cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic protein with neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Because VEGF promotes the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, we examined the possibility that it also stimulates the proliferation of neuronal precursors in murine cerebral cortical cultures and in adult rat brain in vivo. VEGF (>10 ng/ml) stimulated 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation into cells that expressed immature neuronal marker proteins and increased cell number in cultures by 20-30%. Cultured cells labeled by BrdUrd expressed VEGFR2/Flk-1, but not VEGFR1/Flt-1 receptors, and the effect of VEGF was blocked by the VEGFR2/Flk-1 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU1498. Intracerebroventricular administration of VEGF into rat brain increased BrdUrd labeling of cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), where VEGFR2/Flk-1 was colocalized with the immature neuronal marker, doublecortin (Dcx). The increase in BrdUrd labeling after the administration of VEGF was caused by an increase in cell proliferation, rather than a decrease in cell death, because VEGF did not reduce caspase-3 cleavage in SVZ or SGZ. Cells labeled with BrdUrd after VEGF treatment in vivo include immature and mature neurons, astroglia, and endothelial cells. These findings implicate the angiogenesis factor VEGF in neurogenesis as well.
Effort and Moral Worth

One of the factors that contributes to an agent’s praiseworthiness and blameworthiness — his or her moral worth — is effort. On the one hand, agents who act effortlessly seem to have high moral worth. On the other hand, agents who act effortfully seem to have high moral worth as well. I explore and explain this pair of intuitions and the contour of our views about associated cases.
Exploiting regenerative structure to estimate finite time averages via simulation

We propose nonstandard simulation estimators of expected time averages over finite intervals l0, tr, seeking to enhance estimation efficiency. We make three key assumptions: (i) the underlying stochastic process has regenerative structure, (ii) the time average approaches a known limit as time t increases and (iii) time 0 is a regeneration time. To exploit those properties, we propose a residual-cycle estimator, based on data from the regenerative cycle in progress at time t, using only the data after time t. We prove that the residual-cycle estimator is unbiased and more efficient than the standard estimator for all sufficiently large t. Since the relative efficiency increases in t, the method is ideally suited to use when applying simulation to study the rate of convergence to the known limit. We also consider two other simulation techniques to be used with the residual-cycle estimator. The first involves overlapping cycles, paralleling the technique of overlapping batch means in steady-state estimation; multiple observations are taken from each replication, starting a new observation each time the initial regenerative state is revisited. The other technique is splitting, which involves independent replications of the terminal period after time t, for each simulation up to time t. We demonstrate that these alternative estimators provide efficiency improvement by conducting simulations of queueing models.
Structure and stability of a laminar diffusion flame in a compressible, three-dimensional mixing layer

In this paper we consider the structure and stability of a three-dimensional, finite rate, reacting compressible mixing layer lying between two streams of reactants with different freestream speeds and temperatures. Using both numerical calculations and asymptotic analyses, the structure of the ignition and diffusion flame regimes was studied; in particular the effect of crossflow on the structure. The results of both approaches are in good agreement. In the stability analysis the general case of three-dimensional disturbances was studied. It was shown that certain general results, in particular the circle theorem, could be easily extended to three-dimensional disturbances in a compressible fluid with crossflow. The introduction of a chemical reaction, in the form of a flame sheet, was found to have complex effects on flow stability. These included the appearance of additional neutral modes compared with the nonreacting case and substantial changes in growth rates with heat release, the skew angle of the mean flow, and the direction of propagation of the disturbance wave. These results are discussed in detail.
Long-Term Storage Losses: A Dilemma for Multistore Models

Summary The Chechile and Meyer storage-retrieval analysis was used to study the retention of 18 paired associates. Prior to testing on each trial, Ss digit-shadowed for 20 sec to assure that testing was from the presumed long-term store of multistore models. Ss (N = 80) learned the first A-B list to either a partial learning or an overlearning criterion and then had six trials on a second list. The overlearning Ss showed only retrieval difficulties, whereas the partial-learning Ss showed difficulties with both storage and retrieval. The results are interpreted as contrary to multistore memory models. An alternative framework is suggested to account for the results of the study.
Effects of Nicotine on Attention and Inhibitory Control in Healthy Nonsmokers

