cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of thromboxane, prostaglandins and leukotrienes in endotoxic and septic shock.

Intravenous bolus endotoxin elicits a marked but transient increase in plasma TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in a large number of species. A smaller, delayed and more prolonged increase in TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha are reported in animals with septic shock, i.e., those with fecal peritonitis or cecal ligation. Thromboxane synthetase inhibitors or antagonists attenuate endotoxin-induced acute cardiopulmonary changes, the delayed increase in serum lysosomal enzymes, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products and the thrombocytopenia in a number of species. While these drugs increase survival of rats or mice following endotoxin they do not alter survival of rats in septic shock. These results support the hypothesis that TxA2 exerts a pathophysiologic effect in shock following bolus endotoxin. In contrast, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and dietary essential fatty acid deficiency increase survival of rats subjected to endotoxin shock, and survival time in models of septic shock. These results also suggest that some other cyclooxygenase product(s) is involved in septic shock due to fecal peritonitis or cecal ligation. Preliminary experimental studies indicate salutary effects of leukotriene inhibitors and antagonists in endotoxin shock and in models of acute pulmonary injury. Clinical studies have demonstrated elevated plasma TxB2 and 6-keo-PGF1 alpha concentrations in patients with septic shock, and elevated LTD4 in pulmonary edema fluid of patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome. In view of these clinical and experimental results, clinical trials of NSAID and/or leukotriene inhibitors/antagonists should be considered.
Demonstration of membranous patches on isolated chromosomes

Abstract High resolution scanning electron microscopy of isolated Chinese hamster ovary metaphase chromosomes revealed “membranous patches” at telomeric and juxtatelomeric regions of the chromosomes. The “membranous patches” remained bound to the chromosomes during centrifugation through dense sucrose, but not after treatment with detergents. These membrane fragments on isolated purified chromosomes may represent a component that binds the chromosome to the inner portion of the nuclear envelope up to late stages of prophase. These chromosome associated membranous patches may represent sites of reformation of the nuclear envelope at telophase.
Spatial Effectiveness of Speed Feedback Signs

Speed feedback signs (SFS), also known as dynamic speed displays, provide drivers with feedback about their speed in relationship to the posted speed limit. When appropriately complemented with police enforcement, SFS can be an effective method for reducing speeds at a desired location. However, as reported in the literature, effectiveness of SFS is limited not only in regard to time after the deployment but also for distance. Therefore, a need exists to understand how far upstream and downstream of the SFS speed reductions are maintained. Through a unique data collection methodology, researchers obtained trajectories of free-flowing vehicles that approached an SFS, as well as trajectories of vehicles receding from the SFS. Trajectory data were used by researchers to determine the locations at which drivers willing to reduce their speed when approaching the SFS actually started the reduction. Downstream of the SFS, the distance at which drivers started increasing their speed after complying with the sign was also determined. Results showed the feasibility of determining the spatial effectiveness of SFS. By using the methods as presented, speed enforcement personnel can understand how drivers in an area of interest react to SFS and therefore can determine the best locations for SFS as well as the number of SFS that need to be deployed to achieve a speed reduction over a segment of road.
Tracking infants “at risk”

Twelve factors on the birth certificate have been identified as possible indicators of infants at high risk for post‐neonatal death, child abuse, cerebral palsy, SIDS and later learning defects. Each factor was given a score of 1, and high risk was identified as 3 + factors. All births in West Virginia in December 1982 were scored, and of the 2,306 live births, 394 were classified as high risk (17%). A control group of 433 infants with a score of 0 were identified. A study was then conducted to see if high risk infants were being followed by the county health department nurses more closely than the low risk infants. The telephone questions were preceded by a letter explaining the study. The nurses responded 100%. The high risk babies were not being more closely watched. Negotiations are being conducted with divisions in the State Department of Health to see if it is possible to implement the procedure to identify possible high risk infants on a regular basis, and notify local health departments of the nam...
Colorectal Cancer Control Program grantees' use of evidence-based interventions.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended for adults aged 50–75 years, yet screening rates are low, especially among the uninsured. The CDC initiated the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) in 2009 with the goal of increasing CRC screening rates to 80% by 2014. A total of 29 grantees (states and tribal organizations) receive CRCCP funding to (1) screen uninsured adults and (2) promote CRC screening at the population level. Purpose CRCCP encourages grantees to use one or more of five evidence-based interventions (EBIs) recommended by the Guide to Community Preventive Services . The purpose of the study was to evaluate grantees' EBI use. Methods A web-based survey was conducted in 2011 measuring grantees' use of CRC screening EBIs and identifying their implementation partners. Data were analyzed in 2012. Results Twenty-eight grantees (97%) completed the survey. Most respondents (96%) used small media. Fewer used client reminders (75%); reduction of structural barriers (50%); provider reminders (32%); or provider assessment and feedback (50%). Provider-oriented EBIs were rated as harder to implement than client-oriented EBIs. Grantees partnered with several types of organizations to implement EBIs, many with county- or state-wide reach. Conclusions Almost all grantees implement EBIs to promote CRC screening, but the EBIs that may have the greatest impact with CRC screening are implemented by fewer grantees in the first 2 years of the CRCCP.
Psychoeducation: A First Step to Understanding Infidelity-Related Systemic Trauma and Grieving

