cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WHO Grade 2 Neuroendocrine Tumor in a 15-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Literature Review

Neuroendocrine tumors, distinguished from adenocarcinomas by their neuroendocrine differentiation, are the most common pediatric epithelial malignancy that most often occurs in the appendix. In 2010, the WHO classified neuroendocrine neoplasms into three grades based on morphology, mitotic count, and Ki67 proliferation index. A 15-year-old male with a history of anemia and failure to thrive was diagnosed with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor in the jejunum that invaded into the subserosal soft tissue and metastasized to four lymph nodes. Pediatric neuroendocrine tumors frequently arise within hereditary tumor syndromes with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors being the most common. Several studies also indicate an elevated risk of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors in which children born to a parent with a history of neuroendocrine tumors in the small intestine have a significant increased risk of developing one.
An investigation of sulfate production in an orographic storm using a detailed transport/chemistry model coupled with a detailed cloud scavenging model

Presentation d'une simulation associant le modele eulerien STEM-II et le modele PLUVIUS (reconstituant un nuage)
Quantitative geophysical study of petrogenesis of syenites related to laramie anorthosite, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Abstract Pyroxene and hornblende syenites comprise the northern border of the Laramie anorthosite. The syenites intrude regional gneisses that are metamorphosed in the middle to upper amphibolite facies. The chemical and mineralogical composition of these syenites closely resemble syenites from other anorthosite complexes. A trend of positive gravity anomalies follows the syenites and peaks over norite exposed within syenite; however, densities of syenite are lower than most other rocks in the area. Gravity interpretations shows the syenites are underlain by dense rocks which are probably norite, and that the mass of dense rocks is about 3 times as great as the mass of the syenite. This interpretation suggests that the syenites were formed by partial melting by norite or, more likely, were formed by differentiation from norite associated with anorthosite.
Exploring further the role of disorder in high-field hopping transport

attractive feature of the disorder model is that it attempts to describecharge transport in various molecular systems in a unified way. The model indeed seemsto be able to consistently account for the general trends in the T— and E—dependence ofthe mobility in different systems. It is however not free from problems and shortcomings
Noradrenergic lesions differentially alter the expression of two subtypes of low Km cAMP-sensitive phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4A and PDE4B) in rat brain.

Abstract This study examined the effects of selective, central noradrenergic dennervation with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the expression of type 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE4). Twenty-one days following i.c.v. injection of 6-OHDA (200 μg) hypothalamus, neostriatum, and cerebellum were dissected. Infusion of 6-OHDA reduced norepinephrine (NE) content in all the brain areas examined (to 17%, 76% and 16% of sham-operated controls in hypothalamus, striatum, and cerebellum, respectively). 6-OHDA injections also reduced dopamine levels in hypothalamus (53%) and neostriatum (68%). Administration of desipramine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min prior to 6-OHDA injection protected neostriatal and cerebellar noradrenergic neurons NE levels (110–122% of the control levels). Desipramine partially attenuated the 6-OHDA-mediated decrease in NE content of hypothalamus, but had little or no effect on either striatal or hypothalamic dopamine (DA) levels. Western blot analysis using a PDE4A-selective antibody revealed three major bands (109 kDa PDE4A5, 102 kDa PDE4AX and 76 kDa PDE4A1) in hypothalamus and striatum. Infusion of 6-OHDA decreased the expression of PDE4A5 and PDE4AX but not of PDE4A1 in hypothalamus, as determined by quantitative Western blotting. Pretreatment of rats with desipramine attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced down-regulation of PDE4A5 and PDE4AX bands in hypothalamus. The PDE4B selective antibody K118 labels 5 major bands in all the brain regions studied. One hundred kDa PDE4B3, 86 kDa PDE4B2 and a 78 kDa PDE4B band was identified using recombinant proteins. Treatment of rats with 6-OHDA resulted in a 52% decrease in the PDE4B3 and 58% decrease in 78 kDa PDE4B variant in hypothalamus; administration of desipramine attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced down-regulation of both PDE4B variants. Neither 6-OHDA nor desipramine altered striatal PDE4A or PDE4B isozymes. In contrast, cerebellar PDE4B3 variant is up-regulated by 6-OHDA treatment and were partially normalized to control values by desipramine pretreatment. These data demonstrate that PDE4 subtypes are differentially regulated by presynaptic noradrenergic activity and may play an important role in the maintaining homeostasis of noradrenergic signal transduction in rat brain.
Bifrequency pendulum on a rotary platform to teach optical birefringence and liquid crystalline displays

