cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prickle isoforms determine handedness of helical morphogenesis.

Our right and left hands are mirror images of each other and cannot be precisely superimposed. This property, known as chirality, is vital for many tissues and organs to form correctly in humans and other animals. For example, fruit flies have hair-like sensory organs on the edges of their wings known as bristles. One of the cells in each bristle forms a shaft that generally tilts away from the main body of the fly and is anchored in place by another cell known as the socket. A signaling pathway known as PCP signaling controls the directions in which many chiral tissues and organs in animals form. The pathway contains two signaling modules: the global module collects “directional” information about the orientation of the body and sends it to the core module, which interprets this information to control how the tissue or organ grows. Fruit flies have two different versions of one of the core module components – known as Prickle and Spiny legs – that are thought to alter the direction the core module responds to the information it receives. Mutant flies known as pkpk mutants are unable to make Prickle and their wing bristles tilt in the opposite direction compared to those in normal flies, but it was not clear exactly why this happens. To address this question, Cho et al. studied PCP signaling in the wings of normal and pkpk mutant flies. The experiments showed that Prickle directed the bristles on the right wing of a normal fly to grow in left-handed corkscrew-like patterns in which the emerging shaft and socket of each bristle twisted around each other. As a result, the bristles tilted away from the bodies of the flies. In the pkpk mutants, however, Spiny legs substituted for Prickle, causing the equivalent bristles to grow in a right-handed corkscrew pattern and tilt towards the body. The findings of Cho et al. show that PCP signaling controls the direction fly bristles grow by selectively using Prickle and Spiny legs. In the future, this work may also aid efforts to develop effective screening and treatments for birth defects that result from the failure of chiral tissues and organs to form properly.
Alternative approaches to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes based on surgical approach for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PT-RMS). Methods Patients undergoing RPLND for PT-RMS over 10 years at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Length of stay (LOS), complications, oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/Kg), lymph node yield, and time to chemotherapy were assessed. The surgical approaches compared were: open transabdominal, open extraperitoneal, laparoscopic, and retroperitoneoscopic. For cases with lymphatic mapping, indocyanine green (ICG) was injected into the spermatic cord. Results Twenty patients were included: five open transabdominal, six open extraperitoneal, three laparoscopic, and six retroperitoneoscopic operations. LOS was shorter in the retroperitoneoscopic group than laparoscopic (p = 0.029) and both open groups (p Conclusions Minimally invasive RPLND appears to offer a faster recovery without compromising lymph node yield for patients with PT-RMS. Level of Evidence III.
The pathogen identification of a Salmonella typhimurium food poisoning

沙门菌引起的食物中毒,在细菌性食物中毒中最为常见,尤以鼠伤寒沙门菌为主.2009年6月19日中午阆中市民举办婚宴,就餐后陆续有38人出现发热、恶心、呕吐、乏力、腹泻等症状.首例患者发病时间为19日18时30分,末例发病时间为20日17时,发病高峰时间为19日晚20时.38例患者中年龄最大的70岁,最小的6岁.调查发现患者均食用凉菜,未食用凉菜者不发病.38例患者主要临床表现为发热、恶心、呕吐、头晕、乏力、寒战、腹泻症状.患者均到阆中市人民医院就诊治疗,经抗菌治疗,7 d内全部出院,无死亡病例.根据流行病学调查,结合临床症状及实验室病原学诊断,确诊为一起由鼠伤寒沙门菌感染所致的食物中毒,现将实验室病原菌的分离鉴定结果报告如下。
Moderate Alcoholic Hepatitis.

The natural history of moderate alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is not well known. It is a frequent disease with a probable underestimated incidence compared with its severe form. Among the different prognostic scores predicting short-term mortality in AH, MELD seems to be the most accurate. The mortality of moderate AH is 3% to 7% in the short to medium term and 13% to 20% at 1 year, mainly because of liver-related complications, including severe infections. Long-term abstinence is the main goal of the treatment. There is still need for the development of new therapies for AH, including the less severe forms.
A similar pool of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in Xenopus oocytes is stimulated by insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and [Val12,Thr59]Ha-ras protein.

Abstract Pharmacological analysis of in vivo cAMP phosphodiesterase in Xenopus oocytes using the nonselective enzyme inhibitors 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), theophylline, and papaverine, demonstrated inhibition of insulin- and insulin-like growth factor-1-induced maturation at concentrations that were 17-60-fold lower than those required to inhibit progesterone-induced germinal vesicle breakdown. The abilities of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors to block the maturation response showed the same rank order of potencies for each hormone: papaverine greater than IBMX greater than theophylline. Insulin-induced oocyte maturation that was accelerated by 0.01 microM progesterone was also inhibited by low micromolar concentrations of IBMX, demonstrating that the accelerated time course was due to a synergistic potentiation of insulin action by progesterone. Both insulin-induced maturation and insulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity displayed similar sensitivities to inhibition by IBMX, suggesting that hormone-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity is required for the peptide hormone action. Furthermore, microinjection of the transforming ras gene product [Val12,Thr59]Ha induced oocyte maturation and stimulated oocyte phosphodiesterase activity by approximately 50%, and both of these actions were inhibited by IBMX. These results suggest that oocyte maturation induced by insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and transforming ras protein involves stimulation of a similar phosphodiesterase.
Representing architectural evolution

