cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autophagic Degradation of NBR1 Restricts Metastatic Outgrowth during Mammary Tumor Progression.

Summary Although autophagy is being pursued as a therapeutic target in clinical oncology trials, its effects on metastasis, the principal cause of cancer mortality, remain unclear. Here, we utilize mammary cancer models to temporally delete essential autophagy regulators during carcinoma progression. Though genetic ablation of autophagy strongly attenuates primary mammary tumor growth, impaired autophagy promotes spontaneous metastasis and enables the outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells into overt macro-metastases. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that autophagy deficiency elicits a subpopulation of otherwise luminal tumor cells exhibiting basal differentiation traits, which is reversed upon preventing accumulation of the autophagy cargo receptor, Neighbor to BRCA1 (NBR1). Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic induction of autophagy suppresses pro-metastatic differentiation and metastatic outgrowth. Analysis of human breast cancer data reveal that autophagy gene expression inversely correlates with pro-metastatic differentiation signatures and predicts overall and distant metastasis-free survival. Overall, these findings highlight autophagy-dependent control of NBR1 as a key determinant of metastatic progression.
Evaporation of Companions in VLMXBs and Binary Millisecond Pulsarsa

Abstract. Irradiation-induced companion winds and a new model for the evaporation of the companion of the millisecond pulsar B1957+20 are discussed. The model may account for all companionless millisecond pulsars observerd today.
Measuring Management Accounting Service Quality

Customer perceptions of the quality of management accounting service are important to the ability of management accountants to serve effectively as strategic business partners. Results of a survey on management accounting service show that service providers are not delivering the quality of service that users expect, with communications being the weakest aspect of service quality.
Accelerated neuromodulation therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Abbreviated Summary The open-label trial of Williams, Sudheimer, Cole, et al., suggests safety, feasibility, and high efficacy for treatment-refractory OCD of an accelerated, fMRI-guided, high-dose, cTBSmod protocol targeting the right frontal pole. Larger, randomized, controlled trials are needed to test the promising results of this pilot study. Clinicaltrials.gov Registry Numbers NCT03404609.
The turbulent boundary layer

This article is intended as a brief review of the dynamics of the turbulent boundary layer on a smooth flat wall. The emphasis is on physical arguments, and the contents offer the minimum ground that an advanced graduate student (who has some familiarity with the turbulence problem. but not much with the boundary layer itself) ought to cover before embarking on his own research. But it is believed that the perspective is relatively new at places, and that the article is therefore of interest also the specialist. In section 2, classical notions are presented in a way that their strengths and weaknesses become transparent. This is followed in section 3 by a description of the structural features of the boundary layer. In both sections, some emphasis is given to the inner/outer interactions. The article ends with a discussion of a few open ended issues concerning the problem.
Historicism, Science Fiction, and the Singularity

Many writers who have discussed the Singularity have treated it not only as the inevitable outcome of advancements in cybernetic technology, but also as natural consequence of broader patterns in the development of human knowledge, or of human history itself. In this paper I examine these claims—as defended by Vernor Vinge, Ray Kurzweil, and David Chalmers—in light of Karl Popper’s famous philosophical critique of historicism. I argue that, because the Singularity is regarded as both a product of human ingenuity and a reflection of the permanent limitations of our rational capacities, speculation about its likelihood occupies an interesting border zone between what Popper referred to as “technological prediction” and what he lambasted as “prophecy.” I go on to examine representations of a post-singularity world in the novels of Iain M. Banks, as well as in Bruce Sterling’s short story “The Beautiful and the Sublime.”
Bayesian models and Markov Random Fields

In the early days of computer vision, Bayesian modeling was a popular technique for formulating estimation and pattern classification problems (Duda and Hart 1973). This probabilistic approach fell into disuse, however, as computer vision shifted its attention to the understanding of the physics of image formation and the solution of inverse problems. Bayesian modeling has had a recent resurgence, due in part to the increased sophistication available from Markov Random Field models, and due to a realization of the importance of sensor and error modeling. In this chapter, we will briefly review the general Bayesian modeling framework. This will be followed by an introduction to Markov Random Fields and their implementation. We will then discuss the utility of probabilistic models in later stages of vision and preview the use of Bayesian modeling in the remainder of the book.
Strategic focus of Nigerian SMSEs : more of emergent or planned?

