cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of actin mRNas in cultured vascular cells by matrix components and TGF-β1

Alpha-smooth muscle actin is currently considered a marker of smooth muscle cell differentiation. However, during various physiologic and pathologic conditions, it can be expressed, sometimes only transiently, in a variety of other cell types, such as cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, as well as in nonmuscle cells. In this report, the expression of actin mRNAs in cultured rat capillary endothelial cells (RFCs) and aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) has been studied by Northern hybridization in two-dimensional cultures seeded on individual extracellular matrix proteins and in three-dimensional type I collagen gels. In two-dimensional cultures, in addition to cytoplasmic actin mRNAs which are normally found in endothelial cell populations, RFCs expressed α-smooth muscle (SM) actin mRNA at low levels. α-SM actin mRNA expression is dramatically enhanced by TGF-β1. In addition, double immunofluorescence staining with anti-vWF and anti-α-SM-1 (a monoclonal antibody to α-SM actin) shows that RFCs co-express the two proteins. In three dimensional cultures, RFCs still expressed vWF, but lost staining for α-SM actin, whereas α-SM actin mRNA became barely detectable. In contrast to two-dimensional cultures, the addition of TGF-β1 to the culture media did not enhance α-SM actin mRNA in three-dimensional cultures, whereas it induced rapid capillary tube formation. Actin mRNA expression was modulated in SMCs by extracellular matrix components and TGF-β1 with a pattern very different from that of RFCs. Namely, the comparison of RFCs with other cell types such as bovine aortic endothelial cells shows that co-expression of endothelial and smooth muscle cell markers is very unique to RFCs and occurs only in particular culture conditions. This could be related to the capacity of these microvascular endothelial cells to modulate their phenotype in physiologic and pathologic conditions, particularly during angiogenesis, and could reflect different embryologic origins for endothelial cell populations.
Purification of Canine Plasma Renin by Affinity Chromatography

Abstract An affinity column for the purification of canine plasma renin was prepared using goat anti-renin (dog kidney) γG globulins. The antiserum was prepared against a purified kidney renin preparation. The anti-renin globulins were coupled to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose. Using the anti-renin globulin-coupled Sepha-rose as an immuno-adsorbant, a method was devised allowing purification of plasma renin to a 1, 000-fold purity.
The pH-dependent nature of actin transformation.

Abstract The relationship between solution pH and G- to F-actin interconversion was variously examined. Actin interconversion was found to be a highly pH-dependent process. Polymerization was suppressed on elevating solution pH and enhanced in the presence of excess hydrogen ion. The observed relationship between pH and actin polymerization allows for the preparation and further study of (a) highly polymerized F-actin solutions in low electrolyte media, (b) nonpolymerized actin solutions in high electrolyte media, and (c) intermediates in the conversion of G- to F-actin.
Distinct ONE-GC transduction modes and motifs of the odorants: Uroguanylin and CO2

Abstract In a subset of the olfactory sensory neurons ONE-GC $ membrane guanylate cyclase is a central component of two odorant-dependent cyclic GMP signaling pathways. These odorants are uroguanylin and CO 2 . The present study was designed to decipher the biochemical and molecular differences between these two odorant signaling mechanisms. The study shows (1) in contrast to uroguanylin, CO 2 transduction mechanism is Ca 2+ -independent. (2) CO 2 transduction site, like that of uroguanylin-neurocalcin δ, resides in the core catalytic domain, aa 880–1028, of ONE-GC. (3) The site, however, does not overlap the signature neurocalcin δ signal transduction domain, 908 LSEPIE 913 . Finally, (4) this study negates the prevailing concept that CO 2 uniquely signals ONE-GC activity (Sun et al. [19]; Guo et al. [21]). It demonstrates that it also signals the activation of photoreceptor membrane guanylate cyclase ROS-GC1. These results show an additional new transduction mechanism of the membrane guanylate cyclases and broaden our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which different odorants using a single guanylate cyclase can regulate diverse cyclic GMP signaling pathways.
National patterns in antidepressant treatment by psychiatrists and general medical providers: results from the national comorbidity survey replication.

