cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone and cartilage differentiation

Recent progress in the study of regulation of bone and cartilage differentiation has come from the isolation, cloning, and expression of genes encoding bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). BMPs initiate cartilage and bone formation in a sequential cascade. Their pleiotropic effects on chemotaxis, mitosis, and differentiation are based on concentration-dependent thresholds. The existence of multiple members of the BMP family raises issues concerning functional redundancy. Current work in progress in different laboratories has revealed that BMP-2 or BMP-4 gene knockout by homologous recombination results, surprisingly, in embryonic lethality. Cartilage and bone differentiation during endochondral development involves a continuum of steps: initiation, promotion, maintenance, modeling, and termination. The signaling factors for initiation and maintenance are being defined at the molecular level, and future studies will focus on the gene regulation of initial signaling molecules such as BMPs. Critical progress in the determination of the role of BMPs in bone development has been accomplished by systematic study of skeletal mutations such as short ear and brachypodism in mice. The accelerating pace of advance in this area augurs well for the resolution of the molecular basis of morphogenesis of bone and cartilage.
Changes In Medicaid Physician Fees, 1998–2003: Implications For Physician Participation

After slow growth during much of the 1990's, Medicaid physician fees increased, on average, by 27.4 percent between 1998 and 2003. The greatest growth occurred for primary care fees. States with the lowest relative fees in 1998 increased their fees the most, but almost no states changed their position relative to other states or Medicare. Physicians in states with the lowest Medicaid fees were less willing to accept most or all new Medicaid patients in both 1998 and 2003. However, large fee increases were associated with an increased willingness of primary care physicians to accept new Medicaid patients (Health Affairs Web Exclusive, June 23, 2004.)
The Role of Surgery in N2 Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Historical series document the poor survival (7-16% at 5 years) for patients with N2-positive, stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with primary surgery. In 1994, two small randomized trials showed the superiority of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery over surgery alone for stage IIIA NSCLC. These findings, as well as subsequent studies showing the superiority of chemoradiotherapy over chemotherapy alone in nonoperable stage III disease, prompted investigations of preoperative chemoradiotherapy for N2-positive patients. As induction therapy improved, the use of resection in stage IIIA NSCLC was called into question. An Intergroup trial addressing this issue randomized 392 patients to induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery versus definitive chemoradiotherapy. Surgery following induction chemoradiotherapy was associated with a significant improvement in progression-free survival and almost a 50% reduction in local failure. As distant relapse is common, survival is likely to be enhanced only in those patients who respond to the systemic arm of treatment. Identification of genetic or biochemical markers of response, minimally invasive techniques to pathologically restage, or improved statistical or chemosensitivity analyses are needed to enhance our ability to select patients who will benefit from resection.
How is Creativity Best Managed? Some Empirical and Theoretical Guidelines

In an Internet-based study with an ethnically-diverse sample of 1,337 managers from 19 countries (mainly the US and Canada), eight managerial competencies that elicit creativity in subordinates were ranked according to how well they predicted desirable self-reported outcomes. The most valuable of eight managerial competencies proved to be: Provides Adequate and Appropriate Resources. Females outscored males in all eight competency areas, a dramatic finding that is consistent with other research on executive skills. The eight competencies can be derived from Generativity Theory, a formal, empirically-based theory of the creative process, and are also evident in many successful cases of creativity enhancement in business and industry. Scores on a test that measured the competencies were substantially higher for people who had had creativity management training and were positively correlated with the number of hours of training people reported. In general, the study revealed a fairly dramatic range of competence across the eight areas and suggests that most managers lack trainable skills that are essential for encouraging workplace creativity.
Why do player trades dominate sales

Although barter is considered to be inefficient, trades are more common than player sales in professional sports. Theory indicates that when owners have identical constant risk averse preferences, the contract zone for sales shrinks relative to that for trades. Moreover, the gap between the two contract zones becomes larger as the expected quality of the player increases. Probit estimations reveal that the likelihood a player is sold rather than traded increases with age and as the percentage of remaining career productivity decreases. An inverse relationship between player quality and the likelihood of sale for is found for hitters, but not for pitchers.
Progressive Parity-Based Hardening of Data Stores

We propose the use of parity-based redundant data layouts of increasing reliability as a means to progressively harden data archives. We evaluate the reliability of two such layouts and demonstrate how moving to layouts of higher parity degree offers a mechanism to progressively and dramatically increase the reliability of a multi-device data store. Specifically we propose that a data archive can be migrated to progressively more reliable layouts as the data ages, trading limited (and likely unrealized) increases in update costs for increased reliability. Our parity-based schemes are drawn from SSPiRAL (survivable storage using parity in redundant array layouts) that offer capacity efficiency equivalent to a straightforward mirroring arrangement. Our analysis shows our proposed schemes would utilize no additional physical resources and result in improvements to mean time to data loss of four to seven orders of magnitude.
A Review of “Cry Liberty: The Great Stono Rebellion of 1739”

