cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Schistosome cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit Is Essential for Parasite Viability

Eukaryotes, protozoan, and helminth parasites make extensive use of protein kinases to control cellular functions, suggesting that protein kinases may represent novel targets for the development of anti-parasitic drugs. Because of their central role in intracellular signaling pathways, cyclic nucleotide–dependent kinases such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) represent promising new targets for the treatment of parasitic infections and neoplastic disorders. However, the role of these kinases in schistosome biology has not been characterized and the genes encoding schistosome PKAs have not been identified. Here we provide biochemical evidence for the presence of a PKA signaling pathway in adult Schistosoma mansoni and show that PKA activity is required for parasite viability in vitro. We also provide the first full description of a gene that encodes a PKA catalytic subunit in S. mansoni, named SmPKA-C. Finally we demonstrate, through RNA interference, that SmPKA-C contributes to the PKA activity we detected biochemically and that inhibition of SmPKA-C expression in adult schistosomes results in parasite death. Together our data show that SmPKA-C is a critically important gene product and may represent an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis.
Observing the Birkeland currents

When the supersonic solar wind hits the Earth's magnetic field, a powerful electrical connection occurs with Earth's field, generating millions of amperes of current that drive the dazzling auroras. These so-called Birkeland currents connect the ionosphere to the magnetosphere and channel solar wind energy to Earth's uppermost atmosphere. Solar storms release torrential blasts of solar wind that cause much stronger currents and can overload power grids and disrupt communications and navigation.
Organic Solar Cell With Carbon Nanotube Anode

In last decade, organic solar cell (OSC) has attracted many attentions due to its special advantages such as low cost, easy large scale fabrication and high flexibility. However, the stylish OSC anode Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is not flexible and would undergo breakdown on bending of flexible substrates. What’s more, ITO is costly since the limited indium in the nature. Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film shows potential to alternate ITO as high performance flexible anode since its ability to surmount these constrains and similar work function with ITO. Nevertheless the conductivity and transparence of CNTs film are still far below its counterpart. Additionally, a dependable model of OSC with CNTs film anode is not well established. In this paper, transparent conductive CNTs film is prepared on glass and plastic substrates at first. A facile filtration and pressing fabrication method is introduced. Our empirical model shows that dimension of CNTs bundles has significant effect on CNT network performance. FTIR shows the post-treatment effect on CNTs film. The OSC with high performance CNTs film anode shows similar efficiency compared with regular OSC with ITO anode.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
An inservice program designed to introduce K-6 teachers to the learning cycle teaching approach

(1992). An inservice program designed to introduce K-6 teachers to the learning cycle teaching approach. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 58-64.
G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase Mediates Desensitization of Norepinephrine-Induced Ca2+ Channel Inhibition

G protein-coupled receptors are essential signaling molecules at sites of synaptic transmission. Here, we explore the mechanisms responsible for the use-dependent termination of metabotropic receptor signaling in embryonic sensory neurons. We report that the inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels mediated by alpha2-adrenergic receptors desensitizes slowly with prolonged exposure to the transmitter and that the desensitization is mediated by a G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK). Intracellular introduction of recombinant, purified kinases or synthetic blocking peptides into individual neurons demonstrates the specific involvement of a GRK3-like protein. These results suggest that GRK-mediated termination of receptor-G protein coupling is likely to regulate synaptic strength and, as such, may provide one effective mechanism for depression of synaptic transmission.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in African-American Children • 1849

Epidemiologic evidence supports the hypothesis that genetic factors are involved in disease risk and severity in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Because the prevalence of specific HLA alleles differs among ethnic groups, we have hypothesized differences in JRA disease expression and immunogenetics in children with JRA.
Patient and Parent Acceptance of Invasive Nutritional Therapy

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To evaluate nutrititonal outcomes of patients with cystic fibrosis who received G-tube placement over 5 or more years ago . Good nutritional status in cystic fibrosis (CF) decreases mortality and morbidity. Oral supplementation, TPN and naso-gastric tubes have all been employed; each has difficulties and limitations . G-Tube (GT) placement has been shown to be efficacious, but parents are often reticent to submit their children to an invasive therapy that may affect their body image. In 1992 information was compiled on 11 patients with CF, (2–13yrs.), whose nutritional status resulted in placement of a GT to supplement oral intake. Information obtained included: age at diagnosis, date GT first mentioned, length of time between mention and insertion, time on GT, type of formula and %weight change post GT. At that time this GT group represented approximately 10% of the CF population followed by the CF center. Parental attitudes toward GT placement were reported. In all but 1 case significant weight gain was achieved ( eg. absolute weight gain at 5% or more above pre-GT placement). One initial patient was lost to follow-up after 3 months on GT and died 4 months later. In 1997 the nutritional status of the remaining 10 patients (now 7–18yrs.) was re-evaluated and their attitude, as well as that of their parents, towards tube placement and clinical results, reported. Of the 10 patients followed over the 5 year period 3 died. One after improved nutritional status permitted him to receive a lung transplant which was unsuccessful ,and two where nutritional status did not appear to be a major factor in death. Of the remaining 7 patients: 1 has discontinued tube feeding with maintenance of appropriate growth,6 are continuing to receive tube feeding in addition to oral intake resulting in maintenance of appropriate growth, and 1 despite supplementary tube feeding is not achieving appropriate growth. Significant weight gain and achievement of appropriate growth patterns allayed patients and parents misgivings and rendered the parents advocates for families facing this dilemma. With careful planning, patient and family education, gastrostomy tube recipients and their families, accept this form of nutrition therapy and it is clinically successful.
Anatomical and physiological properties of ipsilaterally projecting spinothalamic neurons in the second cervical segment of the cat's spinal cord

