cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The American Crocodile in Florida Bay

The American crocodile was declared endangered in the United States in 1975. At that time 75% of the remaining crocodile nests were in Everglades National Park, in Florida Bay. In 1980, the National Park Service established a crocodile sanctuary in northeastern Florida Bay to protect nesting and nursery habitat. In 1985, a monitoring program, focused on nesting, growth, and survival, was established to evaluate the effects of modified water deliveries on crocodiles in Florida Bay. The number and range of crocodile nests increased between 1970 and 1995, but nesting success decreased slightly. Nests on artificial substrates in the Greater Flamingo-Cape Sable area accounted for most of the increase in nests. Nests on artificial substrates were more prone to predation by raccoons. At least 1.5% of marked hatchlings survived for more than 12 mo, and growth rates were variable. Detailed information on growth and survival of crocodiles is still lacking. It is no longer a question of whether crocodiles with survive in Florida Bay, but how ecosystem restoration and management can be applied to improve conditions for crocodiles.
Reducing school related factors hindering girl-child equality of access to quality education in Nigeria through counselling

The education of the girl-child in Nigeria is impaired by various factors subsumed in historical, religious, socio-economic, socio-cultural, school-related factors and so on. The problem addressed in this paper is the school based factor such as curriculum bias, sex stereotyping in learning materials, teachers and student factors which hinder girl-child access to quality education. It is observed that these factors impede the girl-child equality of access to quality education. To solve this problem it is suggested that counsellors should work with all concerned about the outlined problems to change their perceptions and behaviour towards the girl-child so as to improve her access to quality education. It is also being suggested that more counsellors should be produced, while the Counselling Association of Nigeria should provide continuing counselling education to counsellors to acquire more counselling skills to counsel the girl child, their parents, teachers and the general public to encourage girls to seek education. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 9(1) 2004: 1-15
The OCLC Online Union Catalog: An Incomparable Library Resource

Furthering access to the world's information and reducing information costs are the major goals of Online Computer Library Center, (OCLC) a nonprofit library computer service and research organization based in Dublin, Ohio. OCLC pioneered the computer revolution in libraries in 1971 when it introduced a computer system that enabled libraries to catalog books and order custom-printed catalog cards rapidly and efficiently. Today, OCLC provides a spectrum of services for libraries and their users. OCLC systems in cataloging, interlibrary loan, document delivery, reference, and electronic publishing provide an integrated approach to navigating the sea of knowledge for libraries and their users.
Smooth positive extensions and nonlinear programming

We establish a smooth positive extension theorem: Given any closed subset of a finite-dimensional real Euclidean space, a function zero on the closed set can be extended to a function smooth on the whole space and positive on the complement of the closed set. This result was stimulated by nonlinear programming. We give several applications of this result to nonlinear programming.
TFIIF and TFIIS Enhance the Mechanical Persistence of Transcript Elongation by RNA Polymerase II

Mounting evidence suggests that transcript elongation in eukaryotic organisms is regulated via a variety of mechanical cues affecting entry into and exit from transient transcriptional pauses or permanent arrest. A number of accessory factors, including TFIIF and TFIIS, are implicated in the control of these processes. Here, we investigate the interactions of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) with these factors in a single-molecule optical trapping assay. When monitoring the response of elongation complexes - containing RNAPII and combinations of TFIIF and TFIIS - to controlled mechanical loads, we find that at low force both factors are independently capable of returning arrested RNAPII to productive elongation. At high forces, TFIIF synergistically enhances TFIIS-induced transcriptional re-start but is itself incapable of re-starting transcription. Results obtained with a cleavage-defective TFIIS mutant suggest that TFIIS, in addition to its well-established role in catalyzing transcript cleavage, may relieve arrest via a second, cleavage-independent mechanism. Importantly, the factors' activities do not result in a significantly enhanced stall force, but rather promote the persistence of RNAPII in transcriptionally active states when faced with mechanical obstacles.Our studies also uncover unexpected insights into RNAPII-intrinsic mechanisms underlying transient transcriptional pauses. Both the force-dependence of pause entry and a direct visualization of the process at near-basepair resolution reveal two distinct mechanisms: under forces opposing transcription, pauses typically originate from a backtracking event, whereas under assisting loads a backtrack-independent pause mechanism dominates. Pause duration distributions provide additional mechanistic insights, suggesting that backtracking is not a purely diffusive process, but that instead the extent of backtracking may be restricted by mechanisms intrinsic to RNAPII.Taken together, these results provide a glimpse at how nature resolves obstacles to transcription through the concerted interactions of RNAPII with multiple accessory factors.
CHANGES IN THE STATE OF IONIZATION OF CARBOXYL GROUPS IN ELASTIN IN RESPONSE TO THE BINDING OF SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE

The interaction of sodium dodecyl sulfate with elastin has been studied by complexometric titration. Approximately 1.2 μnoles of protons with a pKapp of 5.45 are taken up by 10 milligrams of insoluble elastin upon the binding of detergent, apparently due to the protonation of normally ionized carboxylate functions in this protein. Since ionized carboxylate functions of elastin are essential for its interaction with elastase and, possibly, metallic cations, these results may have physiological significance in view of the affinity of elastin for lipid-like ligands.
Asymmetrical facial expressions in portraits and hemispheric laterality: a literature review.

