cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analogies, explanations, and practice: examining how task types affect second language grammar learning

Self-explanation is an effective instructional strategy for improving problem solving in math and science domains. However, our previous studies, within the domain of second language grammar learning, show self-explanation to be no more effective than simple practice; perhaps the metalinguistic challenges involved in explaining using one's non-native language are hampering the potential benefits. An alternative strategy is tutoring using analogical comparisons, which reduces language difficulties while continuing to encourage feature focusing and deep processing. In this paper, we investigate adult English language learners learning the English article system (e.g. the difference between “a dog” and “the dog”). We present the results of a classroom-based study (N=99) that compares practice-only to two conditions that facilitate deep processing: self-explanation with practice and analogy with practice. Results show that students in all conditions benefit from the instruction. However, students in the practice-only condition complete the instruction in significantly less time leading to greater learning efficiency. Possible explanations regarding the differences between language and science learning are discussed.
Lipid concentration and composition in human fetal tissue during development.

The concentration and fatty acid composition of lipids from the sixth to thirty-second week of gestation has been measured in human fetal tissues. The data found show that the lipid concentration and fatty acid composition does not vary significantly during these stages of development. However, more palmitic acid and less linoleic acid is detected in fetal adipose tissue than in that of the mother and this relationship does not change in the immediate postpartum period. The results suggest that fetal lipid metabolism is well established early in gestation and that the concentration of lipids increases in proportion to the rate of growth of the fetal organs and cell structure.
Current Status of CTCs as Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer and Future Directions.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have garnered a lot of attention in the past few decades. Isolation of these rare cells form the billions of blood cells has been a challenge until recent times. With the advent of new sensitive technologies that permit live cell isolation and downstream genomic analysis, the existing paradigm of CTC research has evolved to explore clinical utility of these cells. CTCs have been identified as prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers in many solid tumors, including lung cancer. As a means of liquid biopsy, CTCs could play a major role in the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies. This review discusses the state of various isolation strategies, cell separation techniques and key studies that illustrate the application of liquid biopsy to lung cancer.
Stabilizing non-fundamental asset price movements under discretion and limited information

Abstract Inflation, output and interest rate stabilization are all potential central bank objectives. We explore whether monetary policy should respond to asset price fluctuations when they are driven by irrational expectational shocks to the future returns to capital. In our model, an optimistic shock to future returns generates both an increase in equity prices and physical investment. The increased investment is inefficient and, thus, a central bank optimally responds to this expectations shocks. This induces a trade-off between stabilizing nominal prices and non-fundamental asset price movements. We compare the optimal policy under different assumptions: full versus limited information and commitment versus discretion. If the central bank has limited information about whether an asset price movement has a fundamental or non-fundamental origin, then the central bank responds less aggressively to the non-fundamental exuberance shocks than under full information. Without commitment, a central bank responds more aggressively to non-fundamental exuberance shocks.
Implication of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the cytokinin relations of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

SUMMARY Seven ectomycorrhizal fungi were screened by a soybean cell division bioassay to determine their potential for cytokinin synthesis. Fungal isolates of Rhizopogon roseolus (Corda) Hollos and Suillus punctipes (Peck) Sing, released significant quantities of cytokinin-like substances into the culture medium. In contrast, Cenococcum geophilum (Fr.), Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex. St. Amans) Qual., Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch, Suillus granulatus (L. ex. Fr.) O. Kuntze, and Thelephora terrestris (Ehrh.) Fr. failed to elicit a positive cytokinin response in the soybean bioassay. Purification of S. punctipes culture filtrates by cation exchange, organic solvent partitioning, and separation on Sephadex LH-20 revealed the presence of compounds with the same retention volume as zeatin and zeatin riboside. Greenhouse studies with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) indicated that, together with improved plant growth and enhanced mineral nutrition, P. tinctorius mediated a significant effect on host cytokinin relations. Cytokinin activity of extracted needles increased 44 and 30% for 12- and 14-month-old seedings, respectively, following ectomycorrhizal establishment. Axenically grown seedlings colonized by 5. punctipes showed no alterations in growth, nutrition, or cytokinin concentration, compared to non-inoculated controls, even though mycorrhizal formation exceeded 30%. The ability of ectomycorrhizal fungi to affect host cytokinins was not dependent upon an ability to synthesize cytokinins in pure culture. Results are discussed in relation to improved mineral nutrition, enhanced root growth, and increased short-root proliferation in the ectomycorrhizal association.
Finite Hurwitz braid group actions for Artin groups

We prove that (with two possible exceptions) the Hurwitz braid group action on the sequence of standard generators of an irreducible Artin group has a finite orbit if and only if the Artin group is of finite type (i.e., the corresponding Coxeter group is finite).
Structural design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear response

Abstract Design sensitivity analysis is a necessary step for optimum design of structural systems. Methods of such analysis for linear systems have been developed, evaluated, and well documented. However, their development for nonlinear systems is in its infancy. The paper presents several procedures for design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear response. Each method requires a different numerical implementation scheme. Promising methods are evaluated analytically as well as numerically through a simple example problem. Some optimum solutions are also presented. Based on the study, proper numerical procedures and strategies can be developed for implementation into large commercial programs (such as ADINA) for the design sensitivity analysis and optimization of nonlinear systems.
Immobilization of California sea lions using medetomidine plus ketamine with and without isoflurane and reversal with atipamezole.