Bifrequency pendulum on a rotary platform was tested and used for several years as a tool to teach various optical phenomena, mostly connected with the polarization of light waves. The following optical topics have found their mechanical analogs: linearity and superposition; damping; isotropy versus anisotropy; birefringence, uniaxial crystals; adiabatic following versus abrupt changes; liquid crystalline displays for watches, based on a twisted nematic cell; quantum-mechanical level anti-crossing; center-symmetric ((chi) (3 )) nonlinearity and self- rotation of polarization ellipse; angular momentum conservation; non- center-symmetric ((chi) (2 )) nonlinearity and second harmonic generation. This pendulum continues to serve as a source of ideas for new optical devices.
Lack of Correlation Between the Accumulation of Plus-Strand Leader RNA and the Inhibition of Protein and RNA Synthesis in Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infected Mouse L Cells

The inhibition of protein synthesis in mouse L cells infected by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) requires expression of two regions (one large and one small) of the viral genome, as determined by target size analysis. The inhibition of host RNA synthesis was also shown to be dependent on expression of two regions of the VSV genome, most likely the same ones. In some cases, such as in cells infected by mutants T1026R1, or tsG41 at 40 degrees, or moderately uv irradiated VSV, only one of the two regions was expressed, yet cellular protein and RNA synthesis was decreased. This suggests that the product of each region of the viral genome can act independently. In these instances the severity of the inhibition was dependent on both the length of the infection period and the multiplicity of infection. The identity of neither gene product is known, but it has been suggested that small product is plus-strand leader RNA. As shown herein, however, there was no correlation between the extent of host macromolecular synthesis inhibition and the quantity of leader RNA in infected cells.
Determining optimal ultrasound off time with micropulse longitudinal phacoemulsification

Purpose To evaluate the optimum off time for the most efficient removal of lens fragments using micropulse ultrasound (US). Setting John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Porcine lens nuclei were soaked in formalin for 2 hours and then cut into 2.0 mm cubes using the Signature US machine with a bent 0.9 mm phaco tip with a 30-degree bevel. The on time was 7 milliseconds (ms), and the off time was varied from 2 to 20 ms in 2 ms steps. Phacoemulsification efficiency (time for fragment removal) and chatter (number of times the fragment bounced from the tip) were measured. Results A nonsignificant linear increase in efficiency was observed with 2 to 6 ms of off time ( R 2 = .87, P = .24). A significant linear decrease in efficiency was observed with 6 to 20 ms ( R 2 = .74, P = .006). Conclusions With micropulse longitudinal US, 6 to 7 ms of off time was as efficient as shorter off times; longer off times (8 to 20 ms) showed decreased efficiency. Chatter was minimal and statistically similar throughout. To maximize phacoemulsification US efficiency, an off-time setting of 6 ms is recommended. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Performance Optimization in Elastography: Multicompression with Temporal Stretching

Abstract A general theoretical framework known as the strain filter has been previously used to evaluate the performance in elastography. The strain filter describes the relationship among the resolution, dynamic range, sensitivity and elastographic SNR (SNR e ), and may be plotted as a graph of the upper bound of the SNR e vs. the strain experienced by the tissue, for a desired elastographic axial resolution as determined by the data window length. The ideal strain filter has an infinitely high, flat all-pass characteristic shape in the strain domain , which means that all local tissue strains are displayed in the elastogram with infinite SNR e ; it also means that the strain dynamic range in the elastogram is infinite as well. Practical strain filters obtained using a single tissue compression have a bandpass characteristic shape in the strain domain, where the −3 dB width of this bandpass characteristic may be defined as the elastographic dynamic range. In this paper, we present an optimal technique for stretching multicompression elastography, practiced by selecting the optimum incremental applied strain using the strain filter. Two techniques, temporal stretching and multicompression elastography, are combined in this paper to improve elastogram quality. Stretching multicompression elastography using the optimal applied strain increment alters the shape of the strain filter from its bandpass characteristic to a more desirable high-emphasis filter. The dynamic range of optimal stretching multicompression elastography is limited only by tissue nonlinearities. This optimal applied strain increment minimizes signal decorrelation and achieves the maximum achievable elastographic SNR e .
Glutathione levels during the mosquito life span with emphasis on senescence.

AbstractGlutathione levels were determined in mosquitoes of all ages of the life span. Specific analyses for reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione were used and validated to ensure minimal autoxidation of GSH and conversion of these forms. Indeed GSH accounted for >97% of the total glutathione (GSH + GSSG) content in all samples. Marked changes occurred during the life span, and the highest levels of GSH and total glutathione were found during larval growth and metamorphosis (P < 0.001). Thereafter the levels decreased in the early adult, plateaued in the mature, and decreased 46% in the old and very old mosquito (P < 0.001). This aging-specific decrease was a general phenomenon, for it occurred in all body regions of both sexes. Starvation up to 3 days did not affect the GSH levels. The importance of these changes in glutathione is its relationship to the reducing and biosynthetic capacities of different life span stages. Of special interest is the senescence decrease which can lead to lower bios...
The ITER 3D magnetic diagnostic response to applied n = 3 and n = 4 resonant magnetic perturbations*