This paper investigated the strategic focus of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) in Nigeria particularly those involved in manufacturing and service providers. Seventy-two (72) SMSEs were surveyed in Delta state. Specifically, their business and product/service strategies were reviewed in terms of their sources and strengths. Because the contingency table was a 2x2 matric, the Yates Correction method was employed to the Chi-square (χ2) statistical tool to test the validity of the proposition raised in this paper. The study delineated from previous work by focusing on the internal capabilities of SMSEs rather than other external limiting variables such as finance and lack of government intervention policies. The findings suggested that SMSEs in Nigeria do not adopt more emergent strategies than planned but, they react to issues and challenges as they occur rather than following a coordinated or planned patterned behavior (PPB). Major breakthroughs were experienced when they adopted emergent strategies but in spite of the absence of a formalized way of operation, SMSEs do not lack strategic focus. Although, they are yet to fully align their business operations to capture the essence of their strategies. The study is significant in exposing grey areas in the management of SMSEs. It provided pertinent and contemporary solutions towards addressing the challenges faced by managers in every organization especially in this era of strategic management.
Horizontal cloud database partitioning with data mining techniques

While horizontal partitioning of traditional relational databases is well studied, there is in comparison very little in the literature about the partitioning of NoSQL databases, especially those that are cloud based, such as Amazon's SimpleDB. In order to optimize the response time of a web application using a cloud based database, it is possible to partition the database for storage on local regional servers. In this work, data mining and cluster analysis of database logs is used in order to partition, thus essentially caching, data on local servers. This work compares the average response times of three partitioning algorithms on a simple web application using a cloud based NoSQL database management system. The experimental study shows that the techniques presented can improve web application performance.
Ia-dependent interleukin 2 production in syngeneic cellular interactions.

In the murine syngeneic mixed lymphocyte response (SMLR), the co-culture of nylon wool-nonadherent spleen cells or young (4 to 6-day-old) thymocytes with syngeneic nylon wool-adherent adult spleen cells, results in proliferation and Interleukin 2 (IL 2) production. In both the thymus and spleen SMLR, proliferation and IL 2 production are the function of Lyt-1+2-3- (Lyt-1) responder cells and require the expression of IA (IB) and/or IE cell surface antigens on the stimulator cell. IL 2 production in both spleen and thymus SMLR is independent of heterologous serum factors (i.e., fetal calf serum), which, however, influences the magnitude of the in vitro proliferation. The IL 2-producing cell in spleen is capable of self-renewal in the absence of the thymus; it is detectable 6 to 7 mo after adult thymectomy. These results suggest the in vitro SMLR may measure a cellular interaction between the Lyt-1 subset of T cells and self Ia antigens on macrophage-like cells that produces IL 2 in an antigen-independent fashion. This interaction may have physiologic significance in the expression and regulation of T cell function.
The Dimensional Stability of Cast 319 Aluminum

The automotive use of cast aluminum has greatly increased during the past decade, especially for engine blocks and cylinder heads. One physical property that is important in elevated-temperature applications is longterm dimensional stability of the cast aluminum component. Certain cast aluminum alloys (like 319) can undergo dimensional changes when exposed to engine operating temperatures over long periods of time; when these changes occur, the shape of the casting is distorted and the performance of the component may be diminished. Thus, a study was conducted to measure dimensional growth changes in a cast 319-type aluminum alloy as a function of heat-treatment, exposure temperature, and exposure time at the given temperature. The results show that all three factors have a significant effect upon the dimensional stability.
Author Response to: The Attitude–Action Gap: Toward a Better Understanding of “How Much is Enough?”

In our target article (Markowitz & Bowerman 2011), we reported findings from a series of surveys suggesting that a large majority of Americans possess positive attitudes towards reducing consumption, with implications for individual and policy actions. Commentators Katherine Arbuthnott, Keith Brown, and Susan Clayton draw attention to both strengths and weaknesses in our target manuscript and raise important points about the role of consumption-related attitudes and norms in shaping behavior and policy. As readers following this prior discussion are aware, our initial research centered around a consistent finding regarding Oregonians’ attitudes towards consumption: across a series of state-wide surveys and in-depth interviews, we found that the vast majority of Oregonians agreed that “Our country would be better off if we all consumed less.” At the same time, we found decidedly mixed support regarding the translation of such “de-consumption” beliefs into actual behavior and policy preferences. All three of the commentators appear to share our own guarded optimism regarding the potential implications of these findings for confronting issues related to over-consumption (e.g., climate change). We are largely in agreement with the various points and critiques each raises and herein aim to offer an actionable response.
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE ERODES FORESTED GRANITIC TERRANE

Solution and landsliding, the dominant erosion processes in undisturbed forested mountainous watersheds, are both influenced by subsurface drainage. Biological processes that generate organic acids accelerate loss of dissolved solids by promoting the dissolution of primary minerals in granitic rock. These organic acids can also disperse the secondary minerals, kaolinite and ferric hydroxide. This accelerates erosion by subsurface drainage through suffusion and piping, particularly in well-drained, gap-graded soils. Solution, suffusion, and piping on steep slopes can promote conditions suitable for debris avalanches by forming weak, permeable zones. Consequently, subsurface drainage shapes topography over time, from the slow continual dissolution of rock to rapid episodic mass failures. Trees reduce the ratio of physical to chemical erosion while timber harvesting increases it.
Teachers’ Effortful Control and Student Functioning: Mediating and Moderating Processes

