cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergy between the hunchback and bicoid morphogens is required for anterior patterning in Drosophila.

Summary Anterior patterning of the Drosophila embryo is specified by the localized expression of the gap genes, which is controlled by the gradient of the maternal morphogen bicoid (bcd). Another maternal component, hunchback ( hb ), can substitute for bcd in the thorax and abdomen. Here we show that hb is required for bcd to execute all of its functions. Removal of both maternal and zygotic hb produces embryos with disrupted polarity that fail to express all known bcd target genes correctly. Proper expression of hb and the head gap genes requires synergistic activation by hb and bcd . We propose that it is the combined activity of bcd and hb, and not bcd alone, that forms the morphogenetic gradient that specifies polarity along the embryonic axis and patterns the embryo. bcd may be a newly acquired Drosophila gene, which is gradually replacing some of the functions performed by maternal hb in other species.
Stereotactic radiosurgical salvage treatment for locally recurrent esthesioneuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignant neuroendocrine tumor considered to be radiation sensitive. Local recurrence may be treated in a variety of ways, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS); however, little information on its effectiveness is available. OBJECTIVE To determine whether SRS is effective in providing local control for recurrent ENB. METHODS This was a retrospective single-institution experience including 109 patients with ENB treated at the Mayo Clinic (1962-2009). Sixty-three patients presented with Kadish stage C disease, and 21 patients developed local recurrence. Of these 21 patients, 7 patients underwent SRS at our institution and an additional patient underwent SRS after transnasal biopsy. Therefore, a total of 8 patients are reported. RESULTS The median age at time of local recurrence was 50 years. All patients had Kadish C disease at initial diagnosis. Six of 8 patients were found to have Hyams grade 3 disease; the remaining 2 patients had grade 2 disease. The median treatment volume was 8.4 cm (mean, 18.9 cm; range, 1.4-76.3 cm), and the median dose to the tumor margin was 15 Gy (mean, 14.4 ± 2.2 Gy; range, 10-18 Gy). Of the 16 treatments, 13 had adequate follow-up to assess treatment response, with 92% achieving local control over a median follow-up of 42 months from the time of SRS. Five lesions decreased in size, 7 lesions stabilized, and only 1 lesion had in-field progression. There were no documented complications secondary to SRS. CONCLUSION SRS appears to be a reasonable and safe option for treatment of intracranial recurrence of ENB.
Prostaglandin synthesis by adult heart myocytes.

Adult cardiac myocytes, prepared by proteolytic disaggregation of left ventricular tissue of rats or dogs, were incubated with [1-14C]-arachidonic acid for periods up to 90 min at 37°C. Ethyl acetate extracts of the acidified media containing carrier prostaglandins were subjected to thin layer silicic acid chromatography for separations of prostacyclin and thromboxane derivatives and classical prostaglandings (PG). Synthesis of prostaglandins was evaluated by gas and thin layer radiochromatography. Unperturbed rat heart myocytes synthesized prostaglandins linearly during the 90 min incubation and these included predominantly PGE2 and its metabolites (PGA2-PGB2) and equal levels of prostacyclins (determined as 6-keto PGF1α) thromboxane B2 and PGF2α. Dog heart myocytes, in contrast, produced largely 6-keto PGF1α and PGD2 with lesser amounts of other PGs. Incorporation of labeled arachidonate into these PGs inhibited by indomethacin or eicosatetryenoic acid, and was enhanced by incubation of cells with methylprednisolone, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, or by using cells from essential fatty acid-deficient rats.
TaBaMLN Keeps on Ramblin’: The Evolution of the Tampa Bay Medical Library Network

The Tampa Bay Medical Library Network, also known as TaBaMLN, has been an invaluable organization for central Florida medical librarians for over 35 years. The goals and activities of this group, as well as the membership, have changed and evolved over the years, but one thing remains: This consortium is an integral part of the medical library landscape for the Tampa Bay area and beyond and provides its members with resources, networking, and continuing education. This article addresses the evolution of this important group from 1975 to the present day.
Reinforced Random Walks and Adic Transformations

To a given finite graph we associate three kinds of adic, or Bratteli–Vershik, systems: stationary, symbol-count, and reinforced. We give conditions for the natural walk measure to be adic-invariant and identify the ergodic adic-invariant measures for some classes of examples. If the walk measure is adic-invariant, we relate its ergodic decomposition to the vector of limiting edge traversal frequencies. For some particular nonsimple reinforcement schemes, we calculate the density function of the edge traversal frequencies explicitly.
Plasmonic antennas as building blocks for spin optics and quantum optics applications

