cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION CRITERIA AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

“No significant differences” is the most frequently quoted conclusion of any survey comparing the effectiveness [1] of alternative instructional technologies [2,3]. While this effectiveness conclusion does not differ for the research reported upon in this paper the other purposes of this paper are to discuss alternative criteria for measuring effectiveness and to analyse potential causes of the finding of no significant differences. The paper is divided into three major sections. In the first section an analysis of the impact of comparability of technologies, organizational factors, student characteristics, and material quality on technology effectiveness is presented. The second section is devoted to a description of cognitive (measurements of knowledge gains) and non-cognitive (attitudes and time to complete material) criteria for evaluation. The third section contains a summarization of research findings for a variety of technologies including: television, radio, programmed instruction, computer-assisted instruction and effects of alterations in class size, changes in course length, and utilization of graduate students as instructors.
Effects of strain relaxation on the photoluminescence of semipolar InGaN

We present the effects of partial strain relaxation on the optical properties in lattice mismatched semipolar (1122) InGaN using polarization-dependent photoluminescence measurements to probe the strain dependent band mixing of the valence bands.
Desmethylimipramine, a potent inhibitor of synaptosomal norepinephrine uptake, has diverse effects on thyroid hormone processing in rat brain. II. Effect on in vivo 5'-deiodination of [125I]thyroxine.

We have studied the effects of desmethylimipramine (DMI), a tricyclic antidepressant, on thyroid hormone (TH) handling in rat brain in an effort to discover a pharmacological basis for reported interactions between TH, affective disorders and psychotropic drugs. An acute dose of DMI has been used in order to determine the primary effects of the drug in brain without perturbations from secondary effects. Recently we have reported that a single dose of DMI significantly decreases brain uptake of both [125I]thyroxine (T4) and [125I]3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) across the spectrum of thyroid states from hypothyroid (HYPO) to euthyroid (EU) to T4-induced hyperthyroid (HYPER). To investigate further the effects of DMI on brain processing of TH, we have measured effects of the drug on in vivo rates of T4 to T3 conversion in a series of experiments in which DMI (25 mg/kg) was given to HYPO, EU and HYPER male rats in conjunction with i.v. [125I]T4. Decreased in vivo conversion ratios (T3/T4 ratios) suggest that acute DMI treatment causes a significant decrease in 5'-deiodinase activity in balance of brain (but not cerebellum) in all DMI treated rats as compared to their saline treated controls (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). For assurance that reduced T3/T4 in DMI treated rat brain is not the result of DMI enhancement of 5-deiodination of T3 or T4, the effect of DMI on concentrations of labeled I-, rT3, and T2 (3,3'- and 3',5'-) was also observed. In no case was there a significant increase in any metabolite in DMI treated rats for any tissue studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How Death Came to Mankind: Myths and Legends

An examination of anthropological data in the form of myths and legends from various less complex societies than our own, regarding the origin of death, reveals several major themes. In the forbidd...
T-Lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte dichotomy in anuran amphibians: III. Assessment and identification of inducible killer T-lymphocytes (IKTL) and spontaneous killer T-lymphocytes (SKTL)

Abstract We have established the existence of alloreactive inducible killer (IK) T-lymphocytes in Rana pipiens by injecting immunogenic concentrations of allogeneic frog erythrocytes (RBC). Assessment of specific IK activity was determined microscopically, observing effector-target conjugate formation, and spectrophotometrically as released hemoglobin (Hb) from lysed targets (RBC). The presence of spontaneous killer (SK) T-lymphocyte activity was also determined using unimmunized frogs and similar assay conditions. Assays using rabbit anti-frog Thy-1.1 antiserum inhibition, but not E-rosetted T-lymphocyte depletion, confirmed the T-lymphocyte category of both effector cell populations in Rana pipiens . For IK activity, we determined the 1) best priming doses, 2) best effector cell source (peripheral blood), 3) best priming route (intraperitoneal), 4) kinetics of immunity development, and 5) kinetics of lysis. Kinetics of lysis and organ distribution for spontaneous killer cells were also determined. Our results may assist 1) in establishing the evolutionary origin of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells, and 2) in predicting where the capacity of immuno-surveillance against modified-self appeared in phylogeny. The implications are important for understanding origins of mechanisms of resistance against neoplastic conditions.
Inversion of high spectral resolution data

