cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles Precipitated from Low‐Temperature Aqueous Solutions: II. Thin‐Film Formation and Microstructure Developments

We explored effects of the degree of supersaturation, which depends on solution concentration, pH, and temperature, on the development of microstructures of the TiO{sub 2} thin films deposited from the controlled hydrolysis of TiCl{sub 4} aqueous solutions. It was shown that, with precursor (TiCl{sub 4}) solution of low degree of supersaturation, a porous flower-like dendritic structure was synthesized, while a densely packed particulate nanostructure was obtained with that of high degree of supersaturation. The former morphology was attributed to the directional growth of TiO{sub 2} crystals from the already-deposited films, whereas the latter to the bulk precipitated TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles nucleated in the solution, followed by their attachment and self organization. By establishing the processing-microstructure relations, this study provided a means of generating a wide spectrum of reproducible TiO{sub 2} microstructures using the low-temperature aqueous solution processing.
NOTES ON SOME AMERICAN SPECIES OF LEPIDOSTROBUS

A perusal of paleobotanical literature soon reveals the fact that although carbonaceous impressions of the strobili of the Paleozoic Lycopodiales are common in the Carboniferous rocks of North America, our knowledge of the anatomy of these organs is based mostly upon European material. Aside from the Lepidostrobvs material in the coal balls of Illinois, which awaits description, there are but three records of petrified material from North America. Of these three, considerable confusion has always existed regarding two of them. The first record in America of petrified Lepidostrobus cones is an account by Coulter and Land (I9II). Ten years later another account appeared describing additional material from the same locality (Coulter and Land, I92I). These specimens, which were secured from Warren County, Iowa, were described but not named. Because of the lack of a convenient means of designation this material has failed to receive the recognition it well deserves, and the fact that the specific name Covtlteri was applied to it by Jongmans (1930) in his " Fossilium Catalogus" does not seem to be generally known. The discovery in these cones of spores of but one size led the investigators to assume that a homosporous form is represented, and if it is correctly interpreted, L. Coulteri is unique in this respect. Jongmans also remarks that this species bears a close resemblance to L. Geiintzii Schimper. Lepidostrobus keutuckiensis, the name applied by Scott to a fragment of a petrified cone from the Waverley Shale of Kentucky, was originally described as L. Fischeri by Scott and Jeffrey (I9I4). The original name was found to be invalid, since Renault had previously applied it to another specimen. The correction of this error (Scott, I9I5) seems to have escaped general notice. Hirmer (I927), in his " Handbuch der Palaobotanik," uses the first name (p. 230), and he also gives the horizon as " Obercarbon " whereas the Waverley Shale belongs to the Mississippian. The same nomenclatorial error was also followed by the present author when discussing this species in connection with L. Bartle-tti from Michigan. An unpetrified but partially preserved lycopod strobilus from Pennsylvania was recently described by the present author and interpreted as possibly sigillarioid (Arnold, I932, I933). The horizon from which this specimen was derived is commonly referred to as the " Pocono " (therefore assumed to be Mississippian), but some recent investigations indicate quite conclusively that the so-called " Pocono " in this part of Pennsylvania belongs to the Upper
Temporal evolution of seismic fragility curves for concrete box-girder bridges in California

Abstract Fragility analyses is a powerful tool for the seismic risk assessment of highway bridges. Multispan continuous concrete box-girder bridges account for the bulk of the California bridge inventory. Although several studies have looked at the seismic response and fragility of individual box-girder bridges, very little research has explored the fragility of the box-girder bridge class holistically. Exacerbating this situation is the lack of considerations of design details unique to the era in which the bridges were designed and constructed, in their fragility development. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the influence of evolution of seismic design principles and details on the seismic performance of multispan continuous concrete box-girder bridge class, as well as the failure probability through the development of fragility curves across three design eras demarcated by the 1971 San Fernando and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes. Detailed nonlinear analytical models capturing the bridge characteristics within a design era are developed and nonlinear time history analysis is employed to develop analytical fragility curves. Significant improvement in performance is seen in modern bridges designed according to capacity design principles.
α4 and β2 integrins have nonredundant roles for asthma development, but for optimal allergen sensitization only α4 is critical

