cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RAPID-SELEX for RNA aptamers.

Aptamers are high-affinity ligands selected from DNA or RNA libraries via SELEX, a repetitive in vitro process of sequential selection and amplification steps. RNA SELEX is more complicated than DNA SELEX because of the additional transcription and reverse transcription steps. Here, we report a new selection scheme, RAPID-SELEX (RNA Aptamer Isolation via Dual-cycles SELEX), that simplifies this process by systematically skipping unnecessary amplification steps. Using affinity microcolumns, we were able to complete a multiplex selection for protein targets, CHK2 and UBLCP1, in a third of the time required for analogous selections using a conventional SELEX approach. High-throughput sequencing of the enriched pools from both RAPID and SELEX revealed many identical candidate aptamers from the starting pool of 5×1015 sequences. For CHK2, the same sequence was preferentially enriched in both selections as the top candidate and was found to bind to its respective target. These results demonstrate the efficiency and, most importantly, the robustness of our selection scheme. RAPID provides a generalized approach that can be used with any selection technology to accelerate the rate of aptamer discovery, without compromising selection performance.
Effects of depolarization of polarimetric components on null ellipsometry

Abstract Depolarization of optical components degrades the performance of a polarimeter, especially in the short wavelength region. Expressions for the light intensity in a null ellipsometer (NE) and a polarizer-sample-analyzer (PSA) system with depolarization errors in all components are given. Errors in Ψ and Δ using NE are mainly caused by depolarization of the compensator. A sample consisting of a thin sapphire slab 0.8 mm thick was tested. Δ measured by NE were shown to be accurate even for sample depolarization as large as 0.3, while those measured by rotating-analyzer ellipsometry (RAE) were seriously affected by sample depolarization. Methods for measuring depolarization were devised. The measured depolarization increases with the slit-width of the monochromator and the aperture size of irises and decreases with increasing wavelength. Depolarization spectra measured using NE, RAE and transmittance agree with one another.
Outcomes of local network membership for UNGC participants: An analysis in the Spanish context

Participants of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC or GC) can join Global Compact Local Networks (GCLNs), which are formed voluntarily by participants to promote the GC and its principles at t...
Speciation, Preconcentration and Determination of Lead in Natural Water Using Chelating Resin and Direct GFAAS

Abstract A method has been developed for determination of trace metals in natural waters at the sub ppb level using sorption under static conditions on fine chelating resin beads. The metal can be quickly eluted from loaded beads with acid for GFAAS analysis, or the beads can be slurried in acid solution for direct GFAAS measurement. The method was applied to natural fresh water samples and lead was detected at levels down to 0.1 μg/L. The method distinguishes between lead in stable complexes and free lead ion. It permits preconcentration of trace metals from water in the field, thus avoiding the need to transport bulky water samples to the laboratory, and prevents the possibility of species inter-converting during storage and transportation. The sample-loaded beads can be stored before analysis with no apparent change in results.
Mutagenic and carcinogenic potency of extracts of diesel and related environmental emissions: In vitro mutagenesis and DNA damage

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae D3 recombinogenic assay, the assay for forward mutagenesis in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells, and the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells were used to evaluate the in vitro mutagenic and DNA-damaging effects of eight samples of diesel engine emissions and related environmental emissions. The recombinogenic assay was not sufficiently sensitive for this evaluation, but mutagenicity was detected in the L5178Y mutagenesis assay following exposures of the cells to all of the emission samples, and DNA damage in the SCE assay was induced by most of the emission samples in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. The observation of positive results in the absence of activation indicated that the samples contained substances that were direct-acting mutagens and DNA-damaging agents.
Analysis of health-related quality of life and muscle impairment in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using the medical outcome survey and the tufts quantitative neuromuscular exam

Abstract Objective: The Tufts Quantitative Neuromuscular Exam (TQNE) is commonly used to assess the rate of disease progression in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36) is a general method to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL). This study examined the relationship between the TQNE and SF-36, established the reliability and responsiveness of each, and contrasted the HRQL between individuals with ALS and the general population. Design: Subjects (31) completed the SF-36 and TQNE within 1 week to determine reliability. Subjects (17) also completed both the TQNE and SF-36 each month for 1 year after diagnosis of ALS to establish the relationship between the two assessment tools. Setting: A primary care university teaching hospital. Patients: Thirty-one subjects with an age range of 27 to 76 years (mean 59.1, SD 10.32), recently diagnosed with ALS. Results: Each test was highly reliable and responsive. The intraclass correlations (2, 1) were consistently higher for the TQNE (.93 to .98) than for the SF-36 (.57 to .90). Changes in physical function were correlated to changes in lower extremity force megascores (.48). Conclusion: Both the TQNE and the SF-36 are reliable and responsive and appear important in characterization of patient status after ALS is diagnosed.
Movement of Cicindela hirticollis Say Larvae in Response to Moisture and Flooding