Marriage and family counselors often encounter couples whose chief complaint is infidelity. Different models and interventions for couples working through the discovery of infidelity have been presented in the literature, which includes a vast array of articles addressing the interpersonal trauma associated with affairs; however, much of the literature presents a victim/offender model, which may not highlight systemic implications. Infidelity within relationships may also lead to grieving the idea of what the relationship was and what it represented. The systemic impact of the trauma-like and related grieving processes associated with infidelity is presented along with a case study to depict the application of a psychoeducational first step in the recovery process.
UNITED STATES LAND USE INVENTORY FOR ESTIMATING BIOGENIC OZONE PRECURSOR EMISSIONS

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) EROS (Earth Resources Observation System) Data Center’s (EDC) 1-km classified land cover data are combined with other land use data using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create the Biogenic Emissions Landcover Database (BELD). The land cover data are being used to estimate biogenic emissions in the contiguous United States. These emissions include volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from vegetation and nitric oxide (NO) from soils. The EDC data are used predominately in the western United States, while other sources, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service Eastwide Forest Inventory and Analysis Database (EWDB), are used in the eastern United States. The EROS Data Center land cover classifications must be used with caution in heterogenous areas. Emission factors vary drastically by specific crop and tree genera, and mixed classes in the EDC scheme may not always accurately reflect the actual crop/genus...
Synaptic Plasticity, Mechanisms of

Literally billions upon billions of connections between neurons (synapses) exist in the brain. These connections are not static, but wax and wane in strength as we learn, remember and forget. Keywords: nonassociative learning; habituation; sensitization; short-term plasticity; long-term plasticity
Metabolic and ovarian effects of rosiglitazone treatment for 12 weeks in insulin-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background Insulin sensitizers have favourable metabolic and ovarian effects in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study examined rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, in PCOS. Methods In a prospective, open-label study, the effects of rosiglitazone on metabolism and ovarian function were examined in 42 non-diabetic women with PCOS classified according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria and insulin resistance (IR) by steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) > or =10 mmol/l on octreotide-modified insulin suppression testing. Participants were randomized to rosiglitazone 2, 4 or 8 mg daily for 12 weeks. Endpoints included ovulation and menstrual pattern; serum testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and LH; and changes in IR and glucose-insulin responses on 8 h mixed-meal profile. Results After rosiglitazone 8 mg daily for 12 weeks, SSPG declined and insulinaemia fell by 46%; lower doses gave lesser effects. Serum LH, total and free testosterone were unchanged; SHBG increased. With rosiglitazone, ovulation occurred in 23/42 women (55%), without significant dose dependence. Both before and during treatment, ovulators on rosiglitazone had lower circulating insulin and free testosterone and higher SHBG than non-ovulators. Testosterone declined only in a subgroup of ovulators with early vaginal bleeding after starting rosiglitazone. Conclusions Rosiglitazone in insulin-resistant PCOS promoted ovulation and dose-dependently decreased IR and insulinaemia; ovulators had lower circulating insulin and testosterone.
Carbohydrate translocation determines the phenolic content of Populus foliage: a test of the sink–source model of plant defense

Summary • Here, we examine the influence of source-to-sink carbohydrate (CHO) flow on the development of constitutive and inducible levels of phenylpropenoids in hybrid poplar (Populus nigra × P. deltoides) foliage to determine if secondary metabolic processes in plant modules can be inhibited in a predictable manner by events such as herbivory and the development of new leaves and reproductive structures, which alter the path of phloem-borne resources. • Phenylpropenoid concentrations were determined for developing foliage after CHO flow, measured as the translocation of 13C from labeled sources was manipulated. • Phenylpropenoid metabolism in both unwounded and induced sink leaves was directly and positively linked to rates of CHO import. Alterations in rates of translocation yielded different results, depending on how CHO import was affected: the removal of competing sinks rapidly and dramatically increased leaf phenolic contents, whereas phenolic levels (and their inducibility) tended to be reduced when import was interrupted. • High and inducible sink strength in developing poplar leaves provides resources for phenolic biosynthesis and, as a result, restrictions or re-directions of CHOs affect the foliar quality. Sink strength and the vascular architecture of plants, which confer upon them a modular nature, can determine the direction and magnitude of defense responses in trees.
Human placenta makes extracellular glutathione peroxidase and secretes it into maternal circulation