The development of imaging spectrometers heralds a revolution in our ability to use remote sensing in the earth sciences. The combined high spectral and spatial resolution of these new sensors should motivate a shift in interpretation techniques towards more deterministic and quantitative methods. Geophysical inversion theory provides the proper framework for the development of these new approaches to remote sensing interpretation. Models relating the observable radiance to the controlling parameters are inverted along with auxiliary data and error models to arrive at quantitative estimates and uncertainties of the properties of interest. Linear spectral unmixing is a simple but useful example of one of the many inversion procedures that can be envisioned for these new remote sensing data. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract 152: MicroRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Background: The accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs play a key role in tumor development and progression. The aim of this study is to assess the role and function of microRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Method and Results: We investigated expression profiles of microRNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by using a miRNA microarray platform. Profiles from tumor samples (n=10) and nontumor tissues (n=10) were compared. We identified 24 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which 1 was significantly downregulated, while the other 23 were upregulated in tumor tissues. Mir-21 was most notably upregulated in tumor tissues (P=0.0002), and mir-375 was a potential tumor suppressive microRNA that was significantly downregulated in tumors (P=0.0002). Expression profiles of these two microRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR with separate clinical samples (16 tumors and 15 normal tissues). In vitro assays confirmed that mir-21 stimulated cell growth and mir-375 had a tumor suppressive role. Next, to assess downstream target genes, cells were subjected to microarray analysis after transient transfection with each microRNA or its negative control. We also conducted a bioinformatics search (TargetScan, PicTar, miRanda). By combining these data, we identified potential target genes including YWHAZ (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide) for mir-375 and BNC2 (Basonuclin 2) for mir-21. These potential target genes were downregulated after forced expression of mir-375 or mir-21. The activities of a luciferase reporter containing these microRNA's binding sequences at the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of some potential target mRNAs were repressed by the ectopic expression of miR-375 or miR-21, suggesting that some of these candidates are specific targets of these microRNAs. Conclusions: Mir-21 is a potential oncogenic microRNA, and miR-375 is a potential tumor-suppressive microRNA in head and neck squamous carcinoma. Further investigation including pathway analysis of these microRNAs may lead to the detection of therapeutic targets of head and neck cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 152. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-152
Essential and nonessential noncapsid reovirus proteins

Abstract Nine species of reovirus-specified polypeptides have been detected in mouse L fibroblasts infected at 31°. Eight of these are primary gene products (designated λ1, λ2, μ0, μ1, σ1, σ2, σ2A, and σ3), while one (μ2) is derived from μ1 by cleavage which reduces the molecular weight by about 10%. Six of the primary gene products are capsid polypeptides, while two, namely μ0 and σ2A, are not; these are classed as essential noncapsid polypeptides. All these nine polypeptides are also formed at 37°, in addition to three others, polypeptides X, Y, and Z, which are cleavage products of either μ1 or μ2. Since they are not formed when virus multiplies at 31°, they are classed as nonessential noncapsid polypeptides. They are probably formed as a result of a cleavage mechanism triggered by cytopathic damage resulting from viral infection. The molecular weights of all reovirus-specified polypeptides are listed, and tentative assignments are made as to the identity of the polypeptide coded by each reovirus genome RNA segment.
Initiation of shallow mass movement by vegetative-type conversion

Vegetative-type conversion is a common management practice employed to improve watershed, range, wildlife, or silvicultural conditions on western wildlands. This practice has a greater potential for inducing landslides than is commonly recognized. Conversion of tree and brush cover to grassland cover results in increased soil moisture in earth materials and loss of a consolidating root network. Sheep Creek watershed in central Utah illustrates how landsliding may occur as a result of vegetative-type conversion. Visible landslide activity increased by 300%, and average movement of 0.7 m/yr (2.3 ft/yr) began in the postconversion period. Vegetative-type conversion apparently has a landslide-inducing potential similar to that of clear-cutting and road building.
Dexamethasone as adjuvant therapy for severe acute pharyngitis

Study objective: To determine the efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant therapy to improve pain relief in patients with severe, acute exudative pharyngitis. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting: Large, urban community hospital emergency department with an emergency medicine residency program. Type of participants: Patients aged 12 to 65 years old with exudative pharyngitis and severe dysphagia/odynophagia. Patients with cancer, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, recent steroid use, pregnancy, or suspicion of peritonsillar abscess were excluded. Interventions: All patients received oral penicillin (500 mg Pen VK) or erythromycin (333 mg base) three times daily for ten days in addition to either 10 mg single-dose dexamethasone or saline placebo IM injection. Measurements and results: Fifty-eight patients graded their initial degree of throat pain on a visual-analog scale that was 15 cm long and scored from 0 to 3.0 in 0.5-cm increments. Follow-up was obtained on 51 patients to determine their condition at 24 hours. At entry, there was no difference in age, weight, antibiotic assignment, or initial pain score between groups. Improvement in pain score (initial versus 24 hours) was 1.8 ± 0.8 in the 26 patients of the dexamethasone group and 1.2 ± 0.9 in the 25 patients of the placebo group ( P P P Conclusion: In patients with severe, acute exudative pharyngitis, single-injection dexamethasone adjuvant compared with placebo resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvement, as evidenced by more rapid onset and greater degree of pain relief.
Decreased density of tyrosine hydroxylase–immunoreactive axons in the entorhinal cortex of schizophrenic subjects

