cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ce anomalies in the LEW85300 eucrite: evidence for REE mobilization during Antarctic weathering

Abstract There is abundant evidence for widespread REE mobilization in Antarctic eucrites, resulting in Ce and Eu anomalies and lower whole-rock REE abundances relative to typical eucrites. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), we investigated the microdistribution of Ce anomalies in the Antarctic polymict eucrite LEW85300. Ce anomalies (positive and/or negative) are present in all three of the minerals (plagioclase, pyroxene and silica) analysed. The anomalies occur in grains from all four clasts as well as in mineral and lithic fragments from the surrounding matrix; thus there appears to be no lithologic association. Silica, which has been heavily shocked and altered, exhibits a LREE-enriched pattern with negative Ce and Eu anomalies, consistent with a derivation of the REE from Ca-phosphate dissolution: trivalent REE are leached from the phosphates, with preferential retention of tetravalent Ce, and redeposited on silica. Pyroxene is also widely affected by REE mobilization, due to an extensive, shock-induced microcrack network along cleavage planes. A tendency for the largest Ce anomalies to occur at low LREE concentrations suggests that pyroxene itself experienced REE leaching with concomitant Ce retention. Ce anomalies are rare in plagioclase because this mineral lacks an extensive network along which REE can be mobilized. The widespread REE mobilization and evidence for other forms of weathering requires that trace element data be used cautiously, especially for Antarctic eucrites.
Economies of traffic density and scale in the integrated air cargo industry: The cost structures of FedEx Express and UPS Airlines

This paper examines the cost structures of the leading integrated air cargo carriers, FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. A total cost model is estimated for the two carriers using quarterly data on domestic operations and costs over a nine-year period (2003–2011). The estimated model indicates that the integrated industry exhibits increasing returns to traffic density and constant returns to scale. Accounting for carrier-specific differences in cost structure and network size, FedEx Express is found to be more cost-efficient than UPS Airlines. Looking at the carriers individually, UPS Airlines exhibits substantial economies of traffic density and constant returns to scale while FedEx Express' cost structure is characterized by weak economies of density and constant returns to scale. The combined effect of returns to density and returns to scale on the cost structures of integrated carriers is captured by economies of size. Both FedEx Express and UPS Airlines exhibit economies of size, indicating that carriers in the integrated industry can be more cost efficient by making appropriate adjustments to their network size as their output grows. Moreover, the relative cost-efficiencies of the carriers are reversed when their network-size differences are not controlled.
Accumulation of phytate in vegetable-type soybean genotypes harvested at four developmental stages

A total of 17 vegetable-type soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) genotypes were planted in four-row plots arranged in a randomized complete block design in 1988 and 1989 at Petersburg, Virginia. Each genotype was harvested at four developmental stages and evaluated for phytate content. Highly significant differences for phytate content were observed among the stages of harvest and genotypes, and there was an interaction between genotype x stage of harvest. The significant differences observed for phytate content among genotypes indicated that genetic variation exists among the tested genotypes for selection and improvement through hybridization. Among the genotypes, ‘Kingston’ and PI 423852 had the highest phytate content in most stages of harvest while PI 416771, ‘Emperor’, and PI 416982 had the lowest phytate values. A heritability estimate of 81 percent was observed for phytate content. This high heritability value indicates that selecting genotypes for lower phytate content would be effective. Significant correlations were observed for phytate content among genotypes harvested at R6, R7, R8, and overall. The magnitude of association of R6 with the overall phytate mean was especially high. These results illustrate that determining the phytate content of genotypes at the R6 growth stage would be a good predictor of the overall genotypic performance.
Clinically critical impact of molecular genetic studies in pediatric solid tumors.

Background Standard cytogenetic techniques are time-consuming and often not informative with solid tumors. In contrast, the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a readily available technique that can rapidly detect tumor-specific chromosomal rearrangements, even in small biopsy specimens. We present cases depicting the importance of including molecular diagnostic studies in the routine evaluation of pediatric solid tumors. Procedure We used RT-PCR to detect chimeric transcripts specific for major pediatric solid tumors, including peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), and desmoplastic small round-cell tumor (DSRCT). We reviewed six recent cases in which the initial diagnosis was changed by the results of RT-PCR. Results Highly unusual or nonspecific clinical and/or histopathologic findings led to the initial diagnoses of neuroblastoma in three patients and DSRCT, leukemia, and carcinoma in one patient each. The final diagnoses after RT-PCR studies were pPNET in three patients, ARMS in two patients, and DSRCT in one patient. RT-PCR results led to early corrections in the diagnosis in two patients, but four patients received treatment not considered optimal for the neoplasms ultimately diagnosed, including three who, despite presenting with localized tumors that have a >70% cure rate with standard therapy, have died or are dying of disease. Conclusions Molecular genetic studies on solid tumors can clarify the diagnosis in seemingly straightforward as well as in overtly problematic cases. These diagnostic distinctions are now critical as disease-specific and risk-directed therapies have emerged. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 33:530–535, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tryptamine Oxidation by Extracts of Pea Seedlings: Effect of Growth Retardant β-Hydroxyethylhydrazine