University of Georgia Professor Peter C. Hoffer's Cry Liberty: The Great Stono River Slave Rebellion of 1739 is a short but significant re-evaluation of events surrounding the Stono Rebellion in So...
Community beliefs and practices about dengue in Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVE: In spite of long-term endemicity and repeated government and private efforts, effective, sustained community participation for dengue prevention remains a challenge in Puerto Rico. This study explored differences found in interviews conducted in 2001 in attitudes toward dengue and its prevention by respondents' gender and whether they had a prior dengue infection. Findings may be used to develop messages to promote Aedes aegypti control practices. METHODS: From September to October 2003, 11 focus groups were conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fifty-nine persons (35 women, 24 men), > 18 years of age, who had been identified through the Puerto Rico dengue surveillance system participated in the focus groups. Analysis was based on grounded theory. RESULTS: Women considered dengue important because of its economic, emotional, and health impact, and they were concerned more often than men about insufficient garbage removal and water disposal. Participants with a previous dengue diagnosis were more concerned about risk of the disease, were more knowledgeable about dengue and its prevention, and recommended use of repellents more often than their counterparts without a previous dengue diagnosis. Barriers to sustained dengue prevention included misconceptions from outdated educational materials, " invisibility" of dengue compared with chronic diseases, and lack of acceptance of responsibility for dengue prevention. CONCLUSION: Suggested strategies to motivate residents' actions included working with government agencies to address structural problems that increase mosquito populations, improving access to information on garbage collection and water disposal through telephone hotlines, increasing publicity and information about dengue by mass media campaigns, and educating health professionals.
Highly conserved transcriptional responses to mechanical ventilation of the lung

Cross-species analysis of microarray data has shown improved discriminating power between healthy and diseased states. Computational approaches have proven effective in deciphering the complexity o...
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Chronic Kidney Disease: Evidence and Mechanisms of Action

In 1984, Loskutoff et al. ([1][1]) purified plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) from conditioned media of cultured endothelial cells. This 50-kd glycoprotein is the primary physiologic inhibitor of the serine proteases tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA,
Measurements and Implications of the Membrane Dipole Potential

There are three kinds of membrane potentials: the surface potentials, resulting from the accumulation of charges at the membrane surfaces; the transmembrane potential, determined by imbalance of charge in the aqueous solutions; and the dipole potential, a membrane-internal potential from the dipolar components of the phospholipids and interface water. The absolute value of the dipole potential has been very difficult to measure, although its value has been estimated to be in the range of 200–1,000 mV from ion translocation rates (determined by the planar lipid bilayer method), the surface potential of lipid monolayers (determined by the lipid monolayer method), molecular-dynamics calculations, and electron scattering using cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Spectroscopy methods have also been used to monitor the dipole potential changes on the basis of the observed fluorescence changes of voltage-sensitive probes. The dipole potential accounts for the much larger permeability of a bare phospholipid membra...
Optimal-sequence-based control of switching power converters in interactive power networks

We develop and demonstrate an optimal switching- sequence-based control (OSBC) scheme for switching power converters (SPCs) that guarantees global stability and also meets predefined performance criteria. First, using techniques based on composite Lyapunov functions (CLFs) and piecewise-linear (PWL) models of the SPC, we determine the set of switching sequences that guarantee global stability. Next, by solving optimization problems using predefined cost functions for the saturated (transient) and unsaturated (steady-state) regions of operation, we determine the optimal switching sequence and the duration of time spent in it. Further, we investigate how the proposed OSBC can be applied to SPCs in interactive power networks (IPNs). For such a system, the periodically-varying network feedbacks are estimated and the OSBC is modified to account for such disturbances. The application of the proposed OSBC is demonstrated using a parallel-connected network of three- phase voltage-source inverters (VSIs).
Compressive Sensing Matrices and Hash Families

Deterministic construction of measurement matrices for compressive sensing can be effected by first constructing a relatively small matrix explicitly, and then inflating it using a column replacement technique to form a large measurement matrix that supports at least the same level of sparsity. In particular, using easily developed null space conditions for l0- and l1-recoverability, properties of the pattern matrix used to select columns lead to well-studied matrices, separating and distributing hash families. Two-stage compression and recovery techniques are developed that employ more computationally intensive l0-recoverability for small matrices and simpler l1-recoverability for one larger matrix; this can reduce the number of measurements required.
Minimizing the Workup of Blood Culture Contaminants: Implementation and Evaluation of a Laboratory-Based Algorithm