Evidence is emerging that teachers’ dispositional characteristics are related to students’ classroom functioning, but processes are not well understood. We examined associations between second-grade teachers’ effortful control (EC), student-teacher closeness or conflict, students’ EC, and changes in students’ externalizing behaviors and reading and math achievement. Teachers’ EC was directly related to their students’ externalizing behaviors, but not achievement. Conflict, but not closeness, mediated associations between teachers’ EC and students’ externalizing behaviors. In moderated mediation tests, conflict was positively associated with externalizing behaviors most strongly for students low or moderate in EC. Closeness was positively associated with reading achievement, and negatively associated with math achievement, only for low-EC students.
Collective contributions of women to cardiothoracic surgery: a perspective review.

Background. Of 5,812 persons boarded by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS), 99 (< 2%) are women. This study was designed to collect and report the contributions made by these women in the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. Methods. Identification of ABTS board-certified women was obtained from the ABTS. Compilation of data was accomplished through membership databases, medical licensing boards, thoracic surgery residency programs, and residency program attending surgeons. Data were substantiated through hospital medical staff offices, local practitioners, and personal telephone calls. Curricula vitae were requested; practice types (adult, pediatric, cardiac, general thoracic, or transplantation) were established. Data were collated, extrapolated, and tallied. Trends over time were analyzed by logistic regression analyses. Results. Currently, 84 women are actively practicing: 44 have academic appointments and 40 are in private practice. Of the remaining 15 women, 4 are deceased; 4 are retired; 5 are in other professional fields; and 2 are in an unknown practice setting. Accumulated data confirmed that women surgeons are practicing in every type and subgroup of cardiothoracic surgery (adult, pediatric, cardiac, general thoracic, transplantation, and combinations of these). Collectively, they have published 2,292 articles and book chapters. Manuscripts directly related to cardiac topics number 1,220. Women in cardiothoracic surgical research have been awarded $31.9 million in grant funds. Two trends over time were identified. First, the distribution of practice setting (academic or private) was stable compared with year of board certification. Secondly, a statistically significant rise in the annual percentage of board-certified persons who are women (p < 0.0001) has been established. Conclusions. The percent of ABTS board-certified women surgeons has increased; more than 50% have academic appointments; and a stable trend for women to choose academic cardiothoracic surgery exists.
Growth plate disturbances in renal failure

The development of diminished linear growth and bone deformities in pediatric patients with chronic renal insufficiency sugests disturbances in the growth plate (GP) cartilage at the end of long bones. In rodent models of renal failure, the width of the GP has been reported to be increased, decreased, or unchanged compared to rats with intact renal function. Because of the potential role of the various subtypes of renal osteodystrophy on the GP abnormalities in renal failure, we created a model of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism through dietary phosphororous supplementation and we found a similar markedly disorganized GP and diminished expression of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in the GP chondrocytes. In contrast, adynamic renal osteodystrophy induced by dietary calcium supplementation resulted significantly wider GP, particularly of the hypertrophic zone, associated with disturbances in osteoclastic/chondroclastic activity and matrix degradation. These results suggests that renal osteodystrophy may contribute to poor growth in renal failure and the mechanisms differ among the subtypes of renal bone disease. Additionally, disturbances in the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (GH-IGF) axis may play a role in impaired linear growth in uremia. At the level of the growth plate, decreased expressions of the IGF-I and GH receptor expression was seen only with combined treatment with GH and IGF-I. Further studies may provide novel insights into the regulation of endochondral bone growth in renal failure, thereby resulting in more effective strategies to prevent and treat growth failure in these patients.
LATTICES OF STRUCTURE MODELS AND DATABASE SCHEMES

This paper deals with basic properties of lattices of structure models. The form of models considered here is used in at least three areas: reconstructabilily analysis, analysis of contingency tables, and relational and probabilistic database design. The fact that the set of all models is structured as a lattice has been part of the basic formulation of problems in reconstructabilily analysis, while in the other two areas this aspect, while not necessarily less important, has represented o less major line of development Various class of the models are considered here. The paper characterizes and explores lattice properties of these classes of models, and develops means to make structural comparisons among them, including definition of a structural distance with which the lattice of models is a metric lattice. The paper includes a proof of the modularity of the lattices and of a formula for determining their height, as well as a number of algorithms for determining the structural distance The paper gives a...
Predicting risk of prostate specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy with the Center for Prostate Disease Research and Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor databases.