The use of medetomidine and ketamine, alone and in combination with isoflurane, with atipamezole reversal was evaluated for immobilizing 51 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) for a variety of medical procedures at a rehabilitation center in northern California (USA) between May 1997 and August 1998. Animals were given 140 μg/kg medetomidine with 2.5 mg/kg ketamine intramuscularly. Mean (±SD) time to maximal effect was 8 ± 5 min. At the end of the procedure, animals were given 200 μg/kg atipamezole intramuscularly. Immobilization and recovery times were, respectively, 25 ± 12 and 9 ± 7 min for 35 animals maintained with medetomidine and ketamine alone and 58 ± 30 and 9 ± 9 min for 16 animals intubated and maintained with isoflurane. No mortalities occurred as a result of the immobilizations. Disadvantages of the medetomidine and ketamine combination included a moderate variation in time to maximal effect and plane of sedation, a large injection volume and high cost. However, this combination off...
Partitioning and Inhibition of Lipid Oxidation in Mechanically Separated Turkey by Components of Cranberry Press Cake

Extracts from cranberry press cakes were prepared either using ethanol or an ethyl acetate-acetone mixture. The press cake extracts were compared with extracts from cranberry juice powder (CJP), prepared using chloroform:methanol (1:1), for their ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in mechanically separated turkey (MST). Because of the susceptibility of muscle membrane lipids to oxidation, the ability of quercetin in the extracts to partition between the aqueous and the membrane phases was studied. Membrane suspensions were prepared from MST. Partitioning of quercetin was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxidation was studied by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid peroxides. The effectiveness of the extracts to inhibit lipid oxidation was CJP extract > ethyl acetate extract of press cake > or = ethanol extract of press cake. The amount of quercetin in the extracts and the amount of quercetin that partitioned into the membranes followed the same order. However, the total phenolic content of the extracts did not follow the same order as that of inhibitory power. The phenolic content of the extracts decreased, ethyl acetate extract > ethanol extract of press cake > or = chloroform extract of CJP. Irrespective of the extraction method, around 78% quercetin from the extracts partitioned into the membranes. It could be concluded that increasing the amount of quercetin in the press cake extracts increases the ability of the extracts to inhibit lipid oxidation in MST. Hence, a proper choice of solvents and extraction method, which would increase the amount of quercetin in the press cake extracts, might increase the antioxidant potential of the extracts and hence their economic value.
Distortion of charmonium formation amplitude by deconfined environment

Abstract Dynamical origin of the J ψ suppression in ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions is studied focussing on the formation mechanism of heavy quark bound states. We first derive a formula for the charmonium production cross section based on the gluon fusion model taking into account the distortion of the charmonium formation amplitude due to the change of the final state interaction between c c in the presence of deconfined environment for a short period after the collision. The modification of the charmonium production cross section for the two-gluon fusion process is studied with this formula using a schematic harmonic oscillator model for the intermediate and final c c bound states. It is shown that in the fully deconfined medium the charmonium formation probability attenuates smoothly on a characteristic time scale which is expected from the semiclassical consideration for the “formation time” of bound states; while in partially deconfined medium the formation probability oscillates with the frequency corresponding to that of the bound state in such medium. Our result indicates that there is no threshold behavior in J ψ suppression by the quark-gluon plasma formation and pT dependence is much weaker than expected from a simple model calculation assuming threshold behavior.
Single- and two-phase flow in microfluidic porous media analogs based on Voronoi tessellation

