cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flight songs of Dusky Flycatchers: a response to bird‐hunting raptors?

Flight-song displays usually include distinctive vocalizations and behaviors that are probably energetically expensive and also likely to attract the attention of aerial predators. We observed flight songs performed by Dusky Flycatchers (Empidonax oberholseri) in two breeding populations. During 15 yr at Tioga Pass, California, we observed the display twice and, during 9 yr at Steamboat Mountain, British Columbia, we observed 21 flight-song displays. These displays were generally observed later in the breeding season, suggesting that they were not used for courtship, mate attraction, or territory defense. However, for 83% of these displays, a raptor was observed to be present, usually either an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) or a Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). We hypothesize that these displays, like stotting or other pursuit-deterrent signals, may be directed at small raptors that represent a greater threat to Dusky Flycatchers and might deter attack by signaling awareness. However, because only males were observed performing flight-song displays, it is also possible that these displays serve to alert mates and offspring about the presence of an aerial predator and reduce their vulnerability to attack. RESUMEN La conducta de cantar mientras se vuela incluye vocalizaciones distintivas y conductas que probablemente son energeticamente costosas y que pudieran atraer la atencion de depredadores. Observamos cantos al volar en dos poblaciones del papamoscas Empidonax oberholseri. Durante 15 anos de estudios en Tioga Pass, California y nueve anos en Steamboat Mountain, Columbia Britanica, observamos la conducta previamente descrita observamos la conducta en dos y 21 ocasiones, respectivamente. Los cantos a vuelo fueron observados tardes en la epoca reproductiva, lo que sugiere que no fueron utilizados para el cortejo, atraer la atencion de parejas prospectivas o defender el territorio. Sin embargo, en el 83% de las ocasiones, se observaron tambien a individuos de Falco sparverius o de Accipiter striatus. Proponemos como hipotesis, que la conducta observada, al igual que otras conductas de proteccion, pueden ser dirigidas a rapaces pequenos que representan una amenaza a los papamoscas y que pudieran detener el ataque indicando precaucion. Sin embargo, dado el caso de que solo se observaron machos del papamoscas exhibiendo la conducta, es probable ademas que la conducta sirva para alertar a las parejas y pichones de los vocalizadores sobre la presencia de un depredador y de esta manera reducir su vulnerabilidad de ataque.
Reactor pulsing in activation analysis

For neutron activation analysis with very short-lived activities (t12 < 50 sec) improved limits of detection are obtained by irradiating with TRIGA reactor neutron pulses rather than with steady-state irradiations. These pulses give peak fluxes of about 4.5 × 1016 n/cm2·sec compared to 1013 n/cm2·sec at maximum steady-state operation. Pulse width at half maximum is 15 msec. Therefore, short-lived radioactivities generated by pulses are not limited by the saturation factor and the pulse produces 50 times as much one-second half-life activity as can be generated by irradiation to saturation activity at maximum steady-state flux. Sensitivity data are presented on a number of reactor fast-and thermal-neutron produced activities and the results are compared with theoretical predictions.
Soil and crop response to stover removal from rainfed and irrigated corn

Excessive corn (Zea mays L.) stover removal for biofuel and other uses may adversely impact soil and crop production. We assessed the effects of stover removal at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% from continuous corn on water erosion, corn yield, and related soil properties during a 3-year study under irrigated and no-tillage management practice on a Ulysses silt loam at Colby, irrigated and strip till management practice on a Hugoton loam at Hugoton, and rainfed and no-tillage management practice on a Woodson silt loam at Ottawa in Kansas, USA. The slope of each soil was <1%. One year after removal, complete (100%) stover removal resulted in increased losses of sediment by 0.36–0.47 Mg ha 1 at the irrigated sites, but, at the rainfed site, removal at rates as low as 50% resulted in increased sediment loss by 0.30 Mg ha 1 and sediment-associated carbon (C) by 0.29 kg ha 1 . Complete stover removal reduced wet aggregate stability of the soil at the irrigated sites in the first year after removal, but, at the rainfed site, wet aggregate stability was reduced in all years. Stover removal at rates ≥ 50% resulted in reduced soil water content, increased soil temperature in summer by 3.5–6.8 °C, and reduced temperature in winter by about 0.5 °C. Soil C pool tended to decrease and crop yields tended to increase with an increase in stover removal, but 3 years after removal, differences were not significant. Overall, stover removal at rates ≥50% may enhance grain yield but may increase risks of water erosion and negatively affect soil water and temperature regimes in this region.
Dynamics of the Foehn Mechanism in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica from Polar WRF

