glycan structures that facilitate interactions with different regions of PrP and their binding kinetics have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we performed direct binding surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay to characterize the kinetics of heparin binding to four recombinant murine PrP constructs including full length (M23-230), a deletion mutant lacking the four histidine-containing octapeptide repeats (M23-230 Δ59-90), the isolated N-terminal domain (M23-109), and the isolated C-terminal domain (M90-230). Additionally, we found the specific structural determinants required for GAG binding to the four PrP constructs with chemically defined derivatives of heparin and other GAGs by an SPR competition assay. Our findings may be instrumental in developing designer GAGs for specific targets within the PrP to fine-tune biological and pathophysiological activities of PrP.
Negotiating the Northwoods: Anti-establishment rural politics in the Northeastern United States

Abstract While recent scholarship on rural politics in the United States has focused almost exclusively on right-wing populism, capital's power over the land has also spurred nonpartisan resistance. Financialization of forestland ownership in the United States has diversified how companies profit from the land, whether through carbon sequestration, conservation easements, wind tower leases, or mechanized logging. These new sources of profit, though, create fewer jobs than the traditional woods products industries. Based on more than a year of ethnographic research in a forested region of northern New England, I describe an anti-establishment politics spurred by opposition to one of these development projects, an electrical transmission corridor proposed by an international energy company. I argue that the resistance to this project is a response to ‘behind closed doors’ negotiations and the accumulation of power in the hands of a small number of energy companies, timberland owners, politicians, government agencies and environmental NGOs. Scholarship on the resistance to neoliberalism's effects on the rural United States should thus not be limited to a left/right populism framework.
Parvovirus B19-associated graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infection has been implicated in allograft failure or dysfunction in solid organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the literature is limited. Case Two pediatric patients were diagnosed with PVB19 infection around the time of allo-HSCT graft failure. Both cases were secondary graft failure and required second allo-HSCT. Conclusion There are many risk factors and potential confounders in determining the exact etiology of graft failure after allo-HSCT. These two cases highlight the importance of including PVB19 in the diagnostic evaluation for graft failure. PVB19 infection may be an important risk factor for allo-HSCT graft failure.
Robust and Generalizable Predictive Models for Business Processes

Machine Learning models, and more recently Deep Learning models have gained popularity for predictive process monitoring. Predicting the process outcome, remaining time to completion, or the next activity of a running process can be crucial to provide decision information and enable timely intervention by case managers. These models fundamentally assume that the process logs used for training and inference follow the same data distribution and patterns. However, many real-world processes can have gradual or sudden changes, and logs themselves may be associated with different versions of process models modified over time, or customized by different departments with different policies. These can introduce spurious biases and correlations in the data, which can influence predictive models during training and adversely impact their accuracy. In this work, we present RoGen, an approach to train robust predictive models that can identify these spurious correlations and generalize to data with differing distributions. We show that our approach can also be adopted by existing predictive models to improve their robustness and generalizability. We evaluate our approach using real-world event logs and show that even in the presence of spurious data correlations, our models remain robust and outperform existing predictive models.
An Online Graduate Certificate Credential Program at the University of Arkansas

Business Analytics and Big Data have become a very popular topics in recent years. Many universities are gearing up to meet the reported demand people with these skills. This paper shares background, principles, and processes in the development of an online Business Analytics Graduate Certificate Credential program consisting of four graduate courses (each three semester hours). Innovative use of technology is incorporated into all four of the courses to ensure consistency and quality content across courses. The four courses are (1) IT Toolkit – designed to level students (especially those students who do not have an adequate IT background), (2) Decision Support and Analytics – an introduction to statistical analytics with a focus on what the data is telling us, (3) Database Management Systems – a focus on sourcing, preparing, storing and retrieval for data and (4) Business Intelligence – a focus on the discovery of knowledge from data and model development using data mining including social media. Included are the efforts, activities, software, hardware, concepts, teaching philosophy, and desired outcomes for the graduate credential certificate program. The paper should be very valuable to all those teaching or planning to teach in the Business Analytics area.
Constitutional Rights of Prisoners