Background Primary care physicians, rather than psychiatrists, prescribe a majority of psychotropic medications in the United States. However, past research has shown significant differences in psychopharmacologic treatment practices of these 2 groups of physicians. The objective of this study was to compare patient characteristics and treatment patterns of adults in the United States treated with antidepressant medications by psychiatrists and other medical providers. Method Data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (February 2001-April 2003) were used to compare characteristics of adults (aged >/= 18 years) prescribed antidepressants by psychiatrists (N = 255) or other medical providers (N = 673). The treatment groups were also compared with respect to presenting problem, antidepressant type and dose, and continuity of treatment. Results Approximately 1 in 10 adults (10.5%) were treated with an antidepressant in the past year, usually by a general medical provider (73.6%). Compared with those treated by psychiatrists, adults treated by general medical providers were significantly more likely to be at least 65 years of age and to reside in a nonurban area. By contrast, those treated by psychiatrists were significantly more likely to be male, to report significant distress, to present with serious mood or anxiety symptoms, and to meet DSM-IV criteria for mood and anxiety disorders. Individuals treated by psychiatrists typically received higher doses of medications, were less likely to stop the medication before 30 days, and were more likely to continue 90 days or longer. Conclusions Most adults treated with anti-depressants receive the medication from general medical providers. In comparison with adults treated by psychiatrists, those treated by general medical providers are less likely to meet the criteria for mood or anxiety disorders or to continue medication beyond the first month. Quality improvement initiatives in general medical settings should focus on better targeting and continuity of antidepressant medications.
Analysis of palaeomagnetic time series — Techniques and applications

This review is intended to provide an introduction for the nonspecialist to concepts and techniques which are useful for analysing palaeomagnetic time series. Emphasis is placed on analysis in the frequency domain, particularly the periodogram and maximum entropy methods. The review consists of two parts dealing with techniques and applications respectively.
Higher Order Global Differentiability Local Approximations for 2-D Distorted Quadrilateral Elements

This paper presents development of higher order global differentiability local approximations for two dimensional quadrilateral elements of distorted geometries. The distorted quadrilateral elements in physical coordinate space x y are mapped into a master element in ξ η natural coordinate space in a two unit square with the origin at the center of the element. For the master element, 2-D C 00 p-version hierarchical local approximations are considered. The degrees of freedom and the approximation functions from the mid-side nodes and/or center node are borrowed to derive desired derivative degrees of freedom at the corner nodes in the ξ η space for various higher order global differentiability approximations in the ξ η space. These derivative degrees of freedom at the corner nodes in ξ η space are then transformed from the natural coordinate space (ξ, η) to the physical coordinate space (x, y) using Jacobians of transformations to obtain the desired higher order global differentiability local approximatio...
A case for two-level distributed recovery schemes

Most distributed and multiprocessor recovery schemes proposed in the literature are designed to tolerate arbitrary number of failures. In this paper, we demonstrate that, it is often advantageous to use "two-level" recovery schemes. A two-level recovery scheme tolerates the more probable failures with low performance overhead, while the less probable failures may be tolerated with a higher overhead. By minimizing the overhead for the more frequently occurring failure scenarios, our approach is expected to achieve lower performance overhead (on average) as compared to existing recovery schemes.To demonstrate the advantages of two-level recovery, we evaluate the performance of a recovery scheme that takes two different types of checkpoints, namely, 1-checkpoints and N-checkpoints. A single failure can be tolerated by rolling the system back to a 1-checkpoint, while multiple failure recovery is possible by rolling back to an N-checkpoint. For such a system, we demonstrate that to minimize the average overhead, it is often necessary to take both 1-checkpoints and N-checkpoints.While the conclusions of this paper are intuitive, the work on design of appropriate recovery schemes is lacking. The objective of this paper is to motivate research into recovery schemes that can provide multiple levels of fault tolerance.
Alkaloid distribution in some species of the papilionaceous tribes sophoreae, dalbergieae, loteae, brongniartieae and bossiaeeae☆