Foehn events over the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs), the largest ice-free region of Antarctica, promote glacial melt that supports biological activity in the lakes, streams, rocks and soils. Although MDVs foehn events are known to depend upon the synoptic-scale circulation, the physical processes responsible for foehn events are unknown. A polar-optimized version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (Polar WRF) is used for a case study of a representative summer foehn event from 29 December 2006 to 1 January 2007 in order to identify and explain the MDVs foehn mechanism. Pressure differences across an elevated mountain gap upstream of the MDVs provide forcing for southerly flow into the western, upvalley entrance of the MDVs. Complex terrain over the elevated gap and the MDVs leads to mountain wave effects such as leeside acceleration, hydraulic jumps, wave breaking and critical layers. These mountain wave effects depend on the ambient (geostrophic) wind direction. Pressure-driven channelling then brings the warm, dry foehn air downvalley to eastern MDV sites. Brief easterly intrusions of maritime air into the eastern MDVs during foehn events previously have been attributed to either a sea-breeze effect in summer or local cold-pooling effects in winter. In this particular case, the easterly intrusions result from blocking effects of nearby Ross Island and the adjacent Antarctic coast. Temperature variability during the summer foehn event, which is important for meltwater production and biological activity when it exceeds 0°C, primarily depends on the source airmass rather than differences in foehn dynamics.
An Investigation of Factors Influencing Student Use of Technology in K-12 Classrooms Using Path Analysis.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of teachers' characteristics, school characteristics, and contextual characteristics on classroom technology integration and teacher use of t...
Inside or Outside? The Politics of Family and Medical Leave

The efforts of interest groups to pass family and medical leave policies are illustrative of a dilemma confronting advocates of policy innovation. Faced with strong opposition from business lobbies and in many cases reluctant legislatures and veto-wielding executives, proponents of family and medical leave had to balance their desire to pass the policy they wanted against their desire to pass a policy. This study examines the family and medical leave policy process at the federal level and in three illustrative states. The study finds that coalitions of “insiders” are more likely to get family and medical leave policies enacted both because they have more political clout and because they are more likely to propose moderate bills and to be willing to compromise. However, the policies enacted by the insider coalitions generally cover barely half the population and are unpaid. This lends credibility to the arguments of members of “outsider” groups that there is a value in proposing more wide-ranging policies.
Chromosome aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells following in vivo exposure to 1,3-butadiene.

Chronic exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD) results in a marked increase in the incidence of thymic lymphoma in male B6C3F1 relative to NIH Swiss mice whereas no demonstrable differences in bone marrow (target organ) toxicity exist. Repeated exposure to BD is known to produce a macrocytic anemia and an increase in the frequency of micronuclei in circulating erythrocytes in both strains. The present study was undertaken to determine if chromosomal breakage, aneuploidy or both reflect differences in BD leukemogenicity observed between B6C3F1 and NIH Swiss mice. Mice were exposed to a single concentration of BD (1250 p.p.m.) for 6 h. Bone marrow cell preparations were made at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after cessation of exposure. In both strains comparable increases in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (of the chromatid type) were observed following exposure to BD. Significant differences in the number of chromosomes were not observed, although a pattern of chromosomal loss in cells from treated animals was observed. These results indicate that BD-treatment in vivo produces significant increases in chromatid aberrations but not aneuploidy in both strains. Therefore it is concluded that bone marrow toxicity, including cytogenetic abnormalities, is not predictive of leukemogenicity in these mice.
An Msh2 conditional knockout mouse for studying intestinal cancer and testing anticancer agents.

Background & Aims Mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene MSH2 cause Lynch syndromes I and II and sporadic colorectal cancers. Msh2 null mice predominantly develop lymphoma and do not accurately recapitulate the colorectal cancer phenotype. Methods We generated and examined mice with a conditional Msh2 disruption ( Msh2 LoxP ), permitting tissue-specific gene inactivation. ECMsh2 LoxP/LoxP mice carried an EIIa-Cre transgene, and VCMsh2 LoxP/LoxP mice carried a Villin-Cre transgene. We combined the VCMsh2 LoxP allele with either Msh2 Δ7null ( VCMsh2 LoxP/null ) or Msh2 G674D mutations ( VCMsh2 LoxP/G674D ) to create allelic phase mutants. These mice were given cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), and their tumors were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Results Embryonic fibroblasts from ECMsh2 LoxP/LoxP mice do not express MSH2 and are MMR deficient. Reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry from VCMsh2 LoxP/LoxP mice demonstrated specific loss of Msh2 messenger RNA and protein from epithelial cells of the intestinal tract. Microsatellite instability was observed in all VCMsh2 strains and limited to the intestinal mucosa. Resulting adenomas and adenocarcinomas had somatic truncation mutations to the adenomatous polyposis coli ( Apc ) gene. VCMsh2 LoxP/LoxP mice did not develop lymphoma. Comparison of allelic phase tumors revealed significant differences in multiplicity and size. When treated with cisplatin or FOLFOX, tumor size was reduced in VCMsh2 LoxP/G674D but not VCMsh2 LoxP/null tumors. The apoptotic response to FOLFOX was partially sustained in the intestinal mucosa of VCMsh2 LoxP/G674D animals. Conclusions Msh2 LoxP/LoxP mice in combination with appropriate Cre recombinase transgenes have excellent potential for preclinical modeling of Lynch syndrome, MMR-deficient tumors of other tissue types, and use in drug development.
Structure of the human hexabrachion (tenascin) gene.

