cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of changes in marital status on developmental trajectories of alcohol use in young adults.

Objective: Multiple group latent curve analysis was used to assess the impact of changes in marital status on alcohol use trajectories in young adults and to test if these effects varied across ethnicity and gender. Method: Four years of data were obtained from a sample of young adults (N = 4,052; 54% male) drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Alcohol use and marital status were assessed once per year and covariates included age, gender, education and ethnicity. Results: Latent curve models indicated that there was an overall nonlinear negative alcohol use trajectory across the four time points and that becoming married was reliably associated with an added down-turn to this trajectory. Multiple group models indicated that there was an interaction between ethnicity and marital status in the prediction of alcohol growth trajectories, but there was no interaction with gender. Conclusions: Becoming married for the first time exerted a unique effect on the overall developmental trajectory of ...
Atrioventricular Conduction in Patients with Incomplete Endocardial Cushion Defect

The cause of left axis deviation noted on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with ostium primum atrial septal defect has been attributed to two differing mechanisms: left ventricular overload secondary to mitral insufficiency and a congenitally anomalous atrioventricular conduction system. In order to define the conduction characteristics of the atrioventricular conduction system in patients free from the hemodynamic abnormalities of ostium primum atrial septal defect, seven patients with an ostium primum atrial septal defect were studied in the late postoperative period. Each ECG showed persisting left axis deviation with no new conduction abnormalities. Hemodynamic evaluation, including left ventriculography, showed no intra-atrial shunting and only minimal mitral insufficiency in three patients. His bundle recording techniques were utilized to study the atrioventricular conduction system. The P-A interval was normal in four patients (25-45 msec) and prolonged in three (50, 60 and 60 msec), while t...
Assessment of Air Entrainment in Fresh Cement Paste Using Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing

It is understood that the frost protection afforded by entrained air voids in cement-based materials is dependent on their size and distribution or spacing factor. The common practice of adding air-entraining admixtures (AEAs) to concretes and mortars demands economical quality control measures of the air-entrained voids. However, conventional methods for qualifying air content in fresh cement-based materials, such as the pressure, volume, and gravimetric methods, measure only total air volume and cannot assess size (i.e., allow discrimination between entrained and entrapped air voids) or spacing. Ultrasonic monitoring may present an alternative in situ approach for these measurements. In this investigation, using matched pairs of transducers, ultrasonic pulses were transmitted through fresh cement paste specimens (containing 0.0 % up to 0.6 % AEA by weight of cement). The received signals were recorded every 5 min during the first 6 h and then every 15 min thereafter. Analysis of the signals shows strong distinctions between specimens with and those without the AEA. In general, the addition of AEA suppresses the peak-to-peak signal strength, pulse velocity, and peak frequency of the signal transmissions through the specimens. The data also suggest correlations between Vicat setting times, heat of hydration, and autogenous strain and ultrasonic metrics. The findings of this research should be most appropriate as a foundation for an inversion process and improved air-entrainment detection methods.
Soybean (Glycine max): A new test system for study of genetic parameters as affected by environmental mutagens☆

Abstract The light green, Y11y11, plants of varieties T219 and L65-1237 of soybean have some dark green, yellow and twin (or double) spots resembling the phenotypes controlled by Y11Y11, y11y11 and Y11Y11–y11y11 genotypes, respectively. The process of somatic crossing over is considered responsible for the origin of double spots. Some of the single spots, undoubtedly, originate by failure of one of the two components of the double spots. Non-disjunction, segmental losses and/or point mutations are also inferred to cause some of the spots seen on the heterozygous Y11y11 plants as well as light green spots seen on the Y11Y11 and y11y11 homozygotes. When seeds are treated with caffeine, mitomycin C or 3H2O the increase in the frequency of all three types of spots on the Y11y11 leaves is parellel. Somatic crossing over is considered as the major, common basis for the origin of spots. The treatment with sodium azide (NaN3) increases, on the Y11Y11 plants, the frequency of dark green and yellow spots equally; doubles increase only slightly or not at all. The y11y11 plants lack any spots. The data suggest that NaN3 causes non-disjunction in this material. γ-Rays, on the other hand, increase the frequency of yellow spots much more than that of dark greens or doubles on Y11y11 leaves. Also light green spots are found on y11y11 as well as Y11Y11 plants. These data may mean that spots result from somatic crossing over, point mutations and segmental losses. A list of many other agents tested is included. Because different mutagens increase the frequency of the three types of spots, either equally or differentially, it is suggested that the pattern of action of a given mutagen can be studied by analyzing the relative increase of different types of spots. This material provides the investigator with a eukaryotic, in vivo test system which is relatively rapid and inexpensive.
Bolus versus steady-state infusion for determination of CSF outflow resistance

