cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Task analysis ‐ its relation to content analysis 1

Abstract The origins, meaning, and elaborations of task analysis are discussed in relation to the design of instruction. Learning task analysis is described as having the purpose of identifying and classifying the performances that are the outcomes of learning, and also those subordinate performances that are prerequisite to such learning. As a technique, task analysis begins with the expected performance and works backwards to the stimulus situation (i.e., the “content"). This procedure contrasts with content analysis, which categorizes the components of existing content. It is argued that the procedures of task analysis can be employed, if desired, in analyzing existing content to reveal its probably intended outcomes. In addition, some problems are discussed in using task analysis to predetermine the characteristics of content for instructional design.
Effects of hepatic glycogen content on hepatic insulin action in humans: alteration in the relative contributions of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to endogenous glucose production.

Hepatic glycogen content varies by almost 2-fold during the day, generally increasing from a nadir before breakfast to a peak 4–5 h after supper. To determine whether differences in hepatic glycogen content of this magnitude alter hepatic insulin action, nine subjects were studied on two occasions. On one occasion saline was infused, whereas on the other occasion an infusion of glucose [16.4 μmol/kg lean body mass (-lbm)·min] was started immediately after supper and continued throughout the night so as to spare hepatic glycogen. The nocturnal glucose infusion resulted in higher (P < 0.05) plasma glucose (6.0 ± 0.1 vs. 5.1 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and insulin (127 ± 38 vs. 49 ± 9 pmol/L) concentrations, and lower (P < 0.05) plasma glucagon concentrations (74 ± 11 vs. 97 ± 20 pg/mL) than did saline infusion. As anticipated, endogenous glucose production (EGP) was substantially lower (P < 0.001) during the glucose than during the saline infusion (7.0 ± 0.9 vs. 19.4 ± 1.3 μmol/kg-lbm·min). After discontinuation of the g...
Fano interference of collective excitations in semiconductor quantum wells and lasing without inversion

Absorption cancellation via tunneling induced Fano interference in semiconductor quantum wells is studied in the presence of the Coulomb interaction between electrons. For a small subband dispersion, gain or loss is determined by single-electron Fano interference. For a large subband dispersion, collective excitations dominate the absorption spectrum and are crucial for the observability of tunneling induced transparency, which exists in spite of subband dispersion. Pumping destroys collective excitations; therefore gain without inversion is possible only for small subband dispersion.
Quantitative and histochemical studies on glycogenesis in the liver of rats infected with plasmodium berghei.

1. 1. Various hexoses and disaccharides, melezitose, and glycine led to the formation of liver glycogen in uninfected animals, but pentoses, d-glycero-d-guloheptose, and glutamic acid did not. Two other heptoses gave rise to only very small amounts. 2. 2. In all cases in which control animals showed a marked glycogen synthesis, the latter was less pronounced in infected animals. 3. 3. The relative glycogenic properties of carbohydrates given under comparable experimental conditions was in most cases similar in control and infected rats, only mannose and galactose, as well as the amino acid glycine, being relatively much less glycogenic. 4. 4. Fructose or glucose fed controls showed histochemically an even glycogen distribution in the liver, while in infected animals the polysaccharide was deposited almost exclusively in the cells adjacent to the portal vessels. 5. 5. The evaluation of the quantitative and histochemical observations lead to the conclusion that certain cells of infected livers can deposit and store maximum amounts of glycogen while others do not; whether formation, deposition, or both is disturbed in the latter could not be decided.
Hostility, dieting, and nutrition attitudes in overweight and weight-cycling men and women.

Objective Relationships were examined between hostility, weight status, weight cycling, dieting behaviors, and nutrition attitudes. Method Data were derived from the RENO Diet-Heart Study (RDHS), a 5-year prospective natural history (descriptive) study of weight fluctuations, behavior patterns, and cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors. Overweight versus normal-weight and weight-cycling versus non–weight-cycling men and women were compared on overt and covert hostility. Results Overweight subjects scored significantly higher than normal-weight individuals on covert but not overt hostility. Similarly, subjects with a history of weight fluctuation scored significantly higher on covert hostility than subjects without a history of weight cycling. Subjects who reported more hostility scored higher on measures of eating disinhibition, hunger, and dietary helplessness. Discussion The relationships among hostility, dieting behaviors, and nutrition attitudes could not be explained on the basis of general distress alone. The findings supported the hypothesis that the relationship between hostility and health is mediated by the association between hostility and health-related behaviors. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 26: 37–42, 1999.
Effect of 1-thiocarbamoyl-2-imidazolidinone on the generation of plaque forming cell responses