Extracellular glutathione peroxidase (eGPX) is a selenoglycoprotein distinct from cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX). The cDNA for eGPX has recently been cloned from human placenta. To determine whether human placenta makes both cGPX and eGPX and secretes eGPX, we used specific immunoprecipitations of 75Se metabolically labeled proteins from full-term placental explants in culture and perfused placental lobules. Placental explants and metabolically active, dually perfused placental lobules synthesized and contained both cGPX and eGPX and secreted eGPX. Perfused tissue secreted eGPX into the maternal but not into the fetal perfusate. In situ hybridizations using antisense and sense eGPX riboprobes were performed on sections of first-, second-, and third-trimester placentas. In the first-trimester placenta, transcripts were localized predominantly to cytotrophoblast cells, whereas in the full-term placenta syncytiotrophoblast cells and stromal cells but not fetal endothelial cells expressed eGPX mRNA. It is concluded that human placenta synthesizes both cGPX and eGPX and secretes eGPX into the maternal circulation, consistent with the location of the eGPX mRNA.
Transport of Kinetin‐814C in Petioles

Several differences in the translocation pattern of radioactive kinetin in plant petioles were determined. Radioactivity from kinetin-8-14C (Kn*) moved from donor agar blocks through petioles of bean and cocklebur but not of cotton. There was no difference in basipetal or acropetal movement of radioactivity from Kn* in cocklebnr petioles, but there was in bean petioles. In bean petioles this movement was preferentially basipetal, but it was influenced by the age of the petiole and by the presence of added indoleactic acid. The combination treatment accelerated the basipetal movement of radioactivity from Kn* in young bean petioles and not in old ones. All data is based on radioactivity translocated into receiver agar blocks which were assayed individually in a liquid scintillation spectrometer. The results show that plant species, direction of transport, age of tissue, and presence of IAA can all influence the translocation of Kn* in petioles.
PHASE CHEMISTRY IN THE TI-SI-N SYSTEM : THERMOCHEMICAL REVIEW WITH PHASE STABILITY DIAGRAMS

The phase chemistry and thermodynamics of the Ti-Si-N system are reviewed leading to a revision of the ternary phase diagram at 1273 K to include the extended compositional ranges of δ-TiNx and Ti5Si3(Ny) and the compounds Ti3Si, Ti5Si4, and α-Ti. This same information is presented in the form of phase stability diagrams which plot the stability criteria for each phase as a function of thermodynamic activity of one component and the relative composition of the other two components. Plots in terms of log asi vs Ti/(Ti + N), log aN2 vs Si/(Ti + Si), and log aTi vs N/(Si + N) were constructed. All diagrams are consistent with current knowledge of phase compatibility and, therefore, are topologically correct. Further refinement will be possible as more accurate information on thermodynamics and compositional limits of solid solutions becomes available.
Gender/Violence in a Gendered/Violent World

Since the beginning of feminist work in International Relations 25 years ago (e.g. Tickner 1988; Brown 1988; Goetz 1988), scholarship that addresses the question of gender and violence in global politics has proliferated, and become increasingly diverse. At once, this is a cause for both celebration and reflection. It is a cause for celebration because the strong international research community interested in these issues demonstrates that gender issues have come a long way from being unrecognisable in IR (Tickner 1992). At the same time, the very proliferation of research that signifies vibrancy is a cause for reflection � what and where is research on gender/violence in IR? In looking for the different ways that these books recognise gender and violence, I use the construction gender/violence both to suggest the inseparability of gender and violence (where gender is always and everywhere violent, and violence is always and everywhere gendered) and to look to see what the books have to say about gender/violence in global politics. Specifically, I read these four books interested in what they have to say (and what thinking they inspire) about this question in two different ways. First, I was interested in the questions they raise (and puzzle pieces they provide) regarding the relationship between gender and violence in a gendered/violent world � what do we know so far and what do we have yet to learn? Second, I read them as a sampling of the substantive diversity of work on gender and violence in the international arena. Like these books, much of the work on gender and violence shares a political interest in revealing and redressing sex and/or gender subordination in global politics. Often, however, that political commitment is the only (or one of few) commonalities between diverse research agendas exploring gender and violence. Work
Terrestrial Influence on the Annual Cycle of the Atlantic ITCZ in an AGCM Coupled to a Slab Ocean Model