Abstract The structure of the gene encoding human hexabrachion (tenascin) has been determined from overlapping clones isolated from a human genomic bacteriophage library. The genomic inserts were characterized by restriction mapping, Southern blot analysis, PCR, and DNA sequencing. The coding region of the hexabrachion gene spans approximately 80 kilobases of DNA and consists of 27 exons separated by 26 introns. The exon-intron structure supports a hypothesis based on the cDNA sequence that the hexabrachion gene is an assembly of DNA modules that are also found elsewhere in the genome. Single exons may encode a module, a portion of a module, or a group of modules. The 15 type III units similar to those found in fibronectin are each encoded either by a single exon or by two exons interrupted by an intron. All type III units known to be spliced out of the smaller forms of the protein are encoded by one exon. The fibrinogen-like domain of 210 amino acids is encoded by five exons. The 14.5 epidermal growth factor-like repeats are all encoded by a single exon.
CLASSIFICATION OF ALL C-NONINVARIANT ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS AND THE POSSIBLE EXISTENCE OF A CHARGED, BUT C = 1, PARTICLE

Assuming that the strong interaction ${H}_{\mathrm{st}}$ is invariant under the particle-antiparticle conjugation $C$, it is shown that all possible $C$-noninvariant electromagnetic interactions ${H}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ can be classified according to the anticommutator between $C$ and the charge operator $Q$ into two types: (1) ${C, Q}=0$ and (2) ${C, Q}\ensuremath{\ne}0$. Discussions of the first type $C$-noninvariant minimal electromagnetic interaction have already been given in a previous paper. If ${C, Q}\ensuremath{\ne}0$, then the operator $C$ must be different from what is normally called the "charge-conjugation operator" ${C}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ which, by definition, changes any state of charge $Q$ to that of $\ensuremath{-}Q$. Thus, ${{C}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}, Q}=0$ and $C\ensuremath{\ne}{C}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$. As a consequence, there must exist, at least, a charged particle ${a}^{+}$ which is an eigenstate of $C$; its eigenvalue can always be chosen to be +1. Furthermore, in the framework of a Lorentz-invariant local-field theory, ${H}_{\mathrm{st}}$ and ${H}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ are invariant under ${C}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\mathrm{PT}$, but not $\mathrm{CPT}$. The ${C}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\mathrm{PT}$ invariance requires the existence of another charged particle ${a}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ which has the same mass as ${a}^{+}$ but the opposite charge. The ${a}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is also an eigenstate of $C$. The existence of such ${a}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ particles necessitates not only the $C$ nonconservation of ${H}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, but also the $T$ noninvariance of ${H}_{\mathrm{st}}$. The general algebraic relations between ${H}_{\mathrm{st}}$, ${H}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, and these symmetry operators are studied, and the properties of the particles ${a}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ are discussed. An explicit spin-\textonehalf{} model of ${a}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ based on the principle of minimal electromagnetic interaction is given. A possible unifying view connecting the present $C$, $T$ noninvariance with the well-known $C$, $P$ nonconservation of the weak interaction is discussed.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Resources Used in Manufacturing Processes

In this study we use a thermodynamic framework to characterize the material and energy resources used in manufacturing processes. The analysis and data span a wide range of processes from “conventi...
Stresses in Dumet‐Glass Seals

Hull and Burger's calculations of stresses in the Dumet-glass bead seals, which were based on Poritsky's erroneous analysis, are corrected. Copper yielding is properly introduced. Calculated anisotropic thermal expansion of two types of Dumet alloy, as well as stresses in Dumet wire-soft lead glass bead seals are in good agreement with those measured experimentally. Metal composites suitable for glass sealing can be formulated by using the analysis presented.
Convergence of rule-of-thumb learning rules in social networks

We study the problem of dynamic learning by a social network of agents. Each agent receives a signal about an underlying state and communicates with a subset of agents (his neighbors) in each period. The network is connected. In contrast to the majority of existing learning models, we focus on the case where the underlying state is time-varying. We consider the following class of rule of thumb learning rules: at each period, each agent constructs his posterior as a weighted average of his prior, his signal and the information he receives from neighbors. The weights given to signals can vary over time and the weights given to neighbors can vary across agents. We distinguish between two subclasses: (1) constant weight rules; (2) diminishing weight rules. The latter reduces weights given to signals asymptotically to 0. Our main results characterize the asymptotic behavior of beliefs. We show that the general class of rules leads to unbiased estimates of the underlying state. When the underlying state has innovations with variance tending to zero asymptotically, we show that the diminishing weight rules ensure convergence in the mean-square sense. In contrast, when the underlying state has persistent innovations, constant weight rules enable us to characterize explicit bounds on the mean square error between an agent?s belief and the underlying state as a function of the type of learning rule and signal structure.
Perfectly matched absorbing boundary conditions based on anisotropic lossy mapping of space