Studies of facial asymmetry have revealed that the left and the right sides of the face differ in emotional attributes. This paper reviews many of these distinctions to determine how these asymmetries influence portrait paintings. It does so by relating research involving emotional expression to aesthetic pleasantness in portraits. For example, facial expressions are often asymmetrical—the left side of the face is more emotionally expressive and more often connotes negative emotions than the right side. Interestingly, artists tend to expose more of their poser's left cheek than their right. This is significant, in that artists also portray more females than males with their left cheek exposed. Reasons for these psychological findings lead to explanations for the aesthetic leftward bias in portraiture.
A biomechanical investigation of a knotless tension band in medial malleolar fracture models in composite Sawbones

Abstract The present study introduces a knotless tension band construct and compares its biomechanical behavior with that of a traditional stainless steel tension band construct. Fourth-generation composite tibial Sawbones ® were used in the present study. Fracture models were created to mimic Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-B2.2 ankle fractures. A total of 20 specimens were randomized evenly into a stainless steel tension band group (control group); or a knotless tension band group. The fixation constructs were mechanically tested, and the stiffness and failure strengths were calculated. Two failure strengths were determined: the engineering-based failure strength, defined as the greatest tensile load tolerated by the construct; and the clinical failure strength, defined as the force required to displace the fracture by 2 mm. We used 2-tailed independent samples t tests to compare and identify significant differences. The knotless tension band construct was 7.7% stronger and 33.2% stiffer and required a 36.7% greater force to displace the fracture by 2 mm. Independent sample t tests confirmed that differences in mean stiffness ( p = .003) and clinical failure strength ( p = .003) were statistically significant. Although the mean engineering strength for the knotless group was greater than that for the stainless steel group, this difference was not statistically significant ( p = .170). This knotless tension band construct could potentially offer both clinical and biomechanical advantages compared with the current stainless steel standard.
Feedback connections to ferret striate cortex: Direct evidence for visuotopic convergence of feedback inputs

Interareal feedback connections are a fundamental aspect of cortical architecture, yet many aspects of their organization and functional relevance remain poorly understood. Previous studies have investigated the topography of feedback projections from extrastriate cortex to macaque area 17. We have extended this analysis to the ferret. We made restricted injections of cholera toxin B (CTb) into ferret area 17 and mapped the distribution of retrogradely labeled cells in extrastriate cortex. In addition to extensive label spreading within area 17, we found dense cell label in areas 18, 19, and 21 and the suprasylvian cortex and sparser connections from the lateral temporal and posterior parietal cortex. We made extensive physiological assessments of magnification factors in the extrastriate visual cortex and used these measures to convert the spread of labeled cortex in millimeters into a span in degrees of visual field. We also directly measured the visuotopic extents of receptive fields in the regions containing labeled cells in cases in which we made both CTb injections and physiological recordings in the same animals; we then compared the aggregate receptive field (ARF) of the labeled region in each extrastriate area with that of the injection site. In areas 18, 19, and 21, receptive fields of cells in regions containing labeled neurons overlapped those at the injection site but spanned a greater distance in visual space than the ARF of the injection site. The broad visuotopic extent of feedback connections is consistent with the suggestion that they contribute to response modulation by stimuli beyond the classical receptive field. J. Comp. Neurol. 487:312–331, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Folic Acid and Epilepsy

Folic acid has been a topic of discussion within the epilepsy community for several decades. Folic acid was initially suspected to be epileptogenic (1), but that concern has been resolved, as research has demonstrated that folic acid in less than supraphysiologic concentrations does not promote seizures. Epileptologists are now concerned that folic acid may be too low in persons with epilepsy taking some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Low serum and red blood cell levels of folic acid in women of childbearing potential increase the risk of fetal birth defects. For men and women, low levels of folic acid are associated with elevated homocysteine and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A convincing argument now develops that routine folic acid supplementation is important for women and men receiving AEDs.
Mechanisms of attenuation of abdominal sepsis induced acute lung injury by ascorbic acid

Bacterial infections of the lungs and abdomen are among the most common causes of sepsis. Abdominal peritonitis often results in acute lung injury (ALI). Recent reports demonstrate a potential bene...
Directed evolution of the epidermal growth factor receptor extracellular domain for expression in yeast