Software engineers informally use block diagrams with boxes and lines to express system architectures. Diagrammatic representations of this type are also found in many specification techniques. However, rarely are architectural documents containing such representations systematically maintained; as a system evolves, architectural documents become obsolete, and the design history of the system is ultimately lost. Additionally, box-and-line representations used in these documents do not possess a precise semantics invariant across the different techniques that rely on them. This paper addresses expression of system evolution at the architectural level based on a formal model of box-and-line diagrams. The formal model (a) provides semantic uniformity and precision; and (b) allows evolutionary steps to be represented as structural transformations. Interesting classes of such transformations are characterized in terms of the underlying operators. With these tools, the architectural evolution of a system is captured as a directed acyclic graph of baselines, where each baseline consists of a system of box-and-line diagrams, and is mapped to a successor baseline by a set of structural transformations. It is also shown how familiar design concepts--such as extension, abstraction, and structural refinement-- can be formalized in simple terms within the framework developed.
Reasons for the absence of a history of recurrent genital infections in mothers of neonates infected with herpes simplex virus.

Thirty-one cases of neonatal herpes simplex (HSV) infection were evaluated to determine how often mothers of infected infants lacked a history of recurrent genital infections and the reasons for its absence. A history of recurrent genital infections was elicited from eight (26%) of the mothers. Nine (29%) of the mothers had primary infections; three of these were oral and six were genital. The mother was not the source of infection in three (9.6%) cases. In eleven (35%) cases, the mother had antibody to HSV but did not have a history or findings of primary or recurrent infection. Two of these mothers had positive cervical or vaginal cultures, but neither had genital lesions typical of HSV in the perinatal period. Two mothers had recurrent HSV infections documented later. The source of the HSV infection remained uncertain in 23% of cases including two in which only the father had a history of recurrent genital infection. When mothers with primary infections in the perinatal period were excluded, the HSV neutralization titers of the mothers of infected infants were similar to the titers of the mothers with recurrent genital infections whose infants were not infected. In contrast, the infected infants had titers fourfold lower than their mother9s titer as well as fourfold lower than the 16 infants exposed to HSV who remained uninfected. This discrepancy suggests that the mothers may have had a rise in titer late in pregnancy or that placental transport of antibody was limited. Although 26% of the mothers of infected infants had recurrent genital infections, only three (9.6%) had an easily elicitable history. Most cases of neonatal HSV infection will not be avoidable until the epidemiology of primary maternal infection and of nonmaternal sources of infection is understood and the identification of women with HSV who are never symptomatic is improved.
Degradation of nuclear matrix and DNA cleavage in apoptotic thymocytes

In dexamethasone-treated thymocyte cultures an increase in nuclear proteolytic activity paralleled chromatin fragmentation and the appearance of small apoptotic cells. The elevation of nuclear proteolytic activity was accompanied by site-specific degradation of nuclear mitotic apparatus protein and lamin B, two essential components of the nuclear matrix. Nuclear mitotic apparatus protein phosphorylation and cleavage into 200 and 48 kDa fragments occurred within 30 minutes of dexamethasone treatment. Cleavage of lamin B, which generated a fragment of 46 kDa consistent with the central rod domain of the protein, was also detected after 30 minutes of exposure to the steroid hormone. The level of lamin B phosphorylation did not change as a result of the dexamethasone treatment and the lamina did not solubilize until the later stages of apoptosis. Initial DNA breaks, detected by the terminal transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay, occurred throughout the nuclei and solubilization of lamina was not required for this process to commence. The data presented in this paper support a model of apoptotic nuclear destruction brought about by the site-specific proteolysis of key structural proteins. Both the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein and lamin B were specifically targeted by protease(s) at early stages of the cell death pathway, which possibly initiate the cascade of degradative events in apoptosis.
Nutrition and metabolism.