beta-Hydroxyethylhydrazine forces flowering of pineapple plants, possibly by reducing auxin concentration. A specific and sensitive assay showed that beta-hydroxyethylhydrazine (3.3 x 10(-7)M) inhibits noncompetitively and almost completely the oxidation of tryptamine to indoleacetaldehyde by extracts of pea-seedling (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska). The relative rate of oxidation of putrescine to Delta(1)-pyrroline compared to that of tryptamine by these extracts and the inhibition of both reactions by beta-hydroxyethylhydrazine suggest that diamine oxidase is inhibited. beta-Hydroxyethylhydrazine is a potent inhibitor in vivo of animal diamine oxidase.
Triangle graphs and isospin violation in 3-particle final-state reactions

Abstract The rescattering process for a 3-particle final-state reaction represented by a triangle diagram should lead to isospin violation. This effect is due to the possibility of kinematically selecting one triangle graph rescattering process in favor of its charge conjugate.
Evolving numerical enzymes: Accelerating relaxation in the Frenkel-Kontorova model.

We have investigated the finite-temperature behavior of the Frenkel-Kontorova model, and have found it unable to reach the ground state when cooled at a finite rate, freezing instead into some metastable configuration. The correlation length of the final state grows as the logarithm of the logarithm of the cooling time. By adding ``numerical enzymes,'' or long-range Monte Carlo moves which precisely eliminate certain barriers to relaxation, we can equilibrate to significantly lower temperatures. Our numerical method for developing these enzymes is motivated by Darwinian evolution.
COMPARISON OF AXILLARY AND RECTAL TEMPERATURES (TEMP) TAKEN BY ELECTRONIC PREDICTIVE AND MERCURY THERMOMETERS (THERM)

COMPARISON OF AXILLARY AND RECTAL TEMPERATURES (TEMP) TAKEN BY ELECTRONIC PREDICTIVE AND MERCURY THERMOMETERS (THERM)
Estimation of nonlinear transfer functions for fully developed turbulence

Abstract A statistical method for modeling the linear and quadratically nonlinear relationship between fluctuations monitored at two points in space or time in a turbulent medium is presented. This relationship is described with the aid of linear and quadratic transfer functions and the concept of coherency is extended to quantify the goodness of the quadratic model. A unique feature of the approach described in this paper is that it is valid for non-Gaussian “input” and “output” signals. The validity of the approach is demonstrated with simulation data. The method is applied to experimental data taken in the turbulent edge plasma of the TEXT tokamak. The results indicate a three wave process with energy transfer to large scale fluctuations. The estimation of transfer functions is a first step in quantitatively measuring coupling coefficients and the energy transfer.
Postmortem Evaluation of 435 Cases of Intracranial Neoplasia in Dogs and Relationship of Neoplasm with Breed, Age, and Body Weight

Background Intracranial neoplasia of dogs is frequently encountered in veterinary medicine, but large-scale studies on prevalence are lacking. Objectives To determine the prevalence of intracranial neoplasia in a large population of dogs examined postmortem and the relationship between breed, age, and weight with the presence of primary intracranial neoplasms. Animals All dogs that underwent postmortem examination from 1986 through 2010 (n = 9,574), including dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of primary (n = 227) and secondary (n = 208) intracranial neoplasia. Methods Retrospective evaluation of medical records from 1986 through 2010. Results Overall prevalence of intracranial neoplasia in this study's population of dogs was 4.5%. A statistically significant higher prevalence of primary intracranial neoplasms was found in dogs with increasing age and body weights. Dogs ≥15 kg had an increased risk of meningioma (odds ratio 2.3) when compared to dogs <15 kg. The Boxer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, and Rat Terrier had a significantly increased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms while the Cocker Spaniel and Doberman Pinscher showed a significantly decreased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Intracranial neoplasia in dogs might be more common than previous estimates. The study suggests that primary intracranial neoplasia should be a strong differential in older and larger breed dogs presenting with signs of nontraumatic intracranial disease. Specific breeds have been identified with an increased risk, and others with a decreased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms. The results warrant future investigations into the role of age, size, genetics, and breed on the development of intracranial neoplasms.
Feminist Scholarship: Cross-Disciplinary Connections for Cultivating a Critical Perspective in Kinesiology