Anatomical and electrophysiological methods were used to investigate the projections and response properties of neurons in the second cervical (C2) spinal segment of the cat giving origin to a previously undescribed projection to the ipsilateral thalamus. The method of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to identify neurons in C2 giving rise to thalamic projections. Following large (3.0 microliter) thalamic HRP injections, a large number of labeled neurons was observed in lateral laminae VII-VIII of C2 ipsilateral to the injections. They occurred as small clusters of cells along the longitudinal axis of C2. Labeled neurons were also observed contralaterally in the lateral cervical nucleus, dorsal horn (especially medial lamina VI), and loosely distributed in the ventral horn. The ipsilaterally projecting neurons were also labeled following small (0.2--0.5 microliter) HRP injections restricted to individual spinothalamic terminal zones (intralaminar nuclei, ventrobasal complex-nucleus ventralis lateralis border zone, medial division of the posterior nuclei), indicating that as a group they project widely throughout the thalamus. Single unit recording methods were used to obtain complementary information on the functional properties of these neurons. The antidromic stimulation method was applied to identify units in C2 projecting to the ipsilateral thalamus in anesthetized, paralyzed cats. Three categories of ipsilaterally projecting C2 units were identified: (1) units not driven by any type of natural stimulation; (2) units having large cutaneous receptive fields (RFs) and wide dynamic response ranges ("widefield"), and (3) units with smaller RFs and varied properties ("other"). Widefield units with bilaterally symmetrical and asymmetrical RFs were observed. Co-stimulation of different portions of an excitatory RF produced summation of the unit response. Inhibitory RF components were identified in one-third of the widefield units. Unit recordings after spinal tract lesions revealed that the afferent input passed via the ipsilateral lateral and/or ventral funiculi. Widefield unit responses to somatosensory stimuli could be inhibited by dorsal column conditioning stimulation. Several "other" units resembled widefield units, while a second group had small RFs restricted to the C2 dermatome. Possible functional roles of the projecting C2 neurons in somatosensory and non-specific systems are discussed.
The North Korean Nuclear Crisis and U.S. Strategy in Northeast Asia

The nuclear crisis tested the U.S. in four distinct periods from 2002 to 2007, as slowly its strategy shifted toward multilateralism. After failing to rally any state but Japan to its side, the U.S. approved the Joint Agreement by working more closely with China. With Phase 1 finishing, Phase 2 puts a premium on multilateralism for which the U.S. is unprepared.
Formation of Hydroxyl Radical from the Photolysis of Frozen Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) in ice and snow is an important chemical tracer for the oxidative capacities of past atmospheres. However, photolysis in ice and snow will destroy HOOH and form the hydroxyl radical (•OH), which can react with snowpack trace species. Reactions of •OH in snow and ice will affect the composition of both the overlying atmosphere (e.g., by the release of volatile species such as formaldehyde to the boundary layer) and the snow and ice (e.g., by the •OH-mediated destruction of trace organics). To help understand these impacts, we have measured the quantum yield of •OH from the photolysis of HOOH on ice. Our measured quantum yields (Φ(HOOH → •OH)) are independent of ionic strength, pH, and wavelength, but are dependent upon temperature. This temperature dependence for both solution and ice data is best described by the relationship ln(Φ(HOOH → •OH)) = −(684 ± 17)(1/T) + (2.27 ± 0.064) (where errors represent 1 standard error). The corresponding activation energy (Ea) for HOOH (5.7 kJ mo...
Sequential monitoring of clinical trials with correlated responses

SUMMARY This paper demonstrates how the alpha-spending method of Lan & DeMets (1983) can be applied to the generalised estimating equations regression model for correlated data proposed by Liang & Zeger (1986). Under large-sample conditions, the sequential regression parameters are shown to have an independent increments structure, conditional on the amount of Type I error allocated at each interim analysis. We propose and evaluate surrogates for the information fraction, which determines this allocation of Type I error. Data from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study are used to illustrate the proposed methods for ordered polytomous outcomes.
Pulmonary migration of a fragment of plastic coating sheared from a stylet.

