cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF PLANT AND HEPATIC CYTOCHROME P-450-DEPENDENT MONOTERPENE MONOXYGENASES

While both plant and mammalian liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenases hydroxylate the acyclic monoterpene alcohols, geraniol and nerol, neither acted on their pyro-phosphorylated derivatives. The liver microsomal system can also convert geraniol to its epoxides but a plant membrane preparation had little, if any, epoxidase activity. Pretreatment of rabbits or rats with phenobarbital stimulated hydroxylase and epoxidase activities. In reconstituted systems P-450LM2 exhibited diol/epoxide ratios of 1.3, whereas P-450LM4 gave an activity ratio of 0.31. Hybrid reconstituted systems containing lipid, plant cytochrome P-450 and untreated rabbit liver microsomal reductase are capable of hydroxylating monoterpenes but were devoid of epoxidase activity.
Special Techniques for Weighing Microgram Quantities of Tissue and Assaying Them for Enzyme Activities

To carry out biochemical analyses on single hydra or parts of an animal and to relate those measurements to the dry weight of the tissue analyzed. There are three essential steps: (1) the quick freeze-drying of the hydra; (2) the dissection and weighing of pieces of dry hydra tissue as light as 0.1 μg; (3) the biochemical assay of those dried tissues.
Basic Concepts of Global Optimization

This chapter introduces the reader to the basic concepts that form the foundation for the global optimization theoretical developments, methods and applications. In section 2.1 the fundamentals of convex sets are discussed. In section 2.2 the subject of convex and concave functions is presented. In section 2.3 the definitions and properties of quasiconvex and pseudoconvex functions are discussed. Section 2.4 presents the definition and properties of the convex envelopes. Section 2.5 presents the definitions of the local, global optima and E-global optima. Finally, section 2.6 introduces the reader to the basics of difference of convex functions denoted as D.C. functions.
The Interprofessional/Family-Centered-Care Observation Rubric (I-FOR): Results of a Multicenter Study of a New Measure of Educational Outcomes

Introduction The ability to provide family-centered care (FCC) and the ability to work in interprofessional care teams (IPC) are essential educational outcomes in graduate training programs. Lack of standardized measures leave programs to rely on idiosyncratic methods to monitor outcomes. We developed a faculty observation tool as part of an effort to create a national quality improvement database. We present evidence for the feasibility and validity of the faculty observation tool. Methods Trainees and faculty at four independent training programs participated. Nineteen maternal and child health disciplines were represented. Faculty supervisors rated trainees using the new measure (I-FOR), and trainees completed related subscales of a previously developed self-report measure, the core competency measure (CCM). Faculty provided qualitative feedback regarding the I-FOR in a separate questionnaire. Results Faculty (n = 78) completed the I-FOR on 86 trainees (86/92 = 93%) and reported satisfaction with completing the measures. The I-FOR demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.930) and test–retest reliability (IPC r = 0.862, FCC r = 0.823, p < 0.001). Greater than 95% of participants reported that the I-FOR accurately addressed the relevant skills for each practice domain. The I-FOR showed no correlation with the CCM. Significant improvements over time in the I-FOR ratings were demonstrated in three out of four programs. Discussion The I-FOR demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Faculty responses provide evidence for the feasibility and validity of the instrument. Self-report and faculty-observation measures both increased with training but were not correlated with each other.
Pediatric oncology phase 1 trial efficiency in the era of targeted and biological therapies.

e14100Background: Prior reviews have assessed the conduct and efficiency of pediatric phase 1 trials evaluating conventional chemotherapy. Additional analyses are now needed to evaluate the conduct...
Abstract P364: Health Insurance Status Affects Hypertension Control in a Hospital Based General Internal Medicine Clinic

Objectives: Hypertension is a worldwide disorder that contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in both developed and developing communities. No previous US study has ...
Investigating the Impacts of Expectation Disconfirmation on Web Search

Expectation disconfirmation refers to the situation where a user's perceived performance of a system disconfirms her original expectation. Previous information systems studies have demonstrated that expectation disconfirmation can significantly affect a system user's behavior and experience. Inspired by this finding, we go beyond the traditional approach that focuses on the final post-search perception and study the expectation disconfirmation problem in Web search. Our study investigates task difficulty expectation disconfirmation and demonstrates that: (1) unexpectedly difficult task can significantly decrease a user's perceived level of search success and increase the perceived time pressure; (2) the size and direction of task difficulty expectation disconfirmation are significantly associated with Web search behavior; (3) it is possible to predict the state of expectation disconfirmation (especially the negative, unexpectedly difficult cases) based on search behavioral features. This study demonstrates the value of integrating expectation disconfirmation approach with interactive IR research and thus may encourage future researchers to further explore the effects of other aspects of users' expectations and post-search perceptions.
Clinical presentation in adults—Brain

