cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergent Validity of PODCI and PROMIS Domains in Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies.

Purpose This study evaluates the perceived functional and psychosocial impact of upper limb congenital anomalies prior to surgical intervention, utilizing the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS) domains. We hypothesized that scores will be in the normal range and that the 2 outcomes measures will have strong convergent validity. Methods A multicenter prospectively collected database of congenital upper limb patients, the CoULD (Congenital Upper Limb Differences) study group, was utilized. Demographic information was collected, and anomalies were classified by the Oberg-Manske-Tonkin (OMT) classification. Scores for PODCI subscales of Upper Extremity (UE) function, Pain/comfort, and Happiness and PROMIS domain of UE function, Pain, Depression, Anxiety, and Peer relations were collected. Ceiling and floor effects and convergent validity for PODCI and PROMIS domains were calculated. Results Three hundred fifty-nine patients, average age 10 years and 55% male, were included. Two hundred forty-one patients had a malformation of the entire limb and 231 had a hand plate malformation. Four patients had a deformation, 118 dysplasia, and 45 a syndrome. There was no difference between the PODCI and the PROMIS ceiling or floor effects for the UE domains. The ceiling effect for PROMIS Pain domain (46%) was similar to the floor effect of the PODCI Pain subscale and no difference was seen between the floor effect of PODCI Happiness and PROMIS Depression domains. Convergent validity was obtained for the UE and Pain domains, and also between PODCI Happiness and PROMIS Depression subscales. Conclusions The PROMIS domains for UE function, Pain, and Depression are comparable with PODCI scores in congenital upper extremity anomalies. Clinical relevance Given the large burden placed on patients with the lengthy PODCI questionnaire, consideration of replacing the PODCI with the more quickly obtained PROMIS scores may reduce patient burden and provide similar information in this population.
CD133+ Hematopoietic Cells Successfully Reconstitute Hematopoiesis Following Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.

CD133 is a unique antigen found on hematopoietic precursor cells, with a limited expression on non-hematopoietic cells. These features make it an attractive marker for obtaining tumor-free hematopoietic grafts. We conducted a prospective clinical trial for patients with solid tumors and lymphomas who required autologous HSCT. 11 children (6 male, 5 female) had CD133+ peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) collected for subsequent autologous HSCT. The median age was 12.4 yrs (range, 2.2–26). Diagnosis included Hodgkin lymphoma (1 stable disease, 2 PR), neuroblastoma (2 PR), NHL (2PR), Ewing sarcoma (1 stable disease), CNS PNET (1 PR), and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (1 PR). All had received priming chemotherapy with growth factor support. PBSC were collected in 1 or 2 procedures when the absolute CD34+ count was ≥ 40/ul. A stem cell product was cryopreserved as a backup. The PBSC product was processed on the CliniMACS device with positive selection methodology using the CD133 antigen. Prior to CD133 selection, the graft contained 0.3–4.9% CD34 + cells and 0.3–4.4% CD133 + cells. Following CD133 selection, the graft contained 45.1–98.4% CD34 + cells and 45.9–98.8% CD133 + cells. The stem cell products contained a median of 5.4 x 10 6 CD34 + /kg (range, 2.61–7.89) and 5.3 x 10 6 CD133 + /kg (range, 2.54–8.04). One patient who had PBSC collected has not yet proceeded to HSCT. All were conditioned with busulfan 37.5 mg/m 2 /dose for 16 doses and melphalan 70 mg/m 2 for 2 doses. A cell dose from 2 x 10 6 CD133 + /kg to a maximum of 8 X 10 6 CD133 + /kg was infused. G-CSF 5 mcg/kg/day was initiated on day +5 and continued until ANC ≥ 3,000/mm 3 for 2 consecutive days. All 10 patients engrafted and no patient required infusion of the back-up stem cell product. No infusion reactions were observed during infusion of the stem cell product. The median time to ANC ≥ 500/mm 3 was day + 11 (range, 10–13) for all 10 patients. Of the 8 evaluable patients (1 had hemorrhagic cystitis, 1 severe epistaxis), all achieved an unsupported platelet count of greater than 20,000/mm 3 at a median of day + 17 (range, 12–20). This trial demonstrates that infusion of CD133+ hematopoietic cells can reconstitute hematopoiesis following myeloablative HSCT. Further studies are needed to describe the ability of CD133 selection to obtain tumor free hematopoietic grafts.
Building Socio-environmental Infrastructures for Learning

Language use, second-language development, and technology mediated human activity are complex processes situated in, and in some cases demonstrably interwoven with, specific material and social contexts. This study highlights the context embedded and context producing interactional practices of learning in the wild as participants in small groups notice visible aspects of their immediate environment. The groups are involved in mobile augmented reality (AR) game play and are walking across an urban university campus and adjacent environments. Video-recorded interactions from 15 groups of three participants from four languages (English, German, Hungarian, and Japanese) were observed and transcribed. Sequential, multimodal analysis revealed numerous instances of noticing environmental resources and we show how participants use coordinated gaze, gesture, and language to make relevant particular perceived objects from the built environment for accomplishing the groups’ goal-directed activity as well as for co-constructing socio-environmental infrastructures for learning.
Abstract TMP20: The Therapeutic Gas Carbon Monoxide (CO) Attenuates Vasospasm and Improve Neurobehavioral Function After SAH