An algorithm was implemented in the clinical microbiology laboratory to assess the clinical significance of organisms that are often considered contaminants (coagulase-negative staphylococci, aerobic and anaerobic diphtheroids, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus spp., and viridans group streptococci) when isolated from blood cultures. From 25 August 1999 through 30 April 2000, 12,374 blood cultures were submitted to the University of Iowa Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Potential contaminants were recovered from 495 of 1,040 positive blood cultures. If one or more additional blood cultures were obtained within +/-48 h and all were negative, the isolate was considered a contaminant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of these probable contaminants was not performed unless requested. If no additional blood cultures were submitted or there were additional positive blood cultures (within +/-48 h), a pathology resident gathered patient clinical information and made a judgment regarding the isolate's significance. To evaluate the accuracy of these algorithm-based assignments, a nurse epidemiologist in approximately 60% of the cases performed a retrospective chart review. Agreement between the findings of the retrospective chart review and the automatic classification of the isolates with additional negative blood cultures as probable contaminants occurred among 85.8% of 225 isolates. In response to physician requests, AST had been performed on 15 of the 32 isolates with additional negative cultures considered significant by retrospective chart review. Agreement of pathology resident assignment with the retrospective chart review occurred among 74.6% of 71 isolates. The laboratory-based algorithm provided an acceptably accurate means for assessing the clinical significance of potential contaminants recovered from blood cultures.
Pathology in a Dog Associated with Elevated Tissue Mercury Concentrations

Mercury toxicosis has been reported in cats, pigs, calves, horses, and laboratory animals (rats, mice, mink, ferrets, and guinea pigs) but rarely in dogs. Clinical signs and lesions of mercury intoxication depend on the species affected, dose obtained, route of administration, chronicity of exposure, and the chemical form of the mercury involved. 12,28.29,32-34 The few reports of mercury toxicity in dogs discuss renal but not neurologic abnormalities. A 6-year-old obese (9.13 kg) ovariohysterectomized Shih Tzu was referred to the Texas Veterinary Medical Center (TVMC) for evaluation of progressive neurologic and gastrointestinal signs of 3 days’ duration. The dog was initially presented to the referring veterinarian for a 1-day history of intermittent vomiting of blood-tinged mucus. On presentation to the referring veterinarian, the dog had a painful abdomen, vomited blood-tinged, foamy mucus twice during examination, and developed watery, bloody diarrhea. The dog was hospitalized and intravenous fluid, anti-inflammatory (prednisolone sodium phosphate, flumethasone), and antibiotic (ampicillin) therapies were instituted. While hospitalized, the dog developed mild horizontal nystagmus, a right head tilt, ataxia, and reluctance to walk, which progressed over 3 hours to severe horizontal nystagmus, tetraparesis, extensor rigidity in all limbs, and opisthotonos unresponsive to diazepam therapy. Upon referral to TVMC the following day, the dog was recumbent and depressed. Physical examination revealed bilaterally absent pupillary light reflexes and horizontal nystagmus, weak withdrawal reflexes in all limbs, opisthotonos, and tetraparesis. The dog continued to exhibit a painful abdomen and bloody diarrhea. A hemogram and serum biochemistry profile revealed lymphocytopenia (77 cells/μl; reference range, 1,000-4,800 cells/μl hypokalemia (3.0 meq/liter; reference range, 3.55.0 meq/liter), and hypocalcemia (8.8 mg/dl; reference range, 9.3-11.8 mg/dl). Cervical cistemal cerebrospinal fluid aspiration contained peripheral blood contamination (15,000 erythrocytes/& increased protein (571.4 mg/dl), and pleocytosis (134 leukocytes/μl) consisting of monocytes with occasional lymphocytes, degenerative neutrophils, and rare nucleated erythrocytes. Electroencephalogram, abdominal radiographs, urinalysis, fecal flotation and smears, parvovirus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clotting profiles were normal. The dog continued to have abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting despite intravenous fluids, dimethylsulfoxide, and chloramphenicol therapy. Bilateral vertical nystagmus developed, and 4 episodes of seizures lasting 1-20
An unusual foreign body.

