cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diminishing weed control exacerbates maize yield loss to adverse weather

Both weed interference and adverse weather can cause significant maize yield losses. However, most climate change projections on maize yields ignore the fact that weeds are widespread in maize production. Herein, we examine the effects of weed control and weather variability on maize yield loss due to weeds by using machine learning techniques on an expansive database of herbicide efficacy trials spanning 205 weather environments and 27 years. Late-season control of all weed species was the most important driver of maize yield loss due to weeds according to multiple analyses. Average yield losses of 50% were observed with little to no weed control. Furthermore, when the highest levels of weed control were not achieved, drier, hotter conditions just before and during silking exacerbated maize yield losses due to weeds. Current climate predictions suggest much of the US maize-growing regions will experience warmer, drier summers. This, coupled with the growing prevalence of herbicide resistance, increases the risk of maize yield loss due to weeds in the future without transformational change in weed management systems.
Term Limits and the Dismantling of State Legislative Professionalism

The wisdom of term limits and professional politics has been debated since the time of Aristotle, spurring 'reforms' of legislatures in Athens, Rome, Venice, and in the US under the Articles of Confederation. This book examines recent trends in American states in order to investigate the age-old question of how the rules that govern a legislature affect the behavior of its members and the policies that it produces. The clear and consistent finding is that the two reforms have countervailing effects: whatever professionalization has brought more of, term limits have reduced. This lesson comes from quantitative analyses of data from all fifty states and detailed examinations of legislative records from six states, informed by interviews with over one hundred legislators, staff assistants, lobbyists, journalists, and executive officials.
Chemical Treatment of the Soil for Nematode Control

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses chemical treatment of the soil for nematode control. Plant parasitic nematodes are most prevalent and do the most damage in the south and other warm regions of the United States, because a long-growing season is favorable to their multiplication. In these regions, many species are known to be pests of all crops with cotton, tobacco, peanuts, corn, sweet potatoes, and vegetables being most heavily and generally damaged. Nematodes attack not only the roots and other underground parts of plants such as tubers and corms, but also the above ground parts, including stems, leaves, and flowers, nor are their attacks confined to annual plants. When soil is heavily infested with plant parasitic nematodes, any considerable reduction in their numbers results in improved plant growth, particularly if this can be done without interfering too seriously with the activities of the beneficial components of the soil flora and fauna. This can be accomplished by partial sterilization of the soil, by the use of either heat or chemicals. In this chapter, the practice of soil fumigation is described. It also elaborates about the effects of soil fumigation.
miR-23b regulates CDK-activating kinase complex through cyclin H repression to modulate endothelial transcription and growth under flow (696.7)

The flow regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in endothelial cells (ECs) plays a significant role in vascular homeostasis and diseases. We used a combination of an in vitro cell perfusion system and in vivo studies on experimental animals to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which the pulsatile shear flow (PS)-induced miR-23b exerts anti-proliferative effects on ECs. Our results demonstrated that PS induces the transcription factor KLF2 to promote miR-23b biosynthesis; the increase in miR-23b then represses cyclin H (CCNH) to impair the activity and integrity of CDK-activating kinase complex (CAK). The inhibitory effect of miR-23b on CAK further suppresses cell cycle progression via reducing the basal transcription and phosphorylation of CDK2/4. While PS regulates the miR-23b/CAK pathway to exert anti-proliferative effects on ECs, oscillatory shear flow (OS) has little effect on the miR-23b/CAK pathway and does not cause EC growth arrest. Such flow pattern-dependent phenomena are validated with an in vivo ...
Integration of IPad in Higher Education: A Pilot Project

This pilot project was situated in a new and small college in urban Houston. Part of its inauguration, all freshman students were given iPads in Fall 2011. After the distribution of iPads, students and faculty were not provided with any specific guidance and directions on how to use iPads in the classroom. The purpose of the study is to gain an understanding of the opportunities and challenges faculty face as they use iPads for teaching and the opportunities and temptations students face when using iPads. This study attempts to answer questions including whether the faculty utilized iPads when teaching, if so, in what ways they incorporated them, what are faculty’s plans to use iPads, in what conditions they would regularly use them, whether they believe that iPads are distractions in the class. Similarly, students are asked in what ways they used iPads, and whether they would like to see their professors using them actively for teaching.
Nitrate and ammonium ion-selective electrodes as sensors: Part I. In bacterial growth curves for isolation of nitrate and nitrite reductases from escherichia coli

Abstract Ammonium and nitrate ion-selective electrodes were applied as sensors in bacterial growth curves for the isolation of nitrate and nitrite reductase. A nitrate ion-selective electrode was used as a successful new technique for the assay of nitrate reductase activity: the decrease in nitrate concentration was followed continuously. Likewise, an ammonium ion-selective electrode was used to follow the increase in ammonium ion concentration. Excellent agreement with spectrophotometric procedures (
Collaborative co-design: A user-centric approach for advancement of organizational learning

