cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ISVD‐1 Highlights of the skin immune system

Similar to intestine and pulmonary tissue, skin is in contact with the environment and hence, requires efficient immune surveillance. The concept of skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) was first introduced in 1978. The skin immune system (SIS) with its cellular and humoral components and the associated draining lymph nodes fulfills the three major functions of the innate and adaptive immune system: (1) induction of the primary immune response; (2) expression of immunity to previously encountered antigens (memory); and (3) avoidance of deleterious immune responses to nonthreatening antigens (tolerance). The cellular components of the SIS include dendritic antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells), skin-homing αβ-T lymphocytes and γδ-T lymphocytes, keratinocytes and their environment, the microvascular unit (endothelial cells of the dermal postcapillary venules), neural cells and dendritic neural processes, and the draining lymph node with its high endothelial venules. Humoral components of the SIS are defensins, complement components, immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines, fibrinolysin, eicosanoids and neuropeptides. Important characteristics and functions of these components and their interactions with each other will be discussed with regard to normal skin versus recruitment phase, retention phase and resolution phase associated with inflammatory conditions. The discussion will primarily focus on cutaneous dendritic antigen-presenting cells, cutaneous lymphocytes and their homing into the skin, and keratinocytes. Moreover, the importance of the microvascular unit in relation to leukocyte recruitment and migration will be discussed.
North American acetone sources determined from tall tower measurements and inverse modeling

Abstract. We apply a full year of continuous atmospheric acetone measurements from the University of Minnesota tall tower Trace Gas Observatory (KCMP tall tower; 244 m a.g.l.), with a 0.5° × 0.667° GEOS-Chem nested grid simulation to develop quantitative new constraints on seasonal acetone sources over North America. Biogenic acetone emissions in the model are computed based on the MEGANv2.1 inventory. An inverse analysis of the tall tower observations implies a 37% underestimate of emissions from broadleaf trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, and an offsetting 40% overestimate of emissions from needleleaf trees plus secondary production from biogenic precursors. The overall result is a small (16%) model underestimate of the total primary + secondary biogenic acetone source in North America. Our analysis shows that North American primary + secondary anthropogenic acetone sources in the model (based on the EPA NEI 2005 inventory) are accurate to within approximately 20%. An optimized GEOS-Chem simulation incorporating the above findings captures 70% of the variance (R = 0.83) in the hourly measurements at the KCMP tall tower, with minimal bias. The resulting North American acetone source is 11 Tg a−1, including both primary emissions (5.5 Tg a−1) and secondary production (5.5 Tg a−1), and with roughly equal contributions from anthropogenic and biogenic sources. The North American acetone source alone is nearly as large as the total continental volatile organic compound (VOC) source from fossil fuel combustion. Using our optimized source estimates as a baseline, we evaluate the sensitivity of atmospheric acetone and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) to shifts in natural and anthropogenic acetone sources over North America. Increased biogenic acetone emissions due to surface warming are likely to provide a significant offset to any future decrease in anthropogenic acetone emissions, particularly during summer.
Recent advances in surgery of the larynx and trachea

Recent advances in surgery of the larynx and trachea have occurred in the general areas of diagnosis, pretreatment nutritional therapy, surgical technique, and reconstruction. In diagnosis the routine use of the flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope in the office and the use of computerized tomography have been valuable. The addition of enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy in selected patients with laryngeal cancer has been an advance. In the area of surgical technique, section of the recurrent nerve for the treatment of abductor laryngeal spastic dysphonia has proved successful. In the area of reconstruction the use of the epiglottic flap for repair of the larynx after near-total laryngectomy for glottic cancer and the use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for one-stage pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have been significant advances. An increase in the number of patients with chronic lung disease has created a new interest in tracheal fenestration.
Roles of mitogen activated protein kinases and EGF receptor in arsenite-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 production.

The dermatotoxicity of arsenic is well established and epidemiological studies identify an increased incidence of keratinocytic tumors (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) associated with arsenic exposure. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms of arsenic-mediated skin carcinogenesis, but activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and subsequent regulation of downstream target genes may contribute to tumor promotion and progression. In this study, we investigated activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the stress-associated kinase p38 by arsenite in HaCat cells, a spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte cell line. Arsenite concentrations ≥100 μM stimulate rapid activation of p38 and ERK MAP kinases. However, upon extended exposure (24 h), persistent stimulation of p38 and ERK MAP kinases was detected at low micromolar concentrations of arsenite. Although ERK and p38 were activated with similar time and concentration dependence, the mechanism of activation differed for these two MAP kinases. ERK activation by arsenite was fully dependent on the catalytic activity of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and partially dependent on Src-family kinase activity. In contrast, p38 activation was independent of EGF receptor or Src-family kinase activity. Arsenite-stimulated MAP kinase signal transduction resulted in increased production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, an AP-1 regulated gene product. MMP-9 induction by arsenite was prevented when EGF receptor or MAP kinase signaling was inhibited. These studies indicate that EGF receptor activation is a component of arsenite-mediated signal transduction and gene expression in keratinocytes and that low micromolar concentrations of arsenite stimulate key signaling pathways upon extended exposure. Stimulation of MAP kinase cascades by arsenic and subsequent regulation of genes including c-fos, c-jun, and the matrix degrading proteases may play an important role in arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis.
Vitamin D Status Affects Serum Metabolomic Profiles in Pregnant Adolescents