An absorbing boundary condition (ABC), based on the PML BBC of Berenger (1994), used in the frequency domain to terminate the computational grid in electromagnetic scattering simulations is presented. Making use of an impedance-matched lossy layer, with directionally-dependent electric and magnetic conductivity, this ABC is independent of frequency and almost independent of incident angle. Thus it can be placed very close to a scatterer, minimizing the usual buffer of required, uninteresting computational space, and so reduce computer storage and CPU time. With this novel formulation, the ABC can be specified in three dimensions in almost the same manner as the standard FDFD equations, with only a small percentage of increased software overhead. >
Non-invasive imaging of cardiac electric activity

It is of importance to non-invasively image cardiac electrical activity from body surface ECG measurements. Such approaches include body surface ECG mapping and ECG inverse solutions to deduce information on the distribution of cardiac bioelectrical sources. Body surface Laplacian ECG mapping is a recently proposed imaging approach which has shown promise in enhancing our capability to non-invasively image underlying cardiac electrical activity. In this short paper, we review recent progress on non-invasive imaging of cardiac electrical activity, in particular, body surface Laplacian ECG mapping.
Development of STS markers linked to Hessian fly resistance gene H6 in wheat.

Hessian fly is one of the world's most destructive insect pests of wheat Triticum aestivum L. We have used the combination of near-isogenic lines (NIL) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to screen up to 2,000 primers to identify DNA markers that are linked to gene H6 that confers resistance to biotype B of the insect. This screen produced six primers that show polymorphic fragments associated with resistance by H6. We have screened 440 F2 individuals from a cross of the susceptible cultivar Newton and a NIL that contains H6 to verify the linkage between these markers and the resistance gene. A high-resolution genetic map was constructed based on recombination frequency. Two of the markers were tightly linked to the gene with no recombination observed, three were within 2.0 cM, and one was 11 cM from the gene. Three of the six markers were successfully converted to sequence tagged site (STS) markers. Both RAPD and STS primers were used to screen for the presence or absence of the resistance gene in wheat varieties. The identification of markers and construction of the genetic high resolution map provide the first steps toward localization of this resistance gene.
State Adoption of Nursing Home Pay-for-Performance

Whereas numerous policies have been adopted to improve quality of care in nursing homes over the past several decades-with varying degrees of success-health care payment has been a largely untapped but potentially powerful policy tool to improve quality of care. Recently, however, payers have invested significant resources in the development and implementation of pay-for-performance (P4P) programs for nursing homes. The authors present results from a survey of state Medicaid agencies documenting the use and structure of P4P in nursing homes. Although the number of states that are implementing nursing home P4P is growing, the structure of these incentives varies across states, and little evidence exists to guide the planning or implementation of these initiatives.
Robustness with a digital fuzzy logic controller

Robustness characteristics associated with a digitally implemented fuzzy logic controller are illustrated using a second-order system. Two competing performance objectives (tracking and step response) are used to design the controller. A systematic design leads to a controller that is robust with respect to both the presence of a computational time-delay and the existence of parameter variations in the system. The controller is restricted to only measure the output error signal and must accommodate a saturating system input. >
A Multiple-Perspective, Interactive Approach for Web Information Extraction and Exploration

While increasing amounts of complex information are becoming available on the web, there is, beyond keywordbased search and listing of results, a paucity of user interface paradigms and implementations that support interaction, exploration, and assimilation of information. This paper describes our design of a novel framework to address this deficiency. The proposed framework supports both direct search behavior as well as more exploratory search strategies through multiple-perspective visualization and interaction with search results. The approach is developed around the twin themes of supporting data context and facilitating effective interactions between users and data. The system supports data context through determination of semantic correlations between web pages and extraction of the spatio-temporal data contained therein. A multipleperspective environment is then used to display semantic and spatio-temporal relationships as well as to provide intuitive views of the data, specifically through web page thumbnail, map, and timeline modules. The environment supports direct interactions with the data through a reflective interface by which user selections in any one panel highlight the corresponding information in other panels. In this environment, visual cues and explicit facilities to model space and time aid in recognition, querying, and exploration of information as well as in representation and reasoning with complex relationships (such as spatio-temporal, causal, evolutionary) in the data. Experimental studies of a quantitative and qualitative nature demonstrate the efficacy of the system in facilitating both information extraction and discovery.
Hydrologic Resource Sheds and the U.S. Great Lakes Applications

Hydrological resource shed" is defined as a geographic area that contributes material (e.g. water, nutrients, and sediments) over one time interval, passing through a location of interest over another time interval. While similar to the concept of watershed, this relatively new concept has some unique features. First, the boundary of a watershed is delineated by topography and relatively more stable. The boundary of a hydrologic resource shed, however, is delineated by the contributing sources of water and materials to a river or lake during hydrologic events, and changes over both space and time. Second, the concept of watershed emphasizes temporal distribution of water and materials within a given space, and the hydrologic resource shed focuses on both temporal and spatial distribution of water and materials within a changing space. Third, the concept of hydrologic resource shed incorporates the space-time variability in studying watershed patterns and processes. Taking advantage of current tracing, remote sensing, mapping, and modeling technologies, hydrologic resource shed provides a new way of discovering, understanding, and simulating the transport and distribution of water and materials across multiple space and time scales. An example is presented for computing the hydrologic resource shed distributions using a hydrologic model, Distributed Large Basin Runoff Model (DLBRM) in the Maumee River watershed in western Lake Erie Basin of the U.S.
Highly connected monochromatic subgraphs of two-colored complete graphs