In this invited paper, we review some of our latest works on plasmonic antennas and their interactions with photonic angular momentum. As receiving antennas, both theoretical and experimental results reveal that spiral plasmonic antenna responds differently to photons with left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. This spin degeneracy removal finds many potential applications including extremely small circular polarization analyzer for polarimetric imaging, parallel near field probes for optical imaging and sensing, nano-lithography and high density heat assisted magnetic recording. On the transmitter side, through coupling quantum dot nano-emitters to spiral plasmonic antenna, nano-scale spin photon sources with high directivity and circular polarization extinction ratio is demonstrated. Numerical modeling and experimental evidences also indicate that the emitted photons can be imprinted with the photonic spin angular momentum and orbital angular momentum information simultaneously via the interactions between photonic angular momentum and plasmonic antennas. These findings not only are useful for the fundamental understanding of the interaction between plasmonic antennas and photonic angular momentum but also illustrate the versatility of plasmonic antennas as building blocks for practical spin optics and quantum optics devices and systems.
Romantic prose and feminine romanticism

(1987). Romantic prose and feminine romanticism. Prose Studies: Vol. 10, Women's Prose of the Romantic Period and Related Essays, pp. 178-195.
Abstract PR-11: Pharmacogenomics of mTOR inhibitors: A genome-wide association approach of biomarker identification.

Introduction: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a downstream kinase of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, is a critical regulator of basic cellular functions, especially in tumor progression, and therefore has emerged as a key target for cancer chemotherapy. Rapamycin and its derivatives (e.g. Everolimus, Temsirolimus and Deferolimus) are mTOR inhibitors originally approved as immunosuppressants to prevent renal and cardiac allograft rejection. These mTOR inhibitors have recently been used in a large number of cancer clinical trials, including renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, endometrial carcinoma, glioblastoma and mantle cell lymphoma. However, severe side effects such as toxicity and immune suppression limit the escalation of mTOR inhibitors9 dosage, resulting in a low responsive rate. To maximize the efficacy and minimize side effects of mTOR inhibitors, there is a critical need to identify the genetic biomarkers for response to mTOR inhibitors and the mechanisms by which they manifest their therapeutic benefits in cancer. Purpose: This study aims to identify and validate novel genetic biomarkers that might influence the therapeutic responses of mTOR inhibitors. Methods: We used 273 human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), for which we have obtained genome-wide SNP data, Affymetric U133 plus 2 mRNA expression array data, and Illumina microRNA array data, to perform cytotoxicity assays with two mTOR inhibitors, Rapamycin and Everolimus. We then performed genome-wide association (GWA) analyses using SNPs, mRNA gene expression and microRNA data with cytotoxicity data (AUC values) collected on both mTOR inhibitors. Integrated analysis was then performed to identify the SNPs, and microRNAs that might be associated with genes, whose expressions in turn were significantly associated with the cytotoxicity. We then selected candidate genes to functionally validate their effects on sensitivity of mTOR inhibitors using an siRNA screening approach with 3 cell lines, a renal carcinoma (Caki2), a glioblastoma (U87) and a fibroblast (IMR90) cell line, followed by MTS cell proliferation assay and colony formation assay. Results: mRNA expression levels of 48 and 55 genes were associated with Rapamycin and Everolimus cytotoxicity (p Conclusions: This study identified a series of novel candidate genes and microRNA (miR10a) that might contribute to the response of mTOR inhibitors. These findings will enhance our understanding of the regulation of mTOR pathway and the mechanisms underlying the variation in response to mTOR inhibitors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PR-11.
Reduced neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression contributes to cardiac oxidative stress and nitroso-redox imbalance in ob/ob mice.

Abstract Disruption of leptin signaling in the heart may contribute to obesity-related cardiac disease, as leptin deficient ( ob/ob ) mice display cardiac hypertrophy, increased cardiac apoptosis and reduced survival. Since leptin maintains a tonic level of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) expression in the brain, we hypothesized that leptin deficiency would decrease NOS1 cardiac expression, in turn activating xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and creating nitroso-redox imbalance. We studied 2- to 6-month-old ob/ob ( n = 26) and C57Bl/6 controls ( n = 27). Cardiac NOS1 protein abundance ( P P = 0.03) were reduced in ob/ob ( n = 10 and 6, respectively), while NOS3 protein abundance and mRNA expression were unaltered. Importantly, cardiac NOS1 protein abundance was restored towards normal in ob/ob mice after leptin treatment ( n = 3; P ob/ob mice). NO metabolite (nitrite and nitrate) production within the myocardium was also reduced in ob/ob mice ( n = 5; P = 0.02). Furthermore, oxidative stress was increased in ob/ob mice as GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased ( n = 4; P = 0.02). Whereas XOR activity measured by Amplex Red fluorescence was increased ( n = 8; P = 0.04), XOR and NADPH oxidase subunits protein abundance were not changed in ob/ob mice ( n = 6). Leptin deficiency did not disrupt NOS1 subcellular localization, as NOS1 co-localized with ryanodine receptor but not with caveolin-3. In conclusion, leptin deficiency is linked to decreased cardiac expression of NOS1 and NO production, with a concomitant increase in XOR activity and oxidative stress, resulting in nitroso-redox imbalance. These data offer novel insights into potential mechanisms of myocardial dysfunction in obesity.
Surface Damage of Sheet Molding Compound Panels Subject to a Point Impact Loading

The point impact damage characteristics of panels made of chopped-glass-fiber- reinforced sheet molding compounds are evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. In stead of the traditionally used dent depth, the surface damage area is identified as the primary parameter to characterize the impact damage of the SMC panels. Three techniques—radiographic, ultrasonic and crack enhancement—are used to measure the damage areas. The relative merits of the three methods are discussed.
Increasing productivity rates in adult mentally retarded clients: the failure of self-monitoring.