The larvae of the tiger beetle, Cicindela hirticollis Say, inhabit sandy shoreline areas that flood periodically. This species has declined over much of its range and at least one subspecies is near extinction, possibly as a result of human alteration of waterways. In addition to physiological tolerance for anoxia, the larvae have physical and behavioral adaptations to avoid drowning. We hypothesized that C. hirticollis larvae would exhibit behavioral responses to soil moisture change and flooding because, unlike most other tiger beetles, they frequently relocate their burrows. Our laboratory studies demonstrated that larvae select surface soil moisture levels of 7–50% saturation in which to dig new burrows. Within 96 h of immersion, most larvae abandon burrows and larvae do not form new burrows in darkness. Larvae may relocate when flooded, suggesting a previously undocumented mechanism for dispersal; however, dams often eliminate suitable habitat areas downstream, suggesting that this behavior may be detrimental in riverine populations. Because larvae move during daylight hours, they also are likely to suffer mortality from trampling due to human recreational activity.
The Critical Time-lapse between Various Restoration Placements and Subsequent Endodontic Intervention

Introduction: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to investigate the critical time-lapse of endodontic intervention subsequent to various restorations and tooth surfaces and (2) to assess and compare the risk factors associated with the restorations, tooth surfaces, and endodontic treatment. Methods: A comprehensive computerized analysis of all dental school patients at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine who received restorations from 2008–2013 was obtained. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The sample size was limited to teeth with endodontic treatment completed by the endodontic postgraduate dental clinic. Data collected included restoration type, restored tooth surfaces, tooth type, and the dates of restoration and subsequent endodontic treatment. A 2-sample paired t test (95% confidence interval, P < .05) and pair-wise comparison with Bonferroni corrections were implemented. Results: The mean time between restoration placement and resultant endodontic intervention was 270 days, with a mean difference of 247–294 days (P< .0001). Further analysis revealed composite resin was 1.91 times more likely than amalgam and 5.69 times more likely than crowns to cause resultant endodontic intervention. Teeth with 2 or morerestorative surfaces required endodontic intervention (P < .001). Conclusions: Of the patients who required endodontic treatment after restoration placement, the critical time-lapse was 9 months. Composite restorations and teeth with 2 or more restorative surfaces were significantly associated with endodontic treatment. From the results of the current study, we recommended thatalldentalpractitioners shouldperforma thorough endodontic evaluation and diagnosis before, during, and after all restorative procedures. (J Endod 2014;40:1922–1926)
Synthesis, spectroscopic analysis and photolabilization of water-soluble ruthenium(III)–nitrosyl complexes

In this paper, the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization of a series of new Ru(III)–nitrosyls of {RuNO}6 type with the coligand TPA (tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) are presented. The complex [Ru(TPA)Cl2(NO)]ClO4 (2) was prepared from the Ru(III) precursor [Ru(TPA)Cl2]ClO4 (1) by simple reaction with NO gas. This led to the surprising displacement of one of the pyridine (py) arms of TPA by NO (instead of the substitution of a chloride anion by NO), as confirmed by X-ray crystallography. NO complexes where TPA serves as a tetradentate ligand were obtained by reacting the new Ru(II) precursor [Ru(TPA)(NO2)2] (3) with a strong acid. This leads to the dehydration of nitrite to NO+, and the formation of the {RuNO}6 complex [Ru(TPA)(ONO)(NO)](PF6)2 (4), which was also structurally characterized. Derivatives of 4 where nitrite is replaced by urea (5) or water (6) were also obtained. The nitrosyl complexes obtained this way were then further investigated using IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Complex 2 with the two anionic chloride coligands shows the lowest N–O and highest Ru–NO stretching frequencies of 1903 and 619 cm−1 of all the complexes investigated here. Complexes 5 and 6 where TPA serves as a tetradentate ligand show ν(N–O) at higher energy, 1930 and 1917 cm−1, respectively, and ν(Ru–NO) at lower energy, 577 and 579 cm−1, respectively, compared to 2. These vibrational energies, as well as the inverse correlation of ν(N–O) and ν(Ru–NO) observed along this series of complexes, again support the Ru(II)–NO+ type electronic structure previously proposed for {RuNO}6 complexes. Finally, we investigated the photolability of the Ru–NO bond upon irradiation with UV light to determine the quantum yields (ϕ) for NO photorelease in complexes 2, 4, 5, and additional water-soluble complexes [Ru(H2edta)(Cl)(NO)] (7) and [Ru(Hedta)(NO)] (8). Although {RuNO}6 complexes are frequently proposed as NO delivery agents in vivo, studies that investigate how ϕ is affected by the solvent water are lacking. Our results indicate that neutral water is not a solvent that promotes the photodissociation of NO, which would present a major obstacle to the goal of designing {RuNO}6 complexes as photolabile NO delivery agents in vivo.
Recognition of α2-Macroglobulin by the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein Requires the Cooperation of Two Ligand Binding Cluster Regions