Abstract Quinolizidine and dipiperidine alkaloid profiles have been determined for various plant parts of ten papilionaceous species in the tribes Sophoreae, Da
Molecular Requirements for Kinetochore-Associated Microtubule Formation in Mammalian Cells

In centrosome-containing cells, microtubules nucleated at centrosomes are thought to play a major role in spindle assembly [1]. In addition, microtubule formation at kinetochores has also been observed [2-5], most recently under physiological conditions in live cells [6]. The relative contributions of microtubule formation at kinetochores and centrosomes to spindle assembly, and their molecular requirements, remain incompletely understood. Using mammalian cells released from nocodazole-induced disassembly, we observed microtubule formation at centrosomes and at Bub1-positive sites on chromosomes. Kinetochore-associated microtubules rapidly coalesced into pole-like structures in a dynein-dependent manner. Microinjection of excess importin-β or depletion of the Ran-dependent spindle assembly factor, TPX2, blocked kinetochore-associated microtubule formation, enhanced centrosome-associated microtubule formation, but did not prevent chromosome capture by centrosomal microtubules. Depletion of the chromosome passenger protein, survivin, reduced microtubule formation at kinetochores in an MCAK-dependent manner. Microtubule formation in cells depleted of Bub1 or Nuf2 was indistinguishable from that in controls. Our data demonstrate that microtubule assembly at centrosomes and kinetochores is kinetically distinct and differentially regulated. The presence of microtubules at kinetochores provides a mechanism to reconcile the time required for spindle assembly in vivo with that observed in computer simulations of search and capture.
Novel Method to Measure the Capacitive Matching of A/D Converter Based on Successive Approximation

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) based on successive approximation are widely used in many applications. Systems with price pressure such as electrical motor drives often use lower resolution 12-bit ADCs instead of the 16-bit high grades, as the price increases exponentially with the resolution. This is caused by the essential test costs. Production test times with up to 60 s are common. Reducing the test time is therefore an essential area of research and would enable affordable end products with higher accuracy. Optimizations such as real time histogramming reduced the production test already to 24 s. Now, the limiting factors are the calibration process (trimming) and the linearity test. This paper presents a novel idea to reduce the trim time by a factor of 20 without the loss of accuracy. The method was implemented on silicon. Measurement results are presented.
Dendritic cells and immunity to leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis

There is increased recognition that dendritic cells (DCs) are an important source of the IL-12 required to initiate protective immunity to protozoa, such as Leishmania and Toxoplasma. This article reviews the advances made in the last two years in understanding the pathways that lead to DC activation after infection with these organisms. Interestingly, there appear to be differences in the DC activation pathways utilized by these two intracellular protozoa which also may differ from the pathways utilized by bacteria.
Comparison of free-volume theories

It is shown that the Vrentas-Duda conclusion that the Fujita theory can be regarded as a restricted form of the Vrentas-Duda theory is indeed correct
Mechanism of prebreakdown nonlinear energy deposition from intense photon fields at 532 nm in NaCl.

We present direct experimental evidence that significant energy can be deposited in NaCl by short laser pulses of wavelength 532 nm without electron-avalanche formation. The mechanisms are four-photon free-carrier generation and free-carrier absorption with contributions by self-trapped holes.
The Management of Small Diameter, Lesser-Known Hardwood Species as Polewood in Forest Communities of Central Quintana Roo, Mexico

ABSTRACT Diversification in resource management can serve as a strategy to increase both economic well-being and environmental sustainability in rural communities, especially in tropical forested regions. This paper documents and analyzes the recent and rapid regional commercialization of small diameter, lesser-known tropical hardwood species as polewood in Quintana Roo, Mexico, presenting the promises and perils for sustainable management and resource diversification in the context of Mexican economic development and community forestry. We present data from interviews with local farmers and forestry officials involved in community management of timber resources to reveal baseline information regarding the use and management of polewood, locally called palizada. We found the same permitting system used for high-value timber was implemented for polewood without recognizing the complex ecological characteristics of polewood and the different metrics by which polewood and high-value timber are bought and sol...
Comparative in vitro activity of LY121019 and amphotericin B against clinical isolates of Candida species.

