cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical diversification of Mentzelia section Bartonia in western North America

Aim Aridification of western North America from the Miocene to the Recent has spurred plant migrations, as species invaded and/or diversified into newly formed floristic regions. The 51 species of Mentzelia section Bartonia (Loasaceae) inhabit most of these regions, providing an opportunity to investigate lineage-specific diversification among the western floras. Lineage-specific formation of the modern western North American flora was investigated by applying statistical phylogenetic methods to molecular data. Location Western North America, including the intermountain region, south-western deserts, Rocky Mountains and North American Prairies Province. Methods Internal and external transcribed spacer region data for all taxa in section Bartonia and outgroups were analysed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods for phylogenetic relationships. Distribution and phylogenetic data were then analysed by Bayesian, maximum likelihood, parsimony, and stochastic mapping optimization methods for inference of biogeographical transitions among floristic regions. Model fitting was used to assess the symmetry of transitions from mesic to arid environments. Results Multiple transitions were inferred, especially those associated with the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains. The ancestral area for section Bartonia was estimated equivocally to be all regions except the Great Basin in parsimony reconstructions, but to be the Colorado Plateau with highest probability with the Bayesian approach. Throughout these regions, transitions between mesic to arid habitats were consistent with expectations under a null model, suggesting no directional bias in transitions. In section Bartonia, within-region diversification occurred in all areas except the Great Basin and Sonoran Desert, the diversity of which is explained as the result of movement into these regions. Main conclusions The floristic regions of western North America have exchanged numerous migrants throughout their history. Among them, the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Rocky Mountains were particularly important floristic sources and recipients of migrants. Although previous studies have revealed a strong association among the south-western deserts, these results suggest that the plant diversities in these deserts can be influenced more by adjacent provinces than by each other.
Teleost introns are characterized by a high A+T content.

Abstract We previously observed that Antarctic fish genes contain intron sequences of high A+T content (60–70% average A+T) which are in stark contrast with adjacent protein coding-sequences. Here, we report that this disparity in intron/exon base composition is a common feature among teleosts. We analyzed 483 teleost genomic DNA sequences, containing 2583 introns, from 80 teleost genera that populate polar, temperate, or tropical habitats. Eighty-nine percent of teleost introns display an A+T content between 50–84% A+T with a mean of 60% A+T. In contrast, only 37% of teleost exons have an A+T content greater-than 50% with a mean of 48% A+T. A comparison to homologous mammalian genes showed a striking difference; in this case, introns and exons have similar base compositions, averaging 45–47% A+T. This indicates that most teleost genes exhibit a large difference in base composition between their introns and exons. There was no correlation of teleost intron A+T content to intron length or habitat temperature range. Thus, teleost intron sequences tend to show the common feature of being much higher in A+T content then neighboring exons.
Effects of Prelay 6/85-Strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum Inoculation Alone or in Conjunction with the Inoculation of F-Strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum During Lay on the Blood Characteristics of Commercial Egg-Laying Hens

The effects of 6/85-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (6/85MG) inoculation alone or in conjunction with F-strain M. gallisepticum (FMG) overlays and their timing on the blood characteristics of commercial egg-laying hens were investigated. Control birds received sham inoculations at 10 wk of age. Birds in a second treatment group were inoculated with 6/85MG at 10 wk of age, those in a third treatment group were inoculated with 6/85MG at 10 wk followed by an overlay inoculation of FMG at 22 wk, and those in a fourth treatment group were inoculated with 6/85MG at 10 wk followed by an overlay inoculation of FMG at 45 wk. Parameters investigated at 24, 32, 43, and 47 wk were hematocrit, plasma total protein, and serum calcium, triglycerides, and cholesterol. No significant treatment effects were noted for hematocrit, serum triglycerides, or serum cholesterol. However, at wk 32, plasma protein was greater in birds that received 6/85MG at 10 wk or 6/85MG at 10 wk and FMG at 22 wk in comparison to controls. Also, at wk 47, serum calcium concentration was greater in birds that received 6/85MG at 10 wk and FMG at 45 wk compared with controls and those that received 6/85MG at 10 wk and FMG at 22 wk. These results suggest that the prelay inoculation of pullets with 6/85MG may subsequently elevate plasma protein, and in conjunction with an FMG overlay at 45 wk, may increase serum calcium concentrations in laying hens.
Presentation of the Mineralogical Society of America Distinguished Public Service Medal for Robert F. Martin