The hypermetabolic response characteristic of thermal injury results in marked negative nitrogen balance, loss of body weight, and depletion of energy reserves. The magnitude of the catabolic process is directly related to the extent of injury and its impact on the patient is related to pre-burn nutrition and condition. Left unabated, protein breakdown results in loss of lean body mass at a rate of 30 to 35 g of nitrogen per day with impairment of wound healing, diminution of immunological competence, and lowered resistance to infection. Although provision of adequate nitrogen and calories will not return metabolism to normal levels, it will reduce nitrogen loss, promote healing, and hasten the recovery of the patient.
Secreting Vagal Paraganglioma

Paragangliomas are rare tumors that derive from neural crest tissue. Vagal paragangliomas account for only 3% of all head and neck paragangliomas. Patients with vagal paragangliomas typically present with an asymptomatic neck mass and, less frequently, with cranial neuropathies. It is estimated that only 1% to 3% of all head and neck paragangliomas secrete catecholamines. The incidence of secreting vagal paragangliomas is even smaller. The diagnosis of a secreting paraganglioma involves the use of a screening test for serum catecholamines and a 24-hour urinary test for catecholamine metabolites. The identification and staging of these tumors can be performed through the use of MRI and/or CT scans and an octreotide scintigraphy. The mainstay treatment is surgical extirpation; however, preoperative medical blockade is critical to avoid a hypertensive crisis intra-operatively. We present two illustrative cases of secreting vagal paragangliomas involving a complex diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.
Predictive Factors for Successful Balloon Catheter Extraction of Esophageal Foreign Bodies

Introduction Foreign bodies in the esophagus are common in children. Time from ingestion to presentation is variable, and may not be known. Our center usually performs Foley catheter balloon extraction under fluoroscopy as the first step to attempt removal to prevent all patients from going to the operating room. The efficacy of this procedure has been reported. However, information is lacking about the relationship between presentation variables and the likelihood of success. Methods After IRB approval, we performed a retrospective single-center review from January 1988 to August 2011 of children with an esophageal foreign body. Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between variables and successful balloon extraction for P \ 0.05. A logistic regression was done to evaluate for independence. Results 819 patients presented with esophageal foreign bodies, with a mean age of 3.3 years. 572 patients underwent balloon extraction, 83 % successful. Mean ingestion duration was 16.6 h with fluoroscopy time of 2.3 min and mean number of attempts was 1.5. Successful balloon extraction had a negative correlation with refusal to eat, respiratory distress, cough, wheeze, upper respiratory infection symptoms, stridor, fever, duration of ingestion [1 day, unwitnessed ingestion, fluoroscopy time and number of balloon catheter attempts. There was a positive correlation between success and both age and duration of ingestion \1 day. Independent predictive factors were number of balloon catheter attempts. Conclusions Patients with longer duration of ingestion, symptoms from the foreign body and increased number of removal attempts have a decreased likelihood of success with balloon catheter extraction and should not undergo prolonged efforts of removal.
Condensed states of nucleic acids. II. Effects of molecular size, base composition, and presence of intercalating agents on the psi transition of DNA.

Circular dichroism spectroscopy has been used to investigate the influence of DNA molecular size, base composition, and the presence of intercalating agents upon the Ψ transition of DNA brought about by high concentrations of poly(ethylene oxide) and salt (Lerman (1971) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.) 68, 1886–1890). A molecular weight of 0.15–3.0 × 106 daltons yields maximum formation of Ψ-DNA. Both the amplitude of the large negative CD band at 265 nm—a chief characteristic of the Ψ state—and the thermal stability of Ψ-DNA increase linearly with increasing mole fraction of guanine plus cytosine in the DNA sample. Either ethidium or proflavine, at concentrations where approximately one dye is bound per 5–10 nucleotide residues, can prevent the transition completely. Striking similarities between the Ψ-DNA produced by poly(ethylene oxide) + salt and the complexes formed between DNA and lysine-rich histone f1 suggest the presence of similar nucleic acid–nucleic acid interactions in both types of condensed phase.
Variations in design for a nanoscale silicon laser

In the design of optoelectronic devices, size and compatibility with current technology are two significant considerations. A much desired optoelectronic laser design would be one in which the laser formed a very small integrated component of a silicon microchip and was fabricated entirely from CMOS compatible materials. Until recently, the prospect for such a device seemed unlikely, and the future of optoelectronic functionality appeared to lie largely with direct bandgap semiconductors such as GaAs. However, the recent observation of optical gain in silicon nanocrystals has opened an opportunity to develop a nanoscale silicon-based laser. In this paper we report on various designs that could be used to achieve such a breakthrough. The designs are based on photonic crystal architecture and utilize Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO 2 for the lasing media. The designs could be employed for other nanolasers providing specific lasing criteria are met.
Drying gels: IV. Cylinder and sphere

Analyses are presented for the stresses and strains developed during drying of gels cast into cylindrical or spherical shapes, using the model developed in Part I of this series. For a given material and drying rate, the tensile stresses decrease in the order plate > cylinder > sphere. This reflects the relative ease of transporting liquid from the interiors of bodies with these shapes. Two solutions are obtained for the cylinder: 1) evaporation from the end and the lateral surface; 2) evaporation only from the lateral surface. The second solution is much simpler, and agrees with the other solution at distances greater than one radius from the exposed end. The solution for the sphere provides a rough approximation to the situation at the end of the cylinder.
Sensation Seeking, the Activation Model, and Mass Media Health Campaigns: Current Findings and Future Directions for Cancer Communication