Vitamin D is linked to a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes through largely unknown mechanisms. This study was conducted to examine the role of vitamin D status in metabolomic profiles in a group of 30 pregnant, African American adolescents (17.1 ± 1.1 years) at midgestation (26.8 ± 2.8 weeks), in 15 adolescents with 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) ≥20 ng/mL, and in 15 teens with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL. Serum metabolomic profiles were examined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A novel hierarchical mixture model was used to evaluate differences in metabolite profiles between low and high groups. A total of 326 compounds were identified and included in subsequent statistical analyses. Eleven metabolites had significantly different means between the 2 vitamin D groups, after correcting for multiple hypothesis testing: pyridoxate, bilirubin, xylose, and cholate were higher, and leukotrienes, 1,2-propanediol, azelate, undecanedioate, sebacate, inflammation associated complement component 3 peptide (HWESASXX), and piperine were lower in serum from adolescents with 25(OH)D ≥20 ng/mL. Lower maternal vitamin D status at midgestation impacted serum metabolic profiles in pregnant adolescents.
Determinants, finite-difference operators and boundary value problems

We relate the determinants of differential and difference operators to the boundary values of solutions of the operators. Previous proofs of related results have involved considering one-parameter families of such operators, showing the desired quantities are equal up to a constant, and then calculating the constant. We take a more direct approach. For a fixed operator, we prove immediately that the two sides of our formulas are equal by using the following simple observation (Proposition 1.3):Let U∈SU(n,C).Write U in block form $$U = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {u_{11} } & {u_{12} } \\ {u_{21} } & {u_{22} } \\ \end{array} } \right),$$ where u11and u22are square matrices. Then $$\det u_{11} = \overline {\det u_{22} } .$$
Evaluation of SRD5A2 sequence variants in susceptibility to hereditary and sporadic prostate cancer.

Background The 5 alpha-reductase type II (SRD5A2) catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and is thus believed to be the key enzyme for the control of intracellular DHT level in the prostate. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SRD5A2 gene have been found to alter enzymatic activities and were associated with prostate cancer risk or clinical features in several case–control studies. However, the role of SRD5A2 sequence variants in the susceptibility to hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) has not been evaluated to date. Methods Three SNPs in the SRD5A2 gene (A49T, V89L, and C682G) and two microsatellite markers near SRD5A2 were genotyped in 159 HPC families to assess their linkage to prostate cancer. In addition, the three SNPs were also genotyped in 245 sporadic cases and 222 unaffected controls to assess their association with hereditary and sporadic prostate cancer. Results Weak evidence for linkage in the SRD5A2 chromosomal region was observed in the 159 HPC families (HLOD = 0.87, P = 0.04). Stronger evidence for linkage was observed in Caucasian families (HLOD = 1.10, P = 0.02). When stratified by the SNP A49T, no significant evidence for linkage was observed in families with or without the “T” allele. Similarly, family-based association tests failed to observe significant over-transmission of any risk alleles of SNPs A49T, V89L, and C682G to affected offspring. Finally, no significant differences in the distributions of SNPs A49T, V89L, and C682G were found among the HPC probands, sporadic cases, and controls. Conclusions Polymorphisms of SRD5A2 are unlikely to significantly increase susceptibility to hereditary or sporadic prostate cancer in the study populations. Prostate 56: 37–44, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alcohol and chlordiazepoxide increase suppressed aggression in mice

The purpose of the present experiments was to investigate conditions under which alcohol and chlordiazepoxide (CDP) enhance aggression. Alcohol (300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg orally) and CDP (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) failed to alter attack behavior in male mice confronting intruder mice in their home cages. When confrontations between attack-experienced mice and group-housed mice occurred in a neutral cage, attack and threat behavior was suppressed to about 50% of that in the resident's home cage. A low dose of alcohol (300 mg/kg) more than doubled the frequency of attacks and threats in the neutral cage. Higher doses of both drugs decreased attacks in the neutral cage. Combined administration of low doses of alcohol (150 and 300 mg/kg) and CDP (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) increased attack and threat frequency in the neutral cage to a larger extent than when either drug was given itself. The aggression-enhancing effects of alcohol and CDP in the neutral cage situation are consistent with the view that both drugs can lead to behavioral disinhibition. Alternatively, the results could reflect simply the ratedependency of alcohol effects on attack behavior, that is, low rates are increased whereas high rates remain unaffected. The present results also provide evidence for an additive interaction of both drugs in their depressant effects and, also, in their aggressionheightening effects.
Branches of the right pulmonary artery to the right upper lobe of the lung