Nicotine improves cognitive functioning in smokers and psychiatric populations, but its cognitive-enhancing effects in healthy nonsmokers are less well understood. Nicotine appears to enhance certain forms of cognition in nonsmokers, but its specificity to subtypes of cognition is not known. This study sought to replicate and extend previous findings on the effects of nicotine on cognitive performance in healthy nonsmokers. Healthy young adults (N = 40, 50% women) participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, repeated measures experiment examining the effects of 7 mg transdermal nicotine or placebo. Participants completed tests of attention (Attention Network Test), behavioral inhibition (stop signal task, Stroop test), reward responsiveness (signal detection task), and risk-taking behavior (Balloon Analogue Risk Task). Physiological (heart rate, blood pressure) and subjective (Profile of Mood States, Drug Effects Questionnaire) measures were also obtained. Nicotine significantly improved performance only on the Stroop test, but it impaired performance on one aspect of the Attention Network Test, the orienting effect. Nicotine produced its expected effects on physiologic and subjective measures within the intended time course. The findings of this study contribute to a growing literature indicating that nicotine differentially affects specific subtypes of cognitive performance in healthy nonsmokers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
A direct measure of short-term memory in mice utilizing a successive reversal learning set

C57BL/6 mice were trained in a T-maze to develop a successive reversal learning set. After obtaining the set, animals were tested at several delay intervals after a signal to reverse. In Expt. I, peak performance occurred at 2–15 min and fell markedly at 60 min. Experiment II compared the performance of animals trained using a 2-min ITI with those trained using a 60-min ITI. Subjects trained with a 60-min ITI did not develop the set. When the ITI was reduced to 15 min, 50% of the subjects reached criterion. Significant differences in test performance between the groups differentially trained were not found; however, both groups confirmed the gradients found in Expt. I. Experiment III showed that a single daily test trial produced results similar to those from multiple daily test trials. The results indicate that delay-interval test performance indexes the activity of the STM trace.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activities of some 2-Arylnaphtho[2,3- d ]oxazole-4,9-dione derivatives on androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC3) human prostate cancer cell lines

The synthesis of five 2-arylnaphtho[2,3-d]oxazole-4,9-dione derivatives was accomplished by refluxing 2-amino-3-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone with appropriate benzoyl chloride analogs at elevated temperatures. In vitro anticancer evaluation of these compounds was performed on androgen-dependent, LNCaP, and androgen-independent, PC3, human prostate cancer cell lines. In general, these compounds displayed slightly stronger cytotoxicity on the androgen-dependent LNCaP than on the androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cell lines. The meta-substituted 2-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-naphtho[2,3-d]oxazole-4,9-dione (10) appear to display the best cytotoxicity on both cell lines with an IC50 of 0.03 μM on LNCaP and 0.08 μM on PC3 after 5 days of exposure.
Differential Effectiveness of Six Information-Input Procedures Utilized to Teach Unfamiliar Sounds in Isolation

Six procedures incorporating imitative, tactile, and descriptive input were used to teach six unfamiliar sounds in isolation. Comprehensive anatomical production sites, varied types of articulator ...
Lectin cytochemistry of cell types in human and canine pituitary.

Labeled lectins specific for different sugars were employed to identify different cell types in pituitaries from six human autopsies and seven dogs. To determine the lectins bound by each cell type, fixed-paraffin embedded sections serial to those stained with lectins were immunostained for specific hormones and the serial pairs were examined in a comparison microscope. In human pituitaries corticotrophs stained selectively with lectins having affinity for α-l-fucose and the core region of complex type N-glycosyl-proteins. Some corticotrophs also stained for the presence of terminal β-galactose. Thyrotrophs stained selectively with a periodate oxidation-borohydride reduction-concanavalin A sequence. Some mammotrophs evidenced content of glycoconjugate with terminal β-galactose. Dendritic cells stained selectively for abundant glycogen with the periodate-reduction-concanavalin A sequence and a lectin from Griffonia simplicifolia. Adenohypophyseal cells of dog pituitary differed in showing absence of terminal β-galactose in corticotrophs, presence of terminal β-galactose in thyrotrophs, presence of glycoconjugate with N-glycosidically bound oligosaccharide in thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs and presence of terminal β-galactose with a different lectin affinity in mammotrophs. The main contributions of lectin histochemistry applied to the pituitary include providing an additional histologic method for identification of some cell types, and localizing glycosylated prohormone or other biochemically unrecognized non-hormone glycoconjugates whose function in pituitary cells remains to be explained.
Lower Court Influence on U.S. Supreme Court Opinion Content

Despite the importance of Supreme Court opinions for the American polity, scholars have dedicated little systematic research to investigating the factors that contribute to the content of the justices’ opinions. In this article, we examine the ability of lower federal courts to shape the content of Supreme Court opinions. We argue that lower court opinions will influence the content of the Court’s opinions to the extent that the justices perceive that integrating language from lower court opinions will aid them in making efficacious law and policy. Utilizing plagiarism detection software to compare lower federal court opinions with the majority opinions of the Supreme Court during the 2002–2004 terms, we uncover evidence that the Court systematically incorporates language from the lower federal courts into its majority opinions.
Rapid differentiation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from blood cultures by use of a direct cefoxitin disk diffusion test.