Last week I was leaving the X-ray laboratory with my colleague and MSA member John Rakovan, and I mentioned to him that my main task that evening was to draft a citation for Robert F. Martin for the MSA Distinguished Public Service Medal. John chuckled, and said that Bob Martin receiving the Medal was like seeing the first STM image. Not immediately recognizing the parallel, I asked for clarification. John replied that “Once scientists saw the first STM image, it was obvious that the work would soon receive a Nobel Prize; knowing Bob Martin’s record of distinguished service to the discipline, it was obvious that he would be a winner of the Distinguished Public Service Award”. And indeed the choice of Robert F. Martin, Editor-in-Chief of The Canadian Mineralogist , as the recipient of the 2004 Mineralogical Society of America Distinguished Service Medal is obvious. I was pleased to be asked to write …
Unique Case Report Adolescent Torsion of Ovary Tube and Large Paraovarian Cyst

two different IC devices. Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed on patients who had IC placed or removed from July 2005 to June 2008. Patients were excluded if expulsion occurred immediately after placement or if the device was a reinsertion. Patients were included if their age at the time of placement was equal or less than 22 years of age. Comparative statistics between devices and population characteristics was performed using Fisher’s exact and t-test using the latest version of SAS. The p-values presented are descriptive only, since they have not been adjusted for multiplicity. Results: 89 patients met criteria for inclusion. Mean age at insertion was 19.5 years (data range 16-22); mean duration of use was 331.3 days (data range 8-1430) and a median of 253 days. Copper device users comprised 13% of patients while levonorgestrel (LNG) device users 87% (median duration of use 344 vs. 228 days p50.2254). Patients O18 years of age showed a trend towards a shorter duration of use than those #18 (median 200 vs. 325 days p 5 0.0950). Previous STI was reported in 25% of the patients with 2% overall reporting ever having Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Three percent of patients were nulliparous. Reasons for removal are illustrated in Table 1, and side effect profile in Table 2. Conclusion: The current findings illustrate, for the first time, the characteristics of adolescent users of IC. These findings may assist the practitioner in selecting the appropriate teen population that will benefit and maximize the use of these devices. There does not appear to be a difference in side effect profile between device types, but the LNG IC was removed less often because of its side effects and had no pregnancies during this review. There was no statistical significant difference detected in the mean duration of use between the LNG and copper IC. The device is currently still present on 67% and 41% of LNG and copper device users respectively and the true mean duration of use will not be determined until all devices have been removed.
Earth science. Strength of the San Andreas

Better predictions of earthquake likelihood will be possible only by understanding the physics of faults in the Earth’s crust. But the subject is a tough one. For example, although a new model of the characteristics of the San Andreas fault in California is consistent with some aspects of the available data, it does not account for others.
Comparison of protein metabolism and glucose uptake in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) satellite cells and embryonic myoblasts in vitro

Abstract Protein synthesis, protein degradation, and glucose uptake were compared in clonal-derived turkey myogenic satellite cells (clone D5-SC) and embryonic myoblasts (EM) and between satellite cell cultures from Nicholas (DN) and Merriam's (WM) turkeys. Protein synthesis rates were higher and degradation rates were lower in myotube cultures of D5-SC compared with EM ( P ⪯ 0.05). Protein synthesis and degradation rates did not differ between cultures of DN and WM ( P ≥ 0.05). Glucose transport rates were significantly higher in EM than D5-SC cultures and did not differ between DN and WM cultures. Insulin-like growth factors and insulin stimulated protein synthesis, decreased protein degradation, and increased glucose uptake in all cell lines.
Density functional study of ternary topological insulator thin films

Using an ab initio density functional theory based electronic structure method with a semilocal density approximation, we study thin-film electronic properties of two topological insulators based on ternary compounds of Tl (thallium) and Bi (bismuth). We consider TlBi${X}_{2}$ ($X=$ Se, Te) and Bi${}_{2}$${X}_{2}Y$ ($X,Y=$ Se,Te) compounds which provide better Dirac cones, compared to the model binary compounds Bi${}_{2}$${X}_{3}$($X=$ Se, Te). With this property in combination with a structurally perfect bulk crystal, the latter ternary compound has been found to have improved surface electronic transport in recent experiments. In this article, we discuss the nature of surface states, their locations in the Brillouin zone and their interactions within the bulk region. Our calculations suggest a critical thin film thickness to maintain the Dirac cone which is significantly smaller than that in binary Bi-based compounds. Atomic relaxations or rearrangements are found to affect the Dirac cone in some of these compounds. And with the help of layer-projected surface charge densities, we discuss the penetration depth of the surface states into the bulk region. The electronic spectrum of these ternary compounds agrees very well with the available experimental results.
Cold electrostatic ion cyclotron waves for preionization and IBW launching in LHD

A folded waveguide with E|| polarization is being installed on LHD device. The main purpose of the folded waveguide is to pre-ionize and create good target plasmas. The present manuscript proposes a launching of IBW via CESICW (Cold Electrostatic Ion Cyclotron Wave) for heating the core of LHD with the folded waveguide. The core heating can be accomplished by adding a minority hydrogen ion species in a helium majority plasma facilitating the mode-transformation of CESICW into IBW at the ion-ion hybrid resonance.
On quasiconvex subgroups of negatively curved groups