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a scavenger receptor that binds several ligands including the activated form of the pan-proteinase inhibitor α2-macroglobulin (α2M*) and amyloid precursor protein, two ligands genetically linked to Alzheimer's disease. To delineate the contribution of LRP to this disease, it will be necessary to identify the sites on this receptor which are responsible for recognizing these and other ligands to assist in the development of specific inhibitors. Structurally, LRP contains four clusters of cysteine-rich repeats, yet studies thus far suggest that only two of these clusters (clusters II and IV) bind ligands. Identifying binding sites within LRP for certain ligands, such as α2M*, has proven to be difficult. To accomplish this, we mapped the binding site on LRP for two inhibitors of α2M* uptake, monoclonal antibody 8G1 and an amino-terminal fragment of receptor-associated protein (RAP D1D2). Surprisingly, the inhibitors recognized different clusters of ligand binding repeats: 8G1 bound to repeats within cluster I, whereas the RAP fragment bound to repeats within cluster II. A recombinant LRP mini-receptor containing the repeats from cluster I along with three ligand binding repeats from cluster II was effective in mediating the internalization of125I-labeled α2M*. Together, these studies indicate that ligand binding repeats from both cluster I and II cooperate to generate a high affinity binding site for α2M*, and they suggest a strategy for developing specific inhibitors to block α2M* binding to LRP by identifying molecules capable of binding repeats in cluster I.
Receptor localization in the mammalian dorsal horn and primary afferent neurons

The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a primary receiving area for somatosensory input and contains high concentrations of a large variety of receptors. These receptors tend to congregate in lamina II, which is a major receiving center for fine, presumably nociceptive, somatosensory input. There are rapid reorganizations of many of these receptors in response to various stimuli or pathological situations. These receptor localizations in the normal and their changes after various pertubations modify present concepts about the wiring diagram of the nervous system. Accordingly, the present work reviews the receptor localizations and relates them to classic organizational patterns in the mammalian dorsal horn.
Effects of Hygromycin B on the Growing and Laying Performance of Chickens

Abstract INTRODUCTION HELMINTH parasites have been reported by a number of research scientists to produce important economic losses to poultry producers, Graybill and Smith (1920), Ackert and Herrick (1928), Clapham (1937), Graham et al. (1938) and Todd and Hansen (1951). The widespread incidence of helminths in poultry flocks has been reported by Ackert (1927), Roberts (1932), Todd (1946 Todd (1950) and Reid (1956 and Reid (1957). Anthelmintic agents of varying degrees of effectiveness have been reported by a number of workers. Among these are nicotine sulfate, Bleeker (1933), Levine (1938); carbon tetrachloride, Ackert and Graham (1935); phenothiazine and nicotine-bentonite, Guthrie and Harwood (1942), Harwood and Guthrie (1944), Jaquette and Wehr (1949); piperazine and its derivatives, Olivier and Hardcastle (1943), Sloan et al. (1954), Shumard and Eveleth (1955), Bradley (1955), Horton-Smith and Long (1956), Reid (1957), and Edgar et al. (1957); and antibiotics, Todd (1951), Hansen et al. (1953), Shumard et al. (1958), Frazier (1959),…
Discordance between antibody and T cell responses in recipients of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine

Thirty adults were tested for humoral and cellular immune responses following immunization with the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. Modest but significant inverse correlations between the baseline and the fold changes in the number of IFNγ-producing cells and the levels of neutralizing antibodies were observed. Specific increases in proliferative responses in the CD8 CD45RA+ population were noted after vaccination. Minimal correlations between neutralizing antibody titers and the number of IFNγ-producing cells in terms of prevaccination levels or fold increases were observed. These results show specific increases in a CD8 T cell subset and discordant T and B responses induced by the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Combustion 2000 program: Clean, efficient electricity from coal

Abstract The United States Department of Energy's Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, under its Combustion 2000 program, is working with private industry to develop two kinds of advanced, coal-fired electric power generation systems that will have significantly higher thermal efficiency, superior environmental performance and a lower cost of electricity than current coal-fired plants. The low emission boiler system (LEBS) is a highly advanced pulverized-coal-fired power plant which will be ready for commercial introduction before the year 2001. LEBS uses supercritical steam conditions and substantial low-level heat recovery to achieve an efficiency of 42%. Very low emissions are realized by using advanced combustion technology and pollution controls that are integrated with the boiler. The high performance power system (HIPPS) is based on indirectly fired combined-cycle technology that is capable of 47–50% efficiency. This system uses a gas turbine driven by a clean air working fluid separately heated in a novel high-temperature furnace. Energy recovered from the turbine exhaust drives a steam cycle. HIPPS is planned to be commercially available by 2005. This paper describes the Combustion 2000 program and the technologies being developed for LEBS and HIPPS.
Further investigations into the use of linear and nonlinear mixing models for hyperspectral image analysis