Objective Recruitment of effector cell subsets to inflammatory lung, together with airway resident cells responsive to secreted products, play pivotal roles in developing and maintaining asthma. Differential use of adhesion molecules dictates the recruitment patterns of specific cell subsets, yet a clear understanding of the distinctive adhesive molecular pathways guiding them to lung is lacking. To provide further insight into the role of α4β1/VCAM-1 pathway and to compare this to the role of β2 integrin in the development of acute asthma phenotype, we used genetically deficient mice, in contrast to previous studies with anti-functional antibodies yielding ambiguous results. Methods Allergen-dependent airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness was induced in conditional α4 Δ/Δ , VCAM-1 −/− , and β2 −/− mice. Cytology, immunocytochemistry, cytokine and immunoglobulin measurements, and cell type accumulation in lung, BAL fluid, plasma, and hemopoietic tissues were carried out. Results Asthma phenotype was totally abrogated in α4- or β2-deficient mice. Adoptive transfer of sensitized α4 Δ/Δ CD4 + cells into challenged normal mice failed to induce asthma, whereas α4 +/+ CD4 + cells were able to induce asthma in challenged α4 Δ/Δ mice. Parallel studies with β2 −/− or VCAM-1 −/− mice uncovered novel mechanistic insights in primary sensitization and into redundant or unique functional roles of these adhesion pathways in allergic asthma. Conclusions The lack of α4 integrin not only impedes the migration of all white cell subsets to lung and airways, but also prevents upregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in inflamed lung vasculature and, unlike β2, attenuates optimal sensitization and ovalbumin-specific IgE production in vivo. As VCAM-1 deficiency did not protect mice from asthma, interactions of α4β1 + or α4β7 + cells with other ligands are suggested.
Traditional Botanical Remedies on a Small Caribbean Island: Middle (Grand) Caicos, West Indies

A descriptive survey of 18 medicinal plants utilized on Middle (Grand) Caicos Island in the West Indies revealed that each species has multiple applications. Phytochemical constituents, ascertained from published sources, suggest pharmacological/physiological efficacy in the ethnomedical treatment of various disorders. Traditional preparation procedures may enhance the chemotherapeutic value of the plant derivatives, while at the same time reducing their potential toxicity. The majority of species used in Middle Caicos are also exploited in other cultures but often for very different purposes.
The Impact of Clinical Trials on the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

The shift from empiricism and observational studies to experimental methods as the basis for advancing the treatment of human disease has occurred only recently. The modern age of clinical trials, born with the British Medical Research Council’s study of streptomycin treatment of tuberculosis in 1948 (1), has provided the substrate for evidence-based medicine. Despite the relatively brief period during which clinical trials have held sway, no one would contest the primacy of such studies in directing the development, evaluation, and implementation of new therapies in the past 50 yr. Clinical trials have been credited with “three of the seven years of increased life expectancy over that time and an average of five additional years of partial or complete relief from the poor quality of life associated with chronic disease” (2). The enormous expansion of clinical trials has paralleled the development of new therapies. With the large number of drugs in development and the requirement for controlled clinical trials for approval, the expanding number
In search of a standard for pin site care.

To date, a standard for pin site care has yet to be identified. Pin site care recommendations are more often based upon clinician preference rather than research findings. Further, there are great variations in recommendations for pin care treatments from clinician to clinician. The nursing and medi
Glutamate Receptors in the Frontal Cortex of Alcoholics

This study tests the hypothesis that glutamate receptors are altered in the brains of alcoholics as a result of chronic alcohol neurotoxicity. Release of the neurotransmitter glutamate after seizures or brain ischemia may damage postsynaptic neurons by increasing calcium flux through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-gated ion channels. Alcohol has two opposite effects on glutamate receptor ion channel complexes, depending upon the duration of exposure. Acute exposure to alcohol inhibits ion flow through these receptor-channel complexes, whereas chronic exposure up-regulates the number of these receptors and thereby increases ion flow. Acute withdrawal from alcohol results in hyperexcitability and seizures in the presence of up-regulated channels, thereby making postsynaptic neurons vulnerable to excitotoxic damage. We selected 13 histologically normal brains from alcoholics and 13 brains from controls from our brain bank that were matched for age, postmortem interval, and storage time. Maximal binding and affinities of glutamate receptor subtypes were determined by quantitative autoradiography in the superior frontal cortex, Brodmann area 8. The most alcohol-sensitive subtype, NMDA receptor-channel complexes, were modestly but consistently increased in alcoholics. This included agonist sites (NMDA-sensitive [3H]glutamate), and antagonist site ([3H]CGP-39653), and a [3H]MK-801 binding site in the channel interior, although the increase of the latter did not reach statistical significance. Age, autopsy delay, time in storage, liver diseases, thiamine deficiency, CNS medications, and various diseases causing acute and chronic hypoxia did not significantly affect receptor density or affinity. In contrast, the other two glutamate channel subtypes, AMPA and kainate receptors, were not significantly different in alcoholics compared with controls. In conclusion, chronic alcoholism moderately increases the density of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors in the frontal cortex. This up-regulation may represent a stage of alcohol-induced chronic neurotoxicity.
The normal changes in mass and water content in fetal rhesus monkey and placenta throughout gestation