Although 1-thiocarbamoyl-2-imidazolidinone (TCI) is a highly potent modulator of cellular immunity, its effects on humoral immunity have not been investigated. Given orally to mice prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), low TCI doses (10−14 to 10−10 g/kg) suppressed primary plaque forming cell (PFC) responses of spleen cells by 50–75%. TCI effects in vivo were dependent on drug dose, antigen dose and time of drug administration relative to immunization. The kinetics of this response were not appreciably altered by TCI. Higher TCI doses, immunization with higher levels of SRBC than required to produce a maximal response or administration of TCI later than 48 hours after immunization resulted in drug effects ranging from slight suppression to mild enhancement of the primary PFC response. TCI given in vivo enhanced primary PFC responses to the T-independent antigen DNP-Ficoll by >700%. TCI given before a primary immunization suppressed a secondary PFC response to SRBC elicited 28 days later. However, when TCI was given 24 h prior to a secondary immunization, doses greater than 10−5 g/kg were necessary to suppress the PFC response. The effect of TCI on in vitro immunized spleen cell cultures was similar to that found for in vivo immunized mice. TCI at concentrations up to 10−1 g/I did not cause a loss of lymphocyte viability or inhibit plaque production by antibody producing cells. Effects of TCI on PFC responses in vitro were reversible if cells briefly exposed to an optimal concentration of drug were washed extensively prior to immunization. The presence of TCI in T cell cultures suppressed antigen-dependent development of helper and suppressor cell activities. We conclude that TCI can modulate humoral responses. The pattern of modulation is reversible and generally similar to that previously reported for cell mediated immune responses. The combined results are consistent with the hypothesis that TCI modulation is mediated by macrophages and/or T cell interactions that suppress the development of T helper and suppressor activities.
PROPOSAL FOR A PATHOGENESIS-BASED CLASSIFICATION OF TUMORAL CALCINOSIS

Background. Deposition of calcium in skin is currently categorized into a group of disorders referred to as calcinosis cutis. Divisions between types and subtypes within this confusing classification are predominantly based on morphologic differences in the calcification and serve to obscure pathogenesis. This is especially evident in a subtype of calcinosis cutis, known as tumoral calcinosis. Calcifications in cases of tumoral calcinosis share the following characteristics, but without evidence of a common pathogenesis: large size, juxtaarticular location, progressive enlargement over time, a tendency to recur after surgical removal, and an ability to encase adjacent normal structures. The goal of this study was to formulate a pathogenesis-based classification for cases of tumoral calcinosis. Methods. In a literature review 121 cases of tumoral calcinosis were identified. These cases, along with a case evaluated in our clinic, were reviewed retrospectively, and their features compared. Results. Analysis suggests three pathogenetically distinct subtypes of tumoral calcinosis: (1) Primary normophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis: patients have normal serum phosphate, normal serum calcium, and no evidence of disorders previously associated with soft tissue calcification; (2) primary hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis: patients have elevated serum phosphate, normal serum calcium, and no evidence of disorders previously associated with soft tissue calcification; and (3) secondary tumoral calcinosis: patients have a concurrent disease capable of causing soft tissue calcification. Justification for this classification is based on the presence or absence of disorders known to promote soft tissue calcification and statistically significant differences in family history, mean calcification number, mean serum phosphate level, and calcification recurrence after excision. Conclusions. A classification for tumoral calcinosis is devised that outlines potential pathogenetic mechanisms and predicts response to therapy and prognosis. Analysis of other forms of calcinosis cutis may reveal definable pathogenetic differences that suggest a coherent classification for all cutaneous calcinoses.
The active site dynamics of 4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA dehalogenase

A molecular dynamics study was performed to compare the differences in the active-site dynamics of the wild-type and W137F mutant enzymes of 4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA dehalogenase. Only in the wild-type simulation are conformations formed between the catalytic Asp-145 and 4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA, which resemble the ab initio calculated gas-phase transition-state geometry. In the W137F simulation, the hydrogen bond formed between His-90 and Asp-145 persisted throughout the simulation, causing the carboxylate of Asp-145 to be distant from the benzoyl ring of 4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA. In both simulations, water molecules were able to diffuse into the active site of the enzymes. The trajectories provide insight into the routes that water may use to get into position for the hydrolysis portion of the dehalogenation reaction. In both simulations, the water molecule entering the active site forms a hydrogen bond with Asp-145.
Immunoassays for pesticide monitoring

This study compares two formats of rapid assays for the detection of pesticides (bromacil and pyrethroid based metabolites): enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoassay with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence detection. NIR dye immunoassay (NIRDIA) measurements were carried out by using two different instruments, both having a silicon photodiode as the detector and a laser diode for excitation. ELISA and NIRDIA were performed in a tracer format, where the specific antibody is bound to the surface of a microtiter plate well and the tracer with enzyme or fluorescent dye label competes with the analyte for the antibody binding site. It was demonstrated that the NIRDIA is at least as sensitive as the ELISA. Both assays detect pesticides in the (mu) g/L (ppb) range. Hapten- macromolecule-NIR dye-conjugates have been synthesized with various biopolymers (e.g., proteins) as carriers. The use of carrier macromolecules enables convenient purification of the cyanine dye derivatives. The mild conjugation method of the dye is based on isothiocyanate chemistry.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ensemble Modeling of Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism with a Synthetic Glyoxylate Shunt

