cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of age on compensation for a negative lens and recovery from lens-induced myopia in tree shrews (Tupaia glis belangeri).

We examined in tree shrews the effect of age on the development of, and recovery from, myopia induced with a negative lens. Starting at 11, 16, 24, 35 or 48 days after natural eye-opening (days of visual experience [VE]), juvenile tree shrews (n = 5 per group) wore a monocular −5 D lens for 11 days. A long-term lens-wear group (n=6) began treatment at 16 days of VE and wore the lens for 30 days. A young adult group (n = 5) began to wear a −5 D lens between 93 and 107 days of VE (mean ± SD, 100 ± 6 days of VE) and wore the lens for 29 to 54 days (mean ± SD, 41.8 ± 9.8 days). The recovery phase in all groups was started by discontinuing −5 D lens wear. Contralateral control eyes in the three youngest groups were compared with a group of age-matched normal eyes and showed a small ( 12 days) occurred in all age groups except the youngest. Every animal showed more rapid recovery (higher recovery slope) in the first 4 days than afterward. One animal showed extremely slow recovery. Based on the time-course of myopia development observed in the youngest age groups, the start of the susceptible period for negative lens wear is around 11 to 15 days after eye opening; the rate of compensation remains high until approximately 35 days of VE and then gradually declines. Compensation is stable with continued lens wear. The emmetropization mechanism, both for negative lens compensation and recovery, remains active into young adulthood. The time-course of recovery is more variable than that of compensation and seems to vary with age, with the amount of myopia (weakly) and with the individual animal.
Effect of low-density lipoprotein apheresis on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) is a proinflammatory participant in atherosclerosis and a potential biomarker for coronary heart disease. The effects of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis on Lp-PLA 2 levels were evaluated in 8 patients with cardiovascular disease. Each patient received 5 LDL apheresis treatments over a 3-month period. The mean direct LDL cholesterol level reduction was 60% (252 to 100 mg/dl). LDL apheresis acutely reduced Lp-PLA 2 by 21.4%. Over the course of treatment, Lp-PLA 2 levels were reduced by 29%. Chronic LDL apheresis significantly reduces Lp-PLA 2 independent of LDL cholesterol, which may be a potential mechanism by which LDL apheresis diminishes coronary heart disease risk.
Real-time multidepth stream compression

The goal of tele-immersion has long been to enable people at remote locations to share a sense of presence. A tele-immersion system acquires the 3D representation of a collaborator's environment remotely and sends it over the network where it is rendered in the user's environment. Acquisition, reconstruction, transmission, and rendering all have to be done in real-time to create a sense of presence. With added commodity hardware resources, parallelism can increase the acquisition volume and reconstruction data quality while maintaining real-time performance. However, this is not as easy for rendering since all of the data need to be combined into a single display.In this article, we present an algorithm to compress data from such 3D environments in real-time to solve this imbalance. We present a compression algorithm which scales comparably to the acquisition and reconstruction, reduces network transmission bandwidth, and reduces the rendering requirement for real-time performance. This is achieved by exploiting the coherence in the 3D environment data and removing them in real-time. We have tested the algorithm using a static office data set as well as a dynamic scene, the results of which are presented in the article.
Recovering execution data from incomplete observations

Due to resource constraints, tracing production applications often results in incomplete data. Nevertheless, developers ideally want answers to queries about the program's execution beyond data explicitly gathered. For example, a developer may ask whether a particular program statement executed during the run corresponding to a given failure report. In this work, we investigate the problem of determining whether each statement in a program executed, did not execute, or may have executed, given a set of (possibly-incomplete) observations. Using two distinct formalisms, we propose two solutions to this problem. The first formulation represents observations as regular languages, and computes intersections over these languages using finite-state acceptors. The second formulation encodes the problem as a set of Boolean constraints, and uses answer set programming to solve the constraints.
Formulation, Characterization, and Antitumor Properties of Trans- and Cis-Citral in the 4T1 Breast Cancer Xenograft Mouse Model.

Purpose Citral is composed of a random mixture of two geometric stereoisomers geranial (trans-citral) and neral (cis-citral) yet few studies have directly compared their in vivo antitumor properties. A micelle formulation was therefore developed.
To the 30-nm chromatin fiber and beyond

Chromatin fibers are intrinsically dynamic macromolecular complexes whose biological functions are intimately linked with their structure and interactions with chromatin-associated proteins (CAPs). Three-dimensional architectural transitions between or within the two co-existing chromatin types referred to as euchromatin and heterochromatin have been associated with activation or repression of nuclear functions. The presence of specific subsets of chromosomal proteins co-existing with the different chromatin conformations suggests a functional significance for their co-localization. The major points of emphasis of this review will assess the structure, function and recently documented exchanges amongst various members of the CAP family.
A Maximum Likelihood Approach to Texture Classification

A new approach to texture classification is described which is based on measurements of the spatial gray-level co-occurrence probability matrix. This approach can make use of assumed stochastic models for texture in imagery and is an approximation to the statistically optimum maximum likelihood classifier. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated through experimental results obtained with real-world texture data.
Block diagonal dominance and reducibility for linear differential systems

Abstract We consider the linear homogeneous differential equation x′(t) = A(t)x(t). Conditions are given on the entries of A(t) under which the equation is reducible. It is shown that if A(t) is almost periodic the reduction is via an almost periodic change of variables. The result on reducibility is used to give new conditions on A(t) under which the equation admits an exponential dichotomy and to prove a result on the reducibility of almost periodic perturbations of constant coefficient systems.
Hyperkalaemia presenting as ventilatory failure.