1. An Overview of the Judicial System 2. Administrative Law 3. Use of Force Use of Corporal Punishment to Enforce Prison Discipline 4. Prisoners' Rights to Visitation/Association Searches 5. Prisoners' Rights to Use of the Mail, Internet and Telephone 6. Isolated Confinement - "The Hole" and Administrative Segregation 7. Religion in Prison 8. Legal Services 9. Prisoner Disciplinary Proceedings 10. Right to Rehabilitation Programs, Right to Medical Aid,and Right to Life 11. Additional Litigation 12. Parole and Probation 13. Litigation against Government and Individuals 14. The Prison Litigation Reform Act 15. Selected Federal Statutes Affecting Prisoners Part II: Judicial Decisions Relating to Part I
Simulcast packet transmission in distributed wireless networks

In most communication systems, the physical-layer communications from a radio are either unicast, meaning intended for one neighbor radio, or broadcast, meaning intended for all of a radio's neighbors. The implication is that most transmissions are either adapted to a specific radio's capability or designed for the worst radio channel among a group of radios. Unequal error-protection modulation or coding schemes can be used to transmit multiple messages simultaneously, where some messages can only be received by radios with better link conditions. When used in this application, such a transmission scheme is referred to as multicast signaling or simulcasting. Simulcasting has been previously shown to improve link efficiency for a scenario in which a single transmitter communicates with multiple receivers. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of simulcasting in a distributed, or ad hoc, wireless network. Performance results are presented for different channel and mobility models, as well as for different medium-access control parameters. The results indicate that simulcasting can improve the throughput in ad hoc wireless networks.
Multi-objective decision processes under uncertainty: Applications, problem formulations and solutions

Abstract Operating in a changing and uncertain environment, firms must make strategic and operational decisions while trying to satisfy many conflicting goals. Problems of this type arise in many important decision contexts in various industries and pose challenges for both practitioners and researchers due to their complexity. This paper is a contribution to the creation of a general framework for constructing and solving proper formulations for this class of problems.
Simulation Design: Negotiation Learning Gains

Negotiation educators have long considered simulations a central classroom teaching method, with high expectations regarding the method’s suitability and efficacy for teaching. This paper presents a meta-review of the literature exploring the degree to which simulation delivers on these perceived benefits of simulation, showing that, in reality, simulation enjoys only limited advantages over other teaching methods. Additional critique recently posed to simulations suggests that contextual or cultural reasons might sometimes make their use unsuitable. The combined weight of these two thrusts of critique requires re-evaluating the use of simulation in negotiation education.In this paper, we note three trends developing as part of this re-evaluation process: Improving use and conduct of simulations, deemphasizing use of simulations as a teaching tool while seeking out new methods, and finding paradigm-changing uses for simulation. With regards to this last, we describe two experiments we’ve conducted, assigning students to design and author simulations, rather than participate in them as role-players. Amongst other benefits of the design method, we found that designers showed higher levels of concept learning and motivation than did role-players.
Neuroembryology and Congenital Malformations

The brain undergoes a series of incredible changes in utero as it changes from a flat plate into a tube and then evolves into the convoluted cerebral hemisphere. This complex evolution results in several structures that start very close together (particularly the fornix, stria terminalis, corpus callosum, and anterior commissure) moving quite a distance apart.
Mosquito and West Nile virus surveillance in northeast Montana, U.S.A., 2005 and 2006