Abstract Background In trauma patients, particularly with head immobilization, tracheal intubation without the use of a stylet may be impossible. Objectives To report a very rare but potentially fatal complication that may happen in any Emergency Department: fracture of the plastic sheath of an intubation stylet, reported only twice before in the literature. Case Report Two large plastic fragments detached from a stylet while intubating a trauma patient. One piece was removed from the endotracheal tube a few hours later in the operating room. The second fragment migrated asymptomatically into the pulmonary airway. It was successfully retrieved from the right bronchus 24 h later. Conclusion This potentially life-threatening event may go unnoticed after intubation if the endotracheal tube is not obstructed by the fragment. Gentle withdrawal of the stylet from the tube is essential to avoid stylet fracture. Careful examination of the stylet after intubation may suggest a stylet fracture.
Rotation of stars containing strange quark matter

Abstract We calculate the maximum keplerian frequencies of stars containing strange matter that are in uniform rotation. We consider both self-bound stars and stars containing quark matter cores but normal surfaces. For both cases studied, use of perturbative QCD results for the equation of state of quark matter implies a limit on the maximum keplerian frequency of ∼1×104s−1.
Quantification of fluid changes in rat leg joints with adjuvant arthritis by a one‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging experiment

A simple and reliable method for quantifying the fluid content and characterizing the tissue T2 relaxation properties of animal extremities has been devised. This one-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging experiment, applied to the adjuvant arthritis model in rats, provides a useful, noninvasive monitor of the course of the disease in vivo. Tissue is characterized through the analysis of the biexponential T2 decay of the NMR-active hydrogen in the rat leg joint tissue. Long and short T2 components are identified, both of which are sensitive to the arthritic process. The long component is suggested to come from edema and increases by a factor of ca. 9 during the course of the disease, whereas the short T2 component may represent cellular influx into the joint and increases by a factor of ca. 3. These changes correlate with the severity of the disease and can be used to monitor therapeutic response. The main advantage of the technique over the more traditional two-dimensional imaging approach is that only one spatial variable has to be resolved, resulting in shorter imaging time. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Pretreatment verification of IMSRT using electronic portal imaging and Monte Carlo calculations.

The use of an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and Monte Carlo calculations were investigated for pretreatment fluence verification in intensity modulated stereotactic radi...
Effect of Phosphatidylcholine and Beta-Carotene Supplementation on Growth and Immune Response of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in Cool Water

The effects of nutraceuticals in improving growth and immune response of Nile tilapia in cool water were investigated. Fish were reared in two different environments: warm water (28°C) and cool water (16°C). Fish reared in warm water (control) were provided with a basal commercial diet, while fish reared in cool water were provided with either the basal commercial diet (cool water control) or diets supplemented with nutraceuticals (either phosphatidylcholine or β-carotene). Experiments were conducted over an 8-week period. Fish held in warm water had significantly higher growth (p < 0.05), but condition factor, blood hematocrit, plasma glucose, and phagocytic capacity of macrophage cells were similar to fish held in cool water. Within the cool water groups (basal vs. supplemented diet), fish did not show any significant difference in condition factor, blood hematocrit, and phagocytic capacity of macrophage cells. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in glucose levels until the eighth week. C...
Improving handover performance in wireless networks: dynamic priority queuing versus guard channel method

It is shown that dynamic priority queuing provides better overall handover performance than the widely employed guard channel method in cellular networks.
Numerical Studies of Dynamic Compaction of Inert and Energetic Granular Materials

In this paper a numerical study of dynamic compaction of granular materials is presented. A multiphase mixture model treating two-phase nonequilibrium flow is applied to describe dynamic compaction experiments. Compaction is modeled using a description of grain distortion driven by pressure differences. Various energetic and inert granular materials including HMX, Fluid A (Nitrocellulose), Melamine, and Teflon are studied for various piston-impact conditions and compared to existing data. Numerical analysis of a ramp-wave piston-impact experiment is also examined. The multiphase mixture model predicts reasonably well the observed steady compaction wave characteristics. Dynamic compaction experiments with detailed resolution are needed to better address the transient behavior of compaction waves in granular materials.
Murder in England and Wales: 1857-1988.

English murder rates for the period 1857-1988 were predicted by birth and marriage rates, giving an R2 of .89. Language: en
CAD tool for parameterized FPGA based FFT architectures

This paper describes a software tool for simulating and generating fully parallel generic VHDL representations of Fast Fourier Transforms. A comparison between parallel-parallel and serial-parallel butterflies is performed with emphasis on maximizing speed and/or minimizing FPGA area. Comparisons of the software tool to other VHDL/Verilog generators, namely CoreGen and SPIRAL, are also explored.
A bHLH Code for Cardiac Morphogenesis