The ITER magnetic diagnostic response to applied n = 3 and n = 4 resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) has been calculated for the 15 MA scenario. The VMEC code was utilized to calculate free boundary 3D ideal magnetohydrodynamic equilibria, where the non-stellarator symmetric terms were included in the calculation (Hirshman and Whitson 1983 Phys. Fluids 26 3553). This allows an assessment to be made of the possible boundary displacements due to RMP application in ITER. As the VMEC code assumes a continuous set of nested flux surface, the possibility of island and stochastic region formation is ignored. At the start of the current flat-top (L-mode) application of n = 4 RMPs indicates approximately 1 cm peak-to-peak displacements on the low field side of the plasma while later in the shot (H-mode) perturbations as large as 3 cm are present. Forward modeling of the ITER magnetic diagnostics indicates significant non-axisymmetric plasma response, exceeding 10% the axisymmetric signal in many of the flux loops. Magnetic field probes seem to indicate a greater robustness to 3D effects but still indicate large sensitivities to 3D effects in a number of sensors. Forward modeling of the diagnostics response to 3D equilibria allows assessment of diagnostics design and control scenarios.
Design of near threshold All Digital Delay Locked Loops

In this paper we present a detailed methodology for designing ultra low power All Digital Delay Locked Loops (ADDLL) operating at Near Threshold Voltage (NTV). We address the design constraints — increased gate delays, design corner vulnerability and duty cycle mismatch — in scaled Vdd design. Circuit level enhancement techniques are presented to circumvent these issues. We also eliminate the false locking and dithering problems. Finally, based on our methodology, we designed and simulated an ADDLL in a 45nm PDK operating at 0.8–1GHz with 0.5 V supply.
Celestial data routing network

Imagine that information processing human-machine network is threatened in a particular part of the world. Suppose that an anticipated threat of physical attacks could lead to disruption of telecommunications network management infrastructure and access capabilities for small geographically distributed groups engaged in collaborative operations. Suppose that small group of astronauts are exploring the solar planet and need to quickly configure orbital information network to support their collaborative work and local communications. The critical need in both scenarios would be a set of low-cost means of small team celestial networking. To the geographically distributed mobile collaborating groups such means would allow to maintain collaborative multipoint work, set up orbital local area network, and provide orbital intranet communications. This would be accomplished by dynamically assembling the network enabling infrastructure of the small satellite based router, satellite based Codec, and set of satellite based intelligent management agents. Cooperating single function pico satellites, acting as agents and personal switching devices together would represent self-organizing intelligent orbital network of cooperating mobile management nodes. Cooperative behavior of the pico satellite based agents would be achieved by comprising a small orbital artificial neural network capable of learning and restructing the networking resources in response to the anticipated threat.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CBT Specific Process in Exposure-Based Treatments: Initial Examination in a Pediatric OCD Sample.

Abstract Cognitive-behavioral theory and empirical support suggest that optimal activation of fear is a critical component for successful exposure treatment. Using this theory, we developed coding methodology for measuring CBT-specific process during exposure. We piloted this methodology in a sample of young children (N=18) who previously received CBT as part of a randomized controlled trial. Results supported the preliminary reliability and predictive validity of coding variables with 12 weeks and 3 months treatment outcome data, generally showing results consistent with CBT theory. However, given our limited and restricted sample, additional testing is warranted. Measurement of CBT-specific process using this methodology may have implications for understanding mechanism of change in exposure-based treatments and for improving dissemination efforts through identification of therapist behaviors associated with improved outcome.
DIRECT IN VIVO GENE TRANSFER TO UROLOGICAL ORGANS

AbstractPurpose: Patients with urological disorders may benefit from gene based therapy. We investigated the feasibility of delivering exogenous genes into urological tissues in vivo using direct in vivo electrotransfection.Materials and Methods: Gene transfer to rat kidneys, testes and bladders was accomplished via direct local injection of pGL3/luciferase and beta-galactosidase reporter gene constructs, followed by an electrical pulse ranging from 55 to 115 msec. at 100 V. Direct injection of deoxyribonucleic acid without an electrical pulse served as the control. The transfected and nontransfected organs were retrieved and analyzed by luciferase activity assay, histochemical and immunocytochemical staining for beta-galactosidase, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for beta-galactosidase messenger ribonucleic acid.Results: There was significant luciferase activity 1, 3 and 5 days after direct in vivo electrotransfection in kidneys and testes, and after 3, 5, 7 and ...
K. William Kapp's theory of social costs and environmental policy: Towards political ecological economics