Summary This case report concerns a woman who became hyperkalaemic after an operation and required automatic ventilation.
Do fences protect birds from human disturbance

Outdoor recreation and ecotourism are becoming increasingly popular, but such human activities are not entirely benign to birds. One way to manage wildlife habitats is to restrict public access with a fence or some similar barrier, under the assumption that this provides wildlife with a refuge from human activities. We tested this assumption by measuring the responses of 10 species of birds at a site containing a fence with a relatively large number of visitors on only one side. We compared these responses to those at a less-visited, control site. Responses were measured by quantifying flight initiation distance (FID), the distance birds would allow a human to approach before fleeing. Overall, we found birds on the protected side of the fence responded similarly to birds at the low visitation control site, and significantly differently from birds at the high visitation site. Our results suggest that by reducing the number of humans and providing areas of refuge within highly visited habitats, protective barriers allow birds to behave as they would in an undisturbed environment.
Role of Micrococcus and Pediococcus species in cheese ripening: a review

Abstract The secondary flora of cheese contain several kinds of microorganisms including micrococci and pediococci. Micrococci constitute a major portion of the raw milk flora; some thermoduric micrococci survive pasteurization and occur in cheese made from pasteurized milk. Micrococci or pediococci present naturally in cheese milk or added deliberately sometimes improve the flavor and enhance its development in Cheddar cheese. The beneficial role of these bacteria has been related to their proteolytic, lipotyric, and esterolyric activities and to some metabolites produced by them during the ripening process. Their possible use as agents for accelerated ripening of cheese and their advantages and disadvantages for this purpose are described.
A CASE primer for computer science educators

The continuing demand for the development of new software and maintenance of existing software has made productivity an important issue in the software industry. In the past, increases in productivity have come from the introduction of software engineering techniques. Today, software engineers are looking to CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools as a possible source of further improvements in productivity. This paper provides an overview of current CASE tools, with a focus on three types of tools: framing environments, programming environments and general environments. Two specific CASE systems are discussed in some detail. CASE systems in the context of software engineering education are also discussed.
Nonlinearity of the fuzzy integral

We prove that the fuzzy integral has some linearity properties only for small classes of fuzzy measures. We also show that an extension of this concept to bounded functions (as proposed by Kandel 2?5) is not well-defined, in general.
NOTES TOWARD A DEFINITION OF MODERN STANDARD ARABIC

Modern Standard Arabic has two manifestations: a written manifestation and a spoken manifestation. These two manifestations differ significantly in the amounts and type of information they convey about the language. For example, the spoken manifestation ideally indicates case and mood inflections; the written manifestation does not, yet is intelligible to readers of the language. In this feature the written manifestation mirrors the facts of colloquial Arabic, which also does not have case and mood inflections. A suggested method of teaching this type of Arabic is one which omits the case and mood inflections at the elementary stage, and does not introduce them until after the basic core of the grammar has been learned.
A geographical analysis of guerrilla warfare

Abstract Since 1945 guerrilla warfare has been the principal form of violent conflict. Its successful practitioners apply a highly developed sense of geography to exploit the advantages of terrain to discomfort the established order. To overcome such attacks, counter-insurgents need an equal or superior understanding of the landscape. The tactics employed by guerrillas and their opposition are suggestive of general sets of geographical conditions favouring one side or the other. It is postulated that the principal factors determining the relative advantage of the landscape for guerrilla or regular forces are population density and the cover afforded by the terrain. Empirical data from a selection of conflicts are presented. These suggest that guerrillas are at a comparative advantage in conditions of high population density and greater cover. The density and man-made broken terrain of city and suburb offer a ready explanation for the emergence of urban guerrillas in recent years. These advantages are enhanced by the deterrent the urban setting offers to quantitative military operations. In cities there is the maximum prospect of offending the civilian population in seeking to root out guerrillas.
CHARMM Additive All-Atom Force Field for O-Glycan and N-Glycan Linkages in Carbohydrate-Protein Modeling