Kinesiology has not been a particularly inviting space for feminist critical analysis. In this article, as a graduate student in the field, I argue that feminist scholarship from women and gender studies can be applied to kinesiology issues to promote a critical perspective that is often missing in kinesiology. I draw connections between feminist scholarship and issues related to gender, race, sexuality, and their intersections within sport and physical activity space, which is a central focus of kinesiology research and practice. These interdisciplinary connections can move kinesiology toward developing a critical approach to sport studies and kinesiology-related scholarship.
The influence of individual health outcomes on individual savings behavior

Abstract In this essay, data from the 2006 wave of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79-2006), and the two stage least squares (2SLS) estimation technique are used to investigate the relationship between health outcomes and the willingness of individuals (age 41–50) to save. Health perception, physical component score, mental component score, depression score and the diagnosis of a variety of health problems are used as health measures for the analysis described in this essay. We find that health perception and physical component score are positively related to the willingness of individuals to save; while the diagnosis of major health problems is negatively related to the willingness of individuals to save. The effect of mental component score and depression score on individuals’ willingness to save differs significantly between males and females. A higher mental component score is found to be positively related to the willingness of females to save; while depression score is found to affect the willingness of females to save negatively. Both mental component score and depression score are not related to the willingness of male respondents to save.
Survivin signaling is regulated through nuclear factor-kappa B pathway during glycochenodeoxycholate-induced hepatocyte apoptosis.

Abstract Hepatocytes in primary culture undergo apoptosis upon exposure to glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC). The signaling mechanisms of GCDC-induced apoptosis remain unclear. To investigate the role of antiapoptotic genes, we compared apoptotic response in primary hepatocytes following GCDC treatment. The hepatocytes from adult Sprague–Dawley rats were cultured in collagen-coated dishes and treated with GCDC in varying concentrations, or the same concentration at different time intervals. Apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, and caspase assays. Expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins was evaluated by RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting, respectively. The DNA-binding property of a nuclear protein was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. An interesting result was that GCDC caused hepatocyte apoptosis to display a biphasic phenomenon at a dosage of 50 μM, whereas it was not found at higher dosages such as 200 μM. GCDC stimulated the expression of antiapoptotic Survivin, which also presented a biphasic response. The activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) corresponded with the up-regulation of Survivin. The inhibitor of NF-κB, BAY 11-7082, suppressed the expression of Survivin and simultaneously eliminated the biphasic response. The expression of Survivin was transcriptionally mediated by the activation of NF-κB, as shown by EMSA and ChIP assay. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that a low dosage of GCDC induced the hepatocyte apoptosis to exhibit the biphasic response, which was regulated by the expression of Survivin through NF-κB signaling pathway.
When do the geomagnetic aa and Ap indices disagree

Abstract The next solar and geomagnetic cycle has been predicted using the Ap and the extensive aa index databases (Thompson, Solar Phys. 148 (1993) 383). Current real-time predictions use the Ap index. Though the correlation between the two indices is at the 0.9 level, the aa and Ap index do not always agree, even though the two aa stations are included in the Ap index. We investigate the differences between these indices, looking for trends at different levels of activity, different solar cycle periods, different times of the day, etc. We find a lower correlation during even numbered solar cycles, a higher correlation late in the UT day, and a higher correlation during solar maximum period.
Composition and Nutritive Value of Whole Plant Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) Ensiled with and without Propionic Acid-Formaldehyde Treatment

Abstract Whole plant peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea L.) matured to the proper stage for seed pod harvest were uprooted, mechanically shaken to remove soil, chopped, and ensiled at about 33% dry matter content with and without propionic acid-formaldehyde (67:10 wt/wt) added at .93% of dry matter ensiled. Treatment altered fermentation and produced a pH of 4.50 versus 5.24 for untreated silage. Total sugars, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in treated silage averaged 10.90, 4.02, .74, .51, and .02% of the dry matter and differed from the corresponding 8.40, .85, 1.64, .30, and .85% in untreated silage. Dry matter of the peanut silages averaged about 14% ether extract, 15% crude protein, and 43% acid detergent fiber. Dairy heifers fed diets of equal dry matter from corn silage plus treated or untreated peanut silages readily consumed dry matter equivalent to about 2.5% of body weight or approximately 14% more than heifers fed an all corn silage diet. Apparent percentage digestibilities of the corn silage, treated peanut-corn silage, and untreated peanut-corn silage diets were 45, 58, and 54 for crude protein, 78, 88, and 88 for ether extract, and 63, 62, and 58 for dry matter. Treatment of chopped peanuts with a propionic acid-formaldehyde preservative altered ensiling fermentation but failed to modify responses of animals fed diets containing the treated silages.
Binding of calcium by humic acid

Abstract The binding of radiotracer 45Ca to humic acid was studied by a solvent extraction technique. The dependence of binding on pH and temperature was determined. For an ionic medium of 0.1 M (NaClO4), the binding constant varied from 2.25 ± 0.04 at pH 3.9 to 3.32 ± 0.04 at pH 5.0. Thermodynamic parameters of binding calculated from the temperature coefficient indicated that a large, positive entropy change accounts for the favorable free energy of complexation.
Feasible methods to estimate disease based price indexes