Abstract An atmospheric GCM coupled to a slab ocean model is used to investigate how temperature and precipitation over South America and Africa affect the annual cycle of the Atlantic ITCZ. The main conclusion of this study is that variations in precipitation and temperature forced by the annual cycle of insolation over the continents are as important as variations in insolation over the ocean and in ocean heat transport convergence in forcing the annual march of the Atlantic ITCZ observed in the control simulation. The processes involved are as follows. The intensity of precipitation over land affects the stability of the atmosphere over the tropical Atlantic Ocean, and thus modulates the intensity of deep convection and convergence in the ITCZ. Both the imposed changes in land precipitation and the subsequent changes in the strength of the ITCZ drive surface wind anomalies, thereby changing the meridional gradient of SST in proximity of the basic-state ITCZ. Finally, atmosphere–ocean feedbacks cause th...
Privatization in Emerging Economies: An Agency Theory Perspective

The ineffectiveness of several privatized firms within emerging economies underscores the importance of agency theory issues and their impact on the privatization-performance relationship. The authors argue that weak governance and limited protection of minority shareholders intensify traditional principal-agent problems (perquisite consumption and entrenchment) and create unique agency problems (expropriation). The authors suggest that postprivatization performance can be enhanced by using appropriate ownership, management, and corporate structures that mitigate agency problems in the context of weak governance, and they highlight avenues for research.
Pneumoperitoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract There has been recent controversy regarding the clinical significance of pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The incidence of pneumoperitoneum has been estimated to be 21.2% to 33.7% in prior studies of peritoneal dialysis patients. Of the peritoneal dialysis patients with pneumoperitoneum, only a small percentage (5.9% to 14.3%) had documented visceral perforations. The controversy arises in that anywhere from 20% to 100% of peritoneal dialysis patients with pneumoperitoneum and peritonitis had visceral perforation, and 32.4% to 57.1% of chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients had asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum of unknown etiology. These disparate incidences made clinical interpretation of pneumoperitoneum difficult. In addition, prior study result disagreed as to the usefulness of the extent of pneumoperitoneum in predicting visceral perforation. We retrospectively reviewed 694 chest x-ray film and acute abdominal series reports from 1982 to 1993 in 75 peritoneal dialysis patients, with 9.3 ± 1.3 (mean ± SEM) x-ray films per patient. The reports were confirmed by reviewing 363 x-ray films (52%). Eight patients (10.7%) had 10 episodes of pneumoperitoneum. Six of these eight patients had asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum from a known etiology: four had undergone abdominal surgery for catheter placement the prior week and two had catheter manipulation immediately preceding the x-ray. One patient had three episodes of pneumoperitoneum: one after catheter placement and two not associated with a known etiology for pneumoperitoneum while on the cycler. One patient had a surgically confirmed colonic perforation with a large pneumoperitoneum and peritonitis. The patients with asymptomatic, nonpostoperative pneumoperitoneum had small amounts of subdiaphragmatic air. We conclude that in peritoneal dialysis patients, the overall incidence of pneumoperitoneum and the incidence of asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum of unknown etiology are variable and depend to a large extent on the patient's technical competence in performing exchanges. However, pneumoperitoneum with peritonitis requires aggressive evaluation for visceral perforation.
Low-loss distributed MEMS phase shifter

This letter presents a one-bit low-loss K/K/sub a/-band phase shifter circuit that employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitors. The measured results demonstrate a delay line with a 180/spl deg/ phase shift/1.l7 dB loss phase shift at 25 GHz, 270/spl deg/ phase shift/1.69 dB loss at 35 GHz, and a return loss better than 11 dB over a 0-35-GHz band. The state-of-the-art insertion loss performance, 154/spl deg//dB at 25 GHz and 160/spl deg//dB at 35 GHz, demonstrates the potential for the implementation of a very low-loss multibit digital MEMS phase shifter.
Testing for neglected nonlinearity in regression models based on the theory of random fields

Abstract Within a flexible regression model (J.D. Hamilton, Econometrica 69 (3) (2001) 537) we offer a battery of new Lagrange multiplier statistics that circumvent the problem of unidentified nuisance parameters under the null hypothesis of linearity and that are robust to the specification of the covariance function that defines the random field. These advantages are the result of (i) switching from the L 2 to the L 1 norm; and (ii) assuming that the random field is sufficiently smooth for its covariance function to be locally approximated by a high order Taylor expansion. A Monte Carlo simulation suggests that our statistics have superior power performance on detecting bilinear, neural network, and smooth transition autoregressive specifications. We also provide an application to the Industrial Production Index of sixteen OECD countries.
EFFECT OF LATTICE MISMATCH ON THE EPITAXY OF SOL-GEL LINBO3 THIN FILMS