Thirty-eight healthy pregnant rhesus monkeys and their fetuses were studied at different stages of gestation in order to characterize the normal changes in total weight and water content of the fetus and placenta of one of the higher primates. The per cent of total body water in the fetus decreases linearly from 93.1 per cent at 40 days gestation to 74.8 per cent at 158 days gestation (term). The percentage of the total water content in the placenta decreases through the first half of gestation and thereafter remains constant; it is greater than the percentage of total water in the fetus throughout the latter half of pregnancy. The changes in per cent of water content of several body fluids and of fetal liver are also presented. The data provide the bases for further studies of the forces that lead to the accumulation of a net quantity of water in the fetus during a normal gestation.
Study of High Frequency Components in Electrocardiogram by Power Spectrum Analysis

A method has been developed for recording the power spectrum of the heart's electromotive force for the time interval corresponding to the QRS complex of the conventional electrocardiogram. Standards for healthy, young normals have been established. No significant change was noted in a group of healthy, middle-aged normals without heart disease. Three different patterns, however, were found for patients with ischemic heart disease, with and without evidence of infarction.
An amalgam and composite resin splint for posterior teeth.

Abstract A combined amalgam and composite resin splint was constructed for a 35-year-old man with pathologic tooth mobility. This type of stabilization was selected because of the poor prognosis, economic considerations, and poor alignment of the teeth. Amalgam restorations were inserted with strong contacts. Composite resin material was used to fill the channel cut through all amalgam restorations and reinforced with braided stainless steel wire. The poor alignment of the teeth would have caused other types of splints to fail.
Molecular Dissection of the Human α2-Macroglobulin Subunit Reveals Domains with Antagonistic Activities in Cell Signaling

alpha(2)-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) is a plasma protease inhibitor, which reversibly binds growth factors and, in its activated form, binds to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP-1), an endocytic receptor with cell signaling activity. Because distinct domains in alpha(2)M are responsible for its various functions, we hypothesized that the overall effects of alpha(2)M on cell physiology reflect the integrated activities of multiple domains, some of which may be antagonistic. To test this hypothesis, we expressed the growth factor carrier site and the LRP-1 recognition domain (RBD) as separate GST fusion proteins (FP3 and FP6, respectively). FP6 rapidly and robustly activated Akt and ERK/MAP kinase in Schwann cells and PC12 cells. This response was blocked by LRP-1 gene silencing or by co-incubation with the LRP-1 antagonist, receptor-associated protein. The activity of FP6 also was blocked by mutating Lys(1370) and Lys(1374), which precludes LRP-1 binding. FP3 blocked activation of Akt and ERK/MAP kinase in response to nerve growth factor-beta (NGF-beta) but not FP6. In PC12 cells, FP6 promoted neurite outgrowth and expression of growth-associated protein-43, whereas FP3 antagonized the same responses when NGF-beta was added. The ability of FP6 to trigger LRP-1-dependent cell signaling in PC12 cells was reproduced by the 18-kDa RBD, isolated from plasma-purified alpha(2)M by proteolysis and chromatography. We propose that the effects of intact alpha(2)M on cell physiology reflect the degree of penetration of activities associated with different domains, such as FP3 and FP6, which may be regulated asynchronously by conformational change and by other regulatory proteins in the cellular microenvironment.
Dynamic visual acuity and coincidence-anticipation timing by experienced and inexperienced women players of fast pitch softball.

This study examined the relationship between dynamic visual acuity and coincidence-anticipation timing in 16 inexperienced and 16 experienced women's fast pitch softball players. Pearson-product correlations indicated a low relationship between dynamic visual acuity and coincidence-anticipation timing. The correlations for dynamic visual acuity and coincidence anticipation between experienced and inexperienced dynamic visual acuity were not significant. A significant difference was found between the mean dynamic visual acuity of the two groups, i.e., experienced players had better dynamic visual acuity than inexperienced players. Analysis of variance of constant errors, variable errors, and absolute errors of coincidence anticipation indicated no significant differences between groups or across the three accuracy scores. The interaction between experience and accuracy was not significant.
Mechanisms of Contractility and Coarsening of Active Cytoskeletal Networks

Rapid structural remodeling of the cytoskeleton underlies many crucial processes such as cell polarization, division, and migration. Active remodeling involves the production and dissipation of forces within networks of actin filaments, molecular motors, and passive cross-linkers. However, despite its central importance, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. A key challenge is to understand how global patterns of force buildup and dissipation during structural remodeling depend on the intrinsic properties of individual cytoskeletal components and their local interactions. To address this challenge, we have developed a three-dimensional agent-based computational model of a cross-linked actomyosin network with minimal components: actin filaments, passive cross-linkers, and active bipolar motors. Our model accounts for several key features neglected by previous studies, despite their likely significance for network remodeling including: volume-exclusion effects, the bending and thermal fluctuation of actin filaments, and the force-dependent unbinding and walking behaviors of the motors. Using the model, we systematically studied the influences of interplay between motors, cross-linkers, and actin dynamics on the contractility and structural dynamics of actomyosin networks. We found three different regimes determined by interplay between the sensitivity of motor unbinding to force and the stall-force level where motors cease walking: i) maximum tension and minimum deformation at low unbinding sensitivity, ii) intermediate tension and maximum deformation at intermediate sensitivity, iii) minimum tension and intermediate deformation at high sensitivity. We show further that passive cross-linkers can effectively tune networks between these regimes by maintaining percolation as well as by precluding large deformation of networks. Towards identifying mechanisms for rapid turnover of contractile foci, as observed in living cells, we are systematically investigating the effects of actin dynamics - assembly, disassembly, severing, capping, and aging - on the active contractile behaviors.
Measuring asthma self-management knowledge in adults.