Abstract Oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma were traditionally known as World Health Organization (WHO) grade II and III tumors, classified based on their histologic appearance. There have been advances in the evolution of genetic and epigenetic technologies, and as such, the collective understanding of the molecular underpinnings of these tumors has also evolved. The recent revision of the WHO Classification of Brain Tumors categorizes these entities by integrating the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. The diagnosis of oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma now requires the co-occurrence of alterations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and deletion of chromosome arms 1p and 19q. Consistent with most primary adult tumors, there is a predilection for the supratentorial compartment, as most oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma are found in the cortex. Growth is typically indolent, accounting for the clinical presentation in most cases. Seizure is the most common presenting feature of oligodendroglioma, for which many factors have been proposed as the underlying etiology of epileptogenesis, including mutant IDH . The presence of IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion is thought to predict more favorable treatment response and survival outcomes to treatment with chemotherapy and radiation.
Quantifying Cloud Radiative Effects with Overlying Aerosol using Hyperspectral Transmitted Light

Aerosol overlying clouds increase uncertainty of standard remotely sensed properties. We present results of a hyperspectral-based retrieval technique to obtain cloud properties, and its calculated radiative effect, from cloud-transmitted light.
A Precolumbian Presence of Venetian Glass Trade Beads in Arctic Alaska

Excavation at three Late Prehistoric Eskimo sites in arctic Alaska has revealed the presence of Venetian glass trade beads in radiocarbon-dated contexts that predate Columbus's discovery of the Western Hemisphere. The bead variety, commonly known as “Early Blue” and “Ichtucknee Plain,” has been confirmed by expert examination and comparative Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The beads are present in sites throughout the Caribbean, the eastern coast of Central and North America, and the eastern Great Lakes region, where they are commonly found in sites dating between approximately AD 1550 and 1750, although a diminishing presence continues into the early 1800s. Beads of this variety have not previously been reported from Alaska. Ascribed to Venetian production by their precolumbian age, the beads challenge the currently accepted chronology for the development of their production methodology, availability, and presence in the Americas. In the absence of trans-Atlantic communication, the most likely route these beads traveled from Europe to northwestern Alaska is across Eurasia and over the Bering Strait. This is the first documented instance of the presence of indubitable European materials in prehistoric sites in the Western Hemisphere as the result of overland transport across the Eurasian continent.
Active Learning in ‘The Cloud’: Using “Social” Technologies to Expand the Medical Classroom

In the last decade, the benefits of integrating active learning in medical education have been firmly established. Approaches that support students in actively applying content during their didactic years can enhance academic achievement, promote retention and application of knowledge, enhance understanding and mastery of course content, improve critical thinking and problem solving, augment clinical competencies, enhance interpersonal skills, promote teamwork, increase student engagement, promote positive attitudes, increase course satisfaction, and encourage self-directed lifelong learning [1–3]. Indeed, there is a growing recognition that in assisting physicians in becoming life-long learners who pursue knowledge and understanding autonomously in seeking excellence in patient care, medical educators must make every effort to provide learning experiences that actively engage and involve students in critical thinking and meaningful interaction with their peers [4, 5]. As of 2013, the Medical Education accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), requires medical schools to use active learning strategies in the curriculum to build such skills as self-assessment on learning needs; the independent identification, analysis, and synthesis of relevant information; and the appraisal of the credibility of information sources (from LCME website, www.lcme.org).
Exploring the efficacy of post-secondary career and technical education industry advisory partnerships

Purpose – To understand the experience of community college career and technical education (CTE) industry advisory committee members.Methodology – Using the qualitative research tradition phenomeno...
Polymerase theta-helicase promotes end joining by stripping single-stranded DNA-binding proteins and bridging DNA ends

Homologous recombination-deficient cancers rely on DNA polymerase Theta (Pol{theta})-Mediated End Joining (TMEJ), an alternative double-strand break repair pathway. Pol{theta} is the only vertebrate polymerase that encodes an N-terminal superfamily 2 (SF2) helicase domain, but the role of this helicase domain in TMEJ remains unclear. Using single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that Pol{theta}-helicase (Pol{theta}-h) is a highly processive single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) motor protein that can efficiently strip Replication Protein A (RPA) from ssDNA. Pol{theta}-h also has a limited capacity for disassembling RAD51 filaments but is not processive on doublestranded DNA. Pol{theta}-h can bridge two non-complementary DNA strands in trans. PARylation of Pol{theta}-h by PARP-1 resolves these DNA bridges. We conclude that Pol{theta}-h removes RPA and RAD51 filaments and mediates bridging of DNA overhangs to aid in polymerization by the Pol{theta} polymerase domain.
Sorting Through Acute Neuromuscular Diseases