We show that each 2-edge coloring of the complete graph on n vertices leads to a monochromatic k-connected subgraph on at least n - 2 ( k - 1 ) vertices, provided n ? 4 k - 3 . It settles in the affirmative a conjecture of Bollobas and Gyarfas.
If You Show Me Yours: Reading all “Difference” as “Colonial Difference” in Comparative Philosophy

Postcolonial studies and decolonial theory make visible the nature and extent of Eurocentrism through a critique of constructed categories as basic as “history” and “culture.” Walter Mignolo asserts a strong claim that the concept of “culture” is itself a colonial construction, and hence all cultural difference bears the mark of coloniality. This thesis presents a challenge to the field of comparative philosophy: What does “cross-cultural” philosophy even mean if all so-called cultural difference is indeed colonial difference? Could comparativists, in the wake of this critique, preserve the possibility of cross-cultural philosophical inquiry even when basic terms of discourse (such as “culture”) are suspended? This essay is a thought experiment in accepting Mignolo's general premise that all cultural difference is colonial difference, through which I offer three strategies for philosophizing comparatively under this constraint: (1) historical contextualization, (2) subversive categorization, and (3) decen...
FlexRFID: A Control Logic Architecture for Fast and Flexible RFID-Based System Design

FlexRFID is our solution to the general problem of resource time tracking, the problem of tracking the time a resource is utilized. This architecture is based on the premise that all RTT applications have some items of interest in common. One such item is the identity of the resources being tracked, and a second is a set of locations that mark the regions where the devices are to be tracked. As a ground rule, sensor devices are positioned appropriately at entry and exit points of these locations to allow detection the resource as it passes through. The heart of RTT applications is a network of sensor devices, which generates the sensor event information, passed through direct cable connections or through the network to the middleware. At the middleware level, the data generated from the sensor events is managed, the most important among them being detection of tags at in and out regions. Some decisions can be made at the middleware level, although it may be necessary for the middleware to communicate with the user application level to verify identities and perform actions based on specific events.
Regularization, Support Constraints, and Noise Reduction in Images -- A Cramér-Rao Bound Analysis

Support constraints can result in noise reduction inside the support of images reconstructed by algorithms that employ deconvolution. The effects of regularization on this noise reduction are analyzed using a Cramer-Rao lower bound approach.
Temporal parameters in the acquisition of a free- operant avoidance response in human subjects

Male, medical and graduate students were subjected to a nondiscriminated avoidance regimen under different combinations of SS and RS intervals. Acquisition of the avoidance response was found to be a function of the RS/SS ratio; the most rapid acquisition occurring at ratios of 2:1 or greater.
The mis-measure of manioc ( Manihot esculenta , Euphorbiaceae)

The distinction between “bitter” and “sweet” (toxic and non-toxic) varieties of the cyanide-containing food crop manioc (Manihot esculenta, Euphorbiaceae) has a long tradition in the tropical forest areas of South and Central America where it was first cultivated. Yet this distinction has no taxonomic basis. The levels of cyanogenic glucosides found in manioc varieties not only vary widely, but do not correspond with any other known morphological or ecological feature. Nonetheless, these two “varieties” are commonly reported to have distinct geographical and cultural distributions and each is associated with a particular traditional food complex. This paper reviews the literature regarding the nature, distribution, and traditional uses of manioc varieties and concludes that (1) the geographical and cultural distribution of bitter and sweet varieties of manioc may not be as distinct as has been thought; (2) traditional categories of bitter and sweet manioc may stem more from culturally derived belief systems than from actual known levels of toxicity; and (3) the choice of complex and labor intensive processing methods usually associated with bitter manioc may not be required for detoxification but rather for the derived food products, particularly manioc flour.
Technetium-99m-MIBI Versus Fluorine-18-FDG in Diffuse Multiple Myeloma

Experience of scintigraphic detection of bone lesion and active bone marrow involvement of multiple myeloma, especially with sestamibi and FDG-PET scans is in evolution. We report a case of intense sestamibi uptake in bone marrow correlating with the extent of the disease, while FDG-PET scans showed activity only in areas of active disease progression associated with pain. Technetium-99m-sestamibi appears to indicate the extent of the disease, while [ 18 F]FDG-PET scans show sites of active tumor proliferation and may be useful in directing local therapy such as radiation.
Evidence for the direct involvement ofβ-hemolysin inAeromonas hydrophila enteropathogenicity

Culture filtrates of 19 of 21 (90%) β-hemolytic isolates ofAeromonas hydrophila caused fluid accumulation in permanently ligated rabbit ileal loops, whereas no fluid was accumulated with filtrates of eight non-β-hemolytic isolates. Antiserum to purified β-hemolysin neutralized the ileal loop activity of culture filtrates from four of four β-hemolytic isolates, and treatment at 56°C for 10 min eliminated the loop activity of six additional isolates. These results support the conclusion that β-hemolysin alone causes significant changes in intestinal permeability and that it is a more common pathogenic mechanism than the heat-stable cytotonic enterotoxin. Electrophoretic and serological assays showed evidence for production of only one species of β-hemolysin byA. hydrophila.
Digestibility of fiber components and reproductive performance of sows fed high levels of alfalfa meal.