Abstract We say that a finitely generated group is locally quasiconvex if all its finitely generated subgroups are quasiconvex. Let G and H be locally quasiconvex subgroups of a negatively curved group ∗ G 0 =H 0 and let L be a finitely generated subgroup of ∗ G 0 =H 0 which intersects G and H in finitely generated subgroups. We prove that if G0 is malnormal in G and quasiconvex in ∗ G 0 =H 0 then L is quasiconvex in In particularly, a free product of locally quasiconvex negatively curved groups is locally quasiconvex and a free product of two negatively curved locally quasiconvex groups amalgamated over a virtually cyclic subgroup which is malnormal in one of the factors is locally quasiconvex. We also give a new proof of the fact that locally quasiconvex groups have the finitely generated intersection property, hence the groups mentioned above have the finitely generated intersection property.
Degradation of thin Si0 2 sidewall spacers during selective epitaxial growth for the fabrication of raised source/drain MOSFETs

Degradation of the electrical breakdown characteristics of SiO 2 after exposure to the silicon selective epitaxial growth (SEG) ambient is studied with a view to understand the effect on the sidewall spacers of elevated source/drain MOSFET devices. The effects of the SEG process at 850 degree(s)C-900 degree(s)C on the sidewall dielectric have been evaluated using capacitors with thermally grown or deposited SiO 2 gate dielectrics (oxide thicknesses from 15 nm to 30 nm) on polysilicon. Very little degradation of the electrical breakdown characteristics is observed after anneals in a hydrogen ambient indicating that structural void formation due to interfacial reaction between Si and SiO 2 does not occur at a rapid rate at these temperatures. Significant degradation is observed when 0.6% DCS is added to the growth ambient, which may be related to the reaction with the Si growth precursors at the SiO 2 surface. These results are confirmed by AFM measurements. After anneal in 0.6% DCS in H 2 at 1000 degree(s)C, a significant increase in roughness and in the density of etch pits at the SiO 2 /Si interface is observed compared to similar anneals in a pure hydrogen ambient. Experimental results are also presented comparing the different dielectrics and the impact of Si 3 N 4 spacers.
Protein digestibility of porcine colostrum by neonatal pigs

Abstract Colostrum plays an important role in neonatal growth and development. However, little is known about the digestion of macronutrients in colostrum of any species. This study was conducted with the neonatal piglet model to determine the digestibility of proteins in porcine colostrum. Twelve, 1-d-old, male piglets were selected from 3 litters (4 pigs/litter) and housed individually in metabolism crates with heating lamps to maintain a temperature of 35 °C. Colostrum (13 L) was collected from 400 sows (30 to 40 mL/sow) within 12 h postpartum after injection of oxytocin. All piglets were fed colostrum containing 0.25% (DM basis) chromium oxide as an external marker based on the following feeding program: 6 meals/d for an entire 3-d period; with 40 mL/meal for d 1 (240 mL/d), 55 mL/meal for d 2 (330 mL/d), and 70 mL/meal for d 3 (420 mL/d). Colostrum was hand-fed using baby milk bottles. Entire fecal samples with the chromium green color were collected each day after colostrum feeding. Fecal collection was terminated before the fading of the green color. Fecal samples were weighed (10.3 ± 1.0 g/pig), stored in − 20 °C, freeze-dried, and thoroughly ground for chemical analysis. Blood samples were collected at 0900 h of d 3 to obtain plasma samples for amino acid and immunoglobulin (Ig) G analysis. Digestibilities of crude protein and DM in colostrum, defined as the percentage of ingested colostral crude proteins and DM that disappeared in the gut, averaged 96.9 ± 0.4% and 98.3 ± 0.2%, respectively. Digestibility of total amino acids (protein-bound plus free amino acids) in the colostrum was 98.3 ± 0.1%, with the values being 98.5 ± 0.3, 98.2 ± 0.4, and 98.3 ± 0.3%, respectively, for Lys, Thr, and Arg. Plasma and colostral IgG content were 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 0.7 g/L, respectively. In conclusion, protein-bound and free amino acids in porcine colostrum were highly digestible and available to neonatal pigs.
A Cross-Cultural Study of Teachers’ Beliefs and Strategies on Classroom Behavior Management in Urban American and Korean School Systems:

The purpose of this study is to investigate teachers’ beliefs on classroom behavior management strategies for students in urban public high schools between teachers in the United States and the Republic of Korea. This study incorporates data collected from teacher self-reported survey questionnaire, which is the Attitudes and Beliefs on Classroom Control Inventory. The participants are 116 American teachers and 167 Korean teachers who are teaching high school students in each country. A two-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, independent t test, and content analysis are implemented to analyze data. The ANOVA reveals that there are no statistically significant cross-cultural differences between the two groups of educators by their years of teaching experience. Nonetheless, several key findings are identified between the two groups of educators: There are statistically significant cross-cultural differences in teachers’ instructional and students’ management styles.
Feasibility of speckle-tracking echocardiography for assessment of left ventricular dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objectives Effects of temporary biventricular pacing after cardiopulmonary bypass are unpredictable, and the utility of speckle-tracking echocardiography in this setting is unclear. Accordingly, speckle-tracking analysis of transgastric echocardiograms taken during cardiac surgery was assessed as a potential tool to measure strain, synchrony, and twist as indices to predict response. Design Prospective observational study, in part, with a randomized controlled study of temporary permanent biventricular pacing after cardiopulmonary bypass. Setting Single-center study at university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. Participants Twenty-one cardiac surgery candidates with ejection fraction ≤40% and QRS duration ≥100 ms or who were undergoing double-valve surgery. Interventions Transgastric views of the basal, midpapillary, and apical levels of the left ventricle were acquired before and after bypass. Measurements and Main Results Midpapillary sections were analyzable in 38% of patients. The remainder had epicardial borders extending beyond the field of view (24%) or inadequate image quality (38%). Only 9% of basal or apical sections were analyzable. Midpapillary radial strain and synchrony changed insignificantly after bypass. Variation in fractional area change correlated with changes in radial strain (p = 0.041) but not with synchrony. Conclusions Intraoperative transgastric echocardiography is inadequate for speckle-tracking analysis with current techniques. Intraoperative predictors of temporary biventricular pacing response are lacking.
Bulk versus surface effects in normal photoemission from Cu(110) in the range 32 < or = h. nu. < or = 160 eV