The liver plays a central role in maintaining whole body metabolic and energy homeostasis by consuming and producing glucose and fatty acids. Glucose and fatty acids compete for hepatic substrate oxidation with regulation ensuring glucose is oxidized preferentially. Increasing fatty acid oxidation is expected to decrease lipid storage in the liver and avoid lipid-induced insulin-resistance. To increase hepatic lipid oxidation in the presence of glucose, we previously engineered a synthetic glyoxylate shunt into human hepatocyte cultures and a mouse model and showed that this synthetic pathway increases free fatty acid β-oxidation and confers resistance to diet-induced obesity in the mouse model. Here we used ensemble modeling to decipher the effects of perturbations to the hepatic metabolic network on fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. Despite sampling of kinetic parameters using the most fundamental elementary reaction models, the models based on current metabolic regulation did not readily describe the phenotype generated by glyoxylate shunt expression. Although not conclusive, this initial negative result prompted us to probe unknown regulations, and malate was identified as inhibitor of hexokinase 2 expression either through direct or indirect actions. This regulation allows the explanation of observed phenotypes (increased fatty acid degradation and decreased glucose consumption). Moreover, the result is a function of pyruvate-carboxylase, mitochondrial pyruvate transporter, citrate transporter protein, and citrate synthase activities. Some subsets of these flux ratios predict increases in fatty acid and decreases in glucose uptake after glyoxylate expression, whereas others predict no change. Altogether, this work defines the possible biochemical space where the synthetic shunt will produce the desired phenotype and demonstrates the efficacy of ensemble modeling for synthetic pathway design.
Lower bounds on the number of maximal subgroups in a finite group

For a finite group G, let m(G) denote the set of maximal subgroups of G and π(G) denote the set of primes which divide |G|. When G is a cyclic group, an elementary calculation proves that |m(G)| = |π(G)|. In this paper, we prove lower bounds on |m(G)| when G is not cyclic. In general, \({|m(G)| \geq |\pi(G)|+p}\) , where \({p \in \pi(G)}\) is the smallest prime that divides |G|. If G has a noncyclic Sylow subgroup and \({q \in \pi(G)}\) is the smallest prime such that \({Q \in {\rm syl}_q(G)}\) is noncyclic, then \({|m(G)| \geq |\pi(G)|+q}\) . Both lower bounds are best possible.
A 64 MHz half-birdcage resonator for clinical imaging

Abstract A radiofrequency resonator whose normal modes correspond to those of a ladder network of finite length is described. When formed into a semicylindrical geometry, the lowest frequency mode of the resulting “half-birdcage” resonator yields a B 1 distribution which can be exploited for imaging.
Isolation and purification of the molting hormones from the American lobster (Homarus americanus).

Abstract 1. 1. A detailed procedure for the isolation of molting hormones from a lobster is described. 2. 2. Ecdysterone has been isolated from postmolt adult female lobsters. This molting hormone by itself, or in combination with other ecdysones, plays a major role in the molting process of the lobster. 3. 3. Lobsters and other members of their class differ in the physiology of their molting glands. This difference is not reflected in the molting hormone chemistry of the lobster, either in its structure or biosynthesis.
A Regional Job and Educational Opportunities Fair

This article describes a regional job and educational opportunity project initiated by the Jefferson Personnel and Guidance Association, a chapter of the Virginia branch.
Adjunctive handgrip during dobutamine stress echocardiography: Invasive assessment of myocardial oxygen consumption in humans

BACKGROUND Adjunctive isometric exercise in the form of sustained submaximal handgrip (HG) is considered to increase the sensitivity of dobutamine stress echo (DSE) for detection of functionally significant coronary artery disease. HYPOTHESIS The study was undertaken to quantify invasively the impact of HG in humans on hemodynamics and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) during DSE. METHODS An invasive hemodynamic evaluation was performed during DSE and with addition of adjunctive HG in 11 subjects. Coronary sinus (CS) blood flow, right-sided and systemic pressures, oxygen saturations, and transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography were obtained at each 3-min stage and after adding HG at peak DSE. Myocardial oxygen consumption was calculated by the Fick method and circumferential end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) by Mirsky's formula. RESULTS At peak DSE, heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, CS flow, and MVO2 increased, whereas pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and circumferential end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) decreased from baseline. Compared with peak DSE, the addition of isometric HG at peak DSE caused an increase in PCWP (7 +/- 3 vs. 8.4 +/- 3 mmHg, p < 0.05), ESWS (112 +/- 25 x 103 vs. 125 +/- 32 x 103 dyne x s x cm2, p = 0.02), and CS flow (260 +/- 92 vs. 301 +/- 105 ml/min, p < 0.05). There was a minimal increase in left ventricular volumes, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure. The MVO2 increased from 29 +/- 8 ml/min at peak DSE to 31 +/- 9 ml/min with adjunctive HG (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Handgrip adjunctive to peak DSE results in a modest increase in MVO2, primarily by an increase in end-systolic wall stress.
Behavioral encephalization in the bullhead embryo and its neuroanatomical correlates.