This chapter tackles two major issues. First, how do we best examine, quantify, and clinically diagnose acute neuromuscular disease? Second, how can we amalgamate all the clinical findings into a working diagnosis? Clinically, it is not difficult to diagnose acute neuromuscular disease if we (1) determine which part of the motor unit is involved, (2) assess the vital signs, and (3) anticipate problems with both the pulmonary and cardiac pump. Patients with acute neuromuscular disorders may need critical care when there is mechanical respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or autonomic function failure.
An Information Theoretic Framework for Protein Activity Measurement

Nonparametric analytical Rank-based Enrichment Analysis (NaRnEA) is a novel gene set analysis method which leverages an analytical null model derived under the Principle of Maximum Entropy. NaRnEA critically improves over two widely used methods - Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and analytical Rank-based Enrichment Analysis (aREA) - as shown by differential activity measurement of ~2,500 transcriptional regulatory proteins across three cohorts in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on the enrichment of their transcriptional targets in differentially expressed genes. Phenotype-matched proteomic data from the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) was used to evaluate measurement accuracy. We show that the sample-shuffling empirical null models leveraged by GSEA and aREA are overly conservative, a shortcoming that is critically addressed by NaRnEA9s optimal analytical null model.
Changing Times and CVD

This section will be devoted to the question whether the relative components of CVD have been changing over the years, and most particularly to whether there has been a decline in cerebral hemorrhage and an increase in thromboembolic CVD.
Sustained and Cyclic Loading of Concrete Beams

A general analytical procedure for predicting the behavior of reinforced concrete beams subjected to variable repeated loading which includes the effect of the strain-hardening of the steel and creep behavior of the concrete is verified with a test program consisting of eight simply supported beams and six two-span continuous beams. The instantaneous moment-curvature relationship is developed using the stress-strain relations obtained from standard axial tests for the steel and concrete to represent the stresses in each of the materials at any point in the cross section. The equations developed to represent the moment-curvature-time relationships are obtained from a flexural theory which represents the stress-strain-time relationship for the concrete by the actual experiment strain values for plain concrete cylinders at various stress and time coordinates. The intermediate stress strains are calculated by interpolating between the given points.
Variable Amplitude Fatigue Damage Analyses: Postulate and Critical Experiments

Fatigue analyses under variable amplitude loading involves the identification of cycles within the history, the assessment of damage done including sequence effects and mean stress effects, and finally, damage accumulation. For more than a decade, the Japanese rainflow cycle counting procedure has been shown to be consistent with the material cyclic flow process and a valid basis for identification of cycles. However, as yet, damage assessment and accumulation along with sequence and mean stress effects remain areas of controversy.
New Technologies and Services for Disabled and Elderly People in the Emerging Information Society

Developments in information technology and telecommunications are supposed to have an important impact on the possibilities of socio-economic integration of the population at large, but are particularly critical for people with disabilities and elderly people. Their impact depends on how technology is made available and accessible to all potential users. This paper discusses some of the challenges that need to be addressed in the context of the emerging Information Society. It does not aim at exhaustively reviewing current developments in technology and foreseeing in detail their likely outcomes, but rather at looking at the emerging situation, trying to figure out the main features of the new information and telecommunication environments that people will have to interact with, and what is needed to make such an environment accessible.
Abstract MP91: Self-Reported Sitting Time Using a Two-Question Method Is a Good Measure of Sedentary Behavior: Findings in the New York City Adult Population

Introduction: Sedentary behavior is defined as activities that require low energy expenditure (1.0 - 1.5 [METs]). Sitting time is a specific domain of sedentary behavior that is associated with metabolic disturbances, decreased life expectancy, and mortality - outcomes that occur independent of meeting physical activity guidelines. Population-level prevalence estimates of the ‘active couch potato’, or active adults who engage in at least 7+ hours of sitting time a day, are needed. Hypothesis: We tested that the two-question method of self-reported sitting time would have adequate construct validity for population surveillance. Methods: The New York City Health Department conducted the 2011 Physical Activity and Transit (PAT) Survey using random-digit dial (cell and landline telephones) methods (n=3811); an additional subset of participants wore accelerometers for a seven-day period (n=679). Sedentary time was defined as accelerometer minutes with Results: Self-reported mean daily sitting time was 444 min (7.4 hours); accelerometer-based mean daily sedentary time was 494 min (8.2 hours; correlation: r=0.32, p Conclusions: Sitting time can be accurately assessed by self-report for population surveillance, but may be limited in characterizing individual-level behavior. Differences in measurement characteristics suggest that accelerometer-based measurements may not be an appropriate way to validate self-reported sitting time. Sedentary behavior appears to be prevalent in two different groups: (1) older adults and; (2) working-age adults of higher socioeconomic status. Targeted interventions to minimize extended periods of sedentary activity among these groups are warranted. 1
Genetic Structure of Remnant Populations and Cultivars of Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) in the Context of Prairie Conservation and Restoration