Synchrotron radiation in the 32-160-eV range was used to elucidate the role of bulk and surface effects in normal photoemission from the valence bands of a Cu(110) crystal. A dramatic resonance in the s-p band was observed for photon energies h..nu.. = 43-52 eV. We have used this resonance and the energy dependence of the spectra to study the role of surface-induced broadening of the momentum component perpendicular to the surface (k/sub perpendicular/). Our results strongly contradict previous interpretations of lower-energy studies in terms of a one-dimensional density of states along k/sub perpendicular/. We find that normal photoemission, applied over a sufficient energy range, can be used to map the initial-state bulk band structure.
Total Dose Radiation Effects on Silicon MESFET Circuits

Silicon MESFET technology is an attractive candidate for a gamma dose hard FET technology suitable for digital logic and sRAM circuits. This paper describes the results of an evaluation of the total dose hardness of Si MESFET circuits of sufficient density, performance, and complexity to allow prediction of the performance of Si MESFET LSI circuits. A simple approach to harden the isolation is demonstrated. Gamma total dose tests show the technology to be radiation hard to at least 106 rad (Si) without any observed degradation.
Protein Kinase C Is Involved in the Regulation of hairless mRNA Expression during Mouse Keratinocyte Differentiation

The hairless (hr) gene is a putative transcriptional factor whose mutations lead to hair loss in animals and humans. As a step toward understanding the role of the hr gene, we investigated the expression of hr mRNA in mouse keratinocyte differentiation. Treatment of mouse primary keratinocyte cultures with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) reduced DNA synthesis and sequentially induced an up-regulation of p21Cip1/WAF1 (p21), hr and involucrin (inv) mRNAs in a time-dependent fashion, suggesting that an increase in hr gene expression is associated with keratinocyte differentiation. This up-regulation was blocked by the RNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D. However, an increase in hr mRNA, but not in inv mRNA, was seen in cells treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that new protein synthesis is involved in the suppression of hr transcription or in the degradation of hr mRNA in the steady state. The up-regulation of hr mRNA expression by PMA was blocked by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X. These data indicate that PKC activation is involved in the up-regulation of hr mRNA expression during mouse keratinocyte differentiation.
The Origins of Specialized Nomadic Pastoralism: A Systemic Model

A model is presented which describes the transition from mixed rainfall-dependent agriculture with animal husbandry to specialized modes of production based upon irrigated agriculture and nomadic pastoralism. This model emphasizes selective pressures for mixed farming before irrigation agriculture had expanded in the arid alluvial zones of Mesopotamia, and selective pressures for specialization after irrigation agriculture had become established in that zone. It goes on to describe dynamic interaction between specialized groups once such specialization has become institutionalized.
Evaluation of collyria by the rabbit eye method.

It was found that isotonic solutions of zinc sulfate were significantly less irritating to the rabbit eye than hypotonic solutions. Osmotic pressure was more important than pH in reducing the irritation. Zinc sulfate solutions stabilized against precipitation by addition of sodium citrate or potassium sodium tartrate were more irritating than nonstabilized zinc sulfate solutions at lower zinc concentrations but were slightly less irritating in case of solutions of higher zinc concentration. Instillations of zinc sulfate collyria were found to be of no value in reducing the time required for recovery of the rabbit eye from irritation induced by either mustard oil or ultraviolet radiation.
Accuracy and precision actually achieved for large-aperture integrator sources for aircraft and space investigations

Large-aperture integrator sources are required to calibrate a number of the satellite instruments which will be used for documenting and understanding global change in the US Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite program. In this paper the salient characteristics of large-aperture sources as used at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center are identified. These characteristics are source spatial uniformity, calibration accuracy and output stability. One use of these sources in maintaining the satellite sensor performance in orbit through vicarious calibrations is reviewed. A transportable hemispherical source is shown to have spatial uniformity of better than 0,3%, have stability of near 1%, and to be capable of being calibrated with an uncertainty near 1,6%. Vicarious calibrations of the AVHRR with a transfer spectrometer on board a NASA ER-2 platform flown at 21 km are shown to be capable of individual calibrations with an uncertainty of 3,5%. Annual trends in the satellite responsivity can be corrected to an uncertainty of 1,5% with this approach.
Technical Aspects of Hip Reconstruction: Editorial Comment