Studies were carried out on 100 right lungs taken from human cadavers of both sexes aged from 1 month to 80 years. The material was divided into 3 age groups. The pulmonary artery and the bronchi were injected with 65% duracryl and then digested in sulfuric acid. Specimens were examined to determine the number and dimensions of the branches of the right pulmonary artery penetrating upper lobe of the right lung. It was found that in most cases 2 and 3 branches arose from right pulmonary artery. In about 60% of cases the branches which penetrated the lobe were the superior trunk and one or two subsegmental branches. In a dozes or so of cases three types were found: only superior trunk, the apicoanterior trunk and independent segmental or subsegmental branches, the apicoposterior trunk and the remaining branches.
The Right to a Family Environment for “Children Living in Exceptionally Difficult Conditions”

Building on earlier, non-binding international instruments, the Convention on the Rights of the Child provides a right to a family environment for children in general, but it also elaborates this right in a variety of contexts in which children are in especially difficult conditions. These provisions are legally binding in the scores of countries that have ratified the Convention. Such provisions are also illustrative of the Convention's conceptual coherence and comprehensiveness, its broad “constitutional” language, and its establishment of structures for monitoring and implementation.
Developing the Agta Demographic Database: A Computer Scientist's Adventure into the World of Anthropology

Anthropologist Thomas Headland requested help developing his Agta Demographic Database for publication on the Web for anthropological research. This was not a typical programming job for a computer scientist who did not have experience in anthropology. Knowledge and discipline boundaries needed to be crossed by both the computer scientist and the anthropologist in order to produce a successful research tool. This article chronicles the project and what was learned from an interdisciplinary and collaborative process. Unusual data requirements and limitations in the development tools can present challenges that require collaborative solutions. Several recommendations are given for anthropologists who will work with computer scientists.
Directional control of eye movement in reading: the return sweep.

The study is concerned with the distribution of directional control of eye movement in reading. With the paralysis of the right eye, progressive movements of the left eye were possible, but regressive movements were cancelled being observed as drift. Base-out prism placed over the nonparalyzed eye allowed for the re-establishment of regressive movements. The results were explained on the basis of a large retinal error marker having been established. With paralysis of one eye, base-out prisms can reduce that error.
Evaluation of the novel mitotic modulator ON 01910.Na in pancreatic cancer and preclinical development of an ex vivo predictive assay

The pupose of this study was to evaluate the activity of ON 01910.Na, a mitotic inhibitor, in in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer and to discover biomarkers predictive of efficacy. Successive in vitro and in vivo models were used; these included cell line-derived and patient-derived tumors from our PancXenoBank, a live collection of freshly generated pancreatic cancer xenografts. ON 01910.Na showed equivalent activity to gemcitabine against pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. The activity of the agent correlated with suppression of phospho-CDC25C and cyclin B1. These markers were optimized for a fine-needle aspirate ex vivo rapid assay. Cyclin B1 mRNA evaluation yielded the most optimal combination of accuracy and reproducibility. Next, nine patient-derived tumors from the PancXenoBank were profiled using the assay developed in cell lines and treated with ON01910.Na for 28 days. Two cases were cataloged as potential responders and seven as resistants. There was a correlation between the ex vivo assay and sensitivity to the tested agent, as the two cases prospectively identified as sensitive met prespecified criteria for response. Of the seven tumors of predictive resistant, only one was found to be sensitive to ON 01910.Na. In addition, there was a good correlation between cyclin B1 downregulation ex vivo and changes in cyclin B1 protein post-treatment. The novel mitotic inhibitor, ON 01910.Na, showed activity in preclinical model of pancreatic cancer. A rapid assay was rationally developed that not only identified cases sensitive to ON 01910.Na, but also anticipated the pharmacodynamic events occurring after in vivo exposure.
Isotope effects in the metabolism of labeled steroids

Abstract Although considerable data exist on differences in physico-chemical properties of labeled and unlabeled compounds, data on isotopic effects on the metabolism of labeled compounds are limited to conflicting studies by Gold and Few. The present study shows that significant isotope effects may occur in the 3H/14C ratio of hormone metabolites in some subjects though not in all. The use of doubly labeled precursors in establishing metabolic patterns is not precluded provided that only deviations beyond the range of these effects are used in drawing metabolic conclusions. Alternatively misinterpretations due to isotope effects may be avoided by repeating the experiments with the isotope labels on the two precursors reversed (14C compound A and 3H compound B in some studies and 3H-compound A and 14C-compound B in repeat studies). Under these conditions real metabolic differences and isotope effects can be readily distinguished.
Baldrige Award Winners: The Payoff to Quality

This article tracks the stock performance of all publicly traded Balridge award winners from 1998 through 1997 using buy-and-hold and portfolio rebalancing strategies. The results of this study show that long-term investors are handsomely rewarded for investing in Balridge award recipients.
Preliminary evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for slurry samples