Purpose This paper aims to describe the use of collaborative co‐design activities to advance strategic planning assessment efforts by staff members of the merged (city‐university) Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Library in California's Silicon Valley. Design/methodology/approach The activities use action research approaches rather than traditional approaches which rely on gathering library‐centric data to assess organizational effectiveness. The paper also reports on staff members' application of Learning 2.0 competencies to co‐create physical places and virtual spaces which enable learning for and with users. Findings This conversation based approach encourages co‐defining “success” with user constituencies through sustained dialogue that, over time, builds relationships. Practical implications In the process, library staff invite, interpret, and apply user generated evidence and insights to co‐create sustainable relationships and concurrently advance systems thinking and workplace information literacy. This “research in practice” initiative extends action research on "thought leadership". Originality/value In development since 2003, this inclusive co‐design approach reflects theoretical and applied insights from researchers in Europe, Australia, and North America, who have worked with US library practitioners to develop user‐centric processes for improving organizational effectiveness and enhancing user efficacy.
Tickling the CD200 receptor: A remedy for those irritating macrophages.

Macrophages have long been known as key contributors of inflammation following infection, and they play a central role as effector cells during the engulfment of pathogens and cellular debris.1 Moreover, inappropriate macrophage or microglia activation may be responsible for harmful inflammatory processes that occur in a number of diverse autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis,2 multiple sclerosis,3 and type I diabetes.4 In this issue of the American Journal of Pathology, Copland et al5 used their model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) to demonstrate that the administration of a CD200 receptor (CD200R) agonist antibody can suppress macrophage activation and greatly diminish disease. EAU is considered to be a murine model for human endogenous uveitis, a common sight-threatening intraocular disease that involves the cell-mediated destruction of retinal tissues.6,7 Autoreactive lymphocytes are routinely induced in this autoimmune model by immunization with retinal proteins emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant plus injection of pertussis toxin.8 The agonist antibody used in the current study, a monoclonal rat anti-mouse CD200R antibody called DX109, exerts its effects on EAU by delivering a negative signal to macrophages normally provided by CD200, which in turn may lead to the suppression of interferon-γ-mediated interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production during the inflammatory response (Figure 1). Figure 1 Systemic administration of DX109 inhibited macrophage activation and suppressed EAU. B10.RIII mice were used by Copland et al5 to test the efficacy of DX109 in their EAU model of autoimmune disease due to their increased susceptibility to autoimmune disease. ...
Influence of development and prothoracicotropic hormone on the ecdysteroids produced in vitro by the prothoracic glands of female gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) pupae and pharate adults

Abstract Fluctuations in hemolymph ecdysteroid titer are part of a complex mechanism that regulates pupal-adult development. The amount of ecdysteroid produced in vitro by prothoracic glands from female Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) pupae and pharate adults, as well as the competency of these glands to respond to a prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) stimulus in vitro , each correspond temporally with hemolymph ecdysteroid titers. Based on studies of gland kinetics and dose-responses to brain extract using prothoracic glands from different female pupal and pharate adult ages, an in vitro bioassay for the quantification of PTTH activity was developed using glands from day 2 females incubated without stimulus for 1 h followed by a 3 h incubation with stimulus. Only extracts of brains and corpora allata from pupae and pharate adults possess a PTTH factor. This factor is heat stable and can be separated on high performance size exclusion chromatography into two molecular sizes of 13.75 and 3.2 kDa. Ecdysone and 3-dehydroecdysone are produced in vitro by prothoracic glands from all ages of female L. dispar pupae and pharate adults tested. The amount of ecdysone produced by these glands exceeds that of 3-dehydroecdysone production after 4 h of incubation.
Design and modeling of micro-glassblown inverted-wineglass structures