Abstract A series of three studies investigating procedures to increase productivity rates of mentally retarded adults in a sheltered workshop are reported. In the first study, the use of a behavioral intervention program implemented in a small classroom consisting of prompting, social praise, and performance feedback was found to significantly increase the productivity rates of five mentally retarded adults. Study 2 showed that simply the change in environment from the large, open space workshop setting to the smaller classroom did not contribute significantly to improved production. Despite the gains evident in the first study, production rates were found to decrease to pretreatment levels once the intervention was terminated. Study 3 examined the use of self-monitoring to increase productivity and achieve generalization across settings. Results of that study found self-monitoring to be ineffective. Implications for future research are discussed in light of the failure of self-monitoring with the mentally retarded.
Tackling the PIC: Successes and Challenges in Teaching the Prison-Industrial Complex

“But they’re criminals. We should lock them up and throw away the key!” my student, using a tired refrain, declared. She soon had a classroom of her peers— thoughtful, engaged students who often enjoyed analyzing complicated and difficult social issues—nodding in support. Thus began my entry into teaching and discussing the prison industrial complex (PIC) and abolitionism in a college classroom. Luckily, the class moved beyond this knee-jerk reaction, but I learned a valuable lesson that day. While I regularly engage students in thinking critically about poverty, social justice, race relations, feminism, and inclusion, exploring the possibilities of abolishing a system of criminalization and imprisonment that seemed so natural and commonplace to them was going to be a new challenge. To that end, this essay will explore my experiences teaching the PIC in two differently situated classes in order to address what worked well and what did not. As a historian who teaches in women, gender, and sexuality studies, my two very different experiences were driven in large part by how I organized and structured the students’ entrance to and evaluation of this topic. Since I experienced some real success when I taught the PIC the second time around (but not the first), the essay includes some “best practices” to consider when approaching this topic with students who are, at best, uninformed and, at worst, completely resistant to the idea of even recognizing the PIC, much less considering its abolishment. This essay explores the frameworks in which my teaching of the PIC did and did not work for me in the classroom, including the texts I used, questions we discussed, and assignments that my students and I found most useful. It also examines what kinds of arguments I found to be most compelling in the classroom around the possibilities for abolishing the PIC and what can happen when the prospect of abolition is raised. I also explore how to link the PIC with historical antecedents in order to build an effective groundwork for discussing the PIC, since it has been through this historically-situated framework that I have found the most success and reward in engaging students in the idea of abolition as the solution to the PIC. I also discuss ways to incorporate PIC discussions into other material that intersects with it. I begin by focusing on why I teach the PIC and why my experiences discussing it and prodding students to consider radical acts of resistance have only strengthened my dedication to having these difficult dialogues.
Development of Mathematical Communication in Problem Solving Groups By Language Minority Students

Abstract This article is an examination of mathematical communication in two algebra classes with ESL students. Using videotaped data, the author found that students in one classroom engaged in very little mathematical communication, most of which was oriented toward simple answers and fragmented procedural descriptions. This is attributed to instructional decisions that minimized the authority and use of small groups, and students' difficulties with the mathematical register in both English and Spanish. This contrasted with the other classroom in which students engaged in extensive mathematical communication in small and large group formats. The paper discusses how small groups facilitate the development of communicative competence and the potential value of computers for stimulating discussion.
Animal models: Not close enough

Despite some outstanding drug-development successes, the mouse version of multiple sclerosis has been worryingly unreliable at screening human treatments.
Cutaneous Mycobacterium kansasii infection associated with a papulonecrotic tuberculid reaction.