Cell specification and differentiation of cardiomyocytes from mesodermal precursors is orchestrated by epigenetic and transcriptional inputs throughout heart formation. Of the many transcription factor super families that play a role in this process, the basic Helix-loop Helix (bHLH) family of proteins is well represented. The bHLH protein by design allows for dimerization—both as homodimers and heterodimers with other proteins within the family. Although DNA binding is mediated via a short variable cis-element termed an E-box, it is clear that DNA-affinity for these elements as well as the transcriptional input conveyed is dictated largely by the transcriptional partners within the dimer complex. Dimer partner choice has a number of inputs requiring co-expression within a given cell nucleus and dimerization modulation by the level of protein present, and post-translational modifications that can both enhance or reduce protein–protein interactions. Due to these complex interrelationships, it has been difficult to identity bona-fide downstream transcriptional targets and define the molecular pathways regulated of bHLH factors within cardiogenesis, despite the clear roles suggested via loss-of-function animals models. This review focuses on the Hand bHLH proteins—key members of the Twist-family of bHLH factors. Despite over a decade of investigation, questions regarding functional redundancy, downstream targets, and biological role during heart specification and differentiation have still not been fully addressed. Our goal is to review what is currently known and address strategies for gaining further understanding of Hand/Twist gene dosage and functional redundancy relationships within the developing heart that may underlie congenital heart defect pathogenesis.
Determination of benzene at low parts per trillion levels in seawater

Abstract This paper reports a sampling and analysis method, incorporating the technique of dynamic headspace sampling, which has been optimized for the rapid and precise determination of low ppt levels of benzene in seawater. One-liter, standard-taper glass reagent bottles are used as the combined sampling container and purge device reservoir. For sampling, the bottle is equipped with a teflon stopcock gas adapter, evacuated, connected via teflon tubing to a piece of glass tubing sealed on one end, and placed in a bucket attached to the ship's hydrowire. Filling is initiated at the desired depth by breaking the sealed glass tube with a messenger. For purging, the gas adapter is replaced with a gas-dispersion tube, a Tenax trap is attached, and the stirred, heated sample is purged with helium. The Tenax traps are designed to fit into the unmodified injection port of the gas chromatograph for thermal desorption. They consist of 6-mm o.d. by 4-mm i.d. glass tubes packed with a 5-cm length of Tenax GC. Sample temperature, purge rate, and purge time are all optimized for maximum benzene recovery, which averages 95%. The chromatographic column used is 0.3% Carbowax 20M on Carbopack C, 3.2 mm × 1.3 m stainless steel, programmed from 0°C to 180°C. Overall recovery precision is 14% RSD at a level of 15 ppt.
Multifunctional Cytokine Expression by Human Coronary Endothelium and Regulation by Monokines and Glucocorticoids

Human endothelium is capable of expressing a variety of molecules, including cytokines and growth factors, critical to inflammation. This aspect of coronary endothelium has not been studied in detail. In this study, we report, for the first time, expression of multifunctional cytokines by human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and their regulation by inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids. We also compared expression of cytokine transcripts in two additional cell lines derived from pulmonary artery (HPAEC) and umbilical vein (HUVEC) endothelium. HCAEC expressed transcripts for interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) constitutively. Induction of IL-1alpha, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and MCP-1 was seen following treatment with TNFalpha. We found no expression of IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma in HCAEC. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha synergistically induced IL-6 and GM-CSF and additively induced IL-8 and MCP-1 production, while IL-2, IL-10, IFN-alpha, and IFN-gamma had little or no additional effects. Interestingly, no IL-1alpha or IL-5 protein product was found even after maximal stimulation of HCAEC. No significant differences were seen in the profile of cytokine genes expressed by HCAEC, HPAEC, or HUVEC. Glucocorticoids inhibited IL-8 production from all three cell lines. This study demonstrates that human coronary endothelial cells are capable of expressing a wide variety of multifunctional cytokines which may be of relevance to vascular inflammation.
Appraisal and coping strategies in stressful situations: A comparison of individuals who binge eat and controls.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether individuals who engage in binge eating appraise and cope with stressful situations in a different manner than people who do not regularly binge eat. Method: Female undergraduates participated in a two-part study. The laboratory portion of the study involved participation in two tasks: an interpersonal stressor and an academic stressor. In the second portion of the study, participants completed a daily stress inventory for 1 week. Results: Individuals in the binge group appraised both the laboratory and natural environment stressors as more stressful than did the controls. Differences were evident in the amount an type of coping strategies used between eating groups. The binge group reported using more positive coping strategies and more catastrophizing in both settings. Discussion: Together, the results suggest that appraisal and coping or stress management components may be useful in treatment packages for individuals who binge eat. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The preparation of triazines and benzimidazoles from 1- and 3-cyanoisoquinolines

The preparation from 1- and 3-cyanoisoquinolines of certain benzimidazoles and symmetrical triazines containing the ferroin group is described; also that of certain unsymmetrical triazines from 3-cyanoisoquinoline.
What Produces the Ionizing Background at Large Redshift