Purpose: To present the development and psychometrics of a brief asthma self-management questionnaire for adults incorporating the five content areas considered essential for asthma self-management by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Data sources: After development of the criterion-referenced questionnaire, determination of content validity, pilot testing, and revision, the questionnaire was administered to 305 adults with asthma. Conclusions: After exploratory principal component factor analysis, the final 24-item questionnaire had a reliability of .69, close to the preferred reliability of .70. Implications: The questionnaire is recommended for assessing self-management knowledge in clinical settings and for evaluation of asthma education programs.
Comparison of Stopping Rules in Forward Stepwise Discriminant Analysis

Abstract Criteria based on conditional and estimated unconditional probabilities of correct classification are employed to compare alternative stopping rules that can be used with the forward stepwise selection method in the two-group multivariate normal classification problem. Based on Monte Carlo studies of 48 sampling situations, it is found that F to enter (.10 ≤ α ≤ .25) and a rule based on the maximum estimated unconditional probability often perform better than the strict use of all variables. Although the relative gains in classification are not large, the reductions in the numbers of variables to be used may be substantial.
Automorphism Groups of Semi-Direct Products

Let G = A ⋊ B be a semi-direct product of two groups. We investigate conditions under which the subgroup of Aut(G) fixing A as a set is also a semi-direct product. If A is characteristic in G, then we have conditions under which Aut(G) itself is a semi-direct product.
The isolation of protoplasts from the placental cells ofSolanum nigrum L.

Living protoplasts were isolated from the interplacental regions ofSolanum nigrum berries by the removal of the walls from cells in tissue slices treated for 1–2 hours with 12% pectinase in 0.33 M to 0.38 M sucrose solution. Protoplasts thus isolated, then washed and transferred to microculture chambers for observation, invariably tended to be spherical. Comparative measurements of cell and protoplast volumes revealed that 10% of the isolated structures were subunits of protoplasts. From diameter changes in protoplasts studied in a hypotonic (0.20 M) sucrose solution, the maximum expansion of the plasma membrane was determined. Slightly hypertonic solutions (0.33 M to 0.38 M sucrose) promote stability of isolated protoplasts for several days. The importance to stability of osmotic concentration and ion balance in the medium is here established. Probably of equal importance is the optimal combination of several common constituents of culture media. Further studies on some aspects of specific medium requirements are in progress.
Abstract 5052: Maximal SHH-driven medulloblastoma growth requires coordinate CXCR4 activation.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Even with current intensive treatments there is still significant morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis. Recent hope for improved outcome derives from the stratification of medulloblastoma into four molecular subtypes and the promise that subtype-specific targeted therapy will be more efficacious and less toxic. However, even within specific subtypes there can be variable outcomes suggesting that further subclasification will be required. We have shown that CXCR4, a G-protein coupled receptor important for neuronal cell migration, is differentially expressed within the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) subtype of medulloblastoma (CXCR4hi and CXCR4lo) and that activation of CXCR4 was required for maximal medulloblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Here we investigate the molecular basis for the interaction between the SHH and CXCR4 pathways and the therapeutic potential of combined SHH and CXCR4 antagonism for the treatment of medulloblastoma. Using primary cultures of SHH-driven medulloblastoma cells as well as their normal developmental counterpart, cerebellar granule precursor cells (GPCs), we found that SHH activation enhances CXCR4 surface localization and promotes prolonged CXCL12-induced GαI signaling. We hypothesized that this was due to SHH inhbition of CXCR4 desensitization and investigated the effects of SHH treatment on proteins involved in CXCR4 trafficking including: ferritin heavy chain, GRKs, arrestins and CXCR7. We found that while SHH had no effect on ferritin heavy chain expression, It did alter the abundance of a subset of GRKs, arrestins and CXCR7. In light of these data we developed a model for multi-tiered regulation of CXCR4 signaling by the SHH pathway that suggested combined SHH and CXCR4 antagonism would have a superior anti-tumor effect compared to SHH antagonism alone. We verified this by in vivo treatment of primary murine SHH-driven (SmoA1) medulloblastoma xenografts with the SHH and CXCR4 antagonists vismodegib and plexiflor. Together these data identify new targets and a new approach for the treatment of SHH-driven medulloblastoma. Citation Format: Stacey Ward, Rajarshi Sengupta, Josh Rubin. Maximal SHH-driven medulloblastoma growth requires coordinate CXCR4 activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5052. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5052
Synthesis of MgAl2O4 spinel: seeding effects on formation temperature