A 28-year-old white man noticed a "boil" on his left hip 18 months before evaluation. Several days after the boil developed, while he was taking antibiotics, small red papules appeared on his arms and legs. The antibiotics were discontinued. Shortly thereafter, two additional lesions developed on his upper back and forehead. These began as small red papules and enlarged in weeks to purulent, fungating plaques. He also had several episodes of widespread crops of papules and pustules on his back and buttocks. He was otherwise asymptomatic and denied fevers, chills, myalgias, or productive cough. He was treated empirically with several courses of systemic antibiotics without improvement. Six months before the first lesion on the hip developed, he was possibly exposed to tuberculosis and bad a strongly positive Mantoux test and normal findings from chest roentgenography. He was treated with isoniazid for 6 months. Examination revealed two large (6 to 8 cm) edematous plaques studded with pustules on the left side of the forehead (Fig. 1) and left upper back as well as more than 100 0.2 to 0.6 cm erythematous pustules and papules on the extremities, torso, and buttocks (Fig. 2). In addition, there was an atrophic scar on the left hip with reticulated hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. His white blood cell count was 14.3 x 103/mm 3, 56% segmented neutrophlls, 21% lymphocytes, 5% monocytes, and 18% eosinophils. The following evaluations
The effect of hypothermia on adductor pollicis twitch tension during continuous infusion of vecuronium in isoflurane-anesthetized humans

The effect of total body cooling on force of contraction of the adductor pollicis was determined during a constant rate infusion of vecuronium. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with isoflurane/nitrous oxide in eight volunteers (study group) and seven surgical patients (control group). After train-of-four (TOF) stimulation of the ulnar nerve, we measured the amplitude of the first response (T1) in the train and the ratio of the fourth-to-first response (TOF ratio). Vecuronium was then administered as an intravenous (i.v.) bolus, 25 micrograms/kg, followed by continuous i.v. infusion, 25 micrograms.kg-1 x h-1; central body (core) temperature was maintained stable for 60 min, at the end of which T1 and TOF responses were constant. In the study group, core temperature was then reduced (using circulating-water blankets) by a mean of 2.6 degrees C, decreasing the T1 and TOF ratio, respectively, by 19% and 18% per degrees C reduction in adductor pollicis temperature. Normothermia was maintained in the control group for a mean of 111 min, with no significant change in T1 and TOF responses. We conclude that, during a constant-rate infusion of vecuronium, the magnitude of neuromuscular block increases significantly when adductor pollicis temperature decreases secondary to core cooling.
Self-assembly and biomaterials

An interesting field within the broad subject of biomaterials is the chemical and physical crafting of materials that can functionally substitute or help regenerate the organs and tissues of the human body. Regeneration is the new dimension of this field as opposed to the more established area of permanent implants and devices to substitute natural structures and functions. With the advent of nanoscience, the field is experiencing a renaissance by embracing the vision that artificial nanostructures of the self-assembling type could be designed for highly specific functions to promote regenerative processes.
Chemical atomism: a case study in confirmation and ontology

Quine, taking the molecular constitution of matter as a paradigmatic example, offers an account of the relation between theory confirmation and ontology. Elsewhere, he deploys a similar ontological methodology to argue for the existence of mathematical objects. Penelope Maddy considers the atomic/molecular theory in more historical detail. She argues that the actual ontological practices of science display a positivistic demand for “direct observation,” and that fulfillment of this demand allows us to distinguish molecules and other physical objects from mathematical abstracta. However, the confirmation of the atomic/molecular theory and the development of scientists’ ontological attitudes towards atoms was more complicated and subtle than even Maddy supposes. The present paper argues that the history of the theory in fact supports neither Quine’s and Maddy’s accounts of scientific ontology. There was no general demand from scientists to “see” atoms before they were reckoned to be real; but neither did the indispensable appearance of atoms in the best theory of chemical combination suffice to convince scientists of their reality.
Detection of enzyme polymorphism by using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Six monoclonal antibodies against human placental alkaline phosphate [orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase (alkaline optimum), EC 3.1.3.1], a highly polymorphic enzyme, were tested for reactivity against a panel of 295 placental extracts that had been typed electrophoretically. The products of the three common alleles as well as several rare alleles could be discriminated by the various antibodies. In some cases differences between allelic products were reflected by essentially "all-or-none" reactions, but in other cases the differences were smaller and demonstrable only by quantitative analysis of the binding. Evidence for allelic differences not detectable electrophoretically was also obtained.
Exhaust plumes from nozzles with wall boundary layers.

Numerical computations of exhaust plume flowfields from nozzles with boundary layers along the wall are presented. The problem is treated as the inviscid expansion of a shear flow around the nozzle lip, in a manner reminiscent of treatments of the near wakes of reentry vehicles. The low-Mach-number gas near the wall expands well beyond the limiting line calculated without boundary-layer effects, and "observables" such as dynamic pressure are greatly increased in the large-angle region over the values predicted for a frictionless nozzle flow. The distributions of dynamic pressure in the large-angle region are not greatly sensitive to the details of the boundary-layer profiles at the exit plane, although there is a noticeable difference in behavior between laminar and turbulent layers. Large-angle (up to 90-100°) effects of fully developed laminar or turbulent layers probably can be predicted to within a factor of 2 or 3, whereas there are order-of-magnitude differences from the flow with no boundary layer.
Egocentrism in Judging the Effectiveness of Treatments