Abstract The paper analyzes the contribution of K. William Kapp, widely considered one of the founders of Ecological Economics. This paper will demonstrate how K. William Kapp developed his theory of social costs into a framework for environmental policy development, i.e. the basis for Political Ecological Economics. The latter provides the most comprehensive and non-utilitarian alternative to the main neoclassical approaches provided by Arthur Pigou and Ronald Coase. Kapp determined basic human needs to be necessary values operational for policymaking via politically derived and scientifically determined social minima (criteria) and socio-ecological indicators. This “rational humanism” was inspired by Weber's concept of substantive rationality and informed by John Dewey's pragmatic instrumentalism. The paper concludes that Kapp's contribution is important enough to cement its place in the broader school of Ecological Economics.
Stability and attractiveness related to age of scent marks of saddle back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis)

The scent marks of saddle back tamarins remained attractive to conspecifics for 1–3 days depending on the conditions under which they were tested. The monkeys discriminated between gender on the basis of fresh, one-, and two-day-old marks but not on the basis of three- and four-day-old marks.
OPTIMIZATION OF A LACTOSE HYDROLYSIS PROCESS

A design equation was developed which represents the enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose in whey. Various processing schemes and conditions were studied to determine an optimal cost for the hydrolysis process. Consideration was given to catalyst costs, product value and reactant concentration.
The Structural Biology of CD2

The CD2 molecule is a 50-55KD transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the vast majority of thymocytes and virtually all peripheral T lymphocytes. Its functions are two-fold: adhesion and activation. CD2 serves to facilitate conjugate formation between the T-lineage cell and its cognate partner via intermolecular interaction of CD2 and LFA-3 on the former and latter cells, respectively. Perturbation of the CD2 extracellular segment by certain combinations of anti-CD2 MAbs or LFA-3 and a single anti-CD2 MAb activate T-lineage function. These CD2-mediated activation events also synergize with signals mediated through the TCR to augment T-cell response. Based on microchemical analysis of immunoaffinity-purified human CD2 and cDNA and genomic cloning of mouse and human molecules, considerable structural information is now available. The mature surface human CD2 molecule consists of 327 amino acids: a 185 aa extracellular segment; a 25 aa hydrophobic transmembrane segment; and a 117 aa cytoplasmic domain rich in prolines and basic residues. The CD2 gene is comprised of five exons which span approximately 12 Kb on chromosome 1. A similar protein structure and gene exon organization is found for the mouse CD2 homologue. The CD2 adhesion domain is approximately 103 aa in length and is encoded by a single exon (exon 2). This domain is resistant to proteolysis, even though it lacks any intrachain disulfides and, like the entire extracellular segment protein expressed in a baculovirus system, binds to its cellular ligand, LFA-3. The latter occurs with a micromolar Kd. This relatively low affinity suggests that multivalent interactions among CD2 monomers on the T cells and individual LFA-3 structures on the cognate partner are important in enhancing the avidity of the T-cell interaction with its target or stimulator cell. The affinity of the CD2 extracellular segment for LFA-3 is not affected by truncations in the CD2 cytoplasmic domain, implying that ligand binding is not regulated by intracellular mechanisms. Given that CD2 mRNA expression and surface CD2 copy number are increased by more than one order of magnitude post-TCR stimulation, it is more likely that adhesion via CD2 is modulated by alteration in surface copy number. Analysis of early transduction events occurring via CD3-Ti (TCR) and CD2 including single channel Ca2+ patch-clamp recordings on living human T lymphocytes indicate a virtual identity of signals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Born Knowing: Tentacled Snakes Innately Predict Future Prey Behavior

Background Aquatic tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatus) can take advantage of their prey's escape response by startling fish with their body before striking. The feint usually startles fish toward the snake's approaching jaws. But when fish are oriented at a right angle to the jaws, the C-start escape response translates fish parallel to the snake's head. To exploit this latter response, snakes must predict the future location of the fish. Adult snakes can make this prediction. Is it learned, or are tentacled snakes born able to predict future fish behavior? Methods and Findings Laboratory-born, naive snakes were investigated as they struck at fish. Trials were recorded at 250 or 500 frames per second. To prevent learning, snakes were placed in a water container with a clear transparency sheet or glass bottom. The chamber was placed over a channel in a separate aquarium with fish below. Thus snakes could see and strike at fish, without contact. The snake's body feint elicited C-starts in the fish below the transparency sheet, allowing strike accuracy to be quantified in relationship to the C-starts. When fish were oriented at a right angle to the jaws, naive snakes biased their strikes to the future location of the escaping fish's head, such that the snake's jaws and the fish's translating head usually converged. Several different types of predictive strikes were observed. Conclusions The results show that some predators have adapted their nervous systems to directly compensate for the future behavior of prey in a sensory realm that usually requires learning. Instead of behavior selected during their lifetime, newborn tentacled snakes exhibit behavior that has been selected on a different scale—over many generations. Counter adaptations in fish are not expected, as tentacled snakes are rare predators exploiting fish responses that are usually adaptive.
The Manufacture of Compressed Soluble Tablets