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a dominant, perennial C4 grass of North American tallgrass prairies with cultivars that are widely used in grassland restoration, pastures, and landscaping. However, these cultivars may be genetically dissimilar to small, remnant populations, raising concerns about altered genetic composition of native populations through gene flow. To address this issue on a local scale in Ohio and Illinois, we used microsatellite markers to characterize genetic diversity and differentiation of 10 remnant prairie populations (5 in each state) and 8 common cultivars. The bulk of genetic variation was found to reside within rather than among wild populations, consistent with the outcrossing breeding system of switchgrass. Genetic diversity was similar among the remnant populations despite large differences in area (approximately 2–2,590 ha), highlighting the importance of small native populations as reservoirs of variation and potential seed sources for prairie restoration. Cultivars generally had similar levels of variation to the wild populations, but we found clear genetic dissimilarity between wild and cultivated gene pools (especially for Kanlow, but also Trailblazer, Blackwell, Dacotah, Summer, and Sunburst cultivars). This suggests that using cultivars in local prairie restoration efforts may alter the genetic composition of wild populations. Whether such changes are deemed as negative depends on the cultivar under consideration and specific conservation goals for preserving native switchgrass populations. Patterns of genetic variation in remnant prairie populations and potential cultivar sources can be used to develop guidelines for restoration as well as future planting of cultivars for biofuels.
Trade, Transfers, and Monetary Overhangs

In this chapter, we turn to questions involving international trade and the transfer of wealth from one country to another or from one region within a country to another. The focus, initially, will be on the emergence of trade between two previously closed monetary economies and the factors which influence the exchange rate established between their respective currencies. Following this, we will turn to transfer questions involving “monetary overhangs” and how they are related to the conservation laws imposed by the pool of fluid capital. Two examples will be considered, the first the “capital levy” proposed by Schumpeter for Austria at the end of WWI, the second the reunification of Germany in 1990 following collapse of the Berlin Wall.
Relationship of cognitive measures and gray and white matter in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between commonly used screening cognitive measures with gray and white matter integrity in patients with mild to moderate AD. BACKGROUND New neuroimaging techniques, such as voxel-based morphometry (VBM), make it possible to study the relationship between structural brain integrity and cognitive functioning in AD. METHODS Gray and white matter integrity was evaluated using VBM in fifteen patients with mild to moderate AD. ADAS-Cog and MMSE scores were also performed as part of the baseline assessment for a larger clinical trial in the AD patients. Correlations between cognitive measures and VBM were performed. RESULTS Both the ADAS-Cog and the MMSE showed a similar relationship with gray matter degeneration, reflecting greater cognitive impairment with decreased gray matter in the left temporal lobe. However, the MMSE score was much more reflective of underlying white matter changes than ADAS-Cog scores, particularly in frontotemporal region. These findings suggest that the ADAS-Cog and MMSE reflect different aspects of the underlying brain changes observed in AD. The ADAS-Cog was more specific to gray matter integrity whereas the MMSE reflected a more global reduction in both gray and white matter. CONCLUSIONS These results support using neuroimaging markers of neural integrity as an important consideration when evaluating treatment efficacy. Furthermore, whole-brain analyses such as VBM help to evaluate neural systems that are not necessarily targeted by the treatment.
CLUBB as a unified cloud parameterization: Opportunities and challenges

CLUBB (Cloud Layers Unified by Binormals) is a higher-order closure (HOC) method with an assumed joint probability density function (PDF) for the subgrid variations in vertical velocity, temperature, and moisture. CLUBB has been implemented in the atmospheric component (AM3) of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory general circulation model AM3-CLUBB and successfully unifies the treatment of shallow convection, resolved clouds, and planetary boundary layer (PBL). In this study, we further explore the possibility for CLUBB to unify the deep convection in a new configuration referred as AM3-CLUBB+. AM3-CLUBB+ simulations with prescribed sea surface temperature are discussed. Cloud, radiation, and precipitation fields compare favorably with observations and reanalyses. AM3-CLUBB+ successfully captures the transition from stratocumulus to deep convection and the modulated response of liquid water path to aerosols. Simulations of tropical variability and the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) are also improved. Deficiencies include excessive tropical water vapor and insufficient ice clouds in the midlatitudes.
Spatial and Stochastic Effects in a Model of Viral Infection