Four experiments examined projection and egocentrism in people's expectations about how a treatment they tried would impact others. In Experiment 1, people's expectations and recommendations for others aligned heavily with their own experience even though they directly witnessed a co-participant's contradictory experience. Experiments 2 and 3 examined potential mechanisms for the egocentrism. In Experiment 4, egocentrism persisted even when participants saw two co-participants have experiences that contradicted their own, except when the dependent measure about expectations was statistically framed. Implications for the literature on false consensus and for understanding the persistence of beliefs in ineffective treatments are discussed.
Laser-Induced Coal Fluorescence Microscopy: ABSTRACT

A new laser-equipped fluorescence microscopy system has been developed to significantly widen the analytical scope of coal characterization. The system uses a pulsed tuneable dye laser interfaced to a state-of-the-art Leitz MPV3 fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence of the coal macerals is excited with ultraviolet radiation in the range of 260 to 450 nm and analyzed between 300 and 800 nm. The temporal decay of the fluorescence induced by the pulsed laser is studied. The anode pulses from a fast photomultiplier detecting the fluorescence are digitized by a fast waveform digitizer, and the information is then processed by a desk-top computer to obtain the decay curves and the corresponding decay times. The anode pulses which contain the time signatures of the fluoresce ce are corrected for temporal instrument response by deconvolution. The decay curves can also be spectrally resolved and, with further data manipulation, time-resolved spectra can be obtained. The decay times are believed to be as characteristic of the fluorescing macerals as the excitation and emission spectra, which are also being studied more extensively using monochromatized radiation from the conventional xenon and mercury arc lamps in the wavelength ranges mentioned above. The photomultiplier is cooled to reduce noise and to improve signal acquisition, and, with the red-sensitive spectral response of the photomultiplier, the fluorescence of other macerals such as vitrinites are being investigated. The technique of pulse counting is employed for greater sensitivity in detecting weak y fluorescing macerals. Current spectral studies involve observing statistical variations of fluorescence spectra of a given maceral and obtaining its averaged spectrum. The spectra are parameterized by such values as Q (red/green quotient), ^lgrmax and Qmax (intensity at ^lgrmax/intensity at 500 nm). Excitation and emission spectra are fed directly into the computer through an analog-to-digital converter as the corresponding monochromator scans the wavelengths. The computer signal averages each wavelength interval while sampling, and then corrects the averaged raw spectrum for spectral instrument response. This multiparameter analysis of the optical properties of coal is expected to enhance coal characterization. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1453------------
Family physicians closing their doors to children: considering the implications.

Together, general pediatricians and family physicians comprise the core workforce that delivers primary care to children in the United States. Although the supply of general pediatricians has grown dramatically relative to the population of children in the United States in recent decades, the
The Near Infrared Absorption Spectrum of Liquid Water

The near infrared absorption spectrum of liquid water at 20°C has been reinvestigated using a PbS cell detector system. The total spectral range investigated was from 0.70 to 2.50μ. A curve is included which shows five prominent absorption bands at 0.76, 0.97, 1.19, 1.45, and 1.94μ; and a table gives experimental results of water absorption at 20°C.
The Great Debates

This CQ department is dedicated to bringing noted bioethicists together in order to debate some of the most perplexing contemporary bioethics issues. You are encouraged to contact “The Great Debates” department editor, D. Micah Hester (hesterdm@uams.ed), UAMS/Humanities, 4301 W. Markham St., #646, Little Rock, AR 72205, with any suggestions for debate topics and interlocutors you would like to see published herein.
Micromechanics-based wavelength-sensitive photonic beam control architectures and applications.

Micromechanics-based wavelength-sensitive photonic delay and amplitude control modules are introduced for multiwavelength photonic applications such as hardware-compressed beam forming in phased-array antennas, timing-error compensation in high-speed long-haul fiber-optic communication networks, and pulse synchronization in photonic analog-to-digital converters and space–time code division multiplexed decoders. The basic delay structure relies on a single-circulator compact reflective parallel path design that features polarization insensitivity, independently controllable optical time-delay and amplitude settings, and fiber compatibility. Switched fiber time delays are proposed that use various micromechanical mechanisms such as mechanically stretched fiber Bragg gratings with comb-drive translational stages or magnetic levitation-based stretchers. Additional, shorter-duration variable time delays are obtained by means of the translational motion of external mirrors and the inherent delays in the zigzag reflective path geometry of the bulk-optic thin-film interference filter-based wavelength multiplexer used in our proposed design. Experiments are performed to test these concepts.
A conserved transcription motif suggesting functional parallels between Caenorhabditis elegans SKN-1 and Cap'n'Collar-related basic leucine zipper proteins.