Purpose: Biostatistical models to predict stage or outcome in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer with pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason sum on biopsy or prostatectomy specimen, clinical or pathological stage and other variables, including ethnicity, have been developed. However, to date models have relied on small subsets from academic centers or military populations that may not be representative. Our study validates and updates a model published previously with the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE, UCSF, Urology Outcomes Research Group and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, Inc.), a large multicenter, community based prostate cancer database and Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR), a large military database.Materials and Methods: We validated a biostatistical model that includes pretreatment PSA, highest Gleason sum on prostatectomy specimen, prostatectomy organ confinement status and ethnicity, including white and black patients....
ALLOMETRIC GROWTH OF THE CARAPACE IN TRAPEZIA (BRACHYURA, XANTHIDAE)

ABSTRACT Relative growth of the carapace was studied in three species of xanthid crabs of the genus Trapezia to determine if the species can be separated by their patterns of relative growth. Adult crabs were collected in Panama and Hawaii. Carapace width (cw), carapace length (cl), and the width between the orbits, or ocular width (ow), were measured to the nearest 0.1 mm. Allometric regressions of cw and ow were plotted with cl as the reference dimension, using both raw and log-transformed data. Log-transformed regressions were used to test for allometric growth, and ANCOVA was used to compare species. There were significant differences among the three species in the allometric regressions of cw and ow. Growth in cw was isometric, except that negative allometry was observed in males of Trapezia corallina. In all species females were significantly wider at a given cl than males. The difference in carapace shape between males and females is attributed to the enlargement of the abdomen to allow egg production in females. Growth in ow was negatively allometric in all species, except for females of Trapezia formosa, in which growth was isometric. The differences between sexes in ow were significant, but not in the same direction in all species. Negative allometry of ow may result from a requirement that the distances among the eyes, antennae, and/or mouthparts remain constant. When observed, significant allometry of cw and ow results from a non-zero y-intercept, rather than from a curvilinear relationship between variables, in the untransformed domain. That is, the rates of growth of cw and ow are constant relative to the growth rate of cl throughout adult life, but the ratios of these growth rates differ from carapace proportions at the onset of sexual maturity.
Effect of oral terramycin prior to whole body x-radiation.

SummaryTerramycin has been shown to be effective in reducing the mortality in rats when administered for a period of only 48 hours prior to 660 r of whole body x-radiation.
Work in progress: First year engineering women: A qualitative investigation of retention factors

Many universities face disturbing trends in the retention, underrepresentation and socialization of women students in engineering. The focus of this present study is the retention of first-year women students currently enrolled in a large state college of engineering in the Rocky Mountain region. Eight hour-long focus groups were conducted consisting of four to ten first-year women in a first-year engineering design projects course. Participants were asked a structured set of questions to investigate several topics. These focus groups were video-taped and later transcribed for analysis. Six research questions were posed for the current study: • Do women express a loss of interest during the first year of the program? • Is there a chilly climate for first-year women in the college? • Do women's self-efficacy levels change during the first year of the program? • Do academic performance levels play a role in women's retention in engineering during the first year? • Do women have adequate support structures in the college during the first year? • Does the structure of the academic program instill career awareness in the first year? Implications for strategies to boost retention and an explication of the themes from the qualitative analysis will be discussed in the paper.
Identification of acute myocardial infarction patients suitable for early hospital discharge after aggressive interventional therapy. Results from the Thrombolysis and Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry.

BACKGROUND Very early (day 4) hospital discharge has recently been proposed for selected patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of this study was to determine the most useful factors for identifying acute MI patients treated with aggressive interventional therapy who could be safely discharged on day 4. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 708 patients enrolled in the Thrombolysis and Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction trials I-III. Patients dying in the first 3 days and those with early (days 1-3) emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), late elective CABG (greater than or equal to day 4), or urgent/emergency CABG resulting from a late elective coronary angioplasty were excluded. The remaining 580 patients were randomly divided into a training sample (group 1) that was used to build a logistic regression model for predicting the absence of a late major complication and a test sample (group 2) that was used to validate this model. For this study, patients were considered appropriate for day 4 hospital discharge if they did not experience any of the following for 30 days after MI: death, reinfarction, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, sustained hypotension, sustained ventricular tachycardia, high-grade atrioventricular block, acute ventricular septal defect, and recurrent ischemia necessitating urgent CABG. In group 1, four variables were independent predictors of freedom from late major complications: absence of early sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, absence of early sustained hypotension or cardiogenic shock, fewer coronary arteries with significant (greater than or equal to 75%) stenosis, and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction. In group 2, 23% of patients had a logistic model prediction of a 3% or less chance of a late complication. These patients had no deaths or reinfarctions by day 30 and a 3% late major complication rate. CONCLUSIONS The results of early cardiac catheterization and the absence of selected early (days 1-3) major complications do allow identification of a low risk subgroup of acute MI patients that may be suitable for very early discharge.
Characterizing and simulating the non-stationarity and non-linearity in unconventional oil reservoirs: Bakken application