The objective of this study was to create a microfluidic model of complex porous media for studying single and multiphase flows. Most experimental porous media models consist of periodic geometries that lend themselves to comparison with well-developed theoretical predictions. However, many real porous media such as geological formations and biological tissues contain a degree of randomness and complexity at certain length scales that is not adequately represented in periodic geometries. To design an experimental tool to study these complex geometries, we created microfluidic models of random homogeneous and heterogeneous networks based on Voronoi tessellations. These networks consisted of approximately 600 grains separated by a highly connected network of channels with an overall porosity of 0.11–0.20. We found that introducing heterogeneities in the form of large cavities within the network changed the permeability in a way that cannot be predicted by the classical porosity-permeability relationship known as the Kozeny equation. The values of permeability found in experiments were in excellent agreement with those calculated from three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulations. In two-phase flow experiments of oil displacement with water we found that the wettability of channel walls determined the pattern of water invasion, while the network topology determined the residual oil saturation. The presence of cavities increased the microscopic sweeping efficiency in water–oil displacement. These results suggest that complex network topologies lead to fluid flow behavior that is difficult to predict based solely on porosity. The novelty of this approach is a unique geometry generation algorithm coupled with microfabrication techniques to produce pore scale models of stochastic homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media. The ability to perform and visualize multiphase flow experiments within these geometries will be useful in measuring the mechanism(s) of displacement within micro- and nanoscale pores.
Determination of lattice parameters, diffracting crystallite size, and thermal stability in mechanically alloyed Cu-Zn solid solutions

Four copper-zinc (Cu-Zn) alloy powders are produced by mechanical alloying to investigate the effects of zinc composition on the lattice parameter, diffracting crystallite size (DCS), and thermal stability. The DCS versus either milling time or composition data indicates that the substitutional zinc solutes alter the dislocation generation, organization, and recovery processes. Lattice parameter determinations agree well with published values at small compositions, but are slightly less than the expected values for larger compositions. Annealing the powders at 823 and 1023 K for 6 h resulted in a substantial decrease of rootmean-square (rms) atomic-level strain and slight increases in the lattice parameters. In spite of the high annealing temperatures, the DCS remains less than 30 nm for all compositions. Furthermore, this high degree of thermal stability was inversely related to the concentration of zinc in the alloy.
Group velocity interpretation of the stability theory of Gustafsson, Kreiss, and Sundström

Abstract The existing stability theory for finite difference models of hyperbolic initial boundary value problems, due to Gustafsson, Kreiss, and Sundstrom, is difficult to understand in its original algebraic formulation. Here it is shown that the GKS stability criterion has a physical interpretation in terms of group velocity: if the finite difference model together with its boundary conditions can support a set of waves at the boundary with group velocities pointing into the field, then it is unstable. This interpretation is valid for both dissipative and nondissipative difference models. A simple argument explains why such a set of waves is unstable, and yields a new theorem on what kind of unstable growth to expect. Examples are given in one and two space dimensions.
Chemical inhibition of decapsulation in the beta hemolytic streptococcus.

Summary(1) Attempts to demonstrate an agent in beta hemolytic streptococci which would accelerate the normal rate of capsular disintegration were unsuccessful. (2) Of various chemical agents tested, the following ions were ineffective in inhibiting this disintegration: Lead, cadmium, barium, manganese, lithium, silver, mercury, arsenite, iodide, bromide, periodate, cyanide and oxalate. (3) The following agents were found to retard decapsulation: Fluoride, azide, arsenate, citrate, and formaldehyde. The effect of fluoride was lost upon the addition of magnesium or calcium ions. (4) Fluoride did not inhibit the decapsulating action of streptococcal hyaluronidase. (5) The effect of temperature was found to be compatible with the assumption of a hypothetical enzyme system causing decapsulation.
cAMP levels within Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG increase upon infection of macrophages.

Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signal transduction is common in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and several bacterial pathogens modulate cAMP signaling pathways of their mammalian hosts during infection. In this study, cAMP levels associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG were measured during macrophage infection. cAMP levels within both bacteria increased c. 50-fold during infection of J774.16 macrophages, relative to the cAMP levels within bacteria incubated in tissue culture media alone. cAMP levels also increased within the macrophage cytoplasm upon uptake of live, but not dead, mycobacteria. The presence of albumin in the absence of oleic acid significantly decreased cAMP secretion and production by both M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG. These results suggest that cAMP signaling plays a role in the interaction of tuberculosis-complex mycobacteria with macrophages during infection, and that albumin may be a physiological indicator differentiating host environments during infection.
Membrane-bound TRAIL supplements natural killer cell cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells

Neuroblastoma cells have been reported to be resistant to death induced by soluble, recombinant forms of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) (CD253/TNFSF10) because of low or absent expression of caspase-8 and/or TRAIL-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2/DR5/CD262/TNFRSF10b). However, their sensitivity to membrane-bound TRAIL on natural killer (NK) cells is not known. Comparing microarray gene expression and response to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, we observed a correlation between TRAIL-R2 expression and the sensitivity of 14 neuroblastoma cell lines to the cytotoxicity of NK cells activated with interleukin (IL)-2 plus IL-15. Even though most NK cytotoxicity was dependent upon perforin, the cytotoxicity was supplemented by TRAIL in 14 of 17 (82%) neuroblastoma cell lines as demonstrated using an anti-TRAIL neutralizing antibody. Similarly, a recently developed NK cell expansion system employing IL-2 plus lethally irradiated K562 feeder cells constitutively expressing membrane-bound IL-21 (K562 clone 9.mbIL21) resulted in activated NK cells derived from normal healthy donors and neuroblastoma patients that also utilized TRAIL to supplement cytotoxicity. Exogenous interferon-γ upregulated expression of caspase-8 in 3 of 4 neuroblastoma cell lines and increased the contribution of TRAIL to NK cytotoxicity against 2 of the 3 lines; however, relatively little inhibition of cytotoxicity was observed when activated NK cells were treated with an anti-interferon-γ neutralizing antibody. Constraining the binding of anti-TRAIL neutralizing antibody to membrane-bound TRAIL but not soluble TRAIL indicated that membrane-bound TRAIL alone was responsible for essentially all of the supplemental cytotoxicity. Together, these findings support a role for membrane-bound TRAIL in the cytotoxicity of NK cells against neuroblastoma cells.
Butyrylcholinesterase activity in the rat forebrain and upper brainstem: postnatal development and adult distribution.

Abstract Unlike the development of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, the postnatal development of the activity of the related enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in the rodent brain has not been investigated in a comprehensive manner. The purpose of the present study was to fill this gap. Development of histochemically visualized BuChE activity followed four distinct stages. Between birth and five postnatal days (P0–P5) BuChE staining of very low intensity was present in nearly all neurons in the forebrain and upper brainstem. Substantial BuChE activity was present in the endothelial cells of blood vessels and the cuboidal cells lining the ventricles. At P6–P10, BuChE neuronal staining of high to moderate intensity emerged in many areas, including certain thalamic nuclei (e.g. anterior group), a number of brainstem nuclei, and darkly stained neurons in the olfactory tubercle/piriform cortex. At P11–P17, the staining which emerged in earlier stages was darker and had expanded to include more neurons. A scattered population of BuChE-positive neurons of moderate to high intensity emerged in the neocortex and amygdala. Importantly, at P17, the very light staining present in all neurons since birth was no longer visible. At P18–P30, the number and staining intensity of cortical neurons displayed a gradual increase while the staining in certain thalamic nuclei was substantially decreased or completely disappeared (e.g. ventral lateral nucleus). A prominent feature of this stage was the emergence of BuChE activity in many fiber tracts. At P30, the adult pattern of staining was attained. The transient presence of BuChE activity of very low intensity in all neurons and of higher intensity in thalamic neurons supports the implied role for this enzyme in neuronal development.
Isolation and analysis of renal bismuth inclusions.

Abstract Typical bismuth inclusions were produced in rabbit kidney tubular cells. Histochemical examination of tissue fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin and of fresh frozen tissue suggests that the inclusion consists of a lipid-carbohydrate-protein complex. In addition, the inclusions were obtained in a relatively pure state by ultracentrifugation and ultrasonic disintegration of kidney homogenate. Microchemical analysis of the pure inclusion fraction failed to reveal the presence of bismuth and furthers the argument that the body is a lipid-carbohydrate-protein structure.
The effects of variable nutrient additions on a pond mesocosm community

The effects of nutrient additions on aquatic systems have been frequently studied. Typically, these studies report an increase in algal biomass and a decrease in species diversity in response to nutrient increases. However, it is not clear why comparable aquatic communities respond differently to nutrient additions of similar magnitudes. We tested the effects of the rate and amount of nutrient load on community structure in 760 l mesocosms; treatments manipulated the total amount of nutrients that entered an aquatic system (small versus large load) and the temporal pattern in which these nutrients entered the system (annually, monthly, or weekly). We found that the effects of the loading rate of nutrients were at least as important as the total amount of the nutrients for several response variables. Although these effects were manifested in several ways, the response to the different rates was most prominent within groups of the primary producers, which showed large shifts in composition and abundance.
Characterizing isolated atomic unit attosecond pulses

Characterizing shorter attosecond pulses has been limited by an approximation in the FROG-CRAB retrieval. We demonstrate a new technique based on interference in laser-assisted photoionization which can characterize ultrabroadband attosecond pulses.
Effects of brain stem section on respiratory patterns of crocodilian reptiles

Abstract The classical techniques of brain stem sectioning and vagotomy are used to study possible respiratory control centers of caimans and alligators. This series of transections demonstrates the presence of (1) an inspiratory center, (2) an expiratory center, and (3) a center controlling glottal closure, all lying just below the nucleus laminaris in the medulla, but gives no evidence for an apneustic center or a pneumotaxic center in crocodilians. Vagotomy subsequent to the transections produced little effect, other than to lengthen the nonventilatory phase of the respiratory cycle. The phenomenon of multiple cycles of ventilation during the ventilatory phase of respiration disappears when higher centers are removed, and therefore does not appear to be part of a chemical regulatory mechanism.
Human intestinal anion exchanger isoforms: expression, distribution, and membrane localization.