Abstract Using lactose as a base for soluble tablets, experiments with different granulating agents and lubricants were made in an effort to obtain a practical working formula. Additional reports include findings on the relationship of mesh‐size of granulation to ease of compression and amount of lubricant required for compression. A formula and procedure for soluble compressed tablets is given and two soluble lubricants are suggested.
High repetition-rate full-spectrum interrogation of FGB sensors for dynamic measurements in composite laminates

This paper presents a new means for collecting fiber Bragg grating (FBG) data during drop tower measurements used to assess damage to composite structures. The high repetition-rate collection process reveals transient features that cannot be resolved in quasi-static measurements. The experiments made at a repetition rate of about 500 Hz show that the detected FBG spectrum broadens for a short period of time and relaxes quickly to a narrower static state. Furthermore, this relaxation time increases dramatically as the strike count increases. The information gained by such measurements will enhance the ability to characterize and distinguish failure modes and predict remaining lifetime in composite laminate structures.
Managing microcystin: identifying national‐scale thresholds for total nitrogen and chlorophyll a

Summary The occurrence of high cyanotoxin concentrations can severely impair the use of a waterbody for drinking water and recreational purposes. Cyanotoxins are likely to occur under specific environmental conditions, and so identifying these conditions can facilitate management of the waterbody to reduce the likelihood of high cyanotoxin concentrations. We analysed data collected from lakes across the contiguous United States to identify environmental variables that are strongly associated with occurrence of high concentrations of a common cyanotoxin, microcystin (MC). Since many different environmental variables covary and are associated with high MC, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to identify a few variables that provided accurate predictions of high MC (≥1 μg L−1). Our analysis indicated that total nitrogen (TN) and chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations yielded a parsimonious model that accurately predicted the occurrence of high MC. Based on this model, we identified management thresholds for TN and chl a that would maintain the probability of high MC at or below 10 and 5%.
The Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee, Megachile rotundata: The World's Most Intensively Managed Solitary Bee*

The alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB), Megachile rotundata F. (Megachildae), was accidentally introduced into the United States by the 1940s. Nest management of this Eurasian nonsocial pollinator transformed the alfalfa seed industry in North America, tripling seed production. The most common ALCB management practice is the loose cell system, in which cocooned bees are removed from nesting cavities for cleaning and storage. Traits of ALCBs that favored their commercialization include gregarious nesting; use of leaves for lining nests; ready acceptance of affordable, mass-produced nesting materials; alfalfa pollination efficacy; and emergence synchrony with alfalfa bloom. The ALCB became a commercial success because much of its natural history was understood, targeted research was pursued, and producer ingenuity was encouraged. The ALCB presents a model system for commercializing other solitary bees and for advancing new testable hypotheses in diverse biological disciplines.
Performance of phased array antennas with mechanical errors

The performance of planar phase-array antennas with mechanical errors is investigated. Errors in array element positions as a result of structural distortions are considered as deterministic and predictable. Detailed calculations for two assumed modes of distortion reveal that their effects on antenna performance are the loss of peak response in the scan direction and the broadening of the mainlobe, while the far-out sidelobe structure remains relatively intact. For large antennas, performance improvement can be expected by suitable phase compensation. Performance of antennas with random errors in their element positions must be treated statistically. Expressions of average directivity and sidelobe level corresponding to arbitrary error magnitudes in element position, amplitude and phase of excitation as well as finite rate of failure of element modules were derived and verified by direct numerical calculations from the antenna directivity patterns. For a planar phased-array antenna typical for space-based radars, the standard deviation of element position errors must not exceed 1% of the operating wavelength in order to maintain a -10 dBi sidelobe level. >
Erratum for Boundedness of families of canonically polarized manifolds: A higher dimensional analogue of Shafarevich's conjecture

We show that the number of deformation types of canonically polarized manifolds over an arbitrary variety with proper singular locus is nite, and that this number is uniformly bounded in any nite type family of base varieties. As a corollary we show that a direct generalization of the geometric version of Shafarevich’s original conjecture holds for innitesimally rigid families of canonically polarized varieties.
Increasing the Performance of Cortically-Controlled Prostheses

Neural prostheses have received considerable at- tention due to their potential to dramatically improve the qual- ity of life of severely disabled patients. Cortically-controlled prostheses are able to translate neural activity from cerebral cortex into control signals for guiding computer cursors or prosthetic limbs. Non-invasive and invasive electrode tech- niques can be used to measure neural activity, with the latter promising considerably higher levels of performance and therefore functionality to patients. We review here some of our recent experimental and computational work aimed at estab- lishing a principled design methodology to increase electrode- based cortical prosthesis performance to near theoretical limits. Studies discussed include translating unprecedentedly brief periods of "plan" activity into high information rate (6.5 bits/s) control signals, improving decode algorithms and optimizing visual target locations for further performance increases, and recording from chronically implanted arrays in freely behaving monkeys to characterize neuron stability. Taken together, these results should substantially increase the clinical viability of cortical prostheses.
At-speed structural test: Getting more real every day