Introduction: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the most devastating forms of hemorrhagic stroke and it is a serious medical condition caused by bleeding of a ruptured aneurysm. The etiopatho...
Attending to Parent and Child Rights to Make Medication Decisions During Pediatric Psychiatry Visits

This chapter examines how children diagnosed with ADHD come to participate in medication decisions in pediatric psychiatry visits. Drawing on 45 video-recorded follow-up visits involving 16 families and 14 clinicians, findings show that children infrequently participate during treatment discussions. Clinicians overwhelmingly initiated medication discussions with parents, thus orienting to parents’ deontic authority as decision makers. Six children across 10 visits participated in the treatment recommendation phase and most often by clinician invitation. Clinicians who invited children’s participation prioritized parents’ deontic authority while also attending to children’s deontic rights. More specifically, they employed open-ended Wh-question designs to seek children’s independent assessments (How does that sou:nd.) or perspectives (Well what do you think Sammy.) of a medication recommendation that was already accepted by the parent. This practice reveals how some clinicians work to balance the pressures of attending to both parents’ and children’s deontic rights to make treatment decisions.
Characterization of Different Commercial Dietary Supplements in the Peri-Weaning Period on Consumption and Growth Performance in C57Bl/6J Mice

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of common commercially available dietary supplementation in the peri-weaning period on feed intake, growth, and survival in C57Bl/6J mouse pups and lactating dams. A total of 96 pups and their dams were randomized to the control group or one of three nutritional supplement treatment groups: (i) control group without supplementation, or (ii) weanling-targeted Clear H2O gel (Gel), (iii) transgenic-targeted Bio-Serv dough (Dough), or (iv) dam diet as a mash (Chow), in the peri-weaning period (from 11 to 28 days). Stool was observed daily for a dye marker indicating supplement consumption. Pups were weaned at 21 days and followed for a total of 42 days. No pup morbidity or mortality was observed. There was a higher proportion of pups consuming dough and gel earlier than chow (p = 0.0091). The majority of treated pups (>95%) were consuming the supplement by day 23 (range 15-23), suggesting interplay between organoleptic properties of the supplement and pup maturity. All groups gained weight, with typical sexual dimorphism observed in the growth curves. Dough treatment led to significantly higher average daily gain in male pups (0.64 ± 0.03 g/d) as compared with controls (0.58 ± 0.03 g/d). The highest average daily gain in all groups was observed pre-weaning between days 21 and 28. Compared with controls, the weight gain slope was significantly higher in the Dough and Chow treatment groups and lower in Gel treatment groups, with a more pronounced effect in males. In this study, the composition of nutritional supplementation was the dominant factor in increasing the growth trend as opposed to energy density. Peri-weaning supplementation with Dough and Chow treatments improved pre- and post-growth performance in a comparable way and was more effective than Gel treatment during adaptation to solid feeding. Proper application of supplements to support weanlings can directly improve welfare and limit unintended experimental variability.
Contemporary management of carotid body tumors in a Midwestern academic center

Abstract Background Carotid body tumors are rare, neurogenic tumors arising from the periadventitial chemoreceptive tissue of the carotid body. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the presentation and preoperative risk factors associated with surgical resection. Methods A single-center retrospective review of 25 carotid body tumor resections from 2002 to 2019. Demographics, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using Stata (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). Results Among 25 patients, 64% were women, 84% were asymptomatic, and the mean age was 49 years (range 21–79). Forty-four percent of tumors were Shamblin III. Nine patients underwent preoperative embolization but did not correlate with decreased blood loss (299 cm3 vs 205 cm3, P = .35). The 30-day death, stroke, and cranial nerve injury rates were 0%, 8%, and 32%, respectively. Cranial nerve injuries included 20% vagus, 4% hypoglossal, 4% facial, and 4% glossopharyngeal, with permanent deficits in 4% (n = 1). Mean length of stay was 3.0 days (range 1–9 days). At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 1–63 months), there has been no recurrence. Conclusion Although carotid body tumors are uncommon in the Midwest, complete surgical resection is curative of these typically hormonally inactive tumors. Preoperative embolization did not affect blood loss, and the incidence of death, stroke, and permanent cranial nerve injury rates remained very low.
Fibronectin in development and wound healing

Fibronectin structure and composition regulate contextual cell signaling. Recent advances have been made in understanding fibronectin and its role in tissue organization and repair. This review outlines fibronectin splice variants and their functions, evaluates potential therapeutic strategies targeting or utilizing fibronectin, and concludes by discussing potential future directions to modulate fibronectin function in development and wound healing.
The Anarchist Miracle and Magic in Mason & Dixon