A solution precursor method based on metal alkoxides was used to produce epitaxial LiNbO{sub 3} thin films, {approx}200nm thick, on (0001) sapphire substrates. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the major cause of surface roughness in these films was grain boundary grooves between mosaic grains with misorientations {le}5{degree}. It is postulated that these low angle boundaries directly result in surface grooving and roughness. The epitaxial films also contained two distinguishable variants in the film/substrate interfacial plane, namely, an aligned variant, {l_angle}{bar 1}2{bar 1}0{r_angle}{sub LiNbO{sub 3}}{parallel}{l_angle}{bar 1}2{bar 1}0{r_angle}{sub Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}} and 60{degree} rotated variant, {l_angle}{bar 1}2{bar 1}0{r_angle}{sub LiNbO{sub 3}}{parallel}{l_angle}1{bar 2}10{r_angle}{sub Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}}. A seeded grain growth method was used to minimize the presence of the 60{degree} rotated variant. An epitaxial buffer layer of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} was used to lower the mismatch strain, eliminate the 60{degree} rotated variant, and reduce the mosaic nature of the LiNbO{sub 3} film. X-ray rocking curve full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) values measured on the (01{bar 1}2) film peak indicate that the mosaic character can be reduced from 1.5{degree} to 0.76{degree} by using a buffer layer. {copyright} {ital 1997 Materials Research Society.}
Comparison of Enterprise With Neuroform Stent-Assisted Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE. The Enterprise stent is the first closed-cell stent designed to treat wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Advantages of the design can include improvement in keeping coils within an aneurysm and the ability of the stent to be recaptured. We compared the technical and clinical complications of the Enterprise stent with the open-cell Neuroform stent, its primary alternative. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Patients undergoing Enterprise and Neuroform stent-assisted aneurysm coiling were enrolled in prospective registries starting in March 2007 and February 2003, respectively. All consecutive patients through December 2011 were included. Deployment success and difficulty, stent movement and misplacement, and procedural complications were compared. RESULTS. Enterprise deployment success was high (108 of 115 attempts, 93.9%) with 102 aneurysms receiving a stent compared with Neuroform (173 of 214 attempts, 80.8%, p = 0.001) with 163 aneurysms. Enterprise was easier to deploy (1.7% vs 15.9% difficult deploymen...
A precision millimeter-wave modulated-signal source

We develop and characterize a modulated-signal source for use at millimeter-wave frequencies. Components within the source are phase-locked by a 10 GHz reference source to minimize drift and improve synchronization. The complex frequency response of the source is characterized with a calibrated sampling oscilloscope. We illustrate use of the source by determining the phase error of a vector signal analyzer.
Active and passive euthanasia.

This paper is divided into three sections. The first presents some examples of the killing/letting die distinction. The second draws a further distinction between what I call negative and positive cases of acting or refraining. Here I argue that the moral significance of the acting/refraining distinction is different for positive and for negative cases. In the third section I apply the above distinction to euthanasia, and argue that mercy killing should be regarded as analogous to positive rather than negative cases. On the basis of this, I then support active rather than passive euthanasia.
The Role of Research on Contexts of Teaching Practice in Informing the Design of Handheld Learning Technologies

One definition of design is “creating something new that fits with reality” (Stults, 1985). This article describes a project in which the researchers started with the intuition that new handheld-ba...
Effect of the Sampling System on the Shape of Indicator Dilution Curves

This paper describes the distorting effects produced by various sizes of polyethylene tubing and various flow rates on a square wave input of dye concentration. The importance of an accurate sampling system when recording dilution curves for analysis of their shape is emphasized and the distortion caused by inadequate sampling systems is demonstrated in vivo.
Characterization of a novel transporter family that includes multiple Escherichia coli gluconate transporters and their homologues

The nucleotide sequences of seven Escherichia coli genes that encode members of the gluconate permease (GntP) family have recently become available. These genes include gntP, gntT, gntU, gntW, ORFf449, dsdX, and ORFo454. The deduced amino acid sequences of all seven E. coli genes are homologous to the gntP gene products from Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis as well as two additional gene products from Haemophilus influenzae. These 11 proteins are not demonstrably homologous to members of the major facilitator superfamily or other recognized permease families. Four of the E. coli gluconate transporter genes have been cloned and shown to encode gluconate transporters with apparent affinities ranging from 6 to 212 μM. These studies serve to characterize a novel family of bacterial permeases.
Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) Food Habits in the Central Appalachians

Abstract Declining Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) populations suggest a need for more basic ecological information about the species for proper management. Within the core of the Allegheny woodrat's distribution in the central Appalachians, food habits and food resource availability are poorly understood. We collected fecal material from known Allegheny woodrats between November 1997 and December 1998 and used microhistological techniques to describe seasonal food habits in the oak (Quercus spp.), dominated forests of the Ridge and Valley and the northern hardwood forests of the Allegheny Plateau physiographic provinces. We examined dietary differences among seasons within and between provinces. Green vegetation, hard mast, soft mast and fungi were present in Allegheny woodrat diets in both provinces in all seasons. Presence of fungi and soft mast in the diet was higher and more widespread seasonally in the Allegheny Plateau than the Ridge and Valley due, in part, to the more mesic forest conditions...
Educating American Protestant Religious Educators