Abstract Background: We recently reported a laminar-specific reduction in the density of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive axons in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia. In this report, we extend these investigations to the entorhinal cortex (ERC), another candidate site of dysfunction in this disorder. Methods: Using immunocytochemical techniques and blind quantitative analyses, we determined the density of TH-immunoreactive axons in the rostral subdivision of the ERC from seven matched pairs of schizophrenic and control subjects. Results: The relative density of TH-labeled axons was significantly decreased by over 60% in layers 3 and 6, but not in layer 1, of the ERC in schizophrenic subjects. In contrast, in the prefrontal cortex of the same subjects, labeled axon density was significantly decreased by 62% only in layer 6. Furthermore, the length of TH-labeled axons did not differ between six matched pairs of nonschizophrenic psychiatric and control subjects in any layer of the ERC. Finally, the density of TH-labeled axons in the ERC of cynomolgus monkeys chronically treated with haloperidol was not reduced relative to control animals. Conclusions: These findings reveal regional- and laminar-specific alterations in TH-immunoreactive axons that appear to be specific to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Hypertension and age: clinical and biochemical correlates.

Plasma renin activity, aldosterone and norepinephrine levels were determined in 247 ambulatory hypertensive patients divided into young, middle aged, and old groups. PRA and the increase of PRA after furosemide were higher in the younger; NE was higher in the old group. Some relationships may be inherent in aging and not necessarily confined to hypertensives. This may explain discrepancies between reports by investigators who studied homogenous groups classified in different ways. (Ed.)
Robotic single-site myomectomy: initial report and technique.

Objective To report the first cases of robotic single-site (RSS) myomectomy with the use of the Da Vinci Si Surgical System with wristed semirigid instrumentation. Design Case series. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Four patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids desiring conservative minimally invasive surgical treatment. Intervention(s) Four RSS myomectomies were performed with the Da Vinci Single-Site platform. Data regarding patient characteristics, indication of surgery, and perioperative outcomes were collected. Main Outcome Measure(s) Safety and reproducibility of RSS myomectomy. Result(s) All RSS procedures were completed successfully. Median operative time was 210 minutes (range 202–254 min). Median blood loss was 103 mL (range 75–200 mL). No instrument failures were noted during the procedures. No operative or major postoperative complications occurred. Two patients were discharged on the day of surgery, and two were discharged after overnight observation. Conclusion(s) RSS myomectomy with the use of wristed semi-rigid instrumentation is a feasible procedure. Indications, safety, and use of the technique will be confirmed by growing experience.
Crimes, arrests, and elections: Predicting winners and losers

Abstract Political candidates are frequently identified as being either “law and order” advocates or “soft” on crime; however, the importance of actual arrest and crime levels on election outcomes has not been examined empirically. One particular set of candidates for whom arrest and crime rates might be expected to be predictive is publicly elected law enforcement officials. Using 1976 Florida County Sheriff election data, this article examines the capacity for discriminating between winning and losing incumbent sheriffs by using county arrest and crime data in association with socioeconomic and political information. The findings show that a significant discrimination is obtained (significant = 0.009, canonical correlation = 0.59, and 76 percent of the counties were correctly classified) and that crimes and arrests are significant factors in determining the outcome of sheriff elections. The results indicate that although traditional political factors, such as party affiliation and number of terms in office, and socioeconomic factors, such as income, density, and unemployment rates, do well in discriminating winning from losing candidates, a sheriff-election model must also incorporate crime and arrest information, particularly information on murder and rape.
Functional Conservation of the Capacity for ent-Kaurene Biosynthesis and an Associated Operon in Certain Rhizobia

Bacterial interactions with plants are accompanied by complex signal exchange processes. Previously, the nitrogen-fixing symbiotic (rhizo)bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum was found to carry adjacent genes encoding two sequentially acting diterpene cyclases that together transform geranylgeranyl diphosphate to ent-kaurene, the olefin precursor to the gibberellin plant hormones. Species from the three other major genera of rhizobia were found to have homologous terpene synthase genes. Cloning and functional characterization of a representative set of these enzymes confirmed the capacity of each genus to produce ent-kaurene. Moreover, comparison of their genomic context revealed that these diterpene synthases are found in a conserved operon which includes an adjacent isoprenyl diphosphate synthase, shown here to produce the geranylgeranyl diphosphate precursor, providing a critical link to central metabolism. In addition, the rest of the operon consists of enzymatic genes that presumably lead to a more elaborated diterpenoid, although the production of gibberellins was not observed. Nevertheless, it has previously been shown that the operon is selectively expressed during nodulation, and the scattered distribution of the operon via independent horizontal gene transfer within the symbiotic plasmid or genomic island shown here suggests that such diterpenoid production may modulate the interaction of these particular symbionts with their host plants.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with excisional tailoring for refluxing megaureter