Abstract This paper presents an innovative integrated methodology and working procedure for characterizing and simulating the strong non-linear and non-stationary features caused by changes in confined pressure–volume temperature (PVT) properties over time and the pressure-dependent permeability related to inherent pore-throat size, as well as the intervened multiple porous media created by multi-stage fracture stimulation. The complicated physics behind the observed phenomena are explored. More specifically, this paper demonstrates and discusses the following: (1) a new rate-transient analysis (RTA) procedure to infer the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and fracture parameters; (2) the impact of the non-stationary feature, compaction effect, and pore-throat related PVT properties on the flow regime and well performance; (3) how to incorporate the non-stationary and non-linear features into the reservoir model; (4) the integrated procedure for history matching, performance forecast, and reserve assessment; (5) several field examples in the Bakken to illustrate the procedure. The proposed procedure has been successfully applied for the following: (1) constructing the non-stationary and highly non-linear simulation models; (2) facilitating the history matching by addressing permeability reduction and PVT property variations caused by compaction and capillary pressure; (3) and ensuring more reliable performance forecasts and reserve assessments. The study shows that the reduction of the bubblepoint pressure could be several hundred psi in the typical Bakken rock; moreover, such reduction continues following depletion via the compaction effect. The compaction effect could impair the matrix permeability by up to one order of magnitude. The study reveals the following: (1) the confined PVT properties could widen the favored operation window, whereas the compaction effect could significantly impair the ultimate reserve of the wells; (2) the RTA-inferred SRV-related parameters are the key input for capturing the non-stationary features; (3) the impact on reserve could be over 50% without addressing the aforementioned non-stationary and non-linear issues. This paper explores several unique phenomena in unconventional oil reservoirs which have not previously been published. The proposed analysis and assessment procedure greatly enhances the understanding of unconventional assets, and we feel it will improve the accuracy of long-term rate and reserve forecasts.
Ecological evaluation of land for planning purposes

Abstract This paper describes a simple method of evaluating land in terms of the relative rarity and species-diversity of the habitats present. In essence it consists of subdividing an area into what are termed ‘ecological zones’, to each of which is assigned a value accordin to specified criteria. Evaluation maps thus developed have been of value in a variety of planning exercises undertaken by the Hampshire County Planning Department, England, and it is considered that this or a modified method could have a similar application elsewhere.
Photochemical covalent binding of p-methoxycinnamic acid to calf thymus DNA

Abstract Irradiation of E- p -[α- 14 C]methoxycinnamic acid and calf thymus DNA with uv light leads to incorporation of the radiolabel into the DNA. Sephadex chromatography confirms that the label incorporation is due to covalent bond formation. Photobinding is more efficient with denatured vs native DNA and with higher frequency light, e.g., overall quantum efficiencies at 308 nm for denatured and native DNA are 1.1 and 0.6 × 10 −5 , respectively, vs 22.0 and 8.0 × 10 −5 for 266 nm, respectively (values for 0.7 m M pMCA and ca. 0.7 mg/ml DNA). A comparative study with several polyribonucleotides shows the relative selectivity for binding to be poly(C) > poly (A) ⪢ poly(G). Photolysis of labeled DNA with 254-nm light leads to the release of both isomers of pMCA, evidence that at least a portion of the covalent binding is due to the formation of cyclobutane adducts. Equilibrium dialysis studies give no evidence for preassociation of pMCA and DNA.
Myofibromas of the jaws in children.

Purpose Controversy exists as to the most appropriate treatment strategy for myofibromas of the jaws: en bloc resection versus enucleation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes in children with these uncommon benign tumors. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with jaw myofibromas. The predictor variables included patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, pathologic features, treatment, and follow-up. The outcome variable was cure or recurrence. The descriptive statistics were computed. Results A total of 12 patients (mean age 6.7 years) met the inclusion criteria. There were 2 presentations: exophytic soft tissue mass in dentoalveolar segment (n = 5); and intraosseous mass (n = 7). No distinct histopathologic differences were found between the 2 groups. Exophytic myofibromas displayed rapid growth, tooth displacement and/or mobility, bony expansion, and/or cortical thinning/perforation. Most were treated by resection. The intraosseous lesions were asymptomatic and/or incidentally discovered. They were treated by enucleation and curettage. The mean follow-up for the 2 groups was 6.5 and 3.9 years, respectively. There were no recurrences. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that there are 2 clinical presentations of myofibromas of the jaws in children: an aggressive exophytic type and a nonaggressive intraosseous type. They are histopathologically indistinguishable.
Response of kentucky‐31 tall fescue to broiler litter and composts made from broiler litter