From early in Pynchon's career, the magical and the miraculous have been central themes. In The Crying of Lot 49, Jesus Arrabal defines a miracle as '''another world's intrusion into this one'" (120), a phrase Oedipa Maas echoes when she wonders "[i]f miracles were … intrusions into this world from another, the kiss of cosmic pool balls" (124). Arrabal, an anarchist revolutionary, applies this concept to the spontaneous formation of revolutions, which he idealizes as '''[a]n anarchist miracle'" (120). In "Is It O.K. to Be a Luddite?" Pynchon suggests that the concept of miracle has broader implications within his own oeuvre, aligning himself tentatively with the "Luddite hope of miracle" as embodied in "fictional violations of the laws of nature–of space, time, thermodynamics, and the big one, mortality itself" (41). The concern with miraculous, otherworldly occurrences extends throughout Pynchon's career and culminates in Mason & Dixon. That novel abounds in miraculous events, what the Reverend Wicks Cherrycoke refers to as "Might-it-bes, and If-it-weres, –not to mention What-was-thats" (618), including spiritual or quasispiritual revelations, oracular predictions, disembodied voices, and ghostly, demonic and angelic presences. As Brian McHale puts it, "Like the world of Gravity's Rainbow, with its angels, its voices from beyond, its revenants and cases of demonic possession, the world of Mason and Dixon is all but overrun by interlopers from elsewhere" (MDZ 56).
Spies and the Virus: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Intelligence Communication in the United States

This paper introduces a crucial parameter to the novel coronavirus response in the United States, by shedding light on the early-warning role of intelligence agencies. It argues that the intelligence components of the federal government's Biological Defense Program offered actionable forewarning about an impending pandemic in the years leading to the COVID-19 outbreak. Yet, almost from the opening stages of the pandemic, senior US government officials, including President Donald Trump, have repeatedly claimed that the virus "came out of nowhere" and that "nobody saw it coming." We show that these assertions contradict more than 15 years of pandemic preparedness warnings by intelligence professionals, and disregard the existence of intelligence-led federal pandemic response strategies of every US administration in our time. However, rather than simply placing blame on the White House for discounting these warnings, we advance a conceptual analysis of what many in the US Intelligence Community view as a critical breakdown in strategic communication between intelligence professionals and key government decision-makers. This study agrees with those who suggest that the White House disregarded its own pandemic experts. However, it also posits that the means of strategic communication employed by intelligence experts to alert the White House to the threat were unproductive. These alerts were communicated largely through the President's Daily Brief, an archaic, and ineffectual method of communication that is not designed to facilitate the kind of laser-focused, unequivocal exchange of information needed when potentially catastrophic threats confront the world. This study suggests that the Intelligence Community must implement more direct, immediate and conclusive methods of communicating intelligence to decision-makers, and should seriously consider creating a new line of products that addresses existential challenges to national security. Lastly, we contend it is time to re-evaluate existing rules that prevent intelligence analysts from offering advice on policy. Although we agree that intelligence professionals should refrain from providing policy advice on routine matters, we question the value of preventing these highly knowledgeable experts from communicating strategic policy advice to decision-makers when it comes to threats of a catastrophic nature, which may prove potentially existential for the US, its allies, and the world.
Gene therapy for a murine model of eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND Eosinophils are specialized granulocytic effector cells that store and release highly active mediators used in immune defense. Eosinophils are also implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic disorder characterized by infiltration of eosinophils into the esophagus and release of mediators that damage tissue, resulting in gastrointestinal morbidity, food impaction, and dysphagia. Treatment with elimination diets and/or topical corticosteroid therapy slow disease progression, but are complicated by adverse effects, limited compliance, and loss of response to therapy. We hypothesized that a single administration of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding for an anti-eosinophil monoclonal antibody that induces eosinophil clearance (anti-Siglec-F) would treat on a persistent basis a murine model of EoE. METHODS A mouse model of peanut-induced EoE that mimics the human disease was established by sensitization and challenge with peanut extract. After challenge, these mice exhibited an EoE phenotype demonstrated by elevated levels of blood eosinophils, infiltration of eosinophils in the esophagus with associated esophageal remodeling and food impaction. RESULTS The mice were treated with a single intravenous administration (1011 genome copies) of AAVrh.10mAnti-Eos, a serotype rh.10 AAV vector coding for an anti-Siglec-F monoclonal antibody. Vector administration resulted in persistent, high levels of anti-Siglec-F antibody expression. Administration of AAVrh.10mAnti-Eos to the mouse model of EoE reduced blood (P < 0.02) and esophageal eosinophil numbers (P < 0.002) protected from esophageal tissue remodeling and minimized food impaction. CONCLUSION These results suggest that a single treatment with AAVrh.10mAnti-Eos has the potential to provide persistent therapeutic benefit to patients with EoE.
Block Versions of R functions in 'generalCorr' for Generalized Correlations and Causal Paths

