cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary pulmonary artery sarcoma versus pulmonary thromboembolism: a multimodal imaging comparison

Primary pulmonary artery sarcoma (PPAS) is a rare malignancy that is commonly mistaken for pulmonary embolism due to similarities in clinical presentation and radiographic findings. Distinct radiographic findings to help differentiate between the two diseases are highlighted in the case presented. (1) Several nuances in various imaging modalities have been identified to help distinguish pulmonary artery sarcoma from pulmonary thromboembolic disease. (2) The wall eclipsing sign is considered pathognomonic for pulmonary artery sarcoma. (3) Positron emission tomography/computed tomography may help reduce time between diagnosis and treatment, which may ultimately prolong survival. (4) Providers should be well versed on the subtle differences on imaging to prevent future delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Curriculum-Based Measurement for Written Expression with Postsecondary Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to replicate, and extend, previous research using curriculum-based measurement for written expression (CBM-WE) with 22 postsecondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from a large Midwestern university. Students were administered three CBM-WE passages and the Woodcock- Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement: Third Edition (WJIII) Broad Written Language cluster. CBM-WE passages were scored using a variety of metrics, some previously unexamined with this population. Results suggest the relation between previously examined metrics and the WJIII may be stronger than initially found. Metrics not previously examined demonstrated similar promise as when used with non-elementary age students.
Verification, Testing and Statistics

Though formal verification has been the holy grail of software validation, practical applications of verification run into two major challenges. The first challenge is in writing detailed specifications, and the second challenge is in scaling verification algorithms to large software. In this short paper, we present possible approaches for these problems. We propose using statistical techniques to raise the level of abstraction, and automate the tedium in writing detailed specifications. We propose combining testing with verification to help scalability.
Research Issues in Biometrics

Accurately determining the identity of a person is becoming critical to our increasingly interconnected information society. As increasing number of biometric-based identification systems are being deployed for many civilian and forensic applications, biometry and applications of biometric-based identification have evoked considerable interest. In this paper, we attempt to describe the key research issues involved in the design of a biometric system.
D-alanine carboxypeptidase from Bacillus subtilis membranes. I. Purification and characterization.

Abstract The d-alanine carboxypeptidase was solubilized from the membranes of Bacillus subtilis with the nonionic detergent, Triton X-100, and purified to homogeneity. The purified protein bound irreversibly radioactivity from [14C]penicillin G. It contained a single polypeptide chain of molecular weight 50,000 and existed in solution as a protein-detergent aggregate of molecular weight about 350,000. The amino acid analysis did not indicate that the protein was unusually hydrophobic.
Spectrum-aware jammer suppression using evanescent-mode cavity filters

This work presents the first spectrum-aware closed-loop tunable jammer suppression system, utilizing evanescent-mode cavity filters. The presented system automatically sweeps a bandstop filter (BSF) across its tuning range and detects the location of the jammer in the spectrum by reading the output power of the filter. Once the frequency of the jammer is detected, the BSF is automatically tuned to suppress it. The system operates in real-time as it does not require a special hardware to directly sense the filter's resonators. The system is implemented and tested under different frequency conditions. The tuning range is 1.8–2.16 GHz, and it can suppress jammers 20 MHz away from the signal by 41–45 dB using a three-pole BSF. This suppression is sufficient to bring the symbol recovery rate up to at least 99.9%, from less than 17% when no jammer suppression is employed. Error vector magnitudes are also experimentally studied for the 16 QAM modulation scheme that is used in the measurements.
Can clocks really run backwards

In an apparently unexplored region of relativistic spacetime, a simple thought experiment demonstrates that conjoined Lorentz transformations predict a proper clock at rest will run backwards and that prediction violates the logical principle of causality. Shown first in a modification of the standard clock paradox thought experiment, this fault carries over to finite accelerations of the moving observer. After re-examination of the standard clock paradox, a logical fault was also found in the concept of spacetime. A two-dimensional treatment of the Earth orbit predicts that our astronomers should measure proper time on distant variable objects in our own Galaxy as impossibly running backwards on approach-then-recede trajectories. The excellent record of relativity aside, we still have much new physics to learn about our spatially three-dimensional universe. It is suggested that space is not a freely stretching medium but is something that is substantive and is being produced.
Supramolecular Approaches for Inhibition of Protein–Protein and Protein–DNA Interactions