Abstract A family of anion exchangers (AEs) including AE1, AE2 and AE3 has been described. AE3 gene has been shown to encode two alternatively spliced isoforms termed as bAE3 (brain subtype) and cAE3 (cardiac subtype). The identity of the AE(s) involved in the human intestinal NaCl absorption is not fully understood. Current studies were undertaken to identify the AE isoforms expressed in the human intestine, to define their regional and vertical axis (crypt vs. surface cells) distribution, and to elucidate their membrane localization in the epithelial cells along the entire length of the human intestine. Our studies utilizing reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with total RNA extracted from pinch biopsies from various regions of the human intestine demonstrate that AE2 and bAE3 but not AE1 or cAE3 were expressed in all the regions of the human intestine. Utilizing in situ RT-PCR, we demonstrated that the message of AE2 was expressed throughout the vertical surface–crypt axis of the colon. Our Western blotting studies demonstrated that AE2 and bAE3 are localized to the basolateral but not the apical membranes of the intestinal epithelial cells from the human ileum and colon. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that in the human intestine, AE2 and bAE3, but not AE1 or cAE3, are expressed throughout the tract with the highest expression in the colon compared to the ileum and jejunum. Both the isoforms were found to be localized to the basolateral but not the apical membranes of the epithelial cells. We speculate that, in the human intestine, AE2 and bAE3 may be the ‘housekeeping’ isoforms, and the apical AE, the potential candidate for chloride absorption, remains to be identified.
The State of Instrumentation for Combined Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Efforts at developing instrumentation for combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have gained considerable momentum in recent years, propelled in particular by new photosensor technologies. Small preclinical prototype systems developed in academia have been scaled up to full-scale small-animal imagers, and commercial whole-body clinical positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging systems are now available. A wide variety of architectures are reviewed, from sequential to simultaneous and preclinical to clinical. Whereas scintillators retain their role for gamma-ray conversion, light guides, photosensors, and electronic readout methods vary widely. Common themes relating to the technical challenges are presented, including electromagnetic interference and shielding. Technological directions that will likely gain in importance in the future are discussed, such as the ability to measure time of flight and depth of interaction.
Partitioned state and parameter estimation for real-time flood forecasting

A new algorithm is developed for simultaneous state-parameter estimation in real-time flood-forecasting applications. Dubbed the partitioned state-parameter (PSP) algorithm, is it unusual in the way that the parameter filter is formulated explicitly in terms of the identifiable parameters in the transition and input coefficient matrices. By virtue of its parallel filter structure the algorithm is very fast, yet it has been designed so that essential error interactions between the forecasting and parameter filters are preserved. Furthermore, PSP is structured so that input coefficients are only updated when the corresponding inputs are actually applied. This feature is useful for systems subject to sporadic inputs. The algorithm is tested with real and synthesized daily rainfall-runoff data from the Hillsborough River in Florida. PSP is found to produce good forecasts and parameter estimates and is much faster than the extended Kalman filter.
The Non-isoplanatic Image Equation and the Effect of Not Satisfying the Sine Condition in the Scanning Microscope

Abstract By considering lack of agreement with the sine condition and using the concept of image formation by interference of plane waves, we derive a new equation for non-isoplanatic image formation. Moreover, applying this equation and considering alignment errors between optical elements, a new equation for the image formation of the object-scan type scanning microscope is derived. This type of microscope also includes laser-disc optical systems. Effects of the sine condition not being satisfied both for the illumination lens and for the collector lens are discussed.
Hydrogen and oxygen from water—VI. Quenching the effluent from a solar furnace

Abstract Numerical integration of a set of rate equations applicable to the hydrogen-oxygen system suggests that it should be possible to recover H 2 and O 2 by rapid cooling of low-pressure equilibrium mixtures from a solar furnace. Using the University of Minnesota 4.2 m solar furnace, we were able to recover explosive mixtures of H 2 and O 2 from water which had been heated to about 2100K. The numerical calculations and the experiment are described.
The reliability of medical record review for estimating adverse event rates.

Estimates of adverse event rates from medical record review, including those reported by the U.S. Institute of Medicine in its 2000 report on medical errors, are highly sensitive to the degree of c...
Bradycardia and the Role of β-Blockade in the Amelioration of Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background—It is clear that β-blockers are effective for treatment of congestive heart failure, but their mechanism of action remains controversial. Hypothesized mechanisms include normalization of β-receptor function and myocardial protection from the effects of catecholamines, possibly by the institution of bradycardia. We hypothesized that β-blockade–induced bradycardia was an important mechanism by which these agents were effective for correction of LV dysfunction. Methods and Results—In 2 groups of dogs with mitral regurgitation and LV dysfunction, β-blockers were instituted. In 1 group that received β-blockers and pacing (group β+P), a pacemaker prevented the natural bradycardia that β-blockers cause. In both groups, substantial LV dysfunction developed. Before β-blockade, the end-systolic stiffness constant decreased from 3.5±0.1 to 2.7±0.2 (P<0.01) at 3 months in group β+P. A similar reduction occurred in the group that eventually received only β-blockers (group βB). In group βB, end-systolic stif...
Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis-specific T cell interferon-γ and interleukin-17 responses in CD4-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells of sexually active adolescent females.