Abstract There is a consensus that statistical agencies should report medical data by disease rather than by service. This study computes price indexes that are necessary to deflate nominal disease expenditures and to decompose their growth into price, treated prevalence and output per patient growth. Unlike previous studies, it uses methods that can be implemented by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For the calendar years 2005–2010, I find that these feasible disease based indexes are approximately 1% lower on an annual basis than indexes computed by current methods at BLS. This gives evidence that traditional medical price indexes have not accounted for the more efficient use of medical inputs in treating most diseases.
Ubiquitous aspirin: a systematic review of its impact on sensorineural hearing loss.

ObjectiveThis systematic review evaluates the impact of aspirin on audiometric outcomes with respect to: (1) doses exceeding 325 mg daily, (2) doses of 325 mg daily or less, (3) studies applicable ...
Predictors of shunt during carotid endarterectomy with routine electroencephalography monitoring

Background The routine use of intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring with selective shunt placement during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to be safe and effective. We attempt to identify the anatomic and clinical factors associated with significant EEG changes requiring shunt placement during CEA. Methods Between January 2005 and June 2007, 242 CEAs were performed with selective shunt placement for significant EEG changes. Risk factors assessed include severity of both ipsilateral and contralateral disease, presence of ipsilateral preoperative symptoms, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, age, gender, and preemptive intraoperative blood pressure manipulation to ≥20% above baseline before cross-clamping. Data were analyzed with the χ 2 test ( P Results CEA was performed for asymptomatic disease in 177 of 242 patients (73.1%). The perioperative stroke rate was 0.8% (2 of 242), and the overall morbidity rate was 4.5%. No patients died. Significant EEG changes requiring shunt occurred in 35 patients (14.46%). Factors associated with carotid shunt placement were moderate ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis (50% to 79%) compared with severe (≥80%) disease (30.6% vs 11.7%, P = .003) and degree of contralateral carotid stenosis (0% to 49%, 10.8%; 50% to 79%, 10.9%; 80% to 99%, 23.2%; occlusion, 50%; P = .0003). Presence of symptoms, gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease, and preemptive intraoperative manipulation of blood pressure were not significant predictors of shunt placement. Conclusion CEA performed with routine EEG monitoring and selective shunt placement is associated with a low risk of perioperative stroke. Identified predictors of significant EEG changes were anatomic factors including degree of contralateral carotid artery disease and moderate ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis (50% to 79%). Although contralateral carotid occlusion has been accepted as indication for shunt placement in the absence of cerebral monitoring, this study suggests that high-grade contralateral disease and moderate ipsilateral carotid stenosis are associated with cerebral ischemia resulting in EEG changes and should prompt consideration for nonselective shunting.
Findings in female offspring of women exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine a group of women (third-generation daughters) whose mothers were exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and compare their findings on pelvic examination with those noted in their mothers. METHODS: Letters were mailed to women documented to have been exposed in utero to DES who had given birth to a female offspring, inviting them to have their daughters come in for a detailed history and pelvic examination. Records of the mothers whose daughters appeared for examination were reviewed, and findings noted at the time of their initial examination were recorded. Detailed pelvic examination of the third-generation daughters included colposcopic examination and iodine staining of the vagina and cervix and Papanicolaou smear. The findings observed in these women were compared with those noted in their mothers at the time of their mothers’ first examination. RESULTS: Twenty-eight third-generation daughters were examined. Three of the daughters were delivered from one mother. Review of the mothers’ records indicated that 16 (61.5%) of the mothers exposed to DES during their pregnancy demonstrated structural changes of the cervix, upper vagina, or vaginal epithelial changes consisting of adenosis, nonstaining vaginal epithelium after application of iodine solution, or white epithelium within the vagina. None of the daughters were found to have changes usually associated with DES exposure. CONCLUSION: The absence of abnormalities in the lower genital tract in third-generation women compared with the high frequency of these abnormalities in their mothers suggests that third-generation carryover effects of in utero DES exposure are unlikely.
Development of a 2009 Stable Lights Product using DMSP-OLS data