The panel deals with the question of whether or not it is possible to rely solely on structural test techniques to fully test an integrated circuit (IC). The position of the author is that it is not only possible, but that the proportion of test content occupied by functional/application patterns is continuing to decrease over time.
Knowledge and Perception of the Resource Room The Students' Perspective

The purpose of this study was to determine regular and special education students' knowledge and perception of the elementary school, special education resource room. A sample of 126 nonhandicapped students and 20 students with learning disabilities, grades 1 through 6, were individually interviewed. Results indicate few differences between LD and non-LD students regarding their knowledge and perception of the resource room and special education. There are, however, significant differences between primary and intermediate students, with intermediate students having more knowledge of who goes to the resource room and more understanding of special education concepts. Most non-LD students ranked the resource room as a desirable place to spend time, though primary students with learning disabilities perceived it less positively than intermediate special education students.
Schizophrenia spectrum participants have reduced visual contrast sensitivity to chromatic (red/green) and luminance (light/dark) stimuli: new insights into information processing, visual channel function, and antipsychotic effects

Background: Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses have deficient visual information processing as assessed by a variety of paradigms including visual backward masking, motion perception and visual contrast sensitivity (VCS). In the present study, the VCS paradigm was used to investigate potential differences in magnocellular (M) versus parvocellular (P) channel function that might account for the observed information processing deficits of schizophrenia spectrum patients. Specifically, VCS for near threshold luminance (black/white) stimuli is known to be governed primarily by the M channel, while VCS for near threshold chromatic (red/green) stimuli is governed by the P channel. Methods: VCS for luminance and chromatic stimuli (counterphase-reversing sinusoidal gratings, 1.22 c/deg, 8.3 Hz) was assessed in 53 patients with schizophrenia (including 5 off antipsychotic medication), 22 individuals diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder and 53 healthy comparison subjects. Results: Schizophrenia spectrum groups demonstrated reduced VCS in both conditions relative to normals, and there was no significant group by condition interaction effect. Post-hoc analyses suggest that it was the patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic medication as well as SPD participants who accounted for the deficits in the luminance condition. Conclusions: These results demonstrate visual information processing deficits in schizophrenia spectrum populations but do not support the notion of selective abnormalities in the function of subcortical channels as suggested by previous studies. Further work is needed in a longitudinal design to further assess VCS as a vulnerability marker for psychosis as well as the effect of antipsychotic agents on performance in schizophrenia spectrum populations.
A carbon dioxide, heat and chemical lure trap for the bedbug, Cimex lectularius.

Abstract A trap for the collection of bedbugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), is described. The trap was baited with CO2 (50–400 mL/min), heat (37.2–42.2 °C) and a chemical lure comprised of 33.0 μg proprionic acid, 0.33 μg butyric acid, 0.33 μg valeric acid, 100 μg octenol and 100 μg L-lactic acid, impregnated into a gel. Laboratory studies, conducted in a square arena measuring 183 cm on each side, showed that traps with and without baits captured adult bedbugs, but traps with CO2 emissions of 50–400 mL/min caught significantly (P < 0.05) more bedbugs than traps without CO2. In an infested unoccupied apartment, traps with heat and with or without the chemical lure were tested without CO2 on 29 trap-days and with CO2 on 9 trap-days. The numbers of bedbugs captured were 656 and 5898 in traps without and with CO2, respectively. The numbers of bedbugs of all development stages captured were significantly greater in traps with CO2 (χ2 = 15 942, d.f. = 1, P < 10−9). A non-parametric two-way analysis of variance evaluation of six different traps with or without CO2, heat or a chemical lure monitored over 19 trap-days in an infested apartment showed that trap type was highly significant (n = 2833 bedbugs collected) (P < 10−7). The trap with CO2, heat and a chemical lure captured more bedbugs than the other traps, but only caught significantly more fourth and fifth instar nymphs than all other traps. Otherwise, the catches in this trap did not differ significantly from those caught by traps that contained CO2 and heat only. The total numbers of bedbugs collected for each trapping date (pooling all six traps) followed an exponential decline over the trapping period. This type of trap, which caught bedbugs in unoccupied apartments with and without furniture, and in an occupied apartment, may have utility in studying the ecology of bedbugs, in detecting bedbug infestations and in reducing numbers of bites by trapping host-seeking bedbugs.
PPARγ regulates retinoic acid-mediated DC induction of Tregs