LY121019 and amphotericin B were equally active in vitro against most clinical isolates ofCandida albicans andCandida tropicalis. Higher concentrations of LY121019 were required for inhibition ofCandida glabrata. OtherCandida species were inhibited by amphotericin B but not by LY121019.
Origin and Propagation of a Disturbance Associated with an African Easterly Wave as a Precursor of Hurricane Alberto (2000)

Abstract In this study, it is proposed that mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) and a mesovortex (MV) were embedded within a wavelike disturbance over North Africa that led to the genesis of Hurricane Alberto (2000). The wavelike disturbance observed may be classified as an African easterly wave (AEW). Based on the cloud-top area and brightness values observed from infrared satellite data, four genesis and three lysis stages are identified within a cycle of moist convection associated with the pre-Alberto disturbance. The availability of water vapor is the most essential factor controlling the convective cycle of the pre-Alberto disturbance over the African continent. The presence of significant topography also contributes to the generation or decay of the associated MCCs through regulation of the water vapor supply. Further analysis of Meteosat satellite imagery reveals that the incipient disturbances for 23 of 34 eastern Atlantic tropical cyclones originated from the Ethiopian highlands (EH) region du...
Identification of B receptor for natriuretic peptide in human kidney.

Three distinct receptor types for natriuretic peptides (NP) have been identified in human tissue. "A" and "B" receptors initiate biological actions, whereas the "C" receptor has a clearance function. It has been proposed that the natural ligand for the B receptor is c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), rather than atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and that the B receptor is only found in the central nervous system (CNS) and is responsible for all NP-mediated effects in the CNS. Contrary to this hypothesis, we have identified, by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the B receptor in human kidney tissue. To detect A and C receptors, the PCR reaction was performed with primers which yielded predicted 600 and 378 base pair (bp) products, respectively. For the B receptor, 3 different primer sets were used, resulting in the expected 785, 453 and 228 bp fragments. Restriction mapping of the latter two products with Rsa I yielded the expected fragment numbers and sizes, indicating the PCR products were fro...
Bloom's syndrome cells have an abnormal serum growth response

Certain growth responses of Bloom's syndrome (BS) dermal fibroblasts have been compared to those of normal human fibroblasts. By applying the principles of Michaelis-Menton kinetics to clonal dose-response data, serum and epidermal growth factor (EGF) requirements of the two cell types were found to be similar. However, the maximal clonal growth rate of BS cells was significantly lower than that of their normal counterparts. Although specific EGF binding by BS cells was marginally higher than in normal cells, EGF's growth-promoting activity was only half of that seen in normal cells. These observations indicate that the abnormally low growth rate of BS cells is not attributable to excessive requirements for serum-derived growth factors and suggest instead that the genetic defect in some way impairs the cells' ability to respond fully to growth stimulation.
A114: Methylprednisolone-Induced Inhibition of miR-155 Expression Increases SOCS1-Driven Suppression of Cytokine Signaling

Background/Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) are short RNA species (20–23 nt) that act post-transcriptionally modulating messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or stability. They control many biological processes including cell differentiation and homeostasis. Abnormal levels of miRNA have been implicated in cancers and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Steroids are first line anti-inflammatory medications that act through transcriptional or posttranscriptional gene regulation. In multiple instances steroids cause mRNA destabilization indicating a potential role for miRNA. Previously, using high-throughput microarray analysis, we found that methylprednisolone (MP) decreased miR-155 expression in CD4+ T cells in vitro. miR-155 is highly expressed in immune cells and influential in cell differentiation. This influence may in part be mediated through suppression of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), a known target of miR-155. SOCS1 inhibits multiple JAK/STAT pathways, which may inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation. Steroids have also been shown to inhibit proliferation, differentiation and the JAK/STAT pathways. Steroids through blocking the IL-12/STAT4 pathway inhibit Th1 differentiation. This pathway is in part controlled by SOCS1, which should be under the control of miR-155. Following our previous work here we explore the potential mechanism of action of miR-155 during MP treatment of T cells. Methods: Total or naive CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and activated by anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies for up to 5 days with or without Th1 polarizing conditions (10 nM IL-12 and 5 mM anti-IL-4 neutralizing antibody) and with or without exposure to 10−6 M of methylprednisolone. Some cells were first transfected with mimic miR-155, control mimic miR, anti-miR-155, or control anti-miR by electroporation. Effects on miR-155, SOCS1, STAT phosphorylation, IFNg production and Th1 differentiation were monitored using flow cytometry, RNA quantification by PCR, and protein quantification by ELISA or western blot analysis. Results: Activated T cells treated with MP decrease miR-155 expression and increase SOCS1 expression. In turn, SOCS1 decreases JAK/STAT signaling and inhibits response to cytokines, notably IL-12, resulting in decreased IFNg production by activated T cells. Conclusion: We found that the anti-inflammatory effects of MP, at least in part, act through decreasing miR-155 in T cells by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling and cytokine production through modulating SOCS1 expression. Based on our findings we propose that miR-155 inhibition could be utilized to suppress inflammation without the myriad of side effects currently inherent in chronic steroid therapy.
Experimental study of a PEM-based second order structural system identification technique