A 37 year old man presented to the Emergency department of Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (SSKM) hospital, Kolkata, India, on December 12, 2012, with foreign body impalement of his left lower limb. The man fell over the rotating blades of power tiller machine while ploughing in the field. Four sharp blades penetrated through and through at four different places. After initial resuscitation he was taken to operation theatre where under general anaesthesia each blade was taken out by rotating the entire machine in counterclockwise fashion. The blades pierced through his upper thigh, knee joint, calf muscles and shattered his ankle joint (Figs ​(Figs1,1, ​,2).2). The wounds were debrided and the ankle joint was stabilized with K wire (Fig. 3). Surprisingly, there was no major vascular injury apart from avulsion of posterior tibial neurovascular bundle. Postoperatively wound infection ensued and all attempts to salvage the externally stabilized foot failed. He underwent two serial amputations and weeklong conservative treatment. Post-operative investigations showed fracture of patella (Fig. 4) for which the patient was managed accordingly. Later patient was discharged in stable condition and on follow up for 16 months he continued to be in good state of health with an application of artificial limb prosthesis (Fig. 5). Penetrating injuries with rods, arrows, sharp objects are common, however, simultaneous perforation of a limb with the four blades of a power tiller is unusual. Fig. 1 Three sharp blades perforating the upper thigh, knee joint and upper part of leg and calf muscle when viewed from side. Fig. 2 Patient in the operating room, with the blades seen perforating through the knee and the calf muscle along with twigs and grass roots entangled with the machine. Fig. 3 Postoperative x-ray (Lateral) taken in supine posture to show the foot in POP cast with K wire in situ. Fig. 4 CT scan showing fracture patellae in different cuts. Fig. 5 Patient post rehabilitation standing comfortably following application of lower limb prosthesis.
Aldosterone regulation of sodium channel gamma-subunit mRNA in cortical collecting duct cells

Specific regulatory mechanisms of aldosterone-stimulated Na+ reabsorption through the apical amiloride-sensitive channel are unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of aldosterone on Na+ channel gamma-subunit mRNA levels in cultured rabbit cortical collecting duct cells. With the use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with RNA isolated from aldosterone-treated cells and degenerate primers, a 446-base pair (bp) PCR product was amplified and further characterized by nested PCR and sequencing. The nested PCR yielded a predicted 164-bp product. Sequencing of the 446-bp PCR product revealed 83% nucleotide and 91% amino acid identity to the rat colonic Na+ channel gamma-subunit. The relative abundance of Na+ channel mRNA was determined by quantitative PCR after a 24-h aldosterone treatment. The results demonstrate that Na+ channel gamma-subunit mRNA levels were significantly higher (2.6 +/- 0.42) in aldosterone-treated cultures vs. the controls. This increase, however, is less than the aldosterone-induced increase (3.2 +/- 2.0) in the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current. These results indicate that Na+ channel gamma-subunit mRNA levels are increased by aldosterone and that this increase is likely to be responsible, at least in part, for the aldosterone-induced Na+ current in the kidney.
What can local and geographic population limits tell us about distributions

Understanding the evolutionary and ecological factors that determine plant distributions is of primary importance in botanical research. These factors may vary in predictable ways across different spatial scales, and thus, we can leverage scale to reveal the underlying processes limiting plant distributions.We review various research considerations across local and geographic scales, including the investigation of dispersal and habitat limitation, evolutionary factors, abiotic and biotic factors, and research logistics. We also present two case studies, slender monkeyflower (Mimulus leptaleus) and cut-leaf monkeyflower (Mimulus laciniatus), in the California Sierra Nevada.At a local spatial scale (within 50 m), no seeds were produced from plants sown at sites located just beyond known patches of M. leptaleus, but within the species' geographic range. At a much broader spatial scale (kilometers), at the highest and lowest elevations of the species' range, we found greatly reduced abundance and fecundity in plants sown outside of the geographic range limits of M. laciniatus.These cases illustrate two contrasting spatial scales, yet agree in their illustration of strong habitat limitation. We end by discussing future avenues of research and by suggesting ways botanical researchers can frame their studies to maximize information gained on species requirements, distribution limits, and conservation among varying spatial scales.
On genetic segregation and the evolution of sex

It has recently been argued that because the genetic load borne by an asexual species resulting from segregation, relative to a comparable sexual population, is greater than two, sex can overcome its twofold disadvantage and succeed. We evaluate some of the assumptions underlying this argument and discuss alternative assumptions. Further, we simulate the dynamics of com- petition between sexual and asexual types. We find that for populations of size 100 and 500 the advantages of segregation do not outweigh the cost of producing males. We conclude that, at least for small populations, drift and the cost of sex govern the evolution of sexuality, not selection or segregation. We believe, however, that if sexual and asexual populations were isolated for a suf- ficiently long period, segregation might impart a fitness advantage upon sexuals that could com- pensate for the cost of sex and allow sexuals to outcompete asexuals upon their reunion.
268 INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL METHADONE AND HEROIN USE ON NEONATAL WITHDRAWAL

Infants of 23 mothers on a methadone maintenance program were observed for evidence of drug withdrawal. Ten infants had no withdrawal; 13 had withdrawal symptoms and 9 required treatment. The mothers' highest methadone doses ranged from 7½-80 mg, and their lowest doses ranged from 0-40 mg. Mothers who in the third trimester had 1/3 or more of weekly random urines positive for heroin or who were suspected by the center of heroin use (e.g. refusal to have urine tested), were defined as heroin users. In the 13 mothers not using heroin, only 3 infants (23%) had withdrawal symptoms. In the 10 mothers using heroin, all 10 infants had withdrawal symptoms. This difference is significant at p<.001. When the mother's methadone dose at delivery was considered, the infants of 3 mothers who were on 15 mg or more of methadone and whose methadone dose had been increased before delivery, all exhibited withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, none of the infants of 10 mothers who were on <15 mg. methadone and had had no increase in dose before delivery showed withdrawal symptoms. Conclusion: Mothers maintained on methadone during pregnancy had a greatly increased risk of delivering a symptomatic infant if they were also taking heroin during the third trimester, or if the methadone dosage had been increased prior to delivery.
Review on research and development of fatigue life of automotive transmission