Four different methods of MgAl2O4 spinel synthesis in the presence and absence of seeds were studied. The four methods used for MgAl2O4 synthesis were (a) one sol (boehmite) and one solution [Mg(NO3)2]; (b) two sols (boehmite and magnesia); (c) two nitrates (Al and Mg nitrates) and two alkoxides (Al isopropoxide and Mg ethoxide). The use of a nitrate route led to the formation of spinel at the lowest temperature without the influence of seeding. Seeding with spinel crystallites of all the powders except the one-sol and one-solution diphasic gels apparently resulted in a lower formation temperature of MgAl2O4 spinel, and this lowering of crystallization temperature can be explained by the nucleation and epitaxial growth mechanism.
Stability and instability of Liapunov-Schmidt and Hopf bifurcation for a free boundary problem arising in a tumor model

First published in Transactions of the American Mathematical Society in volume 360, issue 10, published by the American Mathematical Society.
PEDIATRIC TESTICULAR PROBLEMS

Testicular problems in children may be both congenital and acquired. These problems are often difficult to diagnose and carry significant sequelae if untreated. Early surgical consultation is often needed for correction of the problem. This article reviews the pathophysiology of the most common pediatric testicular abnormalities with emphasis on the diagnostic modalities employed and current treatment alternatives.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor intermediates associate with Triton-insoluble membranes in subcellular compartments that include the endoplasmic reticulum

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are resistant to solubilization with Triton X-100 at 4 degrees C, and they can be recovered in Triton-insoluble membranes (TIMs) that float to a characteristic buoyant density. Because the GPI structure itself has been shown to target GPI-anchored proteins to TIMs, we investigated the association of GPI-anchor intermediates with TIMs. GPI-anchor biosynthesis involves a pathway of some 10 steps that take place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These intermediates include glucosaminyl-acylphosphatidylinositol [GlcN-(acyl)PI] and later mannosylated GPIs, denoted H6, H7 and H8, that are present not only in the ER but also in other cell compartments, including the plasma membrane. At least two-thirds of the GlcN-(acyl)PI in HeLa D cells and mannosylated GPIs in K562 cells were found in TIMs. Although previous reports have considered TIMs to be derived primarily from the plasma membrane, we recovered TIMs from subcellular fractions enriched in ER membranes. The ER marker calnexin and GPI-anchored proteins as well as N-acetylglucosaminyl-phosphatidylinositol and mannosylated GPIs were present in ER-TIMs. Interestingly, GlcN-PI and H7 were less enriched in ER-TIM than the other GPIs, suggesting that ER-TIMs might reflect a compartmentalization of the GPI-anchor biosynthetic pathway in the ER.
Dibenzosuberyl substituted polyamines and analogs of clomipramine as effective inhibitors of trypanothione reductase; molecular docking, and assessment of trypanocidal activities

Trypanothione reductase (TR) is an enzyme critical to the maintenance of the thiol redox balance in trypanosomatids, including the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania that are parasites responsible for several serious diseases. Analogs of clomipramine were prepared since clomipramine is reported to inhibit TR and cure mice infected with trypanosomes, however its psychotropic activity precludes its use as an anti-trypanosomal therapeutic. The clomipramine analogs contained a tricyclic dibenzosuberyl moiety. Additionally a series of polyamines with N-dibenzosuberyl substituents were prepared. All compounds studied were competitive inhibitors of TR and showed trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma brucei in vitro. The analogs of clomipramine were poor inhibitors of TR, whereas the polyamine derivatives were effective TR inhibitors with the most potent compound, N(4),N(8)-bis(dibenzosuberyl)spermine (7), having a Ki value of 0.26μM. However, compound (7) did not prolong the lives of mice infected with trypanosomes. Analysis of docking studies indicated: the tricyclic groups of inhibitors bind at four distinct hydrophobic regions in the active site of TR; the importance of the chlorine substituent of clomipramine in binding to TR; and binding of the dibenzosuberyl groups of (7) occur at separate and distinct hydrophobic regions within the active site of TR.
Nitrous oxide emissions are greater in silt loam soils with a legacy of manure application than without

Soil carbon (C) content, often found at elevated levels in manured soils, can play a critical role in regulating nitrous oxide emissions. Nitrate availability and oxygen status are the other primary drivers of emissions, yet the interaction of these three variables and the dynamics of the denitrification process are inadequately known. Emissions of N2O and N2 were measured from two New York State soils that were historically managed either with regular cattle manure applications (M) or without manure (NM). For 168 h, repacked soil cores were maintained at 80 % water-filled pore space after the application of 0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha−1 of labeled K15NO3. Significant differences were found in the N2O emission profiles between the two treatments with a simultaneous increasing trend in emissions with higher fertilizer applications. The M soil produced 53-, 15.5-, and 8.6-fold increases in N2O emissions over the NM soil at the 50-, 100-, and 200-kg ha−1 N rates, respectively. Additionally, the mean ratio of nitrous oxide to total denitrification (N2O/(N2O + N2)) was higher for M soil. It increased to values of 0.17, 0.25, and 0.43 for fertilizer rates of 50, 100, and 200 kg ha−1, respectively, in contrast to ratios in the NM soil of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.14.
Psychoanalytic Depth: A Contemporary Concept?