Recently, Haseltine et al. published a mathematical model of dynamics of viral infection that has consisted of reaction-diffusion type differential equations for wild-type and infected cells, virions and interferon. The model serves as a mathematical description for two-dimensional viral infection spread experiments. We built a model which is different from Haseltine's and is an extension of another model by Getto et al. We investigated its deterministic and stochastic versions, using modeling software sbioPN created by Bertolusso. We found that in the range of parameters, which may be called “critical”, the stochastic model seems to display complex effects qualitatively different from its deterministic counterpart. Also, the rates of infection in the stochastic model are generally slower than in the deterministic model, an effect, which can be traced to Jensen inequality known best in probability calculus. Although a direct experimental confirmation of these effects is still missing, they seem sufficiently interesting to deserve discussion.
Burnout or Boredom

Even the greatest job loses its attraction after awhile and you may start thinking about or even searching for a new job. Do you feel burned out, overworked and underpaid? It must be time to leave! Experts recommend that you think long and hard before quitting. In this presentation, we will discuss five areas to explore before moving to "greener" pastures.
Massive parallelism through program restructuring

A technique for mapping algorithms to massively parallel processors is described. It differs from previous work by focusing on explicit program restructuring, as opposed to manual or algebraic mapping. The method is flexible, and it allows nonlinear, as well as linear, mappings. Some restructuring transformations and how they would be used are described. A limitation of the approach is the restriction of skewing and rotating by unit factors only. The method benefits from previous work in program restructuring and systolic array synthesis and thus will be simple to implement. >
Isolation and characterization of auxotrophic mutants of Legionella pneumophila that fail to multiply in human monocytes

Attempts to isolate auxotrophic mutants of Legionella pneumophila have been hampered by the complex nutritional composition of the media used to cultivate this organism. We developed a semidefined medium, designated CAA, to facilitate the isolation and characterization of Legionella auxotrophs. Unlike previously described chemically defined media for this organism, L. pneumophila formed colonies on CAA agar. Using this medium, we isolated several independent tryptophan auxotrophs of strain Philadelphia-1 after ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis and penicillin enrichment. Trimethoprim selection was used to isolate several independent thymidine-requiring mutants of the same strain. The thymidine auxotrophs exhibited a marked decrease in viability when they were deprived of thymidine. The results of monocyte infection experiments with both the tryptophan and thymidine auxotrophs indicated that the thymidine auxotrophs were incapable of intracellular survival or multiplication. In contrast, the tryptophan auxotrophs grew well in monocyte cultures. The isolation of additional auxotrophic mutants will facilitate the study of the nutritional requirements of L. pneumophila for growth in human mononuclear phagocytes.
Firm-Specific Determinants of Corporate Lobbying Participation and Intensity

Abstract Lobbying constitutes a major element in the political strategy of firms seeking favorable regulatory outcomes and is perceived as a source of a firm’s competitive advantage. Recognizing firms’ ability to influence their external environments through reactive and proactive political behavior, this paper analyzes the firm-specific determinants of corporate political activity and intensity. Results from US and Japanese firms indicate that firm size, diversification, and internationalization positively influence the likelihood of a firm being an active lobbyist. While firm profitability influences the "intensity" of lobbying activity, foreign nationality has a negative impact.
Production of trichothecene mycotoxins by Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum on barley and wheat.

Wheat cultivars (Stoa, MN87150, SuMai-3, YMI-6, Wheaton) and barley cultivars (Robust, Excel, Chevron, M69) were inoculated in the field with isolates ofFusarium graminearum andF. culmorum. The diseased (Fusarium head blight) kernels were analyzed for deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) and nivalenol (NIV).F. culmorum produced all three trichothecenes on all cultivars tested whereasF. graminearum only produced DON and 15-ADON. There was no well defined correlation between DON production in the host and resistance although the data tended to favor SuMai-3 as having definitive resistance to bothF. graminearum andF. culmorum.
Taming in wild rats following medial amygdaloid lesions

Flight behavior, startle reactions, and defensiveness to nonpainful stimuli were examined before and after medial amygdaloid lesions in wild Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus. Lesions which included bilateral damage to the medial nucleus strongly reduced defensiveness but had no effect on flight behavior. In contrast, damage to nearby medial structures, which spared the medial nucleus, had no effect on defensiveness but reduced flight behavior. All lesions produced a transient decrease in activity but had no effect on startle reactions. The results suggest a differential organization of flight and defense behavior within the medial amygdala.
The pharmaco-ontogeny of the perifornical lateral hypothalamic β2-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptor systems mediating epinephrine- and dopamine-induced suppression of feeding in the rat

