cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic study of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma with invasive carcinoma: is serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma a reliable feature for determining the organ of origin? ☆ ☆☆

In the past several decades, the concept of serous ovarian carcinoma has been revised repeatedly. However, the exact pathogenesis remains controversial. The most popular current concept is origin from the epithelium of the fimbriated ends of the fallopian tubes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the characteristic clinical and morphologic features of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and associated invasive carcinomas. One hundred sixteen consecutive cases of STIC seen from 2007 to 2011 were included in this study. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) with or without a mixed component was identified in 107 cases (92.2%), non-HGSC in 5 cases, and STICs without invasive carcinoma in 4 cases. Using conventional criteria, HGSCs were classified as fallopian tube in origin in 65 cases (60.7%), as ovarian in 30 (28.0%), as peritoneal in 9 (8.4%), and as endometrial in 3 (2.8%). Among the 107 cases with HGSCs, most STICs (86; 80%) were present unilaterally, whereas invasive tumors more commonly involved the ovaries bilaterally (79%; 84 cases). These findings support the hypothesis that STIC acts as a precursor lesion for most fallopian tube, ovarian, and peritoneal HGSCs, but not for endometrial HGSC.
Laparoscopic palliative surgery for complicated colorectal cancer.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of the laparoscopic approach for the palliation of advanced complicated colorectal cancer (CRC).
Novel approaches to plant drug discovery based on high throughput pharmacological screening and genetic manipulation

Plants are potentially important for novel therapeutic drug leads, but the slowness of conventional methods for investigation of plants limits enthusiasm in the pharmaceutical industry. To overcome some of the drawbacks, we have applied high throughput pharmacological screening (HTPS) to crude plant extracts. Using a "differential smart screen", (DSS) the spectrum of activity contained in a crude extract is measured at several closely related receptor subtypes. This spectrum is then compared to that of known compounds. A unique spectrum suggests that the extract merits further investigation. Evaluation of species and environmental libraries of whole plants has demonstrated the value of this approach for rapid prioritization of plants for investigation. In addition, genomic and genetic manipulation of plants and plant cell cultures can increase the value of DSS. For example, the whole genomic potential of a plant species for biodiversity can be accessed by using gain of function mutations to generate a "functional genomics library" of mutant clonal cultures, and the bioactivity of these cultures tested by DSS. Clones that overproduce activity differing from the wild-type plant can be identified in this way. This "Natural Products Genomics" (NPG) strategy is limited by the massive numbers of clonal cultures that are required to cover all possible gain-of-function mutations. The rapidity and efficiency of this process can be improved by using transgenic plants expressing appropriate mammalian proteins. These may be designed to make the plant cell resemble a human cell for a specific form of toxicity. Now, "unnatural selection" of resistant mutant clones can be used to provide a sub-population potentially enriched in useful compounds. Alternatively, transgenic plant cells can be used for "in situ screening" in which a mammalian receptor protein, linked to a reporter construct, such as green fluorescent protein, is expressed. Clonal cultures that produce ligands for this receptor can now be rapidly identified visually in an ultra-HTPS. Overall, our aim is to use pharmacological screening, together with functional genomic approaches, to make plant drug discovery competitive with combinatorial chemistry.
Arrangement of bristles as a function of bristle number on a leg segment inDrosophila melanogaster.

The arrangement of bristles on a leg segment of the fruitflyDrosophila melanogaster was studied in various mutants that have abnormal numbers of bristles on this segment. Eighteen mutations at six different genetic loci were analyzed, plus five double or triple mutant combinations. Recessive mutations at theachaete-scute locus were found to affect distinct groups of bristles:achaete mutations remove mechanosensory bristles, whereasscute mutations remove mainly chemosensory bristles. Mechanosensory bristles remain uniformly spaced along the longitudinal axis unless their number decreases below a certain threshold, suggesting that spacing is controlled by cell interactions that cannot function when bristle cells are too far apart. Above a certain threshold, bristle spacing and alignment both become irregular, perhaps due to excessive force from these same interactions. Chemosensory bristles occupy definite positions that are virtually unaffected by removal of individual bristles from the array. Extra chemosensory bristles develop only near the six normal sites. At two of the six sites the multiple bristles tend to exhibit uniform longitudinal spacing — a property confined to mechanosensory bristles in wild-type flies. To explain the various mutant phenotypes the following scheme is proposed, with different mutations directly or indirectly affecting each step: (1) spots and stripes are demarcated within the pattern area, (2) one bristle cell normally arises within each spot, multiple bristle cells within each stripe, (3) incipient bristle cells inhibit neighboring cells from becoming bristle cells, and (4) the bristle cells within each stripe become aligned to form rows and then repel one another to generate uniform spacing.
Altered specificity of DNA-binding proteins with transition metal dimerization domains