A total of 276 blood culture bottles with Staphylococcus aureus were tested by direct cefoxitin disk diffusion testing; 105 (38.1%) had zone sizes of /=21 mm (all 137 had MSSA). Detection of MRSA/MSSA in blood cultures could be reported 10 to 24 h earlier for 88% of cultures with total accuracy.
State covariances and the matrix completion problem

State statistics of a linear system obey certain structural constraints that arise from the underlying dynamics and the directionality of input disturbances. Herein, we formulate completion problems of partially known state statistics with the added freedom of identifying disturbance dynamics. The goal of the proposed completion problem is to obtain information about input excitations that explain observed sample statistics. Our formulation aims at low-complexity models for admissible disturbances. The complexity represents the dimensionality of the subspace of the state-dynamics that is directly affected by disturbances. An example is provided to illustrate that colored-in-time stochastic processes can be effectively used to explain available data.
Effects of storage and thawing conditions on coagulation testing

SummaryIntroduction Current recommendations for coagulation testing storage and thawing are based on historical studies that were performed using unbuffered 3.8% sodium citrate. We sought to measure the effects of freezing and thawing conditions 3.2% buffered sodium citrate plasma samples that have been stored in vials with either snap or sealed screw tops, frozen in −70 °C freezer or dry ice and thawed either capped or uncapped. Methods Shed blood samples were pooled and then aliquoted into four snap top and four screw tops vials. Half the vials were stored in a −70 °C freezer, and half on dry ice for at least 16 h. Afterwards, half the frozen samples were thawed in 37 °C waterbath capped, and other half were thawed capped. After thawing cycles, samples were tested for PT, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, factor assays, von Willebrand factor activity, plasminogen, antithrombin, protein C and lupus anticoagulant. Results Prothrombin time, APTT, factor X, and lupus anticoagulant testing were affected by all vials, freezing and thawing conditions, whereas fibrinogen, D-dimer, von Willebrand activity or protein C were not affected by any vial, freezing or storage condition. Conclusions Storage vials, freezing and thawing condition affect coagulation testing, although these differences may not be clinically significant.
Current State of Endovascular Treatment for Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Normal erectile function requires adequate penile arterial inflow, normal penile architecture and an intact venous capacitance system. Vascular disease is the dominant etiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) and current medical therapy increases penile blood flow. However, in a large proportion of patients, medical therapy is inadequate or contraindicated requiring the use of mechanical constrictive devices or implantation of a penile prosthesis. Rapid advances in endovascular intervention have allowed safe and effective treatment of small arteries in other vascular beds. A minimally invasive approach targeting penile arterial inflow disease may prove to be safe and effective. In this paper, we discuss the normal arterial blood supply to the penis, describe angiographic findings in patients with ED, and critically review the published data on endovascular and microsurgical approaches at reestablishing penile blood flow. Lastly, we offer a potential algorithm and procedural tips for endovascular intervention for ED.
The role of ethics in global corporate culture

Whatever ethnic, religious, or other cultural boundaries may have evolved through history, a global corporate culture is increasingly subsuming these traditional divisions. Multinational corporations, internationally linked securities markets, and omnipresent communication networks characterize this global corporate culture. The dynamics of corporate culture centres on the intricate web of contractual relations between stakeholders. This study addresses the question of how these stakeholder contracts can be most efficiently enforced. Three alternative contractual enforcement mechanisms are identified: the legal system, a generally accepted moral code, and stakeholders' desire to build and maintain reputations. Each alternative is critically evaluated and conclusions are drawn as to the relative feasibility and desirability of each enforcement mechanism.
Comparisons on selected ratios between IFRS and US GAAP companies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence of the effect of the differences related to reporting inventory, property plant and equipment, intangible assets, and development costs between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) companies.Design/methodology/approach – Both univariate tests (t‐tests) and multivariate tests (ANOVA, probit and logit analyses) are used to compare the ratios between IFRS and US GAAP companies.Findings – Results consistently show that IFRS‐country firms have a significantly higher current ratio, a significantly lower asset turnover ratio, and a significantly lower debt‐to‐asset ratio.Research limitations/implications – This paper only focuses on inventory, property plant and equipment, intangible assets, and development costs. Other financial variables are not considered.Practical implications – The results are useful for individuals who are interested in reporting and investing in countries usin...
Cutaneous Hyalohyphomycosis Secondary to Paecilomyces Species Treated with Voriconazole in an Immune Compentent Host