Abstract The functional ontogeny of β2-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptor in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PLH) that mediate adrenergic and dopaminergic suppression of feeding in rats was investigated. Rat pups, ranging in age from 2 to 15 days, were removed from their mothers and implanted with a brain cannula directed unilaterally at the PLH or a more rostral site lateral to the anterior nucleus of the hypothalamus. On the next day, following a 22-h period of food and water deprivation, each pup was implanted with an intra-oral cannula for oral infusion of milk that could be swallowed or rejected. Subsequently, each pup received an intracerebral injection of saline, or a single dose of epinephrine (EPI, 0.1–30.0 nmol), the β2-adrenergenic receptor agonist salbutmol (1.0–30.0 nmol) or the dopaminergic receptor agonist apomorphine (1.0–30.0 nmol). Milk intake was then assessed following a 1-h period of infusion. The results showed significant dose-dependent suppression of milk intake in pups as young as 2 days of age in response to PLH injection of EPI, salbutamol and apomorphine. In contrast to its effectiveness in the PLH at 2 days of age, EPI failed to suppress milk intake at this age following injection into a more rostral site lateral to the anterior nucleus of the hypothalamus. Together, these findings suggest that both β2-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors, mediating adrenergic and dopaminergic suppression of feeding, are functionally mature very early in the postnatal development of the rat. Moreover, consistent with evidence in adult rats, these catecholaminergic receptors in young pups appear to be located in the region of the PLH.
Direct three-dimensional nanoscale thermal lithography at high speeds using heated atomic-force microscope cantilevers

This paper reports a novel lithography method that utilizes local nanoscale thermal decomposition of polymer films using heated atomic force microscope cantilever probe tips. Cross-linkable polymers, for example based on poly(hydroxystyrene) (also referred to as PHOST), are used as the writing material in these methods. The experimental results show that the cross-linked polymer can prevent the thermal flowing induced by melting of the polymer, and very fine feature can be achieved. 100 nm lines have been successfully written using a heated cantilever probe in a cross-linked PHOST film. 60 mm/sec writing speeds have also been achieved using this technology. The amount of material decomposed by the heated tip can be very well controlled by modulating both the cantilever probe temperature and writing speed. This ability to modulate the removal rate of material from the film makes it possible to directly pattern 3-D structures into a polymer film using such heated AFM cantilever tips.
Emerging Themes on the Efficacy of Ballet Barre Work and Its Connection to Center Work: An Investigatory Study

Research on the effcacy of traditional ballet barre exercises in relation to student learning and performance in technique class essentially is non-existent. This research explored how students des...
Cost Savings Associated With an Inpatient Palliative Care Unit: Results From the First Two Years.

Abstract Context Palliative care consultation services (PCCS) decrease costs for patients by matching treatments received to patients' and families' goals of care. However, few studies have examined the costs of a specialized palliative care unit (PCU). Objectives To quantitatively describe Mount Sinai Hospital's PCU's first two years of operation; to examine how patient-related costs changed in the days before and after transfer to PCU; and to compare cost savings of PCU to those of PCCS. Methods Cost and administrative data from PCU patients from the first 24.5 months of our PCU's operation were analyzed. To compare costs between PCU and PCCS patients, we matched PCU patients to similar PCCS patients and used propensity scores to adjust for differences across groups. Results The PCU admitted 1107 patients in its first 24.5 months. Over this time frame, there was a statistically significant ( P P Conclusion Among patients who died in the hospital, transfer to a PCU is associated with significant cost savings as compared with patients on hospital wards who are seen by a PCCS.
Highly conjugated, acetylenyl bridged porphyrins: new models for light-harvesting antenna systems

A new class of porphyrin-based chromophore systems has been prepared from ethyne-elaborated porphyrin synthons through the use of metal-mediated cross-coupling methodologies. These systems feature porphyrin chromophores wired together through single ethynyl linkages. This type of topological connectivity affords exceptional electronic interactions between the chromophores which are manifest in their room temperature photophysics, optical spectroscopy, and electrochemistry; these spectroscopic signatures indicate that these species model many of the essential characteristics of biological light-harvesting antenna systems.
National Cancer Data Base Analysis of Radiation Therapy Consolidation Modality for Cervical Cancer: The Impact of New Technological Advancements

