cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-Mediated Alterations of Signal Transduction Pathways in Neonatal Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells † 1599

Intro: Hypoxia leads to neonatal pulmonary vascular remodeling, and is associated with smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia.Hypothesis: We hypothesized that hypoxia increases neonatal pulmonary artery cell (PASMC) proliferation, and that this change is mediated either by induction of the transcription factors Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1(HIF-1, known to be induced specifically by hypoxia), AP-1, and/or CREB, or by changes in activation of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway.Methods: PASMC proliferation in response to varying oxygen tension was assessed by exposing near confluent PASMC in 24-well plates in MEM+10%FBS and in serum-free media to oxygen concentrations of 1-20% for 72 hours, followed by electronic cell counts (n=12 at each O2 level). For assay of the transcription factors HIF-1, AP-1, and CREB, confluent PASMC were exposed to 2, 7, or 20% O2 for four hours and nuclear extracts prepared. Gel shift analysis (n=9 at each O2 level) was done using 32P-labelled oligonucleotide probes. In addition to samples, specific (unlabelled similar oligo) and non-specific (unlabelled different oligo) inhibitors were used to confirm identity of the transcription factor. MAPK was estimated using a specific radioimmunoassay on cell lysates of confluent PASMC exposed for 20 minutes(Short-term) or 18 hours (Long-term) to 2, 7, or 20% O2. Results: O2 levels < 7% inhibited PASMC proliferation in serum-containing media. In serum-free media, cell counts were lower overall but O2 levels of 1% increased cell counts compared to 5% or 20%. No change was noted in HIF-1 levels, but AP-1 and CREB showed marked inter-sample variation (at each O2 level) and correlated with one another. MAPK was increased at 20 minutes in the 2% and 20% O2 samples compared to the 7% O2 sample (p<0.05), but MAPK levels were similar at 18 hours. Conclusions: Hypoxia inhibits PASMC proliferation in serum-containing media (but not in serum-free media), and this inhibition is not due to HIF-1 induction, or MAPK inhibition, but due to inhibition of serum-stimulated proliferation. Marked variations in AP-1 and CREB levels make it difficult to attribute changes of PASMC proliferation to these transcription factors. It is possible that other pathways important in serum response (SRE) or stress response (SAPK) may mediate hypoxia-induced changes in PASMC proliferation.
Gene dosage compensation calibrates four regulatory RNAs to control Vibrio cholerae quorum sensing

Quorum sensing is a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication that allows bacteria to coordinately regulate gene expression in response to changes in cell-population density. At the core of the Vibrio cholerae quorum-sensing signal transduction pathway reside four homologous small RNAs (sRNAs), named the quorum regulatory RNAs 1–4 (Qrr1–4). The four Qrr sRNAs are functionally redundant. That is, expression of any one of them is sufficient for wild-type quorum-sensing behaviour. Here, we show that the combined action of two feedback loops, one involving the sRNA-activator LuxO and one involving the sRNA-target HapR, promotes gene dosage compensation between the four qrr genes. Gene dosage compensation adjusts the total Qrr1–4 sRNA pool and provides the molecular mechanism underlying sRNA redundancy. The dosage compensation mechanism is exquisitely sensitive to small perturbations in Qrr levels. Precisely maintained Qrr levels are required to direct the proper timing and correct patterns of expression of quorum-sensing-regulated target genes.
Giving and Volunteering as Distinct Forms of Civic Engagement: The Role of Community Integration and Personal Resources in Formal Helping

Despite the debate over the value of giving versus volunteering and the implications that they may be connected to public life in distinct ways, there is little work that compares how factors relat...
Reexamining the Dimensionality of Brand Loyalty: A Case of the Cruise Industry

This study revisits the dimensional structure of the brand loyalty construct. Following recent developments in loyalty studies, this research conceptualizes brand loyalty as a four‐dimensional construct comprising of cognitive, affective, conative, and behavioral loyalty. It is proposed that the first three dimensions collectively form a higher order factor—namely attitudinal loyalty—which then leads to behavioral loyalty. However, this conceptualization is not supported by the data. Alternatively, a modified model—based on the traditional conceptualization that attitudinal loyalty is a first‐order, one‐dimensional construct—was found to better fit the data. Thus, this study revalidates the traditional two‐dimensional conceptualization of loyalty. It also contributes to the literature by introducing and validating a five‐item attitudinal loyalty measure. An earlier draft of this paper was presented at the 2007 Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
Spin Hall effect tunnelling spectroscopy

The spin Hall effect, which arises from the spin–orbit interaction, is expected to be energy dependent, but experiments typically only characterize electrons near the Fermi surface. A tunnelling spectroscopy method has now been developed to probe the energy dependence.
A photoelectrochemical approach to splitting carbon dioxide for a manned mission to Mars