Abstract An evaluation of CD4 T cell responses to candidate Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine antigens was conducted in an adolescent female cohort exposed through natural infection to explore antigen immunogenicity and correlation with protection from reinfection. The frequency of peripheral blood CD4 T cell IFN-γ and IL-17 responses to three candidate vaccine antigens, polymorphic membrane protein G (PmpG), F (PmpF), and major outer membrane protein (MOMP), were determined by ELISPOT; responses to chlamydial heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and to elementary bodies (EB) were included for comparison. Responses of Infected ( n =8), Seropositive/Uninfected ( n =13), and Seronegative/Uninfected ( n =18) participants were compared. The median CD4 IFN-γ response to EB was significantly increased in Infected ( P =0.003) and Seropositive/Uninfected ( P =0.002) versus Seronegative/Uninfected female subjects. Higher rates of positive IFN-γ responders to EB, PmpF, and MOMP were detected in Seropositive/Uninfected versus Seronegative/Uninfected participants ( P =0.021). IL-17 responses were generally low. A positive IFN-γ response to any of the antigens tested was associated with a trend toward a reduced risk of reinfection, although not statistically significant. Among this adolescent cohort, chlamydial-specific CD4 IFN-γ but not IL-17 responses were detected in acutely and previously infected participants and a positive CD4 IFN-γ response was associated with a non-significant reduced risk of reinfection.
A macrophage receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein distinct from the receptor for acetyl low density lipoprotein: partial purification and role in recognition of oxidatively damaged cells

The binding and uptake of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) by mouse peritoneal macrophages occurs, in part, via the well characterized acetyl LDL receptor. However, several lines of evidence indicate that as much as 30-70% of the uptake can occur via a distinct receptor that recognizes OxLDL with a higher affinity than it recognizes acetyl LDL. We describe the partial purification and characterization of a 94- to 97-kDa plasma membrane protein from mouse peritoneal macrophages that specifically binds OxLDL. This receptor is shown to be distinct from the acetyl LDL receptor as well as from two other macrophage proteins that also bind OxLDL--the Fc gamma RII receptor and CD36. We suggest that this OxLDL-binding membrane protein participates in uptake of OxLDL by murine macrophages and also represents a receptor responsible for macrophage binding and phagocytosis of oxidatively damaged cells.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Getting it Right or Perpetuating the Myths?:

In Exp. 1 50 subjects were randomly assigned to one of two videotape conditions. The experimental group watched a TV news program designed to expose some myths about the not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity plea (NGRI) while controls watched a neutral program. A seven-item test designed to measure knowledge about each myth was administered before and twice after exposure to the videotapes. Analysis showed no significant difference for any exposure. Exps. 2 and 3 showed that reading a brief factual report about NGRI significantly reduced the belief in these myths as compared to beliefs of groups who watched a TV news program.
Cell asymmetry correction for temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry

The quality of measurement of heat capacity by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is based on strict symmetry of the twin calorimeter. This symmetry is of particular importance for temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC) since positive and negative deviations from symmetry cannot be distinguished in the most popular analysis methods. The heat capacities for sapphire-filled and empty aluminum calorimeters (pans) under designed cell imbalance caused by different pan-masses were measured. In addition, the positive and negative signs of asymmetry have been explored by analyzing the phase-shift between temperature and heat flow for sapphire and empty runs. The phase shifts change by more than 180° depending on the sign of the asymmetry. Once the sign of asymmetry is determined, the asymmetry correction for temperature-modulated DSC can be made.
Brain activity during bladder filling is related to white matter structural changes in older women with urinary incontinence