Abstract Objective To demonstrate a novel technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic excisional tailoring and reimplantation of a refluxing megaureter. Methods A 9-year-old boy with dysfunctional elimination was found to have a refluxing megaureter and diminished ipsilateral renal function. Robotic ureteral reimplantation with excisional tailoring was performed using a three-port approach. Stay sutures were placed in the anterior aspect of the distal ureter and sequentially lifted to allow freehand excision of redundant ureter. The ureterovesical junction was left intact, and the ureter was repaired over a 6 Fr double-J stent. Detrusorotomy to create flaps for ureteral tunneling was performed with a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser. Results The patient's vesicoureteral reflux was successfully corrected, and he is now asymptomatic. Conclusion Specific technical modifications can facilitate robotic megaureter repair with intracorporeal excisional tailoring. The CO 2 laser is advantageous for detrusorotomy.
Steroids in the avian brain: heterogeneity across space and time

Sex steroids influence a diversity of neural and behavioral endpoints in birds, including some that have little to do with reproduction per se. Recent advances in neurochemistry and molecular biology further indicate that the avian brain comprises a network of unique sex steroid microenvironments. Factors involved in steroid synthesis and metabolism are present in the avian brain with expression levels that vary from region to region and with activities that are, in some cases, subject to regulation over relatively slow or rapid time intervals. Advances in our ability to (1) isolate steroids from brain tissue and (2) precisely measure their concentrations reveal how steroid levels vary spatially and temporally. A full appreciation of sex steroid effects on the avian brain require not only measures of hormones in the blood but also an understanding of the numerous and varied mechanisms whereby the brain creates such a heterogeneous steroidal environment.
Effects of medial amygdalar and hypothalamic lesions on adaptation to a water deprivation schedule

Medial amygdaloid complex lesioned male rats increase their intake of water with practice in a 1/2-h drinking period, thus demonstrating a normal adaptation to a water-deprivation schedule. Medial hypothalamic lesioned male rats do not show an increase over days, thus showing a failure to adapt to a drinking schedule.
StuPad: integrating student notes with class lectures

A classroom environment contains both private (student-generated) and public (teacher-generated) streams of information. This paper discusses a system, StuPad, that integrates publicly available streams of information, such as a lecture presented by an instructor, with notes captured by individual students. We discuss the motivation for StuPad within the Classroom 2000 project and present a prototype to support capture and access/review activities.
Otolaryngological manifestations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric thoracic transplant patients.

Summary Objective To identify the otolaryngological manifestations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in pediatric heart and lung transplant recipients. Methods A 14-year retrospective case series review (1990–2003) of children less than 18 years of age presenting with PTLD after receiving orthotopic heart and lung transplants at St. Louis Children's hospital (St. Louis, MO, USA). Results One hundred ninety seven cardiac and 246 pulmonary transplant patients were included in this review. Thirteen heart transplant patients developed PTLD with 39% (5/13) presenting in the head and neck. Thirty-two lung transplant patients developed PTLD with 25% (8/32) presenting in the head and neck. PTLD in cardiac transplants most often presented as adenotonsillar hypertrophy or cervical lymphadenopathy. The sinonasal cavity was the most common site of head and neck PTLD in pulmonary transplants patients. Conclusions This study suggests that head and neck involvement is more common than currently reported in the literature. As thoracic organ transplants become more frequent in children, otolaryngologists caring for this population should maintain a high index of suspicion for any suggestive findings. Evaluation must include tissue biopsy, as histopathologic examination is required for diagnosis.
Relationship of Degree of Self-Esteem to Gossiping Behavior

(1959). Relationship of Degree of Self-Esteem to Gossiping Behavior. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 153-155.
Experimental evaluation of electrical conductivity of microtubules

Microtubules (MTs) are self-assembled proteinaceous filaments with nanometer scale diameters and micrometer scale lengths. Through conductivity measurements in microchannels we shed some light on electrical properties of microtubules. Measuring electrical resistance we were able to detect the dynamic disassembly of MTs and determine an upper limit for the electrical conductivity of MT. The measurements yielded the value of 90 Ω−1 m−1 as the upper limit for the conductivity of MTs, which is in the order of conductivity observed in inorganic intrinsic semiconductors.
Electrically conducting organometallic polymers