For rapid changes in cerebrospinal fluid volume an exponential relationship was demonstrated between CSF pressure and CSF volume in 15 cats. This relationship was valid over a CSF pressure range from 7 to 50 mm Hg and for acute increases of up to 9% to total CSF volume (approximately 13 ml for humans). Our data agree well with previous reports for the cat. A similar relationship has been shown in the dog and in humans. It has been claimed that, given the equations for CSF bulk flow and the exponential relationship between CSF pressure and CSF volume, one can calculate CSF outflow resistance by observing the decay of CSF pressure after a bolus injection into the CSF space. This claim was evaluated in an additional 18 cats. In these animals CSF outflow resistance calculated by the bolus method was compared with resistance calculated by a steady-state infusion method over the CSF outflow resistance range of 74 to 293 mm Hg/ml min-1. Resistance calculated by the bolus method underestimated resistance calculated by the steady-state method, and this underestimate grew larger with increasing resistance. The bolus technique is therefore not a valid method for determining CSF outflow resistance. The explanation offered for these results is that the decay of CSF pressure after a bolus injection into the CSF space occurs not only because of runoff of the injected volume of CSF but also because of "pressure relaxation" of the brain parenchyma around the CSF space. The phenomenon of pressure relaxation was not considered in developing the equation for calculation of CSF outflow resistance by the bolus technique. The time dependency of pressure relaxation allows for a fundamental element of hysteresis within the CSF space. A method of quantifying this element of hysteresis is suggested.
Multi-Layer Designs for Computer Experiments

Space-filling designs such as Latin hypercube designs (LHDs) are widely used in computer experiments. However, finding an optimal LHD with good space-filling properties is computationally cumbersome. On the other hand, the well-established factorial designs in physical experiments are unsuitable for computer experiments owing to the redundancy of design points when projected onto a subset of factor space. In this work, we present a new class of space-filling designs developed by splitting two-level factorial designs into multiple layers. The method takes advantage of many available results in factorial design theory and therefore, the proposed multi-layer designs (MLDs) are easy to generate. Moreover, our numerical study shows that MLDs can have better space-filling properties than optimal LHDs.
A comparison of the properties of a Bcl-xL variant to the wild-type anti-apoptosis inhibitor in mammalian cell cultures

Abstract The overexpression of bcl -2 and its homologues is a widely used strategy to inhibit apoptosis in mammalian cell culture systems. In this study, we have evaluated the Bcl-2 homologue, Bcl-x L and compared its effectiveness to a Bcl-x L mutant lacking most of the non-conserved unstructured loop domain, Bcl-x L Δ (deletion of amino acids 26 through 83). The cell line, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), was genetically modified to express constitutively Bcl-x L or the Bcl-x L variant and subjected to model apoptotic insults including Sindbis virus (SV) infection, gradual serum withdrawal, and serum deprivation. When cells were engineered to overexpress Bcl-x L Δ, cell death due to the SV was inhibited, and Bcl-x L Δ provided comparable protection to the wild-type Bcl-x L even though expression levels were much lower for the mutant. Furthermore, the cells expressing Bcl-x L Δ continued to proliferate following infection while CHO- bcl - x L ceased proliferation immediately following infection. As a result, total production of a heterologous protein encoded on the SV was highest in cell lines expressing Bcl-x L Δ. Cells expressing the variant Bcl-x L also continued to proliferate and showed increased viable cell numbers following gradual serum withdrawal. In contrast, wild-type Bcl-x L expressing CHO cells were found to arrest growth but maintain viability following serum withdrawal. Interestingly, CHO cells expressing Bcl-x L Δ were also able to recover and return to rapid growth rates much faster than either the wild-type CHO- bcl - x L or CHO following the replenishment of fresh complete medium containing 10% FBS. Confocal imaging of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to the N terminus of Bcl-x L and Bcl-x L Δ indicated dense aggregates of the Bcl-x L Δ while the wild-type protein was distributed throughout the cell in a manner resembling transmembrane localization. As an alternative to complete removal of the loop domain, Bcl-x L variants were created in which aspartate residues containing potential caspase recognition sites within the loop domain of Bcl-x L were removed. Cell populations expressing various Bcl-x L -Asp mutants were exposed to an apoptotic spent medium stimulus, and the cells expressing these Bcl-x L variants provided increased viabilities as compared to cells containing wild-type Bcl-x L protein. These studies indicate that modification of anti-apoptotic genes can affect multiple cellular properties including response to apoptotic stimuli and cell growth. This knowledge can be valuable in the design of improved apoptosis inhibitors for biotechnology applications.
Assessment of sedimentary Cu availability: A comparison of biomimetic and AVS approaches

Sedimentary Cu bioavailability during deposit feeding is determined by both the digestive physiology of the organisms and the geochemistry of the sediments. We assessed the contribution of these tw...
PHOTONIC BAND STRUCTURES OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS FABRICATED FROM RODS OF A CUBIC POLAR CRYSTAL