Karl Pearson developed the correlation coefficient r(X,Y) in 1890s vastly underestimates dependence between two series. Vinod(2014} develops new generalized correlation coefficients so that when r*(Y|X) > r*(X|Y) then X is the "kernel cause'' of Y. Vinod (2015) reports simulations favoring kernel causality. An R software package called 'generalCorr' (at r-project.org) computes generalized correlations, partial correlations, and plausible causal paths. This short paper describes the block versions of various R functions newly added to the 'generalCorr' package in October 2019. Newly published Vinod (2019) has the latest rendering of the theory behind causal paths including theorems with proofs. The function 'causeSummBlk(.)' is recommended for practitioners.
What constrains adaptive radiation? Documentation and explanation of under-evolved morphologies in Anolis lizards

Adaptive radiations fill ecological and morphological space during evolutionary diversification. Why do some trait combinations evolve during such radiations, whereas others do not? ‘Required’ cons...
Color Qualities of Tissues in Relation to Laser Radiation

With the lasers now available, color is an important property for the absorption of the incident laser beam. Absorption means destruction of tissue by the laser. This does occur to some extent even in so-called transparent tissues which may show some reaction to the absorptive laser beam. The mechanism here is thought to be two-photon absorption. The incident beam of the laser striking tissue may be reflected, absorbed or transmitted. The darker the tissue, the more absorption and the less reflection and transmission. Reflection of the laser beam may produce reactions on both patient and personnel about the impact. Transmission may occur as the same frequency or if second or other harmonics are produced in tissue, as different frequencies. In addition, as indicated previously, absorption may produce not only a thermal reaction but may give rise to such mechanical phenomena as the pressure waves, sonic waves and finally what is vagualy calles “electromagnetic changes”.
The Lake Wobegone Recount: Minnesota's Disputed 2008 U.S. Senate Election

Abstract One of the most daunting circumstances that confronts a robust democracy is a major election where the initial returns show an extraordinarily narrow margin of victory. The intensely competitive political forces that produce the proverbially “razor-thin” result inevitably carry over into the canvassing and recounting of votes. The existence of errors in the casting and counting of ballots will give the competing candidates a set of specific grounds over which to battle. If disputed ballots are either removed or added to the official count, the result may be the declaration of a different winner. Therefore, the laws and institutions charged with resolving post-voting disputes over particular ballots when the stakes are this high will be challenged in meeting a key test of democratic legitimacy: will the electorate, including supporters of the candidate that eventually loses this protracted fight, believe that the ultimate resolution was unbiased towards either side? Minnesota's election for U.S. S...
Do Functional Changes in Humans Correlate with the Airway Removal Efficiency of Ozone

Abstract One of the more commonly observed responses to acute exposure to ambient levels of ozone during exercise is a decline in tidal volume and an increase in breathing frequency. It has been hypothesized that this response helps to limit the dose of ozone to the lover respiratory tract. To test this hypothesis ve exposed 20 healthy non-smoking male volunteers to 0.4 ppm ozone while undergoing continuous exercise with a target minute ventilation of 20 L/min/m -body surface area. At the beginning and at the end of exercise ve measured the uptake efficiency of ozone by the upper and lover respiratory tract. Tidal volume and breathing frequency were measured immediately following each ozone uptake measurement. Spirometric and plethysmographic measurements of lung function were made before and after exposure. Tidal volume significantly fell by 25% (p>0.003) during exposure. At the same time the ozone uptake efficiency of the lover respiratory tract significantly fell by 9X (p>0.04). Ve found that these declines vere significantly correlated (p>0.004), suggesting that the tidal volume reduction experienced during ozone exposure with exercise helps to limit the amount of ozone delivered to lover respiratory tract tissue.
Measuring Classroom Engagement by Comparing Instructor Expectations with Students’ Perceptions

Even instructors who can demonstrate student success in their courses can be challenged to document which practices are most effective in engaging student learning. National surveys designed to assess student engagement do not provide individual faculty with information that can help them assess their individual teaching efforts. This paper highlights a survey designed to help individual faculty members learn about their students and provides a comparison of instructors’ expectations with students’ perceptions. This paper illustrates the value of such a survey through an extended example of the insights that an instructor gained by using it in her course.
International Decision: Munaf v. Geren

This International Decision case comment, the final version of which will be published in Volume 102, No. 4, of the American Journal of International Law (forthcoming), examines the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Munaf v. Geren, a case arising out of U.S. operations in Iraq and allegations of potential torture in Iraqi custody. In that decision, a unanimous Supreme Court held that the federal courts have jurisdiction under the habeas corpus statute to hear claims brought by American citizens held overseas by American forces "operating subject to an American chain of command, even when those forces are acting as a part of multilateral coalition." In a defeat for the petitioners, however, the Court held that where petitioners are being held in another sovereign's territory for crimes allegedly committed in that territory, federal courts should not interfere by enjoining their transfer to that sovereign. The Court further held that concerns of torture after transfer did not change the result and that such concerns are best assessed and handled by the political branches. This case comment discusses the Court's decision and analyzes its potential impact.
Reconciliation: On the Border between Theological and Political Praxis