Abstract A photoelectrochemical system for splitting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and oxygen is discussed. The Martian atmosphere consists of 95% carbon dioxide. Splitting carbon dioxide would provide both oxygen to support life and carbon monoxide, which can be used as a substitute for hydrogen fuel. The photoelectrochemical system involves a cathodic compartment where reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide occurs; and an anodic compartment where ‘oxide’ equivalents from the carbon dioxide–carbonate equilibrium are oxidized to oxygen. The trinuclear nickel clusters [Ni 3 (μ 2 -dppm) 3 (μ 3 - L )(μ 3 - I )](PF 6 ) ( L =CNR, R=CH 3 (1), i –C 3 H 7 (2), C 6 H 11 (3), CH 2 C 6 H 5 (4), t –C 4 H 9 (5), 2,6–Me 2 C 6 H 3 (6); L =CO (7); [dppm=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane] are found to catalyze the cathodic process of carbon dioxide reduction to carbon monoxide. These cluster catalysts undergo single electron reduction over a relatively narrow range of E 1/2 (+/0) (−1.08–−1.18 V vs. SCE in acetonitrile) to form neutral radicals, [Ni 3 (μ 2 -dppm) 3 (μ 3 - L )(μ 3 - I )] • . Specular reflectance infrared spectroelectrochemical (SEC) measurements were used to characterize these species and their reactions with CO 2 . Studies in the absence of CO 2 show that the capping isocyanide or carbonyl ligand remains triply bridging (μ 3 , η 1 ) upon single electron reduction. Electrochemical kinetics studies indicate that the rates of reaction with CO 2 depend to first order on (cluster) and (CO 2 ). The rate constants for the rate limiting step in the reduction of CO 2 by the clusters, k CO2 (M −1 s −1 ), are 1.6±0.3 (1), 1.4±0.3 (2), 0.5±0.1 (3), 0.2±0.05 (4), 0.0±0.05 (5), 0.0±0.05 (6), and 0.1±0.1 (7), respectively. Thus, the relative rates of reaction of the alkyl or aryl substituted isocyanide- or carbonyl-capped clusters with CO 2 follow the order: CNCH 3 (1) CN( i –C 3 H 7 ) (2)>CNC 6 H 11 (3)>CNCH 2 C 6 H 5 (4)>CO (7)>CN( t -C 4 H 9 ) (5) CN(2,6-Me 2 C 6 H 3 ) (6). On the basis of these kinetic and spectroscopic studies, a mechanism for the catalytic reduction of CO 2 involving CO 2 activation on the isocyanide-capped face of the trinuclear nickel clusters is proposed.
Use of Ophthalmic Medications in Pregnant and Nursing Women

Editor's Note: With this issue the journal launches a new section in which periodically a particular topic will be reviewed by an expert or experts in a field with emphasis upon their personal views. We hope these views will be fresh, thought-provoking, and a stimulus to further studies. This section will be concerned mainly with the state-of-the-art and will relate to a particular viewpoint as of this time.
Regulatory legislation, unions, and labor market earnings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the effects of industry regulation on worker earnings are reconsidered using a wider array of industries and differentiating between industry‐opposed and industry‐supported legislation. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data from the Current Population Surveys are used in this paper with data on regulatory legislation from Cahan and Kaempfer. A difference‐in‐difference approach is used to compare wage changes pre‐ and post‐legislation, in industries with opposed or supported legislation, with those unaffected by legislation. The relative contribution of union and non‐union wage changes to the overall wage changes are also examined. Findings – The paper finds that regulatory legislation opposed by the industry did not affect earnings growth relative to industries not subject to regulatory legislation. Legislation supported by the industry led to slower relative earnings growth. Union wage differentials increased in industries with legislation regardless of industry opposition or support. Relative earnings declined among non‐union workers in industries that received legislation. The effects vary across industries with the results suggesting that some legislation led to increased product competition, while some legislation affected labor market competition. Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that data on regulatory legislation are limited by the lack of detailed information. For example, it is only known whether legislation was passed that was opposed or supported by the industry. Future research should replicate this analysis with more complete data. Practical implications – Also the paper sees that regulatory legislation does not need to completely regulate or deregulate an industry to affect workers. As such, policy makers should consider the effects of proposed legislation on workers in the affected industries. Originality/value – This paper directly tests whether the wage effects from regulation differ depending on industry opposition or support for the legislation. As such, this paper is innovative because it differentiates between different types of legislation in examining the effect of legislation on wages and the union differentials.
Growth dynamics of an amphibian tissue

By the “labeled mitoses” method of Quastler and Sherman and others, the cell cycle of the germinative zone cells of the bullfrog lens epithelium has been characterized. It has been shown that this cycle lasts approximately 83 days with the DNA synthetic phase enduring 100 hours and G2, 11 hours. G1 occupies over 90% of the total time. the duration of mitosis itself has not been precisely determined. the length of the synthetic phase was corroborated by double labeling with c14 and h3-thymidine. When the temperature is raised by 6°c, from 24° to 30° the cycle is compressed by 40%. When the nongerminative, central cells of bullfrog lens epithelium are activated (stimulated to undergo DNA synthesis and mitosis) by injury or through in vitro culture, the length of the cycle also appears to decrease. in the in vitro experiments the generation time, as judged by the period elapsing between two successive bursts of DNA synthesis involving the same cells, amounts to 177–190 hours at 24°c. by raising the temperature to 30°c the time from injury or isolation until the appearance of the first wave of mitosis is reduced by 20%.
Interspecific nuclear-cytoplasmic compatibility controlled by genes on group 1 chromosomes in durum wheat.