This paper presents the latest results of a series of experiments deigned to identify situations in which linear and nonlinear mixing models are expect to occur. It continues to investigate the possibility that there may be naturally occurring situation in which the typically used linear mixture model may not provide the most accurate spectrum. It has already been shown that for specific situations, in binary mixing cases, the nonlinear mixing model can produce more accurate endmember abundance estimates. These results are extended to include ternary and quaternary mixtures, as well as hyperspectral imagery collected over Cuprite, Nevada. In order to test these hypotheses, laboratory endmember and mixture data are collected in various scenarios for analysis. As shown in experiments, ternary and quaternary mixtures are more complicated than binary mixtures and the nonlinear mixing is more likely to occur in ternary and quaternary mixtures than in binary mixtures.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of a Warm-Season Surface-Influenced Mesoscale Convective Boundary in Northwest Mississippi

AbstractThe lower Mississippi River alluvial valley in southeastern Arkansas, northeastern Louisiana, and northwestern Mississippi is characterized by widespread agriculture with few urban areas. Land use is predominantly cultivated cropland with minimal topographic variation; the eastern edge of the alluvial valley is defined by a rapid, although small, change in elevation into a heavily forested landscape, however. This change in land use/land cover has been shown to potentially enhance precipitation through generation of a weak mesoscale convective boundary. This project defines the influence of the land surface on associated precipitation processes by simulating a convective rainfall event that was influenced by regional surface features. Analysis was conducted using a high-resolution simulated dataset generated by the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). Results show that the strongest uplift coincides with an abrupt low-level thermal boundary, developed primarily by a rapid change from sens...
The effects of trans, trans-linoleate upon the metabolism of linoleate and linolenate and the positional distribution of linoleate isomers in liver lecithin

Abstract 9- trans , 12- trans -linoleate, when fed to the fat-deficient rat together with linoleate or linolenate, suppresses the levels of poly-unsaturated fatty acids arising from these precursors. Trans, trans -linoleate does not increase the level of poly-unsaturated fatty acids normally derived from the cis,cis isomer. Gas-liquid chromatography of the fatty acids of liver lecithin revealed the presence of trans,trans -linoleake. Unlike the naturally occurring, cis,cis isomer, trans, trans -linoleate has a distribution pattern between the α′ and β positions in lecithin, which resembles that of saturated fatty acids. 80% of it was found in the α′ position.
The attachment of the spiral ligament to the cochlear wall: Anchoring cells and the creation of tension

The spiral ligament of the cochlea contains an array of criss-crossing extracellular fibers which are anchored to the bony wall of the cochlea and into the outer margin of the basilar membrane. In certain areas there is an accumulation of unusual sponge-shaped cells which are clearly involved in anchoring the extracellular fibers to the bony wall and possibly in maintaining or applying radial tension on the spiral ligament-basilar membrane complex. The latter is suggested by the occurrence of a large number of intracellular fibers which have many of the characteristics of the so-called 'stress fibers' of cultured fibroblasts. Where these cells occur the fibers of the spiral ligament bend sharply, presumably due to tension applied on them. This paper provides transmission and scanning electron micrographs of the 'anchoring' cells in the mouse and two species of bats. In the horseshoe bat, the anchoring cells provide the sole mode of attachment of most of the spiral ligament to the otic capsule. Marked differences occur not only among species but also in different regions of the spiral ligament. A diagram is provided to show how the system of cells and fibers might create or maintain tension on the basilar membrane.
Atopy patch test for the diagnosis of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is thought to be a non-IgE mediated food allergy syndrome. Affected infants typically demonstrate gastrointestinal symptoms after hours after ingestion of the offending food. Traditional allergy testing is not useful for this disorder because tests for food specific IgE are routinely negative. A diagnostic oral food challenge (OFC) is the only method to confirm the diagnosis of FPIES. This prospective study was undertaken to determine whether the atopy patch test (APT) is able to predict the results of the OFC. Nineteen infants with suspected FPIES by clinical history underwent APT to the suspected foods. After APT was performed, subjects underwent OFC to determine whether FPIES was present. The results of APT and OFC were compared and used to calculate sensitivity and specificity of the APT. APT predicted the results of oral food challenges in 28/33 instances. There were 16 cases of FPIES confirmed by oral food challenges. In all 16 cases of FPIES, the APT was positive to the suspected food. However, the APT was positive in five instances where the oral food challenge was negative. All 12 patients with a negative APT had a negative oral food challenge to the suspected food. APT appears to be a promising diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of FPIES.
Fluorescence lifetimes of methyl-substituted and deuterated benzyl radicals☆