Polyacetylene, which exhibits metallic-like electrical conductivity upon redox doping, led to the development of a new class of electronic materials. Metallic conductivity in polyacetylene originates from the mobility of charge-carriers along the highly conjugated π-electron carbon backbone. On the other hand, organometallic polymer backbones comprising transition-metal ions and highly conjugated ligands may themselves produce intrinsically conducting materials due to the increased molecular orbital interaction between metal atoms via ligands. For decades organometallic polymers have been the subject of great scientific interest due to their unique electrical properties and many potential uses. Following the discovery of polyacetylene, the cofacially joined metallophthalocyanine polymers emerged as a new class of electrically conducting polymers. This important class of conducting organometallic polymers now includes a wide variety of materials such as poly(metalyne), poly(metallophthalocyanines), metal poly(benzodithiolene), poly(metalloethylene tetrathiolate), poly(metal tetrathio-oxalate), etc. Depending upon the molecular structures, many organometallic polymers are intrinsic conductors while in others metallic-like conductivity is induced by a molecular doping process. The superiority of electrically conducting organometallic polymers is manifest in their excellent environmental stability and processability. Conducting organometallic polymers have a wide range of applications in electrocatalysis, photovoltaics, sensors and fuel-cell technology.
Factors influencing endothelial cell proliferation in vitro.

The relative roles of blood cell products and plasma factors on endothelial cell proliferation were evaluated by studying the proliferative response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to cell free plasma derived serum (CFPDS), whole blood serum (WBS), platelet released factors, fibroblast growth factor and macrophage conditioned medium in vitro. Human adult arterial smooth muscle cells were treated in a similar manner for comparison. The rate of endothelial cell proliferation was directly related to the concentrations of both WBS and CFPDS. Growth rate in WBS was marginally greater than that observed in CFPDS during early culture, however, similar confluent densities were achieved. The addition of platelet released factors to CFPDS did not further stimulate endothelial cell proliferation. In contrast smooth muscle cells were quiescent in CFPDS despite increasing serum concentrations, but proliferated actively in response to platelet released factors. Both human macrophage conditioned medium and fibroblast growth factor increased endothelial cell proliferation significantly when compared with CFPDS alone. It is concluded that endothelial cell proliferation in preconfluent cultures is dependent on plasma factors while human vascular smooth muscle cells also require cell derived mitogens such as platelet growth factor to proliferate. The release of a substance by human macrophages mitogenic for endothelial cells may be involved in endothelial cell proliferation in vivo.
RNA Polymerase I Propagates Unidirectional Spreading of rDNA Silent Chromatin

Abstract The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) tandem array in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces transcriptional silencing of RNA polymerase II-transcribed genes. This SIR2 -dependent form of repression (rDNA silencing) also functions to limit rDNA recombination and is involved in life span control. In this report, we demonstrate that rDNA silencing spreads into the centromere-proximal unique sequence located downstream of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription, but fails to enter the upstream telomere-proximal sequences. The spreading of silencing correlates with SIR2 –dependent histone H3 and H4 deacetylation and can be extended by SIR2 overexpression. Surprisingly, rDNA silencing required transcription by RNA polymerase I and the direction of spreading was controlled by the direction of Pol I transcription.
SNOTEL Representativeness in the Rio Grande Headwaters on the Basis of Physiographics and Remotely Sensed Snow Cover Persistence

In this study we identify the physiographic and snowpack conditions currently represented by snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) stations in the Rio Grande headwaters. Based on 8 years of advanced very high-resolution radiometer data (1995–2002) a snow cover persistence index was derived. Snow cover persistence values at the seven SNOTEL sites ranged from 3Ð 9t o 4Ð75, with an average 14% greater than the mean persistence of the watershed. Using elevation, western barrier distance, and vegetation density, a 32-node binary classification tree model explained 75% of the variability in average snow cover persistence. Terrain classes encompassing the Lily Pond, Middle Creek, and Slumgullion SNOTEL sites represented 4Ð1%, 6Ð4%, and 4Ð0% of the watershed area respectively. SNOTEL stations do not exist in the spatially extensive (e.g. 11% of the watershed) terrain classes located in the upper elevations above the timberline. The results and techniques presented here will be useful for spatially distributed hydrologic analyses, in that we have identified the physiographic conditions currently represented by SNOTEL stations (i.e. the snowpack regimes at which snow water equivalent estimation uncertainty can be determined). Further, we outlined a statistically unbiased approach for designing future observation networks tailored for spatially distributed applications. Copyright  2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TNF-alpha G308A polymorphism and the susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis.