The disruption of protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions is increasingly being realized as important avenues for therapeutic intervention. Unlike the successes observed in the more mature field of small molecule derived active site antagonists, however, the sequestration of the sizeable, solvent exposed, and largely featureless protein surfaces remains a significant challenge. This chapter will provide a detailed account of the types of novel inhibitors being developed that address this challenge, with special emphasis given to supramolecular approaches. Indeed, while still in its infancy, the field of aqueous supramolecular chemistry has made great strides in the development of both covalent and self-assembled multivalent scaffolds for use in protein surface binding. While the former can provide rigid covalent scaffolds tailored for multivalent binding, the latter has the added benefit of being dynamic and thereby can rapidly lead to protein binders that allow for template-driven elucidation, are stimuli-responsive, and able to project heteromeric recognition elements. Taken together, these properties give supramolecular inhibitors the potential for exciting future applications in the disruption of protein interactions. Keywords: supramolecular; protein–protein interaction; self-assembly; proteomimetics; peptidomimetics; multivalency
Levels of Ribonucleotide Reductase Activity during the Division Cycle of the L Cell

Abstract The levels of ribonucleotide reductase activity (measured as the conversion of 3H-cytosine monophosphate to 3H-dCMP) in cell-free extracts of partially synchronized cultures of L cells were measured as the cells moved through the division cycle. A strict parallelism was found between the measured enzyme levels and the fractions of the population that were forming DNA. This relationship between enzyme level and ability to replicate DNA indicated that the reductase activity fell rapidly when cells emerged from the DNA synthetic period, suggesting a lability of the enzyme in vivo. The lability in vivo was confirmed by measuring enzyme levels in cultures where further protein synthesis had been blocked with cycloheximide. Under these conditions, an apparent half-life of less than 2 hours was observed for ribonucleotide reductase in the L cell.
Ethics with Character: Virtues and the Ethical Social Worker

This article explores the relevance to social work of those aspects of applied ethics that are not primarily about identifying and resolving dilemmas. It examines the potential of the ethical tradition rooted in the virtues and character of the practitioner-from Aristotle and Hippocrates to contemporary virtue-based ethics in medicine-to guide and enrich our understanding of the social work profession and the dispositions or qualities of character its practice requires and develops.
Outreach as Scholarly Expression A Faculty Perspective

The outreach and engagement movement of the 1990s has had a demonstrable impact on American higher education. Today, outreach is recognized as a legitimate form of scholarship on many campuses, and numerous colleges and universities are taking actions as “engaged institutions.” In large measure, this progress is testimony to the vision, courage, and tenacity of executive-level academic leaders, including presidents, provosts, and deans. Faculty members play vital roles, too. One of those roles is to deepen our understanding of the work itself—the never-ending quest to comprehend outreach more completely and deeply. The purpose of this essay is to stimulate national dialogue about this domain, which we call outreach as scholarly expression. In this essay we exploreseveral complexities associated with understanding outreach as scholarly expression; interpret contemporary perspectives on scholarship with outreach in mind; and discuss three areas we believe are fundamental to advancing outreach as scholarly expression.
Enhanced Sequitur for finding structure in data

Summary form only given. The enhancements made to Sequitur for two more specific kinds of input are described, namely DNA strings and digitized music. Because of the natural orientation of the double helix DNA structure, DNA sequences bond to their reverse complements. Sequitur is enhanced to recognize reverse complements. These enhancements improved Sequitur's ability to compress and discover structure in DNA sequences. Several tables are given, which show a typical result for one human DNA sequence that is known to have some repetitive elements. Sequitur is enhanced to recognize three musical transformations: inversions, reversals, and transpositions.
A new approach to eliminating variable structure control chattering with application to flight vehicles

Because of its effectiveness in dealing with modeling uncertainties, variable structure control (VSC) has been widely used for robust control design. However, current VSC design method leads to chattering due to the discontinuous control action involved. How to eliminate the undesirable chattering in VSC has been an interesting yet challenging topic of research. Most existing methods for chattering elimination are achieved at the price of control precision. In this paper, a new approach is introduced to remove chattering without sacrificing control precise. The idea behind the proposed approach is extremely simple: instead of designing the control input directly, the control (compensating) rate is designed. Once the rate of the compensating unit is determined, the control input is readily obtained via integration. It is shown that such a treatment leads to bounded and smooth control action while at the same time maintains asymptotical system stability. Simulations on heading speed control of flight vehicle verify the effectiveness of the method.
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCES OF LITERATURE APPROACHES ON CHILDREN'S STANCE WHEN RESPONDING AND THEIR RESPONSE COMPLEXITY

ABSTRACT This study explored the influence of diverse approaches on students' stance in writing literary responses and the complexity of their responses. The 137 third‐grade participants were randomly assigned to one of five approaches which differed in the degree to which the students’ controlled: a) the focus of the literary discussions and b) the stance of their response to literature. For each of five picture books, students listened to and discussed the books in whole class and small group discussions, and then completed written responses. Two weeks later in their regular classroom, students completed an additional free response to a picture book read by their teacher. The literary approach experienced significantly affected whether students wrote from an aesthetic or a literary analysis stance in their immediate and subsequent responses, and influenced the complexity of their aesthetic responses.
Child Health Insurance Coverage and Household Activity Toward Child Development in Four South American Countries