The Activation Model of Information Exposure highlights the potential for individual differences in arousal in response to information, as well as the consequences of these patterns for information processing and seeking. Over the past 2 decades, the theoretical approach has generated considerable research in health communication. Most applications, however, have focused on substance use among adolescents and young adults. In this article, we assess the relevance of the activation approach for cancer communication. Although a wide range of communication efforts related to cancer prevention and treatment stand to benefit from acknowledgement of individual differences in optimal levels of arousal, we also acknowledge issues and challenges that remain for work on the Activation Model and sensation seeking. In reaching this conclusion, we explore some limitations of the Activation Model in its current form and point to new directions for future research.
Acute psychosis presenting in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Answers.

A 17-year-old girl recently diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented to the Emergency Room with acute onset of psychosis. A variety of potential etiologies, including those related to SLE, to the treatment of her SLE, or to another psychiatric condition, are discussed. In addition, the work-up and management decisions for this patient are reviewed in detail.
Identification of Tetrol I-2 by Laser-Excited Solution Fluorescence Spectra:

The detection and quantitation of the tetrols are important ways to study the extent of chemical damage to DNA. Both room- and low-temperature laser-excited solution fluorescence spectra of the four tetrol isomers were compared for their spectral features. The results showed that the characteristics of the solution spectra obtained at 77 K provided a very reliable means for distinguishing tetrol I-2 from its isomers. By utilizing both room-temperature solid-matrix (10% α-cyclodextrin/NaCl) fluorescence spectra from earlier work and solution florescence spectra at 77 K obtained in this work, it is possible to identify the four tetrol isomers.
Dispersion characteristics of ceramic powders in the application of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes

Abstract Dispersion characteristics of silicon nitride, silicon carbide, alumina, aluminum nitride and yttria powders in aqueous solutions of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes were studied by measuring particle size distribution using a gravity sedimentation technique. The influence of polyelectrolyte concentration and suspension pH on the dispersion was examined. All powders examined in this study could be well dispersed in the presence of either cationic or anionic polyelectrolyte by adjusting the dispersion pH to at least 2.5 pH units away from the effective pHiep (iep=isoelectric point) of the powder-polyelectrolyte system. The dispersion characteristics of these powders in the presence of polyelectrolytes are explained in terms of interfacial interactions in the powder-polyelectrolyte systems. These interactions between the powder and polyelectrolytes as a function of suspension pH, and possible mechanisms leading to the stability of particles in a dispersion, are discussed.
Threshold friction velocity of crusted windblown soils in the Columbia Plateau

Abstract Wind erosion processes are governed by soil physical properties and surface characteristics. Erosion is initiated when the friction velocity exceeds the threshold friction velocity (u∗t) of soils. Although u∗t is influenced by soil physical properties such as wetness and crusting, there is little information available on the effect of soil crusting on u∗t. Knowledge of the relationship between soil crusting and u∗t is required to improve our ability to predict wind erosion and PM10 (particulates ⩽10 μm in aerodynamic diameter) emissions from crusted soils. Threshold friction velocity was assessed on five soil types commonly found across the Columbia Plateau. These soils were obtained from agricultural fields, placed in trays, subject to various rainfall amounts to promote crust formation, and then exposed to winds inside a wind tunnel. Emission of soil particulates and PM10 as a function of wind speed were monitored by saltation and aerosol sensors. Threshold friction velocity was determined by systematically increasing wind speed until we observed an increase in airborne particulate or PM10 concentration. Threshold friction velocity increased with the development of a soil crust; u∗t increased exponentially with an increase in crust strength and thickness. The relationship between u∗t and crust thickness was influenced by clay content. The relationship between u∗t and crust strength and thickness should be considered when simulating wind erosion of agricultural soils.
Low temperature properties of an organic superconductor

Abstract A review of some properties of (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 is given. We argue that increased interchain coupling is the major cause of the pressure induced transition from a quasi 1D SDW insulator to an anisotropic 2D superconductor. A narrow region of SDW and superconductivity coexistence is observed.
Effects of hippocampal lesions on adaptive intake of diets with disproportionate amounts of amino acids