CD4 CD25 Foxp3 Tregs are critical regulators of immune responses and autoimmune diseases. nTregs are thymically derived; iTregs are converted in the periphery from CD4 CD25– Foxp3– Teffs. Recent studies reported that GALT CD103 DCs mediated enhanced iTreg conversion via the secretion of RA. However, the factors regulating RA secretion and hence, the induction of iTregs by DCs are not yet clear. Activation of the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR has been shown to induce RA expression in human DCs, and thus, we postulated that PPAR activation in DCs may be an important regulator of RA secretion and iTreg generation. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we now demonstrate that PPAR activation enhances iTreg generation through increased RA synthesis from murine splenic DCs. In addition, we demonstrate that inhibition of DC PPAR decreases iTreg generation, suggesting a role for endogenous PPAR ligands in this process. Overall, our findings suggest that PPAR may be important as a factor that stimulates DCs to produce RA and as a potential mechanism by which PPAR ligands ameliorate autoimmunity. J. Leukoc. Biol. 86: 293–301; 2009.
Aerodynamic interference of vertical axis wind turbines

The laminar flowfield and performance of clusters of two-dimensional vertical axis wind turbines are analyzed by idealizing the rotors as momentum sources. The flowfield dominated by the pressure field of the operating turbines is determined by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and mutual interference is observed to be elliptic in nature. Physical positioning of the turbines with respect to each other significantly affects the aerodynamic performance of the turbines. Several cases are examined starting with one pair of turbines to a cluster as big as 21 turbines. From the two-dimensional cases presented here, it is concluded that downwind turbine performance can be improved by judiciously choosing the angular relative orientation of the turbines. Qualitative analysis of the laminar flowfield is conducted with the help of streamlines and pressure contours. Performance comparisons of the turbines are made with a stand-alone turbine operating under similar flow conditions. This investigation lays the groundwork for the optimization of a wind farm.
An Inclusive Process for Departmental Textbook Selection

This article reports on the development and use of an inclusive process to select a departmental textbook for general psychology. It describes a method for developing department-specific instrument...
Prostaglandin: cervical ripening in hypertensive pregnancies.

Background. To determine the outcome of cervical ripening with intracervical prostaglandin E 2 (PEG 2 ) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive high-risk pregnancies in terms of successful ripening, mode of delivery, time intercorring between ripening and the beginning of labor or parturition and, at least, duration of labor. Methods. A total of 63 women with a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders were included in the study protocol. These 63 women were compared with 71 consecutive high-risk pregnancies requiring induction of labor for maternal and/or fetal indications. Cervical ripening was performed with single or multiple doses of 0.5 mg of intracervical PGE 2 gel. Results. The rate of successful ripening was 84% for non-hypertensive patients (60/71) and 69% (43/63) for hypertensive patients ( p < 0.03). Twenty-four out of 63 hypertensive patients (38%) and 21 out of 71 non-hypertensive patients (30%) ( p < 0.05) were delivered by cesarean section. After stratification of hypertensive patients, the time in...
Outage probability of dual-branch coherent equal-gain combining in correlated Nakagami-m fading

The exact outage probability of mobile radio receivers using dual-branch coherent equal-gain combining is analytically derived for correlated Nakagami-m fading. Expressions in the form of infinite series are obtained for the two cases of identical parameters on both diversity branches, and identical m-parameters (multiples of a half-integer) but not-necessarily identical fading powers on each branch.
Effects of Spatial and Temporal Contiguity on the Acquisition of Spatial Information

Spatial information comes in two forms: direct spatial information (for example, retinal position) and indirect temporal contiguity information, since objects encountered sequentially are in general spatially close. The acquisition of spatial information by a neural network is investigated here. Given a spatial layout of several objects, networks are trained on a prediction task. Networks using temporal sequences with no direct spatial information are found to develop internal representations that show distances correlated with distances in the external layout. The influence of spatial information is analyzed by providing direct spatial information to the system during training that is either consistent with the layout or inconsistent with it. This approach allows examination of the relative contributions of spatial and temporal contiguity.
Constructing views of science tied to issues of equity and diversity: A study of beginning science teachers

In this study, we examined the discursive and social practices of a teacher educator (the first author) and her eight beginning science teachers in a course on the nature of science and issues of equity and diversity. We focused our investigation on beginning science teachers' views of science and science teaching, as well as the grounds they offered for their views. We organized our discussion of the nature of science, teacher learning, and grounds for views along three dimensions: personal, social, and political. We found that beginning teachers routinely drew from only one of these three dimensions to support their views of the nature of science and ways to represent science to all students. In our implications, we recommend that teacher educators encourage teacher learners to examine personal, social, and political grounds carefully and critically in the process of constructing or revising their views. We argue that attention to these three dimensions of grounds for views will assist beginning teachers in adopting nature of science positions that are broad and complex, that more clearly reflect the goals of equity and excellence, and thus, that hold greater promise for achieving a science education inclusive of all students. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 40: 53–76, 2003
Rape Myth Acceptance Impacts the Reporting of Rape to the Police A Study of Incarcerated Women

We examined the association between rape myth acceptance (RMA) and reporting rapes to the police. Situational characteristics of the rape (e.g., stranger attack, injury) are known predictors of reporting, but no existing studies have examined the association between beliefs about rape and reporting. In addition, most studies of RMA do not assess victimization history. Incarcerated women experience high rates of sexual assaults prior to incarceration. We recruited 74 rape survivors from a northwestern state prison. Results suggest that women who endorsed higher levels of RMA were less likely to report their rapes to police; however, participants endorsed few rape myths.
Social and environmental infantilization of aged persons: observations in two adult day care centers.