Results are presented from mathematical and modeling studies to make estimates of the intensity of the ionizing background more definite and quantitative. It is shown that the observed quasars fail to emit sufficient ionizing radiation to satisfy the Gunn-Peterson test. Two possible sources for the additional source of UV radiation are examined: main-sequence, high mass stars in primordial galaxies and quasars that have not been observed because of dust obscuration. Both of these models satisfy the observational constraints with reasonable parameters. It is suggested that observations of He lines from Ly-alpha clouds or an analysis of the line ratios in metal line absorption systems may be used to determine which sources produce the ionizing background.
Neo‐Bohemia: Art and Neighborhood Redevelopment in Chicago

Drawing on an extended case study of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, this article develops the concept of neo–bohemia. Neo–bohemia suggests that traditions of cultural innovation in older city ...
Noninvasive Coronary Arteriography— Here at Last?

Noninvasive coronary arteriography has long been the Holy Grail of cardiologists and radiologists interested in diagnostic imaging. Over the years, newly emerging technology such as digital subtraction angiography and ultrasonography, has been applied to this goal, but success has been elusive. Recently, the clinical need for a noncatheter coronary angiogram has diminished for the majority of patients referred to the catheter laboratory who have a high likelihood of flow-limiting coronary lesions. For these patients, who are now frequently candidates for catheter-based intervention, the added expense of a noninvasive study would be difficult to justify. However, other patients would benefit from a noninvasive coronary angiogram if it could reliably identify or exclude clinically significant coronary lesions. Recent reports have indicated that this may now be possible. Preliminary studies suggest that magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can demonstrate the coronary arteries, detect coronary stenoses, and quantify coronary blood flow velocity.1 2 3 The quality of published magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images already far outstrips previous noninvasive studies of coronary arteries. One study, using rapidly acquired breath-hold gradient-echo MRA of the four main epicardial arteries, correlated with coronary cineangiography in 39 patients, found a sensitivity for …
Average depth of shower maximum in “knee” region as measured by the Dual Imaging Cerenkov Experiment

Preliminary results on the average depth of shower maximum (〈Xmax〉) are presented using data from the Dual Imaging Cerenkov Experiment (DICE). A change in the cosmic ray spectral slope is detected and is in qualitative agreement with other experiments. A small increase in 〈Xmax〉 is present at onset of the “knee”, consistent with an increase in the relative number of lighter elements. Further analysis which incorporates data from the Chicago Air Shower Array and Michigan Array (CASA—MIA) will test this tentative interpretation.
Role of ribonucleotide reductase in expression of the neoplastic program

Abstract Evidence is presented for the tight linkage of ribonucleotide reductase activity with normal and neoplastic proliferation. A sensitive and reproducible assay was worked out to measure CDP reductase activity in rat in normal liver and various tissues, hepatomas of different growth rates, kidney tumors and sarcoma and tissue culture cells of hepatoma 3924A. In the standard assay, linear kinetics were obtained and the reductase activity of the rat liver was 23 ± 3 pmol CDP metabolized per hr/mg protein. When hepatoma 3924A tissue culture cells that had accumulated in plateau phase were replated, allowed to go through lag and log phases and again into the plateau phase during a 96-hr period, ribonucleotide reductase activity rose at 6 hr after cells were plated, the activity was maintained at high levels during the first 48-hr period, and returned to the resting level at 72 and 96 hr. This rise was earlier than that of 6 other enzymes of pyrimidine de novo and salvage pathways (thymidine kinase, CTP synthetase, orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase, orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, uridine phosphoribosyltransferase, and uridine-cytidine kinase). The rise in reductase activity was synchronous with the increase in incorporation of cytidine and deoxycytidine in the hepatoma cells. The reductase activity was markedly elevated in kidney tumors (31-fold) and in sarcoma (60-fold) as compared to the kidney cortex and muscle, respectively. In 14 lines of transplantable solid hepatomas, reductase activity was increased from 6.2- to 326-fold of that of normal rat liver. The rise in reductase activity positively correlated with the growth rate of the hepatomas; the behavior of CDP reductase was both transformation- and progression-linked. Reductase activity was also high in differentiating and regenerating liver; thus, it also was linked with normal proliferation. However, the elevation in activity was more marked in the rapidly-growing solid hepatoma 3924A (97-fold) than in normal tissues with the same replicative rate, such as regenerating (56-fold) or differentiating (46-fold) liver. Reductase activity was also high in organs of active cell renewal (thymus, bone marrow, spleen and intestine). Since in the solid hepatomas the levels of the substrate for the reductase, the ribonucleoside diphosphates, were generally unaltered, the marked elevation observed in the concentration of deoxynucleoside triphosphates may be attributed primarily to the early and marked rise in CDP reductase activity.
A Phenomenological Analysis of Anxiety as Experienced in Social Situations