Orthopaedic surgery necessarily requires an intimate knowledge of anatomy, physiology of the musculoskeletal system, and familiarity with a large number of technical procedures to correctly diagnose and to safely and effectively treat patients. Additional knowledge and instruments are required to evaluate the efficacy of our treatments. We present this month a series of articles all containing new information on one or more aspects of such critical knowledge important for hip surgery. Seven of the articles include new information on the anatomy of the pelvis and proximal femur, but all relate to ways to improve the performance of surgery and avoid errors; one describes an approach to hip surgery; three relate to various physiological processes involved in repair following surgery; and two describe methods to evaluate results. We hope those readers interested in hip surgery will appreciate the importance this new information provides to their practices.
Mondor's disease secondary to intravenous drug abuse

This article reports Mondor's disease resulting from intravenous drug abuse. This cause of Mondor's disease has never been described. Increased awareness should lead to increased recognition.
Evaluation of Herbicides for Restoring Native Grasses in Buffelgrass‐Dominated Grasslands

Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) is an exotic grass that threatens arid and semiarid ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine effectiveness of several herbicides at reducing competition from buffelgrass to enhance establishment of planted native grasses. In Duval County, Texas, plots were delineated in two experiments in a buffelgrass-dominated pasture and mowed on 2 September 2002. On 18 September 2002 and 7 October 2002, a 41% glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) herbicide was applied to all plots. A mixture of three native grasses—green sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia), plains bristlegrass (Setaria leucopila), and four-flower trichloris (Chloris pluriflora)—was planted on 8 October 2002. On 9 October 2002, 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha of a 80% tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethyethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N’-dimethylurea) herbicide was applied preemergence to the first experiment, and all other herbicides were applied postemergence on 27 July 2003 to the second experiment. Percent canopy cover of vegetation was estimated with a 20 × 50–cm sampling frame during April, June, and October 2003 and August 2004. Postemergent herbicides had no significant effect on canopy cover of buffelgrass or planted species (p≥ 0.05). Canopy cover of native grasses did not exceed 8% on any treatment or sampling date, and buffelgrass cover returned to pre-treatment conditions in less than 1 year; however, the 2.24 kg/ha rate of tebuthiuron suppressed (p < 0.05) canopy cover of buffelgrass compared with controls and increased (p < 0.05) native grasses almost 2 years past application. Tebuthiuron may have potential value in reducing buffelgrass canopy cover and increasing cover of native grasses, particularly Chloris spp.
A UNIFIED TREATMENT OF THE ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS USING EIGENVECTORS

Uniform methods for checking estimability of arbitrary treatment contrasts for completely random, randomized block, and two-way blocking designs are presented which relate arbitrary contrasts to the eigenvector contrasts of the C matrix of the design. Treatments are assumed to be fixed, but blocking variables may be fixed or random. Treatments may have factorial structure. If a set of contrasts is estimable, the appropriate test of hypothesis is calculated. The results are implemented via a program written in SAS IML.
COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENTATION EQUILIBRIUM DATA FROM PAUCIDISPERSE AND INTERACTING SYSTEMS.

Abstract The equation of Rinde is used as the basis for analysis of sedimentation equilibrium data from paucidisperse and interacting systems. Treatment of data by means of a digital computer makes it practical to treat all the data from a sedimentation equilibrium experiment in which a Rayleigh interference optical system is used, i.e., the total concentration and radial distance corresponding to each fringe. Results of sedimentation equilibrium experiments on ovine interstitial cell-stimulating hormone illustrate the method of analysis for the case where a single macromolecula solute exists in several states of aggregation which may or may not be in reversible equilibrium. The data are first treated as if they represent a paucidisperse, non-interacting system in order to illustrate the calculation of a molecular weight distribution for such a system. Subsequently, the data are treated in terms of a reversibly associating system. An argument is presented that, under the conditions customarily chosen for sedimentation equilibrium experiments, the molecular weight distribution of the entire sample calculated from results at sedimentation equilibrium is very nearly the same as at rest.
Congenital muscular dystrophies and the extracellular matrix.