Paecilomyces, a hyalohyphomycosis, is an uncommon cause of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections. Most cases reported have occurred in patients with impaired host defenses or following a surgical procedure, and have proven highly resistant to anti fungal therapies. A 60-year-old man presented with scattered non-healing verrucous lesions as well as ulcers and excoriations on the upper extremities and trunk. The lesion had begun shortly after the patient was scratched by prickly okra. The patient had no underlying health problems and he was on no medication. Histology revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, with papillomatosis with intraepidermal micro-abscess formation. Within the dermis there was a mixed acute and chronic granulomatous infiltrate. With GMS stain numerous pleomorphic yeast forms and pseudohyphael forms were seen. Cultures confirmed Paecilomyces species. The patient was treated with Voriconazole with complete resolution of his lesion. Paecilomyces is an emerging fungal pathogen, which in our immune competent patient manifest as widespread cutaneous disease.
Deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite on negatively charged polyphosphazene surfaces

A number of polyphosphazenes with negatively charged β-alanine (β-Ala) and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) side groups were synthesized and studied for their ability to initiate the growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) during exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF). All the polymers were hydrolytically sensitive, with the final hydrolysis rate dependent on the specific active side groups (GABA > β-Ala). These systems also underwent extensive mineralization, with calcium phosphate deposited across their entire surface during exposure to SBF (up to 115 wt % gain after 4 weeks). This degree of deposition is a major advance over previously reported polyphosphazene systems, which underwent a maximum of 27 wt % gain after immersion in SBF for 4 weeks. The extent of mineralization over the surface was monitored using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the identity of the mineralized material. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41741.
Analysis of Deuterium from Fossil Pollen to Reconstruct Paleoclimates

ABSTRACT We propose a method to reconstruct paleotemperatures and to determine paleo-air mass source areas from deuterium isotopes (δD) extracted from fossil pollen originating from Lake Lisan (precursor to the Dead Sea), Jordan, and encompassing the period ∼ 23.3 – 13.8 cal kyr BP. Previous isotopic studies on fossil pollen depend on analyses of δ13C and δ18O values, which can vary significantly between and within plant species according to environmental setting and photosynthetic pathway. In addition, carbon chemicals introduced during acetylosis processing of pollen samples can contaminate carbon isotopes. In contrast, δD data from pollen are not affected by variation in organic carbon, and thus, do not require non-carbon bearing extraction techniques. We propose that pollen extraction can follow standard palynological methods of acid digestion and acetylosis. A paleotemperature curve is reconstructed by converting δD data from pollen to δ18O values using a localized meteoric water line and a standard ...
Training Teachers to Identify and Intervene with Abused Children.

Teachers are a potentially helpful resource for abused children, but generally lack training in child abuse identification and intervention. Elementary and junior high school teachers (n = 104) were surveyed concerning their abuse‐related experience, knowledge and attitudes. Sixty‐eight percent of the teachers reported 3 or fewer hours of education about child abuse and 62% reported no prior experience with abuse cases. Half of the teachers (n = 51) then participated in a one‐day training workshop on child abuse. Repeated measures analyses revealed that treatment teachers, compared to control teachers, increased in knowledge about child abuse and developed more sympathetic attitudes toward the abusive parent. A six‐month follow‐up using self‐report data revealed no significant differences between groups in the number of cases of child abuse identified or reported. However, treatment teachers were significantly (1) more likely to report talking with individual students to determine if abuse was occurring, ...
Effect of proinflammatory cytokines on PIGA- hematopoiesis.

Abstract Objective . Blood cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria lack glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins, due to a somatic mutation in the X-linked PIGA gene. It is believed that clonal expansion of PIGA − blood cells is due to a survival advantage in the hostile marrow environment of aplastic anemia. Here we investigated the effects of inhibitory cytokines in mice genetically engineered to have blood cells deficient in GPI-linked proteins. Materials and Methods . The effect of inhibitory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interferon-γ [IFN-γ], macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha [MIP-1α], and transforming growth factor-β 1 [TGF-β 1 ]) was investigated, using clonogenic assays, competitive repopulation, and in vivo induction of proinflammatory cytokines by double-stranded RNA. The expression of Fas on progenitor cells and its up-regulation by inhibitory cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results . TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, and TGF-β 1 suppressed colony formation in a dose-dependent fashion that was similar for PIGA + and PIGA − blood bone marrow cells. Competitive repopulation of bone marrow cells cultured in IFN-γ and TNF-α resulted in a comparable ability of PIGA + and PIGA − hematopoietic stem cells to reconstitute hematopoiesis. Fas expression was minimal on PIGA + and PIGA − progenitor cells and was up-regulated to the same extent in response to IFN-γ and TNF-α as assessed by Fas antibody-mediated apoptosis. Similarly, in vivo induction of proinflammatory cytokines by double-stranded RNA had no effect on the proportion of circulating PIGA − blood cells. Conclusions . These results indicate that PIGA + and PIGA − hematopoietic progenitor cells respond similarly to inhibitory cytokines, suggesting that other factors are responsible for the clonal expansion of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria cells.
Screw Fixation of an OCD Loose Body: 21-Year Results