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to the analysis of simulant slurry samples used in the vitrification process of liquid radioactive wastes. A spectroscopic analysis was performed by two different detection systems: Czerny-Turner spectrometer coupled with intensified diode array detector (IDAD) and an Echelle spectrometer with intensified charge coupled device (ICCD). For the Czerny-Turner detection system, the normalized intensity method, which is the normalization of the atomic emission intensity by the released whole plasma emission area intensity, was employed to improve the reproducibility of LIBS signals. The Echelle detection system showed a high efficiency in simultaneous multi-element detection and determination of the physical quantities of the simulant.
Behavioral assessment of rats fed A1 high carbohydrate/low protein meal

Abstract A high carbohydrate diet is known to affect brain metabolism in fasted rats. It is unclear, however, whether behavioral functions are also affected. A profile of behaviors was assessed in rats fed a single meal of a protein-free diet with an elevated level of carbohydrate. Adult male rats, fasted for 24 h, were given a 2-h meal of either a control AIN-76A diet or an isocaloric diet containing approximately 85% carbohydrate and 0% protein. Rats were tested for general motor activity, auditory startle, prepulse inhibition of the startle response, tail flick response, passive avoidance acquisition and retention, or response to pharmacologic challenge with a dopaminergic or a serotonergic agonist. None of the behavioral measurements were significantly affected by the dietary treatment. Thus, high carbohydrate, protein-free meals do not significantly affect sensorimotor behaviors, reactivity, or cognitive functions of the nervous system.
Aristotle and woman

Chez Aristote, inferiorite de la femme: du point de vue biologique, l'homme seul est fecond, la femme n'ayant de role qu'en tant qu'habitacle de l'embryon et nourrice. Les secretions de l'homme et de la femme. Activite de l'homme, passivite de la femme.
Changes in the Standards for Admitting Expert Evidence in Federal Civil Cases Since the Daubert Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court's 1993 Daubert decision directed federal judges to scrutinize the reliability of expert evidence proposed for admission at trial. This study uses a sample of federal district court opinions between 1980 and 1999 to examine how judges, plaintiffs, and defendants responded to the new directive. The authors find that after Daubert, judges increasingly evaluated the reliability of expert evidence. A rise in both the proportion of challenged evidence found unreliable and the proportion of challenged evidence excluded suggests that the standards for admitting evidence tightened. A subsequent fall in these two proportions suggests that the parties proposing and challenging evidence responded to the change in standards. The study also examines how "general acceptance" of proposed evidence in the expert community enters the reliability assessment and which types of evidence were affected by Daubert. The authors caution that even though judges are more actively screening expert evidence, whether they are doing so in ways that produce better outcomes has not been determined. The study concludes by identifying gaps in what is known about how well federal courts screen expert evidence and by recommending research to help fill those gaps.
Reactions between vanadium ions and biogenic reductants of tunicates: spectroscopic probing for complexation and redox products in vitro.

Several species of marine tunicates store oxygen-sensitive V{sup III} in blood cells. A sensitive colorimetric V{sup III} assay was used t survey the leading candidates for the native reducing agent of vanadate in tunicates (i.e., An-type tunichromes, glutathione, NADPH, and H{sub 2}S) in reactions with V{sup V} or V{sup IV} ions under anaerobic, aqueous conditions at acidic or neutral pH. Except for the case of An-1 and V{sup V} ions in pH 7 buffer, the assay results for the biogenic reducing agents clearly showed that appreciable quantities of V{sup III} products were not generated under the conditions tested. Therefore, the assay results place new limits on hypothetical mechanisms of V{sup III} formation in vivo. For reactions between An-1 and V{sup V} ions in pH 7 buffer, low levels of V{sup III} products could not be ruled out because of an interfering peak in the colorimetric assays. For similar reactions between V{sup V} ions and An-1, or an An-1,2 mixture, in mildly to moderately basic media, the product mixtures precipitated as greenish black solids. Analyses of the precipitated V/An mixtures using vanadium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) showed that the major products were tris(catecholate)-type V{sup IV} complexes (65 {plus_minus} 6%) andmore » bis(catecholate)-type V{sup IV}O complexes (20 {plus_minus} 4%). XAS analysis of the V/An-1 product mixture also provided evidence of a minor V{sup III} component (9 {plus_minus} 5% of total V), notable for possible relevance to tunicate biochemistry. The combined results of XAS studies, spectrophotometric studies, and EPR studies consistently establish that reactions between tunichromes (Mm-1 or An-1) and V{sup V} ions generate predominantly V{sup IV}-tunichrome complexes in neutral to moderately basic aqueous media. 53 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.« less
The three-solutions theorem for p-Laplacian boundary value problems

Abstract The three-solutions theorem is established for p -Laplacian boundary value problems in the presence of two pairs of lower and upper solutions, which are well ordered by the relationship between the lower and upper solutions and degree theory. In addition, an application of the three-solutions theorem is given.
Overview of HIV infection