Abstract Evidence from longitudinal studies in community-dwelling elderly links complaints of urgency and urinary incontinence with structural white matter changes known as white matter hyperintensities (WMH). How WMH might lead to incontinence remains unknown, since information about how they relate to neural circuits involved in continence control is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of WMH in altered brain activity in older women with urgency incontinence. In a cross-sectional study, we measured WMH, globally and in specific white matter tracts, and correlated them with regional brain activity measured by fMRI (combined with simultaneous urodynamic monitoring) during bladder filling and reported ‘urgency’. We postulated that increase in global WMH burden would be associated with changes (either attenuation or reinforcement) in responses to bladder filling in brain regions involved in bladder control. Secondly, we proposed that such apparent effects of global WMH burden might be specifically related to the burden in a few critical white matter pathways. The results showed that regional activations (e.g. medial/superior frontal gyrus adjacent to dorsal ACG) and deactivations (e.g. perigenual ACG adjacent to ventromedial prefrontal cortex) became more prominent with increased global WMH burden, suggesting that activity aimed at suppressing urgency was augmented. Secondary analyses confirmed that the apparent effect of global WMH burden might reflect the presence of WMH in specific pathways (anterior thalamic radiation and superior longitudinal fasciculus), thus affecting connections between key regions and suggesting possible mechanisms involved in continence control.
The clinical utility of provocative radionuclide oesophageal transit in the evaluation of non-cardiac chest pain.

We combined edrophonium provocative testing with the technique of radionuclide oesophageal transit (RET) in 30 consecutive patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) and 12 controls. The oesophageal transit time of aqueous technetium-99m sulfur colloid was determined before and after intravenous infusion of 80 μg/kg edrophonium chloride (ED). Patient symptoms during provocative RET (P-RET) were recorded. Thirteen (43%) of the patients had abnormal study results, whereas all control subjects had normal results. Three groups considered abnormal were observed: (a) in two patients (6%), the pain was reproduced and transit pre- and post-ED administration was prolonged (>15 s); (b) in six patients (20%), the pain was reproduced, but transit was normal pre- and post-ED; (c) in five patients (17%), transit pre- and post-ED was prolonged, but no pain was reproduced. In five patients (17%), ED prolonged the transit time > 15 s without pain, but the baseline transit was normal. Transit time was measurable in 23 patients. Mean pre-ED transit time was 10.2 ± 7.4 s (mean ± SD) and post-ED, 12.4 ± 8.0 s (P=0.3). We conclude that ED has no significant effect on transit time, and the pain induced by ED rarely correlates with an abnormal transit; P-RET provides additional information to baseline RET, increasing sensitivity, and may be a useful screening method in the evaluation of patients with NCCP.
Developing Earth and Space Scientists for the Future

As the world's largest organization of Earth and space scientists, AGU safeguards the future of pioneering research by ensuring that “the number and diversity of Earth and space scientists continue to grow through the flow of young talent into the field” (AGU Strategic Plan 2008, Goal IV). Achieving this goal is the focus of the AGU Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR), one of the Union's three outreach committees. AGU staff and CEHR develop programs to provide members with career advice, strategies to educate students, and up-to-date information about workforce and education issues. Through the Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) program, CEHR provides support for K-12 educators to teach Earth and space science to their students. In collaboration with the Union leadership, the Committee on Public Affairs, and the Public Information Committee, CEHR serves as the public voice for AGU on education and work-force issues nationally and internationally.
Induction of cisplatinum sensitivity without alteration in radiation sensitivity by fractionated radiation treatment of a human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line

Purpose : To determine if fractionated radiation treatment can alter cisplatinum sensitivity of a human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell line. Methods and Materials : Human squamous carcinoma cells, both previously untreated, as well as survivors of fractionated radiation therapy, were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to gamma radiation and cisplatinum. Fractionated gamma radiation was delivered in 14 or 10 daily fractions of 2 Gy. The cell line, cSCC-20, was derived from an untreated primary human laryngeal carcinoma. Results : The human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, cSCC-20, was demonstrated to have heterogeneous subpopulations with respect to cisplatinum sensitivity. No variation in radiation sensitivity was seen among subpopulations of varying cisplatinum sensitivity. The cells were relatively radioresistant (Do = 2.5 Gy). Fractionated radiation treatments of the parent cell line (14 fractions, 14 days, 2 Gy/fraction) or a cisplatinum sensitive subline (10 fractions, 12 days, 2 Gy/fraction) induced cisplatinum sensitivity (factor of 1.3 to 1.4) in the surviving cells. Conclusion : Fractionated radiation treatment of human squamous carcinoma cells in vitro induced sensitivity to cisplatinum without concomitant alteration in radiation sensitivity.
Experimentally induced variations in vitelline artery development and circulatory pattern in the early chick embryo.