The O-glycosidic and N-glycosidic linkages are important protein modifications in which oligosaccharides are linked to Ser/Thr and Asn residues, respectively. These linkages involve the anomeric carbon of the carbohydrates and the alcoholic side groups of Ser/Thr or the amide group of the Asn side chain. The O- and N-glycosidic linkages are ubiquitous in biological systems including glycoproteins like mucin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), domains of different serum proteins and Notch receptors, among many others, where the presence of the carbohydrate moiety is important for the biological functions of the proteins.In an ongoing effort to develop the CHARMM all-atom additive carbohydrate force field we present and validate parameters that will enable the modeling of the O- and N-glycosidic linkages. The parameters represent an extension of the existing CHARMM carbohydrate and protein force fields.1-2 The target data for the optimization process included quantum mechanical (QM) potential energy scans of the torsions involved in the glycosidic linkages. Force field validations included comparison of the intermolecular geometries for the QM and crystal studies, comparison of the crystalline unit-cell properties and experimental NMR J-coupling constants. The optimized parameters were then used to rationalize the differences between the Ser and Thr O-glycan linkages using a Hamiltonian Replica Exchange protocol (HREX). We found that the solvent structure closely governs the linkage geometry due to the involvement of bridged waters between the carbohydrate and protein regions.(1) Guvench, O.; Hatcher, E. R.; Venable, R. M.; Pastor, R. W.; Mackerell, A. D. J. Chem. Theory Comput 2009, 5, 2353-2370.(2) Guvench, O.; Greene, S. N.; Kamath, G.; Brady, J. W.; Venable, R. M.; Pastor, R. W.; Mackerell, A. D. J. Comput. Chem. 2008, 29, 2543-64.
Simultaneous measurement of fluorescence and phosphorescence using synchronously gated photon counters.

Abstract The fluorescence (prompt emission) and phosphorescence (delayed emission) from a sample can be separated and recorded simultaneously by digital processing of the photon-induced electronic pulses they generate. A single rotating sector wheel (or “chopper”) periodically interrupts the beam of radiation incident upon the sample. Both prompt and delayed emissions from the sample pass through the same optical system to a photomultiplier. The electronic pulses they generate are processed by the same amplifiers and discriminator. Separation of the prompt and delayed components is a two-stage process. Pulses produced while the chopper is blocking the exciting beam are stored in one counter, the contents of which are a measure of the delayed emission. Pulses produced while the chopper is open are stored in another counter. The contents of this counter represent contributions of both prompt and delayed emissions. The contents of both counters are transferred to a computer for postexperimental deconvolution of the fluorescence and phosphorescence. Since the two components are measured simultaneously, the ratio of phosphorescence to fluorescence cannot be affected by changes in the sample as with sequential scans. The optical path, electronic amplification, and gating periods are identical so fluorescence and phosphorescence are measured with equal efficiency. This two-step method of signal processing recovers data which are lost in other arrangements.
Treatment of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer with modern radiotherapy techniques in the postoperative setting--the MSKCC experience

Purpose: To perform a retrospective analysis of patients with paranasal sinus (PNS) cancer treated with postoperative radiotherapy (RT) at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Methods and Materials: Between January 1987 and July 2005, 85 patients with PNS and nasal cavity cancer underwent postoperative RT. Most patients had squamous cell carcinoma (49%; n = 42), T4 tumors (52%; n = 36), and the maxillary sinus (53%; n = 45) as the primary disease site. The median radiation dose was 63 Gy. Of the 85 patients, 76 underwent CT simulation and 53 were treated with either three-dimensional conformal RT (27%; n = 23) or intensity-modulated RT (35%; n = 30). Acute and late toxicities were scored according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group radiation morbidity scoring criteria. Results: With a median follow-up for surviving patients of 60 months, the 5-year estimates of local progression-free, regional progression-free, distant metastasis-free, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 62%, 87%, 82%, 55%, and 67%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, squamous cell histology and cribriform plate involvement predicted for an increased likelihood of local recurrence, and squamous cell histologic features predicted for worse overall survival. None of the patients who underwent CT simulation and were treated with modern techniques developed a Grade 3-4 late complication of the eye. Conclusion: Complete surgical resection followed by adjuvant RT is an effective and safe approach in the treatment of PNS cancer. Emerging tools, such as three-dimensional conformal treatment and, in particular, intensity-modulated RT for PNS tumors, may minimize the occurrence of late complications associated with conventional RT techniques. Local recurrence remains a significant problem.
Feminist Theology and embedded fundamentalism: Re-imagining reconsidered:

The 1993 Re-Imagining theological conference attempted to provide for participants a women-affirming "lived religious experience," and it encountered immediate controversy. Denominational firestorms erupted in both Presbyterian (PCUSA) and Methodist (UMC) denominations, causing loss of church-wide giving and the firings of prominent denominational staff. The Re-Imagining conference in this article will be deconstructed to show its representation as an overt battle in a cultural war over theology and liturgy. This article argues for a multidimensional approach, specifically sociological and theological analyses, to determine how socio-religious movements use theology to assert their cultural visions for America. By examining theological concepts of gender, sexual norms, and liturgical theologies of both fundamentalist and feminist parties to the conflict, the article examines how theology becomes politically motivating.
Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 blockage enhances autophagy in the neurons of triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse and reduces human P301L-tau content at the presymptomatic stage.