By the use of the plane-wave method, we calculate the photonic band structure for electromagnetic waves of E and H polarization propagating in a system consisting of an infinite array of identical, infinitely long, parallel cylinders of circular cross section, embedded in vacuum, whose intersections with a perpendicular plane form a square or triangular lattice. The cylinders are fabricated from GaAs, which represents a cubic, polar crystal material, containing two atoms in a primitive unit cell, for which the dielectric function has the form \ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\infty}}}$ (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{L}}^{2g}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{2}$ )/(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{T}}^{2g}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{2}$ ), where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\infty}}}$ is the optical frequency dielectric constant, while ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{L}}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{T}}$ are the frequencies of the longitudinal optical and transverse optical vibration modes of infinite wavelength, respectively. For electromagnetic waves of both polarizations the problem of obtaining the photonic band structure is reduced to the solution of a generalized eigenvalue problem. In comparison with the dispersion curves of electromagnetic waves in vacuum, the photonic band structures are the most significantly affected by the particular form of the dielectric function we have assumed for frequencies in the vicinity of the polariton gap ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{T}}$ ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{L}}$ . For small filling fractions of the GaAs cylinders the photonic band structure for each polarization, except within the frequency range of the polariton gap, is a slightly perturbed version of the dispersion curves of electromagnetic waves in vacuum. For higher values of the filling fraction the dispersion curves deviate substantially from the dispersion curves of electromagnetic waves in vacuum within a broader frequency range, and in the case of E polarization, the photonic band structures reveal the existence of absolute band gaps. As the most striking feature, the calculated photonic band structures yield additional, nearly dispersionless bands that for waves of both polarizations occur at and below ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{T}}$ and in the case of H polarization occur also within the frequency range ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{T}}$ ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{L}}$ where \ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega}) is negative. The results for H polarization and small filling fractions of the GaAs cylinders are reproduced by an approach in which the zeros of a determinant are sought. A possible origin of the flat bands obtained in this polarization by both approaches is discussed.
Guidelines for finding concretionary Mn-Fe oxides in streams

Abstract Concretionary Mn-Fe oxides in streams form at interfaces between oxidizing and reducing environments. A reducing environment produces waters high in dissolved Mn and Fe, and an oxidizing environment causes precipitation. Mineralogical, microprobe, and optical studies of concretionary Mn-Fe oxides may further our understanding of the role of Mn-Fe oxides in determining the trace-element geochemistry of stream sediments.
Interventions in Physician-Elderly Patient Interactions:

Currently, most research in the area of physician-elderly patient interactions relates to either outcome, context, or interaction styles. There are limited data in the area of intervention studies. The authors recognize five specific areas of interventional research to consider: communication during encounters, characteristics of older patients, physical impairments, physician attributes, and the team approach to health care. Also highlighted are recognition and evaluation of the special needs of elderly patients through geriatric assessment. The authors recognize the need for more intervention studies that attempt to change patient or physician behaviors and the applicability of the classic randomized controlled model of research. Overall, the authors contend that the formation of strong, meaningful relationships between elderly patients and their physicians is best achieved through effective medical communication and care, and thus should be the function of appropriate interventions.
Should echocardiography be performed to assess effects of antihypertensive therapy? Test-retest reliability of echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular mass and function

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest stability of echocardiography for the measurement of left ventricular mass and function in patients with hypertension. Background. Determination of changes in left ventricular mass may be impaired by study variability. The amount by which variables of mass and left ventricular function must change in an individual patient to exceed temporal variability has not been determined in a multicenter trial. Methods. Ninety-six patients with hypertension had two-demensional targeted, M-mode Doppler echocardiography repeated at 6 ± 8 days by the same technician utilizing the same machine. Left ventricular mass and variables of systolic and diastolic function were measured. Test-retest reliability and the width of the 95% confidence intervals of variable change, as well as the contributions of age, study quality and body size to measurement reliability, were determined. Results. Despite excellent reliability (intraclass coefficient of correlation 0.86), the 95% confidence interval width of a single replicate measurement of left ventricular mass was 59 g, exceeding usual decreases in mass during treatment. Study quality, which was dependent on age and weight, influenced test reliability. Although the confidence interval width for ejection fraction was narrow (5 U), those for peak early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities were wide, resulting in a confidence interval width for the E/A ratio of 1.5. Conclusions. The temporal variability, particularly in obese or elderly patients, or both, of echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular mass precludes its use to measure changes in mass of the magnitude likely to occur with therapy. Measurement stability is affected by study quality, and age and body weight both influence study quality. Although ejection fraction shows little temporal variability, the large width of the confidence interval of the Doppler E/A ratio impairs its use to serially measure diastolic function.
Catalytic Effects of Metals on Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Chlorate for Emergency Oxygen Generators