The bZIP motif is characterized by a leucine zipper domain that mediates dimerization and a basic domain that contacts DNA. A series of transition metal dimerization domains were used to alter systematically the relative orientation of basic domain peptides. Both the affinity and the specificity of the peptide-DNA interaction depend on domain orientation. These results indicate that the precise configuration linking the domains is important; dimerization is not always sufficient for DNA binding. This approach to studying the effect of orientation on protein function complements mutagenesis and could be used in many systems.
AZHealthInfo: A Collaborative Model for Supporting the Health Information Needs of Public Health Workers, Public Librarians, Consumers, and Communities in Arizona*

The national Turning Point [1] program was launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation with a vision to transform and strengthen the public health system in the United States by promoting community-based and collaborative processes. In Arizona, three projects were selected for funding by the national Turning Point program, including the only project nationwide that envisioned public libraries as part of the solution. AZHealthInfo, a state-focused health information Web resource developed for public health consumers and communities in Arizona, grew out of this proposal [2]. The initiative described a plan “to build community leadership through training and information dissemination … to establish centers for public health in public libraries, public health departments and tribal service centers” [3]. It was modeled on an earlier program to develop Economic Development Information Centers (EDIC) [4, 5] in public libraries around the state to support the local business community and improve the economic climate.
COGNITIVE DECLINE IN A DOG MODEL FOR AN INHERITED NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE USING T-MAZE PERFORMANCE.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a heritable neurodegenerative disease characterized by accumulation of autofluorescent lysosomal storage granules in neural tissues accompanied by cognitive decline, seizures, and locomotor deficits. Our laboratory identified a mutation, occurring in Dachshunds, of tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP1), the canine ortholog of human CLN2 (Awano et al., 2006). In order to establish biomarkers for evaluating experimental therapies in this model, we characterized phenotypic changes in seven age-matched dogs over an 8 month period. Genotyping indicated that 2 puppies were homozygous for the mutant allele and 5 were homozygous normal. All dogs had regular physical and neurologic examinations. Funduscopy, electroretinography and cognitive function testing were performed at regular intervals. Cognitive function was assessed with the CanCog T-maze apparatus. Physical examination remained normal for all dogs. In affected dogs, changes in funduscopy, ERG and pupillary light reflexes presented between 5.5 and 6 months of age. By 7 months, mild intention tremor and cerebellar ataxia were observed. Affected dogs were still visual at 8 months. MRI revealed diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy and brain weights were reduced by 15% when compared to normal dogs of similar size. There were pronounced differences in performance between affected and normal dogs in the T-maze learning task. A cognitive deficit in the affected dogs was clearly present at 4 months of age and progressively worsened at each subsequent time point. We conclude that the reversal learning task is a sensitive, early measure of disease progression which could serve as a useful biomarker for evaluation of treatment strategies.
Testing the calcium hypothesis of aging in the rat hippocampus in vivo using manganese-enhanced MRI

Abstract In this study, we noninvasively tested the hypothesis that Mn2+-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) is sensitive to age-related changes in Ca2+ influx occurring in the hippocampal region CA1. Uptake of Mn2+, an MRI contrast agent and Ca2+ surrogate with low cellular efflux rates (days to weeks), was measured in longitudinal MEMRI studies involving 2 separate groups of male Long-Evans rats: one group was studied at 2.5 and 7 months of age, whereas the other was studied at 7 and 19 months of age. Separate or combined analysis revealed that the extent of Mn2+ accumulation in CA1 significantly increased with age (p
An analysis of the contribution of the five factors of personality to variance in academic procrastination

Abstract The construct of procrastination has been investigated in terms of task approach and performance or through the perspective of personality and individual differences. Recent articles have addressed the role of the three-factor theory of personality in procrastination. However, little information is known regarding the five-factor model of personality and procrastination. The present investigation involves a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship. Undergraduate students (N = 202) completed the NEO-PI-R and Aitken's Procrastination Inventory. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that Conscientiousness accounted for a significant portion of the unique variance of procrastination scores. The procrastination scores were inversely related to Conscientiousness and were also significantly correlated with Neuroticism. The factors of Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Agreeableness were not significantly correlated with procrastination scores. Stepwise multiple regression of the Conscientiousness and Neuroticism factor facets indicated that lack of Self-Discipline and Impulsiveness accounted for most of the variance of procrastination scores. Implications for continued theoretical development and intervention are discussed.
The Mi-2-like Smed-CHD4 gene is required for stem cell differentiation in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea

Freshwater planarians are able to regenerate any missing part of their body and have extensive tissue turnover because of the action of dividing cells called neoblasts. Neoblasts provide an excellent system for in vivo study of adult stem cell biology. We identified the Smed-CHD4 gene, which is predicted to encode a chromatin-remodeling protein similar to CHD4/Mi-2 proteins, as required for planarian regeneration and tissue homeostasis. Following inhibition of Smed-CHD4 with RNA interference (RNAi), neoblast numbers were initially normal, despite an inability of the animals to regenerate. However, the proliferative response of neoblasts to amputation or growth stimulation in Smed-CHD4(RNAi) animals was diminished. Smed-CHD4(RNAi) animals displayed a dramatic reduction in the numbers of certain neoblast progeny cells. Smed-CHD4 was required for the formation of these neoblast progeny cells. Together, these results indicate that Smed-CHD4 is required for neoblasts to produce progeny cells committed to differentiation in order to control tissue turnover and regeneration and suggest a crucial role for CHD4 proteins in stem cell differentiation.
Modeling regional variation in riverine fish biodiversity in the Arkansas-White-Red River basin

Abstract The patterns of biodiversity in freshwater systems are shaped by biogeography, environmental gradients, and human-induced factors. In this study, we developed empirical models to explain fish species richness in subbasins of the Arkansas–White–Red River basin as a function of discharge, elevation, climate, land cover, water quality, dams, and longitudinal position. We used information-theoretic criteria to compare generalized linear mixed models and identified well-supported models. Subbasin attributes that were retained as predictors included discharge, elevation, number of downstream dams, percent forest, percent shrubland, nitrate, total phosphorus, and sediment. The random component of our models, which assumed a negative binomial distribution, included spatial correlation within larger river basins and overdispersed residual variance. This study differs from previous biodiversity modeling efforts in several ways. First, obtaining likelihoods for negative binomial mixed models, and thereby av...
Applications Of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy To In Situ Catalyst Surface Studies

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a powerful tool for studying surface species present on supported catalysts during normal reaction conditions of high temperature and/or pressure. We have used a special high-throughput optical bench to optimize the sensitivity of the system for high optical density catalyst samples. The infrared cell is designed to operate at high vacuum for adsorption studies or as a recycle-flow reactor. Improvements in spectral subtractions have been obtained by the precise repositioning of samples in the IR beam. The enhanced performance resulting from these modifications has been instrumental in improving the sensitivity for infrared surface studies of the reactions C6H6 + 3H2 ⇔ C6H12 and 2C0 + 02 → 2CO2 over a Pt/A1203 catalyst. The bonding and geometry of benzene chemisorbed on the Pt surface have been determined from the infrared spectra. Simultaneous reaction rate and surface coverage measurements have also been made during CO oxidation on Pt/A1203. Hysteresis effects in both reaction rate and CO surface coverage are observed. The IR spectra indicate that islands of CO form on the Pt surface during reaction.
Simultaneous monoamine histofluorescence and neuropeptide immunocytochemistry: III. Ontogeny of catecholamine varicosities and neurophysin neurons in the rat supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei

Abstract The ontogeny of the rat supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei was studied using a combined fluorescence-immunocytochemical technique for the simultaneous localization of catecholamines (CA) and neurophysin (NP). NP neurons and CA varicosities were first detected in the SON and PVN at 17 days postcoitus. The development of NP neurons which included increases in immunoreactivity in both nuclei proceeded through fetal and neonatal stages, approaching maturity by 21–28 days postnatal; the maturation of the PVN lagged behind that of the SON. CA varicosities appeared to make contact with NP neurons beginning at 21–22 days postcoitus. An apparent increase in varicosity-perikaryal contacts with age was observed in both nuclei; by 14–21 days postnatal adult-like patterns were established. The prenatal dominance of NP stain relative to CA fluorescence may suggest a possible neurotrophic role for magnocellular neurons and/or their products upon ingrowing noradrenergic axons.
Documenting Communities of Practice: Making the Case for Archival Ethnography*

This paper seeks to present a new direction for archival research: ethnographic fieldwork. The author argues that this set of qualitative methods presents new opportunities for researchers to study phenomena in archival settings. Using the author’s research on competing definitions of value in the world of film preservation as a case study, this article gives readers unversed in ethnography and grounded theory a primer which may be used as a starting point for considering how to apply such qualitative methods to the design of new research agendas and to solve questions specific to the archival domain.
A middle-aged man with progressive neurologic deficits and bilateral leg lesions.