Abstract Experimental fluorescence lifetimes of the benzyl radical and a series of its methyl and deuterium substituted derivatives are measured in a common solventof rigid 3-methylpentane at 77 K. The absence of interference from known fluorescing photoproducts is demonstrated. The long fluorescence lifetimes of the fully deuterated benzyl radical is 3.9 μs. A remarkable isotope position dependence of the radiationless decay rate (which can only be via internal conversion in these systems) is demonstrated for ortho substitution. Both the electronic and the Franck—Condon interpretation of the ortho effect are presented. Empirical anharmonicity factors are calculated using Siebrand's formulation of the radiationless transition theory. The electronic and Franck—Condon factors determined for benzyl are then applied to the methyl substituted benzyl radicals. The meaning and sensitivity of these experimental tests of the theory are discussed, and emission quantum yields are predicted from the calculations. Finally, benzyl radical extinction coefficients, calculated from the lifetime data, are found to be in good agreement with results of several earlier measurements for the visible, near UV, and far UV excitation bands.
Facial Nerve Trauma: Evaluation and Considerations in Management:

The management of facial paralysis continues to evolve. Understanding the facial nerve anatomy and the different methods of evaluating the degree of facial nerve injury are crucial for successful management. When the facial nerve is transected, direct coaptation leads to the best outcome, followed by interpositional nerve grafting. In cases where motor end plates are still intact but a primary repair or graft is not feasible, a nerve transfer should be employed. When complete muscle atrophy has occurred, regional muscle transfer or free flap reconstruction is an option. When dynamic reanimation cannot be undertaken, static procedures offer some benefit. Adjunctive tools such as botulinum toxin injection and biofeedback can be helpful. Several new treatment modalities lie on the horizon which hold potential to alter the current treatment algorithm.
Image enhancement and understanding for remote visual inspection of aircraft surface

We describe a library of image enhancement and understanding algorithms developed to enhance and recognize surface defects from remote live imagery of an aircraft surface. Also described are the supporting mobile robot platform that generates the remote stereoscopic imagery and the inspection console containing a graphical user interface, through which the inspector accesses the live imagery for remote inspection. We will discuss initial results of the remote imaging process and the image processing library, and speculate on their future application in aircraft inspection.
Microvascular responses of intermediate-size arterioles on the cerebral surface of diabetic mice

Mice were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. After intervals of approximately 4 weeks and 6 months, the vascular responses of cerebral surface arterioles (pial arterioles) with mean internal diameters of 35-39 micrometers were determined and compared with those of control mice. Norepinephrine, serotonin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and papaverine were used. Only one agent was tested in a given mouse, each agent being applied to the surface vessels of that mouse at three different doses. Statistically significant dose-response relationships were always observed, but with one exception, no differences were found between the contractile responses (norepinephrine, serotonin, prostaglandin F2 alpha) or the dilating responses (papaverine) in diabetic vs normal mice. The one exception involved responses to serotonin following 4-5 weeks of diabetes. Here diabetic responses were 10-18% less than those of control. Though significant statistically, the difference may nevertheless be a chance occurrence, and is in any case sufficiently small to be of doubtful biological meaning. The overall data indicate no effect of diabetes on the responses of the selected pial arterioles to norepinephrine, serotonin, PGF2 alpha, and papaverine.
Fat on the move: intracellular motion of lipid droplets

Lipid droplets are intracellular organelles that play central roles in lipid metabolism. In many cells, lipid droplets undergo active motion, typically along microtubules. This motion has been proposed to aid growth and breakdown of droplets, to allow net transfer of nutrients from sites of synthesis to sites of need and to deliver proteins and lipophilic signals. This review summarizes the current understanding of where, why and how lipid droplets move.
Bernstein–Nagumo conditions and solutions to nonlinear differential inequalities

Abstract For Ω , an open bounded subset of R N with smooth boundary and 1 p ∞ , we establish W 1 , p ( Ω ) a priori bounds and prove the compactness of solution sets to differential inequalities of the form | div A ( x , ∇ u ) | ≤ F ( x , u , ∇ u ) , which are bounded in L ∞ ( Ω ) . The main point in this work is that the nonlinear term F may depend on ∇ u and may grow as fast as a power of order p in this variable. Such growth conditions have been used extensively in the study of boundary value problems for nonlinear ordinary differential equations and are known as Bernstein–Nagumo growth conditions. In addition, we use these results to establish a sub-supersolution theorem.
Exchangeable cations and CEC determinations of some highly weathered soils

Eight methods to determine exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were compared for some highly weathered benchmark soils of Alabama. The methods were: (1) 1N NH4OAc at pH 7.0 by r...
Perinatal MSG treatment attenuates fasting-induced bradycardia and metabolic suppression