Chemical compositions for emergency oxygen generators typically include sodium chlorate (NaClO3) as the oxygen source, transition metal oxide as catalyst for NaClO3 decomposition, and metal fuel to provide energy for self-sustained combustion. To clarify the role of metal fuel in the combustion mechanism, potential catalytic effects of metals on NaClO3 decomposition are investigated. Thermal analysis was conducted in argon flow for binary NaClO3/Me mixtures, where Me = Al, Fe, Co, Ni, and Sn, as well as in oxygen flow for metal powders alone and mixtures of NaClO3 with Sn and Co. The experiments show that catalytic effects of metals on NaClO3 decomposition range from negligible for Al and Sn, to significant for Co and Ni, while Fe exhibits moderate catalytic activity. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that replacement of Sn with Co or Ni does not significantly alter combustion characteristics, which determine product oxygen flow rate. Replacing Sn with Co or Ni may decrease the number of ingredients in ...
Test of the J-curve for six selected new EU countries

This paper examines the J-curve for the bilateral trade between Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, or Slovenia and the USA. This paper finds that the J-curve is not empirically confirmed for any of these six countries. Instead, after a shock to real depreciation, the trade balance improves for the Czech Republic, deteriorates for Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, and improves first and then deteriorates for Croatia. Estimated cointegrating equations show that except for the Czech Republic, real depreciation deteriorates the trade balance for the other five countries in the long run.
Use of high level Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) in viscoelastic flow simulations

Abstract This paper discusses the advantages of using higher level Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) in linear equation solvers. On workstations with cache memory, the execution time to solve a system of linear equations can be reduced by as much as 90% (10-fold speedup) by using Level 3 BLAS. The frontal elimination code developed at M.I.T. [1] is modified to exploit Level 3 BLAS. The enhanced frontal solver runs at around 550 Mflops on a single processor of a Cray C90, and about 3–4 times slower on a 195-MHz SGI Power Challenge.
Implementation of a clinical pathway decreases length of stay and hospital charges for patients undergoing total colectomy and ileal pouch/anal anastomosis☆

Abstract Background . Clinical pathways are increasingly being used by hospitals to improve efficiency in the care of certain patient populations; however, little prospective data are available to support their use. This study examined whether using a clinical pathway for patients undergoing ileal pouch/anal anastomosis, a complex procedure in which we had extensive practical experience, affected hospital charges or length of stay (LOS). Methods . A clinical pathway was developed to serve patients undergoing elective total colectomy and ileal pouch/anal anastomosis. All operations were performed by two attending physicians (J.E.F., M.S.N.). Before implementation, 10 pilot patients were prospectively monitored to ensure that hospital charges were accurately generated. In addition, charge audits were performed by an outside agency to verify the accuracy of the hospital bills. The pathway was then implemented, and 14 patients were prospectively analyzed. Results . In all patients the principal diagnosis was ulcerative colitis, with the exception of three patients with familial polyposis. Mean external audit charges were within 2% of the hospital bills; therefore the hospital bills were used in all calculations. The mean LOS decreased from 10.3 days to 7.5 days (p = 0.046) for patients on the pathway versus pilot patients. Mean hospital charges also decreased significantly, from $21,650 to $17,958 per patient (p = 0.005). Conclusions . Implementation of a clinical pathway, even for an operation in which the surgeon has much experience, is an effective method for reducing LOS and charges for patients. This is likely the result of interdisciplinary cooperation, elimination of unnecessary interventions, and streamlined involvement of ancillary services. These results support the development of clinical pathways for procedures that involve routine preoperative and postoperative care. In addition, the benefits of clinical pathways should increase proportionally with increasing case volume for a particular procedure.
Imperfect squeezing flow viscosimetry of selected tomato products

The rheological properties of different brands of commercial tomato paste, sauce, puree and ketchup were estimated by imperfect squeezing flow viscosimetry using a wide plate and a shallow container. The tests were performed with polished and grooved surfaces. In both, slip was prominent to such an extent that the equations for lubricated squeezing flow had to be used for the calculation of rheological parameters. Despite its crudeness, the procedure was sensitive enough to consistently monitor rheological differences between commercial products of different brands in terms of the apparent stress at a given specimen height, the consistency, K, and flow index, n, of the pseudoplastic liquid constitutive equation, and the apparent biaxial elongational viscosity, μ b and its strain rate dependency. In tomato paste, the flow behavior index was approximately the same in all the brands (n ∼ 0.5), and the values of K and μ b had a linear relationship. Residual forces after relaxation provided an additional textural measure related to the yield stress. Differences between products of different brands could be consistently monitored regardless of whether the test was performed at a fixed specimen height or a preset initial force.
Infrared Spectroscopy and Temperature-Programmed Desorption Study of Adsorbed Thiophene on γ-Al2O3