This paper reports analytical and finite element models for predicting the final 3-D geometry of micro-glassblown inverted-wineglass and hemi-toroidal structures from a set of initial conditions. Using these methods critical geometric param-eters for wineglass resonator and gyroscope operation, such as shell thickness, shell height, stem type (hollow/solid), and stem diameter can be estimated from initial parameters. Analytical models for first order calculation of shell height and minor radius, as well as finite element models based on Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) methods for calculating the thickness of the shell and diameter of the stem structure are presented. Developed models were validated against fabricated micro-glassblown structures and showed better than 10 % match to experimental results. Methods presented in this paper can be used to design micro-glassblown wineglass resonators with specific dimensions and resonance frequencies, essentially taking the guesswork out of the design process and significantly lowering the development time.
IgA NEPHROPATHY IN CHILDREN: A MODIFIED VIEW OF CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The present study was carried out to determine clinical and immunopathological features of IgA nephropathy in children. Of 224 children who underwent renal biopsy between 1975 & 1979 and on whom the specimens were studied by immunofiuorescence, 35 cases (male 22, female 13, ages 4 to 17 years) of IgA nephropathy were detected. Their clinical, immunological and histological characteristics were compared to that of 71 cases of IgA nephropathy found in 311 biopsied specimens of adult patients. All the specimens were analysed by a routine light microscopy and immunofluorescent study for immunoglobulins, β1C, β1E, properdin and fibrinogen. In order to estimate mesangial cell proliferation, matricial increase, mesangial deposition, and tubulo-interstitial changes quantitatively, each specimen was analysed on our scoring system. Results are summerized as follows. 1) Clinical manifestations: 23 (65.7%) were presented by chance proteinuria and/or hematuria, and 7 (20%) by macroscopic hematuria. During the course of illness, 5 (14.3%) developed nephrotic syndrome and 15 (42.5%) macroscopic hematuria. They were followed over a mean period of 52.1 months: 9 improved, 28 unchanged, and 1 deteriorated. It may suggest better prognosis in pediatric patients despite a higher incidence of heavy proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. 2) Serum IgA levels: Serum IgA levels were elevated in 7 of 26 children above 10 years of age but remained within normal range in all of 9 children below 10 years. 3) Immunopathological study: In comparison with adult cases, mesangial cell proliferation was more prominent in majority of the 35 cases, but increase in mesangial matrix and deposits, and tubulo-interstitial changes were milder. Mesangial immunofluorescence was unequivocally demonstrated in all of the 35 children, being composed of IgA s β1C in 4, IgA c β1C in 12, and complex immunogloblins c β1C in 19. In the adult patients, however, β1C was stainable in the mesangium in all but one of the 71 cases. The present data suggests that IgA nephropathy in children differs distinctively from that of adults in clinical, immunological, and pathological manifestations.
Plasma and flow modeling of photomask etch chambers

The uniformity of critical dimensions is an important aspect of photomask fabrication, and the etch process can be improved by optimizing the geometry of the focus ring that surrounds the mask. Previous experimental results have shown that the focus ring can have a dramatic impact on the variability of critical dimensions on the photomask. Simulations were performed with the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model (HPEM) software to examine the impact of different focus ring geometries on the plasma characteristics and improve the understanding of the experimental data.
Inactivation of Surfactant in Rat Lungs

Although surfactant replacement therapy has dramatically improved the outcome of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, approximately 30% of treated infants show a transient or no response. Nonresponse to surfactant replacement therapy may be due to extreme lung immaturity and possibly surfactant inactivation. Surfactant inactivation involves aspecific biophysical events, such as interference with the formation or activity of an alveolar monolayer, and specific interactions with serum proteins, including antibodies, leaking into the alveolar space. As formulations containing surfactant proteins appear to better tolerate serum inactivation, we used an excised rat lung model to compare the susceptibility to serum inactivation of a mixture of synthetic phospholipids selected from surfactant lipid constituents, Exosurf (a protein-free synthetic surfactant), Survanta[containing surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and -C)], and a porcine surfactant (containing SP-A, -B, and -C). For each of these preparations, we used pressure/volume determinations as an in situ measure of surfactant activity and retested the same preparations after mixing with human serum, a nonspecific surfactant inactivator. Human serum inactivated porcine surfactant to a lesser extent than Survanta, Exosurf, or synthetic phospholipids. Temperature exerted a significant effect on deflation stability, as shown by a greater lung compliance in untreated, normal lungs and a larger improvement in compliance after treating lavaged lungs with synthetic phospholipids at 37°C than at 22°C. We conclude that surfactant containing SP-A, -B, and -C is only moderately susceptible to inactivation with whole serum and may therefore exert a greater clinical response than protein-free surfactants or those containing only SP-B and-C.
Fault diagnosis for the Space Shuttle main engine

A conceptual design of a model-based fault detection and diagnosis system is developed for the Space Shuttle main engine. The design approach consists of process modeling, residual generation, and fault detection and diagnosis. The engine is modeled using a discrete time, quasilinear state-space representation. Model parameters are determined by identification. Residuals generated from the model are used by a neural network to detect and diagnose engine component faults. Fault diagnosis is accomplished by training the neural network to recognize the pattern of the respective fault signatures. Preliminary results for a failed valve, generated using a full, nonlinear simulation of the engine, are presented. These results indicate that the developed approach can be used for fault detection and diagnosis. The results also show that the developed model is an accurate and reliable predictor of the highly nonlinear and very complex engine.
Cultivation of African sleeping sickness trypanosomes on improved, simple, cell-free medium.