We evaluate the association between child health insurance coverage and household activities that enhance child development. We use micro-level data on a unique sample of 2,370 children from four South American countries. Data were collected by physicians via in-person interviews with the mothers. The regression models compare insured and uninsured children seen within the same pediatric care practice for routine well-child care and adjust for several demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We also stratify these analyses by selective household demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and by country. We find that insurance coverage is associated with increasingly engaging the child in development-enhancing household activity in the total sample. This association significantly varies with ethnic ancestry and is more pronounced for children of Native or African ancestry. When stratifying by country, a significant positive association is observed for Argentina, with two other countries having positive but insignificant associations. The results suggest that insurance coverage is associated with enhanced household activity toward child development. However, other data and research are needed to estimate the causal relationship.
Identification of the Major Autophosphorylation Sites of Nyk/Mer, an NCAM-related Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

Nyk/Mer receptor tyrosine kinase is a new member of the Ufo/Axl tyrosine kinase family and is characterized by its neural cell adhesion molecule-like extracellular domain. By using a vaccinia virus expression system to express a constitutively activated form of Nyk, we identified the major sites of Nyk autophosphorylation in tryptic peptide IY749SGDY753Y754R. Tyr-749, Tyr-753, and Tyr-754 in this peptide lie in the activation loop of the kinase domain. We also studied a series of Nyk mutants in which the three tyrosine residues were replaced individually, in pairs, or all together by phenylalanine. Single mutations of Tyr-749 or Tyr-753 to phenylalanine reduced Nyk kinase activity toward exogenous substrate to 39 or 10% of that of the wild type Nyk, respectively, whereas the Tyr-754 mutant is completely inactive. All of the double and triple Tyr-Phe mutants reduced Nyk kinase activity to a level below the background. Similar results were obtained when Nyk autophosphorylation levels were examined. Our studies suggest that full activity of Nyk/Mer kinase requires phosphorylation of all three tyrosine residues in the kinase domain (Tyr-749, Tyr-753, and Tyr-754) and that Nyk kinase activity is modulated by the level of autophosphorylation in the kinase domain. Given the highly conserved nature of this region among the Ufo/Axl receptor family members, the information presented in this report may provide insight to the biochemical properties of other members of this family.
Optical properties of aerosols at Grand Canyon National Park

Abstract Visibility in the United States is expected to improve over the next few decades because of reduced emissions, especially sulfur dioxide. In the eastern United States, sulfates make up about 60–70% of aerosol extinction, while in the inner mountain west that fraction is only about 30%. In the inner mountain west, carbon aerosols make up about 35% of extinction, while coarse mass contributes between 15 and 25% depending on how absorption is estimated. Although sulfur dioxide emissions are projected to decrease, carbon emissions due to prescribed fire activity will increase by factors of 5–10, and while optical properties of sulfates have been extensively studied, similar properties of carbon and coarse particles are less well understood. The inability to conclusively apportion about 50% of the extinction budget motivated a study to examine aerosol physio-chemical–optical properties at Grand Canyon, Arizona during the months of July and August. Coarse particle mass has usually been assumed to consist primarily of wind-blown dust, with a mass-scattering efficiency between about 0.4 and 0.6 m2 g−1. Although there were episodes where crustal material made up most of the coarse mass, on the average, organics and crustal material mass were about equal. Furthermore, about one-half of the sampling periods had coarse-mass-scattering efficiencies greater than 0.6 m2 g−1 and at times coarse-mass-scattering efficiencies were near 1.0 m2 g−1. It was shown that absorption by coarse- and fine-particle absorption were about equal and that both fine organic and sulfate mass-scattering efficiencies were substantially less than the nominal values of 4.0 and 3.0 m2 g−1 that have typically been used.
Speech intelligibility differences of male and female vocal signals transmitted through bone conduction in background noise: Implications for voice communication headset design

Abstract Tactical organizations require verbal communication that is clear and intelligible. When designing new devices, communication equipment developers must not only consider the electrical components of the devices but also various parameters of both the listening environment and signals being transmitted. Bone conduction communication devices have recently been introduced into several tactical organizations; however, the effectiveness of these devices has not been comprehensively explored. This paper describes a study investigating the impact of voice type (male and female), location (condyle and mastoid), and background noise level (0, 83, 93, and 103 dB(A)) on the intelligibility of bone-conducted verbal communication. Results of the study indicated the male voice tested outperformed the female voice within each noise level except for the 0 dB(A) noise level. At the 0 dB(A) noise level, the female voice outperformed the male voice. There were no performance differences found between locations at the 0 or 83 dB(A) noise levels; however, at the 93 and 103 dB(A) noise levels the condyle outperformed the mastoid. Relevance to industry Various agencies are currently utilizing bone conduction communication devices in tactical missions. Due to the critical nature of these missions, it is important to determine conditions in which bone conduction communication devices are most (and least) effective in order to enhance present and future designs.
An enantiopure bicyclic pentasubstituted piperidine