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the predicted transcription factor SKN-1 is required for embryonic endodermal and mesodermal specification and for maintaining differentiated intestinal cells post-embryonically. The SKN-1 DNA-binding region is related to the Cap'n'Collar (CNC) family of basic leucine zipper proteins, but uniquely, SKN-1 binds DNA as a monomer. CNC proteins are absent in C. elegans, however; and their involvement in the endoderm and mesoderm suggests some functional parallels to SKN-1. Using a cell culture assay, we show that SKN-1 induces transcription and contains three potent activation domains. The functional core of one domain is a short motif, the DIDLID element, which is highly conserved in a subgroup of vertebrate CNC proteins. The DIDLID element is important for SKN-1-driven transcription, suggesting a likely significance in other CNC proteins. SKN-1 binds to and activates transcription through the p300/cAMP-responsive element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP) coactivator, supporting the genetic prediction that SKN-1 recruits theC. elegans p300/CBP ortholog, CBP-1. The DIDLID element appears to act independently of p300/CBP, however, suggesting a distinct conserved target. The evolutionarily preservation of the DIDLID transcriptional element supports the model that SKN-1 and some CNC proteins interact with analogous cofactors and may have preserved some similar functions despite having divergent DNA-binding domains.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Imunolabeling in the Molluscan CNS and Peripheral Tissues

NOS immunoreactivity was assayed in CNS and peripheral tissues of the sea slugs Pleurobranchaea californica, Tritonia diomedea and Aplysia californica using different antisera against mammalian nitric oxide synthase in Western blots. Polyclonal anti-nNOS labeled at 250, 185, 170, 155, 100, 75, and 65 kD in extracts of Pleurobranchaea CNS, salivary gland and esophagus but not of gills or muscle. The labeling pattern for Tritonia in bands at 250, 200, 120/110, 100, 69, 65, and 60 kD differed somewhat. Anti-nNOS labeling in Aplysia was markedly different, with bands labeled only at 69 and 60 kD in CNS extracts, and at 200, 190, 69 and 60 kD in salivary and esophagus extracts. The wide variation in NOS immunoreactivity is consistent with species differences in tissue localization and biochemical properties of molluscan NOS isoforms.
Aggregation in model-based reasoning using prime models: a preliminary report

The paper presents how domain models can be aggregated into intermediate levels, each of which can be realized as an instance of a corresponding abstract prime model. One advantage of model aggregations is its ability to reason from first principles at different levels of decomposition. This is especially desirable when dealing with large and complex physical systems. >
Effects of chronic portal hypertension on small heat-shock proteins in mesenteric arteries

Previous studies have shown that impaired vasoconstrictor function in chronic portal hypertension is mediated via cAMP-dependent events. Recent data have implicated two small heat-shock proteins (HSP), namely HSP20 and HSP27, in the regulation of vascular tone. Phosphorylation of HSP20 is associated with vasorelaxation, whereas phosphorylation of HSP27 is associated with vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that alterations in the expression and/or phosphorylation of small HSPs may play a role in impaired vasoconstriction in portal hypertension. A rat model of prehepatic chronic portal hypertension was used. Studies were conducted in small mesenteric arteries isolated from normal and portal hypertensive rats. Protein levels of HSP20 and HSP27 were detected by Western blot analysis. Protein phosphorylation was analyzed by isoelectric focusing. HSP20 mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. To examine the role of cAMP in the regulation of small HSP phosphorylation and expression, we treated both normal and portal hypertensive vessels with a PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS. We found both an increased HSP20 phosphorylation and a decreased HPS20 protein level in portal hypertension, both of which were restored to normal by PKA inhibition. However, PKA did not change HSP20 mRNA expression. We conclude that decreased HSP20 protein level is mediated by cAMP-dependent pathway and that impaired vasoconstrictor function in portal hypertension may be partially explained by decreased expression of HSP20. We also suggest that the phosphorylation of HSP20 by PKA may alter HSP20 turnover.
Improved renal perfusion measurement with a dual navigator-gated Q2TIPS fair technique.

A dual navigator–gated, flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) true fast imaging with steady precession (True-FISP) sequence has been developed for accurate quantification of renal perfusion. FAIR methods typically overestimate renal perfusion when respiratory motion causes the inversion slice to move away from the imaging slice, which then incorporates unlabeled spins from static tissue. In order to overcome this issue, the dual navigator scheme was introduced to track inversion and imaging slices, and thus to ensure the same position for both slices. Accuracy was further improved by a well-defined bolus length, which was achieved by a modification version of Q2TIPS [quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction (QUIPSS II) with interleaved thin-slice TI1 periodic saturation]: a series of saturation pulses was applied to both sides of the imaging slice at a certain time after the inversion. The dual navigator–gated technique was tested in eight volunteers. The measured renal cortex perfusion rates were between 191–378 ml/100g/min in the renal cortex with a mean of 376 ml/100g/min. The proposed technique may prove most beneficial for non-contrast based renal perfusion quantification in young children and patients who may have difficulty holding their breath for prolonged periods, or are sedated/anesthetized.
Poisonous plants: Effects on embryo and fetal development