During the past decade, considerable progress in the field of congenital muscular dystrophies ( CMD s) had led to the identification of a growing number of causative genes. This genetic progress has uncovered crucial pathophysiological concepts and has been instrumental in redefining clinical phenotypes. Important new pathogenic mechanisms include the disorders of O-mannosyl–linked glycosylation of α-dystroglycan as well as the involvement of a collagen type VI in the pathogenesis of congenital disorders of muscle. Thus, an emerging theme among gene products involved in the pathogenesis of congenital muscular dystrophy is their intimate connection to the extracellular matrix. In this review, we focus on the clinical phenotypes that we are correlating with the novel genetic and biochemical findings encountered within CMD . This correlation will frequently lead to a considerably expanded clinical spectrum associated with a given CMD gene.
Fossil fuel producing economies have greater potential for industrial interfuel substitution

Abstract This study analyzes industrial interfuel substitution in an international context using a large unbalanced panel dataset of 63 countries. We find that compared to other countries fossil fuel producing economies have higher short-term interfuel substitution elasticities. This difference increases further in the long run as fossil fuel producing countries have a considerably longer adjustment of their fuel-using capital stock. These results imply lower economic cost for policies aimed at climate abatement and more efficient utilization of energy resources in energy-intensive economies.
Calicheamin-mediated DNA damage in a reconstituted nucleosome is not affected by histone acetylation: the role of drug structure in the target recognition process.

We have examined the role of drug structure and histone acetylation in DNA damage produced by the enediyne antibiotic calicheamicin γ1I in nucleosomes reconstituted onto the 5S rRNA gene of Xenopus borealis. Consistent with previous observations, calicheamicin damage at the 3‘-end of a purine tract (positions −13 and −14) was enhanced in the nucleosome compared to naked DNA while damage at other sites was somewhat reduced in the nucleosome. However, damage produced by esperamicin C, an analog of calicheamicin missing the terminal sugar-aromatic ring in the side chain, showed no enhancement at positions −13 and −14, and its sequence selectivity in naked DNA was markedly different from that of calicheamicin. This highlights the importance of the intact tetrasaccharide side chain in the recognition of the structural deformation occurring at the 3‘-ends of purine tracts. Both drugs produced identical cleavage patterns in normal and hyperacetylated nucleosomes. Given the sensitivity of calicheamicin to local D...
Differential Activation of Protein Kinase C Isozymes by Phorbol Ester and Collagen in Human Skin Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells participate in activities including inflammation, wound healing, and angiogenesis (neovascularization). Two stages of angiogenesis can be mimicked in vitro by two models of cultured foreskin human dermal microvascular endothelial cells: the differentiation of epitheloid endothelial cells to spindle-shaped mesenchymal-like cells induced by phorbol ester treatment; and the formation of vascular channels induced by exposing the luminal surface of endothelial cell monolayers to type I collagen gels. The mechanisms underlying these two processes, however, are largely unknown. Protein kinase C isozymes, which are activated by phorbol esters, are important mediators in the angiogenic process. In the current work, we identified the protein kinase C isozymes present in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and determined which of the isozymes are activated in response to phorbol ester or to collagen treatments. Using western blot analysis, we found that microvascular endothelial cells contain at least six protein kinase C isozymes ( α , β , δ , ϵ , ζ , η ). Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the isozymes are located in distinct cellular compartments and that following treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or with a collagen gel overlay, most isozymes (protein kinase C α , β I, β II, δ , ϵ , η ;) translocated to different parts of the cell. Moreover, for two of these isozymes ( β II and η ), the localization differs after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment as compared with collagen treatment. These results demonstrate that agents that mimic two stages in the angiogenic process in vitro initiate diverse changes in the subcellular localization of specific protein kinase C isozymes and suggest a role for different isozymes in this process.
Ion observations from geosynchronous orbit as a proxy for ion cyclotron wave growth during storm times

[1] There is still much to be understood about the processes contributing to relativistic electron enhancements and losses in the radiation belts. Wave particle interactions with both whistler and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves may precipitate or accelerate these electrons. This study examines the relation between EMIC waves and resulting relativistic electron flux levels after geomagnetic storms. A proxy for enhanced EMIC waves is developed using Los Alamos National Laboratory Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer plasma data from geosynchronous orbit in conjunction with linear theory. In a statistical study using superposed epoch analysis, it is found that for storms resulting in net relativistic electron losses, there is a greater occurrence of enhanced EMIC waves. This is consistent with the hypothesis that EMIC waves are a primary mechanism for the scattering of relativistic electrons and thus cause losses of such particles from the magnetosphere.
The development of the glucocorticoid receptor system in the rat limbic brain. III. Negative-feedback regulation

In the neonatal rat, there are parallel increases with age in the concentrations of glucocorticoid receptors in the limbic system, and in the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to negative-feedback inhibition by circulating glucocorticoids. We speculated that the increasing receptor concentrations may mediate this increasing sensitivity of the HPA axis to the suppressive effects of glucocorticoids. To examine this idea we treated rats with exogenous corticosterone from days 29 to 34, resulting in a down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptors in the brain at Day 35 to levels similar to those of younger animals. Subjects whose maturational increase in receptors was reversed in this manner were less sensitive to feedback inhibition of glucocorticoids. Specifically, compared to controls they continued to secrete corticosterone after the end of stress, and were relatively insensitive to the suppressive effects of the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, on corticosterone titers. Our data specifically implicate the hippocampus in modulating feedback sensitivity, as down-regulation was extensive in this structure, and did not occur in the septum, amygdala, hypothalamus or pituitary.
Deleted in breast cancer-1 (DBC-1) in the interface between metabolism, aging and cancer.