To further promote the development of automotive transmission fatigue life studies,based on the characteristics and applications of fatigue life research methods about the automotive transmission,the current research status of relevant literatures were reviewed,transmission fatigue life was studied from the aspects of the transmission of loads,fatigue test of transmission and fatigue life prediction of transmission. Aiming at the transmission load spectrum,the existing methods of compiling transmission load spectrum were analyzed and summarized. The results indicate that,compiling program load spectrum of transmission is the most accurate and effective method. To fatigue test based on different loads,the load and test results were analyzed. The results indicate that the actual work process can be well simulated by the test based on program load spectrum and the test results are the most accurate. By analyzing several commonly methods of predicting transmission life,the results show that,the method of predicting probability fatigue life can provide more comprehensive data for the study and maintenance of transmission and is the focus of future research. Finally,the possible research focus and directions in the transmission load spectrum,the design of fatigue test-bed,virtual test and numerical simulation of transmission fatigue were put forward.
The pharmacy technician--an occupation in search of consensus

These are some of the issues that warrant consideration as we examine the development of a more efficient manpower model for pharmacy. We all realize that we have reached a point in the delivery of health services where inefficiency will have a very direct impact on economic viability. It is imperative that we develop a more rational manpower model that takes advantage of appropriately trained supportive personnel who will be functioning in an environment greatly influenced by advancing technology. As we develop our manpower model, we should also understand that pharmacy is still evolving as a profession. It, too, has problems in identifying uniform standards of practice. We in academia have not yet reached agreement on the appropriate degree required to prepare individuals for the present and future practice of pharmacy. In spite of our inability to reach consensus on a number of important issues, we continue to realize an expansion of our professional roles. As these gains in professionalization continue, we will most likely see a concomitant need for growth in the support base required by pharmacists. This need will be met by either technicians or technology. One of my favorite quotes is taken from a book title by humorist and author Lewis Grizzard: Shoot Low Boys--They're Riding Shetland Ponies. Just as the imaginary speaker above was telling his companions to change their frame of reference, I believe we, too, must change our frame of reference.
SERS speciation of the electrochemical oxidation–reduction of riboflavin

The reduction and oxidation of the flavin system is an important electron transfer reaction in biological systems. Several reaction pathways exist to connect oxidized to fully reduced riboflavin, each with unique intermediates including a semi-quinone radical. By performing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with simultaneous electrochemical detection of riboflavin at different pH values, we are able to correlate reversible changes in spectral features to the current changes observed in the cyclic voltammetry. Multivariate curve resolution analysis of the SERS spectra indicates that three distinct components were present at the SERS electrode at each pH during the potential sweep. To verify and better understand the variations in Raman bands across the voltammogram, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to model the effect of pH and oxidation state on the riboflavin Raman spectrum. The calculated spectra show qualitative agreement with the species identified in the chemometric analysis. This combination of results indicates the presence of the oxidized, semi-quinone, and reduced forms of riboflavin and provides insight into the mechanism of the flavin redox system.
The Harish-Chandra Series and Spherical Inversion

This chapter is fundamentally based on [Har 58a]. We define the Harish-Chandra series for eigenfunctions of Casimir, prove its basic properties, and show how the spherical functions can be expressed in terms of this series. We incorporate from the start a crucial estimate by Gangolli to insure the possibility of term by term differentiation [Gan 71]. The need for such an estimate had arisen in Helgason’s approach to getting the inversion theorem on the Paley-Wiener space [Hel 66]. The applications to the inversion problem will come in the next chapter.
US Trade Agreements

Since NAFTA’s implementation, the United States has entered into several regional and bilateral free-trade agreements (see Table 7.1). Prior to NAFTA the US had only negotiated two bilateral agreements, those with Israel and Canada; the latter agreement was superseded by NAFTA. Neither of those had significant environmental provisions, although both the US-Israel and Canada-US (CUSTA) agreements incorporated Article XX of GATT. Bailey (1992–93) claims that dissatisfaction with the environmental results of CUSTA resulted in pressure to include environmental provisions in NAFTA. He says that after two years of experience some reports indicated that the agreement “resulted in a general undermining of safety standards, sustainable development, and environmental protection” (p. 849). Thus, environmental measures were incorporated in NAFTA upon its completion during the Clinton administration and they have been included in all subsequent US agreements, although their nature and extent vary considerably from one agreement to another.
The Bulldozer in the Countryside: From the Solar House to the All-Electric Home: The Postwar Debates over Heating and Cooling