Mosquito and West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance was conducted on a national wildlife refuge in northeast Montana in 2005 and 2006, during which outbreaks of WNV in a colony of American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin) (Pelecaniformes: Pelecanidae) resulted in juvenile mortality rates of ∼ 31%. Both years, floodwater species Ochlerotatus dorsalis (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae), Aedes vexans (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Ochlerotatus flavescens (Muller) (Diptera: Culicidae) comprised 78% of the total collection and heightened host-seeking activity was observed from mid-June to mid-July. Culex tarsalis Coquillett (Diptera: Culicidae) was most active from mid-July to mid-August and comprised 18% of the collection in 2005 and 20% in 2006. However, fewer than 10% of the Cx. tarsalis females collected in 2006 were obtained adjacent to the pelicans' nesting grounds. Minimum infection rates per 1000 Cx. tarsalis tested for WNV were 1.36 in 2005 and 1.41 in 2006. All pools in which WNV was detected in 2006 were composed of females collected 10 km from the nesting grounds. Substantial juvenile pelican mortality in 2006 despite reductions in the population of the primary vector and in mosquito infection rates near the colony suggests that the methods used to detect the introduction of WNV were too coarse and that amplification of the virus within the colony may reflect causes other than mosquito infection.
Gradient property of standard representation for classical orthogonal groups

We prove that an orthogonal representation in a certain class, which includes the standard (real) representation of any classical orthogonal groupSO N ,SU N ,O N ,U N , possesses gradient property, and, moreover, a particularly simple structure of scalars and vectors, independent of the group considered. We also show this result is true under weaker conditions if the representation acts in a odd-dimensional space, due to topological properties. The result is of particular interest in connection with bifurcation theory.
A Combination of Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone may not Affect Cold Pulpal Testing in Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Does acetaminophen/hydrocodone affect cold pulpal testing in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis? A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Fowler S, Fullmer S, Drum M, Reader A. J Endod 2014;40(12):1958–60. Reviewer Anne E. Williamson, DDS, MS Purpose/Question The authors attempted to determine if pre-operative dosing with acetaminophen (1000 mg)/hydrocodone (10 mg) affected pulpal sensibility testing with cold in a tooth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Source of Funding Funding source is not available. Type of Study/Design Randomized controlled trial Level of Evidence Level 1: Good-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Transfer Learning Progress and Potential

This article calls for the research community broaden its focus by conducting research that begins with the discovery of a transfer opportunity, and only arrives at the identification of relevant knowledge and methods after significant processing.
Standard Operating Procedures for Peyronie's Disease

Abstract Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) refers to a penile deformity that is associated with sexual dysfunction. Aim To provide recommendations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on best evidence for diagnosis and treatment of PD. Methods Medical literature was reviewed and combined with expert opinion of the authors. Main Outcome Measures Recommendations and SOPs based on grading of evidence–based medical literature. Results PD is a fibrotic wound-healing disorder involving the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa. The resulting scar is responsible for a variety of deformities, including curvature, shortening, narrowing with hinge effect, and is frequently associated in the early phase with pain. Patients frequently experience diminished quality erections. All of these conditions can compromise sexual function for the affected male. The etiopathophysiology of PD has yet to be clarified and as a result, effective, reliable, mechanistic directed non-surgical therapy is lacking. Conclusions The management of PD consists of proper diagnosis and treatment, ranging from non-surgical to surgical interventions. The main state of treatment for PD rests at this time on surgical correction that should be based on clear indications, involve surgical consent, and follow a surgical algorithm that includes tunica plication, plaque incision/partial excision and grafting, and penile prosthesis implantation. Levine LA and Burnett AL. Standard operating procedures for Peyronie's disease. J Sex Med 2013;10:230-244.
Effects of rodent species, seed species, and predator cues on seed fate