In this paper, the performance of a prediction error method (PEM)-based second order structural identification method is studied through a series of vibration test. The concerned structural identification method employs a prediction error method to identify the parameters of ARMAX/ARMA models that are formulated in a stochastic state space framework. This system identification method can be used to identify second order structural parameters such as mass, stiffness, damping ratios directly from measured vibration data. To evaluate the effectiveness of this PEM-based structural identification method, vibration data collected from a 3-storey model structure is used. Two series of vibration tests were carried out: in the first test series, dynamic load applied at the roof of the building is measured; the second test series involves base excitation of the model building. The results of this experimental study indicate that the PEM-based structural system identification technique is able to identify the second order structural parameters and locate the damages reasonably well. Therefore, the PEM-based structural identification method has a potential to be used for damage detection in structural health monitoring applications.
Japanese classical theater in films

Important connections between Japan's classical theater and its national cinema have been largely unexplored in the West. This book breaks new ground by charting the influence that the three major dramatic genres -- Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku -- have had on filmmaking. Illustrated.
Notchplasty in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the setting of passive anterior tibial subluxation

Abstract Purpose In an effort to minimize graft impingement among various ACL deficient states, we sought to quantitatively determine requirements for bone resection during notchplasty with respect to both volumetric amount and location. Methods A validated method was used to evaluate Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. We measured the ATT of the medial and lateral compartments in the following four states: intact ACL (27 patients), acute ACL disruption; Results Average impingement volume changed significantly in the various groups compared to the intact ACL group (acute 577±200mm 3 , chronic 615±199mm 3 , failed ACLR 678±210mm 3 , p=0.0001). The location of the required notchplasty of the distal femoral wall border did not change significantly. The proximal femoral border moved significantly towards the center of the notch (acute 8.6°±4.8°, chronic 7.8°±4.2° (p=0.013), failed ACLR 5.1°±5.9° (p=0.002)). Conclusion Our data suggests that attention should be paid peri-operatively to the required volume and location of notchplasty among the various ACL deficient states to minimize graft impingement.
Genetics of haemoglobin H. and α-thalassaemia.

SUMMARY Genetic models to describe the α-thalassaemias are reviewed. Two of these, a one-locus model with three alleles and a two-loci model without linkage, are compared with population data from Thailand. Both models fit the observed data. Further tests are proposed to distinguish among these two and a third alternative, two linked a-chain loci.
Vulnerability to somatic symptoms of depression during interferon-alpha therapy for hepatitis C: a 16-week prospective study.

Objective This study evaluated the distinctive clinical and biological manifestations of depressive symptom subtypes (i.e., cognitive–affective and somatic) in Veterans with hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) before and during interferon-alpha (IFN) based antiviral therapy.
Studies on equine immunoglobulins. I. The antigenic structure of horse IgG, its fragments and subunits.