In September 1943, Newsweek offered a tantalizing glimpse of a possible postwar “dream house.” “One way for America to hedge against future fuel shortages would be to build more solar homes like that of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Duncan in Homewood, a Chicago suburb,” the piece began. Designed by architect George Keck to receive a maximum amount of the sun's heat in winter and a minimum amount in summer, the Duncans' solar home saved money and resources. Even on the coldest January days, the magazine announced, the couple seldom had to turn on the furnace. This was indeed a home to grip “the imagination of postwar thinkers and builders.” The Newsweek story was just one of dozens of articles about solar homes to appear before the end of World War II. In a 1944 feature titled “The Proven Merit of a Solar Home,” Reader's Digest called Keck's work “probably the most exciting architectural news in decades.” In movie theaters across the country, millions of Americans saw a newsreel about the exciting promise of solar design. From Architectural Forum to American Builder , the trade press also explored the possibilities. In 1945, a builder of prefabricated homes received nationwide publicity after announcing plans to sell a modern, affordable solar house. According to a Popular Mechanics reviewer, the new house was a breakthrough, the first application of “the solar principle to large-scale production of better, brighter, easily heated homes.”
Abstract 734: Role of TGF-â in myeloid regulation of tumor-induced bone disease

Bone is one of the most common metastatic sites for breast cancer, where nearly 70% of patients that die from disease have reported skeletal metastases upon autopsy. Specifically in the bone microenvironment, TGF-â has a complex role in the regulation of tumor growth and is critical for the initiation and continuation of bone destruction, an important parameter of tumor-induced disease. Previous publications have demonstrated that TGF-â can affect myeloid cells by increasing their expansion in the tumor microenvironment and modulating host immune surveillance, thus supporting a tumor promoting environment. Therefore, we hypothesize that inhibition of TGF-â will decrease tumor-induced bone disease by reducing myeloid expansion and tumor growth in bone. To address this we injected mice with the TGF-â inhibitory antibody, 1D11, one week prior to tumor inoculation and continuously treated until sacrifice where myeloid expansion and parameters of tumor-induced bone disease were measured. Two mouse models were used to assess the importance of the immune system, an immunodeficient model inoculated with human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and a syngeneic model using murine breast cancer cells (4T1). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that TGF-â inhibition decreased a triple positive myeloid population (CD11b+F4/80+Gr-1+) in mice sacrificed at day 28 by five percent. This triple positive myeloid cell population has been associated with supporting tumor progression. Surprisingly our flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs: CD11b + GR-1 + ) remained unchanged when TGF-â was inhibited. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that 1D11 treated mice had a 2-fold increase in bone volume and connective density compared to control mice. X-ray analysis demonstrated that control mice had greater than 2-fold osteolytic bone destruction compared to mice treated with the TGF-â inhibitory antibody. Histomorphometric analyses suggests that TGF-â inhibition reduces tumor burden, increases osteoclast cell numbers and modulates macrophage cell populations. Together these results suggest that inhibiting TGF-â prior to tumor inoculation and subsequently after may prevent expansion of a tumor-promoting myeloid population and promote a bone-phenotype that does not support tumor growth in bone. Future studies will focus on investigating specific myeloid factors and assessing whether TGF-â inhibition decreases expression of these pro-tumorigenic factors. Citation Format: Denise Buenrostro, Alyssa Merkel, Julie Sterling. Role of TGF-â in myeloid regulation of tumor-induced bone disease. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 734.
Hydroponic Irrigation Systems

Hydroponic irrigation systems in high-tech commercial greenhouses utilize drip irrigation with soilless growing media such as sand, rock wool or coco-coir. Hydroponic drip systems use online barbed drip emitters and deliver water through distribution tubing to a stake in the media. With their closely spaced barbed fittings, the friction loss calculation for hydroponic drip laterals must include the losses due to barbed fittings. The irrigation schedule is generally triggered by a light sensor placed above the greenhouse. The duration of watering cycle, a few minutes, is primarily due to the need to regularly add oxygen to the growing media. All nutrients, including micronutrients, must be supplied by fertigation. The calculations are generally made on a concentration basis, and proportional injectors add fertilizer solution to the irrigation water. A sequential calculation method for the five macronutrients and fertilizer amounts is presented. The chapter also includes a VBA/Excel program that solves for fertilizer amounts for both macronutrients and micronutrients.
Optimization of a Cryogenic Refrigerator Heat Exchanger

Any cryogenic refrigerator which uses thermal regenerators, such as the Stirling cycle [1–4], Gifford-McMahon cycle [5,6] and Pulse Tube refrigeration devices [7–9] requires, in addition to the thermal regenerator, a small, constant-temperature heat exchanger at the cold end to adsorb the useful refrigeration heat load.
Thermal comfort in buildings using radiant vs. all-air systems: A critical literature review