Purpose To utilize the National Cancer Data Base to evaluate trends in brachytherapy and alternative radiation therapy utilization in the treatment of cervical cancer, to identify associations with outcomes between the various radiation therapy modalities. Methods and Materials Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer in the National Cancer Data Base who received treatment from January 2004 to December 2011 were analyzed. Overall survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with type of boost radiation modality used and its impact on survival. Results A total of 7654 patients had information regarding boost modality. A predominant proportion of patients were Caucasian (76.2%), had stage IIIB (48.9%) disease with squamous (82.0%) histology, were treated at academic/research centers (47.7%) in the South (34.8%), and lived 0 to 5 miles (27.9%) from the treating facility. A majority received brachytherapy (90.3%). From 2004 to 2011, brachytherapy use decreased from 96.7% to 86.1%, whereas intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) use increased from 3.3% to 13.9% in the same period ( P P P Conclusions Consolidation brachytherapy is a critical treatment component for locally advanced cervical cancer; however, there has been declining utilization of brachytherapy. Increased use of IMRT and SBRT boost coupled with increased mortality risk should raise concerns about utilizing these approaches over brachytherapy.
Comparison of excitation techniques for quantitative fluorescence imaging of reacting flows

+ ^X2U (1,0) band, 2) KrF laser excitation of the predissociative (3,0) band, and 3) saturated pumping of the (0,0) band with a XeCl laser, are compared to find which method minimizes the overall error. The approaches are compared by calculating shot-noise limited random errors and systematic deviations between the standard scaling equations and solutions to a time-dependent five-level rate equation model of the population densities. The model is used to address saturation and depletion (bleaching) effects. Dye laser excitation has the lowest overall error for single-shot imaging in turbulent hydrocarbon-air and hydrogenair flames. XeCl pumping produces the strongest signals, with evidence of strong saturation and ground state depletion effects. KrF pumping of the weakly absorbing and predissociative (3,0) band shows potential for quantitative imaging, when frame averaging is used.
A model for the packing of cells

A model is presented for the statistical and geometrical aspects of the packing of cells. The model is closely related to lattice polymer models and the Ising model of ferromagnetism. Fundamental questions of existence and analyticity in the infinite volume limit are discussed, and the results of some initial numerical studies are given.
Cholesterol Hydroxyl Group Is Found To Reside in the Center of a Polyunsaturated Lipid Membrane

Cholesterol and saturated lipid species preferentially partition into liquid ordered microdomains, such as lipid rafts, away from unsaturated lipid species for which the sterol has less affinity in the surrounding liquid-disordered membrane. To observe how cholesterol interacts with unsaturated phospholipids, we have determined, from one-dimensional neutron scattering length density profiles, the depth of cholesterol in phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers with varying amounts of acyl chain unsaturation. Through the use of [2,2,3,4,4,6-2H6]-labeled cholesterol, we show that in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (16:0−18:1 PC), 1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (18:1−18:1 PC), and 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonylphosphatidylcholine (18:0−20:4 PC) bilayers the center of mass of the deuterated sites is approximately 16 A from the bilayer center. This location places the hydroxyl group of the sterol moiety at the hydrophobic/hydrophilic bilayer interface, which is the generally accepted position. In dramatic contrast...
Impaired Dendritic Expression and Plasticity of h-Channels in the fmr1−/y Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Despite extensive research into both synaptic and morphological changes, surprisingly little is known about dendritic function in fragile X syndrome (FXS). We found that the dendritic input resistance of CA1 neurons was significantly lower in fmr1(-/y) versus wild-type mice. Consistent with elevated dendritic I(h), voltage sag, rebound, and resonance frequency were significantly higher and temporal summation was lower in the dendrites of fmr1(-/y) mice. Dendritic expression of the h-channel subunit HCN1, but not HCN2, was higher in the CA1 region of fmr1(-/y) mice. Interestingly, whereas mGluR-mediated persistent decreases in I(h) occurred in both wildtype and fmr1(-/y) mice, persistent increases in I(h) that occurred after LTP induction in wild-type mice were absent in fmr1(-/y) mice. Thus, chronic upregulation of dendritic I(h) in conjunction with impairment of homeostatic h-channel plasticity represents a dendritic channelopathy in this model of mental retardation and may provide a mechanism for the cognitive impairment associated with FXS.
The energy of the quasi-free electron in near critical point nitrogen

Abstract Field enhanced photoemission is used to measure the density dependent quasi-free electron energy V 0 ( ρ ) in the strongly absorbing gas N2 for the first time. V 0 ( ρ ) in N2 was obtained from low density to the density of the triple point liquid, at noncritical temperatures and on an isotherm near the critical isotherm. A novel critical point effect is observed and is accurately explained by the local Wigner–Seitz model.
Electronically-Controlled Audio Filters

The use of filters whose cutoff characteristics are controllable by electronic means is often desirable in problems dealing with audio signals. Based on the recent work on fixed RC active filters by J. G. Linvill, variable active low-pass and high-pass filters have been developed using transistor negative-impedance converters. The design theory of such filters is summarized, and measured characteristics and other experimental results are presented. An application, in which the cutoff characteristics are controlled by the incoming audio signal for use in formant tracking, is described, and experimental results are given.
Data intensive architecture for scalable cyber analytics