AbstractThe voluntarism in Protestant theologies and practices has significantly shaped the education of lay and professional Protestant religious educators in networks of voluntary and academic training programs that through the years have emphasized the interdependence of pedagogical, religious/theological, and social science theories and practices. Cultural changes in the past fifty years, however, have disrupted shared assumptions about the purposes and practices of religious education, calling for the exercise of a new ecclesial educational imagination.
Directional Sensitivity of Neurons in the Primary Auditory (AI) Cortex of the Cat to Successive Sounds Ordered in Time and Space

Two transient sounds, considered as a conditioner followed by a probe, were delivered successively from the same or different direction in virtual acoustic space (VAS) while recording from single neurons in primary auditory cortex (AI) of cats under general anesthesia. Typically, the response to the probe sound was progressively suppressed as the interval between the two sounds (ISI) was systematically reduced from 400 to 50 ms, and the sound-source directions were within the cell's virtual space receptive field (VSRF). Suppression of the cell's discharge could be accompanied by an increase in response latency. In some neurons, the joint response to two sounds delivered successively was summative or facilitative at ISIs below about 20 ms. These relationships held throughout the VSRF, including those directions on or near the cell's acoustic axis where sounds often elicit the strongest response. The strength of suppression varied systematically with the direction of the probe sound when the ISI was fixed and the conditioning sound arrived from the cell's acoustic axis. Consequently a VSRF defined by the response to the lagging probe sound was progressively reduced in size when ISIs were shortened from 400 to 50 ms. Although the presence of a previous sound reduced the size of the VSRF, for many of these VSRFs a systematic gradient of response latency was maintained. The maintenance of such a gradient may provide a mechanism by which directional acuity remains intact in an acoustic environment containing competing acoustic transients.
Taming the Green-Eyed Monster: On the Need to Rethink Our Cultural Conception of Jealousy

Western culture tends to view romantic jealousy as innate, and as an inevitable byproduct of romantic love. Relying on findings of empirical research, this Note argues that this view, widespread in America, is invidious. Likely as a result of this view, wrongful acts arising from jealousy are often excused or even condoned. This Note draws evidence from empirical studies on the contribution of jealousy to domestic violence, homicide, and divorce to show how this view can be detrimental to society. Additionally, this Note shows that the dual beliefs that jealousy is innate and inextricable from love are both incorrect. Evidence from cultural psychology and anthropological studies strongly suggests that the expression of jealousy is largely culturally determined. This Note also examines the polyamorist movement in the United States, Canada, and England as evidence both that romantic love can exist independently from jealousy and that jealousy may be controlled. Based on the sum of these findings, this Note goes on to consider societal acceptance of polyamory and polygamy as a potential step toward solving the problems posed by the dominant cultural view of jealousy. By helping to undermine our invidious cultural perceptions of jealousy, this Note argues that such an acceptance might reduce the incidence of jealousy-related problems. The Note concludes by suggesting measures that might be taken toward this end.
Direct growth of bilayer graphene on SiO₂ substrates by carbon diffusion through nickel.

Here we report a transfer-free method of synthesizing bilayer graphene directly on SiO2 substrates by carbon diffusion through a layer of nickel. The 400 nm nickel layer was deposited on the top of SiO2 substrates and used as the catalyst. Spin-coated polymer films such as poly(methyl methacrylate), high-impact polystyrene or acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, or gas-phase methane were used as carbon sources. During the annealing process at 1000 °C, the carbon sources on the top of the nickel decomposed and diffused into the nickel layer. When cooled to room temperature, bilayer graphene was formed between the nickel layer and the SiO2 substrates. The nickel films were removed by etchants, and bilayer graphene was then directly obtained on SiO2, eliminating any transfer process. The bilayer nature of the obtained graphene films on SiO2 substrates was verified by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The Raman spectroscopy mapping over a 100 × 100 μm2 area indicated that the obtained graph...
The effect of exercise on natural killer cell activity in young and old subjects

Alterations in immune function have been commonly reported in elderly persons. We have examined the effect of age on the responsiveness of natural killer (NK) cells to in vitro stimulation with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and in vivo stimulation with exercise in 17 healthy subjects (8 young and 9 old). The old subjects were found to have NK cell numbers and function that were not significantly different from the young subjects at baseline. They also responded as well as the young subjects to rIL-2 stimulation of NK cells in vitro. In response to maximal bicycle ergometry exercise, there was a marked rise in NK activity in the old (7.52 +/- 1.71 LU/10(6) pre-exercise vs 15.20 +/- 3.27 LU/10(6) post-exercise, p less than .03) and the young (6.29 +/- .48 LU 10(6) vs 14.56 +/- 1.86 LU 10(6), p less than .005) subjects. Lymphocytes bearing the NK marker Leu 11a also rose significantly post-exercise in both old and young subjects. We conclude that healthy elderly subjects increase their NK activity in response to the acute stressor, exercise, at least as effectively as do young subjects.
The neuroendocrine control of ovulation