Bilateral double electrolytic overlapping lesions were placed in dorsal-lateral hippocampus of male 230 g rats, and their food intake responses to the ingestion of diets containing disproportionate amounts of amino acids were examined. Rats with such lesions and intact control rats maintained their normal intakes of the 6% casein basal diet or a threonine basal amino acid diet postoperatively. However, they exhibited marked initial food intake depression, similar to that of intact rats, when fed the threonine imbalanced amino acid diet. Also, animals with lesions in certain areas of the dorsal-lateral hippocampus showed facilitated adaptation to the amino acid imbalanced diet. Similar severe reduction in food intake with relative lack of adaptation were observed in both the intact controls and rats with hippocampal lesions when fed amino acid diets completely devoid of threonine. Initial food intake of rats with hippocampal lesions was inhibited drastically as was the case with the intact controls when fed a 75% casein high protein diet. All rats, either intact or lesioned, showed similar slow adaptation patterns with the prolonged ingestion of the high protein diet. The initial food intake responses and facilitated adaptation of the animals bearing lesions in certain areas of the hippocampus suggest that such areas are not crucially involved in the inhibition of food intake of rats fed disproportionate amounts of dietary amino acids. Rather, such areas of lesions in the hippocampus may play a role in a system governing the behavioral adaptation of the intake of amino acid imbalanced diets but not of diets containing amino acids in general excess. This would also indicate that different mechanisms control the intake of amino acid imbalanced diets and diets containing amino acids in excess.
Surface modification of ZnO using triethoxysilane-based molecules.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an important material for hybrid inorganic−organic devices in which the characteristics of the interface can dominate both the structural and electronic properties of the system...
Comparison of Power Density Characteristics among Disk and Plate Shaped Piezoelectric Devices

High power density piezoelectric devices are required for smaller actuators and transformers. These devices are expected to perform similar to, or better than their larger scaled counterparts. Despite the superiority over their electromagnetic conjugates, piezoelectric devices are still limited in the amount of power they can handle. Commercial materials can carry vibration velocities up to 0.5 m/s (measured for a rectangular plate), which translates roughly into 25 W/cm3 power density. In this work, we examined the effect of shape and aspect ratio to the power density of two common actuator shapes, k31 type rectangular plates and kp type disks. Results demonstrate that the power density of disks can be an order of magnitude higher than plates. While the power density is 10 times higher, the equivalent resistance of a disk shaped resonator is 10 times lower, making it a better candidate to match low output impedances, needed for high power transformers. Disks also show higher mechanical quality factors when considering a fixed output power per volume as a criterion. The results of this study validate the use of disk shaped actuators for high power density applications including as transducers and step down transformers.
Behavioral self-control training for problem drinkers: A meta-analysis of randomized control studies

A review of the literature uncovered 17 studies that have employed a randomized control design to investigate the efficacy of behavioral self-control training for problem drinking. A meta-analysis of these 17 studies showed that behavioral self-control training was superior to no intervention and alternative nonabstinence-oriented interventions in reducing both alcohol consumption and problematic drinking. The results of this meta-analysis also favored behavioral self-control training over traditional abstinence-oriented treatment, but the effect size fell short of statistical significance. Additional analyses found self-control training to be equally effective for use with alcohol-dependent and problem-drinking subjects and for follow-ups spanning several months to several years. The implications of these results for interventions with alcohol-abusing clients are discussed.
Evaluation of a sampling approach. Nursing home reimbursement and level of care determination.

Under existing federal regulations, it is mandated that the care of all nursing home residents be reviewed annually. A fouryear demonstration project in Wisconsin tested a sampling approach to nursing home resident review. The rationalefor the sampling approach is that one can more effectively identifypervasiveproblems with resident care by an in-depth examination of a sample of residents than by a cursory assessment of all residents. Ifproblems are identified in the sample, all residents can then be reviewed. However, reimbursement for nursing home care is also influenced by level of care and given that nursing home inspectors review the appropriateness of level of care, the issue arises as to what impact a sampling approach would have on reimbursement. This evaluation compares the changes in reimbursement owing to resident review under the sampling and federally mandated, 100% review methods. The results indicate that reviewinga sample of nursing home residents may offer similar reductions in nursing ho...
A longitudinal examination of psychological, behavioral, academic, and relationship consequences of dating abuse victimization among a primarily rural sample of adolescents

Abstract Purpose It is widely held that being victimized by a dating partner during adolescence has negative consequences, yet few longitudinal studies have examined those consequences. This longitudinal study examined the effects of psychological and physical (including sexual) dating abuse victimization on internalizing symptoms, substance use, academic aspirations and grades, and relationships with friends and family. Methods This four-wave longitudinal study (N = 3,328), conducted in two rural North Carolina counties, spanned grades 8 to 12. Random coefficient analyses were used to examine prospective lagged effects of each type of dating abuse on each outcome and to examine sex and grade as moderators of lagged effects. Results Consequences varied by type of dating abuse experienced and sex. For both boys and girls, psychological victimization predicted increased alcohol use and physical victimization predicted increased cigarette use. For girls, physical victimization predicted increased marijuana use, and psychological victimization predicted increased internalizing symptoms; the latter effect was only marginally significant for boys. Physical victimization marginally predicted decreases in the number of close friends for boys. Neither type of victimization predicted increased family conflict or decreased academic aspirations or grades, nor was there evidence that consequences varied by grade. Conclusions Although causation cannot be concluded with longitudinal designs, our findings suggest that being victimized by a dating partner may result in detrimental consequences for adolescents. The findings demonstrate the importance of identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions for preventing dating abuse, including efforts to prevent psychological abuse specifically.
Bianchi-symmetric metrics