Three physiological phases can be recognized in the encephali-zation of motor control in the developing bullhead. These are in succession 1. the spinal phase, 2. the hindbrain phase and 3. the optic-midbrain phase. During the spinal phase motility is limited to lateral flexions of the trunk and tail by the contractions of the somitic muscle. The flexions become amplified as additional somites participate in this activity. There is no evidence of any encephalic control. Random undulatory swimming characterizes the hindbrain phase. It emerges with the maturation of the Mauthner cell and its labyrinthine afferents. In the optic-midbrain phase there is a superposition of a visual control on swimming, a control which comes on with the differentiation of the rods and cones of the eye and their projection by way of the optic tectum and the tecto-bulbar tracts to the Mauthner cells. The response in this phase is directed, a negative phototaxis for a major share of this phase. However, toward the end of this phase the photomechanical properties of the retina come into play providing an adaptive mechanism in which the response, negative or positive, is determined by the photomechanical state of the retina. Thus the retina, an exteroceptor, serves as an analyzer. The photic response in the advanced embryos can be predicted if the adaptive state of the photomechanical apparatus is known. It is suggested that the spinal and hindbrain activities result from endogenous neural activating mechanisms. Spontaneous firing in the labyrinth transmitted to the Mauthner cells may spark the random swimming characteristic of the hindbrain phase. This provides an activity base for the directed optic responses. The Mauthner cells thus receive input from both the labyrinth and the retina, a case of heterogenous summation. The random motor activities in the spinal and hindbrain phases do not appear to have survival value. The optic midbrain responses are reactions to an environmental situation and appear to have survival value or “purpose.”
Mechanisms regulating the cadmium-mediated suppression of Sp1 transcription factor activity in alveolar epithelial cells

This study demonstrates that in vitro exposure of adult rat alveolar epithelial cells to CdCl(2) decreases DNA binding activity of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), a zinc-finger transcription factor known to play a key role in eukaryotic gene expression, maintenance of homeostasis, cell cycle control, terminal differentiation, and apoptosis. Suppression of Sp1 function, as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), is dependent upon cadmium (Cd) dose and duration of exposure. A 45% decrease of Sp1 activity occurs as early as 30 min after Cd addition. By 2 h, Sp1 activity is reduced even further with no loss of cell viability, suggesting that Sp1 inactivation precedes cell death. If Cd is removed from cultures during these early periods of exposure, inhibition of Sp1 binding activity is reversed. Sp1 inactivation does not appear to be a generalized, non-selective response to Cd as other transcription factors are up-regulated under the same conditions. Phosphorylation is involved in Sp1 down-regulation, as evidenced by the finding that alkaline phosphatase treatment of nuclear extracts from cells exposed to Cd for 2 h helps restore Sp1 binding activity. A broad spectrum Protein Kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, substantially reduces the Cd-mediated effect on Sp1 suggesting that a member of the PKC family is required for Sp1 phosphorylation. More prolonged Cd exposure promotes Sp1 degradation with the appearance of cleavage products (40 and 50 kDa), as detected by Western blotting. Changes in the integrity of the Sp1 protein are accompanied by a corresponding decline in cell survival. Cd-induced cell death is substantially attenuated if cells are pretreated with antagonists of PKC activity which implies that a PKC isoform is also a participant in this process.
Brain injury as a result of violence: preliminary findings from the traumatic brain injury model systems

Abstract Objectives: To identify possible risk factors that may predispose individuals to violent traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine the effect of etiology of injury on outcomes. Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal multicenter study. Setting: TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) located at Wayne State University/Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Detroit, MI; The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX; Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA; and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA. Subjects: Individuals treated in the four TBIMS programs between 389 and 996 who met the criteria for inclusion in the TBIMS National Database and for whom the etiology was known ( n = 812). Main Outcome Measures: Functional Independence Measure, Alcohol Quantity Frequency Variability Index, Community Integration Questionnaire. Results: Individuals who incur violence-related TBI tend to be male, nonwhite, unmarried, living alone, less educated, and unemployed at time of injury. They tend to have less severe brain injuries and better motor function at the time of admission to inpatient rehabilitation. At 1 year postinjury, they score lower on community integration measures; however, no difference exists in functional status. Etiology of injury was found to only play a minor role in the prediction of social and productive integration at 1 year postinjury. Conclusions: Survivors of violent and nonviolent TBI have similar functional outcomes; however, they differ in preinjury and postinjury socio-economic characteristics, injury severity, and postinjury community integration. Socio-economic factors appear to play a large role in the risk for violent injury and in community integration following injury.
Inactivation of Klf5 by zinc finger nuclease downregulates expression of pluripotent genes and attenuates colony formation in embryonic stem cells