Reconciliation is a theologically-charged word with politically-charged implications. The work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) raised questions about reconciliation in a political context including the parts or partners of reconciliation: truth-telling, repentance, amnesty, reparations, and ultimately forgiveness and justice. This paper explores two questions. First, are theologians ready to give up an exclusive claim on reconciliation as a theological term or, at the very least, be agreeable to the fact that reconciliation might have political as well as theological meanings? Second, if reconciliation is granted unhindered access across the borders of theology and politics, what wisdom from the theological tradition has informed the political praxis of reconciliation, and has political praxis in any way challenged our theological understanding of reconciliation? As responses to these questions, the paper looks at the theological development of reconciliation, with particular attention to the New Testament and subsequent historical praxis. It then discusses points of connection where the theological development has informed political praxis.
Entertainment and Politics: The Influence of Pop Culture on Young Adult Political Socialization, by David J. Jackson

The influence of popular culture on the political socialization process has received scant scholarly treatment. The academic precedent established well over a half century ago privileged the family...
Spanking and Triage

There is not much about corporal punishment in this article, but I understand that Dr Chamberlin argues, by omission, that spanking is only a bit player in the complex interplay of risks that threaten the future development of a child. A concerned society will do what it can broadly to increase the information and practical support available to families, which might prevent a variety of problems created or exacerbated by upbringing and experiences in childhood. One question for this meeting is: would the American Academy of Pediatrics be contributing to this broad mandate for prevention with a statement that focuses on spanking or other mild punishment, or does attention to a small problem draw attention from big problems that urgently need action? I agree with Dr Chamberlin9s argument for providing comprehensive services to all members of a community rather than targeting high-risk groups, except that I think his goals impractical given limitations on public funds for social services. How should we spend the small amount of public money available for the welfare of children? Five to eight percent of all children have a temperamental problem with aggression; some 80% of boys growing up in poor, marginalized neighborhoods in US inner cities will be arrested for a violent crime before age 18. These data do not describe the same problem. We have heard several references in presentations here to the exceptional violence of US society and reports of studies that relate spanking to criminal violence in adulthood. Our cities do not have a patent on violence, and children everywhere deserve protection from abuse.
Synthetic Rope End Connections For Use In Timber Harvesting

This paper describes a pilot study of end connections for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene 12-strand braided rope (synthetic rope) for use in timber harvesting applications. Fourteen different end connections for 14mm and 16mm diameter synthetic rope were developed and break tested to determine suitability. Three types of end connections were evaluated: spliced, adhesives, and dry hardware . Spliced end connections provided consistent performance in breaking strengths. End connections with adhesive had variable strength performance and are therefore not recommended. Within the dry hardware group, the pinned nubbin and knuckle link provided the highest breaking strengths. Suitable end connections for forest operations were: buried eye splice, Whoopie Sling, long splice, rope clamps, knuckle link, pinned nubbin, and in limited applications, rope clamps. Further research and development is needed on these six concepts with larger sample sizes and under testing and operating varied conditions.
Electrostatic/electromagnetic gripper for micro-assembly

In this paper, an electrostatic/electromagnetic gripper is used to pick up copper LIGA parts. The experimental results show that the gripper can reliably pick up a 4 mm diameter, 100-micron thick part when it is within 80 microns of the part and a 120-volt potential is applied to the electrostatic pads. Unfortunately, there was a 38 percent probability that the part will stick to the gripper when the voltage is returned to zero. This sticking effect is believed to be caused by residual electrostatic, van der Waal, and surface tension forces. However, the probability of sticking was reduced to 6 percent when electromagnetic coils were added to the gripper design.
Subjecting Pleasure Claude McKay’s Narratives of Transracial Desire

This article explores the threat posed by the Afro-Asian body in Claude McKay’s novels, Banjo (1929) and Banana Bottom (1933). Banjo’s narrative of transracial alliances converges onto the body of ...
Fire, thinning, and the carbon economy: Effects of fire and fire surrogate treatments on estimated carbon storage and sequestration rate

Abstract Changes in estimated standing stocks of carbon (C) in vegetation, forest floor, dead wood, and mineral soil for the fire and fire surrogate (FFS) network sites were evaluated in relation to the application of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments designed as surrogates for prescribed fire, and the combination of mechanical treatment and fire. Pre-treatment C stocks and changes in C stocks over two intervals (pre-treatment to first post-treatment year and first post-treatment to a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th post-treatment year, depending on site) were evaluated using meta-analytical methods. Total C storage across the network averaged 185 ± 8 (standard error) Mg C ha −1 , of which 45% was in vegetation, 38% in soil organic matter, 10% in the forest floor and 7% in dead wood. C stored in vegetation was not significantly affected by prescribed fire, but decreased ∼30 Mg ha −1 as the result of mechanical or mechanical + fire treatment; in contrast, forest floor C storage was reduced by ∼1–7 Mg ha −1 by fire or mechanical + fire treatment, but unaffected by mechanical treatment alone. Neither dead wood C nor soil organic C was significantly affected by the treatments. At the network scale, total ecosystem C was not significantly affected by fire, though four individual sites did exhibit significant C losses to fire. Mechanical treatment, with or without fire, produced significant reductions of 16–32 Mg ha −1 during the first post-treatment year, but this was partially balanced by enhanced net C uptake of ∼12 Mg ha −1 during the subsequent 1–3 years. In terms of C storage and uptake, western coniferous forests responded differently to the FFS treatments than did eastern deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, suggesting that optimal management for fire, harvesting, and C sequestration may differ between regions.
Measurement of dynamic viscoelastic properties of polymer melts and liquids by the modified rheovibron