New, simple, Bianchi I, II, and IX metrics are presented. They were obtained by means of computer-based algebraic manipulators. The scheme is described.
Redescriptions of Uronema filificum and U. elegans

SYNOPSIS. Two species of hymenostome ciliates, Uronema filificum, and U. elegans, are described from the Atlantic coast. Studies were made on specimens treated with the Chatton-Lwoff silver impregnation technic, and particular attention was given to the buccal infraciliature.
A Way of Seeing: Culture as Political Expression in the Works of C.L.R. James

Left on the bookshelves to collect dust on their yellowing pages, the literary works of political activists are often forgotten to history. Rarely are they taken seriously, but rather, are seen as quaint relics of the author's past. We have done ourselves, as well as these individuals, a great disservice. For writers of the African diaspora in particular, literary work is often the form in which political ideas and analyses appear first. These writers have often, in the words of St. Clair Drake, "transmuted sociological data into lyrical prose and turned controlled observations and more casual impressions into convincing generalization and perceptive predictions" (Johnson, 1941). We must learn, as have these writers, to understand ourselves and our history through an appreciation of the ordinary. We must see in everyday life the manifestations not simply of exploitation, but of the struggle for authenticity among ordinary men and women. The culture of the masses of people can tell us much about historical events if we learn to see clearly that which surrounds us daily. This article takes a closer look at the literary works of C.L.R. James as the first expression of the sensitive social observation that forms the basis for much of his political and historical analysis. His early work must be seen as instruction in the use of the "method" that James employs to analyze history. He gives us a real sense of how ordinary people make extraordinary history. The social sciences have not been able to present us with an adequate picture of everyday life and popular culture. They fall
Quantitative evaluation of proximal tooth movement effected by wedging: A pilot study

The major purpose of this pilot study was to develop a method to accurately measure proximal tooth movement. A preliminary clinical evaluation of anterior and posterior tooth movement was performed with five patients. The patients were carefully chosen to eliminate as many variables as possible. The controlled patient criteria included periodontal health, proximal contacts, the age of the patients, and the teeth selected for anterior and posterior displacement. The small sample size dictates that additional experimentation must be performed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Lasers based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells

The frequency dependence of the various parameters which determines the feasibility of intersubband lasers based on quantum wells are discussed and the more desirable frequency range in terms of each parameter is described. These parameters include the optical gain, the confinement factor, the relaxation rate, and the optical losses. The advantages and disadvantages of employing both electrical and optical pumping for creating population inversion for intersubband lasers are also discussed. Then, the potential problems concerning the realization of some of the proposed laser structures based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells are discussed and the more promising schemes are determined. Based on the recently published experimental results on resonant tunneling processes in coupled quantum wells as well as the free carrier absorption in doped layers, it is concluded that the realization of proposed electrically pumped lasers at far-infrared frequencies is extremely difficult at the present time. This is due to the high free carrier absorption in the doped layers and the inability to invert the population of the upper and lower subbands (laser states) of the quantum well in the active layer. Optically pumped structures do not necessary rely on the resonant tunneling process for creating population inversion and also doped injector/collector layers may be avoided in these structures and hence they could be more promising for the realization of intersubband lasers at far-infrared frequencies.
AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE ORIGIN AND FATE OF THE SUB-PIAL GLIOBLAST IN THE EMBRYONIC CHICK SPINAL CORD.

Gliogenesis in the spinal cord was studied in chick embryos ranging in age from 3 to 14 days of incubation using H3-thymidine autoradiography. It has been reported by the author that the neuron production of the spinal cord begins on the third day and ends at the eighth day of incubation. At eight days of incubation glioblasts with small dark round nuclei first appear in the sub-pial region. Using the selective labeling technique with H3-thymidine the author demonstrated that no transition exists from pial cells to sub-pial glioblasts. The glioblasts are produced from the matrix cells by their migration and transformation. These glioblasts mature into neuroglia (oligodendroglia and astrocytes), as development proceeds. The suggestion that the stage of neuroglia differentiation follows that of neuron production in development of the central nervous system has been reconfirmed.
NEST PREDATION IN AN URBANIZING LANDSCAPE:THE ROLE OF EXOTIC SHRUBS