A single addition product has been confirmed in the radical cyclization of a 1,6-diene by a sulfonyl radical. The product, (3R,4S,5R,6R)-5-[(1R)-1-chloro­(phenyl­methyl)]-3-[(4-methyl­phenyl)­sulfonyl]-4-phenyl-1-aza-8-oxabi­cyclo­[4.3.0]­nonan-9-one, C27H26ClNO4S, results in a highly substituted piperidine.
Exploring bilingual, task-oriented, document-centric chat

We study a new type of workplace communication made possible by the recent advent of real-time bilingual chat tools. Because of the imperfect accuracy of real-time text translation services, this type of communication imposes extreme difficulties on user collaboration and task performance. The problems are compounded by the narrow task awareness and communication bandwidth afforded by standard chat. We report an exploratory study of users attempting to arrive at a joint understanding of a document using a bilingual chat tool. We observed many problems concerning the establishment of common ground and task coordination. We derive design implications for an improved chat tool that better supports the sharing of mental state and task coordination in this communication environment.
A note on a new class of solutions to dynamic programming problems arising in economic growth

Abstract We provide exact solutions for a class of stochastic dynamic programming problems in growth theory involving pairs of constant relative risk aversion utility functions and CES technologies. This generalizes the solutions for the well-known case of logarithmic utility coupled with Cobb-Douglas production functions. We are also able to incorporate depreciation schemes through a vintage capital approach.
Calcium‐trace metal interactions in soybean plants

Abstract Hawkeye soybeans (Glyclne max L.) were grown for 13 days in nutrient solutions in a glasshouse with differential Ca and trace metal concentrations. Yields were little affected by low Ca levels without excesses of trace metals but yield depressions for excesses of Ni, Cd, Al, Ma, and Cu generally were greater at low Ca levels than at a high level. Ca, Mg and K levels in plants were all depressed by the trace metals. Some of the effects were expressed also in roots. The 10–3M level of Al resulted in virtually no Ca in roots and in diminished transport to shoots. The trace metal concentrations in leaves generally decreased with increasing Ca.
Management Style and Productivity in Two Cultures

Global competition has motivated an increasing number of United States firms to set up production facilities in Mexico. This study examines productivity and management style differences in a Mexican maquiladora operation and its U.S. parent plant Likert's System 4 Theory was used as the theoretical basis of comparison. As hypothesized, significant differences were found in the management systems while productivity at the two facilities was equal.
Exploring Granger causality between global average observed time series of carbon dioxide and temperature

Detection and attribution methodologies have been developed over the years to delineate anthropogenic from natural drivers of climate change and impacts. A majority of prior attribution studies, which have used climate model simulations and observations or reanalysis datasets, have found evidence for human-induced climate change. This papers tests the hypothesis that Granger causality can be extracted from the bivariate series of globally averaged land surface temperature (GT) observations and observed CO2 in the atmosphere using a reverse cumulative Granger causality test. This proposed extension of the classic Granger causality test is better suited to handle the multisource nature of the data and provides further statistical rigor. The results from this modified test show evidence for Granger causality from a proxy of total radiative forcing (RC), which in this case is a transformation of atmospheric CO2, to GT. Prior literature failed to extract these results via the standard Granger causality test. A forecasting test shows that a holdout set of GT can be better predicted with the addition of lagged RC as a predictor, lending further credibility to the Granger test results. However, since second-order-differenced RC is neither normally distributed nor variance stationary, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of our results.
The Power of Choice in the Construction of Recursive Trees

The power of choice is known to change the character of random structures and produce desirable optimization effects. We discuss generalizations of random recursive trees, grown under the choice to meet optimization criteria. Specifically, we discuss the random k-minimal (k-maximal) label recursive tree, where a set of k candidate parents, instead of one as in the usual recursive tree, is selected and the node with minimal (maximal) label among them is assigned as parent for the next node. These models are proposed as alternatives for D’Souza et al. (Eur Phys J B59:535–543, 2007) minimal and maximal depth models. The advantage of the label models is that they are tractable and at the same time provide approximations and bounds for the depth models. For the depth of nodes in label models we give the average behavior and exact distributions involving Stirling’s numbers and derive Gaussian limit laws.
Acoustic Interpretation of the Voice Range Profile (Phonetogram)

The voice range profile (VRP) is a display of vocal intensity range versus fundamental frequency (F0). Past measurements have shown that the intensity range is reduced at the extremes of the F0 ran...
Aversive Peer Experiences on Social Networking Sites: Development of the Social Networking-Peer Experiences Questionnaire (SN-PEQ)