His speech is severely impaired and he cannot swallow liquids or solids. The leg lesions have been present for several years and are painless. What is the likely diagnosis?
Predictors of adoption and maintenance of vigorous physical activity in men and women

Abstract Background . This study examined predictors of adoption and maintenance of vigorous physical activity over time in a sample of 1,719 randomly selected women and men. Methods . Based on reported frequency of vigorous exercise in a mail survey at baseline, subjects were classified as sedentary (zero sessions per week), intermediate (one to two sessions per week), or active (three or more sessions per week). Results . On the same survey subjects reported on 25 potential determinants of physical activity based on a comprehensive learning model. Twenty-four months later, 85% of subjects were resurveyed, and their physical activity levels were classified. Within each baseline category and gender subgroup, predictors of follow-up physical activity were identified. In multivariate analyses, adoption of vigorous exercise by sedentary men was predicted by self-efficacy, age (inverse), and neighborhood environment (inverse). Adoption by sedentary women was predicted by education, self-efficacy, and friend and family support for exercise. Maintenance of vigorous physical activity was predicted by self-efficacy and age (inverse) for initially active men and by education for initially active women. Conclusion . These results suggest that factors influencing adoption are different for men and women, and there may be different factors influencing adoption versus maintenance of vigorous physical activity.
Second-order accurate inference on eigenvalues of covariance and correlation matrices

Edgeworth expansions and saddlepoint approximations for the distributions of estimators of certain eigenfunctions of covariance and correlation matrices are developed. These expansions depend on second-, third-, and fourth-order moments of the sample covariance matrix. Expressions for and estimators of these moments are obtained. The expansions and moment expressions are used to construct second-order accurate confidence intervals for the eigenfunctions. The expansions are illustrated and the results of a small simulation study that evaluates the finite-sample performance of the confidence intervals are reported.
Bone Density and Adaptation in Semiaquatic Mammals

Low bone-density values recorded for some semiaquatic mammals indicate a morphologic compromise related to the need to perform adaptive functions both on land and in the water. However, these measurements revealed a broad range of values that did not suggest a single, most parsimonious hypothesis to explain morphologic differences in body size among taxa or the various degrees of external adaptation of these genera to an aquatic environment. With two exceptions, bone densities for all taxa were at or below average values reported in the literature for terrestrial mammals. A marked increase in deposition of compact bone was observed only in limb bones of the beaver ( Castor canadensis ). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in limb-bone densities between semiaquatic and terrestrial mammals. However, density values did not differ significantly between these two groups when compared to fully aquatic mammals.
A review of the treatment of chronic low back pain with acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Summary A meta-analysis of published studies was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in controlling pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain. Studies in English were identified by searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, CISCOM and AMED. Other studies were located by citation tracking, searching by hand bibliographies and conference reports, and direct contact with subject experts. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they were randomized controlled trials comparing ALTENS or TENS with a credible placebo in patients with low back pain of more than 8 weeks duration. Two reviewers extracted data on reduction in pain, changes in range of movement and functional status as well as determining the power of the included studies. Sixty-eight studies were initially identified, of which six (two using ALTENS and four using TENS) involving a total of 288 patients with mixed low back pathologies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) of improvement in pain was calculated: ALTENS/TENS vs placebo OR = 2.1 (95% Cl 1.3–3.4) ALTENS vs placebo OR = 7.2 (95% CI 2.6–20.1), TENS vs placebo OR = 1.5 (95% CI 0.9–2.6). OR for range of motion (ROM) on ALTENS vs placebo was 6.6 (95% CI 2.4–18.6). There were insufficient data to assess the effect of TENS alone on ROM, functional status and return to work. Similarly there were not enough data to assess ALTENS and functional status and return to work. There is limited statistical evidence that ALTENS and TENS reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic low back pain, at least in the short term. This review and analysis is severely restricted by the lack of quality, randomized controlled trials. Even 25 years since the introduction of these treatments, powerful randomized controlled studies on the most appropriate use of TENS/ALTENS for the management of chronic low back pain have yet to be produced.
The Molecular Spectrum of He 3

The band spectrum of the molecule ${({\mathrm{He}}^{3})}_{2}$ has been studied in the region from 3000A to longer wave-lengths. The present paper treats the band system $3{p}^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{s}^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$. The rotational and vibrational molecular constants have been determined.
D- and L-lactic acid oxidases of Escherichia coli.

Abstract A particulate enzyme complex from Escherichia coli catalyzing the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate has been studied. Enzyme preparations obtained from celss of E. coli, grown in synthetic medium containing DL -lactate, oxidized both isomers of lactate. An acetone powder from such preparations oxidized D -lactateonly and required methylene blue for activity. Enzyme preparations from cells of E. coli, grown in media with glucose as the source of carbon, oxidized D -lactate vigorously but showed little or no oxidative activity in the presence of L -lactate. Some of the properties of the enyzme complex have been described and the relation of the findings to adaptive enzyme formation has ben discussed.
Tensor models and simplicial quantum gravity in >2-D

Abstract Various tensor model formulations of simplicial quantum gravity are presented and discussed but not solved.
A new species of Pliocene Prolagus (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae) from Poland is the northernmost record of the genus

Prolagus Pomel, 1853, was one of the longest-lasting mammalian genera (McKenna and Bell, 1997). This speciose group of large ochotonids originated in the late Oligocene from Piezodus Viret, 1929, a...
An evaluation of acetazolamide in chloroform hepatotoxicity.