Triticum longissimum cytoplasm is incompatible with the T. turgidum nuclear genome. Two nuclear genes, scs and Vi, derived from the nuclear genome of T. timopheevii and by a spontaneous mutation, respectively, restore nuclear–cytoplasmic compatibility, normal plant vigor, and male fertility in these alloplasmic genotypes. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the chromosomal locations of scs and Vi; (ii) to identify DNA markers for scs and Vi; and (iii) to determine the interactions involving the dosage of scs and Vi. Two populations segregating for scs and Vi were produced and scored for seedling vigor (indicating presence of scs) and degree of self-fertility (indicating presence of Vi). Four RFLP markers were mapped near scs. Aneuploid analysis revealed that these markers, and hence the scs gene, are located on the long arm of chromosome 1A. Four RFLP markers were mapped near Vi on 1BS. Results indicated that other factors may be inhibiting the expression of Vi. We determined the dosage of ...
Piezoelectric coupling of bladed-disk assemblies

A novel approach for reducing mode localization of bladed-disk assemblies in turbomachinery is presented .A virtual shroud is created with piezoelectric coupling to reduce the sensitivity of the compressor disks to model localization. Both direct and resonant shunts are evaluated using a simple lumped-mass model. Resonant shunts are shown to be effective in reducing localization of certain structural modes.
Autonomic and behavioral responses of selectively bred hypercholinergic rats to oxotremorine and diisopropyl fluorophosphate

The hypercholinergic Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat was significantly more sensitive than the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rat to the biotelemetrically recorded hypothermic effects of oxotremorine, a direct-acting muscarinic agonist, and diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), an anticholinesterase agent. The effects of these agents on heart rate and motor activity, also recorded biotelemetrically, indicate either small differences (DFP) or no significant effect (oxotremorine) between the lines. These findings confirm the dramatic differences in temperature responses to cholinergic compounds between FSL and FRL rats, for which they were selectively bred, but suggest that a general increase in the sensitivity of the FSL rats to all muscarinic-mediated responses may not occur.
Martensitic transformations in Ti-(16–26 at%) Nb alloys

Martensitic phase transformations in the solution-treated and water-quenched binary Ti-Nb alloys in the range of 16–26 at% Nb, were examined. An ordered, base-centred orthorhombic martensite was observed for alloys containing up to 23.4 at% Nb. The substructure of this martensite was generally composed of twins and stacking faults, the presence of antiphase boundaries observed in the plates indicating that the martensite underwent ordering during quenching. Both order-disorder and Ms temperatures were observed to be affected by total interstitial content, higher contents increasing both temperatures. Increasing the niobium content to above 23.4% resulted in retention of the β phase, this phase containing either athermal ω or “diffuse” ω depending upon niobium and total interstitial concentration. Finally, the microhardness of the Ti-Nb alloys examined was observed to decrease with increase in niobium and decrease in total interstitial content.
The Effect of Supragingival Plaque Control on the Composition of the Subgingival Microbial Flora in Ligature-induced Periodontitis in the Monkey

The influence of supragingival plaque control on the subgingival microflora and clinical parameters of ligature-induced periodontitis in the Cynomolgus monkey was investigated. No clinical changes were observed during the six-week experimental period. The total cultivable flora and the proportions of total black-pigmented Bacteroides (BPB) and asaccharolytic black-pigmented Bacteroides decreased significantly in the cleaned test sites as compared to those in the non-cleaned controls. The study suggests that six wk of supragingival plaque control in the presence of periodontal disease may alter the periodontitis-associated microflora in the monkey, but not sufficiently to alter clinical signs of disease in this time period.
The illiberal founding of modern political science and its implications for the contemporary study of politics

What philosopher should be conferred the prestigious title of the founder of modern political science? This article claims that Thomas Hobbes most deserves to be called the founding father of the modern scientific discipline tasked with the study of politics, state and government. Disapproving of its ancient founder, Aristotle, the discipline begins anew with a combination of arguments from Machiavelli and Hobbes. More precisely, modern political science is founded on the Hobbesian correction of Machiavelli as Hobbes not only focuses on the separation of morals and science, by relying on an illiberal conception of human nature, but also radically redefines science as such. This paradigmatic shift has in turn subverted the discipline. The legacies of Hobbesian scientific revolution have provided contemporary political science with a justification for its fascination with order and metrics. Denying the intrinsic value of the normative nature of political realities, a coherent conception of politics and, consequently, a coherent conception of the purpose of the study of politics remain incomplete and illiberal.
Influence of different nematic crosslinking unit on mesomorphism of side-chain cholesteric elastomers containing menthyl groups