Since 1994, NGDC has had an active program focused on global mapping of nighttime lights using the data collected by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) sensors. The basic product is a global annual cloud-free composite, which averages the OLS visible band data for one satellite from the cloud-free segments of individual orbits. Over the years, NGDC has developed automatic algorithms for screening the quality of the nighttime visible band observations to remove areas contaminated by sunlight, moonlight, and the presence of clouds. In the Stable Lights product generation, fires and other ephemeral lights are removed based on their high brightness and short duration. Background noise is removed by setting thresholds based on visible band values found in areas known to be free of detectable lights. In 2010, NGDC released the version 4 time series of Stable Lights, spanning the years 1992-2009. These are available online at .
The hemodynamic and metabolic advantages gained by a three-day infusion of dobutamine in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Most patients with nonischemic congestive cardiomyopathy (COCM) derive subjective benefit from a 3-day intravenous infusion of dobutamine. The mechanism of this improvement was evaluated by the measurement of metabolic factors (serum sodium and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]) during the infusion in 23 group I patients. In addition, six patients (group II) had an endomyocardial biopsy procedure before and after 3 days of bed rest and then after 3 days of dobutamine. The tissue was analyzed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine. The eight group III patients had cardiac output, coronary sinus blood flow, and arterial and coronary sinus oxygen saturation measurements before and during two dose increments of dobutamine (5 and 10 μg/kg/min). The results demonstrated that the mean sodium of group I patients rose from 135 ± 3 ( X ± SD) to 137 ± 4 mEq/L ( p p p
Surface-Micromachined Parylene Dual Valves for On-Chip Unpowered Microflow Regulation

This paper presents the world's first surface-micromachined parylene dual-valved microfluidic system for on-chip unpowered microflow regulation. Incorporating a normally closed and a normally open passive check valve in a back-to-back configuration inside a microchannel, the dual-valved system has successfully regulated the pressure/flow rate of air and liquid without power consumption or electronic/magnetic/thermal transduction. By exclusively using parylene C (poly-para-xylylene C) as the structural material, the fabricated valves have higher flexibility to shunt flows in comparison to other conventional thin-film valves. A state-of-the-art multilayer polymer surface-micromachining technology is applied here to fabricate parylene microvalves of various designs. The parylene-based devices are completely biocompatible/implantable and provide an economical paradigm for fluidic control in integrated lab-on-a-chip systems. Design, fabrication, and characterization of the parylene dual valves are discussed in this paper. Testing results have successfully demonstrated that the microflow regulation of the on-chip dual-valved system can achieve a bandpass profile in which the pressure control range is 0-50 mmHg with corresponding flow rates up to 2 mL/min for air flow and 1 muL/min flow rate for water flow. This regulation range is suitable for controlling biological conditions in human health care, with potential applications including drug delivery and regulation of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients
The proper balancing of repair and preventive maintenance activities in the determination of coordinated shipboard allowance lists

The determination as to the cost-effective number of spares for given types of items or equipment to be carried on board various types of ships is studied. This spare pool, known as the ship's COSAL, must provide prespecified levels of protection against stockouts for all uses of that item on board the given ship. This article derives and illustrates the methodology for optimally trading off the reduction in the ship's COSAL that can be gained by improving repair/resupply capabilities or by lowering the failure rate of the equipment through more or different types of preventive maintenance. A flexible class of preventive maintenance/repair response functions to cost is studied which are nonlinear and exhibit realistic diminishing returns. Two different types of assumptions are possible regarding the interdependencies of the resupply times across different ship types. A tractable budget allocation method is presented which can be used in a multiitem, multiship, multiechelon repair environment where there is one budget to cover all spares, all repair/resupply, and preventive maintenance activities. The technique incorporates different criticalities of shortages by type of ship and item. It can be used either in a budget building mode or a budget execution mode.
Arabidopsis LON2 is necessary for peroxisomal function and sustained matrix protein import.

Relatively little is known about the small subset of peroxisomal proteins with predicted protease activity. Here, we report that the peroxisomal LON2 (At5g47040) protease facilitates matrix protein import into Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) peroxisomes. We identified T-DNA insertion alleles disrupted in five of the nine confirmed or predicted peroxisomal proteases and found only two—lon2 and deg15, a mutant defective in the previously described PTS2-processing protease (DEG15/At1g28320)—with phenotypes suggestive of peroxisome metabolism defects. Both lon2 and deg15 mutants were mildly resistant to the inhibitory effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on root elongation, but only lon2 mutants were resistant to the stimulatory effects of IBA on lateral root production or displayed Suc dependence during seedling growth. lon2 mutants displayed defects in removing the type 2 peroxisome targeting signal (PTS2) from peroxisomal malate dehydrogenase and reduced accumulation of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, another PTS2-containing protein; both defects were not apparent upon germination but appeared in 5- to 8-d-old seedlings. In lon2 cotyledon cells, matrix proteins were localized to peroxisomes in 4-d-old seedlings but mislocalized to the cytosol in 8-d-old seedlings. Moreover, a PTS2-GFP reporter sorted to peroxisomes in lon2 root tip cells but was largely cytosolic in more mature root cells. Our results indicate that LON2 is needed for sustained matrix protein import into peroxisomes. The delayed onset of matrix protein sorting defects may account for the relatively weak Suc dependence following germination, moderate IBA-resistant primary root elongation, and severe defects in IBA-induced lateral root formation observed in lon2 mutants.
Predicting Parenting Difficulty