Background and Aims Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha G308A polymorphism has been reported in the association with susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, results have been contradictory. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the role of TNF-alpha G308A in the occurrence of AD. Methods Relevant articles were retrieved from online databases. The combined odds ratio, odds ratio in different genetic models, and the related 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Publication bias and homogeneity among individual studies were estimated. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results In overall analyses, no risk of AD was associated with TNF-alpha G308A under different genetic models. However, in the subgroup analyses, a significant association between TNF-alpha G308A and AD risk was observed in Chinese. In addition, a significant protective effect of TNF-alpha −308A was found in the occurrence of AD among North European populations under a dominant model. Conclusions The result of this meta-analysis suggests that TNF-alpha G308A polymorphism may be associated with the increased risk of AD in Chinese and decreased risk of AD in northern European populations.
Integrating Ethics into Technical Curricula

Our society is plagued by regulations brought about by our own unwillingness to conduct our affairs according to societal values. Current ethics instruction has been ineffective in relieving this problem because: (1) It is based on the mistaken belief that there is no consensus on values in our society; (2) ethics is insufficiently integrated into the curriculum to establish relevance; and (3) it uses an ineffective instructional methodology. The values embodied in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are widely accepted in our society; the key‐course concept sufficiently integrates ethics into the curriculum to establish relevance; and the stages approach provides an effective instructional methodology. A synthesis of these concepts provides a methodology that should prove effective in training students to live and work in accord with societal values. This methodology has been tested in several courses with good response from faculty and students. Full implementa...
A Usage-Based Account on the Korean Suffix - TA in Spoken Discourse

Abstract. This paper investigates the usage of the Korean plain speech level suffix -ta in spoken discourse and discusses the relationship among its interactional functions, the local contexts of its use, and its basic meaning. This paper employs a usage-based approach, whereby naturally occurring spoken discourse is analyzed in detail by examining how the functions of -ta are distributed and to what extent the suffix is adapted to its context through the development of local patterns. The suffix -ta functions differently in terms of sentence types: on the one hand, it serves as a reactive token, an attention-getter, a self-repair, or a stance marker by indexing the speaker's cognitive process in spon-taneous sentences. On the other hand, it can function as a way to claim speakership by indexing the on-going interactional process in non-spontaneous sentences. On the whole, compared with the intimate speech level suffix -e/a, the various functions of -ta are grounded in the representation of cognitive and interactional processing among conversation participants as the primitive form of their internalized knowledge. -Ta's frequent collocations with -keyss-, mac-, and ani- explain the highly adaptive feature of -ta to its local contexts. This paper reveals that the grammatical, lexical, and interactional contexts in using -ta contribute to the emergence of its interactional functions and its basic meaning.
Students' Learning Difficulties in Geography and Teachers' Interventions: Teaching Cases from K-12 Classrooms

Abstract How do children learn geographic concepts? Where are learning difficulties likely to occur, and what can teachers do to help deflect those difficulties? Research from the field of emerging concepts informs educators about how children try to make sense of their natural world. This qualitative study is an attempt to gather information about children's emerging concepts of geography and teachers' successful instructional interventions, for the purpose of improving geographic education.
Simple model for noise perception in digital hardcopy

A model is developed for the stochastic noise in digital hardcopy in terms of the basic resolution element (pixel size) and the number of distinguishable gray levels printed within this element. This is expressed in Wiener (power) spectrum terms, and is used to establish a link with a perceptual scale based on previous work concerning the perception of noise for photographic (analog) images.
Dopaminergic inhibition of cardiac sympathetic nerve function by pergolide

Abstract The effect of pergolide, a dopaminergic ergoline, on cardiac sympathetic neurotransmission was examined in pentobarbitalanesthetized dogs. Positive chronotropic responses to right postganglionic cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation were significantly reduced following infusion of pergolide, 1.25 μg/kg per min for 10 min, whereas positive chronotropic responses to exogenous norepinephrine were unchanged. Pretreatment with sulpiride but not with yohimbine completely antagonized the inhibitory effect of pergolide. These results demonstrate the pergolide inhibits sympathetic neurotransmission to the heart by a specific activation of presynaptic dopamine receptors.
Diurnal Wind Variations in Central California

Abstract Hodographs of resultant winds obtained from surface and upper-air observations at 21 stations in central California for the month of July 1958 are presented, together with trajectories of air parcels which pass into the Central Valley via the Bay area. A comparison of these observations with the results of current theories of the sea breeze indicates that local topography (not in the theory) is most important to air flow in the Bay area. Computed pressure differences between stations and the hodographs reveal that air in the Central Valley oscillates in phase with that new the coast, with the diurnal circulation most well developed below 1000-m elevation. Trajectories constructed with the aid of the surface hodographs indicate that air which enters the Central Valley by way of the Bay area tends to be diverted both northward and southward into the valley in the mean state. The nonlinear effects of velocity advection are of importance to the flow in the southern end of the valley.
An investigation of the effect of finite system resolution and photon noise on the bias and precision of dynamic cardiac SPECT parameters