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) display amyloidopathy and tauopathy. In mouse models of AD, pharmacological inhibition using small molecule enzyme inhibitors or genetic inactivation of acyl-coenzyme A (Acyl-CoA):cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) diminished amyloidopathy and restored cognitive deficits. In microglia, ACAT1 blockage increases autophagosome formation and stimulates amyloid β peptide1-42 degradation. Here, we hypothesize that in neurons ACAT1 blockage augments autophagy and increases autophagy-mediated degradation of P301L-tau protein. We tested this possibility in murine neuroblastoma cells ectopically expressing human tau and in primary neurons isolated from triple transgenic AD mice that express mutant forms of amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1, and human tau. The results show that ACAT1 blockage increases autophagosome formation and decreases P301L-tau protein content without affecting endogenous mouse tau protein content. In vivo, lacking Acat1 decreases P301L-tau protein content in the brains of young triple transgenic AD mice but not in those of old mice, where extensive hyperphosphorylations and aggregation of P301L-tau take place. These results suggest that, in addition to ameliorating amyloidopathy in both young and old AD mice, ACAT1 blockage may benefit AD by reducing tauopathy at early stage.
Cyanide Chemistry in Comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1)

Observations of comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1) have been carried out near perihelion (1997 March) at millimeter wavelengths using the NRAO 12 m telescope. The J=1-->0, 2-->1, and 3-->2 lines of HCN at 88, 177, and 265 GHz were measured in the comet as well as the J=3-->2 lines of H13CN, HC15N, and HNC. The N=2-->1 transition of CN near 226 GHz was also detected, and an upper limit was obtained for the J=2-->1 line of HCNH+. From the measurements, column densities and production rates have been estimated. A column density ratio of [HCN]/[HNC] = 7+/-1 was observed near perihelion, while it was found that [HCN]/[HCNH+] greater, similar 1. The production rates at perihelion for HCN and CN were estimated to be Q(HCN) approximately 1x1028 s-1 and Q(CN) approximately 2.6x1027 s-1, respectively, resulting in a ratio of [HCN]/[CN] approximately 3. Consequently, HCN is sufficiently abundant to be the parent molecule of CN in Hale-Bopp, and HCNH+ could be a source of HNC. Finally, carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of 12C/13C = 109+/-22 and 14N/15N = 330+/-98 were obtained from HCN measurements, in agreement with previous values obtained from J=4-->3 data. Such ratios suggest that comet Hale-Bopp formed coevally with the solar system.
Response of tissue phosphate content to acute dietary phosphate deprivation in the X-linked hypophosphatemic mouse.

In order to evaluate a possible role for tissue phosphate or phosphorylated compounds in mediating the increase in plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 levels during dietary phosphate deprivation, renal cortical phosphate content has been measured in both normal and X-linked hypophosphatemic mice on a normal diet and also after acute dietary phosphate deprivation. We find that the metabolism of inorganic phosphate and phosphorylated organic compounds in the renal cortex ofHyp mice is not altered in response to their very low levels of serum phosphate. Skeletal muscle does not lose inorganic phosphate and/or phosphorylated metabolites to compensate for drastic loses of serum phosphate during acute dietary deprivation in either normal orHyp mice. Furthermore, the chronic low level of serum phosphate and altered hormonal regulation inHyp mice do not produce alterations in mineral composition of the bone with the possible exception that the stoichiometry of the apatite might be slightly different.
From MYOD1 to iPS cells.

The identification of MYOD1 as a myogenic factor influenced the cellular reprogramming field.
Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Increases Ethanol Reinforcement in Neonatal Rats