ConclusionsA blood-agar cell-free medium of relatively simple composition is described, which is suitable for the isolation and growth of both Trypanosoma gambiense and Trypanosoma rhodesiense, and appears to have advantages over others previously described.
Photon counting multienergy x-ray imaging: effect of the characteristic x rays on detector performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of characteristic x rays on the performance of photon countingdetectors for multienergy x-ray imaging.X-ray and CT systems with photon countingdetectors have compelling advantages compared to energy integrating detectors, and cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector is the detector of choice. However, current CZT detectors exhibit several limitations that hamper their practical applications. These limitations include hole trapping, high leakage current, and charge sharing between detector pixels. Charge sharing occurs due to the diffusion of charge when it drifts toward the pixel electrodes. It also occurs due to nonlocal reabsorption of characteristic and scattered x rays created in the detector volume. Hole trapping, leakage current, and charge diffusion may potentially have technical solutions. Characteristic x-ray escape and scatter, however, are fundamental in nature and cannot be easily addressed. The x-ray scatter in the CZT material is small at photon energies used in x-ray imaging. Therefore, the remaining major factor is characteristic x ray. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations were used for this study. An experimental photon counting multienergy x-ray imaging system was used to compare simulations to experimental results. An x-rayspectrum at 120 kVp tube voltage was used. The x-ray energy range was split into five subregions (energy bins) and Monte Carlo simulations were performed at average x-ray energies corresponding to these energy bins. The detector pixel size was changed within the 0.1–1 mm range, which covered all possible applications including radiography and CTimaging. The pixel shapes included square and strip pixels. For strip pixels, tilted angle irradiation of the CZT detector was also investigated. Results: The characteristic x rays escaped the pixels in approximately 70% of all x-ray interactions for the smallest pixel size of 0.1 mm. The escape fraction decreased to 20% for the largest pixel size of 1 mm. All escape fractions, for all pixel sizes, at five energies, for square and strip pixels, and at three tilt angles were calculated and presented in tables. Simulated and measured spectra at 120 kVp were compared. Conclusions: Characteristic x-ray escape deteriorates energy and spatial resolution, particularly for small pixel sizes. Correction methods should be developed based on the results of the simulations and experimental study.
Simulation-Based Method for Finding Minimum Travel Time Budget Paths in Stochastic Networks with Correlated Link Times

The aim of this study was to solve the minimum path travel time budget (MPTTB) problem, in which the travel time budget was the reliability index. This index was defined as the sum of the mean path travel time and the scaled standard deviation, which included the covariance matrix to consider correlation. Two existing solution methods in the literature, the outer approximation algorithm and Monte Carlo simulation method, were applied to solve the MPTTB problem. The former method approximated the hard nonlinear constraint of the MPTTB problem by a series of linear cuts generated iteratively and repeatedly solved a mixed integer program. The latter method, which was a simulation-based method, included two stages. The first stage founded a set of candidate paths, and the second stage generated the distribution of travel times for the existing paths in the candidate set. The numerical results for these two solution methods were conducted on the Chicago sketch network, and results showed that the methods found...
Spies in the Marsh or Post-Soviet Saviors? Crane Conservation and Community Outreach in the Russian Far East

The role that Muraviovka Park in Russia has played in the lives of local people has radically changed since the early 1990s. From opposing the establishment of the park, to seeing the park as a provider of services, to finally feeling a sense of ownership of the park and its rare cranes, local attitudes toward the park have changed dramatically. This article contributes to literature on integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs) on many fronts. Unlike economic conflicts ICDPs have addressed elsewhere, the conflicts around Muraviovka Park have been ideological. The project is also in Russia, a region of few ICDPs that merits examination. Additionally, this is a long-term study that demonstrates that time is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ICDP. This study is primarily based on ethnographic interviews I conducted in Russian during the year 1999–2000 and during the summers of 2005 and 2008.
Science Signaling Podcast: 2 April 2013

This Podcast features an interview with Risheng Xu, first author of a Research Article that appears in the 2 April 2013 issue of Science Signaling . The transcription factor p53 is tumor suppressor that is activated by various cell stresses, and it promotes the transcription of genes that participate in DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. At target gene promoters, p53 cooperates with the acetyltransferase p300 to stimulate the expression of genes required for these stress responses. In a new study published this week in Science Signaling , Risheng Xu and colleagues report that the multifunctional protein IPMK (inositol polyphosphate multikinase) stimulates p53 activity at target gene promoters by recruiting p300 into this transcriptional complex.
Synthesis and antioxidant properties of dendritic polyphenols.

Abstract Three dendritic polyphenols (generation 1) were synthesized: a syringaldehyde-based dendrimer ( 1 ), a vanillin-based dendrimer ( 2 ), and an iodinated vanillin-based dendrimer ( 3 ). They all showed strong antioxidant activity according to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay. The syringaldehyde dendrimer was twice and 10 times stronger than quercetin and Trolox, respectively. The vanillin-based dendrimer and its more hydrophobic iodinated derivative were also more potent antioxidants than quercetin and Trolox. The DPPH order of potency was 1 > 2 , 3 > quercetin > Trolox. All three dendrimers also protected human LDL from free radical attack in a dose-dependent manner. Their order of free radical scavenging was 1 > 3 > 2 > quercetin > Trolox. The increased hydrophobic nature of the iodinated derivative may have contributed to its better LDL protection than 2 . Protection of linoleic acid oxidation was studied by the β-carotene–linoleate assay. Dendrimer 1 was clearly superior to the other antioxidants in protecting the fatty acid. In case of DNA protection against free radical damage, the order of activity was 1 > quercetin > 2 > 3 , Trolox. Pro-oxidant effect on copper-induced DNA oxidation showed the following order: quercetin, Trolox > 1 > 2 > 3 . Results of the study show that dendritic antioxidants, even at the generation 1 level, provide promising antioxidant properties for their potential use as drug candidates for diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Efficient Asymmetric Synthesis of N-[(1R)-6-Chloro-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-1-yl]-2-pyridinecarboxamide for Treatment of Human Papillomavirus Infections