DBC1 (deleted in breast cancer-1) is a nuclear protein that regulates cellular metabolism. Since alteration in cellular metabolism have been proposed to be the emerging ‘hallmark’ of cancer, it is possible that DBC1 may be implicated in the regulation of cancer cell energy metabolism. However, at this point any role of DBC1 in cancer is only speculative. In this review, we will discuss the new developments in DBC1 research, its molecular structure, regulatory roles and implication in metabolism, aging and cancer.
Even-odd correlation functions on an optical lattice

We study how different many-body states appear in a quantum-gas microscope, such as the one developed at Harvard [Bakr et al., Nature 462, 74 (2009)], where the site-resolved parity of the atom number is imaged. We calculate the spatial correlations of the microscope images, corresponding to the correlation function of the parity of the number of atoms at each site. We produce analytic results for a number of well-known models: noninteracting bosons, the large-$U$ Bose-Hubbard model, and noninteracting fermions. We find that these parity correlations tend to be less strong than density-density correlations, but they carry similar information.
Metmyoglobin Reducing Capacity of Fresh Normal, PSE, and DFD Pork During Retail Display

Fresh pale, soft, exudative (PSE), dark, firm, dry (DFD), and normal pork were stored under light or dark conditions at 4°C for 7 days. Sample pH, metmyoglobin reductase activity, oxygen consumption rate, and relative surface metmyoglobin and oxymyoglobin contents were determined. DFD pork had the highest metmyoglobin reductase activity and oxygen consumption rate. Enzyme activity of PSE was lower than that of normal pork, but no difference existed in oxygen consumption rate between PSE and normal samples. Metmyoglobin reductase activity dropped slowly during meat storage; oxygen consumption rate sharply decreased during the first day of storage. Both metmyoglobin reductase activity and oxygen consumption rate declined more rapidly in the light. Results can help develop guidelines for display and packaging of pork.
Ultramicrodetermination of levulose with p-Anisyl Blue ditetrazolium chloride

Abstract p-Anisyl Blue ditetrazolium chloride is found to be a suitable reagent for the ultramicrodetermination of levulose. There is a linear relation between optical densities and concentrations up to 2.5 μg./ ml.
Sodium tracer diffusion in a glass-ceramic containing nano-sized spinel crystals

Abstract Tracer diffusion coefficients of sodium have been measured at temperatures between 400°C and 800°C in a glass-ceramic containing nano-crystalline spinel by employing the radioactive tracer Na-22. Diffusion profiles of Na-22 obtained in this two-phase glass-ceramic can be evaluated by assuming a single tracer diffusion coefficient for describing the diffusion on a macroscopic length scale. The values of the tracer diffusion coefficients obtained range from 4×10−10 to 3×10 −7 cm 2 / s from 400°C to 800°C, respectively. A simple Arrhenius equation, D * Na =10 (−1.86±0.08) exp (−(97.25±1.21 kJ / mol )/R T) cm 2 / s , can be used to summarize the data. Based on the results from separate sodium tracer diffusion experiments in spinel, it is concluded that the diffusion of sodium ions in the glass-ceramic is not significantly influenced by the presence of nano-sized spinel particles in this material.
A demonstration that breast cancer recurrence can be predicted by neural network analysis.

Neural Network Analysis, a form of artificial intelligence, was successfully used to predict the clinical outcome of node-positive breast cancer patients. A Neural Network was trained to predict clinical outcome using prognostic information from 1008 patients. During training, the network received as input information tumor hormone receptor status, DNA index and S-phase determination by flow cytometry, tumor size, number of axillary lymph nodes involved with tumor, and age of the patient, as well as lengtl of clinical followup, relapse status, and time of relapse. The ability of the trained Network to determine relapse probability was then validated in a separate set of 960 patients. The Neural Network was as powerful as Cox Regression Modeling inidentifying breast cancer patients at high and low risk for relapse.
IDF revisited: a simple new derivation within the Robertson-Spärck Jones probabilistic model

There have been a number of prior attempts to theoretically justify the effectiveness of the inverse document frequency (IDF). Those that take as their starting point Robertson and Sparck Jones's probabilistic model are based on strong or complex assumptions. We show that a more intuitively plausible assumption suffices. Moreover, the new assumption, while conceptually very simple, provides a solution to an estimation problem that had been deemed intractable by Robertson and Walker (1997).
Norm-Referenced Test Gains May Be Real: A Response to John Jacob Cannell.