The synthesis of two cholesteric monomers (M1 and M2), nematic crosslinking agent (C1 and C2), and the corresponding side-chain elastomers containing menthyl groups (P1 and P2 series) is described. The mesomorphism was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of the content of the different nematic crosslinking unit on the mesomorphism of the elastomers was discussed. M1 and M2 showed cholesteric and blue phases; C1 and C2 showed nematic phase. Because of the introduction of the nematic crosslinking unit, elastomers P1-1−P1-5 and P2-1−P2-5 exhibited cholesteric phase. With increasing the content of nematic crosslinking unit, T g of the obtained elastomers revealed an increased tendency, and T i of P1 series firstly increased then decreased, while T i of P2 series decreased the mesomorphism of the corresponding elastomers when the content of nematic crosslinking unit was 12 mol.%.
Risk factors for sporadic infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7

Background: Little is known about risk factors for sporadic infection withEscherichia coli0157:H7. In response to a sharp increase in reported cases in New Jersey during July 1994, we conducted a case-control study to identify principal sources of infection and contributing practices. Methods: Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate (1) potential exposures of case patients and matched controls and (2) knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food preparers in case and control households. Patient isolates were subtyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: Patients with E coli 0157:H7 infection (N=23; median age, 9 years; 55% female) were more likely than healthy controls to have eaten a hamburger in the week preceding illness (matched odds ratio, undefined;P Conclusions: Hamburgers prepared at home are an important source of sporadicE coli0157:H7 infections. We estimate that adequate hand washing by food preparers could have prevented 34% of E coli 0157:H7 infections in the study population. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:204-208
Theoretical prediction of FKrOH

Abstract Since the discovery that rare gases may form metastable compounds with electronegative atoms, much research has been devoted to the determination of novel bound species. In this work, our laboratory has used B3LYP as a survey method to identify possible new potential rare gas molecules. The ab initio methods, MP2 and CCSD(T), in combination with aug-cc-pVnZ (n = D, T and Q) basis sets have been used to confirm the results of the B3LYP calculations. Our calculations predict that FKrOH should exist and we report optimized geometries, vibrational frequencies and relative energies as evidence of our prediction.
Identification of the phenothiazines by gas chromatography of their pyrolysis products

Nineteen phenothiazines were pyrolyzed and their products analyzed gas chromatographically. The pyrolysis products were compared with those obtained from a similar study of the barbiturates. Tentative identifications have been made of three pyrolysis products. The pyrolyzates of the various phenothiazine derivatives yield gas chromatographie patterns which differentiate among them.
The relative importance of genetics and phenotypic plasticity in dictating bone morphology and mechanics in aged mice: Evidence from an artificial selection experiment

Abstract Both genetic and environmental factors are known to influence the structure of bone, contributing to its mechanical behavior during, and adaptive response to, loading. We introduce a novel approach to simultaneously address the genetically mediated, exercise-related effects on bone morphometrics and strength, using mice that had been selectively bred for high levels of voluntary wheel running (16 generations). Female mice from high running and control lines were either allowed ( n =12, 12, respectively) or denied ( n =11, 12, respectively) access to wheels for 20 months. Femoral shaft, neck, and head were measured with calipers and via micro-computed tomography. Fracture characteristics of the femoral head were assessed in cantilever bending. After adjusting for variation in body mass by two-way analysis of covariance, distal width of the femur increased as a result of selective breeding, and mediolateral femoral diameter was reduced by wheel access. Cross-sectional area of the femoral mid-shaft showed a significant linetype × activity effect, increasing with wheel access in high-running lines but decreasing in control lines. Body mass was significantly positively correlated with many of the morphometric traits studied. Fracture load of the femoral neck was strongly positively predicted by morphometric traits of the femoral neck ( r 2 >0.30), but no significant effects of selective breeding or wheel access were found. The significant correlations of body mass with femoral morphometric traits underscore the importance of controlling for body size when analyzing the response of bone size and shape to experimental treatments. After controlling for body mass, measures of the femoral neck remain significant predictors of femoral neck strength.
Duodenum is not a consistent source of melatonin in rats