This study examines the social environments, staff behavior, and social interaction of elderly clients in two adult day care centers. Goffman's (1961) description of the psycho-social effects of the “total institution” is used as a framework for conceptualizing the effects of “partial institutions” on older persons. Using qualitative research techniques, we observed the environments, activities, and interactions of approximately seventy-two clients in two adult day care settings. When the staff and environment were more infantilizing, provided less autonomy, and fewer opportunities for privacy regulation, the clients had lower social interaction with peers. In contrast, when the center had a more adult setting, with age appropriate activities, there was greater privacy regulation, autonomy, social contact, and friendships among clients.
Leadership and Organizational Culture: Lessons Learned from Arthur Andersen

ABSTRACT: Leader actions are considered by many to be one of the major influences on an organization's culture. This paper examines actions taken by leaders at Arthur Andersen, driven by the emphasis on profit growth over audit proficiency beginning in the 1980s, that were not consistent with certain cultural features fundamental to the firm's value system in its early years. We examine the actions of Andersen's leaders in the context of Schein's (2004) theories of organizational culture, and conclude actions of the firm's leaders appear to have adversely affected the organizational culture and contributed to Andersen's eventual demise. The lessons learned from Arthur Andersen can benefit others in the profession, along with students who will be entering the profession and educators who are preparing them for future challenges.
Widespread Differential Expression of Coding Region and 3′ UTR Sequences in Neurons and Other Tissues

Mature messenger RNAs (mRNAs) consist of coding sequence (CDS) and 5' and 3' UTRs, typically expected to show similar abundance within a given neuron. Examining mRNA from defined neurons, we unexpectedly show extremely common unbalanced expression of cognate 3' UTR and CDS sequences; many genes show high 3' UTR relative to CDS, others show high CDS to 3' UTR. In situ hybridization (19 of 19 genes) shows a broad range of 3' UTR-to-CDS expression ratios across neurons and tissues. Ratios may be spatially graded or change with developmental age but are consistent across animals. Further, for two genes examined, a 3' UTR-to-CDS ratio above a particular threshold in any given neuron correlated with reduced or undetectable protein expression. Our findings raise questions about the role of isolated 3' UTR sequences in regulation of protein expression and highlight the importance of separately examining 3' UTR and CDS sequences in gene expression analyses.
A survey of EPA/OPP and open literature on selected pesticide chemicals: II. Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of selected chloroacetanilides and related compounds

With this effort, we continue our examination of data on selected pesticide chemicals and their related analogues that have been presented to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). This report focuses on a group of selected chloroacetanilides and a few related compounds. As part of the registration process for pesticidal chemicals, interested parties (registrants) must submit toxicity information to support the registration including both mutagenicity and carcinogenicity data. Although this information is available to the public via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the OPP, publication in the scientific literature allows greater dissemination and examination of the data. For this Special Issue, graphic profiles have been prepared of the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity data available in the submissions to OPP. Also, a discussion is presented about how toxicity data are used to help establish tolerances (limits of pesticide residues in foods). The mutagenicity results submitted by registrants are supplemented by data on these chemicals from the open literature to provide a full perspective of their genetic toxicology. The group of chloroacetanilides reviewed here display a consistent pattern of mutagenic activity, probably mediated via metabolites. This mutagenic activity is a mechanistically plausible factor in the development of tumors seen in experimental animals exposed to this class of chemicals.
Descriptive Representation and Government Legitimacy in Botswana

In many parts of the world, it has been argued that descriptive representation can enhance government legitimacy and improve relationships between constituents and their legislative representatives. Generally this argument has been made in the context of racially, ethnically or religiously divided societies. Yet, as I argue in this paper, from a theoretical standpoint, the importance of descriptive representation need not necessarily be limited to such instances. Botswana is often lauded for the ways in which it has reduced the salience of ethnic divisions since independence. As such, it provides an important case in which to examine the ways in which descriptive representation on a number of grounds (ethnicity, gender, class) does or does not influence the relationship of ordinary citizens to the state. Using a unique dataset on Botswana Members’ of Parliament biographies and attributes (including subjective ethnic identities drawn from elite interviews) as well as citizen survey data, this paper assesses whether and how shared representative-constituent personal characteristics shape constituents’ perceptions of and willingness to engage with their elected representatives in Botswana.