Learning objective To understand the current status of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including epidemiology, treatment, and recent advances. Data sources Relevant articles and publications from the medical literature, including the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) ‘Report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic,’ and information from recently held conferences. Conclusions Now in its second decade, HIV infection has become a global pandemic, affecting communities throughout the world. Ninety percent of people with HIV live in developing countries. In these countries, HIV/AIDS has taken a heavy toll on economic, social, and family structures. It is responsible for a large proportion of adult deaths causing millions of children to be orphaned. The situation is different in the industrialized world, including the United States. Here, reports indicate that death and incidence rates as well as the development of opportunistic infections have been drastically reduced. These reductions are in part due to improved prevention efforts but mainly due to recent advances in the management of HIV infection, including the availability of new therapies.
Electron microscopy of cardiac nerves.

Abstract With methods of electron microscopy the location and the appearance of nerve axons supplying the auricle and ventricle of the mammalian heart have been investigated. The nerves in the subendothelial stratum, those reaching the capillaries, and the thick as well as the ultra thin axons between the muscle fibers in auricles and ventricles are described and representative pictures are presented. It is suggested that the pain in angina pectoris is mainly due to the rich supply of the capillaries of the heart with centrifugal nerves.
Identities in combinatorics, I: on sorting two ordered sets

A binomial coefficient identity equivalent to Saalschutz's summation of a "3F"2 hypergeometric series is proved combinatorially. The proof depends on the enumeration of ordered pairs (A,B) of subsets of{1,2,3,...,@n} in which |A|=n, |B|=m, and B contains exactly r elements of the first n elements of [email protected]?B.
Experimental studies of effects of acupuncture on enterochromaffin cells: guinea pig enterochromaffin cell count after electro-acupuncture

Guinea pig acupuncture points located on the back of the animal, cranial and caudal to the last rib in the muscular groove between longissimus dorsi and iliocostalis, were treated by electro-acupuncture (EA). In the duodenum, when compared with the control, the EA-treated group showed a significant decrease of its enterochromaffin (EC) cell count. However, the sham-treated group also had a lower EC cell count compared to the control. Decreased EC counts were also observed in the jejunum and colon in both EA and sham treated groups: however, they were not significant except in the sham-treated colon. The present study demonstrated that in the normal guinea pigs electro-acupuncture on certain points tends to cause a decrease of the EC cell count in some parts of the gut; however, such results cannot be completely attributed to the effect of acupuncture.
Post-irradiation oxygen sensitivity of barley seeds varying slightly in water content

Abstract Himalaya barley seeds ranging in water content from 9 to 12 percent and differing by only 0·2–0·3 percent were irradiated in a vacuum with 25 krad of 60Co γ-rays. After irradiation they were immediately (within 1 min) hydrated in either oxygen- or nitrogen-bubbled water at 0 °C for a period of 16 hr. Results, as reported in terms of seedling injury, indicate that there is a very critical region in which a small change in water content greatly alters the oxygen-dependent damage. In a region of only 0·3 percent water content change, i.e. between 10·7 and 11·0 percent, the response to oxygen dropped by a factor of more than 2·5. The oxygen-independent damage was not influenced by a change in seed water content in the 9–12 percent region. Based on the hypothesis that oxygen and radiation-induced free radicals interact to produce at least a part of the biological damage, it would appear that mobility, and hence, interactions of oxygen-reactive radicals have rather specific water requirements.
Volume effects in transition metal alloying

Abstract The relatively modest volume contractions (or expansions) occurring on alloying of transition metals do not correlate lell lith the heats of formation. In this lork, a useful, numerically accurate, correlation is obtained for eluiatomic alloys lith an atomic scale, π, that resembles a Gordy electro-negativity. These volume effects display a trend in chemical bonding. Alloys involving manganese, due to its magnetism, and the light lanthanides, due to their special chemical bonding, deviate from the main trend. Alloys off 50 50 display strikingly similar effects, though they must be discussed lith a somelhat different π scale. Transition metal alloying lith alkalis and alkaline earths shol volume trends suggesting a smooth variation in chemical bonding from the alkalis to the noble metals. In contrast, transition metal alloying lith ln, Cd and Hg indicate a marked break in bonding behavior. The volume effects are strikingly independent of crystal structure. Holever, the structures assumed by various systems occupy lell defined regions on a map, lhere the difference in π is one coordinate and the average d-band electron vacancy is the other.
Comparing Multicultural with General Counseling Knowledge and Skill Competency for Students Who Completed Counselor Training

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a counselor education program in teaching multicultural counseling knowledge and skills. Standardized examination scores and rater evaluations compare multicultural with general counseling knowledge and skill competency for students who completed a counseling master's program. The relationship between multicultural knowledge and multicultural and general skills is examined. Este estudio evalua la efectividad de un programa educativo para consejeros a la hora de ensenar conocimientos y habilidades multiculturales en consejeria. Se emplean tanto resultados estandarizados de examenes como evaluaciones docentes para comparar los conocimientos de consejeria y la competencia en habilidades de tipo general con los multiculturales en estudiantes que han completado un Master en Consejeria. Se examina la relacion entre conocimientos multiculturales y habilidades generales y multiculturales.
Neuropsychological correlates of learning disability subtypes in children with Tourette's syndrome.