Abstract Seed selection, removal and subsequent management by granivorous animals is thought to be a complex interaction of factors including qualities of the seeds themselves (e.g., seed size, nutritional quality) and features of the local habitat (e.g. perceived predator risk). At the same time, differential seed selection and dispersal is thought to have profound effects on seed fate and potentially vegetation dynamics. In a feeding arena, we tested whether rodent species, seed species, and indirect and direct predation cues influence seed selection and handling behaviors (e.g., scatter hoarding versus larder hoarding) of two heteromyid rodents, Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) and the Great Basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus). The indirect cue was shrub cover, a feature of the environment. Direct cues, presented individually, were (1) control, (2) coyote (Canis latrans) vocalization, (3) coyote scent, (4) red fox (Vulpes vulpes) scent, or (5) short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) vocalization. We offered seeds of three sizes: two native grasses, Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), and the non-native cereal rye (Secale cereale), each in separate trays. Kangaroo rats preferentially harvested Indian ricegrass while pocket mice predominately harvested Indian ricegrass and cereal rye. Pocket mice were more likely to scatter hoard preferred seeds, whereas kangaroo rats mostly consumed and/or larder hoarded preferred seeds. No predator cue significantly affected seed preferences. However, both species altered seed handling behavior in response to direct predation cues by leaving more seeds available in the seed pool, though they responded to different predator cues. If these results translate to natural dynamics on the landscape, the two rodents are expected to have different impacts on seed survival and plant recruitment via their different seed selection and seed handling behaviors.
Microplankton And Optical Variability In The Sea: Fundamental Relationships

Several fundamental relationships appear to be important for the interpretation of biological and optical measurements made at sea: 1. The growth of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria supports the entire planktonic community and such growth can only occur by the absorp-tion of light downwelling through the water column. 2. Suspended marine particles are the major source of optical variability in the open ocean and many coastal waters. 3. The numerical concentration of particles of a given size varies as the inverse fourth power of the particles' diameter, thus small cells and detritus are major sources of light scattering and absorption. Since these small particles have relatively low indices of refraction, the complexity of applying Mie Lorentz theory is diminished. 4. For pathlengths of 1 m or less the attenuance of collimated light is sufficiently low so that measurements can be interpreted in terms of single scattering. 5. The efficiency with which light absorbed by a phytoplankter is converted into cellular material appears to be predictable, dependent only upon ambient light intensities. These relationships were then used to examine changes in the absorption and scattering properties of particles within the water column.
Thyroid hormone-binding inhibitor in normal, pregnant, and lactating rat and postmenopausal human breast tissue.

The regulatory role of thyroid hormones in the synthesis of milk proteins and functional differentiation of the murine mammary gland has been demonstrated. Further, T4 and T3 and their metabolites are found in both rat and human milk. Since the enhanced metabolic demands of mammo- and lactogenesis may result in increased local hormonal requirements, we examined breast tissue from normal (virgin), pregnant, and lactating female rats, as well as postmenopausal human breast tissue for the presence of a thyroid hormone-binding inhibitor (THBI). This substance, which decreases binding of T4 to serum T4-binding globulin, has been described in rat liver, kidney, muscle, and intestine, and in the circulation of patients with nonthyroidal illnesses. THBI activity in the present study was assessed by equilibrium dialysis in whole tissue homogenates; the ether-soluble fraction was also analyzed for THBI activity by RIA. In a range of 0.8–8.0 mg tissue protein, we found lactating rat breast to contain elevated THBI l...
Vulvar basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Vulvar basal cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that often displays aggressive biologic behavior. Recurrence after simple excision is common, and metastases have been reported. Early diagnosis is essential and rests upon histopathologic examination of biopsy specimens, since the clinical appearance of these neoplasms may be deceptively innocent. CASE A 65-year-old woman was seen with a nonhealing skin lesion on the right vulva. Physical examination revealed a 0.3 × 0.3 cm crusted papule on the right labium majus. A saucerization biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed basal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent Mohs micrographic excision of the tumor, the total extent of which measured 0.9 × 1.8 cm. CONCLUSION Vulvar basal cell carcinoma is a rare but important consideration in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous vulvar lesions. Accurate diagnosis depends upon a high index of suspicion, biopsy, and histopathologic examination. Mohs micrographic excision is the treatment of choice.
1440 SEQUENTIAL MEASUREMENT OF URINARY MECONIUM INDEX (UMI) IN INFANTS WITH MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME (MAS)