Background: Recent experimental findings indicate that newborn rats are quite susceptible to the reinforcing properties of ethanol (EtOH). The basis seems to be more pharmacological than gustatory, olfactory, or caloric as a single pairing of a surrogate nipple providing water with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of EtOH results in conditioned attachment to an empty surrogate nipple. The present study tested whether prenatal exposure to moderate EtOH during late gestation would alter the neonatal rat's susceptibility to this source of EtOH reinforcement and/or EtOH metabolism. Methods: Pregnant females were given 1 g/kg EtOH or water intragastrically on gestational days (GD) 17 to 20 or were untreated. Rat pups delivered by cesarean section on GD 21 were exposed 3 to 4 hours later to a surrogate nipple providing water, either immediately following or 10 minutes before an i.p. injection of 0.0 (saline), 0.25, 0.5, or 0.75 g/kg EtOH (12.6%, v/v). Ethanol reinforcement was indicated by a significant increase in time attached to an empty surrogate nipple compared with unpaired and saline controls. Testing was conducted 90 minutes after conditioning took place. Blood ethanol levels (BELs) were also taken from subjects injected with identical doses of i.p. EtOH at 5 or 95 minutes after injection. Results: Initial response to a surrogate nipple with water did not differ between groups. For neonates prenatally exposed to EtOH, significant reinforcement by all 3 doses of i.p. EtOH (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) was found, whereas only the dose of 0.5 g/kg EtOH was reinforcing for neonates in the prenatal water condition and only 0.25 g/kg was reinforcing for pups from untreated dams. Blood ethanol levels after conditioning also differed as a function of prenatal treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that prenatal EtOH exposure increases the range of EtOH doses capable of reinforcing effects. Intubations with water, however, eliminated the reinforcing strength of the lowest dose (0.25 g/kg) and shifted the dose–response curve to the right. This effect may be due to the stress of the intubation procedure. Ethanol metabolism was also affected by prenatal EtOH exposure. Pups derived from EtOH-treated dams had slower elimination of EtOH from the blood than all other groups at both the 0.5 and 0.75 g/kg i.p. doses.
Ultra-low load multiple indentation response of materials : In purview of wiresaw slicing and other free abrasive machining (FAM) processes

Abstract Effect of multiple simultaneous indentations on material's response is studied in purview of wiresaw slicing and other free abrasive machining (FAM) processes using finite element method. In the previous studies of FAM, especially the rolling–indenting process pertaining to wiresaw, single-abrasive indentation model has been employed. In this paper, we extend the study and modeling to multiple indenters in order to study the interaction between the indenters. It is shown in this paper that for silicon as the spacing between the abrasives decreases, the load required to achieve a prescribed depth of indentation decreases. Simulations are carried out for a perfectly sharp tip and an indenter with a tip radius of 2 μ m . Impact of multiple simultaneous indentation on the profile of indentation and mean contact pressure is also presented. Influence of the proposed model of multiple simultaneous indentations on the material's response and thus, the FAM processes, is primarily governed by two factors: the load acting on the indenters, and the spacing between the indenters.
Son of the killing fields : An American story

In my chair I peered through a window streaked with a faint outline of condensation overlooking the hospital. In an instant, I was consumed with melancholy. Thoughts of my past seized my mind. I started to sweat. The hair on my arm rose, and my body shook. My mind had taken me back to a place that
152. Cortisol reacitivity and body mass index in pre-adolescent children

Background Considerable research has focused on alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) stress response and obesity in adults, with most studies reporting an association of increased body mass index (BMI) with increased HPA activity. Early detection of HPA alterations in younger children with increased BMI is critical for targeted intervention and prevention of later adverse health outcomes. This study examines the association of body mass index (BMI) with HPA reactivity to an acute stressor in pre-adolescent children, and further, whether the relationship is influenced by the presence of anxiety or depression. METHODS: A social evaluative Cold Pressor Task was used to elicit an acute stress response among children aged 8–12 years ( n = 43). Repeated saliva samples were assayed for cortisol to determine area under the curve with respect to increase (AUCi) and ground (AUCg). Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed with standardized measures. Bivariate correlational analyses examined relationships of BMI with AUCi/AUCg; linear regression assessed a combined model of BMI and anxiety/depressive symptoms predicting AUCi/AUCg. RESULTS: BMI was inversely associated with AUCg ( r = −.47, p = .002) but not with AUCi ( r = −.04, p = .79); this relationship remained significant in the multiple regression model. Conclusions : The relationship between BMI and HPA reactivity may differ in children vs. adults. Results additionally underscore the need to assess both cortisol output (AUCg) and HPA reactivity (AUCi) in these investigations.
Displacement of corticotropin releasing factor from its binding protein as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) there are dramatic reductions in the content of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), reciprocal increases in CRF receptors, and morphological abnormalities in CRF neurons in affected brain areas. Cognitive impairment in AD patients is associated with a lower cerebrospinal fluid concentration of CRF, which is known to induce increases in learning and memory in rodents. This suggests that CRF deficits contribute to cognitive impairment. The identification in post-mortem brain of CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP), a high-affinity binding protein that inactivates CRF, and the differential distribution of CRF-BP and CRF receptors, provides the potential for improving learning and memory without stress effects of CRF receptor agonists. Here we show that ligands that dissociate CRF from CRF-BP increase brain levels of 'free CRF' in AD to control levels and show cognition-enhancing properties in models of learning and memory in animals without the characteristic stress effects of CRF receptor agonists.
In re alcohol use in older adults.