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of N-[(1R)-6-chloro-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-1-yl]-2-pyridinecarboxamide 1, a potential treatment for human papillomavirus infections, is described. The key step in the synthesis of this molecule is an asymmetric reductive amination directed by chiral (phenyl)ethylamines resulting in up to 96% disastereo facial selectivity. The synthesis is also highlighted by isolation of a unique 2-picolinic acid salt of (1R)-6-chloro-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-1-amine (13). Subsequent application of 1-propylphosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (T3P) for convenient amide formation from the two components of the salt provides the product 1 in high yield. The process research work leading to the final synthesis includes a racemic synthesis followed by resolution with chiral supercritical fluid chromatography, and an enantioselective reductive amination via chiral transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by Ru(II) complexes of N-[(1S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide or...
Self-organizing high-density single-walled carbon nanotube arrays from surfactant suspensions

Very thin films of oriented and densely packed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can be self-assembled on substrates from surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-) coated SWNT suspensions at ambient conditions. The evaporation of water causes a concentration of the SDS-coated nanotubes above critical micelle concentrations for SDS, and it is believed that self-organization of the SDS molecules serves as a driving force for the oriented and dense assembly of the nanotubes. The high degree of alignment in the SWNT thin films was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and polarized Raman spectroscopy.
Legal, Individual, and Environmental Predictors of Court Disposition in a Sample of Serious Adolescent Offenders

Historically, the juvenile court has been expected to consider each youth’s distinct rehabilitative needs in the dispositional decision-making process, rather than focusing on legal factors alone. This study examines the extent to which demographic, psychological, contextual, and legal factors, independently predict dispositional outcomes (i.e., probation vs. confinement) within two juvenile court jurisdictions (Philadelphia, Phoenix). The sample consists of 1,355 14- to 18-year-old male and female juvenile offenders adjudicated of a serious criminal offense. Results suggest that legal factors have the strongest influence on disposition in both jurisdictions. For example, a higher number of prior court referrals is associated with an increased likelihood of secure confinement in both jurisdictions. Juveniles adjudicated of violent offenses are more likely to receive secure confinement in Phoenix, but are more likely to be placed on probation in Philadelphia. Race is unrelated to dispositional outcome, but, males are consistently more likely than females to be placed in secure confinement. Importantly, individual factors (e.g., developmental maturity) generally were not powerful independent predictors of disposition. Finally, an examination of the predictors of juvenile versus adult court transfer in Phoenix indicated that males, older juveniles, and those with a violent adjudicated charge were more likely to be transferred to adult court, while juveniles scoring high on responsibility as well as those juveniles with an alcohol dependence diagnosis were more likely to be retained in juvenile court.
Structural organization and evolution of the liver isoform gene for bovine cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa.

Subunit VIIa of mammalian cytochrome c oxidase is one of three nuclear-encoded subunits that exhibit isoforms, existing predominantly as an H-form in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues and as an L-form in others. We have isolated and characterized the L-isoform gene (COX7aL). It is 5.4 kb long, consists of four exons, and is located at a CpG island. Sp1 sites and an NRF1 site are located in an ∼100-bp region immediately upstream of the gene. Comparison of the sequence and organization with the previously described H-isoform gene shows identical intron-exon organizations, with the first intron of both isoform genes splitting the presequence coding region almost identically. These results suggest that the isoform genes arose by duplication from a common ancestor prior to the mammalian radiation and that the ancestor already contained the presequences. In addition, four processed pseudo genes of the L-type have been isolated and characterized, one of which (COX7aLP1) contains no deletions, insertions, or frame-shifts and can encode a precursor protein of 83 amino acids. Construction of a phylogenetic tree employing extant COX7aL cDNA and bovine pseudogene sequences suggests that the expressed bovine gene and COX7aLP1 arose from a gene duplication event 4.6–6.8 Mya.
The Effects of Content-Specific Seminars on Student Teachers' Effectiveness.

Abstract This study compares the effects of two approaches to student teaching seminars: structured, content-specific training seminars and general education discussion seminars. The study was based on the premise that seminars during student teaching are potentially important avenues to assist prospective teachers in developing critical teacher behaviors. Student teachers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: coping skills training, classroom management training, or general education discussion. During the ten-week student teaching period, five two-hour seminars were conducted for each group. Trained faculty observers collected observational data on the student teachers' classroom management abilities, their overall student teaching performance, and on the academic engagement of the student teachers' pupils. The results indicate that content specific training seminars positively affected the student teachers' classroom management skills, their overall classroom effectiveness, and the o...
Safety of statins.

Purpose of reviewTo examine the evidence for the adverse effects that have been reported during the use of statins.Recent findingsWe now have over twenty years of prescription use and many large well controlled trials with statin therapy for hypercholesterolemia. There is only one significant and we
Constrained differential optimization for temporally dynamic problems

Summary form only given, as follows. A neural net architecture for the solution of optimization problems with a temporal dimension is defined and demonstrated. This approach has advantages over other neural net optimization techniques when applied to problems in which temporal dynamics play a significant role. >
Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Abstract With technological advances in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), spatial resolution of 1-mm perforating vessels can reliably be visualized and accurately located in reference to patients' anatomic landmarks without exposing patients to ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast, resulting in optimal perforator selection, improved flap design, and increased surgical efficiency. As their experience with MRA in breast reconstruction has increased, the authors have made changes to their MRA protocol that allow imaging of the vasculature in multiple donor sites (buttock, abdomen, and upper thigh) in one study. This article provides details of this experience with multiple donor site contrast-enhanced MRA.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies using uniformly stable isotope labeled proteins with HPLC/CRIMS detection.

We present a novel method for performing pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies on macromolecules that offers advantages over the existing techniques of radiolabeling, immunoassay or bioassays. Our strategy uses macromolecules with stable isotopes uniformly distributed throughout the structure. The stable isotope enrichment is detected using high performance liquid chromatography combined with chemical reaction interface mass spectrometry (HPLC CRIMS). HPLC CRIMS is a technique where analytes are first eluted from an HPLC column and then dissociated in a microwave reaction chamber. The dissociated analytes are oxidized using SO 2 and the resulting small molecules are detected by the mass spectrometer. The stable-isotope labeled analyte is distinguished from the matrix carbon by monitoring the enrichment of 13 CO 2 . In order to demonstrate the feasibility of performing pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies using this technique, uniformly 13 C, 15 N-labeled rat growth hormone was administered intravenously to rats and blood samples were collected. Raw plasma samples were analysed by HPLC/CRIMS. Growth hormone was detectable for 1 h following administration. The absolute amounts detected ranged from a high of 66 pmol to a low of 825 fmol in a 20 μL plasma sample. The data were modeled using PCNONLIN and were consistent with a one compartment model. The calculated half-life was 7.7 ± 0.7 min, with a clearance of 4.5 ± 0.3 mL min -1 , values consistent with literature reports for growth hormone in rats. No circulating growth hormone metabolites were detected in the plasma. This paper demonstrates a novel technique for performing pharmacokinetic studies of proteins. The uniform labeling strategy also presents a viable comprehensive method for obtaining metabolism data on macromolecules.
Computational study of buoyancy effects in a laminar starting jet

Abstract Vortical structures formed in evolving jets are important in applications such as fuel injection in diesel engines and fuel leaks. When the jet fluid is different from the ambient fluid, the buoyancy can play an important role in determining the jet flow structure, and hence, the entrainment and fluid mixing processes. In the present study, a jet of helium injected in air is investigated, with emphasis placed on delineating the buoyancy effects on vector–scalar fields during the starting phase. We utilize a computational model, previously validated to predict the flow field of low-density gas jets. The model incorporates finite volume approach to solve the transport equation of helium mass fraction coupled with conservation equations of mixture mass and momentum. Computations were performed for a laminar jet to characterize the advancing jet front, and to capture the formation and propagation of vortex rings and the related pinch-off process. Results show significant effects of buoyancy on jet advancement, as well as on vorticity and helium concentration in the core of the vortex rings.
A paradoxical effect of hydralazine on prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase activities in cultured human skin fibroblasts.

Abstract The effect of hydralazine on several parameters of collagen biosynthesis has been studied in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Cells treated with hydralazine synthesized procollagen which was severely deficient in hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, indicating inhibition of prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase reactions in the cell. Assays of prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase activities, however, revealed markedly increased levels in hydralazine-treated cells. The stimulatory effect of hydralazine could not be simulated in cell extracts, demonstrating its requirement for intact cells. The effect occurred slowly over a period of 96 h and was dependent on hydralazine concentration between 10 and 100 μ m . This phenomenon was also observed in lysyl hydroxylase-deficient mutants. In both normal and mutant cells the relative magnitude of the hydralazine effect could be modified by ascorbic acid in the culture medium. Ascorbic acid increased the response of prolyl hydroxylase to hydralazine from 1.5- to 2-fold to 3- to 7-fold, whereas it decreased the response of lysyl hydroxylase to hydralazine from 4- to 8-fold to 2- to 3-fold. Total collagen synthesis was substantially reduced in hydralazine-treated cells; the time course and the dose-response relationship were similar to those observed for the hydroxylases. α,α′-Dipyridyl, an iron chelator, mimicked these effects of hydralazine. The studies suggest the existence in cultured cells of a compensatory mechanism for overproduction of these crucial enzymes in collagen biosynthesis, a mechanism which remains functional in cells derived from patients afflicted with hydroxylysine-deficient collagen disease.
Would You Rather Take Orders From Kirk or Spock? The Relation Between Rational Thinking and Intelligence

This article considers the relation between rationality and intelligence. The article is divided into three main parts: In the first, I consider the concept of rationality and conclude that rational thinking is a part of intelligence, but not a major part. In the second, I consider Stanovich's concept of dysrationalia, and propose that an alternative concept, practical intelligence (or the lack thereof), may better accomplish the goals that Stanovich wishes to achieve with his concept. Finally, I draw some conclusions.
Effects of Minor Alloy Additions and Oxidation Temperature on Protective Alumina Scale Formation in Creep-Resistant Austenitic Stainless Steels

Niobium was found to be beneficial for alumina scale formation in newly developed creep-resistant austenitic stainless steels. Additions of both Ti and V degraded alumina scale formation, whereas alloys with individual additions of Ti or V were able to form protective alumina scales. The ability to form external alumina scales was lost in the lower Al- and Nb-containing alloys between 800 and 900 °C. Compositions with the potential to form alumina at 900 °C were identified.
The effect of filmed modeling on cooperative play in disadvantaged preschoolers

In a series of three studies we investigated the effect of filmed modeling on cooperative play in disadvantaged preschoolers. These studies were conducted both in a natural (classroom) setting and in a laboratory setting. We were unable to demonstrate a reliable modeling effect with these preschoolers even when an extensive descriptive verbal component was added to the modeling film. In a fourth study we showed that the identical treatment did lead to modeling in middleclass preschoolers but that the content of the extensive verbal component was not related to the effect. These results are discussed in terms of appropriate control procedures for this type of study, the role of an audio component in modeling films, and the implications of the lack of filmed modeling effects for the teaching of disadvantaged preschoolers.
Nuclear localization of a complex of fibroblast growth factor(FGF)-1 and an NH2-terminal fragment of FGF receptor isoforms R4 and R1 α in human liver cells

FGF ligands and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) appear associated with the nucleus in addition to their extracellular and transmembrane locations. After receptor-dependent internalization in liver cells, radiolabeled 16-kDa FGF-1 appears in a 40-kDa covalent complex with a cellular protein. In this report, we show that in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, which expresses both FGFR4 and FGFR1, the 40-kDa complex cross-reacts with antibodies against the ectodomain of both types of receptors. In addition to antibody against FGF-1, a polyclonal antiserum against the three immunoglobulin (Ig)-like loop ectodomain of FGFR4 and a monoclonal antibody to a 19-residue sequence in the NH2-terminus of the NH2-terminal Ig Loop I of the three loop splice variant of FGFR1 (FGFR1alpha) reacts with the complex. A monoclonal antibody against an epitope in FGFR1 downstream of the inter-loop I/II sequence which reacts with intact FGFR1 failed to cross-react with the 40-kDa complex. Cell fractionations and indirect immunofluorescent localization revealed that the 40-kDa complex associates with the particulate fraction of cells, particularly the nucleus and associated cytoskeletal elements. We propose that the NH2-terminal Ig-loop of the three loop isoforms of FGFR, which are generally associated inversely with cell growth, may play a role at or in the nucleus in addition to modification of affinity of the FGFR ectodomain for heparan sulfate and FGF ligand.
The high-temperature pyrolysis of 1,3-hexachlorobutadiene

Abstract Comprehensive product yield determinations from the high-temperature, gas-phase pyrolysis of 1,3-hexachlorobutadiene (C 4 Cl 6 ) using two fused-silica tubular flow reactors are reported. The effects of reactor surface-area-to-volume (S/V) ratio were evaluated by conducting detailed product analyses with 0.1 cm i.d. and 1.0 cm i.d. reactors (high and low S/V ratio, respectively). Under low S/V ratio, initial decomposition was observed at 1023 K with formation of tetrachlorovinylacetylene (C 4 Cl 4 ), tetrachloroethene (C 2 Cl 4 ), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ), and molecular chlorine (Cl 2 ). Hexachlorobenzene (C 6 Cl 6 (cy)), C 8 Cl 8 (cy), and C 12 Cl 8 (cy) were also observed as products at higher temperatures. Under high S/V ratio, C 2 Cl 4 decomposition was initiated at 873 K. In addition to the products observed under low S/V ratio, C 3 Cl 4 , C 5 Cl 6 , C 12 Cl 10 , and C 16 C 10 were also observed. As in the case of C 2 chlorinated hydrocarbons we have studied, organic product yields were higher for the low S/V ratio experiments. Previously published detailed pyrolysis mechanisms for trichloroethene (C 2 HCl 3 ) and C 2 Cl 4 were used to provide predictions of the high-temperature reaction behavior of C 4 Cl 6 . Minor revisions of the C 2 Cl 4 model produced reasonable agreement with observed C 4 Cl 6 product distributions without compromising previous agreement with C 2 Cl 4 product distributions. The model predictions were in better agreement with product distributions obtained using the lower S/V ratio reactor, a result also observed for C 2 HCl 2 and C 2 Cl 4 pyrolysis. Plausible radical-molecule addition reactions leading to C 2 Cl 4 , C 4 Cl 4 , C 6 Cl 6 (cy), C 8 Cl 8 (cy), and C 12 Cl 8 (cy) formation were identified with the assistance of sensitivity analysis and production rate calculations.
Alteration of the Regiospecificity of Human Heme Oxygenase-1 by Unseating of the Heme but not Disruption of the Distal Hydrogen Bonding Network

Heme oxygenase regiospecifically oxidizes heme at the α-meso position to give biliverdin IXα, CO, and iron. The heme orientation within the active site, which is thought to determine the oxidation regiospecificity, is shown here for the human enzyme (hHO1) to be largely determined by interactions between the heme carboxylic acid groups and residues Arg183 and Lys18 but not Tyr134. Mutation of either Arg183 or Lys18 individually does not significantly alter the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-dependent reaction regiochemistry but partially shifts the oxidation to the β/δ-meso positions in the reaction supported by ascorbic acid. Mutation of Glu29 to a lysine, which places a positive charge where it can interact with a heme carboxyl if the heme rotates by ∼90°, causes a slight loss of regiospecificity but combined with the R183E and K18E mutations results primarily in β/δ-meso oxidation of the heme under all conditions. NMR analysis of heme binding to the triple K18E/E29K/R183E mutant confirms rotation of t...
An EMG-Controlled Device Managing Transition From Passive to Active Exercise in the Acute Rehabilitation of the Ankle Joint

The capacity of flexing one’s ankle is an indispensible segment of gait re-learning, as imbalance, wrong compensatory use of other joints and risk of falling may depend on the so-called drop-foot. The rehabilitation of ankle dorsiflexion may be achieved through active exercising of the relevant musculature (especially tibialis anterior, TA). This can be troublesome for patients affected by weakness and flaccid paresis. Thus, as needs evolve during patient’s improvements, a therapeutic device should be able to guide and sustain gradual recovery by providing commensurate aid. This includes exploiting even initial attempts at voluntary motion and turn those into effective workout. This paper presents an active orthosis powered by two rotary actuators containing shape memory alloy (SMA) wire that promote passive ankle dorsiflexion. A computer routine that analyses the electromyographic (sEMG) signal from TA muscle is used to control the orthosis and trigger its activation when appropriate sEMG signal is recorded.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Squamous cell carcinoma associated with intralesional injection of cidofovir for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a common neoplasm of the larynx that may lead to severe, recurrent lesions. Intralesional injection of cidofovir has shown promise as an adjuvant therapy. There is concern for possible malignant transformation with its use but, to our knowledge, this has not been documented in the literature. We report a case of invasive squamous cell cancer arising from squamous papilloma in a patient treated with multiple injections of cidofovir. Although causation is not shown, we believe the association presented is a valuable addition to the literature and an important consideration in the use of cidofovir.
Do Personality Characteristics and Risk Taking Mediate the Relationship Between Paternal Substance Dependence and Adolescent Substance Use

This longitudinal study examined whether adolescent personality characteristics and risk taking mediate the relationship between paternal substance dependence and adolescent substance use. At Time 1, the sample included 249 15–19 year-old adolescents and their fathers. These individuals also were assessed five years later (Time 2). Results indicated that paternal substance dependence directly and indirectly (via personality and risk taking) predicted adolescent substance use. Paternal substance dependence had significant direct effects on age when the adolescent first used marijuana and significant indirect effects on age when regular drinking began, age when first used marijuana, and frequency of drinking to get “high” or “drunk.” All of the indirect personality effects were via adolescent disinhibition. In addition, adolescent risk taking further mediated personality and adolescent substance use. Results from this study are discussed in relation to an epigenetic perspective of human development.
How Online Product Reviews Affect Retail Sales: A Meta-analysis

Abstract A growing body of research has emerged on online product reviews and their ability to elicit performance outcomes desired by retailers; yet, a common understanding of the performance implications of online product reviews has eluded us. Scholars continue to navigate an array of studies assessing different design elements of online product reviews, and various research settings and data sources. We undertake a meta-analysis of 26 empirical studies yielding 443 sales elasticities to examine how these variables relate to retail sales. Building on well-established meta-analytical methods, we address the following questions: How does review valence influence the elasticity of retailer sales? What about review volume? For which product types and usage situations do online product reviews have a greater impact on retailer sales elasticity? Which types of online reviewers and websites exert the greatest influence on retailer sales elasticity? Our study answers these important questions and provides a much needed quantitative synthesis of this burgeoning stream of research.