Cyber victimization is an important research area; yet, little is known about aversive peer experiences on social networking sites (SNSs), which are used extensively by youth and host complex social exchanges. Across samples of adolescents (n=216) and young adults (n=214), we developed the Social Networking-Peer Experiences Questionnaire (SN-PEQ), and examined its psychometric properties, distinctiveness from traditional peer victimization, and associations with internalized distress. The SN-PEQ demonstrated strong factorial invariance and a single factor structure that was distinct from other forms of peer victimization. Negative SNS experiences were associated with youths' symptoms of social anxiety and depression, even when controlling for traditional peer victimization. Findings highlight the importance of examining the effects of aversive peer experiences that occur via social media.
Primers on molecular pathways: Nuclear receptors in pancreatic cancer - The ligand-independent way

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression. These receptors share a quite similar structure and mechanism of action. Upon ligand binding, NRs translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and bind to specific DNA sequences that regulate expression of different genes. In the absence of ligand the cascade of signaling events is different and either activation or repression may occur. Interestingly, several NRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (PanCa). Specifically, androgen and estrogen receptor-related pathways are active in patients with pancreatic tumors, thus representing a suitable target for PanCa treatment. Although anti-hormone treatment has a modest effect on PanCa, ligand-independent activation of NRs remains overall unexplored in this disease.
A ship off-loading problem

Sea Port operations consist of the off-loading of ships and transfer of cargo away from the pier so that other ships may be efficiently processed. The major system components of such an operation are the ship, the pier area, intransit storage approximately 2 miles from the pier area, and an inland storage depot at a distance of 56 miles from the sea port. Transportation for the cargo is provided by 2 hooks on board ship, 4 forklifts (12,000 lb.) at the pier, 10 5-ton trucks and 2 additional forklifts available at both the intransit storage area and the inland depot. The cargo on board ship is of three categories: containerized in 20' x 8' x 8' boxes, palletized on 7' x 8' pallets, and bulk cargo.
On the dynamic structure factor for the electron gas

In this paper the well-known electron gas model is expressed as a path integral, and then its dynamic structure factor (DSF) is studied systematically. The study shows that qc defined in the random phase approximation (RPA) not only is the threshold for a bare plasmon, but also in general is the threshold for any number of renormalized plasmons. The paper focuses on the large momentum transfer case (q > qc). The conclusion that the self-energy correction appearing in the pertinent Green functions of the DSF vanishes has been reached. An explanation for the first peak in DSF observed in experiments, namely the strong correlation between the single-pair and multi-pair excitations involving only a few pairs, is suggested. An approximate, but nevertheless closed, formula for adding up a set of screened ladder diagrams, which describe the strongest correlation between the single pair and a few (two) pairs, is presented.
Pubic Symphyseal Age Estimation from Three-Dimensional Reconstructions of Pelvic CT Scans of Live Individuals

Skeletal age estimation using the pubic symphysis is a reliable and popular practice among forensic anthropologists. In instances in which accessing the skeleton is impossible, such as in the case of living individuals, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) scans can be created and analyzed for aspects of the biological profile. This study examined 3D reconstructions of pelvic CT scans of a sample of 44 live adults to estimate age using the Suchey-Brooks J Hum Evol 1990;5(3):227-38 method. Images were created using OsiriX software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland). Estimated age ranges based on the 3D-CT images captured the true age of the individual at the time of the CT scan 79.5% of the time with good intra-observer reliability. The features best visualized on the 3D images included the ossific nodule and the pubic symphyseal rim. This study shows that clinical CT scanning parameters are adequate for creating 3D images to be analyzed for age using the pubic symphysis.
Client Satisfaction with University Employee Assistance Programs

Abstract In 2002, the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) of six universities used a standardized form to assess EAP client satisfaction with the provided service. During 2003, eight universities collected responses using the same survey. Responses were received from about 30% of those surveyed. Over 93% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with positive statements about all aspects of the service they received. Respondents also reported their own perception of their work performance/productivity impairment and subsequent improvement. A method for calculating return on investment (ROI) is described. Using this method and the self-report data, the EAPs had a combined ROI of 3.5 to 1 in 2002 and 4.3 to 1 in 2003.
Role of Amines in Adhesion of Polybutadiene to Glass Substrates. II. Reactions of Amines with Triethylsilanol and/or Fumed Silica.