The adsorption of thiophene (C4H4S) on γ-Al2O3 has been investigated in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Following thiophene adsorption onto γ-Al2O3 at 130 K, TPD reveals two peaks with maximum rates of desorption at 175 and ∼220 K. The former peak is assigned to desorption of multilayer thiophene while the latter peak is assigned to desorption of weakly chemisorbed thiophene from the alumina surface. IR spectroscopy of adsorbed thiophene at submonolayer coverages provides further evidence that thiophene interacts only weakly with the alumina support; no decomposition of the thiophene overlayer is observed upon heating to 600 K under UHV conditions or a partial pressure of thiophene of 3.0 Torr. Three kinds of adsorbed thiophene species exist on the alumina surface at saturation coverage: one in which thiophene interacts with hydroxyl groups, presumably via hydrogen bonding, a second in which thiophene is coordinated via its sulfur atom ...
Identifying efficient dairy heifer producers using production costs and data envelopment analysis

Abstract During November and December 2011, data were collected from 44 dairy operations in 13 Pennsylvania counties. Researchers visited each farm to collect information regarding management practices and feeding, and costs for labor, health, bedding, and reproduction for replacement heifers from birth until first calving. Costs per heifer were broken up into 4 time periods: birth until weaning, weaning until 6 mo of age, 6 mo of age until breeding age, and heifers from breeding to calving. Milk production records for each herd were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement. The average number of milking cows on farms in this study was 197.8±280.1, with a range from 38 to 1,708. Total cost averaged $1,808.23 ± $338.62 from birth until freshening. Raising calves from birth to weaning cost $217.49±86.21; raising heifers from weaning age through 6 mo of age cost $247.38±78.89; raising heifers from 6 mo of age until breeding cost $607.02±192.28; and total cost for bred heifers was $736.33±162.86. Feed costs were the largest component of the cost to raise heifers from birth to calving, accounting for nearly 73% of the total. Data envelopment analysis determined that 9 of the 44 farms had no inefficiencies in inputs or outputs. These farms best combined feed and labor investments, spending, on average, $1,137.40 and $140.62/heifer for feed and labor. These heifers calved at 23.7 mo of age and produced 88.42% of the milk produced by older cows. In contrast, the 35 inefficient farms spent $227 more on feed and $78 more on labor per heifer for animals that calved 1.6 mo later and produced only 82% of the milk made by their mature herdmates. Efficiency was attained by herds with the lowest input costs, but herds with higher input costs were also able to be efficient if age at calving was low and milk production was high for heifers compared with the rest of the herd.
Low-temperature air oxidation of caking coals. 1. Effect on subsequent reactivity of chars produced

Abstract The effect of preoxidation of two highly caking coals in the temperature range 120–250 °C on weight loss during pyrolysis in a N2 atmosphere up to 1000 °C and reactivity of the resultant chars in 0.1 MPa air at 470 °C has been investigated. Preoxidation markedly enhances char reactivity (by a factor of up to 40); the effect on char reactivity is more pronounced for lower levels of preoxidation. For a given level of preoxidation, the oxidation temperature and the presence of water vapour in the air used during preoxidation have essentially no effect on weight loss during pyrolysis and char reactivity. An increase in particle size of the caking coals reduces the rate of preoxidation as well as subsequent char reactivity. Preoxidation of caking coals sharply increases the surface area of the chars produced. Compared to heat treatment in a N2 atmosphere, pyrolysis in H2 of either the as-received or preoxidized coal results in a further increase in weight loss and a decrease in subsequent char reactivity.
Potential mechanisms of adverse outcomes in trials of anemia correction with erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease

Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD, stages 3–5) is almost invariably associated with anemia that is primarily caused by depressed production of erythropoietin (EPO), oxidative stress and inflammation [1,2]. This can be compounded by iron deficiency that is caused by loss of blood from repetitive laboratory tests, residual blood remaining in the hemodialysis circuits, fistula puncture site bleeding and uremic platelet dysfunction. In addition, when present, hemolytic disorders, bone marrow suppression, nutritional deficiencies, drug toxicities and hereditary diseases exacerbate the CKD-associated anemia. The EPO-deficiency and iron-deficiency components of anemia are routinely corrected with the use of recombinant human EPO and iron preparations. However, presence of severe oxidative stress and inflammation hampers efficacy of EPO and iron in promoting erythropoiesis. In this context, severe persistent anemia despite high doses of EPO and iron is commonly due to oxidative stress and inflammation that may actually be intensified by intravenous iron and EPO administration [3–5]. Observational studies have revealed a strong association between severity of anemia and risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and other causes in CKD patients [6–10]. These findings have been widely interpreted as evidence for the causal role of anemia in the pathogenesis of adverse outcomes in this population. Contrary to expectations, randomized clinical trials of anemia correction revealed either no effect or increased morbidity and mortality in patients assigned to normal hemoglobin (Hb) targets [11–13]. In fact, meta-
Toward a More Culturally Responsive General Music Classroom