The extracellular domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR-ECD) has been engineered through directed evolution and yeast surface display using conformationally-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as screening probes for proper folding and functional expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An EGFR mutant with four amino acid changes exhibited binding to the conformationally-specific mAbs and human epidermal growth factor, and showed increased soluble secretion efficiency compared with wild-type EGFR. Full-length EGFR containing the mutant EGFR-ECD was functional, as assayed by EGF-dependent autophosphorylation and intracellular MAPK signaling in mammalian cells, and was expressed and localized at the plasma membrane in yeast. This approach should enable engineering of other complex mammalian receptor glycoproteins in yeast for genetic, structural, and biophysical studies.
The Need for Business Environmental and Social Responsibility in the Tourism Industry

ABSTRACT This paper is on the relevance and application of the Business Environmental and Social Responsibility (BESR) concept in the hotel sector. In this paper, the literature is reviewed and analyzed to establish the connection between tourism and the physical and social environments. The review shows an inevitable link between tourism activities with both environments. This and the strong tourism growth in the past, implies that tourism has far-reaching negative impacts that must be mitigated, not only for the good of the physical and social environments, but also for the sustainability of the industry itself. However, the review also indicates that past misconceptions about tourism as an environmentally benign industry has led to a slow integration of responsible environmental and social considerations into tourism planning and development. It was not until the late 1980s that the industry began to address the issue and acknowledged the importance of sustainable tourism as the industry's new directio...
HEALING IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Healing in the GI tract is rapid when free of complications: Unlike cutaneous healing, in which progress can be observed on a daily basis and intervention instituted early if necessary, healing of the intestinal anastomosis is anatomically obscured from inspection, allowing the surgeon only the patient's parameters of general well-being to judge the success of the operation. For the same reason, complications usually require re-operation, with the associated morbidity of a laparotomy and additional general anesthetic. This places a great responsibility on the surgeon to be cognizant of all the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors relating to anastomotic healing that might compromise the healing process. Bearing these in mind, along with attention to technical detail, should limit complications to an acceptable level. Patients most at risk are (1) those who perioperatively develop physiologic problems that lead to shock, hypoxia, and resultant anastomotic ischemia, (2) those with radiation-induced tissue injury, (3) those with sepsis, and (4) those with preoperative bowel obstruction. Malnourishment, malignancy, diabetes, steroids, and age also influence outcome to varying degrees. Future advancement in the field of GI healing lies in our ability to manipulate the early struggle between collagen synthesis and collagen breakdown. A profound understanding of the molecular and biochemical pathways and the factors that control them will bring us closer to this goal. Clinically, this may be accomplished by the introduction of wound healing enhancers into the anastomotic site, possibly by incorporating them into suture materials, biofragmentable anastomotic rings, or staple materials. Already much is known about the influence of different cytokines and growth factors on collagen regulation, knowledge that will help resolve many of the long-standing problems associated with GI surgery.
The necessity of functional analysis for space exploration programs

As NASA moves toward expanded commercial spaceflight within its human exploration capability, there is increased emphasis on how to allocate responsibilities between government and commercial organizations to achieve coordinated program objectives. The practice of program-level functional analysis offers an opportunity for improved understanding of collaborative functions among heterogeneous partners. Functional analysis is contrasted with the physical analysis more commonly done at the program level, and is shown to provide theoretical performance, risk, and safety advantages beneficial to a government-commercial partnership. Performance advantages include faster convergence to acceptable system solutions; discovery of superior solutions with higher commonality, greater simplicity and greater parallelism by substituting functional for physical redundancy to achieve robustness and safety goals; and greater organizational cohesion around program objectives. Risk advantages include avoidance of rework by revelation of some kinds of architectural and contractual mismatches before systems are specified, designed, constructed, or integrated; avoidance of cost and schedule growth by more complete and precise specifications of cost and schedule estimates; and higher likelihood of successful integration on the first try. Safety advantages include effective delineation of must-work and must-not-work functions for integrated hazard analysis, the ability to formally demonstrate completeness of safety analyses, and provably correct logic for certification of flight readiness. The key mechanism for realizing these benefits is the development of an inter-functional architecture at the program level, which reveals relationships between top-level system requirements that would otherwise be invisible using only a physical architecture. This paper describes the advantages and pitfalls of functional analysis as a means of coordinating the actions of large heterogeneous organizations for space exploration programs.
Swarming particles with multi-feature model for free-selected object tracking

This paper presents a new object tracking algorithm that embeds swarming particles into generic particle filter framework to achieve more robustness and flexibility. Firstly a group of particles associated with potential solutions are initialized in a high-dimensional space. Then particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to drive particles flying. The object is tracked when the particles reach convergence. This PSO-based algorithm contains resample, similarity measure, and integration together such that the degeneracy problem of particle filter can be avoided. Furthermore, a multiple feature model is proposed for object description to enhance the tracking accuracy and efficiency. The proposed algorithm is independent with specific objects and can be used for any free-selected object tracking. Some experimental results demonstrate efficiency and robustness of the algorithm.
Molecular Basis of Platelet Granule Secretion