Abstract Hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems are considered as an energy efficient technology to condition buildings. We performed a literature review to assess if radiant systems provide better, equal or lower thermal comfort than all-air systems. We included only peer-reviewed articles and articles published in proceedings of scientific conferences. The publications found have been classified based on research methods used. These include: (1) building performance simulation (BPS), (2) physical measurements (in laboratory test chambers and in buildings) and (3) human subject testing/occupant based surveys. This review identified eight conclusive studies: five studies that could not establish a thermal comfort preference between all-air and radiant systems and three studies showing a preference for radiant systems. Very few studies were based on occupant feedback in real buildings suggesting a significant research need. Overall, we found that a limited number of studies are available and therefore a solid answer cannot be given. Nevertheless, there is suggestive evidence that radiant systems may provide equal or better comfort than all-air systems.
THE PERFECT CRIMEAn Investigation of the Gasoline Station Drive-Away

With the number of self-service petrol stations rising from eight to over 50 per cent, of all United States service stations in recent years {Time, 1977), the " drive-away " has presented new and increasing problems for service station attendants and law enforcement personnel. The " drive-away " is an individual who pumps gasoline into his tank and drives away without paying for it. While many prior investigations have focused on behaviour associated with different crimes, this phenomenon associated with self-service stations has not been studied.
Categorization of Embodied User Interface in Immersive Virtual Environment

The purpose of this paper is to identify central issues regarding user interactions in a virtual environment for immersive learning. This preliminary argument explores the importance of categorization to match with cognitive domains and natural user interfaces in the immersive virtual environment. An example of applying immersive virtual environment (IVE) in cognitive domains is provided. The research idea will help practitioners in advanced learning technologies to design a virtual platform aligning with instructional goals.
In-situ analysis of the gas- and particle-phase in cigarette smoke by chemical ionization TOF-MS

Abstract Mainstream and sidestream smoke samples from two types of cigarette standards (3R4F and 1R5F) were directly analyzed by a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS). A Walton smoke machine was used to ensure the cigarette is smoked in an acceptably reproducible manner among experiments. Gas-phase material was analyzed in real time and particles were collected on a Nichrome filament, and desorbed at 500° C for analysis immediately after collection was complete. Nicotine was observed to be the most prevalent compound in both phases, indicative of its well-known partitioning behavior. Gas-phase species present in significant amounts in the sidestream samples include benzene, toluene, isoprene, pyridine, 3-ethenylpyridine, xylene, naphthalene, isoquinoline, myosmine, and nicotyrine. Mainstream gas samples exhibited different signatures, dominated by acetaldehyde, acetone, pyrrole, pyrroline, pyrrolidine, and phenolics. These may be indicative of the higher temperature combustion and filtration during each puff. Concentrations of each gas-phase compound were estimated from a mass calibration using toluene vapor. Spectra obtained for the particle-phase contain a complex mixture of high-molecular weight compounds, as previously observed by off-line methods, but also lower molecular weight semi-volatile compounds smaller than nicotine. This gas/particle partitioning may have implications concerning how some of these compounds are absorbed upon inhalation. These compounds are present in the particle-phase and the gas-phase. The soft ionization technique showed a promising result for rapidly identifying chemical differences among cigarette types, smoke streams, and phase.
The Methods of Quantum Mechanics

Abstract Based on the particle-wave duality principle of de Broglie, the state of a system can be described by a wave function. The treatment of systems using the methods of quantum mechanics involves finding the wave function. A set of postulates describes the formal approach for applying quantum mechanics to determine the appropriate wave functions. In general, wave functions have certain properties, such as finite, single-valued, and continuous. In one interpretation of quantum mechanics, the square of the wave function is related to the probability of some event (e.g., position of a particle, etc.). The wave function, in principle, makes it possible to determine other properties of the system. This chapter illustrates the application of the postulates of quantum mechanics and the application of a wave function for the 1s state of a hydrogen atom.
ORNAMENT AND DISTRACTION: PERIPHERAL AESTHETICS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