This article seeks to characterize culturally responsive teaching; consider how it differs from other pedagogical approaches in music education informed by culture, such as multicultural music education; and offer ideas for making the general music classroom more culturally responsive.
Master of all trades: thermal acclimation and adaptation of cardiac function in a broadly distributed marine invasive species, the European green crab, Carcinus maenas

As global warming accelerates, there is increasing concern about how ecosystems may change as a result of species loss and replacement. Here, we examined the thermal physiology of the European green crab ( Carcinus maenas Linnaeus 1758), a globally invasive species, along three parallel thermal gradients in its native and invasive ranges. At each site, we assessed cardiac physiology to determine heat and cold tolerance and acclimatory plasticity. We found that, overall, the species is highly tolerant of both heat and cold, and that it survives higher temperatures than co-occurring native marine crustaceans. Further, we found that both heat and cold tolerance are plastic in response to short-term acclimation (18–31 days at either 5 or 25°C). Comparing patterns within ranges, we found latitudinal gradients in thermal tolerance in the native European range and in the invasive range in eastern North America. This pattern is strongest in the native range, and likely evolved there. Because of a complicated invasion history, the latitudinal pattern in the eastern North American invasive range may be due either to rapid adaptation post-invasion or to adaptive differences between the ancestral populations that founded the invasion. Overall, the broad thermal tolerance ranges of green crabs, which may facilitate invasion of novel habitats, derive from high inherent eurythermality and acclimatory plasticity and potentially adaptive differentiation among populations. The highly flexible physiology that results from these capacities may represent the hallmark of a successful invasive species, and may provide a model for success in a changing world.
NIRA Primary Wavelength Investigations of Nylon Yams

Near infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA) is a rapid and accurate technique for measuring the heat set temperature of nylon carpet yams. Several investigations on Suessen heat set nylon 66 yams have yielded empirical prediction equations based on reflectance at three wavelengths, with 2130 nm being common to each investigation. Investigations of the derivatives of the NIRA spectra obtained from various Suessen heat set nylon 66 samples and comparisons of the NIRA spectra to other polymers have yielded new information on probable wavelength structural assignments and the probable rationale for the 2130 nm wavelength's commonality. The 2130 nm wave length is caused by a combination of the C — H stretch/C=O stretch combination and N — H deformation/N—H stretch combination, the 2100 nm wavelength is caused by C = 0 stretch combinations, and the 2270 nm wavelength is caused by various CH/CH2 stretches, bends, and deformations. The 2100 and 2130 nm wave lengths are the primary combination for correlating the cr...
Perfect Competition and the Core

It is part of the conventional wisdom of economics that a mass market, i.e. one with many relatively small participants, will tend to be perfectly competitive. One possible meaning of this is that it will behave as if prices were quoted and taken as given by the traders. The final allocation of goods and services is then called Walrasian. There are at least two classical formal theories of perfect competition. They can be associated with the names of Cournot (1838) and Edgeworth (1881). Edgeworth's contribution has led to the modern theory of the Core of a market (see Debreu-Scarf (1963), Aumann (1964), and Hildenbrand (1974) and his references). Its central result, the Core Equivalence Theorem, states conditions under which, in a mass economy, competition in the sense of Edgeworth yields at equilibrium Walrasian allocations. The extension to general equilibrium analysis of Cournot's partial equilibrium model is currently being actively pursued (Gabzewicz-Vial (1972), Hart (1979), (1980), Shubik (1973), Novshek-Sonnenschein (1978). See also the April 1980 symposium issue of the Journal of Economic Theory). By now, a variety of Cournot Equivalence Theorems is available. There is substantial (but not complete) overlap between the set of conditions identified as important by the Edgeworth and the Cournot type analysis. By and large, both approaches have proved to be useful tools for testing the competitiveness of some theoretical market situations. For example, differentiated commodities models have been analyzed in Mas-Colell (1975) from the point of view of the Core and in Hart (1979) from the Cournot perspective. For yet another approach with a classical foundation to the theory of perfect competition, see J. Ostroy (1980). It is probably fair to say that the economics profession at large thinks of perfect competition more in Cournot's than in Edgeworth's terms. The purpose of this paper is to make the case for the Core in the light of some of the issues raised by the recent Cournot analysis. We will try to argue that the Edgeworth notion of competition yields a quite sensible concept and a very flexible tool and that, not surprisingly, Edgeworth and Cournot competition are close relatives once properly viewed. By way of motivation, it will be useful to begin by examining and commenting on four points of real or apparent contrast between the two approaches:
SRSF1 regulates the assembly of pre-mRNA processing factors in nuclear speckles