Abstract This paper is part of a larger investigation of the role of amines in the adhesion of polybutadiene to glass substrates. It describes near infrared, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of the interaction of amines with silanol groups usually under ambient conditions but sometimes when heated in air. Additional supporting evidence was obtained from gas liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. In order to assure a sufficiently high concentration of silanol groups, triethylsilanol and fused silica were used as models for the glass surface. The mechanism of interaction of aliphatic amines and of the aminosilane was different from that of aromatic amines. Most notably, reaction of aliphatic amines with carbon dioxide in the air and/or dissolved/adsorbed in/on the silanol occurred almost instantaneously, whereas the corresponding reaction of the aromatic amines with carbon dioxide was not observed under the experimental conditions used. The carbamates fo...
Use of salivary concentrations in the prediction of serum caffeine and theophylline concentrations in premature infants

Simultaneous blood and saliva samples were drawn for determination of caffeine and theophylline concentrations in 17 infants receiving caffeine or theophylline therapy for apnea of prematurity. The relationship between serum and saliva concentrations in each drug treatment group was explored using (1) regression analysis and (2) serum: saliva ratio. Significant correlations were observed between serum and salivary concentrations. Salivary concentrations approximated 76 to 80% of the serum concentrations based on the derived serum: saliva ratios. When salivary concentrations were less than 8 μg/ml, the serum concentrations did not exceed therapeutic range and no clinical toxicity was noted. Monitoring of salivary drug concentrations as an alternative to serum drug concentrations may be useful in preterm infants on methylxanthine therapy. When salivary concentrations exceed 8 μg/ml, serum concentrations should be determined.
Reimagining the food system, the economy, and urban life: new urban chicken-keepers in US cities

Since the mid-nineteenth century, poultry and livestock animals have increasingly been seen as out of place in, and excluded from, modern United States cities. Yet, since 2000, increasing numbers of urban residents have begun keeping chickens and other small livestock in backyards. Through an analysis of the re-emergence of this practice in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, we show that chicken-keepers are not raising chickens simply to save money or to pursue an eccentric hobby, but rather as an explicit effort to promote and enact alternative urban imaginaries. Such imaginaries make possible alternative practices, and in turn, the performance of everyday practices reshapes urban imaginaries. In interviews, participants critique the industrial food system, urban economies and social life, and “think differently” about human-animal relations and productive animals in cities. Through chicken-keeping practices, they establish sustainable backyard agro-ecosystems, build sociability, resist consumeri...
Human Methionine Synthase: cDNA CLONING, GENE LOCALIZATION, AND EXPRESSION *

Human cDNAs for methionine synthase (5-methyltetrahydrofolate:L-homocysteine S-transmethylase; EC 2.1.1. 13) have been isolated from fetal and adult liver and HepG2 libraries. The cDNAs span 7.2 kilobases (kb) and consist of a 394-base pair upstream untranslated region, a 3795-base pair open reading frame encoding a 1265-residue 140.3-kDa protein, and about 3 kb of 3' region. The deduced protein sequence shares 53 and 63% identity with the Escherichia coli and the presumptive Caenorhabditis elegans proteins, respectively, and contains all residues implicated in B12 binding to the E. coli protein. Several potential polymorphisms and a cryptic splice deletion were detected in the coding region of the cDNAs. A polymorphism that results in a D919G modification in the protein is fairly common in human DNA samples. Northern analyses of poly(A) mRNA indicated two major species of about 8 and 10 kb in human tissues and some minor, partially spliced species. mRNA levels were highest in the pancreas, skeletal muscle, and heart of the adult and in the kidney in the fetus and were low in adult liver. Genomic clones were isolated and the 5' region was analyzed. Exon 1 is preceded by a number of potential promoter sites, including an E box, CAAT boxes, and a GC box, but this region lacks a TATA element. The human methionine synthase gene was localized to chromosome region 1q42.3-43 by in situ hybridization.
Leishmania donovani: Evolution and architecture of the splenic cellular immune response related to control of infection

Infection with the protozoan Leishmania donovani in humans is usually subclinical. Parasites probably persist for the life of the host and the low-level infection is controlled by the cellular immune response. To better understand the mechanisms related to the control of infection, we studied the evolution and architecture of the splenic cellular immune response in a murine model that is most representative of human subclinical infection. Following systemic inoculation with L. donovani, the parasites were primarily localized to the macrophage-rich splenic red pulp. There was an initial increase in the numbers of T cells and dendritic cells in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath and marginal zone, but the red pulp (where parasitized macrophages were prominent) remained free of these cells until later in the course of infection. Thus, T cells did not colocalize with parasitized red pulp macrophages until later in the course of infection. Early in the course of infection, IL-10 production within the marginal zone and TGF-beta production by cells in the red pulp were prominent. These macrophage-inhibitory cytokines may contribute to the establishment of the infection and early parasite replication. By day 28 of infection, when the visceral parasite burden began to decline, the number of IL-10-producing spleen cells was back to the baseline level, but IFN-gamma production was higher and the number of IL-12-producing cells was increased dramatically. At this time T cells and dendritic cells had moved out of the lymphoid follicle and marginal zone into the red pulp where the parasites were located. These findings therefore suggest that control of infection is associated with IFN-gamma and IL-12 production and migration of T cells and dendritic cells to the site of chronic parasitism.
Excited state dipole moments of phenanthrene: Electric field modulation of the luminescence