A new technique is presented which permits the quantitative characterization of the dynamic viscoelastic properties of polymer melts and liquids. A new sample holding system with oscillatory shear platen and modification of the amplifier and oscillating unit made it possible to measure rheological properties of the viscous liquids using the Rheovibron. The dynamic shear modulus, viscosity, and internal friction of acrylic dope, and silicone fluids are obtained by using the new procedure and developed mathematical expressions. This technique will be useful in studies on the rheological properties characterization of polymer melts and liquids in conjunction with process parameters.
Structural characteristics and eco-adaptability of heteromorphic leaves of Populus euphratica

The microstructural and ultrastructural traits of three kinds of typical leaves of Populus euphratica Olive, including lanceolate, broad-ovate and dentate broad-ovate leaves, were studied by using electron microscope and optical microscope. The results showed that with the leaves changing from lanceolate shape to dentate broad-ovate shape, their structure obviously tended to be xeromorph: developed palisade tissue, undeveloped spongy tissue, thick cutin layer and sunken stomas. The amount of mitochondria tended to be increased, and the shape of chloroplasts varied from regular spindle to irregular rotundity or oval. The leaves were covered with wax without cilium, and the stomas on the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves opened unevenly. The stomas on the lower epidermis were deeper than those on the upper epidermis under the scanning electron microscope. The results implied that the structural characteristics of the diversiform-leaves of P. euphratica are related to its eco-adaptability.
Periodic exponential ruling for the measurement of Gaussian laser beam diameters

The spot size measurement of a Gaussian laser beam is extended to wide dynamic range through the formulation of a novel exponential grating. It is found that the exponential grating provides accurate measurement for both extremely small and large Gaussian beam diameters and proves to be superior to Ronchi, triangular, and sinusoidal rulings.
Liver and skeletal muscle lipids have differing fatty acid profiles in short-gut rats fed via parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND In short-gut rats, we showed marked abnormalities in plasma lipid fatty acids using parenteral nutrition (PN) with lipid vs sham surgery rats. This suggests that either sensing or metabolism of parenteral lipid is abnormal in malabsorption. The goal of this study was to determine fatty acid profiles in skeletal muscle and liver in short-gut rats treated with PN compared with sham rats. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy and massive small bowel resection (or sham surgery). Rats (n = 32, 16 sham, 16 short gut) were randomly assigned to PN with lipid or fat-free PN. After 5 days, weight loss was similar in all groups, and mixed hindlimb skeletal muscle and liver were biopsied. RESULTS We found marked differences between liver and skeletal muscle. In livers of short-gut animals, 22:4omega6, 22:5omega6, and 22:6omega3 were higher (all p < .05) than in sham. In skeletal muscle, short gut had no effect on fatty acid profiles. In liver, fat-free PN led to significant increases in 20:3omega6, 22:4omega6, 22:5omega6, 20:3omega9, 20:5omega3, 22:6omega3, and triene/tetraene ratio (all p < .05) compared with feeding PN with lipid, irrespective of short gut. In muscle, levels of the distal long-chain fatty acid metabolites and triene/tetraene ratio were minimally affected by nutrition. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations were similar in all 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS Both the presence of short gut and type of PN led to increases in distal metabolites of fatty acids on omega:3 and omega:6 pathway in liver phospholipids but not in skeletal muscle during short-term PN feeding in rats.
Properties of Carbohydrates

The physical, chemical, and biological properties of carbohydrates depend on their primary structures and, less frequently, on their higher-order structures. While monosaccharides are comprised of a single saccharide unit, oligosaccharides are less clearly defined and may consist of from 2-10 glycosidically linked monosaccharide units. Because of the high level of conformational flexibility associated with monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, these molecules typically do not form stable secondary or higher order structures when dissolved in a solvent. Thus, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides are mainly attributable to their primary structures.
SDF1α/CXCR4 Signaling, via ERKs and the Transcription Factor Egr1, Induces Expression of a 67-kDa Form of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase in Embryonic Hippocampal Neurons