The mammalian cell nucleus is compartmentalized into nonmembranous subnuclear domains that regulate key nuclear functions. Nuclear speckles are subnuclear domains that contain pre-mRNA processing factors and noncoding RNAs. Many of the nuclear speckle constituents work in concert to coordinate multiple steps of gene expression, including transcription, pre-mRNA processing and mRNA transport. The mechanism that regulates the formation and maintenance of nuclear speckles in the interphase nucleus is poorly understood. In the present study, we provide evidence for the involvement of nuclear speckle resident proteins and RNA components in the organization of nuclear speckles. SR-family splicing factors and their binding partner, long noncoding metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 RNA, can nucleate the assembly of nuclear speckles in the interphase nucleus. Depletion of SRSF1 in human cells compromises the association of splicing factors to nuclear speckles and influences the levels and activity of other SR proteins. Furthermore, on a stably integrated reporter gene locus, we demonstrate the role of SRSF1 in RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Our results suggest that SR proteins mediate the assembly of nuclear speckles and regulate gene expression by influencing both transcriptional and posttranscriptional activities within the cell nucleus.
Msx1 controls inductive signaling in mammalian tooth morphogenesis

Members of the Msx homeobox family are thought to play important roles in inductive tissue interactions during vertebrate organogenesis, but their precise developmental function has been unclear. Mice deficient for Msx1 exhibit defects in craniofacial development and a failure of tooth morphogenesis, with an arrest in molar tooth development at the E13.5 bud stage. Because of its potential for experimental manipulation, the murine molar tooth germ provides a powerful system for studying the role of Msx genes in inductive signaling during organogenesis. To further analyze the role of Msx1 in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during tooth morphogenesis, we have examined the expression of several potential Msx1 downstream genes in Msx1 mutant tooth germs and we have performed functional experiments designed to order these genes into a pathway. Our results show that expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4), the HMG box gene Lef1 and the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 is specifically reduced in Msx1 mutant dental mesenchyme, while expression of the extracellular matrix protein tenascin is unaffected. BMP4 soaked beads can induce Bmp4 and Lef1 expression in explanted wild-type dental mesenchymes, but only Lef1 expression in Msx1 mutant dental mesenchyme. We thus conclude that epithelial BMP4 induces its own expression in dental mesenchyme in a manner that requires Msx1. In turn, we show that addition of BMP4 to Msx1 deficient tooth germs bypasses the requirement for Msx1 and rescues epithelial development from the bud stage to the E14.5 cap stage. Lastly, we show that FGFs induce syndecan-1 expression in dental mesenchyme in a manner that also requires Msx-1. These results integrate Msx1 into a regulatory hierarchy in early tooth morphogenesis and demonstrate that Msx1 is not only expressed in dental mesenchyme in response to epithelial signals, but also in turn regulates the reciprocal expression of inductive signals in the mesenchyme which then act back upon the dental epithelium. We propose that Msx genes function repetitively during vertebrate organogenesis to permit inductive signaling to occur back and forth between tissue layers.
Effect of Thermally Induced Deformation in a Supersonic Combustion Facility

Nastran and ANSYS nite element analysis (FEA) and Wind-US computational uid dynamics (CFD) solvers are used to simulate the e ect of thermal deformation on the reacting ow developing within the University of Virginia (UVa) Supersonic Combustion Facility (SCF). A detailed thermal-structural model is developed to resolve the temperature distribution and the resulting structural deformation taking place within the scramjet engine owpath. The predicted thermal deformation is used to re ne the CFD model and produce a new set of results for direct comparison with experiment during both ram and scramjet modes of operation. Improved agreement between CFD and experiment is a orded by including the thermal deformation e ect. The sensitivity of key choices for structural constraints is also evaluated.
The Control of the Membrane Potential of Muscle Fibers by the Sodium Pump

Frog sartorius muscles were made Na-rich by immersion in K-free sulfate Ringer's solution in the cold. The muscles were then loaded with Na24 and the extracellular space cleared of radioactivity. When such Na-rich muscles were transferred to lithium sulfate Ringer's solution at 20°C, Na efflux was observed to increase with time, to reach a maximum about 15 minutes after the transfer of the muscles to Li2SO4, and then to decline. The decline in efflux from these muscles was proportional to ([Na]i)8 over a considerable range of [Na]i. The membrane potential of Na-rich muscles was about -48 mv in K-free sulfate Ringer's at 4°C but changed to -76 mv in the same solution at 20°C and to -98 mv in Li2SO4 Ringer's at 20°C. By contrast, muscles with a normal [Na]i showed a fall in membrane potential when transferred from K-free sulfate Ringer's to Li2SO4 Ringer's solution. The general conclusions from this study are (a) that Na extrusion is capable of generating an electrical potential, and (b) that increases in [Na]i lead to reversible increases in PNa of muscle fibers.
σ-1 Receptor at the Mitochondrial-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Is Responsible for Mitochondrial Metabolic Regulation