Aspiration of meconium before or during birth may cause respiratory distress of varying severity. Neonates with MAS frequently pass dark urine after birth. Previous investigators have suggested that a water-soluble substance derived from meconium may be absorbed through the lungs and excreted in the urine. This substance has a spectrophotometric absorption peak at 405 nm which has been used in the calculation of the UMI. We prospectively studied 14 babies with the diagnosis of MAS. For each patient, the UMI was determined in the first postnatal urine (UMI1) and in a second urine sample obtained at approximately 24 hours of age (UMI2). Four patients demonstrated an increase in UMI2. As a group, these babies had more complicated hospital courses than did the remaining ten infants, who, in fact, exhibited a marked decrease in UMI2. Sequential measurement of UMI may be useful in predicting morbidity and possible outcome in neonates with MAS, and may alert the clinician to the possibility of extrapulmonary disease in babies who remain seriously ill but who demonstrate a fall in UMI.
Electrical properties of unconstrained ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 microtubes

High aspect ratio (< 30:1) ferroelectric structures have potential applications in areas such as tunable photonic crystals, biosensors and miniaturized transducers. Mechanically unconstrained and free standing Pb(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) tubes (1?2 microns in diameter) were processed with pre-patterned porous silicon templates using a Liquid Source Misted Chemical Deposition (LSMCD) technique. After pyrolysis at 300 °C for 2 min, these arrays were released using a combination of reactive ion etching and a XeF2 silicon etch methods. Surface contamination on these tubes was dissolved with a mild (0.1 M) boric acid treatment prior to rapid thermal crystallization (750 °C for 1 min). Pervoskite phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Small signal electrical properties on a single PZT tube were measured using a set of interdigitated electrodes. The measured capacitance was 7 fF with 5 % loss. The ferroelectric switching was confirmed with capacitance ! vs. dc bias response with a coercive voltage of 8 V. The temperature dependent nonlinear dielectric response in these free standing structures were quantified using Rayleigh analysis down to 10 K. A comparison between PZT thin films and tube of similar wall thickness was made. These measurements suggest that domain wall contributions in thin films are limited by substrate clamping, whereas mechanically unconstrained tube structures have higher extrinsic domain wall contribution to the dielectric and piezoelectric properties.
Barnacles and Biofouling

Biofouling, the attachment and growth of organisms on submerged, man-made surfaces, has plagued ship operators for at least 2500 years. Accumulation of biofouling, including barnacles and other sessile marine invertebrates, increases the frictional resistance of ships' hulls, resulting in an increase in power and in fuel consumption required to make speed. Scientists and engineers recognized over 100 years ago that in order to solve the biofouling problem, a deeper understanding of the biology of the organisms involved, particularly with regard to larval settlement and metamorphosis and adhesives and adhesion, would be required. Barnacles have served as an important tool in pursuing this research. Over the past 20 years, the pace of these studies has accelerated, likely driven by the introduction of environmental regulations banning the most effective biofouling control products from the market. Research has largely focused on larval settlement and metamorphosis, the development of new biocides, and materials/surface science. Increased research has so far, however, failed to result in commercial applications. Two recent successes (medetomidine/Selektope(®), surface-bound noradrenaline) build on our improving understanding of the role of the larval nervous system in mediating settlement and metamorphosis. New findings with regard to the curing of barnacle adhesives may pave the way to additional successes. Although the development of most current biofouling control technologies remains largely uninfluenced by basic research on, for example, the ability of settling larvae to perceive surface cues, or the nature of the interaction between organismal adhesives and the substrate, newly-developed materials can serve as useful probes to further our understanding of these processes.
Democracy as the Communitarian Ideal

Democracy is distinguished by optimal integration of diverse public values, identifying the most encompassing set of mutually accepted elements defining the contemporary circumstance. Individual orderings are integrated into a continuum by rearranging common elements into conformity with every other ordering. Sequencing common elements differently, translation from individual to individual occurs by reordering elements in an understanding according to sequencing of another understanding. Utilizing the reordering process, apparent contradiction between concepts is eliminated, each smoothly transitioning into its opposite, fusing all into a transmutative whole. By this function, an axiom system can be generated from its constituent axioms in any order.
Use of capillary electrophoresis-isoelectric focusing for the determination of bovine hemoglobin variants

