cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen reduction reaction induced pH-responsive chemo-mechanical hydrogel actuators

We describe and characterize elementary designs for electrochemical micro- and macro-scale chemomechanical hydrogel actuators. The actuation of a pH-sensitive cross-linked polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel is driven in the model devices through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurring at the electrodes of an embedded Au mesh micro-electrochemical array. Proton consumption by the ORR at the cathode of the embedded electrochemical cell leads to the formation of a localized pH gradient that in turn drives the strain response in the composite actuators. The dynamics result from the ionization of the carboxylic acid moieties of the PAA network in the high pH region, yielding an osmotic pressure that drives a volumetric expansion due to water imbibition. This system actuates both stably and reversibly; when the electrochemically-induced ORR is halted, the localized pH gradient dissipates due to diffusive mixing, which in turn relaxes the induced strains. Two approaches to the fabrication of hydrogel actuators were examined in this work. The first method adopted a design based on small flagella (∼0.2 mm × 1.5 mm × 60 μm, width × length × height) in which the actuating PAA structures are molded atop a set of fixed electrodes mounted on a supporting substrate. These hydrogel actuators show fast, large-amplitude, and largely reversible responses in the ORR mediated chemomechanical dynamics. We also investigated larger hydrogel actuators (∼4.5 mm × 11 mm × 1 mm, width × length × height), based on an autonomous design that embeds an open mesh stretchable micro-electrode array within the hydrogel. The significant and design-dependent impacts of mass transfer on the chemomechanical dynamics are evidenced in each case, a feature examined to elucidate more efficient mesoscopic design rules for actuators of this form.
Parental perspectives regarding primary-care weight-management strategies for school-age children

To identify parental perspectives regarding weight-management strategies for school-age children, focus groups were conducted of parents of overweight and obese (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile) 6-12-year-old children recruited from primary-care clinics. Questions focused on the role of the primary-care provider, effective components of weight-management strategies and feasibility of specific dietary strategies. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using margin coding and grounded theory. Six focus groups were held. The mean age (in years) for parents was 32, and for children, eight; 44% of participants were Latino, 33%, African-American and 23%, white. Parents' recommendations on the primary-care provider's role in weight management included monitoring weight, providing guidance regarding health risks and lifestyle changes, consistent follow-up and using discretion during weight discussions. Weight-management components identified as key included emphasising healthy lifestyles and enjoyment, small changes to routines and parental role modelling. Parents prefer guidance regarding healthy dietary practices rather than specific weight-loss diets, but identified principles that could enhance the acceptability of these diets. For dietary guidance to be feasible, parents recommended easy-to-follow instructions and emphasising servings over counting calories. Effective weight-management strategies identified by parents include primary-care provider engagement in weight management, simple instructions regarding healthy lifestyle changes, parental involvement and deemphasising specific weight-loss diets. These findings may prove useful in developing primary-care weight-management strategies for children that maximise parental acceptance.
Clock generation & distribution for a 45nm, 8-core Xeon ® Processor with 24MB cache

The clock generation and distribution system for a 8-core Xeon® MP processor with 2.3B transistors fabricated on a 45nm 9M CMOS process achieves 21ps clock skew in the un-core before engaging skew compensation and enables I/O link operations up to 6.4GT/s. The clocking system encompasses multiple clock and voltage domains and extensive global and local clock compensation capabilities.
Zero-clusters of polynomials: Best approach in supercomputing era

Computing a zero-cluster of a polynomial sufficiently accurately within the available precision of computation has been an important issue from time immemorial. All the deterministic numerical methods so far known to us produce varying degree of errors. Often the errors are so dominant that the distinction between two zeros in the cluster becomes meaningfully difficult. Multiple zeros on the other hand can be more easily tackled and do not pose any serious computational problem. We discuss here the limits of both deterministic and randomized methods for zero-clusters and propose a simple exhaustive search algorithm that would obtain the zeros in a real/complex zero-cluster in a reasonable time. We present the computational error and computational/time complexity of this algorithm focusing on the fact that no measuring device can usually measure a quantity with an accuracy greater than 0.005%. We stress the fact that no other algorithm can perform better than the proposed algorithm in an ultra-high speed computing environment for most real-world problems.
Static Stability Variations during the Development of an Intense Extratropical Cyclone

The role of static stability (sigma) is diagnosed for an intense extratropical cyclone that developed over the central United States during January 9-11, 1975. Results indicate that minimum sigma values occurred in the lower troposphere at 0000 UTC January 10, 1975, during the period of slow cyclone development, and then increased as rapid development proceeded. Further, the upward advection of smaller static stabilities in the cyclone area, a forcing process in the height tendency equation, resulted in a significant reduction of height falls attributed to vorticity advection, thermal advection, and latent heat release.
Foreign Language Words and Phrases in American Periodicals

Author's Summary.— This is a list of French, German, Italian, and Spanish words and phrases used in eight widely-read American periodicals during the year 1935. It aims to bring out the types of foreign language terms encountered in general reading, and thus to serve where significant as an aid in the teaching of vocabulary.
Evidence for the role of post-retinal processes in stimultaneous contrast.

Evidence is presented that the degree of simultaneous contrast produced by the bisecting line in the Koffka ring is greatly lessened by varying the perceived depth interval between this line and the Koffka figure. The retinal disparity between the line and the figure was varied to produce this effect. The slight lateral displacements of the bisecting line in the monocular images themselves necessary to produce retinal disparity with binocular viewing had no effect on the magnitude of simultaneous contrast. Interpretations based on processes operating at the retinal level such as lateral inhibition level are not supported by this finding. The results are interpreted in terms of the adjacency principle.
Ferromagnetism in molecular materials: Decamethylferrocenium tetracyanoethanide (DMeFc) (TCNE) (invited)

Ferromagnetism has only recently been observed in molecular materials. We present here a summary of the ferromagnetic phenomena observed in the molecular charge transfer salt, decamethylferrocenium tetracyanoethanide (DMeFc)(TCNE), and related compounds. A spontaneous magnetization is observed in this material for T<4.8 K, with a saturation moment in agreement with alignment of individual spins localized on the DMeFc+⋅ and TCNE−⋅ ions. A comparison of these results with analogous charge transfer salts is presented. Models for the magnetic interaction in the charge transfer salts and the preparation of other molecular and/or polymeric materials with ferromagnetic exchange are presented.
INTUSSUSCEPTION, VOLVULUS AND MALROTATION

A case of ileocolic intussusception, associated with mid-gut volvulus and malrotation with bowel necrosis is reported. There is evidence to suggest that the intussusception preceded the volvulus.
A syndrome of hereditary pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cysts of the liver and kidneys

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. Several family and population studies have suggested that there is a genetic predisposition in about 10% of cases. Despite this, pedigrees showing a definite Mendelian inheritance pattern are quite rare. Recently, a family came to our attention with several cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A detailed family medical history was obtained from the index patient. Medical records, including death certificates, histopathology, radiology, and laboratory reports from several family members were reviewed. Computerized tomography scans and CA19-9 serum assays were performed on selected family members. The family seems to have a syndrome of autosomal dominant adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, accompanied by multiple cysts of the liver and kidneys. Affected family members without pancreatic cancer have elevated serum CA19-9 levels. This seems to be a previously undescribed syndrome. The family may be carrying a tumor suppressor gene mutation specific for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
TAP 29: an anti-human immunodeficiency virus protein from Trichosanthes kirilowii that is nontoxic to intact cells.

Abstract An anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) protein capable of inhibiting HIV-1 infection and replication has been isolated and purified to homogeneity from Trichosanthes kirilowii. This protein, TAP 29 (Trichosanthes anti-HIV protein, 29 kDa), is distinct from trichosanthin [also known as GLQ 223 (26 kDa)] in size, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and cytotoxicity. In addition to three conservative substitutions--namely, Arg-29 to Lys, Ile-37 to Val, and Pro-42 to Ser--a total difference of residues 12-16 was found. TAP 29 yielded -Lys-Lys-Lys-Val-Tyr-, whereas trichosanthin has -Ser-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Val-. Although the two proteins exhibit similar anti-HIV activity, as measured by syncytium formation, p24 expression, and HIV reverse transcriptase activity, they differ significantly in cytotoxicity, as measured by their effects on cellular DNA and protein syntheses. At the dose level of the bioassays, 0.34-340 nM, trichosanthin demonstrates a dose-dependent toxic effect on host cells. TAP 29 displays no toxic effect, even at 100 X ID50, whereas trichosanthin demonstrates 38% and 44% inhibition on cellular DNA and protein synthesis, respectively. These results indicate that the therapeutic index of TAP 29 is at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of trichosanthin. Thus TAP 29 may offer a broader safe dose range in the treatment of AIDS.
Gain analysis in placement test validation: An example of using the Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills

The utility of raw gain analysis for validation of college placement tests is demonstrated with scores from the Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills. Gains during one semester for students in various freshman level mathematics courses were evaluated. Two junior colleges and three four-year colleges provided the data. In addition to total gains, differential score gains on particular item clusters and gains of students who received good or poor grades in their mathematics courses were evaluated. Results suggest that gain analysis is a useful tool for placement test validation.
Spatial processing in the auditory cortex of the macaque monkey.

Abstract The patterns of cortico-cortical and cortico-thalamic connections of auditory cortical areas in the rhesus monkey have led to the hypothesis that acoustic information is processed in series and in parallel in the primate auditory cortex. Recent physiological experiments in the behaving monkey indicate that the response properties of neurons in different cortical areas are both functionally distinct from each other, which is indicative of parallel processing, and functionally similar to each other, which is indicative of serial processing. Thus, auditory cortical processing may be similar to the serial and parallel “what” and “where” processing by the primate visual cortex. If “where” information is serially processed in the primate auditory cortex, neurons in cortical areas along this pathway should have progressively better spatial tuning properties. This prediction is supported by recent experiments that have shown that neurons in the caudomedial field have better spatial tuning properties than neurons in the primary auditory cortex. Neurons in the caudomedial field are also better than primary auditory cortex neurons at predicting the sound localization ability across different stimulus frequencies and bandwidths in both azimuth and elevation. These data support the hypothesis that the primate auditory cortex processes acoustic information in a serial and parallel manner and suggest that this may be a general cortical mechanism for sensory perception.
Evaluation of Lassa virus vaccine immunogenicity in a CBA/J-ML29 mouse model.

Lassa fever (LF) is one of the most prevalent viral hemorrhagic fevers in West Africa responsible for thousands of deaths annually. The BSL-4 containment requirement and lack of small animal model to evaluate Lassa virus (LASV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) complicate development of effective LF vaccines. Here we have described a CBA/J-ML29 model allowing evaluation of LASV-specific CMI responses in mice. This model is based on Mopeia virus reassortant clone ML29, an attractive immunogenic surrogate for LASV. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunization of CBA/J mice with ML29 protected animals against a lethal homologous intracerebral (i.c.) challenge with 588 LD50. The ML29-immunized mice displayed negligible levels of LASV-specific antibody titers, but LASV-specific CMI responses were detectable early and peaked on day 8–10 after immunization. A T cell cytotoxicity assay in vivo showed a correlation between LASV-specific cytotoxicity and the timing of protection induced by the ML29 immunization. Notably, CBA/J mice that received CD8+ T cell-depleted splenocytes from ML29-immunized donors all succumbed to a lethal i.c. challenge, demonstrating that CD8+ T cells are critical in protection. The CBA/J-ML29 model can be useful immunological tool for the preliminary evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates against LASV outside of BSL-4 containment facilities.
A Novel Solid-Phase Synthesis of Carboxypyrrolinones

A solid-phase organic synthesis method has been developed for the preparation of 3-carboxypyrrolinones 9. Treatment of polymer-bound malonic acid with amino alcohols afforded the malonamide resin products 6. Benzyl and alkyl amino alcohols were prepared in solution via a two-step procedure without purification and were coupled to the resin directly using a resin capture strategy. Polymer loadings and product conversions were determined by direct cleavage of resin-bound materials and analysis by 1H NMR spectroscopy with an internal standard. Treatment of the polymer-bound malonamides with TFA released the malonamic acids, 10, which underwent further reaction to afford the trifluoroacetate derivatives 11. Secondary amides underwent an additional cyclization to afford oxazoles 12. The malonamide resins 6 can be oxidized to the corresponding ketones 7 by treatment with CrO2(O-t-Bu)2, which can in turn be cyclized in the presence of LDA or LHMDS to afford the carboxypyrrolinones 8. TFA treatment releases the f...
Reciprocal Relationships Between Exotic Rusty Crayfish, Macrophytes, and Lepomis Species in Northern Wisconsin Lakes

The non-native rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) has invaded many lakes of northern Wisconsin, profoundly changing littoral zones in the process. There are other lakes that have been invaded, but do not exhibit these changes. We hypothesized that endogenous feedbacks could form involving rusty crayfish, the macrophytes they destroy, and Lepomis species whose abundance is positively related to macrophyte abundance and also consume juvenile crayfish. We assessed this proposal with long-term data from one lake, a regional comparative study, and a case study of Lepomis predation on crayfish. Through time and across lakes, abundances of rusty crayfish, littoral macrophytes and species of the genus Lepomis were related in a fashion that indicated a set of feedbacks that regulate the abundance of all three. Intense predation on juvenile crayfish by abundant Lepomis is capable of maintaining some crayfish populations at low abundance. Thus, some lakes display profound ecological changes where crayfish achieve high abundance, and others sustain crayfish at low abundance. Consequently, lakes invaded by rusty crayfish may take on the appearance of alternative ecological regimes. Direct experimentation is necessary to determine if, and under what conditions, a lake can exist in either regime.
The Social Dimensions of AIDS

Another aspect of AIDS epidemic is the public reaction or treatment of the disease and its victims and the potential for discriminatory actions. The issues of discrimination and treatment are compounded by the fact that AIDS is a disease transmitted sexually and that the disease has hit fringe groups such as homosexuals and intravenous drug users the hardest. The HIV epidemic itself is divided sharply by geography racial and gender lines. In the U.S. minorities and intravenous drug users are disproportionately represented according to transmission. Blacks and Hispanics while representing only 20% of the population make up 40% of all AIDS cases in the U.S.. Distribution of AIDS cases among the states is similarly lopsided. There is also a great gap between awareness and action. Although 90% of the respondents in a national poll understood that transmission could come through intercourse or needle sharing with an infected individual the same percentage believed that they were in a low or non-existent risk group. The prevention of the disease requires special attention to minorities; however the misconception that AIDS is a minority disease is an incendiary one. The public and the medical community must recognize that anyone who engages in risky sexual or drug-related behavior is at risk. AIDS has placed economic emotional and physical stress on our economy our work and our lives; the question of how we will deal with this stress and how as a society our attitudes will change still remains.
Myelin basic protein-like material in the urine of multiple sclerosis patients: relationships to clinical and neuroimaging changes

Urinary myelin basic protein-like material (MBPLM) represents material which is cross-reactive with a cryptic epitope in peptide 84-89 of human myelin basic protein. While normally present at moderate levels in the adult, these levels rise higher in patients who have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The increase in urine MBPLM correlates with the burden of disease detected by T2-weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging. There is no correlation between urinary MBPLM and acute disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS. The first major need for improving the clinical utility of measurements of MBPLM in urine in MS patients is to delineate its exact chemical features so that assays may be improved and a potential biological role of the MBPLM better understood. The second major task is to apply the group data accumulated and apply them to individual patients. This could prove to be means to individually direct treatment and determine its effectiveness.
Solving variational inequality and fixed point problems by line searches and potential optimization

We introduce a general adaptive line search framework for solving fixed point and variational inequality problems. Our goals are to develop iterative schemes that (i) compute solutions when the underlying map satisfies properties weaker than contractiveness, for example, weaker forms of nonexpansiveness, (ii) are more efficient than the classical methods even when the underlying map is contractive, and (iii) unify and extend several convergence results from the fixed point and variational inequality literatures. To achieve these goals, we introduce and study joint compatibility conditions imposed upon the underlying map and the iterative step sizes at each iteration and consider line searches that optimize certain potential functions. As a special case, we introduce a modified steepest descent method for solving systems of equations that does not require a previous condition from the literature (the square of the Jacobian matrix is positive definite). Since the line searches we propose might be difficult to perform exactly, we also consider inexact line searches.
Stress and mTORture signaling

The TOR (target of rapamycin) pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling module regulating cell growth (accumulation of mass) in response to a variety of environmental cues such as nutrient availability, hypoxia, DNA damage and osmotic stress. Its pivotal role in cellular and organismal homeostasis is reflected in the fact that unrestrained signaling activity in mammals is associated with the occurrence of disease states including inflammation, cancer and diabetes. The existence of TOR homologs in unicellular organisms whose growth is affected by environmental factors, such as temperature, nutrients and osmolarity, suggests an ancient role for the TOR signaling network in the surveillance of stress conditions. Here, we will summarize recent advances in the TOR signaling field with special emphasis on how stress conditions impinge on insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling/TOR signaling.
Adverbs or “Adwords” in German

L ITTLE words like auch, dock, erst, ja, noch, nur, schon, immer, etc., and the negative nicht cause the student of German a great deal of trouble. Every German grammar classifies them as adverbs; most of the time they are adverbs and hence give a certain shade to the verb. Yet there are cases where these so-called adverbs add their meaning to a noun, an adjective, a pronoun, and even to another adverb. In these cases the name adverb is a misnomer; they should be called "adwords." Then the student of German would understand that the position of an adword must necessarily differ from that of an adverb. Adwords must always precede the word to which they add their own meaning. On the other hand, adverbs follow the rules given in every German grammar; namely, that they stand last in the main sentence when the verb is used in the present or past tense, or must precede a past participle and an infinitive in the compound tenses. Here are some examples of these words as adverbs and adwords:
Hydrodynamic turbulence and subgrid scale closure

Abstract A unified approach is presented for treating free and forced Navier-Stokes turbulence in the recursive renormalization group theory approach to subgrid scale closure. Moreover, the local approximation used in the forced turbulence case is shown to be on the same footing as the well established Kolmogorov phenomenology on the inertial energy range spectrum.
Modeling and control of tubular solid-oxide fuel cell systems: II. Nonlinear model reduction and model predictive control

Abstract This paper describes a systematic method for developing model-based controllers for solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. To enhance the system efficiency and to avoid possible damages, the system must be controlled within specific operating conditions, while satisfying a load requirement. Model predictive control (MPC) is a natural choice for control implementation. However, to implement MPC, a low-order model is needed that captures the dominant dynamic behavior over the operating range. A linear parameter varying (LPV) model structure is developed and applied to obtain a control-oriented dynamic model of the SOFC stack. This approach effectively reduces a detailed physical model to a form that is compatible with MPC. The LPV structure includes nonlinear scheduling functions that blend the dynamics of locally linear models to represent nonlinear dynamic behavior over large operating ranges. Alternative scheduling variables are evaluated, with cell current being shown to be an appropriate choice. Using the reduced-order model, an MPC controller is designed that can respond to the load requirement over a wide range of operation changes while maintaining input–output variables within specified constraints. To validate the approach, the LPV-based MPC controller is applied to the high-order physical model.
Parameters for predicting canning quality of dry kidney beans

Mechanical damage to dry kidney beans was assessed using hot and cold water soak-tests at 20 and 80°C, respectively. Damage was revealed as the middle lamella dissolved and the seed coats were released with zero order kinetics. Damage exposed in soak-tests had no cause-and-effect relationship to damage found in the cans after thermal processing. However, significant correlations were found between both kidney bean density and seed coat weight, and the proportion of damaged beans in the can after processing (P <0.01). The proportion of damaged beans found in the can after thermal processing increased significantly when the ratio of the seed coat weight to bean volume ratio was < 10 g ml−1. These two simple measurable parameters offer potential for predicting canning quality of kidney beans.
ESTROGEN ADMINISTERED NEONATALLY AFFECTS ADULT SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS.

The injection of 100 µg of estradiol benzoate into female rats 96 hours after birth abolished sexual receptivity in adulthood, even with estrogen and progesterone replacement after ovariectomy. The administration of testosterone propionate to these animals in adulthood elicited the full pattern of male sexual behavior. The same dose of estrogen given to male rats 96 hours after birth produced adults which were unable to achieve intromission, although they mounted as frequently as normal animals. Testosterone replacement after castration in adulthood reproduced this abnormal behavior.
MR imaging findings of small bowel hemorrhage: two cases of mural involvement and one of perimural.

Purpose To demonstrate the MR appearance of small bowel wall hemorrhage. Materials and Methods A search was performed of the clinical information system (CIS) and the abdominal MRI databases of our institution for patients diagnosed with bowel hemorrhage on MRI between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2008. All patients were imaged using a protocol that included noncontrast T1- and T2-weighted images and postgadolinium gradient echo images. Results Two male patients, 44 and 55 years of age, were identified with small bowel mural hemorrhage, one in the duodenum and one in the jejunum. A third patient, a 66-year-old man, was identified with perimural hematoma. The following imaging features were observed: for mural hemorrhage, mural-based increased signal intensity (SI) in the bowel wall on fat suppressed T1-weighted images, variable increased SI on T2-weighted images and no appreciable enhancement on the postcontrast T1-weighted image; perimural hemorrhage exhibited normal thickness low SI wall on T2-weighted single shot images, with ill-defined material surrounding the bowel. SI features of this material, was similar to mural-based abnormality. Conclusion In two patients with small bowel wall hemorrhage, the wall showed increased thickness with increased SI on noncontrast T1-weighted images and lack of enhancement on postgadolinium images. Perimural hematoma showed an intact normal thickness wall that was low SI on T2 with surrounding material that was high SI on noncontrast T1-weighted images and did not enhance. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1185–1189. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
S. W. Williston and the Exploration of the Niobrara Chalk

Samuel Wendell Williston spent most of his formative years as a scientist in the exploration of the Niobrara Chalk in Kansas. Much of this work was summarized in early reports of the Kansas State Geological Survey and still provides a sound basis for our modern understanding of the Niobrara Chalk and its paleoecology. This was one of the first fossil communities to become widely known to the general public.
Rapid and scalable reduction of dense surface-supported metal-oxide catalyst with hydrazine vapor.

An efficient technique using hydrazine (N2H4) vapor as an agent for the rapid reduction of high-density layers of catalytic nanoparticles is demonstrated. With as little as 10 mTorr hydrazine bled ...
Waiting for Black Superman A Look at a Problematic Assumption

Black male teachers make up less than 2% of the U.S. public school labor force. A prevalent discourse among educational stakeholders has suggested that Black male teachers are the key to helping students in urban schools develop skills to succeed in school by acting as role models. This assertion presents Black male teachers as a panacea to improving urban schools while ignoring the historical and contemporary contexts that complicate their roles in schools. This study uses life history methods to access the narratives of a group of Black male teachers to shed light on their experiences working in urban classrooms. The purpose of this study is to broaden our understandings about teacher education, teaching, and teacher retention of Black male teachers.
Sex Bias in Educational‐Vocational Counseling

Literature pertinent to sex discrimination in educational and vocational counseling is reviewed. Among the many factors that contribute to inequitable counseling are the sex role socialization that clients bring to the counseling interaction, the sex role attitudes and biases of counselors, deficiencies in counselor training, and shortcomings of tests and other source materials used in counseling practice. Recommendations are made toward more comprehensive counseling services for women and men.
The operation of the malate-aspartate shuttle in the reoxidation of glycolytic NADH in slices of fetal rat liver.

Abstract Lactate production by liver slices from fetal rats (17th–18th day of gestation) is enhanced about two fold by aminooxyacetate, an inhibitor of aspartate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1). Such an effect is consistent with an increase of the cytosolic NAD-redox state owing to the parallel fall in the pyruvate level, whereas the glycolytic flux does not seem to be influenced appreciably. Indeed, although the inhibitor causes a marked increase of fructose 1,6-diphosphate, glucose 6-phosphate decreases only slightly. These results suggest that in fetal rat liver the malate-aspartate shuttle is operative in the reoxidation of cytosolic NADH produced during aerobic glycolysis.
Ask-Upmark kidney associated with renal and extrarenal arterial aneurysms

Reports of Ask-Upmark kidney, initially described as a congenital defect in renal development, are uncommon. We report a case with the features of bilateral asymmetrical segmental atrophy in a patient with childhood-onset hypertension. As an adult, she developed cerebral, celiac, and renal artery aneurysms. She underwent successful clipping of the cerebral aneurysm and renal artery repair with preservation of renal function. Novel radiologic techniques make possible the noninvasive diagnosis of segmental atrophy and its complications.
Gender differences in the risk of alcohol dependence : United States, 1992

Data from a representative sample of US adults revealed that 24% of male life-time drinkers and 15% of female life-time drinkers met the DSM-IV criteria for life-time alcohol dependence, i.e. dependence during the year preceding interview or in any 12-month period prior to that year. The median interval from first drink to onset of dependence was 3.6 years for men and 3. 0 years for women. After using survival techniques to adjust for potential gender differences in the exposure to risk of developing alcohol dependence, the cumulative conditional probability of having experienced onset of dependence was 35.1% for men and 24. 6% for women. The conditional probability of onset of dependence was equal for men and women in the first year after initiation of drinking, about 30% higher for men in the period 1-4 years after the first drink, and about 45% higher for men thereafter. After using proportional hazards models to adjust for the effects of age cohort, race and ethnicity, family history of alcoholism and age at first drink, these period-specific risk ratios remained virtually unchanged. Including a measure of average daily ethanol intake during periods of heaviest consumption rendered most of the gender differences statistically insignificant, revealing a slight excess risk of female dependence within the first year after initiation of drinking among the heaviest drinkers and leaving an excess male risk of dependence mostly among individuals with average daily intakes of less than one ounce of ethanol. The results suggest that different frequencies of binge drinking might help to account for these remaining gender differences and that men's and women's relative risks of developing alcohol dependence may vary as a function of life cycle stage, with men's excess risk greatest in the college/young adult years.
A PCR‐based assay for the wild‐type dystrophin gene transferred into mdx mouse

Myoblast transfer has emerged as a promising treatment for inherited myopathies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Further development of the technique's therapeutic potential requires an experimental system in which issues of graft rejection can be clearly discriminated from those related to myoblast biology. Here we report the development and initial application of a quantitative assay for myogenic cells bearing a wild-type dystrophin gene following transfer into the mdx mouse. The technique relies upon the ability of a mutagenizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer to create a new restriction site in the amplification production of the wild-type, but not the mdx dystrophin gene. The ratio of host to donor cells can be determined from muscle biopsies as small as 1 mg, regardless of donor H-2 background. This simple technique should allow a number of basic questions related to myoblast and direct gene transfer to be addressed using the mdx mouse model. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Correlation of circulating von Willebrand factor levels with cardiovascular hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND Valvular heart disease is associated with a decreased platelet circulating time and a thrombotic tendency. The possibility that these events are related to changes in von Willebrand factor (vWF), a multimeric glycoprotein released from endothelial cells and platelets that mediates platelet adhesion to the vascular subendothelium, has not been examined. METHODS AND RESULTS We measured the vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) concentration in 43 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of mitral (n = 17) or aortic (n = 10) stenosis or nonvalvular heart disease (n = 16). Mean vWF:Ag concentration was significantly higher in patients with mitral stenosis than in those without (212 +/- 84 versus 150 +/- 79 units/dl, p less than 0.02); this elevation was associated with a significant elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in the patients with mitral stenosis (186 +/- 49 versus 133 +/- 81 dynes-sec-cm-5, p less than 0.02). The vWF:Ag levels in the entire group of patients (regardless of the presence or type of valvular disease) varied directly with PVR (r = 0.72, p less than 0.0001) and with pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.60, p less than 0.0001) and inversely with cardiac output (r = 0.64, p less than 0.0001). Changes in PVR, pulmonary artery pressure, or cardiac output could not be correlated with circulating levels of fibrinogen or beta-thromboglobulin, which may be released from activated platelets, nor with the endothelial cell product tissue plasminogen activator. CONCLUSIONS The association of high vWF:Ag levels with increased PVR and decreased cardiac output in patients both with and without mitral stenosis suggests a hemodynamically induced increase in the endothelial release of vWF, which might contribute to a thrombotic tendency in these patients.
An empirical investigation into the interactive effects of student personality traits and method of instruction (lecture or CAI) on student performance in elementary accounting

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether students with certain personality traits perform better when instructed in either of two methods of instruction (computer-assisted and lecture). Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is defined as the primary source of instruction as opposed to a supplemental tool. A three-and-one-half week experiment was conducted at the beginning of the first elementary accounting course. Subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group (CAI) and the control group (lecture). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a personality measurement instrument, was administered to all students. An analysis of covariance (ANACOVA) was the statistical technique employed. The dependent variable was student exam scores while the independent variables consisted of student scholastic aptitude and attitude, method, four personality traits, and the pertinent method/personality trait interactions. The results suggest that personality traits do affect student exam performance when they are instructed in the two methods.
Fabrication of lightweight structural panels through ultrasonic consolidation

A fundamental investigation of the feasibility of producing lightweight structural panels using ultrasonic consolidation (UC) was undertaken. As a novel solid freeform fabrication technology, UC utilizes both additive ultrasonic joining and subtractive CNC milling to enable the creation of complex aluminum structures with internal geometry at or near room temperature. A series of experiments were performed to understand the issues associated with sandwich structure fabrication using UC, including peel test experiments which evaluated the bond strength for various geometric configurations. The honeycomb lattice was found to offer the best core configuration due to its ability to resist vibration from the sonotrode and provide adequate support for pressure induced by the sonotrode. UC was found to be capable of producing lightweight and stiff structures, including honeycomb and other sandwich panels, without the use of adhesives. An effective manufacturing process plan for fabricating structural panels was ...
Increasing the number of attacks increases the conversion rate in laparoscopic diverticulitis surgery

This study aimed to determine whether the number of diverticulitis or complicated diverticulitis episodes affects the conversion rate or postoperative complication rate in elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. In this study, 216 charts were reviewed for baseline characteristics, diverticulitis history, and intra- and postoperative complications. Analysis was performed with the Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact tests. Of 216 sigmoid colectomies, 151 were laparoscopic, 19 were converted, and 46 were open. Baseline characteristics were similar for patients with zero to two and those with three or more inpatient diverticulitis attacks. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis had a higher rate of conversion after three or more inpatient episodes (2.6% vs 25%; p = 0.04). There was no difference in operative times or postoperative complication rates. Patients with a history of abscess had a 23% chance of conversion. Those with no abscess history had an 8% chance of conversion (p = 0.02). In general, converted procedures required more time than open procedures but were associated with decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) and a decreased rate of postoperative ileus. Multiple inpatient diverticulitis attacks and a history of abscess were associated with laparoscopic conversion. Converted procedures required more time than open procedures, but had reduced LOS and postoperative ileus. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy can be attempted safely for patients with three or more inpatient attacks or a history of complicated diverticulitis.
Geographic extension of an uneven-aged, multi-species matrix growth model for northern hardwood forests

The objective of this study was to update and extend the geographic range of a forest growth model for northern hardwoods, developed previously with data from the fourth Wisconsin inventory (Lin et al., 1996. Ecol. Model., 91: 193-211.). To this end, Lin's model was recalibrated with data from the recent fifth inventory of Wisconsin and Michigan, and with the addition of a site variable to reflect variations in land productivity. After the introduction of site effects, there were still statistically significant differences between the equations of ingrowth, upgrowth. and mortality for Wisconsin and Michigan. Thus, two models were maintained. one for each state. Each model predicted well the growth of trees on post-sample plots, and simulated adequately the tree distribution in old stands in its own state. Applied to stands of the same initial distribution of tree species and size, the equations predicted faster early growth and higher basal area in the steady state in Michigan than in Wisconsin, with more marked differences on good than poor sites.
Race, Gender, and Tokenism in Policing: An Empirical Elaboration

According to tokenism theory, “tokens” (those who comprise less than 15% of a group’s total) are expected to experience a variety of hardships in the workplace, such as feelings of heightened visib...
A randomized clinical trial of inpatient family intervention. IV. Followup results for subjects with schizophrenia.

This is the last of a series of four papers, here focussing on schizophrenia, which report followup data up to 18 months from a randomized clinical trial of a psychoeducational family intervention (IFI), which was added to medication and limited to the inpatient phase of treatment, after which post-hospital care was not controlled. Our data suggested that patients with poor prehospital functioning (i.e., the chronic patients) may benefit from inpatient family intervention, but this therapeutic effect appears to be limited to females and does not appear until 18 months postadmission. Families of patients with schizophrenia also show benefit from having received IFI, the effect is seen earlier than with the patients, and is associated with achieving the goals of IFI. The results in the IFI group could not be accounted for by improved post-hospital medication compliance, but they may be related to this group's greater tendency to obtain further family treatment after discharge.
Third World Films: A Strategy For Promoting Geographic Understanding

Abstract The use of fiction in the geography classroom is a well-established teaching method. While geography instructors have accepted the novel, there is little indication that the use of fictional film is widespread. With the growing availability of films in video formats, it is time we consider this medium for geography instruction. This paper introduces readers to the range of films now being produced in third world countries for domestic audiences. These films offer particular advantages for geographic instruction especially in their ability to visually represent conditions of daily life, and to involve students in the conflict resolutions of the fictional characters. Two examples of third world films are examined in detail to show the kinds of spatial and geographic concepts which can be illustrated through this medium. Four appendices provide information on background readings, U.S. film distributors, and study guides to each of the two films examined.
A case for humanizing behavioral objectives

The purpose of this study is to examine the cognitive and affective responses of students to behavioral objectives for a unit of instruction in a basic speech communication course. The findings indicate that (a) student affective reactions to the instructional process serve as an intervening variable, one usually neglected in the study of behavioral objectives, and (b) in instructional situations when training in the use of behavioral objectives is not possible, students function as well with key concepts as they would with highly specific objectives. Two means of humanizing objectives are suggested: (1) personalizing the language of instructional objectives and (2) focusing on the process rather than the product of learning.
Extended interaction of β1 integrin subunit-deficient cells (GD25) with surfaces modified with fibronectin-derived peptides: Culture optimization, adhesion and cytokine panel studies

Abstract The modification of biomaterials with extracellular matrix-mimicking factors is a common technique used to influence the cellular response through integrin-mediated signaling. The inherent limitations of antibody-inhibition studies necessitate the use of complementary methods to block integrin function to confirm cell–surface interaction. In this study, we employed a β1 integrin-deficient cell line, GD25, to investigate the role of β1 subunit in cell adhesion and subsequent cytokine (granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor; interleukin (IL)-1α; IL-1β; IL-6; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted; tumor necrosis factor-α) release kinetics in the presence of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPN) modified with fibronectin (FN)-mimic peptides (RGD, PHSRN). Culture conditions (i.e. seeding density, medium, serum supplementation) were optimized for long-term observation. Differences in cell adhesion, cell viability and cytokine release behavior were dependent on the presence of the β1 integrin subunit, FN, sIPN cast method and peptide identity. By comparing two complementary techniques for assaying integrin function, we observed both similarities (i.e. decreased adhesion to FN-absorbed TCPS and increased IL-1β release at 96 h) and differences (i.e. no difference in adhesion or IL-1β release in the presence of different sIPN surfaces) when the function of the β1 subunit was blocked in cell adhesion and signaling in the presence of biomaterials.
Oil shale process water affects activity of vesicular-arbuscular fungi and Rhizobium 4 years after application to soil

The effects of different concentrations of water from oil shale processing on the vesicular-arbuscular (VA) fungal and Rhizobium activity of an arid land soil were investigated 4 yr after contamination. Effects were assessed in field plots and by a greenhouse bioassay. Addition of process water had marked effects on the chemistry of the soil and increased concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, NO3 and NH4 as well as raising the electrical conductivity. VA infection analysis of roots from field plots and the bioassay combined with counts of VA fungal spores indicate reduced mycorrhizal activity in treated soils. The individual species of VA fungi were found to be affected differently by the process water. Roots of the legume yellow sweetclover developed fewer nodules in soils treated with retort water. An acetylene reduction assay indicated that nitrogenase activity was reduced in nodules from soils treated with undiluted process water.