Alcohol use among older adults is a growing concern. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential health implications of their older patients' alcohol use. The authors developed a screening measure for older adults, the Alcohol-related Problems Survey (ARPS). A set of scoring algorithms classifies respondents as nonhazardous, hazardous, or harmful drinkers.
Developmental changes in oxygen uptake in Cancer magister (Dana) in response to changes in salinity and temperature

Abstract The various life stages of the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister , may experience broad environmental fluctuations in both salinity and temperature, parameters that can affect nearly all aspects of their physiological function. The routine rates of oxygen uptake of megalopa, first and fifth instar juvenile and adult C. magister were measured, using closed vessel respirometry over 8 h during acute exposure to 100, 75 and 50% seawater at 10 and 20°C. At 10°C there is no significant effect of salinity on the rate of oxygen uptake of the megalopa. At 20°C, however, the rate of oxygen uptake rises and is greater at 75 and 50% SW than in 100% SW. The rates of oxygen uptake of the first instar juvenile, fifth instar juvenile and adult are not affected by salinity at either 10 or 20°C. The oxygen uptake of the fifth instar juvenile is less temperature sensitive, at all salinities, than the other stages examined. Weight specific cardiac output is affected by both salinity and temperature. The effect of temperature on cardiac output is especially pronounced for the first instar juvenile. The first instar juvenile is the first benthic stage and therefore is an important step in recruitment of crabs in the estuary. The differences in metabolic response between the stages indicate that the first instar juvenile, in particular, may be very near the limit of its respiratory and circulatory capacities as a result of tidal changes in salinity and temperature in the intertidal estuarine habitat.
Developing end-of-life interdisciplinary programs in universitywide settings

Interdisciplinary programs in end of life are widely discussed as valuable, particularly approaches to end-of-life care. Despite this emphasis, interdisciplinary programs have not been easy to implement. In universities, the implementation of interdisciplinary programs encounters administrative obstacles, including credit for the time spent in these group efforts and "ownership" of interdisciplinary courses (IDCs). This article details the process of development and the activities of an end-of-life interdisciplinary program at one urban university with a major medical center. The issues faced in the first year are examined. These included trust, group identity, and communication. The lessons from the first-year activities are presented and efforts of the second year described.
A Literary Approach to Teaching Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is a necessity in today’s diverse society and an essential component of clinical practice. As an adjunct to other sources, literature can enrich teaching and sensitize students to cultural issues in health care. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is a beautifully written and compelling story well suited for instructional purposes. Although widely recommended, nurses are largely ignored in this story of a Hmong family seeking medical care. The book describes how the health care system failed to provide adequate care to patients from a different cultural background despite providers’ good intentions. Nurse educators can use structured discussion guides to synthesize literary accounts such as The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down with theory and research about cultural competence.
Concise Review: New Insights Into the Role of Macrophages in β-Cell Proliferation

Diabetes mellitus can potentially be treated with islet transplantation, but additional sources of β cells are necessary to overcome the short supply of donor pancreases. Although controversy still exists, it is generally believed that the postnatal expansion of the β-cell mass is mainly through pre-existing β-cell replication. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of β-cell proliferation might lead to clinical strategies for increasing β-cell numbers, both in vitro and in vivo. Macrophages have a well-recognized role in the development of insulitis as part of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. However, a potential role for macrophage polarization, triggered by specific environmental stimuli, in promoting β-cell proliferation has only recently been appreciated. In the present review, we discuss several independent studies, using different regeneration models, that demonstrate a substantial inductive role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation. Additional dissection of the involved cell-cell crosstalk through specific signal transduction pathways is expected to improve our understanding of β-cell proliferation and might facilitate the current β-cell replacement therapy.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC): GASTROINTESTINAL(GI) ABSORPTION OF IOHEXOL (IOH) DETERMINED BY CT COUNT OF URINE SAMPLES. ♦ 1058

Approximately 4000 newborns (NB) per year develop NEC in USA. NEC is difficult to diagnose accurately early in its course because early signs are neither specific nor sensitive. Therefore, many NB suffer serious consequences due to late diagnosis and many others are treated unnecessarily because of suspected but never proven NEC. Because NEC alters the mucosal integrity of the GI tract, differences in GI absorption of an inert substance may be of value to differentiate early those NB who really have NEC from those who don't. IOH (Omnipaque, an iodine containing inert substance poorly absorbed by the normal GI tract) was found to be readily absorbed in an animal model of ischemic bowel disease. The purpose of this controlled, blinded study was to determine if CT scan counts of IOH concentration in urine samples, as a measure of GI absorption of IOH, is a useful test for early diagnosis of NEC. NB with and early clinical suspicion of NEC were eligible for the study (Group I). NB without suspicion of NEC who need a GI contrast study (GE reflux, GI obstruction) served as controls (Group II). Exclusion criteria were: renal failure, shock or definitive NEC. IOH (at 255 mOsm) was given by gastric infusion at 8 ml/kg when NEC was suspected. Urine was collected for 8 hs and then scanned by CT (Imatron Cine CT Scanner). NB's X-rays and clinical data were collected prospectively. NB's in group I were subdivided in two subgroups(I-NEC and I-NO NEC) according to final diagnosis made by classic criteria. The M.D.performing CT counts was blinded to group assignement and final diagnosis; clinical teams were unaware of CT counts. We studied 22 NB, 15 in Group I (7 inI-NEC; 8 in I-NO NEC) and 7 in group II. No side effects were found. NB in I-NEC had mean urine CT counts of 71(±12); all had a CT count >55. CT counts were 15(±9) inI-NO NEC and 11(±7) in Group II; all had counts <30. We conclude that this test is of value for ruling out or confirming early the diagnosis of NEC. Supported in part by NIH, MO1RRO1271
Noninformative and informative tests of efficiency in three energy futures markets