Abstract Recycled paper treated with boric acid (BA) is gaining acceptance as bedding in broiler houses. Applying this litter to Kentucky 31 (K‐31) tall fescue, Festuca Arundinacea Shreb, pastures raises the issue of potential boron (B) toxicity. There is also the question of nitrogen (N) availability from composts made with borated paper and broiler manure. The effect of five N sources at 224, 448, and 896 kg N/ha in a factorial arrangement plus an unfertilized control and high nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) + additional boron at 45 kg B/ha on growth and NPKB uptake of K‐31 tall fescue was determined in a greenhouse during the spring of 1992. The five N sources were (1) inorganic salts, (2) compost made from hen manure, broiler manure, fescue hay and bark (M1), (3) fresh broiler litter (M2), (4) compost made from broiler manure and borated paper bedding (M3), (5) compost from hen manure, oak leaves, broiler litter (M4). The soil was Cecil sandy clay loam subsoil. Six harvests were made at 4‐cm cutti...
In utero arsenic exposure and infant infection in a United States cohort: A prospective study ☆

Arsenic (As), a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, has recently been linked to disrupted immune function and enhanced infection susceptibility in highly exposed populations. In drinking water, as levels above the EPA maximum contaminant level occur in our US study area and are a particular health concern for pregnant women and infants. As a part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we investigated whether in utero exposure to As affects risk of infant infections. We prospectively obtained information on 4-month-old infants (n=214) using a parental telephone survey on infant infections and symptoms, including respiratory infections, diarrhea and specific illnesses, as well as the duration and severity of infections. Using logistic regression and Poisson models, we evaluated the association between maternal urinary As during pregnancy and infection risks adjusted for potentially confounding factors. Maternal urinary As concentrations were related to total number of infections requiring a physician visit (relative risk (RR) per one-fold increase in As in urine=1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.0, 2.1) or prescription medication (RR=1.6; 95% CI=1.1, 2.4), as well as lower respiratory infections treated with prescription medication (RR=3.3; 95% CI=1.2, 9.0). Associations were observed with respiratory symptoms (RR=4.0; 95% CI=1.0, 15.8), upper respiratory infections (RR=1.6; 95% CI=1.0, 2.5), and colds treated with prescription medication (RR=2.3; 95% CI=1.0, 5.2). Our results provide initial evidence that in utero As exposure may be related to infant infection and infection severity and provide insight into the early life impacts of fetal As exposure.
Interferon-alpha in malignant and viral diseases. A review.

In the 35 years since the discovery of interferon, significant biological activity has been described for interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) in various cancers, particularly haematological malignancies such as hairy cell leukaemia and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Except for localised therapy in bladder and ovarian cancer, activity against most solid tumours has been disappointing. Other notable exceptions include Kaposi's sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, tumours known to be susceptible to immunological attack. More recently, broad spectrum antiviral activity has been demonstrated for both recombinant and naturally occurring IFN alpha. Hepatitis C is responsive to IFN alpha in about 40% of patients, but long term remissions are rare. In contrast, long term suppression of hepatitis B is common following IFN alpha therapy. Both diseases respond in a dose proportional fashion, with daily doses of 5 million units (MU) significantly more effective than lower doses. The mechanism of action in viral diseases involves the expression of unique antiviral proteins such as endonuclease and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase which enhance the destruction of viral RNA. General cellular protein synthesis is also inhibited, including cytochrome P450 enzymes. This forms the basis for potential drug interactions, with IFN alpha slowing the clearance of highly metabolised drugs such as theophylline. As an antitumour agent, the mechanism of action of IFN alpha is unclear, particularly in haematological cancers. In melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, antitumour effects may be mediated by augmented immune responses including activation of natural killer lymphocytes and enhanced expression of cell surface antigens (e.g. MHC I and II). Conversely, antibody formation to recombinant IFN alpha may result in a loss of activity. This has been observed in both renal cell cancer and hepatitis B and C. The elimination half-life of IFN alpha is short, 4 to 5 hours, but biological activity extends for 2 to 3 days after administration, which facilitates daily or thrice weekly administration. Clearance of IFN alpha is mediated by catabolism in the renal tubules; no intact drug is excreted in the urine. It is probable that the antiviral indications of IFN alpha will expand as the agent is more clearly recognised as a primary endogenous defence against various viral conditions.
The interphalangeal area of Rana pipiens: A light and electron microscopic study of the development of a fibrocartilaginous joint (symphysis)

The development of the distal interphalangeal joint in Rana pipiens hind limb was studied by light and electron microscopy. The joint was found to be a symphysis since the two articular surfaces originally capped by hyaline cartilage were separated by a joint area filled with fibrous connective tissue which ultimately was replaced by fibrocartilage. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the joint area development was divided into three phases. Phase I was concerned with the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, phase II with fibroblastic and chondroblastic development, and phase III with the appearance of fibrocartilage. Changes in the cytoplasmic organelles of fibroblasts and chondroblasts, surrounding extracellular matrix, and factors related to extracellular matrix formation were described and discussed.
Gentamicin ototoxicity: clinical features and the effect on the human vestibulo-ocular reflex