The energy-dependent release of granule contents from activated platelets is a well-established component of normal hemostasis and thrombosis. A role for membrane fusion in this process has been presumed for decades, but only recently have the mechanisms of platelet membrane fusion been investigated at the molecular level. Such studies have demonstrated that platelet membrane fusion is controlled by lipid components of the membrane bilayer, by transmembrane proteins termed SNARE proteins, and by chaperone proteins that interact with SNARE proteins. This core membrane fusion machinery is controlled by activation-dependent changes in cytoskeletal organization, intracellular calcium levels, kinase activity, and intracellular protease activity. Through these mechanisms, interactions of ligands with their cognate cell-surface receptors are transmitted to the membrane fusion machinery to facilitate membrane fusion and secretion of granule contents from platelets.
Separating Data From Intuition: Bringing Evidence Into the Management Classroom

Evidence-based management promises to improve managerial decision making and organizational outcomes. The principles, however, cannot take root unless educators focus their attention on teaching ev...
Norm based robust control of state-constrained discrete-time linear systems

The author presents a theoretical framework for analyzing the stability properties of constrained discrete-time systems in the presence of uncertainty, and it is shown that this formalism provides a unifying approach, including as a particular case the well-known technique of estimating robustness bounds from the solution of a Lyapunov equation. These results are applied to the problem of designing feedback controllers capable of stabilizing a family of systems, while at the same time satisfying state-space constraints. >
Levomilnacipran: A New Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: To provide a clinical overview of the antidepressant levomilnacipran. Data Sources: Articles were identified by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases through March 2014 using the keyword levomilnacipran. The manufacturer provided additional information from unpublished phase II and phase III trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Any clinical trial conducted for at least 3 weeks and published in the English language was selected for review. Additional documentation, including the product dossier, package insert, pharmacokinetic studies, and poster presentations supplied by the manufacturer, was also evaluated. Data Synthesis: Levomilnacipran is the more potent enantiomer of milnacipran. It is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), dosed from 20 to 120 mg daily for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy and tolerability were established during 3 phase III randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled...
A 1.9 GHz double-balanced subharmonic mixer for direct conversion receivers

This paper presents a 1.9 GHz double-balanced subharmonic mixer for wireless communications applications. The mixer is fabricated in a 0.35 /spl mu/m BiCMOS process. The conversion gain of the subharmonic mixer at an RF input of 1.6-1.9 GHz with an LO input at 750-900 MHz is 9.5-7.5 dB. The mixer has a measured IIP3 of -3 dBm and an input 1 dB compression point of -10 dBm at 1.9 GHz. The measured SSB noise figure is 9.5-10.5 dB at 1.9 GHz. The mixer core consumes 8 mA of current and the LO buffers consume 7 mA of current from a 3 V power supply. The application areas are in direct conversion transceivers for wireless systems.
Compile-time techniques for data distribution in distributed memory machines

A solution to the problem of partitioning data for distributed memory machines is discussed. The solution uses a matrix notation to describe array accesses in fully parallel loops, which allows the derivation of sufficient conditions for communication-free partitioning (decomposition) of arrays. A series of examples that illustrate the effectiveness of the technique for linear references, the use of loop transformations in deriving the necessary data decompositions, and a formulation that aids in deriving heuristics for minimizing a communication when communication-free partitions are not feasible are presented. >
Determining beneficial semijoins for a join sequence in distributed query processing

The problem of combining join and semijoin reducers for distributed query processing is studied. An approach, of interleaving a join sequence with beneficial semijoins is proposed. A join sequence is mapped into a join sequence tree that provides an efficient way to identify for each semijoin its correlated semijoins as well as its reducible relations under the join sequence. In light of these properties, an algorithm is developed to determine an effective sequence of join reducers. Examples are also given to illustrate the results, which show that the approach of interleaving a join sequence with beneficial semijoins is effective in reducing the amount of data transmission to process distributed queries. >
Publishing Policies of Special-Education-Related Journals:

A study was conducted to investigate and identify the publishing policies of professional journals that deal with topics related to special education. It appears from the study that a how-to, practical-type manuscript, in APA or Chicago style, stands a better chance of being published in special-education-related journals. Furthermore, 2 to 3 copies, between 8 and 11 pages, are preferred.
Real time imaging with the Sonic Window: A pocket-sized, C-scan, medical ultrasound device