In all species studied to date, follicular development is the consequence of pulsatile gonadotrophin stimulation occasioned by a GnRH pulse generator located in the mediobasal hypothalamus. This pulse generator operates within a narrow frequency range established by a neuronal system which, in the higher primates including man, discharges with a period of approximately 1 h. This frequency does not appear to change significantly as the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle progresses and plasma oestradiol concentrations rise. When these exceed a defined threshold for approximately 36 h, the pre-ovulating gonadotrophin surge is initiated and ovulation ensues some 24 h later, the so-called positive feedback action of oestrogen. This sequence of events can be replicated experimentally in subjects with various hypothalamic lesions which abolish endogenous GnRH production, simply by the administration of exogenous GnRH at an unchanging physiological frequency. This implies that the site of the positive feedback action of oestradiol is the pituitary gland and that GnRH plays but a permissive role in the initiation of the mid-cycle gonadotrophin surge. This process can be disrupted by a number of inputs which perturb the proper functioning of the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator.
Living Language: Self‐Assessment, Oral Production, and Domestic Immersion

With 24 adolescent students enrolled in a French language summer camp, the present study examines the relationship between self-assessment and oral production in French, interpreting results through a framework of individual learning variables. Participants were surrounded by French inside and outside the classroom. Self-assessment was measured through a criterion-referenced self-assessment questionnaire (Brantmeier, Vanderplank, & Strube, 2012). Oral production was examined with a structured oral interview that involved recording students for four minutes while they described four images (Llanes & Munoz, 2009). The recording was coded on measures including words per minute, silent pauses per minute, and longest fluent run (Llanes & Munoz, 2009). Findings demonstrated significant improvement in oral production. Self-assessment measures and performance on posttest measures for oral production were significantly correlated. Upon arrival at camp this was not true, which may indicate that students who were unable to assess their French abilities at the beginning of camp were better able to assess their abilities following the program. Results have strong pedagogical implications, as self-assessment may serve as a metacognitive tool for students to learn to self-diagnose strengths and weaknesses, which may help instructors account for individual learner differences. Implications suggest that self-assessing such strengths and weaknesses may be easier after a multitude of real-world and need-based interactions.
Acute rhabdomyolysis with severe polymyositis following ipilimumab-nivolumab treatment in a cancer patient with elevated anti-striated muscle antibody

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy since these drugs target inhibitory pathways on T cells, which result in durable anti-tumor immune responses and significant overall survival for a subset of cancer patients. These drugs can also lead to toxicities, which require additional research to identify mechanisms of toxicities and biomarkers that can help to identify patients who will develop immune-related adverse events. We describe the first case, to our knowledge, of a patient with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who developed acute rhabdomyolysis with severe polymyositis after treatment with combination immunotherapy consisting of ipilimumab plus nivolumab (Trial registration: NCT01928394. Registered: 8/21/2013). We found that this patient had an elevated pre-existing anti-striated muscle antibody titer, which was likely exacerbated with the immunotherapy treatment thereby resulting in the presentation of acute rhabdomyolysis and severe polymyositis. This case suggests that immune-related adverse events may be linked to subclinical autoimmune conditions which highlights the need for additional studies to identify patients who are at risk for toxicities.
Role of a Cross-Barrier Jet and Turbulence on Winter Orographic Snowfall

AbstractNatural small-scale microphysical and dynamical mechanisms are identified in a winter orographic snowstorm over the Sierra Madre Range of Wyoming during an intensive observational period (IOP) from the AgI Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation (ASCII; January–March 2012). A suite of high-resolution radars, including a ground-based scanning X-band dual-polarization Doppler on Wheels radar, vertically pointing Ka-band Micro Rain Radar (MRR), and airborne W-band Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR), and additional in situ and remote sensing instruments are used in the analysis. The analysis focuses on a deep postfrontal period on 16 January 2012 (IOP2) when clouds extended throughout the troposphere and cloud liquid water was absent following the passage of a baroclinic front. A turbulent shear layer was observed in this postfrontal environment that was created by a midlevel cross-barrier jet riding over a decoupled Arctic air mass that extended above mountaintop. MRR and WCR observations indicate additional regio...
Schools, Society, and School Psychologists: History and Future Directions

Abstract If school psychologists are to become more effective in modern schools, they must become more successful in working proactively with students and teachers in the everyday activities that constitute school life. School psychologists have advocated for this goal for over 2 decades but it has yet to be realized. In addition to the historical barriers that have limited progress toward this goal, the role of modern school psychologists must also accommodate evolving and, at times, conflicting changes in theoretical and popular conceptions of the purposes of schooling and how students learn. This article briefly discusses the history of school psychology and suggests ways school psychologists might transform their historically defined roles through educational training, assessment practices, advocacy based on parents' and citizens' views of the purposes of schooling, and changes in how school psychologists are utilized in the schools.
Dynamin-related protein 1 mediates low glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in human arterioles