Poisonous plant research in the United States began over 100 years ago as a result of livestock losses from toxic plants as settlers migrated westward with their flocks, herds, and families. Major losses were soon associated with poisonous plants, such as locoweeds, selenium accumulating plants, poison-hemlock, larkspurs, Veratrum, lupines, death camas, water hemlock, and others. Identification of plants associated with poisoning, chemistry of the plants, physiological effects, pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis, why animals eat the plants, and grazing management to mitigate losses became the overarching mission of the current Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory. Additionally, spin-off benefits resulting from the animal research have provided novel compounds, new techniques, and animal models to study human health conditions (biomedical research). The Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory has become an international leader of poisonous plant research as evidenced by the recent completion of the ninth International Symposium on Poisonous Plant Research held July 2013 in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China. In this article, we review plants that negatively impact embryo/fetal and neonatal growth and development, with emphasis on those plants that cause birth defects. Although this article focuses on the general aspects of selected groups of plants and their effects on the developing offspring, a companion paper in this volume reviews current understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of toxicoses and teratogenesis.
Randomized Control Trials on the Dynamic Geometry Approach.

The project reported here is conducting repeated randomized control trials of an approach to high school geometry that utilizes Dynamic Geometry (DG) software to supplement ordinary instructional practices. It compares effects of that intervention with standard instruction that does not make use of computer drawing/exploration tools. The basic hypothesis of the study is that use of DG software to engage students in constructing mathematical ideas through active investigations results in better geometry learning for most students. The study tests that hypothesis by assessing student learning in classrooms randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The project is currently in its second year, and has just completed its first implementation of the DG approach, related data collection, and some initial data analysis. HLM models showed that the treatment group significantly outperformed the control group in geometry achievement. While the effect of the DG treatment is of moderate size for all participating students the largest effect size occurs with students in Regular Geometry classes.
Opportunities and Challenges in Very High Frequency Power Conversion

THIS paper explores opportunities and challenges in power conversion in the VHF frequency range of 30-300 MHz. The scaling of magnetic component size with frequency is investigated, and it is shown that substantial miniaturization is possible with increased frequencies even considering material and heat transfer limitations. Likewise, dramatic frequency increases are possible with existing and emerging semiconductor devices, but necessitate circuit designs that either compensate for or utilize device parasitics. We outline the characteristics of topologies and control methods that can meet the requirements of VHF power conversion, and present supporting examples from power converters operating at frequencies of up to 110 MHz.
A tutorial history of least squares with applications to astronomy and geodesy

This article surveys the history, development, and applications of least squares, including ordinary, constrained, weighted, and total least squares. The presentation includes proofs of the basic theory, in particular, unitary factorizations and singular-value decompositions of matrices. Numerical examples with real data demonstrate how to set up and solve several types of problems of least squares. The bibliography lists comprehensive sources for more specialized aspects of least squares.
Comparison of risk factors for obesity in young, nonobese African-American and Caucasian women

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether specific risk factors for obesity were more evident in young, normal-weight African-American (AA) compared to Caucasian-American (CA) women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional age-matched study. SUBJECTS: Young, nonobese, sedentary AA (n=13, 22.5 y of age, 23.6% body fat) and CA women (n=11, 21.5 y of age, 24.0% body fat). MEASUREMENTS: Aerobic physical fitness (peak VO2), resting metabolic rate (RMR), resting and submaximal exercise fat oxidation rates, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) by the doubly-labeled water method, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), skeletal muscle glycolytic (phosphofructokinase activity (PFK)) and β-oxidative (β-hydroxy-acyl CoA dehydrogenase (β-HADH)) activity, and insulin sensitivity estimated by the insulin-augmented frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: The AA and CA subjects were similar in age, body mass index and body composition, but the AA women exhibited lower peak VO2. There were no group differences in RMR adjusted for body composition, or in the rates of submaximal exercise energy expenditure or fat oxidation, and no difference in skeletal muscle β-HADH or PFK activity. The AA women exhibited lower insulin sensitivity and greater acute insulin response to glucose. The mean TDEE for the AA women was only 74% that of the CA women, primarily due to a lower physical activity energy expenditure (AA group: x PAEE=1246±438 kJ/day; CA group: x=3310±466 kJ/day. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that PAEE and its correlates of peak aerobic capacity and insulin sensitivity are lower in young, nonobese AA women compared to their CA counterparts.
Optical temporal frequency low-pass filtering and heterodyning with a microchannel plate

A microchannel plate is demonstrated as both an optical low-pass filter and a heterodyning modulator. The frequency response function of the microchannel plate indicates it behaves as a low-pass filter. Antialiasing with the microchannel plate is demonstrated using a two-tone amplitude modulated laser beam, with the higher tone above the cutoff frequency being successfully suppressed while the frequency within the bandwidth of the filter is passed through. Selection of different commercially available phosphors controls the filtering and frequency response characteristics of the optical filter, effectively moving the cutoff frequency. By gating the microchannel plate at different frequencies, the microchannel plate can also be used analogously to a heterodyning spectrum analyzer, supplying all of the required functions of a local oscillator, mixer, and filter.
Determination of propoxyphene in oral fluid.