The Sonic Window is a pocket-sized, C-scan ultrasound device designed to expand ultrasound into clinical settings and applications that have yet to benefit from its utility. The low component cost, compact form factor with integrated 2D transducer array, and an intuitive C-scan image format displayed directly over the anatomy of interest are what distinguish this device from conventional ultrasound systems. A prototype of the Sonic Window was designed and constructed consisting of a fully sampled 60 × 60 transducer array, custom integrated circuits (ICs) containing 3,600 front-end receive channels, a high-voltage transmit circuit, an off-the-shelf digital signal processor (DSP), and a liquid crystal display. The 2D transducer array was fabricated on one side of a 2-layer PCB and the front-end ICs were attached onto the other side using a flip-chip process. The front-end ICs acquire the data for one C-scan slice per transmit event and send digital data to the DSP, which uses the Direct-Sampled In-phase Quadrature (DSIQ) method for efficient beamforming. The prototype fits in a 6-cm × 15-cm × 3.5-cm enclosure containing a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery and weighs 6 oz. (170 g). It can form real-time C-scan images at 43 FPS with a 2-hour scan time on battery power. Real-time volume capture enables B-mode image formats as well as 3D imaging. Lateral resolution is approximately 0.75 mm and cystic contrast is 43 dB. Phantom target and in vivo images are presented to demonstrate the imaging capability of the device.
Clinical Experiences and Methodologic Challenges in Conducting Clinical Trials on the Behavioral Disturbances of Dementia

With a world population increasing in size and age, the number of elderly people with behavioral distrubances in dementia (BDD) is becoming an increasing problem. The burden of caring for someone with BDD may be so great that it leads to premature institutionalization of the patient. Few clinical trials have focused on noncognitive behavioral symptoms in this group of elderly patients, and little is known about the efficacy of drugs against these symptoms. The pharmaceutical companies have recently begun to assess different medications, but clinical trials in the elderly present a variety of problems not encountered in other patient populations. This article describes how the administration, initiation, logistics, finances, and methodology of such trials must be carefully assessed. Consideration of these factors together with improved definitions of behavioral symptoms and the advances in medication in this area should lead to an improvement in the treatment and management of behavioral disorders in the elderly.
Forest ecosystems of an Arizona Pinus ponderosa landscape: multifactor classification and implications for ecological restoration

Aim We developed an ecosystem classification within a 110,000-ha Arizona Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson (ponderosa pine) landscape to support ecological restoration of these forests. Specific objectives included identifying key environmental variables constraining ecosystem distribution and comparing plant species composition, richness and tree growth among ecosystems.
We can do it together: PAR1/PAR2 heterodimer signaling in VSMCs

In this issue, Sevigny and colleagues demonstrate that a protease-activated receptor (PAR)1–PAR2 heterodimer regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia following vascular injury.1 PARs belong to a family of G-protein coupled receptors that are proteolytically activated by a variety of proteases.2,3 Cleavage of PARs results in intracellular signaling mediated by activation of various G proteins including G12/13, Gq, and Gi.2,4–6 The PAR family consists of 4 members, PAR1–PAR4, with PARs 1, 3, and 4 being primarily activated by thrombin, whereas PAR2 is activated by trypsin and tryptase.2,3 PAR1, originally identified as a thrombin receptor on platelets, is widely expressed and has been shown to regulate a multitude of physiological processes including platelet activation,7,8 regulation of the endothelial cell barrier function,9 and proliferation and dedifferentiation of VSMCs.10,11 In addition to PAR1, these cells express other PARs.6 Importantly members of PAR family can physically interact and signal as functional heterodimers in order to regulate cell growth, proliferation, …
Neurogenic Muscle Weakness, Ataxia, and Retinitis Pigmentosa (NARP)

Neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) is a maternally inherited syndrome caused by point mutations in the ATP6 gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Unlike most mtDNA mutations that show disparate heteroplasmy in tissues of individual patients, levels of ATP6 mutations are typically uniform and correlate with clinical severity; these genetic features allow prenatal diagnosis of mutation burden.
Magnetism and superconductivity in C15 compounds from self-consistent band calculations

All-atom---all-electron self-consistent semirelativistic linear muffin-tin orbital energy-band studies are reported for Ti${\mathrm{Be}}_{2}$, Zr${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}$ (at ambient and high pressures), the high-${T}_{c}$ superconductor Zr${\mathrm{V}}_{2}$, and the ultralow-${T}_{c}$ superconductor Y${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$. Total and partial (by atom type and $l$ values) density of states, Stoner-like parameters, electron-phonon coupling parameter $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and superconducting transition temperatures ${T}_{c}$ (determined within the rigid muffin-tin approximation and McMillan's strong coupling theory with and without paramagnon contributions), and their behavior under applied pressure are used to discuss the origin of their observed magnetism and/or superconductivity. From an analysis of the results, we suggest possible high-${T}_{c}$ superconductivity at high pressure for Zr${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}$, and its unlikely occurrence for Ti${\mathrm{Be}}_{2}$ unless dominant soft phonon modes exist.
Relationships of Feeding and Mother's Own Milk with Fecal Calprotectin Levels in Preterm Infants