Neuropsychological deficits in Tourette's syndrome (TS) may be associated with learning disabilities. We examined the neuropsychological performance of 70 children with TS between the ages of 6 and 18 years who were classified into four groups based on their pattern of performance on the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised. The groups included three learning disability subtypes and a nonlearning disabled comparison group. The groups differed significantly on several measures in a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. The pattern of differences was not entirely consistent with previous research, however, suggesting that the neuropsychological correlates of learning disabilities may be influenced by the specific pathophysiology associated with TS. Thus, previous research on the neuropsychology of learning disability subtypes might not be generalizable to children with discrete neuropsychiatric disorders such as TS. (JINS, 1996, 2, 375–382.)
The Construction of Excellent Course Website in University Based on Wordpress

In order to strengthen the communication between students and teachers and improve the teaching effect.In this paper, a kind of excellent course website based on Wordpress was designed.Set up different levels user system by station group, by which the communications between each network module realized. Teacher can build their own page as substation administer.In this paper the key steps of the construction were descripting in detail. Experiments show: it is a reliable and effective website construction scheme with simple extention and maintenance.
Tools for Creating Accessible, Tiered, and Multilingual Web-Based Curricula.

Although inclusion has provided access to the general education classroom for students with disabilities, there are significant questions about whether these students have gained full access to the curriculum. To design curricula for diverse learners, designers must have a clear picture of the obstacles and barriers that some students encounter. This article describes a design process that was used to create a web-based tool that allows teachers to created tiered web-based curricula for their classroom without any programming knowledge. The goal is to allow educators to quickly and easily develop digital instructional materials that are simultaneously accessible, flexible, and engaging for diverse learners such that supports are embedded into the curriculum for all students to use as needed. This article describes the steps, and missteps, along an instructional design journey.
Analysis and modeling of a DC hybrid power system testbed for power management strategy development

This paper presents the analysis and modeling results of a DC hybrid power system testbed. Hybrid power systems combine multiple complementary power generation and energy storage technologies to achieve a level of system performance that is not possible for those involving a single technology. Complicated dynamic interactions of the hybrid power system elements, coupled with stringent safety, power quality and efficiency requirements, impose challenging coordinating control and dynamic optimization problems. To facilitate optimization and power management strategy development for system level design, an experimental testbed was developed at the University of Michigan by the authors. A large signal dynamic model of the DC hybrid power system testbed is developed and validated by experimental results. This model will enable a model based design approach for control development and system integration.
Hot and cold clusters: Photodissociation of Sr+(CH3OD)n through vibrationally excited intermediates

This study presents photodissociation branching ratio data for clusters formed by solvation of Sr + with CH3OD molecules. The primary photoproducts in clusters with one to four solvent molecules are evaporative ligand loss, C-O bond cleavage to form SrOD + , and O-D bond cleavage, forming SrOCH3 + . Careful analysis of the mass spectra of products and unphotolyzed parent ions as a function of laser fluence shows that clusters that lose a single solvent molecule may absorb additional photons, undergoing subsequent solvent evaporation and chemical reaction. Cluster ions formed by loss of one or more solvent molecules are vibrationally excited, and their subsequent photolysis products reveal strong enhancement of reactive channels involving D-atom loss and C-O bond cleavage relative to cold clusters produced directly by supersonic expansion. In addition to determining branching ratios for the products of vibrationally excited clusters, the study reveals that these hot clusters also have dissociation spectra that are strongly red-shifted relative to their cold counterparts.
Are deception and complexity conjugate variables in genetic learning

This work provides an analytic starting point to the question: How deceptive is a randomly selected problem? It is shown that the bounding complexity of a large trap function is inversely proportional to the probability of a genetic algorithm encountering a fully deceptive instance, independent of problem size for gene length greater than 10/sup 4/. This result brings up interesting insights about the relationship between deception and complexity. >
Whither medical botany

“I wish you had been with us last Tuesday down at the Peat Swamp, there are such splendid flowers down there …. We got the smallest and rarest variety of Ladies Slipper or Indian Moccasin plant … the most beautiful of all Canadian wild flowers.”[1][1] — “Willie” Osler, aged 17, after a
Gamma delta beta-thalassemia due to a de novo mutation deleting the 5' beta-globin gene activation-region hypersensitive sites.