Abstract We studied the effect of arcuate nucleus (ARC) lesions induced pharmacologically by the perinatal treatment of monosodium l -glutamate (MSG) on the cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral responses to fasting. Saline and MSG-treated male Sprague–Dawley rats were instrumented with telemetry devices for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and housed in room calorimeters at an ambient temperature (T a ) of 23 °C for assessment of oxygen consumption (VO 2 ). At baseline, controls and MSG-treated rats had similar MAP (control = 95 ± 4; MSG = 91 ± 2 mmHg), HR (control = 323 ± 4; MSG = 324 ± 2 bpm), and VO 2 (control = 8.7 ± 0.3; MSG = 8.6 ± 0.2 ml/min). There were no differences in fasting-induced reductions in body weight or in food intake upon refeeding. MSG-treatment significantly attenuated fasting-induced reductions in HR and VO 2 . This effect was specific to reduced caloric availability, as MSG-treated rats exhibited intact capacity to both increase and decrease HR and VO 2 in response to cold ( T a = 15 °C) and to thermoneutrality ( T a = 30 °C). Additional studies were performed in saline- and MSG-treated rats chronically treated with β 1 -adrenergic receptor blockade (atenolol) prior to and during fasting. In controls, the cardiovascular responses to fasting during β 1 -blockade were blunted and generally mimicked the effects of MSG-treatment, while β 1 -blockade had no additional effect on MSG-treated rats. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that ARC neuronal signaling is requisite for intact homeostatic responses to fasting and may participate in fasting-induced withdrawal of cardiac sympathetic activity.
A Phase II trial of paclitaxel and topotecan with filgrastim in patients with recurrent or refractory glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma.

Purpose: Therapy for high-grade gliomas remains unsatisfactory. Paclitaxel and topotecan have separately demonstrated activity against gliomas. We conducted a Phase II trial of these agents in combination with filgrastim (G-CSF) in patients with recurrent or refractory glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma.Patients and Methods: Adult patients with radiographic evidence of recurrent or progressive tumor following primary therapy were eligible for study. Patients received paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 IV over 3 h on day 1 and topotecan 1.0 mg/m 2 IV over 30 min on days 1–5. Filgrastim 5 μg/kg was given days 6–14 for neutrophil support. Treatment cycles were repeated every 21 days.Results: Twenty patients were enrolled on study, and seventeen were considered evaluable for response. Two patients (12/%) exhibited partial remission and seven patients (41/%) exhibited stable disease in response to therapy. Hematologic toxicity was common with 25 /% of patients experiencing grade III or IV leukopenia despite G-CSF support. Two patients died of infectious complications on protocol, prompting suspension of further accrual.Conclusion: Paclitaxel and topotecan with G-CSF support exhibits modest activity in adults with recurrent or refractory glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. The significant hematotoxicity encountered, however, cannot justify further investigation of this combination in patients with high grade brain tumors.
Facilitating Interactions Among Students and Faculty via Web-Based Conferencing Systems

SUMMARY The authors describe a Web-based conferencing system for graduate and undergraduate students in educational psychology which illustrates the wide range of communication possibilities of such a system. Students, faculty, and practitioners experience increased and beneficial communication by using this system.
Grass-dominated vegetation, not species-diverse natural savanna, replaces degraded tropical forests on the southern edge of the Amazon Basin

Abstract Changes in land-uses, fire regimes, and climate are expected to promote savanna expansion in the Amazon Basin, but most studies that come to this conclusion fail to define “savanna” clearly or imply that natural savannas of native species will spread at the expense of forest. Given their different conservation values, we sought to differentiate between species-diverse natural savannas and other types of fire-maintained grass-dominated vegetation that replaced tropical forests between 1986 and 2005 in 22,500 km 2 of eastern lowland Bolivia. Analysis of Landsat TM and CBERS-2 satellite imagery revealed that, in addition to 1200 km 2 (7.1%) of deforestation for agriculture and planted pastures, 1420 km 2 (8.4%) of forest was replaced by derived savannas. Sampling in 2008 showed that natural savannas differed from forest-replacing derived savannas floristically, in soil fertility, and in fuel loads. Natural savannas typically occurred on sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soils whereas most derived savannas were on comparatively fertile soils. Fuel loads in derived savannas were twice those of natural savannas. Natural savannas supported a diversity of grass species, whereas derived savannas were usually dominated by Guadua paniculata (native bamboo), Urochloa spp. (exotic forages), Imperata brasiliensis (native invasive), Digitaria insularis (native ruderal), or the native fire-adapted herb Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae). Trees in derived savannas were forest species (e.g., Anadenanthera colubrina ) and fire-tolerant palms ( Attalea spp.), not thick-barked species characteristic of savanna environments (e.g., Curatella americana ). In addressing tropical vegetation transitions it is clearly important to distinguish between native species-diverse ecosystems and novel derived vegetation of similar structure.
Hazards of electric shock in cardiology