Abstract Immunodiffusion analysis of papain digestion products, heavy and light chains of horse IgG-globulins with several rabbit and anti-horse IgG sera, have permitted the demonstration of five antigenic specificities (Fc 1 , Fc 2 , L, L sp and Fab sp ) associated with these equine antigens. Reactivity with anti-Fc 1 is shown by both F′c and Fc fragments, while anti-Fc 2 reactivity is shown only by Fc fragment. Absorption of anti-Fab serum with L chain Fc fragment provides a reagent (anti-Fab sp ) which precipitates only with Fab fragment, IgG-globulin or reduced and alkylated IgG. Upon exposure to detergent, reduced and alkylated, horse IgG loses its precipitability by anti-Fab sp , while reactivity with anti-L or anti-Fc reagents remains unaffected; reactivity is recoverable, however, following removal of detergent. Antisera to horse L chain show two kinds of specificity, one type (anti-L) directed against L chain determinants of IgG and Fab fragment, while another fraction of antibodies (anti-L sp ) is directed against determinants present on purified, reduced and alkylated horse L chains. Anti-L sp reagent does not precipitate with native IgG or Fab fragment, but does not react with free L chains and urea or detergent or heat-treated IgG-globulins.
Direct and Collateral Effects of Positive Reinforcement, Response Cost, and Mixed Contingencies for Academic Performance.

Abstract The relative effects of positive reinforcement, response cost, and the two contingencies combined when used as contingencies for correct academic responses were compared on the dependent measures of accuracy of academic performance and level of on-task behavior. Thirty-three fourth- and fifth-grade pupils served as subjects. A combination of between-group and within-group comparisons indicated that all three contingency systems increased academic performance and on-task behavior (even though on-task behavior was never directly reinforced), but differences in effectiveness between the systems were insignificant. Most importantly, treatment effects on academic performance and on-task behavior persisted following abrupt withrawal of treatments for all three contingency systems. These results confirm earlier speculations that the reinforcement of academic behavior is (a) more likely to positively influene both academic and on-task behavior than in reinforcement of on-task behavior, and (b) is much more resistant to extinction following abrupt termination of the program.
Men and women's attributions of blame for domestic violence

Attributions of blame for the first and latest episodes of violence were assessed in a sample of 139 couples who were referred to a mandatory domestic violence treatment program in the military. Use of a methodology which allows for reports of nonmutually exclusive categories of attribution from both members of the dyad revealed more complex patterns of attributions than reflected in the existing literature. In addition, there were low rates of agreement within couples as to who was to blame for the violence. Although both men and women exhibited a high frequency of blaming their partner for both episodes of violence, men were significantly more likely to blame themselves for the latest than for the first episode. Attributions of blame were related to contextual variables in both men and women. Sex specific relationships emerged. These results were discussed with specific reference to predictions derived from attribution theory and their clinical implications.
Augmenting the immunogenicity of carbohydrate tumor antigens

Antibody responses have identified cell surface carbohydrate antigens as potentially immunogenic cancer antigens in a variety of different tumors, but immunization with whole tumor cells or cell lysates has only occasionally induced immune responses against these antigens. Three approaches to further augmenting their immunogenicity have been explored, mixture with immunological adjuvants, synthesis of more immunogenic derivatives and conjugation to immunogenic proteins. Conjugation to proteins such as KLH plus the use of potent adjuvants such as QS-21 proved most immunogenic. Carbohydrate epitopes on gangliosides (GM2 and GD2), neutral glycolipids (Ley and Globo H) and glycoproteins (Ley, Globo H, TF, sTn and Tn) are of special interest. Each of these antigens has been synthesized and conjugated to KLH. Their use in preclinical or clinical vaccination studies has resulted in increased IgM and IgG antibody responses against tumors expressing these antigens. Phase I-II clinical trials in patients with cancer have been initiated with each to optimize immunogenicity. The GM2 vaccine has progressed to Phase III trials and the sTn vaccine to Phase II trials aimed at determining the impact of vaccination on survival.
Controlling Atomic Line Shapes

The spectroscopy of light absorption is an essential tool for uncovering the microscopic structure of a material. The observed spectral line positions reveal the energy levels of the excited quantum states, whereas the line shapes are determined by how the material relaxes after light is absorbed. In the optical frequency regime, the absorption profile has a symmetric shape. By coupling the material to an intense optical laser, however, the absorption can be controlled, leading to many interesting phenomena such as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) ( 1 ), slow and stopped light ( 2 ), and others. Extending such manipulations to extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft x-ray frequencies has presented a challenge. With the advent of intense ultrafast few-femtosecond infrared lasers in recent years, as reported on page 716 of this issue, Ott et al. ( 3 ) demonstrate that such manipulations are now possible.
Teaching clinical hypnosis in U.S. and Canadian dental schools.