Abstract The dipole moments of the lowest 3ππ* and 1ππ* excited states of phenanthrene have been determined by Stark modulation spectroscopy and are ≤0.12 D and 0.34 D respectively. The method is extremely sensitive and makes possible quantitative investigations of relatively small dipole moment changes of broad banded spectral systems.
A new algorithm for the generation of binary de Bruijn sequences

A binary de Bruijn sequence is a binary sequence of length 2 n for which all n-tuple sequences are distinct. One common combinatorial method of approach is to consider a shift register producting many short cycles, e.g., the pure cycling register. These cycles are then joined together to form a full cycle. The same practice is followed in this paper. We propose a new algorithm which joins all the pure cycles of the complementing circulating register (CCR) f(X 1 , X 2 , ..., X n )=X 1 to form a full cycle of 2 n . This algorithm uses about 4n bits of storage and 4n units of time to produce the next cycle bit from the last n bits
Familism, Sexual Abuse, and Domestic Violence Among Immigrant Mexican Women:

Immigrant Mexican women (IMW) experience domestic violence (DV) as adults, yet little is known about childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experiences and possible linkages between childhood and adult abuses. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using in-depth interviews and grounded theory to examine DV among nine IMW residing in a southwestern city. Experience of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the role of familism on reporting and disclosing were categories that emerged in the data. Findings indicated seven of the nine participants had experienced CSA. Social workers in practice can utilize findings toward a better understanding of how to serve IMW. Language: en
Maternal Fair/Poor Self-Rated Health and Adverse Infant Birth Outcomes

We conducted a cross-sectional, correlational analysis of the West Virginia Birth Score Program database examining the relationship between maternal self-rated health (SRH) and infant low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA). We found that, after controlling for covariates, mothers reporting fair/poor SRH were more likely to deliver an LBW infant (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.59), to deliver preterm (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.63), and to deliver an SGA infant (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.38). Given these results, further research is warranted to analyze maternal SRH during pregnancy, thereby exploring its potential predictive ability in regards to adverse birth outcomes.
Rapid effects of estrogen and progesterone on tone and spontaneous rhythmic contractions of the rabbit bladder

Previous studies indicate that bladder instability in man may be associated with increased spontaneous rhythmic contractile activity. Ca2+ influx plays a central role in smooth muscle contractions, and recent evidence suggests that steroid hormones rapidly affect Ca2+ influx. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that estrogen and progesterone modulates spontaneous rhythmic detrusor contractions. Tissues were secured to isometric force (F) transducers in tissue baths and length-adjusted until K+-depolarization produced maximum contractions (Fo). Spontaneous rhythmic contractions (SRC) were sampled before and immediately after addition of estradiol or progesterone (10−5 M) to tissue baths. The average frequency and amplitude of SRC were, respectively, 0.156 Hz and 0.053 F/Fo (n = 24). Estradiol caused an immediate reduction in SRC, such that by 10 min, tone, frequency and amplitude were each reduced by, respectively, 36%, 46% and 47% (n = 7, P < 0.05). However, progesterone caused an immediate weak contraction, and at steady state (10 min), progesterone increased frequency of SRC by 152% but decreased SRC amplitude by 50% (n = 10, P < 0.05). Novel therapies using unique steroids that do not interact with genomic receptors may potentially reduce bladder smooth muscle activity, thereby reducing detrusor instability.
Dementia Infantilis Heller

ummary A description of Heller's infantile dementia is given and the case of a girl seen at the age of five years and four months is presented. Her symptoms started earlier than usual, at the age of two and a half years. The differential diagnosis is discussed aii the difficulty of finding institutional care for surh patients is pointed out. Resume On decrit la demence infantile de Heller, puis on aborde le cas d'une petite fille de 5 ans et 4 mois. Ses symptomes commencerent plus tot que d'habitude, des l'âge de 2 ans et demie. On discute le diagnostic differentiel ainsi que la difficulte d'hospitaliser la patiente dans un etablissement approprie. Zusammenfassung Gegeben wird eine Beschreibung voii Hellers infantiler Demenz und der Fall einer Patientin inl Alter von 5 Jahren und 4 Monaten. Ihre Symptome begannen fruher als gewohnlich, namlich im Alter von 2 l/2 Jahren. Die Differentialdiagnose wird erortert. Die Schwierigkeit, eine Heimpflege fur derartige Patienten zu finden, wird dargelegt. Sumario Se da una descripcion de la demencia de Heller y se presenta el caso de una muchacha de 5 anos y 4 meses de edad. Los sintomas de esta muchacha empezaron mas pronto de lo natural, a los 2 1/2 anos. Se discute la diagnosis diferencial y se recalca la dificultad de disponer servicio facultativo para esta clase de enfermos.
Assimilation and Anticipation in Continuous Spoken Word Recognition