Cyber analysts are tasked with the identification and mitigation of network exploits and threats. These compromises are difficult to identify due to the characteristics of cyber communication, the volume of traffic, and the duration of possible attack. In this paper, we describe a prototype implementation designed to provide cyber analysts an environment where they can interactively explore a month's worth of cyber security data. This prototype utilized On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) techniques to present a data cube to the analysts. The cube provides a summary of the data, allowing trends to be easily identified as well as the ability to easily pull up the original records comprising an event of interest. The cube was built using SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), with the interface to the cube provided by Tableau. This software infrastructure was supported by a novel hardware architecture comprising a Netezza TwinFin for the underlying data warehouse and a cube server with a FusionIO drive hosting the data cube. We evaluated this environment on a month's worth of artificial, but realistic, data using multiple queries provided by our cyber analysts. As our results indicate, OLAP technology has progressed to the point where it is in a unique position to provide novel insights to cyber analysts, as long as it is supported by an appropriate data intensive architecture.
Time-geographic density estimation for home range analysis

This research presents time-geographic density estimation (TGDE) as a new technique of animal home range analysis in geographic information science (GIS). TGDE combines methodologies of time geography and statistical density estimation to produce a continuous probability distribution of an object's spatial position over time. Once TGDE is applied to animal tracking data to create a density surface, home ranges and core areas can be delineated using specified contours of relative intensity (e.g., 95% or 50%). This article explores the use of TGDE for home range analysis using three data sets: a fixed-interval simulated data set and two variable-interval satellite tracks for a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) corresponding to internesting and post-migration foraging periods. These applications are used to illustrate the influence of several parameters, including sample size, temporal sampling scheme, selected distance-weighted geoellipse function, and specified maximum velocity, on home range estimat...
Bureaucratic innovation in urban government: A policy model

The paper reports the results of a study examining the diffusion of innovations across four different units of local government. Using partial correlation coefficients to test a hypothesized model, the variables were successful in explaining the adoption of process innovations but showed limited success in explaining product adoptions. Socioeconomic variables were not found to be significant direct determinants of innovation. Demands for innovations, organizational characteristics, and the organizational environment were much more important predictors of the use of innovations by local governments.
Fuzzy logic based approach to FRP retrofit of columns

Abstract Current design approaches for seismic retrofit use deterministic variables to describe the geometry, material properties and the applied loads on the bridge column. Using a mechanistic model that considers nonlinear material behavior, these deterministic input variables can be directly mapped to the design parameters. However the results often give a false sense of reliability due to neglecting uncertainties related to the input variables of the analysis (data uncertainty), unpredictable fluctuations of loads and natural variability of material properties, and/or the uncertainty in the analytical model itself (model uncertainty). While methods of reliability analysis can provide a means for designing so as not to exceed specific levels of “acceptable” risk, they do not consider the uncertainty in the assumption of distribution functions for each of the input variables and are built on the basic assumption that the models used perfectly describe reality. This, however, still results in significant unknowns and often design models that are not truly validated across their response space. This paper describes the application of a fuzzy probabilistic approach to capture the inherent uncertainty in such applications. The application of the approach is demonstrated through an example and results are compared to those obtained from conventional deterministic analytical models. It is noted that the confidence in the achieved safety of the retrofit system that is based on the use of the fuzzy probabilistic approach is much higher than that achieved using the deterministic approach. This is due to the consideration of uncertainty in the material parameters as well as the consideration of uncertainty in the assumed crack angle during the design process.
Energetic electron bursts at high magnetic latitudes: Correlation with magnetospheric activity

Abstract There is considerable interest on the origin of high energy electron bursts recently observed at high magnetic latitudes by dosimeters on the GPS satellites. The energy of these electron bursts can be as high as 500 keV. These bursts are seen in regions that map onto open field lines and where normally observed fluxes are at background levels. In this study we examine the distribution of these events, and correlate them with magnetic indices and solar wind magnetic field data. Our results indicate many of these electron bursts are likely to be substorm-associated.
The Educator's Role in Preparing Visually Literate Learners.

Contemporary culture has become increasingly dependent on the visual, especially for its capacity to communicate instantly and universally. Advances in technology fueled this shift. Students must learn to cope with and intelligently contribute to a culture rife with easy access to the visually rich Web, photo dependant social networks, video saturated media, and graphically sophisticated entertainment and gaming. To address this challenge, some educators are transforming their school districts' and institutions' core curricula to include visual literacy requirements and preparing themselves for this shift from text to image by learning how to teach using new forms of media. In addition, educators are providing opportunities for students to be successful consumers and producers of new media by teaching them to analyze and interpret and to create and compose visual images and messages. Students must also learn how to make ethical judgments about a visual message's accuracy, validity, and worth.