Stromal cell-derived factor α (SDF1α) and its cognate receptor CXCR4 play an important role in neuronal development in the hippocampus, but the genes directly regulated by SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling are unknown. To study the role of CXCR4 targeted genes in neuronal development, we used neuronal cultures established from embryonic day 18 rats. Hippocampal neurons express CXCR4 receptor proteins and are stimulated by SDF1α resulting in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and the transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein. SDF1α rapidly induces the expression of the early growth response gene Egr1, a transcription factor involved in activity-dependent neuronal responses, in a concentration-dependent manner. Gel-shift analysis showed that SDF1α enhances DNA binding activity to the Egr1-containing promoter for GAD67. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis using an Egr1 antibody indicated that SDF1α stimulation increases binding of Egr1 to a GAD67 promoter DNA sequence. SDF1α stimulation increases the expression of GAD67 at both the mRNA and protein levels, and increases the amount and neurite localization of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in neurons already expressing GABA. SDF1α-induced Egr1/GAD67 expression is mediated by the G protein-coupled CXCR4 receptor and activation of the ERK pathway. Reduction of Egr1 gene expression using small interfering RNA technology lowers the level of GAD67 transcripts and inhibits SDF1α-induced GABA production. Inhibition of CXCR4 activation in the developing mouse brain in utero greatly reduced Egr1 and GAD67 mRNA levels and GAD67 protein levels, suggesting a pivotal role for CXCR4 signaling in the development of GABAergic neurons in vivo. Our data suggest that SDF1α/CXCR4/G protein/ERK signaling induces the expression of the GAD67 system via Egr1 activation, a mechanism that may promote the maturation of GABAergic neurons during development.
Insulin resistance is associated with abnormal dephosphorylation of a synthetic phosphopeptide corresponding to the major autophosphorylation sites of the insulin receptor.

Abstract Insulin resistance in the ob/ob mouse model is associated with a reduction in insulin-induced protein-tyrosine phosphorylation in tissues such as liver. To ascertain whether this decrease in phosphorylation may be due to increased phosphatase activity, protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity was determined in particulate and soluble fractions from livers of 5− to 23-week-old ob/ob mice and age-matched lean littermates. PTPase activity was measured using a synthetic phosphopeptide, TRDIY(P)ETDY(P)Y(P)RK, as the substrate, corresponding to residues 1142 to 1153 of the insulin receptor and containing the major autophosphorylation sites of the regulatory domain. The ob/ob mice were hyperinsulinemic across all age groups, but only the youngest mice (aged 5 to 7 weeks) were hyperglycemic. Most PTPase activity was present in the liver particulate fraction and was 19% to 114% greater in ob/ob mice as compared with controls. PTPase activity in the liver soluble fraction was 26% less than control values in the youngest ob/ob mice (5 to 7 weeks), but increased with age and was 41% and 131% above control values at 21 to 23 and 25 to 27 weeks of age, respectively. Oral administration of the PTPase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate (0.6 mg/mL in drinking water for 2 weeks) to young ob/ob mice caused a significant reduction in the elevated particulate PTPase activity, with concomitant decreases in plasma insulin and plasma glucose. Assessment of PTPase activity with a monophosphate form of the same synthetic peptide, TRDIY(P)ETDYYRK, showed lower PTPase activities as compared with the triphosphate form and no significant differences between ob/ob and control preparations. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the mechanism of dephosphorylation of insulin receptor autophosphorylation sites is altered in the liver of the ob/ob mouse. This abnormal PTPase activity may contribute to the decrease in insulin action characteristic of this insulin-resistant model.
far4, far5, and far6 define three genes required for efficient activation of MAPKs Fus3 and Kss1 and accumulation of glycogen.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mating pheromones induce G1 arrest through the activation of two MAP kinases, Fus3 and Kss1. Here we report the isolation of three mutants, far4, far5, and far6, that have the novel phenotype of regulating both the activity of Fus3 and Kss1 and the accumulation of glycogen. A far4 mutation constitutively activates Fus3 and Kss1, reduces glycogen, and blocks G1 arrest in the presence of α factor. In contrast, far5 and far6 mutations increase glycogen and reduce activation of Fus3 and Kss1 by pheromone. far4, far5, and far6 are recessive and not allelic to FAR1, FAR3, or 14 genes known to regulate the pheromone response. Non-allelic non-complementation occurs between far6 and both far4 and far5, suggesting that FAR6 functionally interacts with FAR4 and FAR5. Additional observations suggest that FAR4 has functional overlap with FAR3, which we also find to regulate glycogen accumulation. Our results suggest that the activation of the mating MAPK cascade and subsequent G1 arrest is influenced by a signal transduction pathway that regulates glycogen. In support of this possibility, we find that Fus3 is activated to a greater extent in a "wimp" strain with defective protein kinase A. Finally, BIM1 and BIK1 have been identified as CEN suppressors of far5, suggesting that the microtubule apparatus may regulate the ability of the pheromone response pathway to promote G1 arrest.
Phonon properties of vanadium-substituted lanthanum niobate derived from heat-capacity measurements