AbstractIn this study, three individual descriptions of anxiety as experienced in social situations were analyzed so that a general structure representing social anxiety could potentially be obtained. The descriptions analyzed produced results that not only overlapped with already existing literature from various perspectives on the topic, but also highlighted certain key factors that have largely been unaccounted for by prior studies. By utilizing the Descriptive Phenomenological Method in Psychology (Giorgi, 2009), these factors were brought to light in more depth and clarity than if the same phenomenon were studied using a third person approach. Specifically, six constituents of social anxiety were revealed; including factors related to inter-subjectivity, the relationship between fear and anxiety, and the relationship between desire and self-lack.
Vibrometry analysis of electrooptical coupling near piezoelectric resonance

The electrooptic response of crystals becomes attenuated in the megahertz or higher frequencies where it is of the most use for communication systems. This research explores new possibilities of improved electrooptic interaction at high frequencies, discovered as a result of coupled electrooptic effects near selected piezoelectric resonances. Results suggest that for electrooptics the key to a large interaction at high frequencies is the gradient of the strain in a modulated crystal and the acceleration of the accompanying lattice waves. While strains tend to be damped, acceleration of the lattice wave retains its amplitude at high frequencies. This interaction is studied by a high frequency Laser Doppler Vibrometer and by numerical finite element analysis modeling using COMSOL. PMN-PT crystal was the primary material studied due to its large piezoelectric coupling and electrooptic coefficients. The dynamic displacement of the samples was measured over a broad range of frequencies, including the fundamental resonant modes and higher order harmonics where the mode structure becomes complex and not well described by existing analytical models.
An Analytical Technique for Urban Casualty Estimation from Multiple Nuclear Weapons

A model has been developed that estimates the total number of direct effects casualties due to a multiple weapon attack on a city whose population has a circular normal distribution. The only specifications required are the coordinates of the ground zeros in relation to the center of population, the population parameters, the weapon parameters, and the aiming error for each weapon. Further generalizations involving extension of the model to consider elliptical normal population distributions, elliptical normal aiming error distributions, and modified casualty functions are also discussed.
Genetics of Plant Regeneration in Immature Panicle Culture of Rice

The capacity to regenerate somaclones in numbers sufficient to produced adequate population sizes from which to select is an important component of utilizing somaclonal variation for cultivar improvement. This study was conducted to determine the genetics of regeneration ability in immature panicle culture. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) immature panicles derived from 10 cultivars, 12 F 1 hybrids from a 4 × 4 diallel, their F 2 and F 3 progenies, and 24 backcross hybrids were cultured in vitro. Significant genotypic differences in regeneration ability were found among the 10 cultivars. The U.S. cultivar Lemont possessed a higher regeneration ability, averaging 8.58 plants per panicle. In contrast, the indica cultivar IR36 has a low regeneration ability, averaging 0.14 plant per panicle. Generation-mean analysis of regeneration ability revealed significant values for the estimates of dominance gene effects (d), and for additive × additive (aa) and dominance × dominance (dd) epistatic effects, but showed additive effects to be of minor importance. The heritability estimate calculated by parent-offspring regression was 0.25. Since additive effects are of minor importance and the heritability estimate is low, improving regeneration abilities through hybridization does not appear practical. An initial screening within possible genotypes to identify those with inherently high regenerative abilities, such as Lemont or IRGA 409, appears to be a better alternative
Antibiotic prophylaxis and the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea *

To test the hypothesis that extended antibiotic prophylaxis increases the risk of Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea (CDAD), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2641 patients under-going cardiovascular surgery. Main outcome measures were the duration of prophylaxis ( 48 h) and the occurrence of CDAD. CDAD occurred in 31 patients (1.2%), who were significantly older (70 +/- 9 y vs. 66 +/- 10 y; P = 0.03), received more therapeutic antibiotics (2.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.9; P = 0.001) and had a longer postoperative hospital stay (26 +/- 19 d vs. 9 +/- 8 d; P < 0.001) than non-cases. After adjusting for confounding, we did not observe an association between prolonged prophylaxis and CDAD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.8; CI, 0.4-1.8]. In contrast, three independent predictors were identified: increasing length of hospital stay (AOR per one-day-increment, 1.03; CI, 1.01-1.05), and treatment with third generation cephalosporins (AOR, 5.9; CI, 2.2-16.0) or beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (AOR, 4.6; CI, 1.7-12.3). Our results did not confirm that extended prophylaxis after clean surgery increases the risk of CDAD, which remains an uncommon postoperative complication, associated even with short antibiotic exposure.
HLA and pregnancy: the paradox of the fetal allograft.