Abstract The danger of inducing ventricular fibrillation is present during certain commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Electrode catheters employed for intracardiac electrocardiography, the detection of intracardiac shunts or cardiac pacing provide a current path of low resistance directly to the heart. In the presence of such paths, small voltages from improperly functioning or improperly used electrical equipment can generate fibrillatory currents. Proper grounding of all equipment coming in contact with patients will eliminate the danger of inducing ventricular fibrillation in the vast majority of cases. Since proper grounding is not always possible, battery-powered rather than line-powered pacemakers should be used in conjunction with myocardial electrodes or electrode catheters. Electrocardiographic monitoring of pericardiocentesis is unlikely to cause ventricular fibrillation because the resistance within the V lead circuit of the electrocardiograph and the resistance of the body tissues act to prevent significant currents from entering the heart. Cardioversion, if improperly programmed, may cause ventricular fibrillation. Because certain D. C. cardioversion units have a grounded rather than an isolated countershock circuit, burns can be induced at the site of the indifferent electrode of the electrocardiographic monitoring circuit.
Fuel Cells as an Alternative to Cold Ironing

As a result of increased concern regarding the harmful effects of airborne pollutants, some seaports are taking steps to require that visiting ships reduce the emissions from onboard power-producing equipment, such as diesel-engine-driven generators. One approach to satisfy this demand is the practice of "cold ironing" during which a ship that is docked shuts down all of its generators and uses electrical power supplied by the port. Cold ironing has already been implemented for some ships in the Ports of Los Angeles in California, Seattle in Washington, Juneau in Alaska, and Goteborg in Sweden. Although cold ironing does eliminate airborne emissions from shipboard power-producing equipment, several disadvantages are associated with it. The use of a fuel cell to produce the electrical power required on a ship while in port represents a potential alternative to cold ironing. A fuel cell that is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen produces electricity, water, and heat. The production of airborne pollutants is, therefore, eliminated. However, along with the advantages associated with fuel cells come several significant challenges. This paper includes the results of a feasibility study conducted to evaluate the use of fuel cells as a source of in-port electrical power on ships. Factors considered in the study included fuel-cell type, utilization of waste heat, efficiency, and emissions. The effect of using several different fuels was also evaluated. The analysis results demonstrate that a fuel-cell installed as part of a hybrid cycle could be a viable alternative to cold ironing.
A summary and analysis of education research in accounting information systems (AIS)

Abstract We consolidate and summarize 102 articles on accounting information systems (AIS) education from three decades (1983–2013) published in eight journals: (1) Journal of Accounting Education, (2) Accounting Education: An International Journal, (3) Advances in Accounting Education, (4) AIS Educator Journal, (5) Global Perspectives on Accounting Education, (6) Issues in Accounting Education, (7) Journal of Information Systems, and (8) The Accounting Educators’ Journal. The summarized literature is categorized as empirical articles, descriptive articles, or instructional resources. We describe and summarize the research design and primary analytical approach of the empirical articles, summarize the descriptive articles, and tabulate the instructional resources. Suggestions for future research in AIS education are presented.
The diffeomorphometry of temporal lobe structures in preclinical Alzheimer's disease

This paper examines morphometry of MRI biomarkers derived from the network of temporal lobe structures including the amygdala, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus in subjects with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on template-centered population analysis, it is demonstrated that the structural markers of the amygdala, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are statistically significantly different between controls and those with preclinical AD. Entorhinal cortex is the most strongly significant based on the linear effects model (p < .0001) for the high-dimensional vertex- and Laplacian-based markers corresponding to localized atrophy. The hippocampus also shows significant localized high-dimensional change (p < .0025) and the amygdala demonstrates more global change signaled by the strength of the low-dimensional volume markers. The analysis of the three structures also demonstrates that the volume measures are only weakly discriminating between preclinical and control groups, with the average atrophy rates of the volume of the entorhinal cortex higher than amygdala and hippocampus. The entorhinal cortex thickness also exhibits an atrophy rate nearly a factor of two higher in the ApoE4 positive group relative to the ApoE4 negative group providing weak discrimination between the two groups.
The reactivity of tyrosyl residues in Bence Jones protein: differences in rates of iodination in covalent and noncovalent dimers.

Abstract A comparative study of the reactivity toward iodination of the tyrosyl residues of the covalent and noncovalent dimers of a Bence Jones protein showed that at least one of the eight tyrosine residues in the noncovalent dimer iodinated more rapidly than the corresponding residue in the covalent dimer. For each of the other tyrosines, the rate of iodination was the same in the two dimers. This shows that there are conformational differences between the covalent and noncovalent dimers to provide different environments for at least one tyrosine residue. In the ultracentrifuge, the covalent dimer sedimented more rapidly than the noncovalent one, also indicating a conformational difference. Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism measurements did not show any significant difference between the two dimers.
Historical Account of the American Pediatric Society John Howland Award

Much of the information for this brief historical account of the Howland Award was compiled by our 2002 Howland Awardee, Dr. Howard A. Pearson, from APS records and related in a book he authored, The Centennial History of the American Pediatric Society. The Howland Award has been recognized for many years as the highest honor bestowed upon a pediatrician by the APS and may be the most coveted award in all of pediatrics. Its prominence and prestige were less apparent at the onset, 50 years ago. At that time, the society was a more select, more closely knit organization with fewer than 200 members.
Sense Creation in and out of Discourse Contexts