Recent studies suggest that Klf5 is required to maintain embryonic stem (ES) cells in an undifferentiated state. However, whether Klf5 can be inactivated by novel fusion technology of zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) has never before been examined. Therefore, we used ZFN technology to target the Klf5 gene in mouse ES cells, and examined the effects of the Klf5 gene on the expression of pluripotency-related genes, Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2 and on the self-renewal of ES cells. In Klf5–ZFN-transfected cells, expression of the Klf5 mRNA was downregulated by ~80 % compared to the control. Furthermore, expression of the Oct3/4 and Nanog mRNAs was significantly decreased in the Klf5–ZFN-targeted cells. RT-PCR analysis, however, showed no significant change in the level of Sox2 mRNA, but a decreased trend was evident in the Klf5–ZFN-targeted cells. Moreover, we observed the spontaneous differentiation of Klf5–ZFN-transfected cells and quantitative analysis revealed a significant decrease in colony formation in Klf5–ZFN-transfected cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that ZFN methodology is an effective approach to target the Klf5 gene and that Klf5 plays an important role in the maintenance of ES cell self-renewal.
Morphine dependence and enzyme activity in the hypothalamus.

Abstract Tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine were produced in rats by the implantation of morphine pellets. When both reached peak levels, the rats were sacrificed and malic dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were measured by sensitive microchemical methods in eight hypothalamic nuclei and in the cortex, cerebellum and liver. In the medial portion of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was 20 per cent lower in the morphine-dependent animals than in the controls. This was the only significant change (P
Claiming an ancestral homeland: Kazakh pilgrimage and migration in Inner Asia

In this paper the authors explore alternative discursive constructions by Kazakhs in Mongolia and Kazakhstan of a ‘Kazakh homeland’, one which is markedly not coterminous with the borders of any state. As the use of nomadic pasture lands cut through and across state borders in the last centuries, so do contemporary Kazakhs describe and justify a variety of other cultural practices, from visiting shrines to obtaining illegal passports, in terms of a shared ‘Kazakh’ cultural history of movement. The stories people evoke and tell about the connection and ‘Kazakhness’ (Kazakhshylykh) evidence the simultaneous idealization of both ancestral rootedness and mobility as fundamental to a sense of ‘belonging’ to the land. This ancestral world also reveals the fundamentally arbitrary nature of borders in a world where belonging is made by moving: moving through space, moving through time. From such discursive temporal and spatial practices of passing and dwelling emerges a cultural–historical position that ultimatel...
Sporadic Disturbances in Fluctuating Coral Reef Environments: El Niño and Coral Reef Development in the Eastern Pacific

The disastrous effects of the intense 1982-83 El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) bring new insight into the long-term development of eastern Pacific coral reefs. The 1982-83 ENSO sea surface warming event caused extensive reef coral bleaching (loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae), resulting in up to 70-95% coral mortality on reefs in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. In the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), most coral reefs experienced >95% coral mortality. Also, several coral species experienced extreme reductions in population size, and local and regional extinctions. The El Nino event spawned secondary disturbances, such as increased predation and bioerosion, that continue to impact reef-building corals. The death of Pocillopora colonies with their crustacean guards eliminated coral barriers now allowing the corallivore Acanthaster planci access to formerly protected coral prey
Electrical Properties of Boron Single Crystals

The electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient, and thermoelectric power of microscopic boron single crystals have been measured as a function of temperature. Rectification and photoconductivity effects were observed at room temperature. The large majority of these single crystals had a high resistivity (about 1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ ohm cm at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) which decreased by a factor of nearly ${10}^{10}$ as the temperature was increased from 200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. A few crystals, however, had a much lower resistivity at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K (less than 100 ohm cm) and at this temperature their resistivity decreased much more slowly with increasing temperature. Such behavior is attributed to donor impurity levels. From data in the high-temperature range (800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) the energy gap between the filled band and conduction band was calculated to be 1.55\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 ev. Hall, thermoelectric, and rectification studies indicated that hole conduction predominated for all crystals at high temperatures but that electron conduction predominated for the low-resistivity crystals near 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The mobilities of the charge carriers at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K were found to be the order of one ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{volt}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with the hole mobility the larger. Non-ohmic conduction was observed and shown to arise from Joule heating.
Connecting direct dark matter detection experiments to cosmologically motivated halo models