The immunologic challenges posed by the evolution of viviparity were described nearly 50 years ago in the classic paper by Medawar (1953), in which he posed the question “how does the pregnant mother contrive to nourish within itself, for many weeks or months, a foetus that is an antigenically foreign body?” (p. 324). At the time this paper was written, the deleterious effects of maternal-fetal Rh incompatibility were well known, but antigens responsible for the rapid and violent rejection of foreign tissues were undiscovered.
A novel voltage-controlled ring oscillator based on nanoscale DG-MOSFETs

Equipped with two closely coupled channels, double gate (DG) MOSFETs can locally and dynamically alter the front gate threshold by an applied back-gate bias in independent drive (IDDG) configuration. We illustrate in this paper how a conventional ring oscillator built using odd-number of CMOS inverters could be transformed to a robust, compact and high-sensitivity voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using this back gate tuning property. We explore the main design parameters of this VCO and analyze its tuning and jitter characteristics using SPICE simulations. The single or dual-biasing schemes explored here show that the nanoscale IDDG-MOSFETs are especially rewarding candidates for novel VCO/ICO circuitry targeted for low-power and compact systems.
BACTERIOLOGY OF PRESERVED STALLION SEMEN AND ANTIBIOTICS IN SEMEN EXTENDERS

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of different antibiotics in a milk-glucose semen extender on motility of equine sperm and elimination of bacteria following storage of extended semen in vitro. In Experiment 1, 7 antibiotics were compared: amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, potassium penicillin, sodium penicillin, ticarcillin, and polymixin B. In Experiment 2, 3 antibiotic treatments were compared: potassium penicillin G, amikacin, or a combination of potassium penicillin G and amikacin. In Experiment 3, 3 antibiotic treatments were compared: potassium penicillin G-amikacin, ceptiofur, and a combination of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid (Timentin). Control treatments (antibiotic-free extender) were included in each experiment. Six motility variables were evaluated: percentage of motile sperm; percentage of progressively-motile sperm; percentage of rapidly-motile sperm; mean curvilinear velocity; mean average path velocity; and mean straight-line velocity. In Experiment 1, mean percentages of motile, progressively motile and rapidly motile sperm were lower (P < 0.05) in semen exposed to polymixin B then in other treatments. Mean average-path velocity of sperm in extender containing polymixin B was lower (P < 0.05) than that of all other treatments, with exception of control or ticarcillin. Mean straight-line velocity of sperm in extender containing polymixin B was lower (P < 0.05) than that of all other treatments, with exception of control, streptomycin or ticarcillin. Semen samples containing gentamicin, amikacin, streptomycin, or potassium penicillin were more effective (P < 0.05) at eliminating bacterial growth than those samples containing polymixin B. Semen samples containing gentamicin were also more effective (P < 0.05) at eliminating bacterial growth than those samples containing ticarcillin or sodium penicillin. In Experiment 2, mean percentage of rapidly-motile sperm, and mean curvilinear, average-path, and straight-line velocities were greater (P < 0.05) for potassium penicillin-amikacin than values for all other treatments. In 2 of 3 stallions, an effect of treatment on percentage of motile sperm was detected (P < 0.05). For one stallion, mean motility of potassium penicillin-amikacin was greater (P < 0.05) than that of all other treatment groups. For another stallion, mean motility of the control was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the other treatments. Following storage, potassium penicillin (16/18 [89%]) or potassium penicillin-amikacin (17/19 [94%]) were more effective (P < 0.05) at controlling aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates in semen specimens than was amikacin (10/18 [56%]). In Experiment 3, a difference among treatment groups for motility variables was not detected (P < 0.05). No bacterial growth was recovered in antibiotic-treated semen, with exception of Micrococcus sp. (2 colonies) which were isolated from one semen specimen treated with ceptiofur.
Pancreatic cancer: Progress made

Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease. Despite advances on many fronts, surgeons play a leading role in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. Preoperative staging is best provided by "pancreas-protocol" abdominal CT, although endoscopic ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy can add value in selected patients. Surgical resection, which remains the only curative option, is now accomplished with uniformly low perioperative mortality in high-volume centers (<3%), although complications remain frequent. Unfortunately, the long-term prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains poor with 5-year survival rates only 15-23% with median survival of 13 to 18 months. Recent data from randomized trials have supported the role for adjuvant chemotherapy and questioned the traditional role of radiation. Early diagnosis and targeted multimodality treatments would appear essential to optimizing the results of surgical therapy.
Prophylactic Urokinase in the Management of Long-Term Venous Access Devices in Children: A Children's Oncology Group Study

Purpose Infection and thrombosis are serious complications of long-term vascular access devices in children undergoing chemotherapy. Since routine fibrinolytic therapy may decrease these complications, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of an every-2-week administration of urokinase with standard heparin flushes in reducing the incidence of device-related infections and occlusions. Materials and Methods This study was a prospective, randomized phase III multicenter trial conducted by the Children's Cancer Group, in which patients with implantable ports or tunneled catheters received either urokinase or heparin every 2 weeks for 12 months. Study end points were time to first occlusion or time to first device-related infection. Results Five hundred seventy-seven patients from 29 institutions were enrolled, of whom 51% had external catheters and 49% had ports. Urokinase administration resulted in fewer occlusive events than heparin (23% v 31%; P = .02), a longer time to first occlusive eve...
Design and Operational Concepts of High-Coverage Point-to-Point Transit System