This article presents a critique of tests of market efficiency commonly applied to energy futures markets. Most of this literature fails to deal adequately with the endogeneity, nonstationarity, and cointegration characteristics of spot and futures prices, resulting in tests that are not informative about market efficiency. Consistent with this literature, application of these noninformative tests to spot and futures prices from three energy markets is generally not supportive of market efficiency. The article also presents two alternative tests of efficiency that properly deal with the stochastic features of these price series. Nonstationary data can be modeled with cointegration methods, allowing valid tests of the efficiency hypothesis. Alternatively, testing the equivalence of the data generation processes of the spot and futures prices provides an informative approach to efficiency testing with stationary data that does not suffer from endogeneity problems. Application of these two tests is largely supportive of weak and semistrong efficiency in three energy futures markets. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 18: 939–964, 1998
Predictors of primary breast abscesses and recurrence.

Background We investigated the patients and microbiological risk factors that predispose to the development of primary breast abscesses and subsequent recurrence.
EXTENDING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MARKET MAVENISM

This paper describes a study in the psychology of market mavenism, the consumer tendency to become especially involved in the marketplace. The purpose was to investigate empirically associations with the important consumer characteristics of innovativeness, status consumption, and need for uniqueness. The findings support the notion that market mavenism is due less to the demographic characteristics of consumers as it is more a socially constructed phenomenon. Global innovativeness, status consumption, and creative choice counterconformity explained more variance in market mavenism than did demographics. Theoretically, these findings enrich our knowledge of the psychology of market mavens by suggesting some motivations for their behavior. Practically, marketing strategies can be fine-tuned to appeal more effectively to this important segment of consumers by appealing to mavens' willingness to try new things, to their need for uniqueness, and to their willingness to seek social status through consumption. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matched Cohort Analysis of Posterior-Only Vertebral Column Resection Versus Combined Anterior/Posterior Vertebrectomy for Severe Spinal Deformity

Abstract Study Design Retrospective matched cohort analysis. Summary of Background Data Posterior-only vertebral column resection (P-VCR) is a potential alternative to combined anterior/posterior vertebrectomy (A-P/VCR) for the treatment of severe spinal deformity. Objective To examine a matched cohort of adult and pediatric patients with severe spinal deformity treated with A/P-VCR versus P-VCR. Methods Databases of 2 spine surgeons at 1 institution from 1994 to 2007 were reviewed. Patients were matched based on age at surgery (within 10 years), diagnosis, curve pattern, vertebrae resected (within 1), levels of vertebrae resected (within 2), levels fused (within 5), and minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 34 P-VCR patients were identified who appropriately matched 34 A/P-VCR patients. The etiology of the deformity and type of curve were matched directly so that they were identical for each matched pair. The remainder of the inclusion parameters was matched as closely as possible between the 2 groups according to the criteria listed above. Results Final coronal Cobb correction P-VCR versus A/P-VCR showed that 52.6% versus 53.9% (p = .8) was similar, whereas P-VCR final sagittal Cobb correction was superior: 53.0% versus 40.0% (p = .017). The P-VCR group had a significantly shorter total operative time (p = .002) and total length of stay (p = .003). Complications rates were similar and relatively infrequent for both P-VCR and A/P-VCR, including wound infections requiring operative intervention, subsequent revision surgery, and transient motor deficits. Total Scoliosis Research Society scores improved from preoperative to final follow-up for both P-VCR (p = .007) and A/P-VCR (p = .07) groups. Conclusions Posterior-only vertebral column resection is a challenging yet safe and effective means of treating severe scoliosis and/or kyphosis. Compared with an A/P-VCR for severe spinal deformity, P-VCR demonstrated shorter operative time and hospital stay, as well as improved sagittal correction and Scoliosis Research Society scores.
Pharmacologic modulation of niche accessibility via tyrosine kinase inhibition enhances marrow and thymic engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Essential survival signals within hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and thymic niches are mediated by receptor tyrosine kinases, which can be reversibly inhibited using clinically available drugs. We studied whether sunitinib, a multityrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits KIT, enhances engraftment after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in mice. Sunitinib diminished hematopoietic progenitor cell numbers, and sunitinib enhanced marrow, peripheral myeloid, and lymphoid engraftment after BMT in Rag1(-/-) mice. Sunitinib augmented HSC engraftment because recipients displayed increased myeloid and lymphoid engraftment and because sunitinib-treated recipients of purified HSCs showed enhanced engraftment of secondary hosts. However, sunitinib preferentially augmented T-cell engraftment with lesser effects on myeloid and HSC engraftment. Consistent with this, sunitinib preferentially depleted the early thymic progenitor subset in the thymus. Sunitinib did not increase engraftment in mice with deficient KIT signaling, and the pattern of more potent effects on T cell compared with HSC engraftment observed in sunitinib-treated hosts was also observed after BMT into KIT(W/Wv) mice. These results implicate KIT as a critical modulator of thymic niches. We conclude that transient, pharmacologic inhibition of KIT enhances accessibility of marrow and thymic niches, and provides a novel, noncytotoxic approach to accomplish engraftment after stem cell transplantation.
Focused assessment of surgical performance: difficulty with faculty compliance.