Several direct detection experiments, including recently CDMS-II, have reported signals consistent with 5 to 10 GeV dark matter (DM) that appear to be in tension with null results from XENON and LUX experiments; these indicate a careful review of the theoretical basis, including the galactic DM velocity distribution function (VDF). We establish a VDF parameter space from DM-only cosmological simulations and illustrate that seemingly contradictory experimental results can be made consistent within this parameter space. Future experimental limits should be reported after they are marginalized over a range of VDF parameters.
Detection of methyltransferase activities which modify Gppp G TO m7GpppGm in embryonic chick lens

GpppG was modified to m7GpppGm by a cytoplasmic extract, prepared from embryonic lens cells, in a reaction mixture which contained S-adenosyl-methionine as methyl group donor. The appearance of m7GpppGm was a function of time and lens extract concentration. S-adenosyl-homocysteine inhibited both the m7G and Gm modification reactions. Analogues of GpppG, pG, ppG and pppG were relatively ineffective as substrates.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute superior mesentery artery occlusion: a case report with long-term clinical follow-up.

This position can make attempts at a safe snare retrieval technically challenging. Our review of the literature does not show any reported cases of arterial bullet migration induced by the jet of contrast material during arteriography. It was surprising to us at the time that the bullet remained in the mid-thoracic aorta, maintaining an intraluminal position and allowing for snare retrieval. A likely explanation is that this represented the most dependent portion of the thoracic aorta, with the weight of the bullet greater than the force of antegrade arterial blood flow. Additionally, the linear irregularities on the surface of the bullet may have provided added friction, preventing further migration. When bullet embolization is suspected, management schemes will depend on hemodynamic status, and will usually begin with a CT scan and angiography if the patient’s clinical condition permits (1). Intravascular ultrasonography could also be considered if an intraluminal location is suspected. Percutaneous extraction should then be considered if feasible. Emergent surgical exploration will often be necessary, especially in arterial embolization cases. In summary, a bullet embolus to the thoracic aorta was able to be successfully treated with endovascular snare retrieval, permitting safe surgical removal. This should be considered as a valuable option in select circumstances.
Naturalistic outcomes of minor and subsyndromal depression in older primary care patients.

Objective To review the literature regarding the naturalistic outcomes of minor and subsyndromal depression (‘Min/SSD’) in older primary care patients, synthesizing and critiquing findings and discussing avenues for future research. Design The author obtained relevant articles from repeated computer-assisted literature searches over the past 15 years, and by reviewing the reference citations of the articles so obtained. Results A variety of relevant outcome domains were identified, as were important putative predictors, moderators, and mediators of outcome. In general, minor and subsyndromal depression each have comparable outcomes, outcomes that are clearly worse than non-depressed subjects, with substantially elevated risk of worsening into major depression, albeit not as poor as those with major depression. Conclusions Min/SSD is common and of real clinical importance in primary care seniors. Several definitions of SSD may be used, each with overlapping but distinguishable utility in identifying patients. While the evidence base has expanded greatly in the past decade, considerable work remains to be done. Naturalistic studies of several outcome domains are needed, focusing on the predictive, moderating, and mediating roles of a wide range of psychopathological, medical, functional, and psychosocial factors. Such work will complement interventions and biomarker research approaches. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the interaction between ristocetin and the ristocetin cofactor (RCOF)

Abstract The induction of platelet aggregation by the antibiotic ristocet in requires the participation of a plasma factor, Ristocetin CoFactor (RCoF), which is deficient in patients with vonWillebrand's disease. Although it has been shown that ristocetin precipitates fibrinogen, its interaction with RCoF remains obscure. We have approached this problem by using the ultracentrifuge to examine the reaction between ristocetin and radiolabelled RCoF. RCoF was isolated from AHF concentrate and labelled with 125I using the peroxide-lactoperoxidase technique. The final product was free of other plasma proteins as determined by chromatographic and immunoelectrophoretic analysis. Immediately prior to reaction with ristocetin, aggregates in the 125I RCoF were removed by centrifugation at 35,000 RPM (110,000g). The nonaggregated protein was exposed of 1 various concentrations of ristocetin at 37°C for periods of 1 minute or 5 minutes. These
Photosynthesis-to-fuels: from sunlight to hydrogen, isoprene, and botryococcene production