Conceptual design and preliminary feasibility simulation results are presented for a flexible transit system for travel from any point to any point based on real-time personalized travel desires, which is now possible because of advances in communications and computing technologies. Although it is demand-responsive, the concept is significantly different from older demand-responsive transit systems, which were often failures. The proposed system requires high coverage, referring to the availability of a large number of transit vehicles (often minibuses or vans), which could also operate in conjunction with private transit and paratransit systems. The design strictly eliminates more than one transfer for any passenger. The system could potentially provide a transit alternative that is much more competitive with personal automobile travel than are conventional transit systems because of significantly lower waiting times. The passenger demand for such a system is uncertain, but preliminary simulations show t...
Cesarean delivery rates in women cared for by certified nurse-midwives in the United States: a review

The frequency of cesarean deliveries for women attended by certified nurse-midwives in the United States (1.8-10.4%) is lower than the rate for the general population of woman who gave birth in the United States in 1990 (23%). This paper describes the research that reported cesarean birth rates for certified nurse-midwives. Major methodology limitations of the research suggest that significant information gaps exist regarding nurse-midwifery care and its effect on cesarean delivery. Issues surrounding this common clinical procedure are complex, with its high cost and controversy over determinant factors. It is important to develop convincing evidence about the influence of nurse-midwives' care on reducing the frequency of cesarean delivery in the United States.
A new bright green-emitting fluorescent protein--engineered monomeric and dimeric forms.

Fluorescent proteins have become essential tools in molecular and biological applications. Here, we present a novel fluorescent protein isolated from warm water coral, Cyphastrea microphthalma. The protein, which we named vivid Verde fluorescent protein (VFP), matures readily at 37 � C and emits bright green light. Further characterizations revealed that VFP has a tendency to form dimers. By creating a homology model of VFP, based on the structure of the red fluorescent protein, DsRed, we were able to make mutations that alter the protein’s oligomerization state. We present two proteins, mVFP and mVFP1, that are both exclusively monomeric, and one protein, dVFP, which is dimeric. We characterized the spectroscopic properties of VFP and its variants in comparison with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), a widely used variant of GFP. All the VFP variants are at least twice as bright as EGFP. Finally, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the VFP variants in both in vitro and in vivo detection applications.
An extended Kocher incision for bilateral adrenalectomy

Summary The anterior approach for excision of the adrenal glands is preferred when dealing with phenochromocytoma, carcinoma, lesions greater than 6 cm in diameter, or when upper abdominal exposure is necessary for intraabdominal procedures to be performed simultaneously with adrenalectomy. We describe an extended Kocher incision for bilateral adrenalectomy and abdominal exploration. This affords excellent exposure and wound healing without incurring total denervation of the upper abdomen. We recommend it as the optimum anterior approach to the adrenal glands.
Anglicized word order in Old English continuous interlinear glosses in British Library, Royal 2. A. XX

The Old English interlinear glosses in the prayerbook London, British Library, Royal 2. A. XX frequently render certain Latin verb phrases and noun phrases into Old English with English word order rather than Latin, in contrast to almost all other surviving Old English interlinear glosses of the same prayers. Investigation of the occurrences of similar syntactic tendencies in all other Old English continuous interlinear glosses (the thirteen Old English interlinear glosses to the psalms, the eleven glosses to canticles of the psalter, the two interlinear glosses to the gospels and the thirty other numbered entries under ‘continuous interlinear glosses’ in Angus Cameron's ‘A List of Old English Texts’) reveals that such anglicization is restricted to relatively few texts from various centuries and places. Analysis of the features and conditions of these few witnesses reveals that neither scribal education, region, century nor other particular of situation is a factor common to all witnesses. The scribe of the Old English glosses in Royal 2. A. XX appears to have had deficiencies in Old English grammar, yet confidence in Old English phrasings of the prayers. His gloss was probably not made for students learning Latin grammar; it was more likely intended simply to help laypeople or less-than-well-educated religious persons to understand the Latin prayers. The context is clearer when we consider the Latin prayers in the margins (and a few interlinear glosses in Greek) that were added by the same hand.
The Pharmacotic War on Terrorism Cure or Poison for the US Body Politic

The Greek words `pharmakon' and `pharmakos' allude to the complex relations between political violence and the health or disorder of the body politic. This article explores analogies of war as disease and contagion, and contrasts these with metaphors of war as politically healthy and medicinal - as in Randolph Bourne's notion of war as `the health of the state'. It then applies these to the unfolding US `War on Terrorism' through the concept of `pharmacotic war', by way of examining the disturbing political implications of both unfolding US military actions abroad and the scapegoating of internal `enemies' within the United States. The article then critiques various strategies for interrupting the momentum towards a catastrophic `clash of civilizations' between the US and the Islamic world, and proposes a strategy of broadly based, grassroots political mobilization for opposing this trend.