Two experiments were conducted with second-parity sows fed either 5 or 50% alfalfa meal diets (Exp. 1) or 5, 50 or 95% alfalfa meal diets (Exp. 2) beginning 30 d after breeding and continuing through lactation, 21 d postpartum. Diets in both experiments were calculated to be equal in crude protein, but different in metabolizable energy content. Feed intake was restricted to 2 kg/d during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. Sows were tethered in metabolism crates 45 d after breeding. Total feces were collected during two 5-d collection periods, 60 and 100 d after breeding. Digestibilities of dry matter, fiber components (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and cellulose), protein and energy were determined in both experiments for all diets and periods of gestation. In both experiments, there was a reduction (P less than .05) in digestibility of dry matter, fiber components, protein and energy with increasing fiber levels for both periods of gestation. In Exp. 1, the decrease in digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and energy was greater at 100 d gestation than at 60 d in sows fed 50% alfalfa. In Exp. 2, 50 and 95% dietary alfalfa reduced 60-d digestibilities of dry matter, all fiber constituents, energy and protein; these digestibilities were further reduced (P less than .05) at 100 d of gestation. In Exp. 1, weight gains of sows fed 5 and 50% alfalfa diets from breeding to 109 d gestation, were 42 and 18 kg/sow (5 greater than 50% level, P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of sodium current development in cultured atrial tumor myocytes (AT-1 cells).

AT-1 cells, derived from atrial tumors in transgenic mice, have many features similar to cardiac myocytes. However, their sodium current (I Na ) has not been evaluated in detail. In this study, two I Na phenotypes were identified in AT-1 cells: one at 3 days in culture and the other at 14 days. I Na was smaller at 3 days than at 14 days (12 ± 2 vs. 37 ± 5 pA/pF) and activated more slowly (time to peak I Na at -30 mV: 9.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1 ms). Inactivation at 14 days was faster and shifted 16 mV negative compared with that at 3 days. Acute protein kinase A or C stimulation in 3-day cells did not alter I Na gating. However, the 14-day phenotype was observed in 3-day cells when the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate analogue 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or okadaic acid was added to the culture medium from days 0 to 3. Conversely, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine, the protein kinase A inhibitor, prevented the normal development of the 14-day phenotype if the exposure was early and reverted the phenotype to that at 3 days if the exposure was later. Thus, in AT-1 cells, as in other mammalian cardiac myocytes, I Na undergoes a maturation process that is dependent on intracellular phosphorylation processes. The data raise the possibility that an important consequence of altered intracellular signaling in disease is lability in I Na amplitude or gating.
Theoretical Choices That Clarify the Present and Define the Future

(1992). Theoretical Choices That Clarify the Present and Define the Future. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 15, Communication Yearbook 15, pp. 621-632.
Microenvironmental Control of Stem Cell Fate

The field of regenerative medicine has witnessed impressive advances over the past 25–30 years, moving us ever closer to the goal of translating engineered tissue constructs into human patients. However, despite an exponentially expanding literature documenting advances in biomaterials and stem cell biology, generating tissues that function equivalently to the native tissues they are intended to replace remains an enormous challenge. Translating stem cell-based therapies from the bench to the bedside requires a better understanding of the mechanisms by which stem cell fate decisions are controlled. Extrinsic factors in the cellular microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM), include chemical, mechanical, and topographic cues, which in turn alter cell adhesion, cell shape, and cell migration, and activate signal transduction pathways to influence gene expression, proliferation, and differentiation. This chapter focuses on the links between the ECM microenvironment and the control of cell fate. The concept of the stem cell niche is also highlighted, along with evidence that the proximity of stem cells to the microvasculature may be instructive. Finally, the impact of these findings for the design and clinical utility of biomaterials for cardiac regenerative medicine is discussed.
Cardiac-Directed Expression of Adenylyl Cyclase Catalytic Domain Reverses Cardiac Dysfunction Caused by Sustained Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation.