Abstract Objective: To describe longitudinal effects of feeding volume and type of milk on fecal calprotectin (f-CP) in very low–birth weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design: Prospective data were collected across Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission for 6 weeks or until discharge in 75 VLBW neonates. The mean gestational age on entry into the study was 29 weeks. Results: Seventy-four (99%) mothers provided expressed milk in varying amounts. Twenty-three mothers (31%) provided exclusive mother's own milk (MOM) throughout. Preterm infant formula (PIF) and pasteurized donor milk were added to feedings of remaining infants. Pooled MOM was analyzed weekly for levels of a panel of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, and secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) so that the exact amount of exposure to the gut of these milk bioactives could be estimated. f-CP levels ranged from 160 to 350 μg/g stool. Total feeding volume was positively associated with f-CP, controlling for infant weight, and f-CP levels ros...
Human Growth Hormone Secretion—Suppression and Stimulation Tests

The rate of human growth hormone (HGH) secretion is subject to marked and rapid fluctuations in response to a variety of stimuli, e.g., physical stress, emotional stress, and food intake. These variations in the HGH levels of normal individuals decrease the diagnostic usefulness of determining HGH levels of random blood samples. Also, pituitary failure cannot be detected since normal values can be as low as zero. For these reasons, tests have been developed in which serum HGH levels are measured after pituitary stimulation and suppression. Our methodology for these tests and some case reports are presented.
Toxic Shock Syndrome and Staphylococcal Infection—Reply

To the Editor-Ferguson and Todd [1] reported three patients with toxic shock syndrome alleged to be caused by a focus of infection in the paranasal sinuses. It is appropriate to search for a focus of staphylococcal infection in patients with toxic shock syndrome; however, staphylococci are an uncommon cause of acute sinusitis in children and adults [2, 3]. To establish the precise cause of maxillary sinusitis, a sinus aspirate must be obtained. The preferred approach to the maxillary sinus is passage of a trocar beneath the inferior turbinate across the lateral nasal wall. It is essential to sterilize the nasal mucosa before maxillary sinus aspiration, as the nasal vestibule is a heavily colonized mucous membrane and staphylococci are frequent colonizers [4, 5]. Further, to be certain that bacteria recovered by sinus aspiration actually represent sinus infection and not contamination from the nose, quantitation of the bacterial isolate (or at least a report of Gram's stain results) is encouraged. Infection is defined as the recovery of a bacterial species in a density of ^lO4 cfu/ml [2]. Most maxillary sinus infections show bacteria in a density much greater than 104 cfu/ml. The method of and preparation for sinus aspiration was not described by Ferguson and Todd [1].
James (Jim) Fowler

The IRIS community recently lost one of its founding fathers, Jim Fowler, who passed away 25 February 2014, after a lengthy battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease. The loss is particularly felt by those of us in the community who have benefited in ways large and small from the existence of the IRIS PASSCAL portable instrument program, for which Jim was the first program manager and engineer. Jim’s wisdom, technical expertise, and management acumen over the first 25 years of PASSCAL’s existence produced a program that today supports ∼60 principle investigator (PI)–led experiments per year and is widely regarded within the United States and around the globe as a national and international center of excellence for field‐based seismology. Jim stepped down as the PASSCAL program manager in October 2010, but he continued as senior advisor for engineering and instrumentation until he retired in February 2013 and moved back to Maryland. This brief note is written to honor his memory and the legacy he created for all seismologists. Jim Fowler passed away 25 February 2014. Jim joined the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) one year after its inception in 1985, when he was hired by then‐President Stewart Smith as IRIS Chief Engineer and the first official IRIS staff employee. Before joining IRIS, Jim had spent the early part of his career codesigning underground mining surveillance systems (U.S. Patents 3939353 and 4066992), synthetic pulse radar systems (U.S. Patents 4218678 and 4504833), and laser‐based geophones (U.S. Patent 4284350). With that background, …
Mutations in the Na(+)/citrate cotransporter NaCT (SLC13A5) in pediatric patients with epilepsy and developmental delay.

Mutations in the SLC13A5 gene that codes for the Na+/citrate cotransporter, NaCT, are associated with early onset epilepsy, developmental delay and tooth dysplasia in children. In this study, we identify additional SLC13A5 mutations in nine epilepsy patients from six families. To better characterize the syndrome, families with affected children answered questions about the scope of illness and the treatment strategies. Currently, there are no effective treatments, but some antiepileptic drugs targeting the γ-aminobutyric acid system reduce seizure frequency. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and atypical antiseizure medication, decreases seizures in four patients. In contrast to previous reports, the ketogenic diet and fasting resulted in worsening of symptoms. The effects of the mutations on NaCT transport function and protein expression were examined by transient transfections of COS-7 cells. There was no transport activity from any of the mutant transporters, although some of the mutant transporter proteins were present on the plasma membrane. The structural model of NaCT suggests that these mutations can affect helix packing or substrate binding. We tested various treatments, including chemical chaperones and low temperatures, but none improved transport function in the NaCT mutants. Interestingly, coexpression of NaCT and the mutants results in decreased protein expression and activity of the wild-type transporter, indicating functional interaction. In conclusion, this study has identified additional SLC13A5 mutations in patients with chronic epilepsy starting in the neonatal period, with the mutations producing inactive Na+/citrate transporters.
Anxiety sensitivity and working memory capacity: Risk factors and targets for health behavior promotion.