Although it sounds antiquated to refer to psychoanalysis as “depth psychology,” we continue to use the metaphor in relation to our clinical work. What does depth mean as we think about and engage in our work today? This is an introduction to three different arguments for a contemporary understanding of psychoanalytic depth followed by a discussion.
A curious case of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity: Recurrent, self-limiting dysarthria:

This report presents a unique case of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity featuring acute, recurrent, self-limiting dysarthria following multiple subsequent infusions of oxaliplatin. A 65-year-old man started chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma with oxaliplatin–irinotecan–leucovorin–5-fluorouracil (FOLFIRINOX). During the first and subsequent infusions of oxaliplatin, the patient developed episodes of dysarthria that lasted between 2 and 4 h after oxaliplatin infusions, followed by their complete and uneventful resolution. A thorough neurological examination showed no new neurologic deficits except for very fine tongue fasciculations. Recognizing this self-limiting toxic effect of oxaliplatin is important in order to avoid dose reductions that may affect clinical outcomes.
Stick-Slip Dynamics in Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing

Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing is a solid state manufacturing process that combines ultrasonic welding of layers of thin metal foil with contour milling. Bonding between two foils is accomplished by holding the foils together under pressure and applying high-frequency excitations normal to the pressure direction. The accepted explanation for bonding is that stresses due to both compression and friction stemming from the interfacial motion between the foils result in plasticity and ultimately produce a metallurgical bond. The process however, has been shown to have a critical shortcoming in its operation; namely, the presence of a range of build heights within which bonding cannot be initiated. To better understand the reasons for this anomaly, this paper simplifies the process into a lumped parameter dry friction oscillator and shows that complex stick-slip motions of the build feature near or above its resonance frequency may explain bond degradation. Specifically, it is shown through bifurcation maps obtained for different process parameters that, at the critical build heights, the feature exhibits pure stick motions due to primary resonant interactions between the external excitation and the feature. Furthermore, complex aperiodic responses are observed at build heights above resonance (short features). In such scenarios, bonding cannot be initiated because no or non-uniform interfacial motions occur between the tape and the feature. It is also observed that, once the height of the build feature increases beyond the critical value corresponding to resonance, periodic uniform responses essential for bonding, are recovered. These results corroborates previous experimental findings which demonstrate that bonding can be hard to initiate near or slightly above resonance (at or slightly below a critical height) but can be reinitiated below resonance (above the critical height).Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An Efficient Decoding Algorithm of Matrix Partition Codes

Recently, a multiple Slepian-Wolf Coding method called Matrix Partition Codes has been introduced. However, no explicit decoding algorithm has been established so far. In this letter, we propose a two-step decoding algorithm which just needs an extra one-time preprocessing (O(rsn|D|+ r|D|log(|D|) + n2sm)). To illustrate the efficiency of our algorithm, we analyze the time complexity of our algorithm, and the results show that the complexity of our method (O(r log(|D|) + msn)) is exponentially better than the brute-force search method (O(|F|n|D|msn)).
Silicon micromachining technology for THz applications

Silicon micromachining technology is naturally suited for making THz components, where precision and accuracy are essential. We report here the development of a robust micromachining technology that has enabled us to make waveguide features in the 325 to 500 GHz range with nominal losses. Extension of this technology towards a wafer-level integrated submillimeter-wave receiver front-end is also discussed. This novel wafer-stacking architecture will enable ultra-compact two dimensional multi-pixel receiver front-ends in the THz range.
Potassium Channel Phosphorylation in Excitable Cells: Providing Dynamic Functional Variability to a Diverse Family of Ion Channels

Phosphorylation of potassium channels affects their function and plays a major role in regulating cell physiology. Here, we review previous studies of potassium channel phosphorylation, focusing first on studies employing site-directed mutagenesis of recombinant channels expressed in heterologous cells. We then discuss recent mass spectrometric-based approaches to identify and quantify phosphorylation at specific sites on native and recombinant potassium channels, and newly developed mass spectrometric-based techniques that may prove beneficial to future studies of potassium channel phosphorylation, its regulation, and its mechanism of channel modulation.
Creating a Community of Teacher–Learners