solid-phase extraction columns, optimized derivative formation, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in electron impact mode. Validated parameters including selectivity, linearity, accuracy, intra- and interday precision, extraction efficiency, and limit of quantitation were all within acceptable limits. The method was applied to authentic specimens taken from an individual prescribed propoxyphene following surgery.
Blood Glucose Monitoring Skills in Children with Type I Diabetes

While blood glucose monitoring has become increasingly important in diabetes care, studies have yet to address the accuracy of youngsters' performance of blood glucose testing with current reflectance meters. The present study examined testing skills and predictors of accurate testing skills in a sample of 7-14-year-old children attending a summer camp for youth with diabetes (n=266). A 15-item behavior observational skill test was used to assess accuracy of blood glucose monitoring skills with reflectance meters. Accurate performance of individual skills ranged between 14.6% and 99.6% for the sample. However, a number of children made critical errors (errors that were likely to lead to inaccurate blood glucose testing results). When duration of diabetes and metabolic control were controlled, female gender, older age, experience with a particular meter, and absence of hypoglycemia at the time of testing were positively associated with accurate skill performance. Findings suggest that younger children, children using a new blood glucose testing meter, and children suspected of having hypoglycemia should be supervised and observed when testing. Although all young children should be supervised when blood glucose testing, boys may need closer supervision until an older age than girls. This study underscores the need for health care providers to periodically observe children's blood glucose monitoring techniques to assure accurate testing habits and to correct problematic testing behaviors.
Becoming a ‘Mythologist’: Barthes’ Mythologies and Education

Drawing primarily from Roland Barthes’ Mythologies (1972a), I argue that Barthes’ semiological and ideological descriptions of myth can be useful tools to confront what is given as natural, commonsensical, or depoliticized in education. Through confrontation and critique, educators can effectively become ‘mythologists’. After giving a synopsis of the essay ‘Myth Today’, where Barthes lays out his theoretical semiology for myth, I argue that educators can engage in myth(ologist) writing to disrupt taken-for-granted cultural practices. In the last section, I present four pieces of creative non-fiction (‘The Dean’s Speech’, ‘International School’, ‘False Debates in Science Education (FOS versus NOS)’, and ‘The Rubric’) as examples of myth(ologist) writing used to disrupt taken-for-granted (depoliticized) aspects of education.
Shifting language ideologies and the perceptions of Hawaiʻi Creole among educators at the university level in Hawaiʻi

Abstract Ideologies about language have burdened Hawaiʻi Creole (HC) with a social stigma such that it has been considered inferior to English and inappropriate in public domains of society. Recent efforts at language activism within Hawaiʻi, however, have attempted to raise awareness in support of HC as a viable language. In light of this activism, this study reports interviews with 18 faculty members at a university in Hawaiʻi and finds, in contrast to earlier survey research that noted predominantly negative attitudes toward HC, mostly positive views about HC's place in education. With many interviewees remarking that HC should be treated as its own separate language and that it should occupy a position equal to English in the university and also in society, the findings are discussed in regards to the possibility of a shift in language ideologies in Hawaiʻi and the role of language activism in promoting such a shift.
Examples and Projects—HOV Corridor Planning and Impacts Estimation

To illustrate the process and the typical results expected from a proposed high occupancy vehicle facility, this chapter provides examples, followed by a set of projects for solution including variables that may be typically encountered in practice.
Evidences for the Possible Occurrence of Sexuality in Diplophlyctis

(1936). Evidences for the Possible Occurrence of Sexuality in Diplophlyctis. Mycologia: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 321-323.
A critical evaluation of reactive templated grain growth (RTGG) mechanisms in highly [001] textured Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6 ferroelectric-thermoelectrics

In reactive templated grain growth (RTGG), oriented template crystals are used to seed both phase formation and crystallographic orientation in textured ceramics. This mechanism differs substantially from templated grain growth (TGG), in which texture forms via grain growth mechanism. In this work, characteristics of both RTGG and TGG processes are evaluated in [001] textured Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6 ceramics produced from reactive SrNb2O6 and BaNb2O6 matrix powders and acicular KSr2Nb5O15 (KSN) templates. Above 1100 °C, SrxBa1−xNb2O6 (SBN) forms by oriented nucleation and growth on KSN (the RTGG process) and by nucleation of nonoriented matrix grains. RTGG occurs without densification or coarsening until phase formation is complete (∼1250 °C) and accounts for ∼60% of the texture in dense SBN ceramics. A later TGG process occurs from 1250–1350 °C and is characterized by simultaneous densification, grain growth, and additional texture development.