The exchange of a radionuclide (and similarly of oxygen) between blood and the myocardium is a dynamic process. Dynamic SPECT offers the possibility of directly quantifying the kinetic parameters which describe this process. In this paper we investigate and quantify the effect of typical SPECT system resolution and photon counting statistics on the bias and precision of dynamic cardiacSPECT parameters. System resolution and photon noise are only two of the image degrading processes which occur in SPECT. Therefore, the bias and precision quoted should be viewed as a lower limit on those which could be expected with an experimental study. Dynamic SPECT projection data are simulated using a realistic human torso phantom. Data are simulated assuming both perfect system resolution and a system resolution typical of a clinical SPECT system. A triple detectorSPECT system which acquires a full set of projection data in 10 s using continuous detector motion is modelled. Kinetic parameters are estimated using a number of myocardial regions of interest. The results show that the rate constant characterizing the washin of activity into the myocardium is more sensitive to region of interest position than is the washout rate constant. The bias and precision of the dynamic parameters are estimated from multiple realizations of projection data exhibiting various noise levels. The main effect of increased photon noise in the projection data is to decrease the precision of the estimated parameters. However, there is also some evidence that for high noise levels the bias of the parameters may also be affected.
Assessment of Hand-Transmitted Vibration Exposure from Motorized Forks Used for Beach-Cleaning Operations

UNLABELLED: Motorized vibrating manure forks were used in beach-cleaning operations following the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 2010. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize the vibration emissions of these motorized forks and to provide a first approximation of hand-transmitted vibration exposures to workers using these forks for beach cleaning. METHODS: Eight operators were recruited to operate the motorized forks during this laboratory study. Four fork configurations were used in the study; two motor speeds and two fork basket options were evaluated. Accelerations were measured near each hand as the operators completed the simulated beach-cleaning task. RESULTS: The dominant vibration frequency for these tools was identified to be around 20 Hz. Because acceleration was found to increase with motor speed, workers should consider operating these tools with just enough speed to get the job done. These forks exhibited considerable acceleration magnitudes when unloaded. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that the motor should not be operated with the fork in the unloaded state. Anti-vibration gloves are not effective at attenuating the vibration frequencies produced by these forks, and they may even amplify the transmitted vibration and increase hand/arm fatigue. While regular work gloves are suitable, vibration-reducing gloves may not be appropriate for use with these tools. These considerations may also be generally applicable for the use of motorized forks in other workplace environments.
Characterization of Soot Aerosol Produced from Combustion of Propane in a Shock Tube

The knowledge of yields and properties of soot from combustion of hydrocarbon fuels is crucial for accurate evaluation of the impacts of primary aerosols on air quality and climate. This study presents measurements of soot generated from combustion of propane in a shock tube, using independently adjustable fuel equivalence ratio (φ), temperature, and pressure. The characterization of soot yields inside the shock tube by in situ laser extinction is complemented with a set of comprehensive measurements of soot transferred into a fluoropolymer chamber, including particle size distributions, elemental carbon (EC) mass fraction, effective density, mass fractal dimension (Dfm), dynamic shape factor (χ), and optical properties. The properties of soot particles and the soot yield are sensitive to combustion conditions and the duration of the combustion experiment. High-temperature combustion with φ = 2.5 produces small fractal (Dfm = 2) soot particles composed mainly of EC (up to 90%), at a low mass yield. Partic...
Free-operant escape-avoidance of noise by rats

A series of experiments was conducted to establish free-operant escape-avoidance responding in rats using noise as the stimulus. Naive rats did not acquire a bar-press response on an escape-avoidance of noise schedule. Similarly, free-operant responding established using escape-avoidance of shock was not maintained when noise was substituted for shock. Noise stimuli of 110 dB did maintain responding, but at a lower level than during training, when the noise stimuli had first been paired with shock. Noise stimuli of 97 dB and 87 dB were not effective under those same conditions. Additional rats were trained on a free-operant escape-avoidance schedule of shock and then exposed to a delayed conditioning procedure in which noise was the conditioned stimulus and shock was the unconditioned stimulus. When these subjects were then tested with noise alone, two of the three subjects conditioned and tested with 105-dB noise displayed escape-avoidance of noise, but none of the rats conditioned and tested at 97 dB displayed escape-avoidance of noise. The results suggest that free-operant escape-avoidance of noise can be demonstrated; however, only higher intensity noise stimuli that have been paired with shock are effective.
Atresia in follicles grown after ovulation in the pig: measurement of increased apoptosis in granulosa cells and reduced follicular fluid estradiol-17 beta.