Acute low-glucose exposure induces mitochondrial fragmentation in endothelial cells via Drp1 and is associated with impaired endothelial function in human arterioles. Targeting of Drp1 prevents fra...
Abstract 3270: Distinct and heterogeneous response of Ewing sarcoma cells to canonical Wnt signaling

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling underlies the pathogenesis of many colorectal carcinomas and other cancer types. However, the role of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in Ewing sarcoma (ES) pathogenesis is unclear. Current data suggest that Wnts may function as morphogens rather than mitogens in ES. Thus, we hypothesized that the response of ES cells to Wnt ligands is distinct from other cells and dependent on cellular context. To investigate the response of ES cells to Wnt signaling, we transduced ES cell lines with 7xTCF-GFP (7TGP) or 7xTCF-luciferase (7TFP) reporter vectors, and stimulated cells with control or WNT3a conditioned media (CM) with or without recombinant R-spondin 2 (RSPO2), a molecule that strongly potentiates canonical Wnt signaling. We used in situ hybridization to determine the expression of LGR5, the receptor for RSPO2. To isolate highly Wnt-responsive cells, we sorted the top 10% of GFP-positive 7TGP-transduced cells that had been stimulated by Wnt3a CM +/- RSPO2, and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Using edgeR, we generated lists of differentially expressed genes either up- or down-regulated by Wnt signaling (p Citation Format: Elisabeth Anne Pedersen, Rajasree Menon, Dafydd Thomas, Eric Fearon, Elizabeth Lawlor. Distinct and heterogeneous response of Ewing sarcoma cells to canonical Wnt signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3270. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3270
Deployable wavelength optimization for free-space communication undersea

This effort develops autonomy algorithms and a portable optical system to optimize the undersea laser communication wavelength by probing the local seawater conditions via passive retroreflector, selecting the ideal wavelength, and enabling high-speed communication. Transmitting on the optimal channel increases transfer rates, propagation range, and mission length, all while reducing power consumption in unmanned undersea platforms. Additionally, optical meteorology and oceanography (METOC) data gathered and analyzed as part of the auto-selection process is stored and forwarded. We present autonomy software and man-portable hardware from the laboratory, and show a new system designed for operation in natural undersea environments.
ENERGY METABOLISM OF THE DOG HOOKWORM, ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM, ERCOLANI

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the results of studies analyzing energy metabolism of the dog hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, Ercolani. A survey of the metabolic pathways in Ancylostoma caninum indicates that this helminth is an aerobe during its adult life depending upon ingested blood as a source of oxygen. However, the metabolism of this animal possesses certain characteristics which indicate that the organism may exploit enzymatic pathways usually associated with a metabolism deficient in oxidative capacity. In a study discussed in the chapter, three aspects of the metabolism of the dog hookworm were examined: (1) the levels of phosphorylated intermediates occurring in the tissues of the worm; (2) the presence of an oxidative pathway for degrading glucose; and, (3) the production of volatile fatty acids by this organism. Glucose-6-phosphate, glucose-1-phophate, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) were detected quantitatively in perchloric acid extracts of A. caninum. In vertebrate tissue, CP is usually present in higher concentrations than ATP, particularly muscle tissue, but in the hookworm the relationship is reversed. The evidence for CP is presumptive because the compound was detected by enzymatic activity and has not been isolated.
Supramolecular cation transporters alter root morphology in the Arabidopsis thaliana plant

Abstract Bibracchial (two-armed) 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 lariat ether and tris(macrocycle) hydraphile synthetic amphiphiles alter root morphology in Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The effect on root structure and growth depends both on the hydraphile spacer chain length and lariat ether side chain length as well as the concentration of compound in the growth medium. In some cases a correlation to ion transport activity was apparent, but such a correlation is not always manifested. Surprisingly, planar bilayer conductance (BLM) studies showed that lariat ethers and lariat ether amides both exhibited well controlled membrane activity. Pore formation in soybean asolectin membranes occurred readily and the pores were stable and sustained. Low concentrations of active hydraphiles and lariat ethers altered the primary:lateral root density ratio, generally increasing it. The transporter-mediated alterations in lateral root density were suggestive of the activity of plant auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, which are known to depend on cytosolic potassium ion concentrations. The hypothesis that the compounds interfere with the auxin pathway was tested and discounted by using auxin-resistant A. thaliana mutants. Rather than functioning directly as auxin mimics, ionophores affect the ion gradients producing an auxin-like effect on root development.