White Leghorn eggs were incubated to desired prevasular stages. Each embryo, upon its intact yolk and surrounded by albumen, was rolled from the shell into a sterile 50 ml beaker. In an uppermost position, the blastoderm was lightly stained with neutral red. Three types of localized cuts were made as indicated below, and the beaker-embryo unit placed in a sterile humidified chamber for further incubation. Results: (1) Unilateral cuts adjacent to the body and parallel with its axis blocked or suppressed formation of the vitelline artery on the cut side, even though healing occurred; (2) A specific site was found in the area pellucida opposite the sinus rhomboidalis which, when lightly cut perpendicular to the body axis, resulted in blockage or shifting of the final junction between aorta and vitelline artery as far cephalad as the thirteenth somite level. Formation of a dual final junction with the aorta also occurred. (3)Transverse cuts through the body axis and into the area pellucida bilaterally, frequently resulted in bilateral blockage or bilateral shifting. In still other cases, growth of a functional loop around the cut to connect the aortae in anterior and posterior segments with the vitelline artery were observed. Other unique circulatory patterns are described. Apparently, slight interference with the capillary plexus which precedes the vitelline artery causes anomalous development. Circulation is considered a major factor in arterial differentiation. Cutting probably alters the plexus and relation of its components to the onset of blood flow.
SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE THEORETICAL DYNAMICS OF MAGNETIC FIELDS

This article describes recent developments in the theoretical investigation of magnetostatic equilibrium in the presence of gravity, nonequilibrium in hydromagnetics, and classical problems in hydromagnetic stability. The construction of magnetostatic equilibria has progressed beyond geometrically idealized systems, such as the axisymmetric system, to fully three-dimensional systems capable of modelling realistic solar structures. Nonequilibrium in a magnetic field with an arbitrary interweaving of lines of force due to random footpoint motion is a novel and subtle property with important implications for the solar atmosphere. Work begun by Parker and subsequent developments are described. To the extent quasi-static solar structures are approximated by stable equilibrium, ideal hydromagnetic stability theory provides a first insight into how stability is achieved in the solar environment. A qualitative physical picture based on recent stability analyses is given. The article places emphasis on understanding basic principles and issues rather than detailed results which can be found in the published literature.
Inertial Systems — Definitions and Realizations

A frame of reference is defined as inertial if the coordinates of bodies, predicted with respect to it on the basis of some mechanical principles, agree with those actually observed. It is pointed out that within the framework of Newtonian mechanics the concept of an inertial frame of reference is global, but within the framework of general relativity only local. The relativistic local inertial frame of the Solar System moves with respect to the Newtonian global frame by the amount of “geodetic precession”. In all rigor, the concept of a globally privileged inertial system has been rendered meaningless by general relativity, even though the concept of an inertial reference frame remains useful in contemporary celestial mechanics. It is further pointed out that none of the practically determined approximations to an inertial frame of reference (e.g., the dynamical reference frame of celestial mechanics, the FK5) must be regarded as a definition of an inertial system itself.
Electrogenesis of sustained potentials.

Abstract The weight of evidence, as of this date, is in favor of the hypothesis of a predominantly glial generation of the SP shifts which are evoked by repetitive stimulation of afferent nerves or of fiber tracts. Unlike electrically evoked SP shifts, the SP shifts associated with spreading depression are probably generated by massive depolarization of all cells, glia as well as neurones. For SP shifts related to more physiological process, such as the contingent negative variation, the SP shifts or positive reinforcement and the related ‘consummatory potential’, the evidence is insufficient even for a tentative conclusion. SP shifts of varying intensity are associated with a proportional increase of oxidative energy turnover. During spreading depression the electron transport of the oxidative enzyme chain is accelerated well beyond the level observed in healthy cortex. The cause of spreading depression is not a shortage of the supply of oxidative energy. Dorsal root potentials do not significantly contribute to SP shifts of the spinal cord, nor do SP shifts appear to cause dorsal root potentials. There is no convincing reason at this time to suggest that under normal conditions neurones are influenced by sustained currents flowing in the extracellular medium. The more intense extracellular currents occurring during pathological conditions may possibly contribute to spreading depression and/or other types of paroxysmal activity. More quantitative data are badly needed to decide these fundamental questions. The curious immunity of the spinal cord and of the immature brain to spreading depression challenges the ingenuity of the pathophysiologist.
Stigma, Obesity, and the Health of the Nation's Children

Preventing childhood obesity has become a top priority in efforts to improve our nation’s public health. Although much research is needed to address this health crisis, it is important to approach childhood obesity with an understanding of the social stigma that obese youths face, which is pervasive and can have serious consequences for emotional and physical health. This report reviews existing research on weight stigma in children and adolescents, with attention to the nature and extent of weight bias toward obese youths and to the primary sources of stigma in their lives, including peers, educators, and parents. The authors also examine the literature on psychosocial and physical health consequences of childhood obesity to illustrate the role that weight stigma may play in mediating negative health outcomes. The authors then review stigma-reduction efforts that have been tested to improve attitudes toward obese children, and they highlight complex questions about the role of weight bias in childhood obesity prevention. With these literatures assembled, areas of research are outlined to guide efforts on weight stigma in youths, with an emphasis on the importance of studying the effect of weight stigma on physical health outcomes and identifying effective interventions to improve attitudes.