Abstract Understanding the nature and influence of specific risk profiles is increasingly important for health behavior promotion. The purpose of this article is to document the value of two factors—anxiety sensitivity (AS) and working memory capacity (WMC)—for enhancing risk for the initiation and/or maintenance of a range of negative health behaviors. AS is a distress-related risk factor that potentiates avoidance/coping motivations for negative health behaviors. Stress provides the conditions for negative somatic and affective states, and AS amplifies the aversiveness of these experiences and correspondingly hinders adaptive functioning. In contrast, low WMC is hypothesized to exert its effect by decreasing the capacity to filter out current temptations, attenuating a focus on longer-term goals and impairing the application of relevant coping skills at times of stress. In this review, we provide conceptual models for the separate roles of high AS and low WMC in negative health behaviors, review the influence of these factors on specific health behavior exemplars (eating behaviors/obesity, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep promotion), provide preliminary evidence for their value as independent treatment targets for health-behavior promotion, and encourage specific research directions in relation to these variables.
Mössbauer Spectrum of Fe 2 + in MgO

The appearance of a quadrupole doublet in the M\"ossbauer spectrum of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ in MgO at $Tl14\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, as observed originally by Pipkorn and Leider, is explained on the basis of crystal-field theory. The doublet is the result of the electric field gradient produced at the nucleus by the valence electrons of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$, combined with long electronic relaxation times and the effect of random strains in lifting the electronic degeneracy of the ground-state triplet by \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Although the Jahn-Teller effect plays no essential role in the appearance of the doublet, it may change its splitting slightly and cause broadening. An Orbach-type process is proposed for the electronic relaxation that is responsible for motional narrowing of the doublet for $Tg14\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. The form predicted for the M\"ossbauer spectrum is also given for zero strain and for an applied magnetic field; in the latter case, in addition to a hyperfine splitting, there is a quadrupole splitting which changes sign as H rotates from [100] to [111].
Conformational Heterogeneity of Intracellular Loop 3 of the μ-opioid G-protein Coupled Receptor.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the μ-opioid receptor, interact with G-proteins and other proteins via their intracellular face as required for signal transduction. However, characterization of the structure of the intracellular face of GPCRs is complicated by the experimental methods used for structural characterization. In the present study we undertook a series of long-time molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, ranging from 1 to 5 μs, on the μ-opioid receptor in both the dimeric and monomeric states. Results show intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) to sample an equilibrium between coiled and helical states. Intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) samples a wider range of conformations. Previously unobserved β-sheet structures were primarily sampled in the simulations initiated from the inactive dimer conformation. In contrast, helical structures were sampled in simulations initiated from the active, monomer conformation. Notably, in the dimeric form of the receptor, both intramolecular and intermolecular β-s...
Who Defines "Democratic Leadership?": Three High School Principals Respond to Site-Based Reforms.

This article focuses on the behaviors and activities of three high school principals as they respond to their district's decision to implement a model of shared decision making designed to give tea...
Improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay using payments for ecosystem services for perennial biomass for bioenergy and biofuel production

Abstract Replacing row crops with perennial bioenergy crops may reduce nitrogen (N) loading to surface waters. We estimated the benefits, costs, and potential for replacing maize with switchgrass to meet required N loading reduction targets for the Chesapeake Bay (CB) of 26.9 Gg y −1 . After subtracting the potential reduction in N loading due to improved N fertilizer practices for maize, a further 22.8 Gg y −1 reduction is required. Replacing maize with fertilized switchgrass could reduce N loading to the CB by 18 kg ha −1 y −1 , meeting 31% of the N reduction target. The break-even price of fertilized switchgrass to provide the same profit as maize in the CB is 111 $ Mg −1 (oven-dry basis throughout). Growers replacing maize with switchgrass could receive an ecosystem service payment of 148 $ ha −1 based on the price paid in Maryland for planting a rye cover crop. For our estimated average switchgrass yield of 9.9 Mg ha −1 , and the greater N loading reduction of switchgrass compared to a cover crop, this equates to 24 $ Mg −1 . The annual cost of this ecosystem service payment to induce switchgrass planting is 13.29 $ kg −1 of N. Using the POLYSYS model to account for competition among food, feed, and biomass markets, we found that with the ecosystem service payment for switchgrass of 25 $ Mg −1 added to a farm-gate price of 111 $ Mg −1 , 11% of the N loading reduction target could be met while also producing 1.3 Tg of switchgrass, potentially yielding 420 dam 3 y −1 of ethanol.
Genetic diversity of disease resistance genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)