Abstract We have measured the 3–400 K heat capacity of vanadium-substituted lanthanum niobate LaNb 1− x , V x O 4 (0 x ⩽0.35) to determine how the relevant averaged properties, or moments, of the phonon spectrum 〈ω n 〉 relate to certain other lattice properties of these compounds, most noteworthy of which is a large decrease in the paraelastic-ferroelastic transformation temperature T c with x . The pertinent moments, represented by their corresponding Debye temperatures, are θ D (−3) corresponding to the lowest frequency modes; θ D (0) associated with the geometric mean frequency of the entire spectrum; and θ D (2) identified with the high-frequency modes that are sampled at the upper end of the temperature range. We find that θ D (−3) falls rapidly with x and this effect can be correlated with the comparably sharp drop in T c . There is little effect of composition on θ D (0) and θ D (2) because the phonons that govern soft-mode behavior represent only a small fraction of the mode population. In the vicinity of T c the temperature dependences of the free energies of the tetragonal and monoclinic phases are so similar that the discontinuity in C p is immeasurably small.
Infantile Botulism: A Case Report and Review

Abstract Background Infantile botulism is the result of ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, and is the most common form of infection with botulism in the United States. Ninety percent of cases occur in infants 1 week. Objectives Review a case of infantile botulism, its diagnosis, and treatment. Case Report A 4-month-old healthy Caucasian male presented to the ED with a 6-day history of decreased feeding after referral from the pediatrician. He had not had a bowel movement for 9 days, and his parents were also concerned about increasing weakness, as he was no longer able to hold his head up on his own. In the ED, he was minimally interactive. His vital signs were within normal limits, and he had hypoactive bowel sounds and decreased tone throughout. He was admitted to the Children's Hospital and eventually transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The botulism immunoglobulin was administered, and a diagnosis was confirmed with positive botulinum toxin in the stool samples. Full recovery was made by the infant. Conclusion Awareness of the symptoms of botulism and a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to make a prompt diagnosis.
Within the pipeline: Self-regulated learning, self-efficacy, and socialization among college students in science courses

Abstract The present study examined associations between changes in students' science self-efficacy and self-regulated learning strategies and their relation to science achievement. Influences of gender, ethnicity, and childhood and adolescent socialization experiences were also examined. The variables were consistent with Bandura's social cognitive theory, which predicts a triadic model of determinants of behavior. Participants were one hundred thirteen undergraduates enrolled in science courses in large public college in New York. Students were administered two surveys, at the beginning and end of the semester. Results showed that self-efficacy beliefs changed over the course of the semester and that these changes positively predicted final course grades after controlling for gender, mother's educational level, and ethnicity. Males' childhood and adolescent science experiences were correlated with delay of gratification while for females these experiences correlated with final term grades.
Adsorption and surface diffusion of titanium on tungsten in a field emission microscope

Abstract The adsorption, thermal desorption and surface diffusion of titanium on tungsten in ultra-high vacuum have been studied by field emission microscopy. The work function versus coverage curve has a minimum of 3.95 eV. The theory of metallic adsorbate-induced work function changes given by Gyftopoulos and Levine gives results which are in good agreement with our experimental values. In some experiments the work function minimum occurs at 3.65 eV. This value corresponds to the value of the work function of β-titanium. It is believed that α-titanium to β-titanium phase transformation occurs when the emitter tip is annelaed at 1100 °K to sperad the titanium uniformly over its surface. Surface diffusion of titanium on tungsten occurs with a sharp boundary at 800 °K and the activation energies for the (211)→(411) directions are 43.0 and 42.3 kcal mole respectively. The activation energy of thermal desorption was dependent on the coverage and ranges from 115.3 to 160.4 kcal mole . A satisfactory qualitative correlation between the theory and experiment is established.
Functional Interactions between Distinct Sodium Channel Cytoplasmic Domains through the Action of Calmodulin.

Sodium channels are fundamental signaling molecules in excitable cells, and are molecular targets for local anesthetic agents and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Two regions of NaV1.5 have been identified previously as [Ca2+]i-sensitive modulators of channel inactivation. These include a C-terminal IQ motif that binds calmodulin (CaM) in different modes depending on Ca2+ levels, and an immediately adjacent C-terminal EF-hand domain that directly binds Ca2+. Here we show that a mutation of the IQ domain (A1924T; Brugada Syndrome) that reduces CaM binding stabilizes NaV1.5 inactivation, similarly and more extensively than even reducing [Ca2+]i. Because the DIII-DIV linker is an essential structure in NaV1.5 inactivation, we evaluated this domain for a potential CaM binding interaction. We identified a novel CaM binding site within the linker, validated its interaction with CaM by NMR spectroscopy, and revealed its micromolar affinity by isothermal titration calorimetry. Mutation of three consecutive hydrophobic residues (Phe1520-Ile1521-Phe1522) to alanines in this CaM-binding domain recapitulated the electrophysiology phenotype observed with mutation of the C-terminal IQ domain: NaV1.5 inactivation was stabilized; moreover, mutations of either CaM-binding domain abolish the well described stabilization of inactivation by lidocaine. The direct physical interaction of CaM with the C-terminal IQ domain and the DIII-DIV linker, combined with the similarity in phenotypes when CaM-binding sites in either domain are mutated, suggests these cytoplasmic structures could be functionally coupled through the action of CaM. These findings have bearing upon Na+ channel function in genetically altered channels and under pathophysiologic conditions where [Ca2+]i impacts cardiac conduction.