Abstract On the basis that sulfanilamide exerts a protective action against chloroform hepatotoxicity, as well as the incrimination of hypercapnia in this phenomenon, a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide, was studied on dogs and mice as a possible prophylactic agent against chloroform hepatitis. This agent was found to be without effect on the incidence or severity of liver damage as determined by BSP retention. This lack of protection was apparent even when treatment was given sufficiently long before chloroform to result in hyperventilation and a significantly reduced pCO2 throughout the anesthetic period.
Low Carbohydrate Diets, Pro: Time to Rethink Our Current Strategies

Obesity-attributable medical expenditures in the United States are estimated at 75 billion dollars annually, half of which are financed by Medicare and Medicaid. In 2002, the estimated 80,000 bariatric surgical procedures cost between 15,000 to 30,000 dollars per patient. It is now believed that poor diet and physical inactivity may soon overtake tobacco as the leading cause of death. These findings, along with escalating health care costs and an aging population, are compelling reasons for US health care and public health systems to create more effective preventive approaches than have been used to date to reverse this epidemic. According to current trends, obesity will become the #1 cause of death by 2005, with the toll surpassing 500,000 deaths a year, rivaling the annual deaths from cancer. Conditions of overweight and obesity are associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status. The successful experiences by many individuals who have limited their carbohydrate intake and mounting scientific studies supporting low- or controlled-carbohydrate diets' physiologic and metabolic action warrant a closer look at this dietary regimen as a potentially viable option to current conventional approaches. For individuals with high serum triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, truncal obesity, or insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome or hyperinsulinemia), reducing carbohydrate intake has been shown to improve these parameters without adverse clinical effects. Studies are beginning to validate the benefit of controlling carbohydrate intake for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The controlled-carbohydrate regimen could be a viable alternative dietary approach for weight management used by clinicians managing patients who are failing with conventional approaches. This can be achieved by either restricting carbohydrates initially and then adding back healthy carbohydrate choices until the individual's carbohydrate threshold is achieved or by eliminating carbohydrate foods one at a time from the diet until carbohydrates are limited enough to achieve weight loss and improve clinical parameters. One diet approach does not fit all patients. Some individuals might do best on a very-low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, whereas others may respond to lowering carbohydrate intake. Identifying specific needs and health conditions of each individual is key to successful application of the best approach and management for long-term success of weight loss in conjunction with improved health.
Effects of Unequal Power on Cooperation in Conflict

Participants were randomly assigned to be high or low power and interacted with another who consistently cooperated, or consistently competed, or alternatively cooperated and competed. Results indicate that low power participants acted more cooperatively, were more attracted to, and wanted to facilitate the other's outcomes to the extent the other had cooperated; the cooperativeness of the high power participants was unaffected by the low power person's actions.
Solvent effects on the condensation stage of the sol-gel process

Abstract Effects produced by changing the solvent medium on the sol-gel polymerization process have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, the molybdenum chemical reaction and electron microscopy methods. The mechanism of particle aggregation as well as the extent of condensation of the polymeric network have been shown to be dramatically affected by the presence of organic additives, such as formamide, dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile and dioxane. These observations have been explained in terms of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions which modulate the nucleophilic substitution mechanism associated with the sol-gel condensation process.
Perfluoropolyethers with acid end groups: Amphiphilicity and emulsification

Interactions of PFPE-acids (perfluoropolyethers with carboxylic end groups) with a metal oxide surface and with aqueous systems were examined. The study revealed that (1) PFPE-acids are preferentially adsorbed on metal oxide (ZrO 2 ) surfaces over PFPE of nonfunctionalized form, (2) PFPE-acids of shorter chain length are preferentially adsorbed over PFPE-acids of longer dimension, and (3) the low molecular weight fraction (MW = 1300) of Demnum-SH is abundant in molecular chains terminated with the acid end group at both ends. The study also revealed that PFPE-acids, if agitated with aqueous solution of electrolyte, form an extremely stable macroemulsion of the water-in-oil type. The emulsion is extremely viscoelastic and may contain 50% by weight (hence, 65% by volume) of water. Water is occluded as droplets of diameter of 1-100 microns. A mechanism exists whereby aqueous protons are transported between droplets with the transfer rate ≥ 50 Hz at room temperature. Relevance of these observations in the lubricant application of PFPEs in magnetic recording media is discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Placing man in the New West: Masculinities of The Last Picture Show