Conclusions. Gentamicin ototoxicity presents with gait imbalance and oscillopsia, but only rarely with hearing loss and vertigo. Sinusoidal rotational stimuli with high accelerations such as the be...
Shock Impingement Caused by Boundary-Layer Separation Ahead of Blunt Fins

Abstract : High speed flow past a blunt protuberance on a surface results in a complex, three dimensional, inviscid-viscous interaction flow field. Characteristically, the interaction results in a separated flow region composed of horseshoe vortices near the surface, and a lambda-type shock pattern in the plane of symmetry ahead of the protuberance. The shock wave emanating from the separated flow region impinges on the bow shock ahead of the protuberance and causes intense heating and high pressures locally on the protuberance leading edge. The heating and pressure in this local area can be 10 times larger than the undisturbed stagnation line values; the amplification depends strongly on local flow conditions. Tests were conducted to examine and obtain a better understanding of these interaction flow fields; the most recent tests included detailed flow field surveys for Mach 3 flows ahead of blunt fins on a flat plate surface with turbulent boundary layers. (Author)
Paired Helical Filaments from Alzheimer Disease Brain Induce Intracellular Accumulation of Tau Protein in Aggresomes

Abnormal folding of tau protein leads to the generation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) and neurofibrillary tangles, a key neuropathological feature in Alzheimer disease and tauopathies. A specific anatomical pattern of pathological changes developing in the brain suggests that once tau pathology is initiated it propagates between neighboring neuronal cells, possibly spreading along the axonal network. We studied whether PHFs released from degenerating neurons could be taken up by surrounding cells and promote spreading of tau pathology. Neuronal and non-neuronal cells overexpressing green fluorescent protein-tagged tau (GFP-Tau) were treated with isolated fractions of human Alzheimer disease-derived PHFs for 24 h. We found that cells internalized PHFs through an endocytic mechanism and developed intracellular GFP-Tau aggregates with attributes of aggresomes. This was particularly evident by the perinuclear localization of aggregates and redistribution of the vimentin intermediate filament network and retrograde motor protein dynein. Furthermore, the content of Sarkosyl-insoluble tau, a measure of abnormal tau aggregation, increased 3-fold in PHF-treated cells. An exosome-related mechanism did not appear to be involved in the release of GFP-Tau from untreated cells. The evidence that cells can internalize PHFs, leading to formation of aggresome-like bodies, opens new therapeutic avenues to prevent propagation and spreading of tau pathology.
INTERLEUKIN-1 DIFFERENTIALLY STIMULATES INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN 3 RELEASE FROM HUMAN ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTES

Articular chondrocytes create and maintain articular cartilage and their growth and metabolism are tightly regulated. The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and hence the IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), play a significant, but unclear, role in this regulation. We examined the articular chondrocyte release of IGFBPs under conditions that simulate inflammation. Human chondrocytes were isolated from articular cartilage obtained post-mortem from a three year old female. The cells were grown in serum free conditions in high density monolayers. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a central mediator of the inflammatory response, was added to a final concentration of 30 ng/ml and cultures incubated for 4, 12, 24, or 48 hours. Conditioned media were analyzed for IGFBPs by Western ligand blotting, autoradiography, and laser densitometry. Conditioned media from unstimulated chondrocytes contained IGFBPs at 22, 27, 38, and 41 kDa and their concentrations increased linearly over 48 hours. The 38/41 kDa doublet has been shown in serum to be IGFBP-3. Conditioned media from the IL-1 stimulated chondrocytes contained the same forms of IGFBP, plus a 34 kDa IGFBP at 48 hours. The rate of accumulation of the IGFBP-3 doublet from the IL-1 treated chondrocytes was 3.1±0.4 (SE) times the rate from the unstimulated chondrocytes (P<0.05). The rates of accumulation of the 22 and 27 kDa bands were not different. IGFBPs are produced by human chondrocytes in vitro, and IL-1 differentially increases the rate of accumulation of IGFBP-3. IGF-1 has profound effects on articular chondrocytes in vitro, and may play a role in articular cartilage disease. The finding that chondrocytes increase the release of an IGFBP in response to the cytokine IL-1 supports this hypothesis.
A highly parallel algorithm for root extraction