In the section devoted to “Attention” in The Principles of Psychology (1890), William James describes how the “‘adaptation of the attention’” can alter our perception of an image so as to permit multiple visual formulations (417). In his example of a two-dimensional drawing of a cube, we can see the three-dimensional body only once our attention has been primed by “preperception”: the image formed by the combination of lines has “no connection with what the picture ostensibly represents” (419, 418). In a footnote to this passage, however, James uses an example from Hermann Lotze's Medicinische Psychologie (1852), to show how a related phenomenon can occur involuntarily, and in states of distraction rather than attention: In quietly lying and contemplating a wall-paper pattern, sometimes it is the ground, sometimes the design, which is clearer and consequently comes nearer. . .all without any intention on our part. . . .Often it happens in reverie that when we stare at a picture, suddenly some of its features will be lit up with especial clearness, although neither its optical character nor its meaning discloses any motive for such an arousal of the attention. (419) James uses the formal illogicality of the wallpaper (its lack of compositional center prevents it from dictating the trajectory for our attention according to intrinsic aesthetic laws) to demonstrate the volatility of our ideational centers, particularly in moments of reverie or inattention. Without the intervention of the will, James says, our cognitive faculties are always in undirected motion, which occurs below the strata of our mental apprehension. Momentary instances of focus or attunement are generated only by the imperceptible and purely random “irradiations of brain-tracts” (420). Attention, for James, is the artistic power of the mind; it applies “emphasis,” “intelligible perspective,” and “clear and vivid form” to the objects apprehended by the faculties of perception, it “makes experience more than it is made by it” (381). Reverie, a moment when attention has been reduced to a minimum, thus demands an alternative aesthetic analog, where composition is reduced to a minimum too.
Effect of heartworm disease and heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) on the right ventricle of cats.

Dirofilaria immitis infection occurs in dogs and cats, both of which species are clinically affected by mature adult infections. Cats are uniquely affected by immature-adult infections with an inflammatory pulmonary disease called Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). D. immitis infection causes pulmonary parenchymal and vascular pathology in the dog and cat. Dogs develop pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale, whereas the development of pulmonary hypertension is rare in the cat. D. immitis infection in the dog causes alteration of the right ventricular (RV) extracellular matrix, including a decrease in myocardial collagen. In this study, the RV myocardial changes of cats infected with adult and immature-adult D. immitis were assessed. The cardiopulmonary systems of six groups of SPF cats (n = 9-10 per group) were examined 8 or 18 months after infection with L3 D. immitis. Two groups were untreated and allowed to develop adult HW; two groups were treated with ivermectin starting 3 months post infection, thus allowing HARD but no mature adult heartworms; and two groups were treated with selamectin beginning 1 month post infection, preventing development of L5 or adult heartworms. A group of specific pathogen free (SPF) normal cats was utilized as a negative control (n = 12). Lung pathologic lesions were objectively assessed, and both RV and left ventricular (LV) weights were obtained to calculate an RV/LV ratio. Intramural RV myocardial collagen content was quantitatively assessed. RV/LV weight ratios were not different between groups. Negative control cats had significantly greater RV collagen content than all other affected groups (P = 0.032). Analysis of the RV/LV ratios and collagen content revealed no significant relationship (r = 0.03, P = 0.723, respectively). Collagen content had a modest, but significant, negative correlation, however, with both pulmonary vascular pathology (r = −0.25, P = 0.032) as well as the total pulmonary parenchymal and vascular pathology (r = −0.26, P = 0.025). Cats infected with mature and immature D. immitis did not develop RV hypertrophy but did demonstrate loss of RV myocardial collagen content. The collagen loss was present at 8 and 18 months after infection in all infected cats. This loss of RV myocardial collagen was correlated with the severity of pulmonary parenchymal and vascular pathology.
Walter Burley: From the Beginning of His Treatise on the Kinds of Supposition (De suppositionibus)

Publication de la traduction anglaise du debut du traite «De suppositionibus» de W. Burley consacre a la supposition des termes absolus. Examinant les differentes sortes de supposition et d'appellation, l'A. etudie les divisions de la supposition propre, de la supposition formelle, de la supposition simple, de la supposition personnelle, de la supposition commune, de la supposition confuse, de la supposition confuse et distributive, ainsi que de la supposition confuse, distributive et mobile
INSTRUCTION MATTERS: INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTION ON MOTOR SKILL LEARNING ACROSS DIFFERENT MASTERY MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS

Research suggests that both practice and reinforcement are necessary for skill learning. In school settings however, there is typically only one teacher per class, and by consequence, providing individual feedback and reinforcement to all students is more challenging. Thus, the design of the task in schools/classes is extremely critical to maximize opportunities for practice and feedback. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different teacher behaviors (i.e., explicit instruction and feedback) within mastery climates on motor skill performance. 99 Preschool age children (M age = 4.75 years) participated in a mastery motivational climate physical play programme intervention bi-weekly for 7 weeks. Children were randomly assigned to a motor skill condition, physical activity condition, mixed condition, or a free play control group. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test scores as the covariate were conducted to determine the effects of condition on post-test motor skill scores. Results indicated that the children from the motor skill and mixed conditions showed significantly greater improvements than the other two groups. These findings suggest that instruction matters in learning motor skills. In the two conditions where children were given explicit instructional cues and feedback about performing tasks, they showed far superior gains than those children where the lesson focus was simply just on physical activity or when no instruction was given at all. Article visualizations: