cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding conservation delays in children with specific language impairment: task representations revealed in speech and gesture.

Purpose The authors investigated mental representations of Piagetian conservation tasks in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing peers. Children with SLI have normal nonverbal intelligence; however, they exhibit difficulties in Piagetian conservation tasks. The authors tested the hypothesis that conservation difficulties may be due to the degree to which children with SLI rely on external perceptual features of the task as opposed to internal cognitive knowledge about transformation. Method Twenty-nine children participated, 12 children with SLI (ages 7;0–10;5) and 17 typically developing peers (ages 5;4–10;9) who were matched either on chronological age (CA) task or on judgments on the conservation task (conservation matched [CM]). Children solved conservation tasks and then explained their reasoning. Explanations produced in speech and gesture were analyzed. Results In speech, children in the SLI group expressed proportionately fewer internal explanations than the CA ...
Linear Motor-Leviated Stage for Photolithography

Abstract This paper presents a linear-motor-levitated stage with large planar motion capability. This positioning system is the first capable of providing all the motions required for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing with only a single moving part. The single moving part generates all six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) motions required for focusing and alignment, and large two-dimensional motions (50 × 50 mm) for positioning. Four linear permanent-magnet motors produce suspension forces to support the moving part (5.58 kg) as well as driving forces. The stage is to have tens-of-nanometer position stability and the design can be readily scaled to accommodate 12-inch wafers in the next generation of photolithography. The prototype stage is being levitated in initial testing.
Existence, Negation, and Abstraction in the Neoplatonic Hierarchy1

The paper is a study of the logic of existence, negation, and order in the Neoplatonic tradition. The central idea is that Neoplatonists assume a logic in which the existence predicate is a comparative adjective and in which monadic predicates function as scalar adjectives that nest the background order. Various scalar predicate negations are then identifiable with various Neoplatonic negations, including a privative negation appropriate for the lower orders of reality and a hyper-negation appropriate for the higher. Reversion to the One can then be explained as the logical inference of hyper-negations from mundane knowledge. Part I develops the relevant linguistic and logical theory, and Part II defends Wolfson and the scalar interpretation against the more traditional Aristotelian understanding of Whittaker and others of reversion as intensional abstraction
Parental Marital Discord and Treatment Response in Depressed Adolescents

Evidence suggests that parental marital discord contributes to the development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents. Few studies, however, have examined the association between parental marital discord and youth’s response to treatment. The present study examined the impact of interparental discord on treatment response in a randomized control trial of adolescents with major depression enrolled in the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). Participants were 260 adolescents from two-parent households randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: fluoxetine (FLX), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), their combination (COMB), or placebo (PBO). Logistic regressions revealed that parental marital discord interacted with youth gender and co-morbid oppositionality symptoms to predict group differences in treatment response.
Wetting and adsorption of acetylenic diol based nonionic surfactants on heterogeneous surfaces

Abstract The wetting and adsorption of acetylenic diol based surfactants on lampblack and phthalocyanine blue was studied to determine the mechanisms of wetting of heterogeneous surfaces. The TMDD series of reagents, commonly known as acetylenic diol based surfactants, are derivatives of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol. While studies of conventional nonionic surfactants have included alkyl ethoxylates and ethoxylated alkyl phenol surfactants, limited information is available for acetylenic diol based surfactants. The effect of the degree of ethoxylation of these surfactants on adsorption and wetting of pigments was studied. Although the Langmuir model could be used to fit adsorption data in many cases, further analysis of the data showed that the free energy of adsorption was a function of adsorption density. The change in free energy with adsorption density could be interpreted by considering a change in the orientation of the adsorbed molecules. At monolayer coverage, acetylenic diol based surfactants were found to have an area per molecule of 2–3 times that of similarly ethoxylated alkyl phenols. The area per molecule was found to increase linearly with increased ethoxylation within each family of surfactants. The surface tension of these surfactants at the liquid/air interface was also investigated to delineate the effects of ethoxylation on the adsorption mechanisms.
Influence of dietary vitamin E on susceptibility to ozone exposure

It is widely reported that vitamin E intake may markedly reduce the occurrence of ozone-induced respiratory tract damage. Considerably less data are available concerning whether vitamin E nutritional status may affect the occurrence of ozone-induced systemic alterations such as the blood cell changes. The present study is designed to extend this previous research by evaluating the extent to which vitamin E supplementation in humans over a four week period would affect the in vitro erythrocyte susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide (H/sub 2/O/sub 2/) which is formed in whole blood following ozone exposure.
Grain size effects in polycrystalline gold nanoparticles

We report a structure–property relationship in gold nanoparticles (NPs), grain-size effects, which not only allow material properties observed on different characteristic length scales to be engineered in a single NP but further enhance those properties due to the coupling among different-size grains. The grain size effects were achieved by creating polycrystalline gold NPs (pAuNPs) with two distinct grain-size populations (5 and 1 nm) comparable to electron mean free path and electron Fermi wavelength (EFW), respectively. Successful integration of molecular and plasmonic properties into a single nanostructure without additional fluorophores enables these highly polycrystalline AuNPs to serve as multimodal probes in a variety of optical microscopic imaging techniques.
Chaotic Mixing of Highly Viscous Liquids With Rectangular or Elliptical Rotors

The objective of this research is to experimentally investigate various mixing regions in a two-dimensional Stokes flow driven by a rectangular or elliptical rotor. Flow occurs in a rectangular cell filled with a very viscous fluid. The Reynolds number based on rotor size is in the order of 0.5. The flow is time-periodic and can be analyzed, both theoretically and experimentally, by considering the Poincare map that maps the position of a fluid particle to its position one period later. The mixing regions of the flow are determined, theoretically, by the fixed points of this map, either hyperbolic or degenerate, and their stable and unstable manifolds. Experimentally, the mixing regions are visualized by releasing a blob of a passive dye at one of these fixed points: as the flow evolves, the blob stretches to form a streak line that lies on the unstable manifold of the fixed point.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A longitudinal evaluation of pulpal pain during orthodontic tooth movement.

Objectives – To examine the longitudinal changes in pulpal sensitivity to electrical stimulation and the relationship to pulpal sensitivity as measured by electrical stimulation and subjective reports of tooth pain after archwire insertion. Design – Non-randomized, prospective trial, with matched controls. Setting and Sample Population – Regional Clinical Dental Research Center at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Eighteen adult subjects of age 13–37 years. Nine experimental subjects planned for orthodontic treatment. Nine control subjects matched for gender and age who did not have orthodontic treatment. Experimental Variable – Fixed orthodontic appliances and initial archwire placement in experimental subjects compared with `no treatment' control subjects. Outcome Measure – Subjective assessments of orthodontic tooth pain were made using visual analogue scales. Electrically evoked detection and pain thresholds were determined using a computer-controlled tooth stimulator. Data were gathered at five time points: after bracket placement (baseline), 1 h after placement of initial archwires, 1 day after archwire placement, 1 week after archwire placement, and 1 month after archwire placement. Comparable time intervals were used for the `no treatment' control subjects. Results – Subjective ratings of treatment-evoked tooth pain in the experimental group were the greatest at the post-archwire day 1 observation and progressively decreased for the remaining observations. Control subjects reported little pain at any of these observation times. The detection and pain threshold changes from baseline showed no statistical differences over time or between groups. While not statistically significant, a trend was noted where reports of greater orthodontic tooth pain were associated with increased sensitivity to electrical stimulation (i.e. lower detection and pain thresholds). Conclusion – Orthodontic patients experience significant pain and discomfort 1 day after initial archwire placement (i.e. activation). Future research should investigate whether self-reports of treatment-evoked tooth pain intensity are associated with pulpal sensitivity.
Protein synthesis in phenotypically different, single neurons ofAplysia

Abstract Different molecular weight classes of proteins from single phenotypically different neuron somas and their subcellular fractions were analyzed in terms of the relative concentration and relative labeling using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide microgel electrophoresis. A 12,000 (12K) molecular weight class of protein found in low relative concentration but highly labeled was shown to be present in some endogenously firing neurons, L3, L6, and L11, but not in others such as L4. A specific 12K class of protein has been found to be common to all neurosecretory neurons, R15, R14 and R3–13, studied. A high relative concentration of 6–9K class of protein in R15 and bag cells and a highly labeled 6–9K protein shown to be in R14 and R3–13 have been correlated with neurosecretion. In subcellular fractionation studies a specific 12K class of proteins was found in the membrane fraction of neuron L11. Several proteins, which have molecular weights similar to filarin (77K), tubulin (58–55K) and actin (43K) have been shown to be common to all neurons studied. Hence this study has demonstrated protein specificity in single phenotypically different neurons. Suggestive correlations of specifically translated small molecular weight proteins with neurosecretion in neurons R3–15 were made.
Phosphorus targets and eutrophication objectives in Saginaw Bay: A 35 year assessment

Abstract An aggregated view of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a in Saginaw Bay indicates that concentrations of both constituents declined approximately in concert with declining total phosphorus (P) loads stabilizing by the late 1980s. A more spatially focused view reveals that total phosphorus declines outside of the Saginaw River plume, accompanied by more subtle chlorophyll a decreases. In contrast, soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia have recently declined throughout the bay, while nitrate has remained relatively stable. Concentration data from nearshore transects do not exhibit large differences from open-water sample sites. The 440 tonne P/year target phosphorus load established in the 1978 amendments to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement has almost never been met, and total phosphorus concentrations regularly exceed the 15 μg/L concentration objective proposed in documentation supporting the 1978 amendments. Seasonal patterns in both total phosphorus and chlorophyll a are more pronounced in the most recent data, with peaks occurring in September–October. This apparently evolving seasonal pattern may result from seasonal changes in Saginaw River flow inputs, or seasonal variation in dreissenid mussel feeding and filtration rates. The adaptive management framework stipulated in the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Protocol should promote better monitoring of Saginaw Bay water quality into the future, with enhanced opportunities to better understand the factors that have maintained ongoing eutrophication symptoms.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 134

Abstract Nuclear data are compiled for the ten known members of the A = 134 mass chain. This compilation is based on references received through August 1974. Eight drawings are included which present most of the experimental data, including adopted values. Following the drawings are adopted level-property summaries and listings of experimental data for each member of the A-chain. A discussion of the decay scheme of each nuclide is presented in the Data Sheet section. Substantial detail is provided for the low-lying level structure of 134 I, 134 Xe, and 134 Ba from β -decay studies and of 134 Cs from (n, γ ) studies. Known levels in 134 Te rely on systematics for their establishment, while considerable uncertainty still exists in 134 Ce levels from β -decay. Two isomers are suggested for 134 Sb and 134 Pr by their decay properties. (Hl,xnγ) reactions have established five excited levels in 134 Nd. Nothing is known about excited levels in 134 La, primarily because of the small Q-value for 134 Ce β -decay. There is a lack of particle-transfer reaction studies throughout this A-chain.
Empirical testing of a model of online store atmospherics and shopper responses

This study empirically tests a model that proposes that the atmospheric cues of the online store influence shoppers' emotional and cognitive states, which then affect their shopping outcomes. The results support the model propositions and show a significant effect of site atmospherics on shopper attitudes, satisfaction, and various approach/avoidance behaviors as a result of the emotions experienced during the shopping episode. In addition, the findings confirm the hypothesized moderating effects of two individual traits, namely, involvement and atmospheric responsiveness. The results underscore the role that online store atmospherics play in creating positive reactions from shoppers and demonstrate that these positive reactions will be more pronounced under certain conditions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What Does Undergraduate Enrollment in Soil and Crop Sciences Mean for the Future of Agronomy

Soil and crop science programs at land-grant colleges have historically relied on appropriated funding from state and federal sources and tuition to support the tripartite mission of research, extension, and teaching. However, due to declining funding from state and federal sources, tuition and fees are becoming increasingly important sources. As tuition revenue becomes more important, student enrollment becomes a greater concern. Undergraduate enrollment in soil and crop sciences across the USA has been in decline for the last two decades. We collected current enrollment statistics by submajor areas of focus at all 50 of the 1862 land-grant universities. We also evaluated organizational structure, college and department names, and undergraduate tuition and fees. Enrollment in all soil and crop science related majors averaged 90 students per university, with the majority of students (36%) in landscape, horticulture, and turfgrass programs. A projected total of fewer than 350 students per year from all 50 of the institutions surveyed will graduate from programs with a traditional agronomy focus that integrates multiple aspects of crop production and management. Declining enrollment in soil and crop science programs has been accompanied by significant changes in the structure and identity of the academic units that house them. Despite declining enrollment, there is still strong demand for teaching the substance of soil and crop sciences at U.S. land-grant institutions, and employment prospects for agricultural graduates are good. The current socioeconomic environment necessitates adaptation of soil and crop science programs, including formation of new and innovative areas of study, expanded participation by the soil and crop sciences in interdisciplinary programs, and the possibility of regional cooperation and specialization among academic institutions. New entrants coming into the field of professional agronomy as researchers, professors, advisors, and consultants will increasingly be the products of interdisciplinary college programs where they are mixed with nonagricultural students and have taken classes from nonagricultural faculty.
Political integration of Mexican immigrants: explorations into the naturalization process.

This article examines the significant influx of Mexican immigrants2 to the U.S. since 1920, and represents an examination of one dimension of political integration, naturalization, in terms of the ...
Iodine metabolism in surviving thyroid slices from patients with exophthalmic goiter.

Surviving slices of hyperplastic thyroid tissue from 18 patients with exophthalmic goiter prepared for operation with strong iodine solution (Lugol's solution), and of normal thyroid tissue from 4 euthyroid patients were incubated with a solution of Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate medium and radioiodine by a gravity-flow method. Iodine metabolism in the hyperplastic tissue differed from that of normal tissue in three respects: 1) the pattern of I131 uptake in hyperplastic tissue was curvilinear with respect to time, whereas that of normal tissue was rectilinear; 2) iodine transport was greater in hyperplastic tissue than in normal tissue; and 3) the mean proportion of I131 bound to protein was less in hyperplastic tissue than in normal tissue. In both hyperplastic and normal tissue, binding of I131 to protein was blocked by 10−3 M methimazole (Tapazole). In the presence of methimazole, the accumulated radioiodine was discharged, but not completely, by 0.2 M thiocyanate. Thyroid-to-medium ratios of less than u...
Plasticity of the Hsp90 chaperone machine in divergent eukaryotic organisms

Hsp90 is critical for the regulation and activation of numerous client proteins critical for diverse functions such as cell growth, differentiation, and reproduction. Cytosolic Hsp90 function is dependent on a battery of co-chaperone proteins that regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp90 function or direct Hsp90 to interact with specific client proteins. Little is known about how Hsp90 complexes vary between different organisms and how this affects the scope of clients that are activated by Hsp90. This study determined whether ten distinct Hsp90 co-chaperones were encoded by genes in 19 disparate eukaryotic organisms. Surprisingly, none of the co-chaperones were present in all organisms. The co-chaperone Hop/Sti1 was most widely dispersed (18 out of 19 species), while orthologs of Cdc37, which is critical for the stability and activation of diverse protein kinases in yeast and mammals, were identified in only nine out of 19 species examined. The organism with the smallest proteome, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, contained only three of these co-chaperones, suggesting a correlation between client diversity and the complexity of the Hsp90 co-chaperone machine. Our results suggest co-chaperones are critical for cytosolic Hsp90 function in vivo, but that the composition of Hsp90 complexes varies depending on the specialized protein folding requirements of divergent species.
In Vitro Metabolism of Parathion in Susceptible and Parathion-Resistant Strains of the Greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Results of in vitro metabolism studies in a susceptible and two parathion-resistant greenbug strains indicate that hydrolytic enzymes are active toward paraoxon, but not parathion, and are partially responsible for resistance. The resistance does not involve reduced levels of oxidative metabolism and activation of parathion since NADPH-dependent microsomal formation of paraoxon in resistant and susceptible strains was similar. Paraoxon is a potent inhibitor of greenbug esterases, and the resistance mechanism apparently involves rapid and tight binding of enzyme and insecticide that prevents the insecticide from reaching its target site. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also supported this view since staining of enhanced bands associated with resistance was inhibited by incubation with paraoxon. The resistant strains apparently produce more of the isozymes that are inhibited by paraoxon and are able to sequester a greater number of paraoxon molecules than susceptible greenbugs.
T1ρ‐relaxation in articular cartilage: Effects of enzymatic degradation

Spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1rho) dispersion spectroscopy and imaging were used to study normal and enzymatically degraded bovine articular cartilage. Normal specimens demonstrate significant T1rho "dispersion" (approximately 60 to approximately 130 ms) in the 100 Hz to 9 kHz frequency range. Proteoglycan-degraded specimens have 33% greater T1rho values than collagen-degraded or normal samples. T1rho-weighted images reveal structure not found in conventional T1- or T2-weighted images. Our results suggest that T1rho measurements are selectively sensitive to proteoglycan content. The potential of this method in distinguishing the early degenerative changes in cartilage associated with osteoarthritis is discussed.
The Use of Combinatorial Chemical Vapor Deposition in the Synthesis of Ti3-δO4N with 0.06 < δ < 0.25: A Titanium Oxynitride Phase Isostructural to Anosovite

We employ, for the first time, a unique combinatorial chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique to isolate a previously unreported transition-metal mixed-anion phase. The new oxynitride phase, Ti(3-delta)O(4)N (where 0.06 < delta < 0.25), is the first example of a complex titanium oxynitride and was synthesized within composition graduated films formed from atmospheric pressure CVD of TiCl(4), NH(3), and ethyl acetate. Characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible spectra, and SQUID magnetometry. The material crystallizes in the Cmcm space group, with the ordered nitrogen ions stabilizing the orthorhombic analogue of the monoclinic anosovite structure, beta-Ti(3)O(5). The lattice parameters are sensitive to composition, but were determined to be a = 3.8040(1) angstrom, b = 9.6486(6) angstrom, and c = 9.8688(5) angstrom for Ti(2.85(2))O(4)N. Powder samples were prepared through delamination of the thin films for synchrotron X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. It is the first example of a new phase to be synthesized using such a combinatorial CVD approach and clearly demonstrates how such techniques can provide access to new materials. This metastable phase with unusual nitrogen geometry has proved to be elusive to conventional solid-state chemistry techniques and highlights the value of the surface growth mechanism present in CVD. Furthermore, the ease and speed of the synthesis technique, combined with rapid routes to characterization, allow for large areas of phase space to be probed effectively. These results may have major implications in the search for new complex mixed-anion phases in the future.
INFLUENCE OF SEX ON HISTOCOMPATIBILITY MATCHING IN RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract Histocompatibility matching for the HLA-A and HLA-B loci specificities influenced the survival of cadaver kidney transplants in male recipients but not in female recipients. The correlation between HLA matching and transplant survival for a three-year follow-up period was highly significant for 3455 male recipients but not significant for 2007 female recipients. Since this effect was not dependent on the sex of the donor, a sex-associated histocompatibility antigen could not have been responsible. The reason why histocompatibility matching influences one sex and not the other is not known. This observation may have important practical consequences and may help to explain difficulties in establishing a strong correlation between HLA matching and cadaver transplant outcome.
Automation and integration of multiplexed on-line sample preparation with capillary electrophoresis for high-throughput DNA sequencing

An integrated and multiplexed on-line instrument starting from DNA templates to their primary sequences has been demonstrated based on multiplexed microfluidics and capillary array electrophoresis. The instrument automatically processes eight templates through reaction, purification, denaturation, preconcentration, injection, separation, and detection in a parallel fashion. A multiplexed freeze/thaw switching principle and a distribution network were utilized to manage flow and sample transportation. Dye-labeled terminator cycle-sequencing reactions are performed in an eight-capillary array in a hot-air thermal cycler. Subsequently, the sequencing ladders are directly loaded into separate size exclusion chromatographic columns operated at ∼60 °C for purification. On-line denaturation and stacking injection for capillary electrophoresis is simultaneously accomplished at a cross assembly set at ∼70 °C. Not only the separation capillary array but also the reaction capillary array and purification columns can...
Intravenous streptokinase in evolving acute myocardial infarction

Eighty-one consecutive patients presenting within 3 hours of the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and without contraindications to thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy received a 15- to 30-minute intravenous infusion of 750,000 or 1.5 million units of streptokinase (STK) followed by anticoagulation. Treatment was instituted 130 +/- 41 minutes after the onset of symptoms and reperfusion was achieved 36 +/- 26 minutes later. Reperfusion of the "infarct artery" was recognized by indirect clinical criteria in 78 patients (96%). In all 66 patients who underwent coronary angiography 3 to 7 days later, there was complete concordance between indirect and angiographic evidence of reperfusion. In 6 patients there was early reocclusion within 24 hours of treatment; in 4 of these patients, the artery was reopened with an additional dose of STK. Two elderly patients suffered an intracranial hemorrhage and there were 8 other major hemorrhagic complications, of which 7 were related to procedural trauma. Five patients (6.2%) died in the hospital. The results of intravenous STK thrombolytic therapy are compared with those of our previous study using intracoronary STK.
Efficient computation of the sensitivities of reciprocating engine dynamics to dimensional tolerances

An efficient method has been developed to accurately and efficiently predict the sensitivities of an internal combustion engine's steady-state outputs to dimensional tolerances. The alternating frequency/time (AFT) domain technique is used to determine the steady state response (mean crank speed, mean driving torque and Fourier coefficients of temporal variations in crank's speed and driving torque) of an engine, which is governed by a nonlinear differential equation with discontinuous forcing function due to the nature of the pressure-volume (P-V) diagram. The validity of this method has been established by comparison with the results from numerical integration of the differential equation of motion. This technique, by virtue of being computationally efficient, is well suited for the development of an optimal tolerance allocation scheme based on nonlinear programming.
The natural history of melanoma, including the pattern of metastatic spread and the biological basis for metastases — staging of melanoma

Melanomas are complex and biologically heterogeneous tumors whose clinical behavior varies from indolent to extremely aggressive. As with any malignancy, it is important to be able to stage melanomas to allow the prediction of clinical behavior for prognosis, treatment determination, and analysis of end results.
Low-cost camera array for mitigating lighting range effects

Lighting is a constant issue for computer vision applications. The range of light in a scene typically exceeds what an image can accurately represent. Typically, multiple images are taken with each image at a different exposure level. These images are then combined together in order to display more detail than a single image at a single exposure. For computer vision applications using a mutli-view approach it would require a substantial amount of bandwidth to perform these routines on each camera individually. This work looked at using multiple views in a camera array to each capture a different exposure level and then used that information to mitigate the lighting issues in a central view. A weighted averaging approach and a radiometric calibration based approach were both implemented and compared. In contrast to existing methods, this work looked at handling depth planes that were not considered to be on or near the plane at infinity. It was found that much of the detail that was lost due to lighting issues could be recovered.
Visual function in Huntington's disease patients and presymptomatic gene carriers

Disturbances of visual cognition, visuomotor performance, and visual memory have been described frequently in Huntington's disease (HD). Early stage visual abnormalities could contribute to these deficits. We evaluated visual processing in 20 control subjects who were non-gene carriers at risk for HD, nine presymptomatic gene-positive subjects, and eight subjects with a recent diagnosis of Huntington's disease. Visual perceptual tests of contrast sensitivity and motion discrimination were used to probe early stage visual processing. Extraocular movements were evaluated in a neurologic examination, and the Digit Symbol test was used to test visual motor performance. Contrast sensitivity did not differ among the three groups. Motion discrimination was impaired in HD subjects but not in the presymptomatic gene carriers when compared to gene noncarriers. Among gene carriers, impaired motion discrimination performance was associated with poorer Digit Symbol performance and extraocular abnormalities. These findings suggest that the early stages of HD are associated with disturbances of motion perception as well as disruptions of visual motor and ocular motor performance.
What's New on Defining Diarrhea in Tube-Feeding Studies?:

Nurses who are involved in studies of tube feeding tolerance or who review the literature on this topic are confronted with a myriad of definitions and methods of reporting diarrhea. In a 1992 study, the authors reported that these definition differences influenced results. In a review of the current literature, they determined that little progress had been made toward standardizing definitions and reports of diarrhea in studies of tube feeding. A secondary analysis of stool characteristics of hospitalized patients using various definitions of diarrhea showed there was a positive association between stool frequency and consistency. Criteria for stool consistency in the definitions of diarrhea appeared to have a greater influence on diarrhea outcomes when stool frequency was low. The authors suggest recognition of a taxonomy of definitions of diarrhea in the absence of consensus, which will help guide the design of future investigations and facilitate the evaluation and utilization of research.
PERTUSSIS TOXIN SENSITIVE PHOTOAGGREGATION OF PIGMENT IN ISOLATED Xenopus TAIL-FIN MELANOPHORES

Direct illumination of Xenopus laevis tail-fin melanophores results in rapid, reversible translocation of intracellular pigment granules to a perinuclear location, an effect distinct from and opposite to the photodispersion of pigment found in melanophores isolated from Xenopus embryos. In this report we show that both pertussis toxin and dibutyryl-adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate block the ability of light to cause photoaggregation of pigment in cultured tail-fin melanophores, whereas dibutyryl-guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate is without effect.
Chronic type IV phosphodiesterase inhibition protects glomerular filtration rate and renal and mesenteric blood flow in a zymosan-induced model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome treated with norepinephrine.

To examine the effects of chronic type IV phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibition on renal function and renal and mesenteric vascular resistance and blood flow in a sublethal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) we used a prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory animal study. Twenty-eight rats had mini-infusion pumps placed to deliver vehicle or PDE4 inhibition with Ro 20-1724 at doses of either 0.3 or 2.0 μg/kg/min. Simultaneously, MODS was induced by intraperitoneal injection of zymosan (0.25 mg/g). Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, renal blood flow, and superior mesenteric blood flow (SMABF) were measured at 48 h. Renal vascular resistance (RVR), superior mesenteric artery vascular resistance (SMAVR), and glomerular filtration rate were calculated. A dose-response effect of norepinephrine was also evaluated at 48 h. Chronic Ro 20-1724 treatment prevented norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction in control rats. Inhibition of PDE4 with Ro 20-1724 (2.0 μg/kg/min) increased urinary cAMP, and attenuated the increase in RVR and SMAVR ( p < 0.05) and the decrease in RBF and SMABF ( p < 0.05) that occurred from zymosan and norepinephrine. Glomerular filtration rate was also preserved ( p < 0.05), despite a reduction in blood pressure. Chronic PDE4 inhibition protects renal function and mesenteric perfusion during MODS by increasing cAMP in the presence and absence of catecholamines. Higher doses of PDE4 inhibition result in clinically tolerated decreases in mean arterial blood pressure, with improved end-organ function. Chronic PDE4 inhibition is protective, likely through cAMP-mediated attenuation of vasoconstriction.
Methylation of Stat1 Promoter Can Contribute to Squamous Cell Carcinogenesis

One of the most recently recognized signaling pathways that regulate tumor cell proliferation and survival involves signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins. The STAT family of proteins has seven known members: Stat1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, and 6. Interestingly, it has become evident that dif ferent STAT proteins can serve either tumor suppressing or oncogenic roles. Stat1, for example, functions as a tumor suppressor in several capacities ( 1 – 5 ) , whereas Stat3 and to a lesser extent, Stat5, play a critical role in malignant progression at multiple levels ( 6 – 9 ) . Although it has been demonstrated that interferon-induced Stat1 activity can cause growth arrest and can induce apoptosis, it is not clear whether a lack of Stat1 in human cancer directly contributes to cancer cell proliferation and survival. If so, what keeps Stat1 from functioning in this manner in tumor cells also remains largely unknown. The article by Xi et al. ( 10 ) in this issue of the Journal presents evidence that Stat1 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is lower than that of normal tissues from individuals without cancer. Restoring Stat1 expression in the tumor cells leads to growth inhibition in vitro and in xenograft tumors, which is accompanied by an increase in p21 expression. Their work further demonstrates that the low expression of Stat1 in SCCHN tumors is associated with Stat1 promoter methylation and that treatment with a methylation inhibitor increases STAT1 and p21 expression and sensitizes SCCHN tumor cells to cisplatin. These fi ndings are novel in several respects. Many independent studies, which involve mainly mouse tumor models or cell lines, have suggested that Stat1 can function as a tumor suppressor ( 1 – 5 ) . How does Stat1 function as a tumor suppressor? Stat1’s ability to mediate host immune defenses against tumors has been elegantly demonstrated in mice ( 2 ) . Increasing Stat1 activity by interferon treatment also leads to cell growth inhibition, which can be explained by Stat1’s capacity to induce p21waf and caspase expression ( 1 , 5 ) . Moreover, Stat1defi cient cells have defects both in S-phase and G 2 – M checkpoints in response to DNA damage ( 11 ) . Also, Stat1and p53-null mice show more frequent and rapid tumor development than wild-type mice. The basal expression level of the p53 inhibitor Mdm2 is higher in Stat1 − / − cells than in wild-type cells, suggesting that Stat1 is a negative regulator of Mdm2 expression ( 12 ) . The fi ndings by Xi et al. provide direct evidence supporting the
The interdomain interface in bifunctional enzyme protein 3/4A (NS3/4A) regulates protease and helicase activities

Hepatitis C (HCV) protein 3/4A (NS3/4A) is a bifunctional enzyme comprising two separate domains with protease and helicase activities, which are essential for viral propagation. Both domains are stable and have enzymatic activity separately, and the relevance and implications of having protease and helicase together as a single protein remains to be explored. Altered in vitro activities of isolated domains compared with the full-length NS3/4A protein suggest the existence of interdomain communication. The molecular mechanism and extent of this communication was investigated by probing the domain–domain interface observed in HCV NS3/4A crystal structures. We found in molecular dynamics simulations that the two domains of NS3/4A are dynamically coupled through the interface. Interestingly, mutations designed to disrupt this interface did not hinder the catalytic activities of either domain. In contrast, substrate cleavage and DNA unwinding by these mutants were mostly enhanced compared with the wild-type protein. Disrupting the interface did not significantly alter RNA unwinding activity; however, the full-length protein was more efficient in RNA unwinding than the isolated protease domain, suggesting a more direct role in RNA processing independent of the interface. Our findings suggest that HCV NS3/4A adopts an “extended” catalytically active conformation, and interface formation acts as a switch to regulate activity. We propose a unifying model connecting HCV NS3/4A conformational states and protease and helicase function, where interface formation and the dynamic interplay between the two enzymatic domains of HCV NS3/4A potentially modulate the protease and helicase activities in vivo.
Phylogeny of Opisthokonta and the evolution of multicellularity and complexity in Fungi and Metazoa

While early eukaryotic life must have been unicellular, multicellular lifeforms evolved multiple times from protistan ancestors in diverse eukaryotic lineages. The origins of multicellularity are of special interest because they require evolutionary transitions towards increased levels of complexity. We have generated new sequence data from the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA gene (LSU rDNA) and the SSU rDNA gene of several unicellular opisthokont protists - a nucleariid amoeba (Nuclearia simplex) and four choanoflagellates (Codosiga gracilis, Choanoeca perplexa, Proterospongia choanojuncta and Stephanoeca diplocostata) to provide the basis for re-examining relationships among several unicellular lineages and their multicellular relatives (animals and fungi). Our data indicate that: (1) choanoflagellates are a monophyletic rather than a paraphyletic assemblage that independently gave rise to animals and fungi as suggested by some authors and (2) the nucleariid filose amoebae are the likely sister group to Fungi. We also review published information regarding the origin of multicellularity in the opisthokonts.
High-Quality Skin Friction Measurements in 2-D Flows Using Oil Film Interferometry

The application of Oil Film Interferometry to three two-dimensional flows is discussed. Specifically, the use of OFI on a hump mounted on a splitter plate, in a wall jet, and on the floor of a boundary layer wind tunnel is presented. These three cases demonstrate the wide range of demands that can be placed on the measurement technique and, in all cases, good quality measurements have been achieved. The one-image analysis technique used to analyze all of the interferograms obtained here is briefly presented. Result from all three cases are then presented and discussed. The objectives of these different tests vary widely from CFD validation to instrumentation development and validation to facility characterization. These results indicate that, at least in two-dimensional flows, OFI may be used effectively in a wide rage of settings. Due to the value of such measurements, I believe that these measurements should become more widespread in the future. Areas for future development are also suggested.
Streetvending in Peruvian Cities: The Spatio‐Temporal Behavior of Ambulantes*

Informal trade is a historically rooted and empirically important livelihood in Andean America. This paper examines the spatial dimensions of informal commerce by documenting and analyzing the locational patterns and preferences of streetvendors and the locational constraints imposed on their activities in six Peruvian cities. The interplay of streetvendor needs and municipal exigencies is found to determine the spatio-temporal behavior of streetvendors. A fundamental shift in municipal policy to a more pragmatic attitude toward streetvending is noted.
Anterior Instability Should Be Treated Arthroscopically-Affirms

Arthroscopic instability repair now is fast becoming the treatment of choice for surgical treatment. In comparison to open techniques, modern arthroscopic repair offers the same failure rates while providing several documented and theoretical advantages. These include the absence of a subscapularis tendon takedown, decreased effects to the proprioceptive function of the capsule, easier revisions, decrease range of motion loss, improved cosmesis, and decreased perioperative morbidity.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells evolve during sepsis and can enhance or attenuate the systemic inflammatory response

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous Gr1(+) CD11b(+) population of immature cells containing granulocytic and monocytic progenitors, which expand under nearly all inflammatory conditions and are potent repressors of T-cell responses. Studies of MDSCs during inflammatory responses, including sepsis, suggest they can protect or injure. Here, we investigated MDSCs during early and late sepsis. To do this, we used our published murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis, which transitions from an early proinflammatory phase to a late anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive phase. We confirmed that Gr1(+) CD11b(+) MDSCs gradually increase after CLP, reaching ∼88% of the bone marrow myeloid series in late sepsis. Adoptive transfer of early (day 3) MDSCs from septic mice into naive mice after CLP increased proinflammatory cytokine production, decreased peritoneal bacterial growth, and increased early mortality. Conversely, transfer of late (day 12) MDSCs from septic mice had the opposite effects. Early and late MDSCs studied ex vivo also differed in their inflammatory phenotypes. Early MDSCs expressed nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines, whereas late MDSCs expressed arginase activity and anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Late MDSCs had more immature CD31(+) myeloid progenitors and, when treated ex vivo with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), generated fewer macrophages and dendritic cells than early MDSCs. We conclude that as the sepsis inflammatory process progresses, the heterogeneous MDSCs shift to a more immature state and from being proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory.
Integrated production of nano-fibrillated cellulose and cellulosic biofuel (ethanol) by enzymatic fractionation of wood fibers

This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating the production of nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC), a potentially highly valuable biomaterial, with sugar/biofuel (ethanol) from wood fibers. Commercial cellulase enzymes were used to fractionate the less recalcitrant amorphous cellulose from a bleached Kraft eucalyptus pulp, resulting in a highly crystalline and recalcitrant cellulose (RC). The RC is difficult to hydrolyze to sugars but very suitable for producing biobased nanomaterials through mechanical homogenization. A range of fractionation yields of RC from 10–70% can be achieved by varying fractionation duration and enzyme dosage. The crystallinity of the RC was found to be as much as 24% higher than that of the original bleached pulp. The cellulase fractionation process facilitated mechanical homogenization by significantly reducing the degree of polymerization (DP) to about 400 and the length of the fibers to about 200 μm. The hydrolyzed sugars were found to be easily converted to ethanol through yeast fermentation with excellent efficiency of 92%. Films made from nano-fibrillated cellulose were found to be optically transparent, with opacity as low as 12%. The NFC films were mechanically strong and stiff, with tensile strengths and moduli approximately 10 and 6 times higher than film made from fibers that had not been nano-fibrillated.
COMPARISON OF SENSITIVITY OF MICROWAVE AND CONVENTIONAL METHODS FOR MEAT COOKERY

Comparsion of data for two similarly designed investigations of microwave and conventional cooking of meat indicated that differences among sensory scores and shear values were a function of treatment differences and not cooking method. However, there was a trend toward larger F-values to be associated with data for microwave cooking.
Conflicting patterns of genetic structure produced by nuclear and mitochondrial markers in the Oregon slender salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti): Implications for conservation efforts and species management

Endemic to Oregon in the northwestern US, the Oregon slender salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti) is a terrestrial plethodontid found associated with late successional mesic forests. Consequently, forest management practices such as timber harvesting may impact their persistence. Therefore, to infer possible future effects of these practices on population structure and differentiation, we used mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b) and RAPD markers to analyze 22 populations across their range. Phylogenetic analyses of sequence data (774 bp) revealed two historical lineages corresponding to northern and southern-distributed populations. Relationships among haplotypes and haplotype diversity within lineages suggested that the northern region may have more recently been colonized compared to the southern region. In contrast to the mitochondrial data, analyses of 46 RAPD loci suggested an overall pattern of isolation-by-distance in the set of populations examined and no particularly strong clustering of populations based on genetic distances. We propose two non-exclusive hypotheses to account for discrepancies between mitochondrial and nuclear data sets. First, our data may reflect an overall ancestral pattern of isolation-by-distance that has subsequently been influenced by vicariance. Alternately, our analyses may suggest that male-mediated gene flow and female philopatry are important contributors to the pattern of genetic diversity. We discuss the importance of distinguishing between these two hypotheses for the purposes of identifying conservation units and note that, regardless of the relative contribution of each mechanism towards the observed pattern of diversity, protection of habitat will likely prove critical for the long-term persistence of this species.