Abstract What does Evian boy mean? Researchers have offered a variety of theories to predict readers' interpretations of such noun–noun combinations outside discourse contexts. But in what ways do these out of discourse context interpretations contribute to the determination of discourse meanings? We define two views: the interdependence view suggests that the time course of meaning recovery in discourse contexts is affected by out of discourse context interpretations; the independence view does not posit such a relationship. Experiments 1 and 2 established pairs of noun–noun combinations (such as doll smile and baseball smile ) that differed reliably with respect to accessibility of meanings out of discourse contexts. Experiments 3 and 4 demonstrated that noun–noun combinations with highly accessible out of discourse context meanings did not experience interference when they were endowed with different, innovative meanings in discourse contexts. We suggest that the pattern of data is inconsistent with the interdependence view.
Lymph node ratio should be considered for incorporation into staging for breast cancer.

We sought to determine whether lymph node ratio (LNR; defined as number of positive nodes/number of nodes dissected) provides additional prognostic information in node-positive breast cancer patients. Data from a cohort of 319 node-positive breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1956 and 1982 were analyzed for overall survival (OS) on the basis of current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) nodal staging versus LNR. In terms of AJCC categorization, 157 patients (49.2%) were pN1 (1–3 positive nodes), 97 (30.4%) were pN2 (4–9 positive nodes), and 65 (20.4%) were pN3 (≥10 positive nodes). In terms of LNR, 90 (28.2%) were low risk (LNR = 0.01–0.20), 119 (38.3%) were intermediate risk (LNR = 0.21–0.65), and 110 (34.5%) were high risk (LNR > 0.65). The median follow-up was 68.7 months. AJCC nodal status correlated with OS (median OS 85.9, 70.4, and 48.4 months for pN1–3, respectively, P = 0.018). LNR also correlated with OS (median OS 105.8, 72.2, and 48.4 months for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively, P < 0.005). On multivariate analysis, LNR predicted OS independent of pN status (P < 0.001). Stratifying by pN status, LNR could discriminate distinct subpopulations of patients with significantly different OS rates. In a multivariate model controlling for clinicopathologic factors (tumor size, grade, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and her-2-neu status), LNR remained a significant predictor of OS (P < 0.001). LNR has the ability to discriminate populations with different OS rates within traditional AJCC node classification groups and predicts OS independent of traditional clinicopathologic factors. These results should be validated and considered for future incorporation into the breast cancer staging system.
Osmotic coefficients of aqueous sodium carbonate solutions at 25°C

Isopiestic vapor pressure measurements are reported for aqueous sodium carbonate solutions at 25°C using sodium chloride as reference electrolyte. Osmotic and activity coefficients are calculated from the concentrations of the solutions in isopiestic equilibrium. The results are used to calculate the trace activity coefficients of carbonate ion in sodium chloride solutions; these should approximate the trace activity coefficient of carbonate ion in seawater. The solubility of sodium carbonate in water at 25°C has been determined.
Fluid dynamics of a stationary weld pool

Flow driven by a combination of thermocapillary, Lorentz, and buoyant forces has been investigated in an axisymmetric and stationary weld pool numerically. By assuming a small value for the capillary number, the top and bottom boundaries can be taken to be flat, and the surface deflections can be calculateda posteriori as a domain perturbation. Owing to thin boundary layers that exist at the top free surface and next to the vertical wall, very fine grids are required in these regions in order to obtain an accurate solution to the Boussinesq form of the Navier-Stokes equations. This was done by solving the governing equations by multigrid methods to which a local grid refinement technique was added. Welding of both aluminum and steel were considered. The essential difference between these two materials for this analysis is that the Prandtl number of aluminum is an order of magnitude smaller than that of steel. Through a parametric study, the thermocapillary forces and Lorentz forces were found to dominate buoyancy forces in a typical welding situation. Although the flows in weld pools include a pronounced recirculating region near the top surface, isotherms could be determined in the case of aluminum to a good approximation by a conduction analysis, owing to the smallness of its Prandtl number and the relative thinness of the welded plate considered. For steel, the isotherms deflect considerably for high current inputs.
Inhibition of some metalloprotein enzymes by 3-amino-1,2,4,-triazole.

Abstract Glucose oxidase is not inhibited by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole(ATA). Tyrosinase and fatty acid peroxidase are inhibited by both ATA and imidazole. Lactoperoxidase is inhibited by ATA while horseradish peroxidase and the peroxidase found in seedlings are not inhibited. The inhibition of lactoperoxidase by ATA is easily reversed by dialysis against dilute saline. Increase in H 2 O 2 does not overcome this inhibition. The relationship between ATA concentration and guaiacol (the reducing agent used in the peroxidase assay) concentration suggests non-competitive inhibition. The possible physiological significance of these findings is discussed.