Abstract gamma delta beta-Thalassemia is a rare disorder of hemoglobin biosynthesis, characterized molecularly by partial or complete deletions of the beta-globin gene complex of 100 kilobases (kb) or greater. Common to all mutants described has been the deletion of the most-5' sequences of the beta-globin complex. We have used the techniques of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction to study a patient with a clinical gamma delta beta-thalassemia phenotype. This subject developed a de novo deletion on a maternally inherited beta-globin gene chromosome involving approximately 30 kb of sequences 5' to the epsilon gene; the deletion extends from -9.5 kb to -39 kb 5' of epsilon and includes three of the four DNase I hypersensitive sites (at -10.9 kb, -14.7 kb, and -18 kb 5' of epsilon). The remaining sequences of the beta-globin complex, including the DNase I hypersensitive sites at -6.1 kb and all structural genes in cis to the deletion are physically intact, but presumably nonfunctional, as evidenced by the presence of a beta S-globin gene that is not expressed as a sickle hemoglobin. Deletion of DNase I hypersensitive sites on a previously functional beta-globin gene complex confirms the significance of these sites in regulating globin gene expression.
Genetic variation in a desert aquatic snail (Nymphophilus minckleyi) from Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, Mexico

Nymphophilus minckleyi is a hydrobiid snail endemic to the freshwater spring ecosystem of Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico. We used seven allozyme loci to examine the genetic substructure of N. minckleyi from 14 sites (subpopulations) in the basin and to test the hypothesis that spring pools in Cuatro Cienegas are separated into seven hydrologically distinct drainages. Hierarchical F-statistics suggest significant population structure exists among the fourteen populations but not among the seven proposed drainages. Cluster analysis of Nei’s genetic distance did not show populations grouping according to drainages, although it did reveal alternative clusters. We found two distinct morphotypes that were supported as genetically distinct groups by the allozyme data. Genetic studies of vagile species in desert spring ecosystems can be used to reveal hydrologic connections and identify genetically unique sub-populations.
On quaternary MacDonald codes

This paper studies two families of codes over Z/sub 4/, MacDonald codes of type /spl alpha/ and type /spl beta/. The torsion code, weight distribution, and Gray image properties are studied. Some interesting optimal binary codes are also obtained. Two nonlinear families of binary codes are obtained via the Gray map.
A new finite element model for reduced order electromagnetic modeling

This paper introduces a new formulation suitable for direct model order reduction of finite element approximations of electromagnetic systems using Krylov subspace methods. The proposed formulation utilizes a finite element model of Maxwell's curl equations to generate a state-space representation of the electromagnetic system most suitable for the implementation of model order reduction techniques based on Krylov subspaces. It is shown that, with a proper selection of the finite element interpolation functions for the fields, the proposed formulation is equivalent to the commonly used approximation of the vector wave equation with tangentially continuous vector finite elements. This equivalence is exploited to improve the computational efficiency of the model order reduction process.
Island arc tholeiite to boninitic melt evolution of the Cretaceous Kizildag (Turkey) ophiolite: Model for multi-stage early arc-forearc magmatism in Tethyan subduction factories

article i nfo The Kizildag ophiolite in Turkey is a remnant of the late Cretaceous suprasubduction zone (SSZ) oceanic lithosphere that was developed in Southern Tethys, and is part of a peri-Arabian ophiolite belt including the Troodos (Cyprus), Baer-Bassit (Syria) and Semail (Oman) ophiolites in the eastern Mediterranean region. The internal structure, petrology and geochemistry of the Kizildag intrusive and extrusive rocks show a magmatic progression from island arc tholeiite (IAT) to boninitic compositions. Similar structural architecture and geochemical trends in the coeval Troodos and Baer-Bassit ophiolites suggest that this multi-stage SSZ magmatism was common in most Tethyan ophiolites. The sheeted dikes and the majority of extrusive rocks in Kizildag are composed of basalt, basaltic andesite and andesite with relatively low La/SmN (0.5-0.7), low MgO (7-9 wt.%) and high TiO2 (0.7-1.0 wt.%) and exhibit high Dy/YbN ratios. These IAT suites also include rare, younger dacitic dikes showing strong enrichment in the LREE. The late-stage basaltic dikes and lavas (sakalavites) have high La/SmN (0.8-1.0), high MgO (9-11 wt.%) and low-TiO2 (0.3-0.4 wt.%) contents and display strong depletion in both LREE and HREE. This suite of rocks represents the boninitic component of the Kizildag ophiolite that developed from shallow and greater degrees of melting of hydrous and highly refractory peridotites beneath the extended forearc environment. The progressive evolution of Kizildag magmas from IAT to boninitic compositions in time and space was a result of variable mixing, aggregation, and differentiation of geochemically different melt batches, which formed in different levels (polybaric) within the melting column. Rapid slab rollback-induced corner flow, mantle return flow, and asthenospheric diapirism (providing more fertile melt) directly affected the evolution of this melting column and may have triggered advanced degrees of shallow melting of the hydrous and highly depleted forearc mantle, producing refractory liquids of the boninitic stage. These geochemical patterns of the Kizildag ophiolite reflect a multi- stage evolution of SSZ magmatism in Tethyan subduction factories that is analogous to the earlier arc volcanism in the Eocene-Oligocene Izu-Bonin-Mariana system.
Preoperative dispositional optimism correlates with a reduced incidence of postoperative delirium and recovery of postoperative cognitive function in cardiac surgical patients.