Abstract Professional development is an essential component of retaining high quality teachers. Current US legislation, as stated in No Child Left Behind, emphasises this premise. Although professional development opportunities have been abundant for decades, a closer look at standards and criteria for effective professional development is essential in order to increase the possibility of programing opportunities that will truly impact teacher behaviors. According to the National Staff Development Council, effective professional development places teachers into learning communities. This can be a challenge to professional development center administrators, who often program single-session workshops for teachers from different school systems as the primary mode of delivery or instruction, minimising the opportunities for collaboration among a cohort. The purpose of this study is to determine instructional preferences of teachers, taking into account teaching experience and grade level, and suggest methods ...
Induction and repair of cyclobuta-dithymidine photoproducts in hamster skin by solar-simulated UV radiation

The induction and repair of cyclobuta-dithymidine (T less than greater than T) photoproducts in hamster skin was measured following exposure to artificial solar radiation. DNA extracted from irradiated hamster epidermis was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody specific for T less than greater than T photoproducts. Between 49% and 58% of T less than greater than T antibody binding sites were eliminated from DNA by 24 h after radiation exposures comparable with approximately 60 - 120 min of midday sunlight, whereas all detectable T less than greater than T binding sites were eliminated by 24 h after a radiation exposure comparable with 30 min of sunlight.
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants in oysters from the Gulf of Mexico (1986–1990)

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminant concentrations in 870 composite oyster samples from coastal and estuarine areas of the Gulf of Mexico analyzed as part of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) National Status and Trends (NS&T) Mussel Watch Program exhibit a log-normal distribution. There are two major populations in the data. The cumulative frequency function was used to deconvolute the data distribution into two probability density functions and calculate summary statistics for each population. The first population consists of sites with lower PAH concentration probably due to background contamination (i.e. stormwater runoff, atmospheric deposition). The second population are sites with higher concentrations of PAHs associated with local point sources of PAH input (i.e. small oil spills, etc.). The temporal pattern for the mean concentration of the populations from the Gulf of Mexico is consistent with large-scale climatic factors such as the El Nino cycles which affect the precipitation regime.
Bright prospects for biological non-crystalline diffraction.

Improved synchrotron sources provide new opportunities for the studying the structure and kinetics of biological materials using non-crystalline diffraction and small angle scattering.
Effective Moisture Diffusivity in Porous Materials as a Function of Temperature and Moisture Content

Regular regime theory was used to evaluate the effective moisture diffusivity of a commercial white bread, plain sheet muffin, and baking powder biscuit as a function of moisture content based on desorption experiments. Volume shrinkage during drying was also monitored. The existence of regular regime periods in desorption processes for porous baked products was experimentally verified. Effective moisture diffusivity at temperatures between 20 and 100°C ranged from 2.5×10−5 to 5.5×10−3 cm2/s in the moisture range of 0.1–0.7 g of H20/g of solid for bread, 9.35×10−6 to 9.7×10−4 cm2/s in the moisture range of 0.1–0.65 g of H20/g of solid for biscuit, and 8.4×10−6 to 1.54×10−3 cm2/s in the moisture range of 0.1–0.9 g of H20/g of solid for muffin. The effect of temperature on effective moisture diffusivity was adequately modeled by the Arrhenius relationship. Activation energies for bread, biscuit, and muffin were found to be independent of moisture content and were 51, 51, and 55 kJ/mol, respectively. Mathematical models to relate the effective moisture diffusivity to temperature and moisture content were developed.
An anomaly against a current paradigm – extremely low rates of individual fecundity variability of the Gordian worm (Nematomorpha: Gordiida)

Extreme variation in reproductive success (VRS) has been reported as a common feature of populations. Few individuals producing most of the offspring for the next generation has potential consequences for the population dynamics, genetics, and evolution of a group of organisms. High VRS has been described as a normal feature of helminth populations, although studies have focused largely on parasites of vertebrate hosts. Paragordius varius, a parasite of crickets, was used as a model system to study VRS. In this life cycle, worms absorb and store resources for reproduction from their hosts before being released into water. Egg output varied significantly with worm length, indicating that female length is an excellent predictor of fecundity. Analyses using the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient suggest that there were no marked fecundity differences. This result was supported by data collected from a natural gordiid population, Gordius difficilis, suggesting that within gordiid populations the offspring of the next generation are contributed nearly equally by females. In addition, male body length appeared to be limited by intensity, whereas females showed no length limitation by crowding. These results contrast previous studies of parasites.
Answering the Challenge: Developing the Management Action Skills of Business Students:

Business schools are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that they can improve behavioral (action) as well as cognitive management skills in their students. A new genre of skills-based management texts is now on the market to assist instructors in this endeavor. Most of these new texts rely on an approach to skill development grounded in social learning theory (SLT). This study examines whether an SLT-based approach to management skill development is indeed superior to a more traditional experiential education (EE) approach. Results show that the SLT-based approach out-performed the EE approach on two of three learning criteria with no significant differences in student preferences between the two. These results suggest considerable promise for the current genre of textbooks for answering the action skills development challenge.
Prevalence and Patterns of Presentation of Genetic Disorders in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Objectives To determine the prevalence and patterns of presentation of previously diagnosed and of suspected genetic disorders among pediatric emergency department (ED) visits to a hospital that serves an inner-city population. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of 15,258 pediatric ( Results Of 15,258 visits reviewed, 2839 visits (18.6%) were by patients who had known or suspected genetic disorders. Previously diagnosed genetic disorders were documented in 80 visits (2.8%). Of these, 69 visits (86.2%) were related to single gene disorders, 3 (3.8%) to chromosomal disorders, 6 (7.5%) to multifactorial disorders, and 2 (2.5%) to disorders in the "other" category. Of these 80 visits, 59 (74%) were associated with sickle cell disease. The remaining 2759 visits (97.2%) were associated with complaints or diagnoses that suggested the possibility of an underlying genetic disorder requiring further evaluation and diagnostic work-up. Conclusions Pediatric patients with known or suspected genetic disorders are frequently treated in EDs. Awareness of underlying genetic disorders facilitates diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and referral to a genetics clinic for counseling.
Biobanking human endometrial tissue and blood specimens: standard operating procedure and importance to reproductive biology research and diagnostic development

Objective To develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for collection, transport, storage of human endometrial tissue and blood samples, subject and specimen annotation, and establishing sample priorities. Design The SOP synthesizes sound scientific procedures, the literature on ischemia research, sample collection and gene expression profiling, good laboratory practices, and the authors' experience of workflow and sample quality. Setting The National Institutes of Health, University of California, San Francisco, Human Endometrial Tissue and DNA Bank. Patient(s) Women undergoing endometrial biopsy or hysterectomy for nonmalignant indications. Intervention(s) Collecting, processing, storing, distributing endometrial tissue and blood samples under approved institutional review board protocols and written informed consent from participating subjects. Main Outcome Measure(s) Standard operating procedure. Result(s) The SOP addresses rigorous and consistent subject annotation, specimen processing and characterization, strict regulatory compliance, and a reference for researchers to track collection and storage times that may influence their research. Conclusion(s) The comprehensive and systematic approach to the procurement of human blood and endometrial tissue in this SOP ensures the high quality, reliability, and scientific usefulness of biospecimens made available to investigators by the National Institutes of Health, University of California, San Francisco, Human Endometrial Tissue and DNA Bank. The detail and perspective in this SOP also provides a blueprint for implementation of similar collection programs at other institutions.
The effects of reduced ventilation on indoor air quality in an office building

Abstract Indoor air quality was monitored at an office building in San Francisco, CA where occupants had registered eye, nose and throat irritation complaints. Portable air pollution monitoring equipment was placed on site to monitor air outdoors and at three indoor sites (a waiting room, an interview room and an office room), and data were taken under two different ventilation rates. The parameters measured were outside air flow rates, temperature, relative humidity, odor perception, microbial burden, particulate mass, formaldehyde and other organics, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Carbon dioxide concentrations increased as the ventilation rate decreased; odor perceptibility increased slightly at the lowest ventilation rate, and other pollutants generally showed very low concentrations, which increased when ventilation was reduced. In no case, however, did levels exceed current health standards for outdoor air, nor was any one contaminant found to be responsible for the medical symptoms reported by occupants. It is possible that a synergistic effect of the various contaminants and environmental conditions may account for the discomfort of occupants.
Metabolism of [14C]cholesterol to C-20 isomeric [14C]pregn-5-ene-3,20-diols in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Abstract After injection into male and female fifth-instar larvae of Manduca sexta , [14C]cholesterol was converted to C21 steroids, [14C]pregn-5-ene-3β, 20-diols. These metabolites were isolated from 8-day-old pupae and were identified by TLC, HPLC, and GC-MS as the C-20 isomers of pregnene-3β, 20-diol. They also were isolated from male and female meconium fluid (of 16-day-old pupae) following injection of [14C]cholesterol into 14-day-old pupae.
Cartilage matrix formation by bovine mesenchymal stem cells in three-dimensional culture is age-dependent.

Background Cartilage degeneration is common in the aged, and aged chondrocytes are inferior to juvenile chondrocytes in producing cartilage-specific extracellular matrix. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an alternative cell type that can differentiate toward the chondrocyte phenotype. Aging may influence MSC chondrogenesis but remains less well studied, particularly in the bovine system.
Digital modeling of biological circuitry and considerations of electroneural prosthesis or a computer scientist's look at the body's nervous system

The structure and function of the neuron (nerve cell) is outlined; the characteristic activity of excitable cells is explained in terms of ionic imbalance and conductance across the cell membrane. The nature and mechanism of impulse propogation along the neuron and the role of chemical transmitter and gap junctions in intercellular communication is discussed. Information processing activities of systems of cells is described in terms of interconnectivity of the cells and consideration of the cells as finite assemblies of digital components is justified. "Statistical" digital systems are proposed to model the activity and morphology of an example system-- the retina and early circuitry of the visual system. Other aspects of information preservation and coding in the system are considered.