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions can progress to loose body formation for which treatment is controversial and may involve excision or fixation. There is a paucity of published data regarding long-term outcomes following OCD loose body fixation. This case report presents an interval follow-up of a patient from a previous small case series of individuals who underwent open reduction internal fixation of large, lateral OCD loose bodies. At 21-year follow-up the patient has full, pain-free range of motion, and has not required subsequent surgery. This case, to our knowledge, is the first to report over 20-year follow-up from fixation of an OCD loose body and demonstrates a good long-term outcome. Clinicians should consider replacement and fixation of an OCD loose body when possible, as this may provide the best chance of long-term function.
Virtual interorganizational relationships in business-to-business electronic markets: heterogeneity in the effects of organizational interdependence on relational outcomes

Business-to-business electronic markets have emerged as robust, legitimate channels for conducting transactions, where firms participate in these markets according to their investments in the channel, such that they might participate as an expert, explorer, or passive firm. Over time, repeated interactions with the same trading partners can result in virtual interorganizational relationships even in an environment predicated to promote transactional exchange. We suggest that the nature of firm participation should moderate the influence of organizational interdependence—which comprises both total interdependence and interdependent asymmetry—on relational outcomes such as trust and satisfaction for virtual interorganizational relationships that arise in the electronic market. Results from analysis of data collected from a survey of participant firms in an electronic market confirm the moderating role of the nature of participation. Across the three participation states, total interdependence enhances relational outcomes at a diminishing rate. In contrast, interdependence asymmetry does not influence relational outcomes for expert firms, diminishes them at an increasing rate for explorer firms, and increases trust at a decreasing rate for passive firms. The interaction between total interdependence and interdependence asymmetry increased satisfaction for expert firms and decreased trust and satisfaction for explorer firms.
Computation of terms in the asymptotic expansion of dimer λd for high dimension

Abstract The dimer problem arose in a thermodynamic study of diatomic molecules, and was abstracted into one of the most basic and natural problems in both statistical mechanics and combinatoric mathematics. Given a rectangular lattice of volume V in d dimensions, the dimer problem loosely speaking is to count the number of different ways dimers (dominoes) may be laid down in the lattice (without overlapping) to completely cover it. Each dimer covers two neighboring vertices. It is known that the number of such coverings is roughly e λ d V for some constant λ d as V goes to infinity. Herein we present a mathematical argument for an asymptotic expansion for λ d in inverse powers of d , and the results of computer computations for the first few terms in the series. As a challenge, we conjecture no one will compute the next term in the series, due to the requisite computer time and storage demands.
A genetic approach for trajectory planning in non-autonomous Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks with QoS requirements

Since resources are scarce and cannot be compensated easily on the battlefield, resource planning and battlefield management should be performed to reserve as much resources as possible. However, most resource planning problems encountered on the battlefield are computationally intractable. Therefore, no exact solution can be found when the battlefield size is large-scale. Hence we designed and implemented two algorithms to solve the battlefield planning problem. The first one uses a heuristic approach to find an initial plan. The second algorithm uses the genetic algorithm as an evolutional computation approach to improve the initial plan.
Topographic expression of superimposed drainage on the Georgia Piedmont

The Brevard zone separates two regions on the Georgia Piedmont that have different drainage styles. Streams on the northwestern Piedmont have trellis drainage, which suggests that they have undergone a different evolution than streams that have dendritic drainage, on the southeastern Piedmont. It is concluded that Coastal Plain sediment covered the southeastern Georgia Piedmont to at least the Brevard zone. Consequent streams developed a dendritic drainage on this cover and became superimposed across buried resistant northeast-trending geologic structures. Trellis drainages, however, developed as a result of subsequent streams being controlled by Piedmont structures on areas of thin or no Coastal Plain sediment cover.
Exploring the Role of Design in Systems Engineering

The paper explores the role of design in systems engineering. It reviews the treatment of design in systems engineering in general and in the Systems Engineering Handbook in particular, and concludes that design is the missing dimension in systems engineering. It provides a review of salient viewpoints from research in design that can enhance the understanding of the design dimension in system engineering.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) induced transdifferentiation of retinal pigment epithelium: Generation of retinal neurons and glia

In the present study we report that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) promotes the transdifferentiation ofXenopus lae- vis larval retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) into neural retina. Using specific antibodies we have examined the cellular composition of the regener- ated retinal tissue. Our results show that, in addition to retinal neurons and photoreceptors, glial cells were also regenerated from the transdif- ferentiated RPE. These results were specific to FGF-2,sinceotherfactorsthatweretested,includ- ing acidic FGF (aFGF, FGF-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), laminin, ECL, and Matrigel, exhib- ited no activity in inducing retinal regeneration. These results are the first in amphibians demon- strating the functional role of FGF-2 in inducing RPE transdifferentiation. Transplantation stud- ies were carried out to investigate retinal regen- eration from the RPE in an in vivo environment. Sheets of RPE implanted into the lens-less eyes of larval hosts transformed into neurons and glial cells only when under the influence of host reti- nal factors. In contrast, no retinal transdifferen- tiation occurred if the RPE was implanted into the enucleated orbit. Taken together, these re- sults show that the amphibian RPE is capable of transdifferentiation into neuronal and glial cell- phenotypes and implicate FGF-2 as an important factor in inducing retinal regeneration in vitro. Dev. Dyn. 209:387-398, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transformative, Mixed Methods Checklist for Psychological Research with Mexican Americans.