Path models on random samples of fathers (N = 159) and mothers (N = 275) in Utah examine direct and indirect relations between parenting difficulty and variables reflecting family stressors, social and personal resources, and background characteristics. Parenting difficulty appears to be significantly affected by the stressful characteristics of the parenting environment. Specifically, for both mothers and fathers, the inconvenience of parenting seems to affect parenting difficulty positively. Among fathers, parenting difficulty is also related to financial stress. The availability of privacy in the home appears to affect parenting difficulty indirectly for both parents by reducing the experience of parenting inconvenience. Nonfamily social support variables do not appear to affect aspects of the parenting environment or the level of parenting difficulty. Family size and family life cycle variables are more relevant to mothers than to fathers, since they affect only the mothers' access to privacy.
Concept Map Assessment of Classroom Learning: Reliability, Validity, and Logistical Practicality

The psychometric characteristics and practicality of concept mapping as a technique for classroom assessment were evaluated. Subjects received 90 min of training in concept mapping techniques and were given a list of terms and asked to produce a concept map. The list of terms was from a course in which they were enrolled. The maps were scored by pairs of graduate students, each pair using one of six different scoring methods. The score reliability of the six scoring methods ranged from r 5 .23 to r 5 .76. The highest score reliability was found for the method based on the evaluation of separate proposi- tions represented. Correlations of map scores with a measure of the concept maps' similarity to a master map provided evidence supporting the validity of five of the six scoring methods. The times required to provide training in concept mapping, produce concepts, and score concept maps were compatible with the adoption of concept mapping as classroom assessment technique. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 36: 475 -492, 1999
Continuous hydrolysis of milk protein in a membrane reactor.

Casein was hydrolyzed using Alcalase in a continuous stirred tank membrane reactor (CSTMR) using a hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane. A design of experiments methodology was used to optimize the four performance variables: enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, permeate flux and reactor volume. High conversion (>90%) of the casein could be achieved after one hour at 50°C and pH 8. Reactor activity was most affected by the enzyme-to-substrate ratio. The stability of the reactor (i.e., decay of activity with time) was a function of enzyme leakage through the membrane, thermal inactivation and enzyme-membrane interactions.
A 35-Year-Old Man With Fever, Dyspnea, and Diffuse Reticular Opacities

(CHEST 2006; 129:482–487) A 35-year-old white man presented with fever, myalgias, and fatigue for 6 weeks. He also had dry cough and dyspnea with mild exertion. During the past few weeks, he received multiple courses of oral antibiotics without improvement for a diagnosis of pneumonia. He smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years. He smoked crystalline methamphetamine regularly for the past 5 years. His medical history was otherwise unremarkable. Occupational and family histories were noncontributory.
Analysis of key management in wireless sensor networks

A multitude of wireless sensor networks exist today in various fields, each having a specific objective in mind. Based on the objectives for each network, the security concerns can be different, dependent on such factors as the level of secrecy of the data being captured, the amount of computation done to the captured data, and the criticality of the data being available when needed. This paper aims to identify the various types of WSNs in existence today, review some of the key management schemes proposed by the community, and map each type of WSN to a set of these key management schemes that would be ideal to handle the security requirements for that network. Through our research, we aide in solving the question as to whether or not there exists any specific security concerns which are prevalent in a majority of WSNs in use today.
CD8 T Cells Are Required for the Formation of Ectopic Germinal Centers in Rheumatoid Synovitis

The assembly of inflammatory lesions in rheumatoid arthritis is highly regulated and typically leads to the formation of lymphoid follicles with germinal center (GC) reactions. We used microdissection of such extranodal follicles to analyze the colonizing T cells. Although the repertoire of follicular T cells was diverse, a subset of T cell receptor (TCR) sequences was detected in multiple independent follicles and not in interfollicular zones, suggesting recognition of a common antigen. Unexpectedly, the majority of shared TCR sequences were from CD8 T cells that were highly enriched in the synovium and present in low numbers in the periphery. To examine their role in extranodal GC reactions, CD8 T cells were depleted in human synovium-SCID mouse chimeras. Depletion of synovial CD8 T cells caused disintegration of the GC-containing follicles. In the absence of CD8 T cells, follicular dendritic cells disappeared, production of lymphotoxin-α1β2 markedly decreased, and immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion ceased. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that these CD8 T cells accumulated at the edge of the mantle zone. Besides their unique localization, they were characterized by the production of interferon (IFN)-γ, lack of the pore-forming enzyme perforin, and expression of CD40 ligand. Perifollicular IFN-γ+ CD8 T cells were rare in secondary lymphoid tissues but accounted for the majority of IFN-γ+ cells in synovial infiltrates. We propose that CD8+ T cells regulate the structural integrity and functional activity of GCs in ectopic lymphoid follicles.
Relation of Right Ventricular Dilation, Age of Repair, and Restrictive Right Ventricular Physiology With Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Adolescents and Adults With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