The Last Picture Show does not fall within the genre of the Western, yet the cinematic narrative mourns the loss of the iconic Westerner — a man — and the passing of his home places that constitute the Old West. This paper is concerned with the ways in which this man and his places are transformed along with the embryonic but inexorable emergence of the New West — and its attendant demand for recognition of hitherto unheard voices (e.g., women, Latinos) — that accompanied significant social, cultural and political shifts that were beginning to emerge within the country as a whole in the represented early 1950s. His represented sites of contestation are found within the frame of the small west Texas town of Anarene, created by Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name as the film, both of which reflect contexts of the era in which they were constructed — the mid 1960s to early 1970s. We suggest that the film shows a great sensitivity to the ways in which particular masculinities are constituted in specific places, to the tensions that arise from the changing nature and definitions of masculinity as they are linked to these places, and with his sense of nostalgia and loss that accompanies his inevitable decline. But there is no clear and empowered place for women in these new places, only a recontextualized form of a patriarchal order which is not relational and which still maintains essentialist assumptions of gender. The Old West has taken new shape, much to the chagrin of man, but it is hardly a New West, with its emerging and representative voices.
Influence of molecular weight and film thickness on the glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion of supported ultrathin polymer films

Abstract The influence of film thickness and molecular weight on the glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion for polystyrene thin films supported on silicon native oxide surfaces has been studied in detail using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was observed that Tg exhibits a dependence on both film thickness and polymer molecular weight. The Tg of polystyrene was found to decrease with decreasing film thickness below a critical film thickness of approximately 10 times the polymer radius of gyration. The coefficient of thermal expansion was also found to increase sharply as film thickness is decreased below approximately 10 times the polymer radius of gyration. It was found that the Tg of polystyrene thin films supported on silicon native oxide surfaces can be modeled using a ‘master’ curve based on reduced thickness (i.e. thickness relative to the polymer radius of gyration) and reduced glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg relative to the polymer bulk Tg). Using this concept, a single equation has been generated that describes the dependence of Tg on molecular weight and film thickness for the polystyrene on silicon native oxide system.
Pregnancy and early reproductive failure in the baboon.

We documented normal pregnancy and the rate of pregnancy failure in female baboons by measuring chorionic gonadotropin (bCG) and progesterone (P) levels in 162 mated cycles of 70 baboon females on days 10, 12, and 14 postovulation. Females were mated with males during turgescene. The presence of pregnancy was defined by bCG levels >20 μg/ml by day 14 postovulation and/or documentation of a gestational sac using ultrasonography. Of the 162 cycles, 75 were fertile. Of these animals, 33 were used in other studies and thus were not included in these analyses. The analyses are based on 43 pregnancies from 91 cycles that were untreated throughout their gestations. Twenty-six of these pregnancies had abnormal bCG and/or progesterone levels in early pregnancy. All of those pregnancies with abnormal endocrine parameters terminated with spontaneous abortion (60%). Certain abnormal bCG patterns were repeatedly observed in some animals and were correlated with repeated spontaneous abortions. Of 17 pregnancies with normal bCG and P patterns, 15 (88%) continued to term with a normal fetal outcome. In this study, a pregnancy rate per mated cycle of 47% was observed, yet 60% of untreated pregnancies abortyed spontaneously. Overall 16% of the mated cycles had continuing pregnancies with normal outcome. These studies demonstrate that a high rate of early abortions occurs in the baboon and that a single bCG determination is insufficient to define the presence of a "normal" pregnancy which might be expected to carry to term with a normal outcome.
Quantitative character evolution under complicated sexual systems, illustrated in gynodioecious Fragaria virginiana.

Many taxa, especially plants, are famous for their diverse and complicated sexual systems. This diversity presents an obstacle to application of otherwise standard methods in evolutionary analysis. One example involves the quantitative genetics (Lande 1976, 1979; Lande and Arnold 1983) of phenotypic evolution. Standard methods of quantitative genetic analysis have been extended to and applied in separate sexed (Lande 1980; Meagher 1992, 1994; Ferguson and Fairbairn 2000) and hermaphroditic (Morgan 1992, 1994; Morgan and Schoen 1997) species, but quantitative genetic methods have not been developed to address other mating systems such as androand gynodioecy; andro-, gyno-, and monoecy; or heterostyly. In this note, we develop Gaussian quantitative genetic approximations to describe how selection shapes traits expressed in females and hermaphrodites of a gynodioecious species where sex is under simple nuclear gene control. We then illustrate the approach through analysis of selection acting on petal size in Fragaria virginiana. Results of the empirical analysis suggest diverse ways in which sexual systems influence the evolution of quantitative characters. Finally, we give examples of how concepts used here (i.e., the inheritance of sex determination, fertility-weighted sex morph ratio, and
Your what is my how: Why requirements and architectural design should be iterative