Objective This study evaluated faculty compliance in the use of the global surgical rating scale of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills to rate resident surgical performance after every endoscopic procedure. Study design For this prospective cohort study, 4 faculty members in the Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery Program were asked to rate resident surgical performance using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills instrument after every case. Faculty compliance was analyzed with respect to the influence of the resident or surgical case characteristics. Faculty and residents completed surveys about the value of the case-by-case ratings. Results Faculty members used the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills instrument 36% of the time (range, 26%-60%). Faculty member compliance did not vary according to resident or surgical case characteristics. Faculty members did not think the forms had much impact on whether they gave feedback. Residents thought the opportunity to read their ratings was helpful. Conclusion Faculty member compliance with case-by-case surgical performance evaluation of the residents was low.
Robust Trainability of Single Neurons

It is well known that (McCulloch-Pitts) neurons are efficiently trainable to learn an unknown halfspace from examples, using linear-programming methods. We want to analyze how the learning performance degrades when the representational power of the neuron is overstrained, i.e., if more complex concepts than just halfspaces are allowed. We show that the problem of learning a probably almost optimal weight vector for a neuron is so difficult that the minimum error cannot even be approximated to within a constant factor in polynomial time (unless RP = NP); we obtain the same hardness result for several variants of this problem. We considerably strengthen these negative results for neurons with binary weights 0 or 1. We also show that neither heuristical learning nor learning by sigmoidal neurons with a constant reject rate is efficiently possible (unless RP = NP).
Quantitation of estolide triglycerides in sapium seeds by high performance liquid chromatography with infrared detection

The kernel oil of Chinese tallow(Sapium sebiferum) seed contains tetraester triglycerides composed oftrans-2, cis-4-decadienoic acid joined in an estolide linkage to 8-hydroxy-5, 6-octadienoic acid. A rapid (< 10 min) method of separation and quantitation of the tri-glyceride and estolide triglyceride fractions of the oil has been devel-oped using high performance liquid chromatography with infrared detection.
The Index of Preprogramming (IP): A statistical method for evaluating the role of feedback in simple movements

A preprogrammed response is one in which the motor commands are determined in advance and which is carried out without feedback control. The Index of Preprogramming (IP) is proposed as a measure of preprogramming or of the degree of feedback involvement in movement. Evidence presented indicates that the IP is sensitive to variables which should manipulate the degree of preprogramming. Possible limitations of the IP as well as potential applications to research on motor skills are discussed.
Genomic function (communication arising): Rate of evolution and gene dispensability

The relationship between protein dispensability and rate of evolution that we detected in yeast1 has since been confirmed among bacteria2 — as well as in the same data set3,4 that Pal et al. refer to as “new fitness data” and which they re-analyse here using methods that fail to reveal the relationship.
Glucose activates ChREBP by increasing its rate of nuclear entry and relieving repression of its transcriptional activity.

Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is a glucose-responsive transcription factor that activates genes involved in de novo lipogenesis in mammals. The current model for glucose activation of ChREBP proposes that increased glucose metabolism triggers a cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of ChREBP that is critical for activation. However, we find that ChREBP actively shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus in both low and high glucose in the glucose-sensitive β cell-derived line, 832/13. Glucose stimulates a 3-fold increase in the rate of ChREBP nuclear entry, but trapping ChREBP in the nucleus by mutagenesis or with a nuclear export inhibitor does not lead to constitutive activation. In fact, mutational studies targeting the nuclear export signal of ChREBP also identified a distinct function essential for glucose-dependent transcriptional activation. From this, we conclude that an additional event independent of nuclear translocation is required for activation. The N-terminal segment of ChREBP (amino acids 1-298) has previously been shown to repress activity under basal conditions. This segment has five highly conserved regions, Mondo conserved regions 1-5 (MCR1 to -5). Based on activating mutations in MCR2 and MCR5, we propose that these two regions act coordinately to repress ChREBP in low glucose. In addition, other mutations in MCR2 and mutations in MCR3 were found to prevent glucose activation. Hence, we conclude that both relief of repression and adoption of an activating form are required for ChREBP activation.