The present study aimed to determine the predictors of patient-reported quality of life and restrictive right ventricular (RV) physiology in adolescents and adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 62 patients (median age 28.5 years, range 14 to 69) undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging completed the Short Form 36-item questionnaire, version 2, a validated quality of life assessment. RV inflow curves were generated from the sum of tricuspid inflow and pulmonary insufficiency. The patient-reported quality of life was comparable to population norms. Patients repaired after 1 year of age showed a strong trend toward a greater likelihood of physical component summary age-adjusted z-score ≤-1 (odds ratio 7.50, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 62.3, p = 0.06). Patients with a RV ejection fraction of <45% reported decreased physical component summary (p = 0.02) and physical functioning (p = 0.02) scores. The RV end-diastolic volume, pulmonary regurgitation, and diastolic indexes did not predict the quality of life. The indexed RV end-diastolic volume was related to diastolic abnormalities, correlating with a greater peak early filling rate (r = 0.71, p <0.0001), ratio of peak early to atrial filling rates (r = 0.45, p = 0.006), and showing a strong trend with the end-diastolic forward flow in the pulmonary trunk (odds ratio 2.67 for moderate dilation and 3.50 for severe dilation, p = 0.06). Patients who underwent repair before 1 year old were more likely to have end-diastolic forward flow (15 of 17 vs 25 of 42, p = 0.03). In conclusion, the RV ejection fraction and age of repair were the best predictors of quality of life in this population, in whom end-diastolic forward flow and associated diastolic parameters appeared to reflect an overdistended ventricle, which might suggest a role for early pulmonary valve replacement.
Under the Canopy: Ritual Process and Spiritual Resilience in South Africa

Under the Canopy: Ritual Process and Spiritual Resilience in South Africa. Linda Elaine Thomas. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press, 1999. ix. 174 pp., illustrations, photographs, tables, notes, bibliography, index.
Fossil Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Middle Eocene Kishenehn Formation

A broad range of interesting fossil insects have been discovered recently in Kishenehn Formation shale (middle Eocene, ca. 46 myo) in northwestern Montana, among them a diversity of ant species. Two hundred forty-nine ant fossils were examined in this study, with 152 them assignable at least to subfamily. Here, twelve fossil ant species are formally described. These include a new genus of Dolichoderinae ( Ktunaxia , gen. nov.), and the oldest known species from two extant genera: Crematogaster ( C. aurora , sp. nov.) and Pseudomyrmex ( P. saxulum , sp. nov.). The Eocene is of particular interest for understanding ant evolution because it is during this period that many present-day speciose and ecologically dominant clades of ants apparently emerged. In order to understand the evolution of ants, and in particular their march to the terrestrial dominance observed in modern times, it is critical to understand the tempo of ant diversity during the Eocene. The Kishenehn provides another window into Eocene ant diversity; its relevance to some of the other major Eocene ant fossil deposits is discussed.
Experimental estimation of stability constants of copperised azo dyes in water

A simple spectrophotometric method is presented for estimation of pH-independent stability constants based on reaction of EDTA with copperised 1:1 azo dyes. Approximate stability constants for one direct and 11 fibre reactive dyes are presented. Examination of measurement precision and sources of error suggests the method to be accurate to within a factor of three.
Mothers' child-feeding practices influence daughters' eating and weight

Background Childhood overweight has increased dramatically, particularly among young girls. Genetic and environmental factors produce the overweight phenotype. Nonshared environments appear to account for a substantial proportion of the population variance in overweight but remain largely unspecified and unmeasured.
Murine Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Is Unaltered by Depletion of CD4+ T cells and Diminished Adaptive Immunity

The obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis causes an estimated 92 million new cases of sexually transmitted infection each year worldwide [1]. Lasting and durable control of these infections, and prevention of the deleterious consequences of infection, will require the development of a vaccine. A limitation to the development of a vaccine relates to the incomplete understanding of the natural history of human chlamydial genital infection. Diagnosis of infection mandates treatment, and thus it is not fully understood which responses are necessary for protective immunity and when during the course of infection those responses mature and become effective. Therefore, Chlamydia infection of animals—primarily mice—has been used as a surrogate to study the natural history of genital infection and the development of adaptive immunity. Two mouse models of infection have been used extensively to study chlamydial genital infection and immunity: one model uses the mouse pathogen, Chlamydia muridarum; and the other uses the human pathogen, C. trachomatis. The need for adaptive immunity in resolving murine C. muridarum infection is unequivocal [2], but the role of adaptive immunity in resolving murine C. trachomatis infection is ambiguous [3, 4], even though primary infection elicits adaptive immune responses and a level of resistance to reinfection appears to develop [5–10]. In this study we sought to directly examine the contribution of adaptive immunity (CD4+ T cells) in resolving primary murine C. trachomatis genital infection. Because previous studies have clearly demonstrated that C. trachomatis genital infection of mice is highly dependent on mouse strain [5, 11], it was crucial to choose a mouse strain that supported a robust infection that persisted for sufficient time to allow for the development of adaptive immune responses. Accordingly, we chose to use the C3H/HeJ strain of mice. Mice of the C3H background have been shown to be susceptible to C. trachomatis genital infection, and the C3H/HeJ strain in particular has impaired innate immunity due to a nonfunctional Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 [12]. Those combined attributes should favor the development of an infection of sufficient intensity and duration to delineate the role of adaptive immunity in resolving C. trachomatis genital infection. We show here that CD4+ T cell–mediated adaptive immunity is not required to control primary murine C. trachomatis genital infection.
LÖWITH, LÖWITH'S HEIDEGGER, AND THE UNITY OF HISTORY

This article is about the problem of the unity of history as seen through the writings of Karl Lowith. By “unity of history” I understand the notion that all history constitutes one and only one range of kinds of objects and/or one field of knowledge. The article argues that the problem of the unity of history—though often neglected as a matter of mere argumentative infrastructure—is central to a number of wider problems, most prominently the possibility of a plural understanding of historicity and the possibility of ultimately avoiding a unified historical teleology. The article revisits Lowith's writings and proposes a variety of novel interpretations with the aim of evincing the centrality, and of exploring diverse aspects, of the problematic of the unity of history. This problematic is shown to have informed Lowith's work on the secularization thesis as well as his debate with Hans Blumenberg. The foundations of Lowith's discussion of the problem are pursued across his ambivalent critique and appropriation of Heidegger's model of an ontology of historicity as marked by inevitable internal conflict and thus disunity. The paper reconstructs the manner in which, after the Second World War, Lowith's philosophy of history sought to salvage basic traits of the Heideggerian model when it tried to establish the possibility of plural historicity from a notion of the natural cosmos. It is demonstrated that the motives for this salvage operation ultimately extended beyond the problem of Lowith's reception of Heidegger and concerned the possibility of continuing any debate on the philosophy of history.
Concise Review: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging, Life Span, and Transplantation

Self-renewal and multilineage differentiation of stem cells are keys to the lifelong homeostatic maintenance of tissues and organs. Hematopoietic aging, characterized by immunosenescence, proinflammation, and anemia, is attributed to age-associated changes in the number and function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their microenvironmental niche. Genetic variants and factors regulating stem cell aging are correlatively or causatively associated with overall organismal aging and longevity. Translational use of HSCs for transplantation and gene therapy demands effective methods for stem cell expansion. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in HSC self-renewal, proliferation, and homing has led to enhanced expansion and engraftment of stem cells upon transplantation. HSC transplantation is less effective in elderly people, even though this is the demographic with the greatest need for this form of treatment. Thus, understanding the biological changes in the aging of stem cells as well as local and systematic environments will improve the efficacy of aged stem cells for regenerative medicine and ultimately facilitate improved health and life spans.
Managing tradeoffs in the electronic age

An overview of the development of electronic resources over the past three decades is provided, discussing key features, disadvantages, and benefits of traditional on-line databases and CD-ROM and Web-based resources. This analysis of gains and losses as information resources have shifted to the Internet provides a basis for identifying key issues in the decision to shift collections and resources toward purely digital formats. Ownership of content, licensing terms, and the proliferation of user interfaces are especially important and still unresolved concerns.
Acceleration of electrons with the racetrack nonscaling ffag for e-RHIC

The future relativistic electron hadron collider: e-RHIC requires acceleration of electrons to 10 GeV with a possible upgrade to 20 GeV. In the case that the super conducting linac is selected for acceleration, an energy recovery scheme is required. We propose to study a possibility of using the non-scaling Fixed-Field Gradient- Accelerator (NS-FFAG) for different energies. The beam will be accelerated by the superconducting linac at the top of the sine function, brought back to the front of the linac by the non-scaling FFAG and repeating this a few times until the total energy of 20 GeV is reached. After collisions the beam is brought back by the non-scaling FFAG and decelerated (on the lower RF phase) in the same sequence but in the reverse order. Conventional and non-conventional beam dynamic issues will be discussed, like the transit time matching effect and the time of flight adjustments.
Parameter estimation in the presence of bounded modeling errors

We formulate and solve a new parameter estimation problem in the presence of bounded data uncertainties. The new method is suitable when a priori bounds on the uncertain data are available; its solution guarantees that the effect of the uncertainties will never be unnecessarily overestimated beyond what is reasonably assumed by the a priori bounds.