Abstract Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L.) is a potential biofuel plant species, which is also one of the most commonly cultivated millet species for food and fodder. In this study we aimed to conduct a genome-wide identification of Coiled-coil, Nucleotide-binding site, Leucine-rice repeat (CNL) disease resistance genes (R-genes) in foxtail millet and study their evolutionary relationships. We identified 242 CNL genes with domains for NBS-LRR receptor function, with the addition of a few genes that contained transmembrane or zinc finger domains. Of the identified CNL genes, more than half formed gene clusters within the foxtail millet genome, with the majority showing evidence of tandem duplications. Syntenic analysis displayed chromosomal similarities among foxtail millet, rice, and barley, identifying strong syntenic relationships between foxtail millet and rice. Approximately 30% of the foxtail millet CNL gene clusters were found on chromosome Si08, exhibiting strong synteny with chromosome Os11 of rice. Selection pressure analysis showed a prevalence of purifying selection among all phylogenetic clades. We also identified the foxtail millet homologs of several well-studied R-genes in other species. The results from this study will have implications in research on CNL gene signaling pathways and development of durable resistance in foxtail millet and other crop species in general.
SMOC can act as both an antagonist and an expander of BMP signaling.

During the development of an embryo, a group of proteins known as growth factors stimulate cells to divide and direct how organs and limbs form. One family of growth factors called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) regulate the formation of bone and many other tissues in the embryo. BMPs are released from cells, diffuse away and are then detected by other cells. When BMPs attach to docking station-like structures on the cell surface, called receptors, they stimulate a signaling process inside the cell. In 2009, researchers found that a protein called SMOC blocks BMP activity in animals with backbones by triggering an interfering signal inside the cell. In flies, however, the equivalent protein can make BMP diffuse further from the cell that releases it. To find out how SMOC can do both of these things, Thomas et al. – including some of the researchers involved in the 2009 study – conducted experiments to see which parts of SMOC are required to either block BMP signaling or encourage the diffusion of BMP. These experiments revealed that one end of SMOC can stick to molecules on the cell surface that are not receptors but are molecules where BMP can also bind. When this end of SMOC attaches to these sites, BMPs cannot bind and so diffuse further away. Thomas et al. then produced complete or shortened versions of SMOC proteins to see how this affected BMP activity in frogs. These experiments indicated that the opposite end of SMOC is required for short-circuiting the BMP signal. The results also showed that, at lower concentrations, SMOC stimulates BMPs to diffuse, and that higher concentrations are required to block BMP signaling. These findings suggest that similar to flies, SMOC can also stimulate BMPs to diffuse from the cell in animals with backbones. The next step will be to identify the cell surface receptor for SMOC to better understand the molecular mechanisms that inhibit BMP. The SMOC pathway could be targeted for therapeutic strategies to combat diseases associated with errors in BMP signaling like osteoarthritis, or in cell-based therapies where BMP signaling must be inhibited to produce cells needed to repair damaged tissues.
Nebengruppenmetalle – Metalle von hohem kommerziellen Interesse

Wahrend Hauptgruppenelemente ausschlieslich s- und p-Orbitale mit Valenzelektronen besetzen, sind ab der 4. Periode auch d-Orbitale den Elektronen energetisch zuganglich. Somit enthalt beispielsweise die 4. Periode 18 anstatt 8 Elemente wie die Perioden 2 und 3. Da die d-Orbitale der zweitausersten Schale angehoren, ahneln sich Nebengruppenelemente wesentlich starker in ihren chemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften als Hauptgruppenelemente.
Enhancing Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Education through a Hybrid Approach to Experiential Learning

This paper introduces the concept and implementation of a hybrid experiential learning approach to building a User Experience (UX) Lab at a large public university (the University of Central Florida). The UX Lab @ UCF (UX Lab) is intended to bridge the gap between traditional project-based courses and full-time industry internships to provide Information Technology (IT) undergraduates (and students from other disciplines and levels) with the opportunity to apply their Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) knowledge and hone their UX skills by working in partnership with local companies. Specifically, students work as part-time, paid UX consultants for local companies while receiving guidance, mentoring, and feedback from a faculty mentor and graduate student with expertise in HCI and UX. Thus, the UX Lab contributes to IT pedagogy by providing students with a unique opportunity to apply what they've learned in their HCI coursework to real products in development by actual companies. Our approach complements other pedagogical approaches, such as industry-sponsored project-based courses and capstone courses. In this paper, we describe the conceptual model upon which the UX Lab was built, and the success of the first proof-of-concept project that was recently completed in May 2017.