Abstract English coronal place assimilation is one of many productive phonological processes that change the phonological form of words. It may, for example, cause speakers to pronounce green as something approximating [grin] or [grim] in different contexts. The present work examines how listeners recognize words that have undergone this modification. Current accounts are broadly differentiated by two issues: (1) whether listeners generally recognize words that have undergone word-final, single-feature modification, and (2) how context effects in the perception of assimilated speech are interpreted. Experiment 1 employs form priming to demonstrate that listeners tolerate single-feature mismatch resulting from both phonologically plausible and phonologically implausible word form modification when recognizing words heard in context. Experiments 2 and 3 employ phoneme monitoring and negative rhyme priming paradigms, respectively, to demonstrate that listeners use assimilation to anticipate upcoming context. Evidence for anticipation is contrasted with claims that listeners use context to regressively infer the underlying form of place-assimilated segments.
CXCL10-induced cell death in neurons: Role of calcium dysregulation

Chemokines play a key role in the regulation of central nervous system disease. CXCL10 over-expression has been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and HIV-associated dementia. More recent studies by others and us have shown that CXCL10 elicits apoptosis in fetal neurons. The mechanism of CXCL10-mediated neurotoxicity, however, remains unclear. In this study, we provide evidence for the direct role of Ca 2+ dysregulation in CXCL10-mediated apoptosis. We demonstrate that treatment of fetal neuronal cultures with exogenous CXCL10 produced elevations in intracellular Ca 2+ and that this effect was modulated via the binding of CXCL10 to its cognate receptor, CXCR3. We further explored the association of intracellular Ca 2+ elevations with the caspases that are involved in CXC10-induced neuronal apoptosis. Our data showed that increased Ca 2+ , which is available for uptake by the mitochondria, is associated with membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release from this compartment. The released cytochrome c then activates the initiator active caspase-9. This initiator caspase sequentially activates the effector caspase-3, ultimately leading to apoptosis. This study identifies the temporal signaling cascade involved in CXCL10-mediated neuronal apoptosis and provides putative targets for pharmaceutical intervention of neurological disorders associated with CXCL10 up-regulation.
Multi-scale integration of Petri Net modeling and Software-in-the-loop simulation for novel approach to assessment of operational capabilities in the advanced transportation controllers

In order to extract additional benefits from a signal control system, traffic operation engineers need enhanced understanding, analytical representation, and verification of traffic signal controller capabilities. This paper proposes methodology for providing in-depth information based on integration of Petri Net modeling and Software-in-the-loop simulation (SILS). These two techniques are recognized as capable to coordinately model and assess control capabilities. The proposed methodology is tested on the market 2070 Advanced Transportation Controller firmware preemption features. Combined analysis from Petri Net discrete simulation and network topology along with testing and verification conducted using SILS is presented. Conclusive findings and possibilities for further research should introduce these techniques as tools for enhanced graphical logic representation, comprehension, and guided testing in the process of assessing unknown traffic signal controller capabilities.
Synthesis of tantalum fluoride complexes supported by bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinate ligands. X-ray structures of [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaF3 and [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaFPh2

Abstract The reaction of [PhC(NSiMe3)2]Li(TMEDA) with TaF5 yields complex 1, [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaF3, in 40% isolated yield. The solid-state structure of 1 shows a pentagonal, bipyramidal coordination geometry. Variable temperature 19F-NMR experiments reveal one singlet at an ambient temperature; decoalescence to two singlets (1:2 integration) is observed at −20°C. Complex 1 reacts with Me2Mg to produce [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaMe3 (2). The reaction of 1 with Ph2Mg yields [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaF2Ph (3) and [PhC(NSiMe3)2]2TaFPh2 (4). Characterization of 4 by X-ray crystallography shows a ligand arrangement similar to that of 1.
Designing Teaching and Assessment Methods for Diverse Student Populations

The American student population is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of race and culture. To address this pluralism, a study of learning style preferences was developed for purposes of designing more relevant teaching and assessment methods. Different theories of learning styles were incorporated into a survey that was administered to 483 students at four major universities. This survey compared learning style preferences according to ethnic and socio-economic categories. Although it initially focused on students in Art and Design, it was eventually expanded to other disciplines for more inclusive reliability. The statistical analyses of this study are presented with corresponding recommendations for more effective teaching and assessment practices.
Phosphorus: a looming crisis.

This article discusses the potential impact that the depletion of known phosphorus mining reserves on agriculture in the U.S. and around the world. The possibility that the recycling of phosphorous from human and animal waste, which plays a central role in concentrations of cyanobacterial blooms when disposed in water, can help to mitigate this shortage is considered. The technological and logistical challenges of recovering phosphorus from human and animal waste are assessed.