A capillary electrophoretic technique was developed to monitor patterns of hemoglobin production in young calves subjected to multiple phlebotomies. The method is similar to one previously described for the determination of human hemoglobin variants in whole blood using isoelectric focusing. After a single collection of one-half the circulating blood volume, there were obvious alterations in hemoglobin chain variants. HbA levels diminished as blood loss increased with minimum values corresponding to maximum blood loss. HbF levels did not appear to be affected. Also visible during the regenerative process were atypical overlapping peaks preceding the normal hemoglobin peaks. At the conclusion of the 18-day study, most of the electropherograms had returned to initial states. These changes were found to be a sensitive indicator of accelerated erythropoiesis in contrast to the standard technique of total hemoglobin determination by colorimetric means.
The Role of Teacher Questioning in Promoting Dialogic Literary Inquiry in Computer-Mediated Communication

AbstractThis article reports research from an innovative university-secondary school partnership, the Web Pen Pals Project, which pairs preservice English teachers in online chat rooms with local middle school students to talk about young adult literature. The analyses reported here center on the type of dialogue that results during such online conversations. Findings suggest preservice teachers bring traditional classroom discourse expectations to CMC, and strategies that help CMC facilitators synthesize and focus discourse into co-created “group texts” are needed. Based on these findings, implications for educators who use CMC in teacher preparation to facilitate collaborative learning are suggested.
High susceptibility of FVB/N mice to the paralytic disease induced by ts1, a mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus TB

The ts1 mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus TB causes a degenerative neurologic and immunologic disease in susceptible strains of mice. This disease syndrome is characterized by development of spongiform encephalomyelopathy resulting in hindlimb paralysis, generalized bodywasting, and marked thymic atrophy associated with immune deficiency. The viral genetic determinants responsible for hindlimb paralysis in BALB/c and CFW/D mice have been localized to two point mutations in the env gene: one results in a Val-25----IIe substitution in the envelope precursor polyprotein gPr80env and the other, in an Arg-430----Lys substitution in the gp70. In this report we present studies showing that FVB/N mice were highly susceptible to ts1 and exhibited the shortest and most uniform latency period of all the murine strains tested. In addition, we have found that, unlike in CFW/D and BALB/c mice, only the Val-25----IIe substitution in the gPr80env is required to induce hindlimb paralysis in FVB/N mice. Our studies show that there was enhanced replication of ts1 in all tissues of FVB/N mice and that the virus titer in the spinal cord was more than 10-fold higher in FVB/N than in BALB/c mice by 30 days postinoculation, when the clinical signs of paralysis became evident in FVB/N mice. Apparently, other host factors that do not require the Arg-430----Lys substitution allowed high levels of viral replication within the central nervous system of FVB/N mice. These results, together with the finding that 100% of FVB/N mice that were inoculated with ts1 at 5 days of age developed hindlimb paralysis at 30-60 days postinoculation, whereas only 33% of 5-day-old BALB/c mice developed hindlimb paralysis with a much longer latency period, suggest that subtle virus-host interactions determine the incidence, the latency period, and the severity of the disease caused by ts1.
Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Support of Infants and Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Cardiac indications for the use of mechanical cardiopulmo nary support techniques in infants and children include short-term circulatory support during reversible myocardial failure, cardiopulmonary support before and after cardiac surgery, and a bridge to cardiac transplantation. For practi cal purposes, 3 modalities are currently available for these patients: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, use of ven tricular assist devices, and intra-aortic balloon pump coun terpulsation. Although a variety of devices are available for larger patients, the need for smaller sizes and a wider range of sizes has delayed their use in children. This article sum marizes the current systems available for children as well as indications and outcome data related to their use in infants and children with congenital or acquired heart disease. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Application of artificial neural networks to modeling the transport and dispersion of tracers in complex terrain