Systems are naturally constructed in hierarchies in which design choices made at higher levels of abstraction levy requirements on system components at lower levels of abstraction. Thus, whether an aspect of the system is a design choice or a requirement depends largely on one's location within the hierarchy of system components. In addition, it is often the case that systems are not constructed top-down, but rather middle-out; compatibility with existing systems and architectures, or availability of specific physical components may influence high-level requirements. Despite these facts, several of the reference models commonly used for requirements, including the four-variable model and world machine model, do not account for hierarchical decomposition. In this position paper, we argue that requirements and architectural design should be more closely aligned: that requirements reference models should account for hierarchical system construction, and that architectural design notations should better support specification of requirements for system components. We briefly describe work to this end that was performed on the META II project and describe the gaps in this work that need to be addressed to meet practitioner needs.
Growth factor and receptor mRNA expression in the intestine of horses with large colon volvulus: a pilot study.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Growth factors (GF) are important for maintenance and repair of intestinal mucosal structure and function, but there have been no studies investigating growth factor (GF) or growth factor receptor (GF-R) mRNA expression in the intestine of horses with large colon volvulus (LCV). Objectives: (1) To determine mRNA expression for epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGF-R), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF), IGF receptor (IGF-R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGF-R) in the intestine of horses with an LCV compared to normal intestine. (2) To measure the correlation between histological intestinal injury and mRNA expression. Methods: In 5 horses, samples were collected from the mid-jejunum (small intestine, SI), pelvic flexure (PF) and right dorsal colon (RDC) prior to creation of the LCV (NORM), 1 h following creation of the LCV (ISCH) and 1 h following correction of the LCV (REPER). In 2 clinical cases of LCV, samples were collected from the PF and RDC. Samples were assessed histologically for the amount of intestinal injury. The mRNA expressions of growth factors and receptors were determined using qRT-PCR. Results: VEGF and VEGF-R mRNA expression was greater in horses with an LCV compared to NORM. Expression of IGF-R mRNA increased in the SI during ISCH and REPER. Conclusion and potential relevance: The increase compared to NORM in VEGF and VEGF-R mRNA expression in horses with LCV may be important in early intestinal healing and may also explain, in part, the increase in vascular permeability in horses with a LCV. Expression of IGF and IGF-R in the SI warrants further investigation and may be important for understanding post operative complications in horses with SI lesions.
A note on the role of knowledge in direct voting on milk price decontrol

In Maine in 1982 and in Montana in 1984, voters rejected ballot initiatives which would have removed state laws setting price minimums on milk. Since consumers vastly outnumber milk producers and distributors, these votes should be upsetting to economists who argue that these controls raise prices.' Are economists wrong, or merely unpersuasive? This note examines the role played by knowledge, both of the first-hand kind and of the reasoning-ability kind, in an econometric analysis of direct voting on this issue.
Grey radiative transfer in binary statistical media with material temperature coupling: asymptotic limits

Simplified models for the unconditional ensemble-averaged radiation intensity and material energy are developed for radiative transfer in binary statistical media. Asymptotic analysis is used to construct an effective transport model with homogenized opacities in two limits. In the first, the material properties are assumed to have low contrast on average, and is shown to correctly reproduce the well-known atomic mix model in both time-dependent and equilibrium situations. Our analysis successfully resolves an inconsistency previously noted in the literature with the application of the standard definition of the atomic mix limit to radiative transfer in participating random media. In the second limit considered, the materials are assumed to have highly contrasting opacities, yielding a reduced transport model with effective scattering. The existence of these limits requires the mean chunk sizes to be independent of the photon direction and this creates an ambiguity in the interpretation of the models when the underlying stochastic geometry is comprised of alternating one-dimensional slabs. A consistent one-dimensional setting is defined and the asymptotic models are numerically validated over a broad range of physical parameter values.
Particle cloud kinetics in microgravity

Data related to particle-particle agglomeration/deaglomeration and particle-wall attachment are discussed. Particle-cluster cloud interactions and particle-cluster agglomeration/deagglomeration kinetics are studied. An apparatus designed and constructed for examining the agglomeration/deagglomeration effects for lycopodium under the conditions of an acoustically energized mixing process and of alpha-particle-induced deagglomerative processes is described; characteristic features and applications for the apparatus are examined. Requirements for combustion experimentation are discussed.
A new method for rapid determination of carbohydrate and total carbon concentrations using UV spectrophotometry.