Highlights •Cardiac-targeted expression of C1C2 reduces cAMP production yet mice maintain normal cardiac function through increased Ca2+ handling. •Sustained isoproterenol infusion reduces heart function in normal mice, but improves heart function in mice with increased cardiac C1C2 expression. •Reduced cardiac cAMP generation and resistance to catecholamine cardiomyopathy are attractive features of this potential heart failure therapeutic. •Removing the large transmembrane domains of AC6 and fusing the two intracellular domains provides a small molecule, C1C2, that replicates many of the beneficial effects of AC6, but is sufficiently small to be expressed in an AAV vector for gene transfer.
Gastritis and Gastric Mucosal Hypertrophy

This chapter discusses the pathophysiology and pathology of gastritis and gastricmucosal hypertrophy. It also discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of gastritis and gastricmucosal hypertrophy. The mucosa of the stomach may be injured by a variety of agents, ethyl alcohol, aspirin, other inhibitors of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, bile salts, and certain bacterial toxins being prominent offenders. Where the exposure to noxious agents is protracted, chronic persistent inflammatory changes may occur, particularly in the antrum or at the antral-oxyntic junction. On the other hand, chronic gastritis of the fundus and body appears to be predominantly the result of autoimmune phenomena. Superficial gastritis may be diffusely distributed throughout the stomach, and consists of hyperemia and edema, especially of the lamina propria with some extension into the submucosa. There is moderate infiltration of segmented granulocytes and a slight focal degranulation but not disruption of the surface epithelium. Erosive gastritis is similar to superficial gastritis except that the delicate neck region of the gastric gland tends to undergo necrosis so that in addition to the changes described above, there is also focal sloughing of the mucosa. Management of acute gastritis consists of controlling blood loss, identifying and discontinuing any noxious agents, and providing a milieu for the gastritis or lacerations to heal. This latter aspect of treatment is usually managed adequately by reducing the secretion of acid with cimetidine or by raising intragastric pH with doses of oral antacids capable of neutralizing HCl every two to four hours. While they are potentially attractive therapeutic agents, methylated prostaglandins are not yet available for clinical use.
Survivorship Care Planning and Unmet Information and Service Needs among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Purpose: To examine whether survivorship care planning (receipt of written treatment summary or instructions for follow-up care) is associated with unmet needs among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (aged 15–39 at diagnosis). Methods: We used data from the 2010 LIVESTRONG Survey for People Affected by Cancer. Outcome variables were survivor reports of unmet needs, including information on late effects of cancer treatment, fertility issues, cancer recurrence, and family cancer risk. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine whether receipt of either a treatment summary or follow-up care instructions was associated with each unmet needs after controlling for sociodemographic and cancer history factors. Results: Of the AYA respondents (N = 1395), only 30% reported receipt of a written treatment summary and 86% received instructions for follow-up care. The most commonly reported unmet need was addressing recurrence concerns (80%), followed by information on late effects (7...
Overall survival and the response to radiotherapy among molecular subtypes of breast cancer brain metastases treated with targeted therapies

BACKGROUND The current study was conducted to investigate survival and the response to radiotherapy among patients with molecular subtypes of breast cancer brain metastases treated with or without targeted therapies. METHODS Patients diagnosed with breast cancer brain metastases at a single tertiary care institution were included. The primary outcome was overall survival, whereas secondary outcomes included the cumulative incidences of distant intracranial failure, local failure, and radiation necrosis. Competing risks regression was used to model secondary outcomes. RESULTS Within the study period, 547 patients presented with 3224 brain metastases and met inclusion criteria. Among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-amplified disease, 80% received HER2 antibodies and 38% received HER2/epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The median survival was significantly shorter in the basal cohort (8.4 months), and progressively increased in the luminal A (12.3 months), HER2-positive (15.4 months), and luminal B (18.8 months) cohorts (P<.001). Among patients with HER2-amplified disease, the median survival was extended with the use of both HER2 antibodies (17.9 months vs 15.1 months; P = .04) and TKIs (21.1 months vs 15.4 months; P = .03). The 12-month cumulative incidences of local failure among molecular subtypes were 6.0% in the luminal A cohort, 10.3% in the luminal B cohort, 15.4% in the HER2-positive cohort, and 9.9% in the basal cohort (P = .01). Concurrent HER2/epidermal growth factor receptor TKIs with stereotactic radiosurgery significantly decreased the 12-month cumulative incidence of local failure from 15.1% to 5.7% (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Molecular subtypes appear to be prognostic for survival and predictive of the response to radiotherapy. TKIs were found to improve survival and local control, and may decrease the rate of distant failure. To preserve neurocognition, these results support a paradigm of upfront radiosurgery and HER2-directed therapy in the HER2-amplified population, reserving whole-brain radiotherapy for salvage. Cancer 2017;123:2283–2293. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Theoretical Insights into Preconception Social Conditions and Perinatal Health: The Role of Place and Social Relationships.