This is a description of the creation of a research methods tool, the Transformative, Mixed Methods Checklist for Psychological Research With Mexican Americans. For conducting literature reviews of and planning mixed methods studies with Mexican Americans, it contains evaluative criteria calling for transformative mixed methods, perspectives from Chicana/o (Mestiza/o) psychology, and Baca-Zinn and Dill’s Chicana multiracial feminism. It is useful to researchers, journal editors, teachers, and students in psychology and other social sciences. It may serve as a template in the development of comparable checklists for critiquing mixed methods studies with other cultural groups, including African Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans.
Is region-of-interest overlap comparison a reliable measure of category specificity?

Analysis of the degree of overlap between functional magnetic resonance imaging--derived regions of interest (ROIs) has been used to assess the functional convergence and/or segregation of category-selective brain areas. An examination of the extant literature reveals no consistent usage for how such overlap is calculated, nor any systematic comparison between different methods. We argue that how ROI overlap is computed, especially the choice of the denominator in the formula, can profoundly affect the results and interpretation of such an analysis. To do this, we compared the overlap of the FFA-FFA (fusiform face area) and FFA-FGA (fusiform Greeble-selective area) in a localizer study testing both Greeble novices and experts. When using a single ROI as the denominator, we found a significant difference in FFA-FFA versus FFA-FGA overlap, consistent with the result of a previous study arguing for face specificity of the FFA [Rhodes, G., Byatt, G., Michie, P. T., & Puce, A. Is the fusiform face area specialized for faces, individuation, or expert individuation? J Cogn Neurosci, 16, 189--203, 2004]. However, these ROI overlap differences disappeared when the denominator combined both of the involved ROIs, and the patterns of such overlap comparisons were dependent on given statistical thresholds. We also found proportionally decreasing FFA-FFA overlap with increasing center-of-FFA distance, resolving an apparent contradiction between the consistency of the location of the FFA and the seemingly low FFA-FFA overlap. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations revealed the most stable formula---the most resistant to ROI size variations---to be the average of the two single-ROI-denominator-based overlap indices. In sum, ROI overlap analysis is not a reliable tool for assessing category specificity, and caution should be exercised with regard to ROI overlap definition, underlying assumptions, and interpretation.
Losartan administration reduces fibrosis but hinders functional recovery after volumetric muscle loss injury.

Losartan is a Food and Drug Administration approved antihypertensive medication that is recently emerging as an antifibrotic therapy. Previously, losartan has been successfully used to reduce fibro...
North America's electricity infrastructure: are we ready for more perfect storms?

With the tragic events of 9/11 permanently etched in our minds, the massive 14 August power outage evoked eerie reminders of what shook our world 2 years ago. While preliminary reports indicate that there was no apparent evidence of terrorism, the cascading blackouts were a sudden illumination of our electricity infrastructure's vulnerable condition. This infrastructure affects us all - are we prepared for future storms?.
Adaptive pattern nulling method for multi-armed spiral antennas

Future Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver antennas will need to operate over several bands simultaneously, while being able to adaptively reject cosite interference, multipath, or potentially hostile signals, while retaining adequate satellite reception. This paper discusses the use of the phase modes of the spiral to synthesize nulls at arbitrary angles in a spirals pattern, and is organized as follows. First, the concept of phase modes is reviewed and applied to derive a simple method for determining the arm excitations required to place arbitrary nulls. Then, a numerical study of a multiarmed spiral antenna is used to achieve independent steering of nulls across the field of view. Finally, the method is validated with measurements and simulations of a four-armed spiral.
Orbital Neoplasms in Adults: Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Review