A parallel algorithm for extracting the roots of a polynomial is presented. The algorithm is based on Graeffe's method, which is rarely used in serial implementations, because it is slower than many common serial algorithms, but is particularly well suited to parallel implementation. Graeffe's method is an iterative technique, and parallelism is used to reduce the execution time per iteration. A high degree of parallelism is possible, and only simple interprocessor communication is required. For a degree-n polynomial executed on an (n+1)-processor SIMD machine, each iteration in the parallel algorithm has arithmetic complexity of approximately 2n and a communications overhead n. In general, arithmetic speedup is on the order of p/2 for a p-processor implementation. >
An element set to support resource discovery

The Dublin Core Metadata Workshop Series began in 1995 with an invitational workshop intended to bring together librarians, digital library researchers, content experts, and text-markup experts to promote better description standards for electronic resources. The Dublin Core is a 15-element set of descriptors that has emerged from this effort in interdisciplinary and international consensus building. This paper summarizes the state of the ongoing Dublin Core effort as of January 1997. It describes the design goals that motivate the Dublin Core, summarizes the results of each of the workshops held thus far, provides brief descriptions of pilot projects that use the Dublin Core, and points to anticipated future developments.
Redirecting Faculty Research and Publication Efforts through the Use of a Faculty Development Program: A Case Study of "Publish and Prosper" Using an Incentive System

To redirect faculty research and publication efforts from proceedings to refereed journals, an innovative Faculty Development Program was established at an AA.C.S.B.-accredited school. The program used an incentive system in which faculty members earned spendable dollar credits for each article published. The program (including advantages and disadvantages), faculty reaction to it, and speculative questions about it are discussed in this article.
Influence of Temperature on the Development and Mortality of Immature Rhinocyllus conicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Influence of temperature on development and mortality of immature stages of Rhinocyllus conicus Froelich was investigated under different constant temperatures in the laboratory. Development time functions based on the parabola were used to model the data. Because the larvae develop within musk thistle ( Carduus thoermeri Weinmann) heads, developmental times of the larvae were measured indirectly. Determination of the four larval stages of R. conicus was based on distribution of head-capsule sizes of field-collected larvae. Hatching threshold was 11°C and threshold temperatures for development were 16–20°C for the different larval and pupal stages. This temperature range may be an adaptation of R. conicus for synchronization with musk thistle. Highest mortalities for immature stages of R. conicus occurred in the first and fourth instars.
Evaluation of Wrist Cartilage With and Without Scapholunate Ligament Injury in Pre and Post Operation Subjects

Hand and wrist injuries commonly occur and can be debilitating. Scapholunate dissociation generally requires surgery, and if left untreated, can lead to scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist) and associated osteoarthritis [1]. The overall goal of this research is to make a positive impact on the assessment and treatment of wrist injuries and on prevention of osteoarthritis as a result of injury.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Families of two: meeting the needs of couples experiencing male infertility.

Infertility exists in equal numbers between women and men, yet women sometimes feel blamed for infertility while the male experience goes unnoticed, even when a diagnosis of male factor infertility has been made. This article explores the needs of men, women and couples regarding male infertility and provides psychosocial nursing interventions based on published literature.
Evidence that NMDA-dependent limbic neural plasticity in the right hemisphere mediates pharmacological stressor (FG-7142)-induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior. Study 2-the effects on behavior of block of NMDA receptors prior to injection of FG-7142

The hypothesis that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate initiation of lasting behavioral changes induced by the anxiogenic beta-carboline, FG-7142, was supported in this study. Behavioral changes normally induced by FG-7142 were blocked when the competitive NMDA receptor blocker, 7-amino-phosphono-heptanoic acid, was given prior to administration of FG-7142. When cats were subsequently given FG-7142 alone, the drug produced lasting behavioral changes like those reported previously. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, reversed an increase in defensiveness produced by FG-7142 alone, replicating previous findings. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation in limbic pathways subserving defensive response to threat mediates lasting increases in defensiveness produced by FG-7142.
Kinetics of Hexacelsian-to-Celsian Phase Transformation in SrAl2Si2O8

The kinetics of hexacelsian to celsian phase transformation in SrAl2Si2O8 have been investigated. Phase pure hexacelsian was prepared by heat treatment of glass flakes at 990 C for 10 h. Bulk hexacelsian was isothermally heat treated at 1026, 1050, 1100, 1152, and 1200 C for various times. The amounts of monoclinic celsian formed were determined using quantitative X-ray diffraction. Values of reaction rate constant, k, at various temperatures were evaluated from the Avrami equation. The Avrami parameter was determined to be 1.1, suggesting a diffusionless, one-dimensional transformation mechanism. From the temperature dependence of k, the activation energy for this reaction was evaluated to be 527 plus or minus 50 kJ/mole (126 plus or minus 12 kcal/mole). This value is consistent with a mechanism involving the transformation of the layered hexacelsian structure to a three-dimensional network celsian structure which necessitates breaking of the strongest bonds, the Si-O bonds.