Markedly increased melatonin levels in plasma have been observed in response to tryptophan administration. This post-tryptophan melatonin increase has been attributed to the duodenum. Because extra-pineal sources of melatonin may be important in interpreting the meaning of altered melatonin production observed in patient populations, this work was undertaken to confirm whether melatonin is produced in the duodenum and to know whether the duodenum need be considered when investigating the circadian control of melatonin production. We measured melatonin in rat duodenum by HPLC both under basal conditions and following tryptophan load. No melatonin was observed in duodenum under conditions of 2.5 ng/g measurement limits. Neither was there any evidence found for the melatonin precursor N-acetylserotonin. Treatment with N-acetylserotonin resulted in increased melatonin content in the pineal gland, but no evidence for melatonin in the duodenum. In vitro incubation of duodenum tissue with 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-methoxytryptophan, or N-acetylserotonin revealed no detectable melatonin synthesis, and incubation with melatonin revealed no detectable melatonin degradation. The lack of confirmation of melatonin content and the lack of either synthetic or degradative enzyme activity in duodenum tissue suggest that melatonin production from duodenum need not be considered in human or animal studies of melatonin production.
Ethanol as a reinforcer in the newborn's first suckling experience.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that human infants prefer alcohol-flavored milk when fed through a bottle. Animal models also indicate a surprising predisposition for neonatal and infant rats to voluntarily and willingly ingest ethanol. These findings suggest high susceptibility to the reinforcing properties of ethanol early in ontogeny. Methods: A surrogate nipple technique—a highly effective tool for investigation of the reinforcing properties of different fluids—was applied in the present study. Tests of ethanol reinforcement were accomplished in terms of two basic paradigms of Pavlovian conditioning. In one paradigm, the conditioned stimulus (CS) was the surrogate nipple, and in the other, the CS was a novel odor. Results: Newborn rats showed sustained attachment to the nipple providing 5% ethanol, and later reproduced this behavioral pattern toward the empty nipple (CS alone). Ingestion of ethanol yielding appetitive reinforcement was accompanied by detectable blood alcohol concentrations, with most in the range of 20–30 mg/dl. The reinforcing efficacy of ethanol was also confirmed in the classical olfactory conditioning paradigm: following pairing with intraoral ethanol infusions, the odor (CS) alone elicited sustained attachment to an empty nipple. Females showed better olfactory conditioning with low concentrations of ethanol, whereas males were effectively more conditioned to high concentrations. Although there were no reinforcing consequences of intraperitoneally injected ethanol [as an unconditioned stimulus (US)] when a neutral odor was the CS, when paired with ingestion of water from a nipple, the injection of ethanol had a reinforcing effect. Conclusions: The present series of experiments revealed ethanol reinforcement in the newborn rat. Two varieties of Pavlovian conditioning established that ethanol can serve as an effective US, and hence reinforcer, in such a way as to increase the approach and responsiveness toward stimuli paired with that US, indicating appetitive reinforcement.
Low-distortion double-sampling ΔΣ ADC using a direct-charge-transfer adder

A new double-sampling architecture is proposed for wideband low-power ΔΣ ADC design. A direct-charge-transfer adder is used to reduce the bandwidth requirements for the adder, and the loop filter's linearity requirement is relaxed by using a low-distortion topology. To verify the proposed design methodology, a 2nd order double-sampling delta-sigma ADC using the proposed scheme has been designed and simulated.
Sulfur segregation to grain boundaries in Ni 3 Al and Ni 3 (AI,Ti) alloys

The segregation of S to grain boundaries in Ni3Al and Ni3(Al, Ti) has been studied using Auger electron spectroscopy. The S concentration at the grain boundaries decreases more slowly with increasing temperature than would be predicted by segregation models based on a single solute binding energy to the grain boundaries. This behavior, which can be interpreted as an increase in the effective solute binding energy for a grain boundary as a function of temperature, is consistent with predictions of a model based on the existence of a spectrum of solute binding energies for grain boundaries.
Genomic Analysis of Xanthomonas oryzae Isolates from Rice Grown in the United States Reveals Substantial Divergence from Known X. oryzae Pathovars

The species Xanthomonas oryzae is comprised of two designated pathovars, both of which cause economically significant diseases of rice in Asia and Africa. Although X. oryzae is not considered endemic in the United States, an X. oryzae-like bacterium was isolated from U.S. rice and southern cutgrass in the late 1980s. The U.S. strains were weakly pathogenic and genetically distinct from characterized X. oryzae pathovars. In the current study, a draft genome sequence from two U.S. Xanthomonas strains revealed that the U.S. strains form a novel clade within the X. oryzae species, distinct from all strains known to cause significant yield loss. Comparative genome analysis revealed several putative gene clusters specific to the U.S. strains and supported previous reports that the U.S. strains lack transcriptional activator-like (TAL) effectors. In addition to phylogenetic and comparative analyses, the genome sequence was used for designing robust U.S. strain-specific primers, demonstrating the usefulness of a draft genome sequence in the rapid development of diagnostic tools.
Surgery for cardiac myxomas.