Orbital neoplasms in adults may be categorized on the basis of location and histologic type. Imaging features of these lesions often reflect their tissue composition. Cavernous malformations (also known as cavernous hemangiomas), although not true neoplasms, are the most common benign adult orbital tumor. They typically appear as a well-circumscribed, ovoid intraconal mass on cross-sectional images. Lymphoma, which may be primary or secondary to systemic disease, is the most prevalent orbital neoplasm in older adults (≥60 years of age). Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary adult ocular malignancy. Melanin has intrinsic T1 and T2 shortening effects, classically manifesting with hyperintense signal on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images and with hypointense signal on T2-weighted images. However, amelanotic or mildly pigmented lesions of melanoma do not demonstrate these characteristic MR imaging features. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy to metastasize to the orbit, followed by prostate cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. In women with bilateral enophthalmos, metastatic scirrhous breast cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Neoplasms that arise from the optic nerve or its sheath include glioma and meningioma. At imaging, gliomas often cause fusiform expansion of the optic nerve, in which the nerve itself cannot be delineated from the lesion. In contrast, meningiomas classically have a "tram-track" configuration, whereby the contrast-enhancing tumor is seen alongside the optic nerve. Neoplasms that derive from peripheral nerves include schwannoma and neurofibroma, the latter of which is associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. MR imaging is particularly valuable for evaluation of orbital neoplasms, as it provides critical anatomic information about ocular structures involved, perineural spread, and intracranial extension.
Correlations among first and second lactation milk yield and calving interval.

Estimates of genetic correlations were .17 between first lactation milk yield and concurrent calving interval, .10 between second lactation milk yield and first calving interval, and .82 between first and second milk yields. Corresponding phenotypic correlations were .27, .16, and .58. Heritability estimates were .27 and .25 for first and second lactations and .15 for calving interval. Estimates were averages of two samples of 15 New York State herds averaging 144 AI-sired Holstein cows and 30 sires. Milk yields were 305-d, mature equivalent. Calving interval was days between first and second freshening. First milk records without a second freshening were included. Multiple-trait animal model included separate herd-year-season effects for first and second milk yields and calving interval. Numerator relationships among animals within herd, except for daughter-dam relationships, were included. The REML with the expectation-maximization algorithm was used to estimate (co)variance matrices among genetic values and environmental effects for the three traits. Results indicate a need to adjust milk records for the phenotypic effects of current and previous calving interval. The genetic association, however, between fertility and milk yield appears small. Genetic improvement of 450 kg of milk yield may result in 2 added d to first calving interval.
Dispersed-phase stress tensor in flows of bubbly liquids at large Reynolds numbers

We derive averaged equations for large Reynolds number laminar flows of gas–liquid dispersions accounting for slowly varying spatial and temporal fields. In particular, we obtain an exact expression for the dispersed-phase stress tensor to be used in the force balance equation for gas bubbles and illustrate its application by evaluating the stress tensor for a few special cases. It is shown that the dispersed-phase stress tensor gradient with respect to the mean relative motion or the void fraction for the uniformly random bubbly liquids under conditions of large Reynolds number laminar flows is negative and thus has a destabilizing influence on the dynamics of void fraction waves in bubbly liquids.
Simulation of Examine Distributions of Estimators of Variances and Ratios of Variances

Abstract Computation of variances of quadratic unbiased estimators of variance components is tedious and tells nothing about the form of the distribution of the estimators and nothing about the bias in or accuracy of estimation of the ratios of variance. In most applications to animal breeding, ratios of variances are wanted, and little is known about the merits of alternative methods for obtaining such estimates. Simulation is the only apparent method for examining properties of estimators of variances and of their ratios. This paper presents efficient methods for generating samples that can be used in examining properties of estimators that utilize least squares reductions, for example, Methods 1, 2, and 3.
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for AIDS-Associated Wasting

OBJECTIVE:To review the current literature regarding the role of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of AIDS-associated wasting and to briefly describe alternative therapies.DATA SOURCES:A literature search was performed on MEDLINE and AIDSLINE for the period from January 1985 through September 1997. Key words used in the search strategy were growth hormone, human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, wasting, and weight gain.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All articles were considered for possible inclusion in this review. Abstracts were included only when they were judged to add critical information. Thereafter, the inclusion was restricted to English-language articles and abstracts on clinical trials and human studies in AIDS-associated wasting.DATA SYNTHESIS:Body wasting, characterized by an involuntary loss of body cell mass, is a well-recognized feature of many chronic diseases, including infection with HIV. AIDS-associated wasting is a metabolic disor...
Radial solutions to a nonlinear p-harmonic dirichlet problem

We examine the nonlinear ordinary differential equation corresponding to radial solutions of the Dirichlet problem .It is shown that for p and q satisfying the subcritical Sobolev embedding condition, the problem exhibits infinitely many solutions.Several properties of these solutions are presented, includingdetailed regularity results.
The Effect of Political Competition on Democratic Accountability

Representing uncompetitive, homogeneous constituencies is increasingly the norm for American legislators. Extensive research has investigated how competition affects the way representatives respond to their constituents’ policy preferences. This paper explores competition’s effect on the other side of representation, how constituents respond to their legislators’ policy record. Combining multiple measures of state competitiveness with large-N survey data, I demonstrate that competition enhances democratic accountability. Voters in competitive states are more interested in politics, more aware of the policy positions their U.S. senators have taken, and more likely to hold them accountable for those positions at election time. Robustness checks show that these effects are not due to the intensity of campaigning in a state: general competition, not particular campaign activities, drives citizens’ response. The recent increase in uncompetitive constituencies has likely lessened the degree to which legislators are held accountable for their actions in office.
Exposing K-12 students to science and engineering