The incidence of atresia in the first group of follicles grown after ovulation was investigated in the pig. At slaughter, 113 follicles 3-6 mm in diameter were dissected from the ovaries of four pregnant pigs per day on Days 5, 6, and 7 after the onset of estrus. Granulosa cells were isolated from each follicle. The percentage of granulosa cells containing sub-diploid amounts of DNA (%Ao cells), a measure of apoptosis, was determined for each follicle by DNA fluorescence flow cytometry of propidium iodide (PI) stained nuclei of ethanol-fixed cells. Granulosa cell DNA condition was used to classify follicles. Follicles with > or = 10% Ao cells (n = 33) were designated biochemically atretic (BA), and follicles with or = 0.90, N = 22, p < 0.001). The incidence of pigs with BA follicles was 2 of 4, 3 of 4, and 4 of 4 on Days 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The %BA follicles per pig (mean +/- SEM) increased (p < or = 0.01) between Days 5 and 7; values were 6.2 +/- 3.6, 28.1 +/- 13.5, and 50.0 +/- 7.1, respectively, on Days 5, 6, and 7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Postpubertal Development of the Rat Mammary Gland Is Preserved during Iron Deficiency

We previously showed that moderate iron deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to chemically induced breast carcinogenesis. Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that breast cancer risk may be modulated by the developmental and proliferative state of the mammary epithelium. The adverse effects of iron deficiency on organ growth are well documented. However, the role of iron in mammary gland development has not been examined. Therefore, we studied the effect of iron deficiency on mammary gland development and epithelial cell kinetics in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Weanling rats were fed experimental diets that provide 6 (severe), 12 (moderate) or 35 (control) mg Fe/kg diet. After 6 wk of treatment, hematocrit and blood hemoglobin were lower in iron-restricted rats than in controls, with significant differences from controls observed in rats receiving 6 mg Fe/kg diet (P < 0.05). Liver iron was reduced 90 and 80% in severe and moderate groups, respectively, compared with controls. Puberty onset and 17-beta-estradiol levels were unaltered by iron status, but plasma progesterone was significantly lower in iron-restricted groups (P < 0.05). Microscopic examination of mammary gland whole mounts revealed an increased density of terminal end buds in thoracic glands from iron-restricted rats, indicative of decreased differentiation, although the differences were not statistically significant compared with controls (P = 0.21). Mammary epithelial cell proliferation, determined in contralateral glands by measuring 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, did not differ between rats receiving 12 and 35 mg Fe/kg diet. In conclusion, these results suggest that alveolar development of the mammary gland and the proliferative capacity of the mammary epithelium are refractory to iron deficiency during early postpubertal growth of the rat.
Estrogen receptor expression in papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and ovarian transitional cell carcinoma.

Abstract Context.—Relatively little is known about estrogen receptor (ER) expression in papillary urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the bladder. Greater understanding of this feature of PUCs could aid with the treatment and identification of the origin of metastases, particularly with relation to the morphologically similar entity of ovarian transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Objective.—To assess the presence of ERs in PUC of the bladder, its metastases, and ovarian TCC. Design.—Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue from 92 primary bladder PUCs, 11 PUC metastases, and 11 primary or metastatic ovarian TCCs was immunostained with a monoclonal antibody against the human ER β-molecule. The ER-positive and ER-negative tumors were compared by the patients' sex and age, tumor grade, and the presence or absence of invasion. Statistical analysis was performed on the PUC results, first defining a positive result as staining of at least 10% of nuclei and then repeated using any percentage of staining as a po...
A critical eye: Praise directed toward traits increases children’s eye fixations on errors and decreases motivation

Although there is evidence that praise of different types (i.e., generic vs. nongeneric) influences motivation, it is unclear how this occurs. Generic praise (e.g., "You are smart") conveys that a child possesses a trait responsible for their performance, whereas nongeneric praise (e.g., "You worked hard") conveys that performance is effort-based. Because praise conveys the basis for success, praise may change the interpretation and salience of errors. Specifically, generic praise may highlight the threatening nature of error (i.e., the child does not possess this trait). Because attention is drawn to threats in the environment, we expected generic praise to increase attention to error. We used eyetracking to measure implicit responses to errors (i.e., visual attention: fixation counts and durations) in order to determine the relation between visual attention and verbal reports of motivation (persistence and self-evaluations) in 30 four- to seven-year-old children. Children first saw pictures attributed to them, for which they received either generic or nongeneric praise. The children then saw pictures attributed to them that contained errors--that is, missing features. As a pretest and posttest, the children saw pictures that were "drawn by other children," half of which contained errors. The results indicated that children who received generic praise ("you are a good drawer") produced more and longer fixations on errors, both their "own" and on "other children's," than did children who received nongeneric praise ("you did a good job drawing"). More fixations on errors were related to lower persistence and lower self-evaluations. These results suggest that generic praise increases attention to errors because error threatens the possession of a positive trait.