Abstract Simulation of the transport and dispersion of chemical tracer in complex terrain has been performed using artificial neural networks (ANN). The ANN method has been applied to relatively high temporal resolution data (hourly averages—long time series), and lower-resolution data (daily averages—short time series). The meteorological input consisting of surface and upper-air data was selected in such a way that it optimally represents the spatial inhomogeneity of the flow field, atmospheric stability, and synoptic conditions. In both cases, the inclusion of previous tracer concentrations as input has significantly improved the ANN performance. For the daily average case, several isolated single-point sharp peaks that were recorded in the series of daily concentrations were not resolved by the ANN. An improved correlation with measurements (from 0.946 to 0.997) was obtained after simple smoothing of the tracer concentrations. Because the number of data samples was small, a “leave-one-out” method was used. The hourly averages provided more cases and thus more significant input for ANN training; however, it brought more uncertainty into the selection of appropriate inputs because of the transport time due to the separation between the source and receptor. Here, training was performed using the first 85% of cases; the rest was used for testing. The ANN-simulated hourly concentrations agreed well with the measured concentrations and yielded correlation coefficients for the training and testing sets of 0.844 and 0.896, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that previous concentration data contributed to resolving peaks in simulated concentrations while meteorological data provided more information on the temporal characteristics of the simulated tracer concentrations. A rudimentary comparison with traditional statistical methods revealed that the ANN performed better and showed fewer limitations as a tool for tracer modeling, especially for long-term prediction.
The effect of alkaline earth cations and of ionic strength on the dissociation of earthworm hemoglobin at alkaline PH

1. 1. The effect of alkaline earth cations on the dissociation of the extracellular hemoglobin of Lumbricus terrestris and the effect of ionic strength on the dissociation of the hemoglobins of L. terrestris and Tubifex tubifex at concentrations of ca 2.5 mg/ml, over the pH range 9.0–10.5 was investigated using ultracentrifugation to separate the dissociated from the undissociated molecules. 2. 2. Mg(II), Ca(II) and Sr(II) at concentrations of up to 0.2 M, decreased the dissociation of Lumbricus oxyhemoglobin from 70% at pH 9.0 and 100% at pH 9.5 and higher, to 20–30% at 0.05 M. The three cations were equally effective in decreasing the extent of dissociation of L. terrestris oxyhemoglobin over the pH range 9.0–10.5, with a K12 of ca 10 mM. 3. 3. The dissociation of L. terrestris oxyhemoglobin over the pH range 9.0–10.5 was decreased only to 50–60% in the presence of up to 0.5 M NaCl or KCl; there was no further decrease in dissociation at concentrations of the two salts up to 1.5M. 4. 4. The dissociation of T. tubifex oxyhemoglobin over the pH range 9.0–10.0 was decreased from 100% to ca 40–50% in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl or KCl with little or no change at higher concentrations. At pH 10.5 and 11.0 the decrease in dissociation was more gradual, reaching ca 50% at 1.5M NaCl.
Low Examinee Effort in Low-Stakes Assessment: Problems and Potential Solutions.

Student test-taking motivation in low-stakes assessment testing is examined in terms of both its relationship to test performance and the implications of low student effort for test validity. A theoretical model of test-taking motivation is presented, with a synthesis of previous research indicating that low student motivation is associated with a substantial decrease in test performance. A number of assessment practices and data analytic procedures for managing the problems posed by low student motivation are discussed.
Variability of the duration of inhibition of growth hormone release by Nα-acylated-des-[Ala1-Gly2]-H2somatostatin analogs

Summary While showing consistent and easily reproducible results as observed in vitro or in acute in vivo systems, several N α -acylated-des-[Ala 1 -Gly 2 ]-dihydrosomatostatin analogs exhibit variable protracted inhibition of the growth hormone release induced in rats by pentobarbital. These results may reflect variable central nervous system responses to pentobarbital as well as to the somatostatin analogs.