Myxomas, particularly left-atrial myxomas, are the most common primary tumors of the heart that cardiac surgeons will be called upon to remove. Although some tumors are discovered incidentally during echocardiographic examination, many produce symptoms caused by the release of inflammatory cytokines, obstruction to intracardiac blood flow, and/or embolization. With rare exception, cardiac myxomas are benign, and excision is safe and curative in most patients. In a 3S-year experience at the Mayo Clinic, 100 patients have had 106 operations for myxoma, and there has been only 1 perioperative death. During follow-up extending to 25 years, postoperative survival is similar to that of an ageand sex-matched population, and at 20 years postoperatively, 94% of patients were free of recurrent myxomas. Recognition of familial and syndrome myxomas (eg, Carney's complex) is important in guiding surgical approach, planning follow-up, and predicting recurrence of these unusual neoplasms.
Real-Time Blackboards For Sensor Fusions

Multi-sensor fusion, at the most basic level, can be cast into a concise, elegant model. Reality demands, however, that this model be modified and augmented. These modifications often result in software systems that are confusing in function and difficult to debug. This problem can be ameliorated by adopting an object-oriented, data-flow programming style. For real-time applications, this approach simplifies data communications and storage management. The concept of object-oriented, data-flow programming is conveniently embodied in the black-board style of software architecture. Blackboard systems allow diverse programs access to a central data base. When the blackboard is described as an object, it can be distributed over multiple processors for real-time applications. Choosing the appropriate parallel architecture is the subject of ongoing research. A prototype blackboard has been constructed to fuse optical image regions and Doppler radar events. The system maintains tracks of simulated targets in real time. The results of this simulation have been used to direct further research on real-time blackboard systems.
The effects of Nosema algerae on the horizontal life table attributes of Anopheles stephensi under laboratory conditions

Abstract Under controlled insectary conditions, infection with Nosema algerae (Cnidospora: Microsporidia) was found to significantly alter the life table characteristics of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) as follows: immature to adult survivorship decreased and developmental time was slightly delayed, female and male life expectancy at emergence decreased, fecundity, and thus the net reproductive rate, decreased, and the instantaneous rate of increase and the instantaneous birth and death rates decreased. The time in life of female reproduction and generation time were not significantly altered. Results are discussed in the context of vectorial capacity for malaria.
Percent microscopic tumor necrosis and survival after curative surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Tumor necrosis is a potential marker of recurrence and survival after surgery for renal cell carcinoma. We determined whether a correlation exists between the amount (not just the presence/absence) of tumor necrosis, and metastasis-free, disease specific and overall survival after surgery for renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We identified 841 consecutive patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy from 1989 to 2004 for renal cell cancer. Specimens were re-reviewed by a single pathologist (MFS). The tumor necrosis percent was none in 586 cases, less than 50% in 198 and 50% or greater in 55. Grade, stage, subtype, size, gender and age were also analyzed. Variables at p <0.05 on univariate analysis were incorporated into a Cox proportional hazards multivariate model. Metastasis-free, disease specific and overall survival was described using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log rank test.Results: Tumor necrosis was found in 253 specimens (30%). Univariate analysis re...
Stable Isotopes in Fish Eye Lenses as Potential Recorders of Trophic and Geographic History

We evaluated eye lenses as potential recorders of stable isotope histories in fish because they consist of metabolically inert optical proteins that are deposited in successive, concentric circles (laminae) much like otolith circuli and tree rings. We conducted four different tests on lenses from red snapper, red grouper, gag, and white grunt. The first test was a low-resolution screening of multiple individuals (4–5 radial groups of laminae per lens, all species except white grunt). Along the radial axis, all individuals exhibited substantial isotopic variability. Red snapper individuals separated into two groups based on δ15N and gag separated into two groups based on δ13C. Two gag with the greatest variation were chosen for high-resolution temporal analysis using individual laminae from their second eye lenses. The first-order patterns from the high-resolution analysis generally mimicked patterns from the low-resolution screening of grouped laminae, yet the high-resolution plots revealed early-life details that were not apparent in the low-resolution screenings. For the third test, left- versus right-eye variation was compared using high-resolution methods. White grunt left- and right-eye radial isotopic patterns were almost identical for both δ13C and δ15N, suggesting the variations observed among individual fish were not artifacts. The final test evaluated intra-laminar variation; multiple samples were analyzed from different parts of the same lamina. Seven laminae from three individuals of two species were analyzed in this manner; variations among laminae were found to be much higher than variations within laminae. However, nominal intra-laminar variations were comparable to nominal differences between left and right lenses, suggesting intra-laminar variation established measurement precision. Eye lens isotopes appear to be useful for reconstructing the isotopic histories of individual fish; these histories can be compared with spatially-derived isoscapes to reconstruct individual histories for site fidelity, movement and trophic position.
Abstract 2735: Inactivation of activin signaling pathway accelerates the development of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in vivo.