The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) is a small section of the outer mitochondrial membrane tethered to the ER by lipid and protein filaments. One such MAM protein is the σ-1 receptor, which contributes to multiple signaling pathways. We found that short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of σ-1 reduced pregnenolone synthesis by 95% without affecting expression of the inner mitochondrial membrane resident enzyme, 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2. To explore the underlying mechanism of this effect, we generated a series of σ-receptor ligands: 5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide (KSCM-1), 3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide (KSCM-5), and 6-methoxy-3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl) propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide (KSCM-11) specifically bound to σ-1 in the nanomolar range, whereas KSCM-5 and KSCM-11 also bound to σ-2. Treatment of cells with the KSCM ligands led to decreased cell viability, with KSCM-5 having the most potent effect followed by KSCM-11. KSCM-1 increased σ-1 expression by 4-fold and progesterone synthesis, whereas the other compounds decreased progesterone synthesis. These differences probably are caused by ligand molecular structure. For example, KSCM-1 has two methoxy substituents at C-5 and C-6 of the benzofuran ring, whereas KSCM-11 has one at C-6. KSCM ligands or σ-1 knockdown did not alter the expression of ER resident enzymes that synthesize steroids. However, coimmunoprecipitation of the σ-1 receptor pulled down voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2), whose expression was enhanced by KSCM-1. VDAC2 plays a key role in cholesterol transport into the mitochondria, suggesting that the σ-1 receptor at the MAM coordinates with steroidogenic acute regulatory protein for cholesterol trafficking into the mitochondria for metabolic regulation.
Developments in our understanding of the genetic basis of birth defects

Birth defects are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been much progress in understanding the genetic basis of familial and syndromic forms of birth defects. However, the etiology of nonsydromic birth defects is not well-understood. Although there is still much work to be done, we have many of the tools needed to accomplish the task. Advances in next-generation sequencing have introduced a sea of possibilities, from disease-gene discovery to clinical screening and diagnosis. These advances have been fruitful in identifying a host of candidate disease genes, spanning the spectrum of birth defects. With the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, researchers now have a precise tool for characterizing this genetic variation in model systems. Work in model organisms has also illustrated the importance of epigenetics in human development and birth defects etiology. Here we review past and current knowledge in birth defects genetics. We describe genotyping and sequencing methods for the detection and analysis of rare and common variants. We remark on the utility of model organisms and explore epigenetics in the context of structural malformation. We conclude by highlighting approaches that may provide insight into the complex genetics of birth defects.
A129: Unlike Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes from Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes From Polyarticular Subtype Do Not Display a Chondrocyte Phenotype

Background/Purpose: Condylar bony hypertrophy is functionally detrimental for children with JIA. Through gene expression profiling, we have identified dysregulated TGFb-signaling when fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from persistent oligoarticular JIA was compared to controls (heatmap). JIA FLS have a chondrocyte phenotype and may contribute to bony hypertrophy. In the current work, we have expanded the study to determine if FLS from extended oligoarticular (ext) and polyarticular (poly) subtypes also display a chondrocyte phenotype. Methods: Synovial fluid was obtained from our IRB-approved repository. Appropriate samples from steroid-naive knee joints were identified by chart review and JIA subtype classification. Control samples were obtained from remnant synovial fluid/tissue obtained from orthopedic procedures performed on non-arthritic joints. Both ext patients were on naprosyn and the first was also on methotrexate (mtx). Both poly patients were taking mtx and the first one was also taking naprosyn. Synovial fluid/tissue was plated in 6-well plates with 15% FBS DMEM media and passaged 3–6 times to obtain a pure sample of FLS. We examined secreted proteins in the cell culture supernatants from JIA and control FLS using western blot and ELISA. Results: FLS from ext (O) secrete increased amounts of BMP4, BMP2, aggrecan, collagen II and COMP when compared to both FLS from controls (C) and from poly (P) (western blot). By ELISA, the ext samples (Oligo) secreted more BMP4 protein than the controls (Ctrl) (p = 0.012) and the poly (Poly) (p < 0.001). COMP was significantly more highly secreted by the ext than the controls (p = 0.038) and the poly (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Characterization of proteins expressed in cell culture media supernatants reveals that JIA FLS from oligoarticular subtype, either persistent or ext, but not from poly subtype, secrete chondrocyte differentiation markers. The difference more likely is related to differences in underlying disease pathogenesis between the subtypes rather than a medication effect since ¾ JIA patients were on mtx and no patients were on biologic agents at the time the synovial fluid was obtained. These characteristics may have implications for endochondral bone formation and local growth disturbances that are more prominent in oligoarticular than in poly JIA.