Nest predation is considered a primary force shaping avian communities, and landscape-scale features (e.g., amount of fragmentation) are generally recognized as factors mediating nest predation. These same landscape-scale features, however, may pro- mote invasion by exotic plants, which may, in turn, increase risk of nest predation. We examined whether the use of exotic shrubs (Lonicera spp. and Rosa multiflora Thumb.) affected nest predation across 12 riparian forest sites along a rural-urban gradient ( ,1- 47% urban land cover within 1 km). From 2001 to 2003, 188 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and American Robin (Turdus migratorius) nests #5 m tall were monitored. Nest substrate, nest height, and distance from the forest edge were recorded for each nest, whereas nest placement and nest patch characteristics were measured only for Northern Cardinal nests (n 5 68). To further assess relative rates of nest predation in native vs. exotic shrubs while controlling for nest height, distance to edge, and land use, we conducted an artificial nest experiment at two rural sites. Artificial nests (n 5 79) were placed at similar heights in honeysuckle, rose, and native nest substrates along a transect 50-75 m from the forest edge. Nest substrate and landscape type alone failed to account for differences in daily mortality rates. Instead, the effect of nest substrate varied with the landscape matrix, such that nests in exotic shrubs in urbanizing landscapes were twice as likely to be dep- redated than nests in native substrates, irrespective of distance from the edge. Artificial nests placed in exotic shrubs in rural landscapes also suffered higher rates of nest failure than artificial nests in native substrates. Daily mortality rates were greater for nests in exotic shrubs, likely due to reduced nest height and larger shrub volume surrounding the nest. Nests in exotic shrubs were 1.5-2 m lower to the ground and within patches containing 6-9 times more exotic shrub volume. These differences may improve search efficiency of mammalian predators, which appear to be the main predators at our study sites. Based on marks present on recovered clay eggs, 68% of the predation events were attributed to mammals. These findings demonstrate that exotic shrubs can reduce nesting success of forest birds and may cause increased nest failure in urbanizing landscapes. This illustrates another way that exotic plants may diminish habitat quality and limit the capacity of urban forests to contribute to wildlife conservation; therefore, restoring the native shrub com- munity may prove beneficial.
For Better or Worse: Reward Comparison by the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex

In this issue of Neuron, Strait et al. (2014) studied how neurons in the monkey ventromedial prefrontal cortex encode value-based decisions. Neurons were commonly influenced by reward magnitude and probability, showed anticorrelation for better and worse options, and covaried with choice independent of value.
Contaminants in Vadose Zone Environments

Contaminants in vadose zone environments pose a long-term source and threat to groundwater resources, human health, and the environment. A number of technical, regulatory, and policy challenges and opportunities are associated with contamination in vadose zone environments, particularly in remediation. In this special section, 12 papers present novel approaches to characterize, monitor, remediate, and predict the transport and fate of contaminants in vadose zone environments.
GLD-1, a Cytoplasmic Protein Essential for Oocyte Differentiation, Shows Stage- and Sex-Specific Expression during Caenorhabditis elegans Germline Development

Abstract GLD-1, a putative RNA binding protein, is essential for oocyte development inCaenorhabditis elegans.Agld-1null mutation abolishes hermaphrodite oogenesis and confers a tumorous germline phenotype in which presumptive female germ cells exit the meiotic pathway and return to the mitotic cell cycle. Here we demonstrate thatgld-1(null)germ lines express female-specific, but not male-specific, molecular markers, indicating thatgld-1acts downstream of sexual fate specification to regulate oocyte differentiation. Immunolocalization studies identify GLD-1 as a cytoplasmic germline protein that displays differential accumulation during germline development. First, germ cells that are in the mitotic cell cycle contain low levels of GLD-1 that likely reflect a nonessentialgld-1function (negative regulation of proliferation in the mitotic germ line) revealed in previous genetic studies. Second, entry of presumptive oocytes into the meiotic pathway is accompanied by a strong increase in GLD-1 expression/accumulation. GLD-1 levels are high through the pachytene stage but fall to background as germ cells exit pachytene and complete oogenesis. The meiotic prophase accumulation pattern is consistent with GLD-1′s essential role in oocyte differentiation, which may be to repress the translation of a subset of maternal RNAs synthesized during early oogenesis until late oogenesis when GLD-1 is absent.
Genomically imposed and somatically modified human thymocyte V beta gene repertoires.

Abstract The effect of thymic selection on the expressed human T-cell antigen receptor beta-chain variable region (V beta) gene repertoire was examined by using a multiprobe RNase protection assay. The relative abundance of transcripts for 22 V beta genes (encompassing 17 of the 20 human V beta gene subfamilies) within a thymus, and among 17 thymuses, was variable. On the basis of the presence of corresponding mRNAs, no genomic deletions were detected, but several coding region polymorphisms were identified. Analysis of mature T-cell subsets revealed the absence of complete "superantigen"-mediated V beta deletions, suggesting that this phenomenon, in contrast to mouse, is uncommon or absent in humans. However, several V beta genes were over- or underexpressed in one or both mature single-positive (CD4+8- or CD8+4-) thymocyte subsets compared to syngeneic total, mostly immature thymocytes. Whether these changes are induced by relatively weak superantigens or conventional antigens and whether the downshifts are caused by negative selection or lack of positive selection remains to be determined.
Neurotoxicology of ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls

Abstract Ortho-substituted, non-planar PCBs reduce dopamine content in both nonhuman primate brain and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Planar, dioxin-like, congeners have no effect on dopamine content in PC12 cells. Additional in-vitro results indicate that dopamine reduction by PCBs is due to inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity.
On the structure of the Venus atmosphere

Structure, composition and temperature of Venus atmosphere from spacecraft measurements and ground based observations
The critical first year of life of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the eastern Bering Sea: Implications for recruitment and future research

Abstract Walleye pollock ( Gadus chalcogrammus ) support a large commercial fishery in the eastern Bering Sea despite large interannual and decadal swings in population abundance. These oscillations challenge the fishery, prompting significant effort directed to understanding the species and its recruitment. Conceptual paradigms of walleye pollock recruitment recognize that understanding the factors affecting survivorship during the first year of life is central to understanding population fluctuation. Since the first year is critical to year-class strength of this key economically and ecologically important species, we review the state of knowledge of pre-recruit walleye pollock ecology in the eastern Bering Sea during this critical first-year period, including spawning, changes in vertical and horizontal distributions, feeding, growth, body condition, transport, and predation. We then critically examine the recruitment paradigms based on the component processes that have been proposed to explain mechanisms of recruitment control. We identify paradigm strengths or weaknesses relative to our current state of knowledge, discussing relevance and validity. Finally, we identify gaps in knowledge and propose areas of future research effort.
Cocaine Use and Delinquent Behavior among High-Risk Youths: A Growth Model of Parallel Processes.

We report the results of a parallel-process, latent growth model analysis examining the relationships between cocaine use and delinquent behavior among youths. The study examined a sample of 278 justice-involved juveniles completing at least one of three follow-up interviews as part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse–funded study. The results of our analysis of the cocaine use and delinquency parallel-process model highlighted that these phenomena are mutually related experiences over time. Particularly noteworthy is the significant, positive relationship between cocaine trend and delinquency trend: as the rate of change in cocaine use increases, a corresponding change occurs in engaging in delinquent behavior. Implications for policy and intervention service needs are discussed.
John Bowlby'S Model of Grief and the Problem of Identification

John Bowlby's model of grief is found inadequate to account for phenomena which are associated with most grief. Bowlby's ethological model deals only with grief as a disequilibrium in the social environment of the bereaved, but does not account for a disequilibrium in the relationship between the bereaved and the lost object. The basis of the inadequacy is found in Bowlby's rejection of Freud's concept of identification when Bowlby resumed the trauma theory which Freud had abandoned. The work of Freud and the Freudians, especially Volkan, is examined to understand what Bowlby was rejecting. Problems in accounting for phenomena associated with identification are traced in scholars using Bowlby's model. In addition to Bowlby's own work, the work of Parkes, Raphael, and Worden is examined. Possible modifications in the Bowlby model are suggested by reviewing the work of Attig, Lopata, and Marris.
ICESat over arctic sea ice : Interpretation of altimetric and reflectivity profiles

We provide an assessment of the ICESat altimeter for studying the Arctic Ocean and examine the magnitude of the large- and small-scale expressions of geophysical processes embedded in the elevation profiles. This analysis includes data from six surveys. ...
High-power and low phase noise full-band tunable LD for coherent applications

High output power and low noise performances of CSG-DR-LD have been investigated. Kink-free fiber output power > 60mW over C-band with high SMSR have been demonstrated. Measured phase noise is lower than 170 kHz, exhibiting excellent noise properties as a monolithic and single stripe tunable LD. These characteristics reveal that CSG-DR-LD is a promising light source for the future digital coherent applications.
Multiple Process Parameter Optimization of WEDM on AISI304 Using Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis

Abstract Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is an indispensable machining technique for producing complicated cut-outs through difficult to machine metals without using high cost grinding or expensive formed tools. This paper presents, an effective Taguchi grey relational analysis applied to experimental results of WEDM on AISI304 considering multiple output responses. The objective of this study is to obtain improved material removal rate, surface finish and reduce the dimensional deviation. The experiment has been done using Taguchi orthogonal array L27. Each experiment was carried out with different conditions of input parameters. The input parameters used for optimization are pulse on time, pulse off time, servo voltage, wire feed, wire tension, and di-electric pressure. The response table and grey relation grade for each level of machining parameters were established and the best combination of parameters was obtained by Taguchi grey relational analysis. The results revealed thatoptimum combination of process parameters for multi process parameter optimization, by using grey relational analysis was of, pulse on time level1,pulse off time level 2, servo voltage level1, water pressure level3, wire feed level3 and wire tension level 3.