The association of TGF-β pathway with human tumorigenesis has been rigorously demonstrated. However, little is known about activin signaling, part of the TGF-β family, in pancreatic tumorigenesis. We have previously reported sporadic mutations of the Activin receptor type 1B (ACVR1B) in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To investigate the significance of ACVR1B in pancreatic tumorigenesis, Acvr1b flox/flox ; Pdx1-Cre mice were generated and examined. Chronic pancreatitis-like histological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar to ductal metaplasia, and fibrosis were observed in Acvr1b mutant alone mice older than 8 months of age. In combination with mutant Kras G12D in the pancreas, Acvr1b deletion accelerated the development of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucious neoplasms (IPMN), but not the pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). The IPMN progressed to invasive and metastatic cancer was observed in this model. The expressions of Cox-2 and phospho-PDK1 are dramatically increased in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, but activated Notch4 expression is exclusively observed in the IPMN lesions by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that Notch4 signaling may play a role in the formation or maintenance of the mucin-rich ductal phenotype in this model. Interestingly, the progression of IPMN to invasive cancer appears to require additional p16 loss in this double mutant mouse model. In human IPMN, loss of p16 expression is associated with increasing grade. Our data provide the first evidence that Acvr1b acts as a tumor-suppressor in vivo and that activin signaling plays a predominant role in the development of pancreatic IPMNs. Significance: PDAC can arise from PanINs or IPMN. It has been reported previously that disruption of TGF-β signaling promotes the progression of PanIN to PDAC in the TGFβRII knockout background. In contrast, here we present that activin signaling deficiency favors the development of IPMNs and enhances their progression to PDAC. This phenotype overlaps with those observed in the Smad4 knockout background, suggesting that the involvement of activin signaling in the IPMN to PDAC sequence is Smad4-dependent. Together these data demonstrate that TGF-β superfamily ligands play critical roles in regulating the IPMN-derived versus PanIN-derived carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Wanglong Qiu, Sophia Tang, Sohyae Lee, Andrew T. Turk, Anthony Sireci, Anne Qiu, Ralph H. Hruban, Helen E. Remotti, Gloria H. Su. Inactivation of activin signaling pathway accelerates the development of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2735. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2735
Optimizing packing contrast for MRI-based intracavitary brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer

Abstract Purpose We prospectively tested five variations in vaginal gauze packing in an effort to improve contrast between the packing, cervix, and applicator for MRI-based intracavitary brachytherapy planning. Methods and materials Five patients enrolled on a prospective study from May 2013 to October 2013 received MRI-based intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer with variations of impregnated gauze packing. Substances tested included antibiotic cream alone, antibiotic cream mixed with ultrasound gel, conjugated estrogens cream mixed with ultrasound gel, ultrasound gel alone, and gadolinium. Images from the T2-weighted pelvic MRI were used to obtain signal intensity measurements at points within the packing, cervix, and applicator. Signal intensity values were normalized using the signal-to-noise ratio and compared using an unpaired t-test. Results Ultrasound gel-impregnated gauze allowed for the greatest contrast between the packing and the cervix with a difference in mean normalized signal intensity of 38.2 (p Conclusions Gauze impregnated with ultrasound gel, conjugated estrogens cream mixed with ultrasound gel, and gadolinium allowed for a significant difference in MRI signal intensity between the packing and the cervix. With respect to both the cervix and the applicator, ultrasoundgel-impregnated gauze provided the best contrast overall.
Texture Evaluations of Cooked, Diced Broiler Breast Samples by Sensory and Mechanical Methods

Abstract The texture of cooked chicken breast is usually determined on intact pieces or strips that are representative of the muscle. Researchers emphasize the importance of uniformity of sample size and orientation of fibers to the shearing blades to ensure consistent data from instruments such as shear devices. For sensory evaluations, sample pieces of chicken breasts presented to panelists are often sized as single 2-cm2 or several 1-cm2 pieces. In this study, two sensory and two mechanical procedures were evaluated for efficacy in discerning texture differences in 1-cm2 pieces of cooked chicken. Three postmortem deboning times (2, 6, and 24 h) provided a texture quality spectrum. Sensory characteristics were evaluated by descriptive analysis-trained panel (DA-TP) and by category scales-untrained panel (CS-UP). Twenty-gram breast portions of 1-cm2 pieces were evaluated using a multi-blade Allo-Kramer (AK) shear blade. Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear values of intact 1.9-cm-wide strips were also recorded. Discriminant analysis classification based on CS-UP gave higher error rates (probabilities of misclassification) than classification based on DA-TP. The CS-UP error rates were 0.36 (tender) and 0.65 (juiciness). The error rate of classification by DA-TP was 0.21. Error rates for classification by mechanical devices were 0.30 for WB and 0.21 for AK. Sample size is a consideration in texture evaluation protocols. Smaller sample pieces appear to mask differences in initial chew characteristics and in juiciness that are due to deboning time.
Changing mercury anomalies in Long Valley, California: Indication for magma movement or seismic activity

Mercury anomalies in soils in geothermal areas form as a result of vapor transport. Comparison of the Hg distribution of Long Valley, measured in 1975 and again in 1982, indicates that a new Hg anomaly formed in the Inyo crater zone in the intervening period. Two models can explain this new anomaly: (1) geothermal water has reached shallow levels as a result of increased permeability created by seismic activity, or (2) addition of a CO/sub 2/-rich, magnetic vapor to the geothermal system at depth caused vapor exsolution in zones where it did not occur before. If the Hg anomaly in the Inyo crater zone is related to the addition of magmatic vapors, the site of the new anomaly may overlie young, intruding magma. 26 references, 5 figures.
How Reasons Explain Behaviour: Reply to Melnyk and Noordhof