Abstract A new UV spectrophotometry based method for determining the concentration and carbon content of carbohydrate solution was developed. This method depends on the inherent UV absorption potential of hydrolysis byproducts of carbohydrates formed by reaction with concentrated sulfuric acid (furfural derivatives). The proposed method is a major improvement over the widely used Phenol–Sulfuric Acid method developed by DuBois, Gilles, Hamilton, Rebers, and Smith (1956) . In the old method, furfural is allowed to develop color by reaction with phenol and its concentration is detected by visible light absorption. Here we present a method that eliminates the coloration step and avoids the health and environmental hazards associated with phenol use. In addition, avoidance of this step was shown to improve measurement accuracy while significantly reducing waiting time prior to light absorption reading. The carbohydrates for which concentrations and carbon content can be reliably estimated with this new rapid Sulfuric Acid–UV technique include: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides with very high molecular weight.
Generalized Gaussian measures and a “Functional Equation”: II

Abstract Let G be a compact Abelian group for which x → 2 x is Abelian, and let ξ : G × G → G × G take ( x , y ) to ( x + y , x − y ). Call a measure μ on G Gaussian iff ∃ a measure ν on G such that μ × μ ( E ) = ν × ν ( ξ ( E )) for all measurable E ⊆ G × G . We determine all Gaussian μ; essentially, they are obtained by taking convolutions and weak- ∗ limits of certain easily characterized point measures and some measures closely related to ordinary Gaussian distributions on R n .
Configuration interaction studies of NF and NF

Abstract Full potential energy curves and wavefunctions are calculated for NF and NF + in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation with a configuration interaction method employing a minimal basis of Slater type orbitals. Resulting energy differences, vibrational and rotational constants are compared to experimental results and predictions are made of these quantities for states which have not yet been experimentally identified.
Hearing loss induced by viscous fluids in the middle ear

Dextran solutions of low viscosity (7.5 centipoise) and high viscosity (2.2 poise) were instilled in turn into the middle ears of guinea pigs, using an open bulla preparation. The degree of conductive hearing loss induced was assessed by measurement of the cochlear microphonic. Both solutions produced a comparable degree of hearing loss which was frequency dependent, ranging from 30 dB at 500 Hz to almost zero at 4000 Hz. The results indicate that the degree of conductive hearing loss produced by a serous effusion in otitis media is due solely to an effect on compliance in the middle ear and is independent of the viscosity of the effusion.
Sound production in Scolytidae: Acoustic signals of male and female Dendroctonus valens LeConte

Stress and attraction chirps, which were similar in acoustic parameters, and multi-interrupted rivalry chirps were recorded from male D. valens. From females were recorded stress chirps, longer and irregularly-pulsed agreement stridulations, and “greeting” chirps produced at first physical contact with a male entering the attractive female gallery. This is the first direct evidence of male-female acoustic interplay in Scolytidae. Zusammenfassung Gerauscherzeugung bei Scolytiden: Die akustischen Signale der Mannchen und Weibchen bei Dendroctonus valens LeConte Stridulationsignale, die akustisch ahnlich sind, wurden als Ausdruck von Stress und Anlockung durch Mannchen produziert. Wahrend einer Rivalitats-Situation dagegen wurde eine vielfach unterbrochene Stridulation erzeugt. Die Weibchen produzierten Stress-Signale, langere irregulare „Zustimmungs”-Signale, und - nach Eindringen der Mannchen in die Brutgange - „Begrusungs”-Signale. Diese „Begrusungs”-Stridulation wird als der erste Beweis der akustischen Kommunikation zwischen Mannchen und Weibchen bei Scolytiden betrachtet.
A Critique of S. S. Stevens' “New Psychophysics”

S. S. Stevens' “New Psychophysics” is examined in terms of classical psychophysics and recent experiments. Distinctions between metathetic and prothetic continua, and between category and ratio scales are considered inappropriate. Conclusions drawn from cross-modality matching are questioned. We suggest that central nervous system processes determine the quantitative nature of psychophysical responses, as described by the physical correlate theory, rather than the operating characteristics of sensory transducers.
Al Gore's Initiative of Reinventing the Government: The Real Story of Total Quality Management in the Federal Government

International competition and consumer activism are factors that have influenced the federal government's implementation of total quality management (TQM) concepts. The National Performance Review (NPR), launched by President Clinton and led by Vice Pre..
Low Profile, Vibrotactile EMG Feedback Device for Direct Placement on Electrode Patch

X-ray mammography has been used in the early detection of breast tumors for decades. Related techniques to enhance preventive screenings are still demanding. Since the 1990s, near infrared diffuse optical tomography NIR DOT, a functional medical imaging modality, is being exploited and developed to reconstruct optical-coefficient images of tissues. Much endeavor to improve the spatial resolution and contrast of DOT images has been exerted for clinic applications in the diagnosis of breast tumors. The study aims at the design, implementation, and verification of a mammography based NIR DOT. This multimodality imaging method is able to provide information that neither X-ray nor diffuse optical tomography can give alone. To this end, a device with multiple-channel switching of NIR sources and translational scanning of out-emitted intensity constructed on a commercialized mammography system is being designed and built up. We employ the mammography image as structure information that is used as an initial guess for the image reconstruction of optical properties of tissues. Preliminary numerical trials are performed using heterogeneous phantoms made of high-scattering Intralipid. Promising results are obtained with various spatial resolutions due to partial NIR detected intensity.