Recent efforts to explain the stark social and racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes that have persisted for decades in the U.S. have looked beyond prenatal factors, to explore preconception social conditions that may influence perinatal health via dysregulation of physiologic processes. The extant evidence supporting this link however remains limited, both due to a lack of data and theory. To address the latter, this manuscript generates a structured set of theoretical insights that further develop the link between two preconception social conditions—place and social relationships—and perinatal health. The insights propose the following. Place: necessarily encompasses all social contexts to which females are exposed from infancy through young adulthood; encompasses a variety of related exposures that, when possible, should be jointly considered; and may compound the effect of poverty—in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood—on perinatal health. Social relationships: span relationships from early life through adulthood, and extend to intergenerational associations; often involve (or induce) major changes in the lives of individuals and should be examined with an emphasis on the developmental stage in which the change occurred; and can reflect a lack of social integration, or, social isolation. We also identify potential biological and social-structural mechanisms linking these preconception social conditions to perinatal health, and conclude by identifying promising directions for future research.
DA ACUMULAÇÃO PRIMITIVA AOS REGIMES DE DESAPROPRIAÇÃO

Resumo Este trabalho defende uma teoria da relacao entre desapropriacao de terras e capitalismo, que chamo de "regimes de desapropriacao". Essa teoria fornece um meio de entender as formas sociais e historicas especificas assumidas pela desapropriacao, suas mudancas ao longo do tempo e como essas mudancas afetam o "desenvolvimento" economico e a politica. "Regimes de desapropriacao" preenche uma lacuna na sociologia do desenvolvimento e reconstroi a teoria de Marx da "acumulacao primitiva" e a teoria da "acumulacao por desapropriacao", de Harvey, com a finalidade de providenciar um quadro teorico mais adequado para compreender as desapropriacoes de terra no passado e no presente.
Abstract 618: Sympathetic Nervous System-Mediated Low Frequency Fluctuations in Blood Pressure are Independent of Baroreflex Modulation in Autonomic Failure

Autonomic cardiovascular regulation involves sympathetic rhythms that contribute to blood pressure fluctuations in the low frequency range. It has been suggested that fluctuations in sympathetic vasomotor tone reflect a resonance phenomenon due to interplay between the vasculature and baroreflex. Alternatively, this could reflect an intrinsic rhythm of pacemaker neurons. To dissect the autonomic origin of this cardiovascular rhythm, we studied autonomic failure patients with loss of baroreflex buffering. We hypothesized that if this rhythm originates in pacemaker neurons, it would be present in multiple systems atrophy (MSA) patients in whom residual sympathetic tone is intact but not regulated by the baroreflex, and absent in pure autonomic failure (PAF) patients with postganglionic sympathetic denervation. We studied 28 MSA and 34 PAF patients with severe autonomic impairment and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Low-frequency systolic blood pressure variability (LFSBP), an index of sympathetic modulation of vasomotor tone, and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were assessed by spectral analysis of continuous blood pressure and heart rate recordings. MSA patients had higher LFSBP during supine rest compared with PAF patients (3.3±0.5 versus 1.5±0.2 mmHg2, respectively; p=0.003), despite similarly low BRS (3.6±0.6 PAF versus 4.3±0.7 msec/mmHg MSA; p=0.380). LFSBP was higher in MSA patients with supine hypertension compared with normotensive patients (4.1±0.6 versus 2.3±0.6 mmHg2; p=0.041), with no differences in PAF patients (1.5±0.2 hypertensive versus 1.6±0.3 mmHg2 normotensive, respectively; p=0.984). These findings suggest that LFSBP is driven by an intrinsic rhythm originating in central sympathetic pathways in MSA patients, independent of baroreflex-mediated blood pressure fluctuations. The precise origin of this rhythm is unclear but may include central pacemaker neurons, spinal cord neurons or loops, or hormonal mechanisms. In addition, LFSBP is higher in MSA patients with sympathetically-mediated hypertension, but low and fixed in PAF patients with sympathetic-independent hypertension. Overall, these findings provide new insight into neural regulatory mechanisms involved in blood pressure control.
Biosynthesis of Diterpenoids in Tripterygium Adventitious Root Cultures

Adventitious root cultures were developed from Tripterygium regelii, and growth conditions were optimized for the abundant production of diterpenoids, which can be collected directly from the medium. An analysis of publicly available transcriptome data sets collected with T. regelii roots and root cultures indicated the presence of a large gene family (with 20 members) for terpene synthases (TPSs). Nine candidate diterpene synthase genes were selected for follow-up functional evaluation, of which two belonged to the TPS-c, three to the TPS-e/f, and four to the TPS-b subfamilies. These genes were characterized by heterologous expression in a modular metabolic engineering system in Escherichia coli Members of the TPS-c subfamily were characterized as copalyl diphosphate (diterpene) synthases, and those belonging to the TPS-e/f subfamily catalyzed the formation of precursors of kaurane diterpenoids. The TPS-b subfamily encompassed genes coding for enzymes involved in abietane diterpenoid biosynthesis and others with activities as monoterpene synthases. The structural characterization of diterpenoids accumulating in the medium of T. regelii adventitious root cultures, facilitated by searching the Spektraris online spectral database, enabled us to formulate a biosynthetic pathway for the biosynthesis of triptolide, a diterpenoid with pharmaceutical potential. Considering the significant enrichment of diterpenoids in the culture medium, fast-growing adventitious root cultures may hold promise as a sustainable resource for the large-scale production of triptolide.