Objective To determine if preoperative psychosocial factors including dispositional optimism, perceived social support, and perceived stress correlate with the recovery of postoperative cognition. Design Observational study. Setting Veterans Affairs medical center. Participants Cardiac surgical patients. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Age- and education-balanced patients (≥55 years of age) undergoing cardiac surgery (n = 40) and nonsurgical controls (n = 40) were recruited. A psychosocial evaluation for dispositional optimism, perceived social support, perceived stress, and depression was performed before surgery using standardized questionnaires. Delirium was assessed with the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist before and for 5 consecutive days after surgery. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed before and 1 week after cardiac surgery or at 1-week intervals in nonsurgical controls. Preoperative perceived stress significantly ( p p p p p p R 2 = 35%) predicted postoperative cognitive function. Conclusions Preoperative dispositional optimism, but not perceived social support, perceived stress, and depression positively correlated with a reduced incidence of postoperative delirium within 5 days and recovery of cognitive performance 1 week after cardiac surgery.
Long-term isolation of a highly mobile seabird on the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their high degree of endemism. Marine taxa inhabiting the archipelago might be expected to be an exception, because of their utilization of pelagic habitats—the dispersal barrier for terrestrial taxa—as foraging grounds. Magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) have a highly vagile lifestyle and wide geographical distribution around the South and Central American coasts. Given the potentially high levels of gene flow among populations, the species provides a good test of the effectiveness of the Galapagos ecosystem in isolating populations of highly dispersive marine species. We studied patterns of genetic (mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and nuclear introns) and morphological variation across the distribution of magnificent frigatebirds. Concordant with predictions from life-history traits, we found signatures of extensive gene flow over most of the range, even across the Isthmus of Panama, which is a major barrier to gene flow in other tropical seabirds. In contrast, individuals from the Galapagos were strongly differentiated from all conspecifics, and have probably been isolated for several hundred thousand years. Our finding is a powerful testimony to the evolutionary uniqueness of the taxa inhabiting the Galapagos archipelago and its associated marine ecosystems.
Authentication of Ginkgo biloba herbal dietary supplements using DNA barcoding

Ginkgo biloba L. (known as ginkgo or maidenhair tree) is a phylogenetically isolated, charismatic, gymnosperm tree. Herbal dietary supplements, prepared from G. biloba leaves, are consumed to boost...
Thermal physiology of pregnant and lactating female and male long-eared bats, Nyctophilus geoffroyi and N. gouldi

During roosting in summer, reproductive female bats appear to use torpor less frequently and at higher body temperatures (Tb) than male bats, ostensibly to maximise offspring growth. To test whether field observations result from differences in thermal physiology or behavioural thermoregulation during roosting, we measured the thermoregulatory response and energetics of captive pregnant and lactating female and male long-eared bats (Nyctophilus geoffroyi 8.9 g and N. gouldi 11.5 g) during overnight exposure to a constant ambient temperature (Ta) of 15 degrees C. Bats were captured 1-1.5 h after sunset and measurements began at 21:22+/-0:36 h. All N. geoffroyi entered torpor commencing at 23:47+/-01:01 h. For N. gouldi, 10/10 males, 9/10 pregnant females and 7/8 lactating females entered torpor commencing at 01:10+/-01:40 h. The minimum Tb of torpid bats was 15.6+/-1.1 degrees C and torpid metabolic rate (TMR) was reduced to 0.05+/-0.02 ml O2 g(-1) h(-1). Sex or reproductive condition of either species did not affect the timing of entry into torpor (F=1.5, df=2, 19, P=0.24), minimum TMR (F=0.21, df=4, 40, P=0.93) or minimum Tb (F=0.76, df=5, 41, P=0.58). Moreover, sex or reproductive condition did not affect the allometric relationship between minimum resting metabolic rate and body mass (F=1.1, df=4, 37, P=0.37). Our study shows that under identical thermal conditions, thermal physiology of pregnant and lactating female and male bats are indistinguishable. This suggests that the observed reluctance by reproductive females to enter torpor in the field is predominantly because of ecological rather than physiological differences, which reflect the fact that females roost gregariously whereas male bats typically roost solitarily.
Focus: Hypertension in the Aged Population

The treatment of the elderly hypertensive patients has reduced the incidence of strokes, cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular morbidity. Regrettably, few hypertensive patients over 80 years of age are being treated, and those who are, are not being treated effectively. Hypertension, at any age, should be treated with a goal of BP <140/90 mmHg, as set by the Joint National Committee on Hypertension. This message should be spread throughout the medical community.