Strategies employed to recruit and retain students in science and engineering fields include a variety of approaches, including hands-on activities, field trips, summer workshops, competitions, and software training programs. This paper describes a recruitment and outreach project, Impact of Space Exploration Programs, geared toward local area K-12 faculty and students. More than 350 individuals participated in program activities during the 2007 school year and about 300 individuals participated in 2008. This paper presents details about the project, especially the activities that were carried out last year.
Evolution and modelling of subgrid scales during rapid straining of turbulence

The response, evolution, and modelling of subgrid-scale (SGS) stresses during rapid straining of turbulence is studied experimentally. Nearly isotropic turbulence with low mean velocity and Rλ˜290 is generated in a water tank by means of spinning grids. Rapid straining (axisymmetric expansion) is achieved with two disks pushed towards each other at rates that for a while generate a constant strain rate. Time-resolved, two-dimensional velocity measurements are performed using cinematic PIV. The SGS stress is subdivided to a stress due to the mean distortion, a cross-term (the interaction between the mean and turbulence), and the turbulent SGS stress τ(T)ij. Analysis of the time evolution of τ(T)ij at various filter scales shows that all scales are more isotropic than the prediction of rapid distortion theory, with increasing isotropy as scales decrease. A priori tests show that rapid straining does not affect the high correlation and low square-error exhibited by the similarity model. Analysis of the evolution of total SGS energy dissipation reveals, surprisingly, that the Smagorinsky model with a constant coefficient (determined from isotropic turbulence data) underpredicts the dissipation during rapid straining. While the partial dissipation −〈τ(T)ij S˜ij〉 (due only to the turbulent part of the stress) is overpredicted by the Smagorinsky model, addition of the cross-terms reverses the trend. The similarity model with a constant coefficient appropriate for isotropic turbulence, on the other hand, overpredicts SGS dissipation. Owing to these opposite trends a linear combination of both models (mixed model) provides better prediction of SGS dissipation during rapid straining. However, the mixed model with coefficients determined from dissipation balance underpredicts the SGS stress.
Fabrication of Silicon-on-Diamond Substrate and Low-Loss Optical Waveguides

A simple, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible fabrication technique is developed to demonstrate a robust silicon-on-diamond (SOD) substrate. The 2.5 μm × 700 nm waveguides with a spiral structure are fabricated on both SOD and conventional silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, showing 0.74- and 0.54-dB/cm propagation loss, respectively. Finite element method (FEM) thermal simulation shows over 3× improvement in heat dissipation on a hybrid silicon laser structure when Si substrate is not a limiting factor.
Changes in Replication, Nuclear Location, and Expression of the Igh Locus after Fusion of a Pre-B Cell Line with a T Cell Line

We have previously observed that replication and nuclear location of the murine Igh locus are developmentally regulated during B cell differentiation. In non-B, B, and plasma cells, sequences near the 3' end of the Igh locus replicate early in S while upstream Vh sequences replicate late in S, and the Igh locus is located near the nuclear periphery. In fact, in MEL non-B cells, replication of a 500-kb segment containing Igh-C and flanking sequences occurs progressively later throughout S by 3' to 5' unidirectional fork movement. In contrast, in pro- and pre-B cells, the entire 3-Mb Igh locus is located away from the nuclear periphery and replicates early in S by forks progressing in both directions. In this study, using an 18-81 (pre-B) x BW5147 (T) cell fusion system in which Igh expression is extinguished, we found that in all Igh alleles, Vh sequences replicated later in S than 3' Igh sequences (similar to that detected in BW5147), but the Igh locus was situated away from the nuclear periphery (similar to that observed in 18-81). Thus, pre-B cell-derived Igh genes had changes in replication timing, but not in nuclear location, whereas T cell-derived Igh genes changed their nuclear location but not their replication timing. These data are consistent with the silencing of a pre-B cell-specific replication program in the fusion hybrid cells and independent regulation of the nuclear location of Igh loci.
Transient analysis of printed circuit board problem using two different solvers

The state-of-the-art in time domain electromagnetic solvers has progressed significantly in the last few years. However, today only few results for truly complex problems obtained with such solvers have been reported in the literature. For this reason, a carefully documented time domain problem is solved in this paper. The results the authors give have been obtained with two independent computer codes, which are briefly described. Another purpose of this paper is to show the suitability of such programs for the modeling of the problems at hand. It is the hoped that the results obtained from this collaboration can be used to verify other programs.