Finding Cannell's evidence that large proportions of students are scoring above median levels “compelling,” the author discusses possible causes, including recent achievement gains, inadequate norms, focusing of curriculums on test content coverage, and teaching to the tests.
Task Rotation and Polychronicity: Effects on Individuals' Creativity

(2006). Task Rotation and Polychronicity: Effects on Individuals' Creativity. Human Performance: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 117-131.
Passive epicardial containment prevents ventricular remodeling in heart failure

Abstract Background . We examined the effects of passive containment of the cardiac ventricles with a surgically placed epicardial prosthetic wrap on indexes of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in dogs with heart failure. Methods . Heart failure (LV ejection fraction 30% to 40%) was produced in 12 dogs by intracoronary microembolization. Six dogs underwent mid-sternotomy and pericardiotomy with placement of a preformed-knitted polyester device ( Acorn Cardiac Support Device [CSD], Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc, St. Paul, MN) snugly around the ventricles and anchored to the atrioventricular groove. Six dogs did not undergo surgery and served as controls. Dogs were followed for 3 months prior to sacrifice. Results . In controls, LV end-diastolic volume increased after 3 months (67 ± 12 versus 83 ± 8 ml; p = 0.04), while in CSD-treated dogs, it decreased (68 ± 10 versus 61 ± 10 ml; p = 0.002). CSD-containment of LV size was associated with increased LV systolic fractional area of shortening, while in controls, fractional area of shortening decreased. CSD-treated dogs also showed amelioration of myocyte hypertrophy and attenuation of interstitial fibrosis compared to controls. Conclusions . In dogs with heart failure, passive epicardial containment of the ventricles with the Acorn CSD ameliorates LV remodeling and improves LV systolic function.
A mechanism for asymmetric data writing failure

Abstract As dynamic random access memory (DRAM) technology develops further, it is more difficult to sustain a sufficient sensing margin to detect weak cell data. Therefore, a high data writing performance is necessary in order to guarantee the data sensing margin. In this paper, an analysis of the phenomenon of an asymmetric data writing failure (ADWF) is presented, taking account of a bit line sense amplifier (BLSA) offset, and the failure mechanism has been studied through the use of measurement analysis.
PARPi-FL - a Fluorescent PARP1 Inhibitor for Glioblastoma Imaging

New intravital optical imaging technologies have revolutionized our understanding of mammalian biology and continue to evolve rapidly. However, there are only a limited number of imaging probes available to date. In this study, we investigated in mouse models of glioblastoma whether a fluorescent small molecule inhibitor of the DNA repair enzyme PARP1, PARPi-FL, can be used as an imaging agent to detect glioblastomas in vivo. We demonstrated that PARPi-FL has appropriate biophysical properties, low toxicity at concentrations used for imaging, high stability in vivo, and accumulates selectively in glioblastomas due to high PARP1 expression. Importantly, subcutaneous and orthotopic glioblastoma xenografts were imaged with high contrast clearly defining tumor tissue from normal surrounding tissue. This research represents a step toward exploring and developing PARPi-FL as an optical intraoperative imaging agent for PARP1 in the clinic.
About two types of microstructures adapted to heat evacuation and elastic stress: snow flakes and quasi-crystals

I first met Constantine Dafermos in August 1974, at a meeting at Brown University, where I was invited because my former advisor (Jacques-Louis LIONS) could not come, and he had proposed my name. I was happily surprised that Constantine greeted me as if he knew me well, and since for many years now I have considered him as if he was an older brother, I wonder when this feeling started. I do not remember when I told him that my paternal grandmother (Cecilia) had a Greek passport, which was not uncommon for Christian families in Syria, since most of them followed the Greek Orthodox rite, and I now wonder if it played a role in the divorce of my grandparents, after my grandfather (Elias) switched to a more evangelical faith, and became a little excessive about religion: my father (Georges) once mentioned that when he had some argument with his father and he wanted to annoy him, he went to the Sunday office at the Greek Orthodox church. Becoming friend with Constantine was natural for human reasons, but also for scientific reasons.
Relationship between management philosophy and clinical outcomes.

Background: Medical research continues to focus overwhelmingly on biomedical interventions, such as drugs, devices, and procedures. The dysfunctional health care cultures and systems need more attention for quality of care to improve further. Purpose: The existing health services management research has not used a systematic theoretical framework to predict the effects of organizational variables onclinicaloutcomes. This studytests thetheoretical modelproposed byN.Khatri, A. Baveja, S. Boren, and A. Mammo (2006). Methodology: This study surveyed employees from hospitals in Missouri. The sample consisted of 77 respondents from 16 hospitals. Findings: The control-based management approach (Management Control and Silos) was found to be positively associated with Culture of Blame and negatively with Learning From Mistakes. In contrast, the commitment-based approach (Fair Management Practices and Employee Participation) was negatively associated with Culture of Blame and positively with Learning From Mistakes, Camaraderie, and Motivation. Mediating variables of Learning From Mistakes and Camaraderie showed a significant negative relationship with Medical Errors. Learning From Mistakes, Camaraderie, and Motivation all showed a significant positive relationship with Quality of Patient Care. The mediating variables had much stronger relationships with Medical Errors and Quality of Patient Care than did the independent variables, lending support to the proposed mediation. Implications for Practice: Health care organizations can improve the quality of care and reduce medical errors significantly by enhancing learning from mistakes and boosting camaraderie and morale of their employees. They can do so by breaking down silos in their structures, implementing just and fair management practices, and involving employees in decision making. April–June 2007