: Melnyk complains that my account of the way reasons explain behaviour cannot be extended to cover novel behaviours. I admit that I did not extend it, but deny that it is not extendible. This, indeed, is what Chapter 6 of Dretske (1988) was all about. Noordhof finds faults with my account and claims there is another account (partial supervenience) that does a better job. I acknowledge one of the defects—a defect I was aware of when I wrote the book-but deny that the partial supervenience of content on intrinsic properties represents a better theory of the explanatory role of content.
High Pixel Count Holography

Relatively low cost focal arrays and the availability of high performance digital processing enable computational holographic imaging on unprecedented scale. This talk describes recent progress in registration and optimization algorithm.
Electronic properties of silicon nanowires

The electronic structure and transmission coefficients of Si nanowires are calculated in a sp/sup 3/d/sup 5/s/sup */ model. The effect of wire thickness on the bandgap, conduction valley splitting, hole band splitting, effective masses, and transmission is demonstrated. Results from the sp/sup 3/d/sup 5/s/sup */ model are compared to those from a single-band effective mass model to assess the validity of the single-band effective mass model in narrow Si nanowires. The one-dimensional Brillouin zone of a Si nanowire is direct gap. The conduction band minimum can split into a quartet of energies although often two of the energies are degenerate. Conduction band valley splitting reduces the averaged mobility mass along the axis of the wire, but quantum confinement increases the transverse mass of the conduction band edge. Quantum confinement results in a large increase in the hole masses of the two highest valence bands. A single-band model performs reasonably well at calculating the effective band edges for wires as small as 1.54-nm square. A wire-substrate interface can be viewed as a heterojunction with band offsets resulting in reflection in the transmission.
The Predictive Validity of CBM Writing Indices for Eighth-Grade Students:

Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is an alternative to traditional assessment techniques. Technical work has begun to identify CBM writing indices that are psychometrically sound for monitoring older students’ writing proficiency. This study examined the predictive validity of CBM writing indices in a sample of 447 eighth-grade students. Regression analyses revealed that simple fluency measures were not adequate for assessing secondary students’ writing. A more complex fluency measure, the number of correct punctuation marks, and an accuracy-based measure, the percentage of correct word sequences, were the best predictors of a written expression test for eighth-grade students. However, overall results of the current study provided only limited support for the use of CBM to assess writing skill at the secondary level.
Developing and Using Teaching Cases in a Partnership Environment

Teaching cases, which are true narrative accounts of authentic situations presented within their original contexts, are being used increasingly by teacher educators as a vehicle for reflective interaction about actual teaching practice. A collaborative research team at the University of South Florida has been developing, modifying and evaluating the application of teaching cases in the teacher education program. In this article, a brief history and rationale for the use of teaching cases in teacher education is presented with a description of how teaching cases are being used by the collaborative team. Cases developed by the group and the results of case teaching with undergraduate and graduate students are discussed.
Using learning contracts for improved teaching and student involvement

The typical students at the Purdue University-Anderson site are adult learners, and, as such, they have special needs which must be recognized and addressed if their learning and retention is to be maximized. To accomplish this the andragogy educational adult learner method was followed. The learner must be the focus of the preparation for and acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding to become an adaptable human being. During the first weeks of any course the instructor and students must develop a positive relationship: one that is conductive to improved learning. During these initial weeks the instructor lays the necessary foundation of knowledge and general course expectations from which all else evolves. This phase is followed by either one-on-one instructor-student or instructor-team dialogues to reach a mutual and satisfactory knowledge of specific course expectations. The students, individually or in teams, must be actively involved in defining their interim and ultimate learning objectives, and in establishing their responsibilities and accountabilities. These specifics are detailed in a learning contract which is submitted and ultimately agreed to by the instructor. The role of the instructor becomes primarily that of a facilitator, consultant and resource helping each student and/or team successfully accomplish their defined objectives. In the Spring semester, 1998, three courses at Purdue University-Anderson will be using the learning contract methodology. The results attained in each course using this method are presented as well as the methodology and expected results.
Incremental run-time application mapping for homogeneous NoCs with multiple voltage levels

In this paper, we propose an efficient technique for run-time application mapping onto Network-on-Chip (NoC) platforms with multiple voltage levels. Our technique consists of a region selection algorithm and a heuristic for run-time application mapping which minimizes the communication energy consumption, while still providing the required performance guarantees. The proposed technique allows for new applications to be easily added to the system platform with minimal inter-processor communication overhead. Moreover, our approach scales very well for large designs. Finally, the experimental results show as much as 50% communication energy savings compared to arbitrary mapping solutions.