The concept of “Photosynthetic Biofuels” entails the direct application of photosynthesis for the generation of fuels and chemicals, in a process where a single organism acts both as catalyst and processor, synthesizing and secreting ready to use product. Examples of photosynthetic fuel and chemicals generation are offered in this perspective. Physiological and genetic manipulation of green microalgae enabled diverting the natural flow of photosynthetic electron transport toward sustained generation of hydrogen gas, instead of the normally produced oxygen. Heterologous expression of a plant isoprene synthase gene in cyanobacteria and microalgae enabled the renewable generation of volatile isoprene (C5H8) hydrocarbons, derived from sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Photobioreactor design concepts and conditions for capturing the isoprene are presented. The process of generating isoprene (C5H8) hydrocarbons serves as a case study in the development of technologies for the renewable generation of a multitude of other fuels and useful chemicals. Green microalgae of the genus Botryococcus afford naturally occurring examples on how to divert the flow of photosynthetic metabolites toward high-value long-chain hydrocarbon products instead of the normally produced sugars. Members of the genus Botryococcus direct photosynthate toward tri-terpenoidbotryococcene hydrocarbons or diene and triene alkanes, at the expense of investing photosynthate toward biomass accumulation. Lastly, methods are offered on how to improve the solar-to-biomass energy conversion efficiency of photosynthesis in high cell-density cultures, or canopies, under bright sunlight conditions. Goal of this effort is to improve efficiency, from the current-best of 2–3% up to a theoretical maximum of about 10%. Advances in each of the above-mentioned fields suggest blueprints of organism genetic and metabolic engineering, by which to improve the performance of photosynthesis and to divert cellular metabolic flux toward alternative high-value bio-products. Successful implementation of this R&D would lead to the generation of commercially viable fuels, chemicals, and other useful bio-products.
Guided Self-Change Model of Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Guided self-change (GSC) treatment, a brief, cognitive-behavioral, motivational intervention first developed for use with problem drinkers, has now been evaluated with drug abusers, adolescents and Spanish-speaking alcohol abusers. This article reviews the foundations for the development of GSC; describes the results from several studies using this model of treatment, including an extension of the principles to a community-level study; speculates on the .effective cognitive elements of the approach; and presents suggestions for future research.
Predicting the Impact of the U.S. Housing Crisis and “Great Recession” on Central City Revenues

Using data from 1983 to 2009 on revenues, housing prices, and incomes, we forecast the impact of the U.S. housing crisis and “Great Recession” on the revenues of the nation’s largest central cities for 2009–2013. We develop the concept of constructed cities, to allow valid comparisons across cities in light of varying expenditure responsibilities of city governments. We predict that general revenue per capita in the average central city will decline in real terms over the 4-year period by 3.5 percent. The largest revenue reductions occur in constructed cities where housing prices fell substantially and state aid was sharply reduced.
Soil calcium, nitrogen, and water are correlated with aboveground net primary production in northern hardwood forests.

Abstract Multiple soil resources could limit aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in temperate forests, but most studies have focused on nitrogen (N) availability. We tested a suite of resources including water, multiple measures of N, phosphate (PO4), and extractable ions (calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg)) as correlates of ANPP across a glacial landform gradient in northwestern Lower Michigan. Our goals were to identify resource correlates of ANPP that could potentially limit productivity, to characterize productivity partitioning to leaves (ANPPL) and wood (ANPPW) across the gradient, and to test soil resource correlates of partitioning. We measured soil resource availability and annual ANPP at 13 sites, and fit models of ANPPW and ANPPL as functions of each resource. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to assess empirical support for models with different functional forms. ANPPW was best correlated with Ca, with a relationship that was asymptotic beyond the four lowest-productivity sites. Both Mg and K covaried with Ca; Mg was also supported as an ANPPW correlate. Soil water and sum of ammonium (NH4) and nitrate (NO3) (ΣN) explained substantial ANPPW variance, but with weaker support than for Ca. ANPPL was best correlated with ΣN; NO3 received support, while Ca received less support but still explained substantial ANPPL variance. These results suggest a potential role for Ca in regulating ANPP, at least in low-productivity sites, while reaffirming the importance of both N and water availability. Partitioning of annual production to ANPPW as a fraction of total ANPP was related to Ca and soil water, but only weakly to ΣN. Production was partitioned equally between ANPPL and ANPPW at low fertility, but ANPPW exceeded ANPPL by 24% at maximum productivity. Given this shift in partitioning, measuring only ANPPW but assuming that ANPPL scales proportionately would overestimate ANPP at higher fertility sites. Although correlative, our results suggest that ANPP is constrained by some combination of N, Ca, and water, and provide motivation for experimental manipulations of these resources to better understand forest responses to human influences. If northern temperate forests are strictly N-limited, as suggested by much of the literature, then anthropogenic N deposition should enhance ANPP. In contrast, if ANPP is limited, or co-limited, by Ca or by soil water, then anthropogenic change (altered precipitation, base cation leaching), could counteract production gains from N deposition.
ELECTROLYTIC CONDUCTIVITIES AND MIXING COEFFICIENTS OF THE AQUEOUS HCL-H2SO4 SYSTEM

The coefficients of the conductivity theory for the multicomponent system of Onsager−Fuoss−Kim−Chen−Quint−Viallard for aqueous HCl−H2SO4 mixtures have been computed. The experimental results for the mixtures of equal molarity and equal ionic strength of the same system agree well with the theory. The excess conductivity of mixing is calculated. The mixing coefficients of Friedman and of Timmermann are derived. These two sets of coefficients agree with those derived from the excess conductivity of mixing. The extrema of the mixing coefficients as predicted by Friedman are observed.
Developmental Abnormalities in Children with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A Follow-up Study

Developmental abnormalities in 16 pediatric patients with AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) were previously described. Neurological deterioration was in evidence on follow-up in 9 of the children, 5 died since the original assessments were performed. Ten patients were reevaluated 14 months later by cognitive testing. Two showed greater progress than expected on the basis of earlier test results; 6 showed the expected level of developmental progress; and the remaining 2 showed regression in cognitive functioning. All patients who exhibited regression in their developmental course showed deterioration in their neurological examinations. Developmental progression was noted in some children who on follow-up serial examinations exhibited a clinically deteriorating neurological picture. Pediatric AIDS patients manifest variable neurodevelopmental courses. As a result, rehabilitative intervention services must be tailored to meet individual needs.
Selective Responsiveness to Long-Range Acoustic Signals in Insects and Anurans

SYNOPSIS. Insects and anurans show various patterns of selective responsiveness to playbacks of natural and synthetic sounds. Preferences and tuning of the auditory system most often match one or more strongly emphasized frequency components in long-range, mate-attracting signals typical of conspecific individuals, but exceptions, in which frequencies lower or higher than the mean are preferred, occur in some species. In some insects the most preferred frequencies may correspond to regions that maximize localizability of signals rather than regions of maximum sensitivity. Patterns of preference for fine-temporal properties are typically stabilizing within a population; females prefer values near the mean and few males produce calls with values that deviate sufficiently to make them less attractive than calls with average values. Preferences for gross temporal properties {e.g., the rate and duration of signaling) are usually highly directional, with much higher than mean values preferred. In anurans, call rate is a better predictor of male mating success than dominant frequency. Nevertheless, a variety of factors, especially close-range assessments that are common in insects, may modify or negate the advantages of producing long-range signals of high relative attractiveness. The evolutionary consequences of selective responsiveness in anurans and insects are discussed
Chronic renal failure in diabetes: survival with hemodialysis vs. transplantation.

Clinical observations for 49 diabetic patients who required chronic hemodialysis or renal transplantation during a four year period are presented. Twenty-seven dialysis patients had a two year cumulative survival of 74% compared to 54% for 22 transplantation patients. The cumulative survival of live-related donor recipients (77%) was similar to that of the dialysis group and significantly better than that of cadaveric allograft recipients (36%). While the incidences of cardiomegaly and of motor neuropathy were higher among live-related donor recipients, dialysis patients more often demonstrated peripheral vascular disease. Causes of death in hemodialysis patients included cardiopulmonary arrest and patient decision to discontinue therapy; in the transplantation group included cardiopulmonary arrest, sepsis, and stroke. Living-related transplantation remains the preferred mode of therapy because of the potential for rehabilitation. In terms of patient survival, the risks of cadaver transplantation must be ...
Pelvic floor muscle training may improve prolapse stage, muscle function and urinary symptoms compared to no training

Commentary on: Hagen S, Stark D. Conservative prevention and management of pelvic organ prolapse in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; 12 . Two decades ago, POP was estimated to be present in over 50% of parous women.1 Shalom et al 2 found that parity had less to do with POP than previously thought, stating it is a multifactorial problem. The development of the POP-Q in 19963 has assisted in standardising the language of POP. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to address …
Behavioral and psychodynamic dimensions of the new sex therapy

The new sexual therapy, a brief outpatient treatment of sexual dysfunction consisting of structured sexual exercises and conjoint therapeutic sessions, is a systematic intergration of behavioral and psychodynamic elements. Formally consisting of many defining characteristics of a behavior therapy including the direct treatment of a specified problem and the application of behavioral principles, the new sex therapy also relies on psychodynamic understanding. The result is synergistic. Psychodynamic understanding underlies appropriate behavioral intervention, and psychodynamic exploration of resistance enhances the effectiveness of behavioral methods. Behavioral techniques facilitate the most rapid implementation of therapeutic insight. The integration of approaches in the new sex therapy has general significance for psychotherapeutic theory and practice.
An economic evaluation of soil bioengineering as a method for slope stability on abandoned mine land in Eastern Kentucky

ABSTRACT Unstable slopes are a serious problem on abandoned mine land (AML) in Kentucky and a number of other states. Current practices used to manage unstable slopes rely on modern conventional techniques that incorporate rock, concrete, or steel structural components. Implementation of these techniques has proven expensive due to recurring maintenance requirements. This study examines soil bioengineering technology as a viable alternative. In this study, the cost effectiveness of two common slope stabilization systems— rock gabions and rock riprap—has been compared with the innovative soil bioengineering system. Baseline cost estimates applied to all three systems were consistent with commercial scales. Assuming a useful life of 20 years for both the gabion and riprap systems, sensitivity analysis using net present values (NPV) in response to changes in both installation costs (I) and useful life (N) was conducted on both systems. Data was calculated over a range of applicable interest rates. The result...