This paper reports the results of a 1995 survey of the teaching of hypnosis in U.S. and Canadian dental schools. Responses were received from 50 schools (78%). The results are compared with prior surveys by Parrish (1973) and Simpson, Dedmon, Logan and Jakobsen (1980). The number of complete courses in hypnosis increased from 1973 to 1980 but has remained static since then. The number of other courses in which a one to two hour introduction to hypnosis is presented increased from 18% in 1980 to 30% in 1995. However, during approximately that same period (1982-1995) dentist membership in A.S.C.H. dropped from 14.9% to 4.4%. Some commentary on this phenomenon and needed future studies are offered.
Ethylene removal using biotrickling filters: Part II. Parameter estimation and mathematical simulation.

Abstract Mathematical models of biofiltration often encounter uncertain parameters characterizing mass transfer, microbial degradation, biofilm growth, and biofilm detachment. The genetic algorithm, which is one of the most reliable methods for optimization although it has rarely been addressed in biofiltration models up to now, was utilized to estimate the unknown parameters using given experimental data. This study combined genetic algorithm and biofiltration equations to obtain simulated ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) removal efficiencies with estimated parameters. Sensitivity analysis of each parameter was assessed to observe the significance of each parameter. As a result, the simulation well characterized C 2 H 4 removal efficiencies for most of the reactors. The large difference in removal efficiencies among reactors could be mostly explained using the mass transfer parameters. Perlite biotrickling filters with low continuous liquid flow tended to increase C 2 H 4 removal efficiencies, due to a large active surface area of biofilm facilitating C 2 H 4 transfer from the gas to the biofilm phase. Conversely, most of the other reactors underwent relatively low C 2 H 4 removal because of high liquid flow that generated a severe mass transfer limitation. The low C 2 H 4 removal in the biofilters with discontinuous liquid recirculation flow, in spite of the lowest liquid flow rate was, probably caused by a low active microbial growth condition.
ESTABLISHMENT AND CHEMICAL TRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN SKIN EPITHELIAL CELLS IN VITRO

This paper describes the in vitro establishment and chemical treatment of human foreskin epithelial cells which transform the cells to an anchorage-independent state as demonstrated by growth in soft agar. The procedures described include (a) production of primary cultures of human epithelial cells, (b) cytotoxicity determination of putative chemical carcinogens, (c) chemical transformation protocol, and (d) evaluation of chemical transformation as indicated by anchorage-independent growth.
Effect of norethandrolone on the biliary excretion of bilirubin in the mouse and rat

Abstract The administration of a wide variety of dosages of norethandrolone failed to depress the excretion of exogenously administered bilirubin in normothermic rats. On the other hand, methyltestosterone produced significant depression of maximum biliary excretion (Tm) of bilirubin in two strains of rats. In mice and Simonsen rats the bilirubin Tm was significantly enhanced by norethandrolone treatment. The effect of norethandrolone on bilirubin excretion was found to be temperature-dependent. An apparent decrease in bilirubin Tm occurred only in rats which were allowed to become hypothermie, whereas an increase in Tm occurred in normothermic rats.
Plankton production and tilapia yield in ponds

Abstract Coefficients of determination between net yield of tilapia in ponds (Y) and different measurements of plankton abundance (X) were: phytoplankton numbers (r 2 = 0.78 ∗∗ ), Secchi disk visibility (r 2 = 0.71 ∗∗ ), gross productivity (r 2 = 0.79 ∗∗ ), and chlorophyll a (r 2 = 0.89 ∗∗ ).
Application of the ARTMAP neural network in the design of cascaded gratings and frequency selective surfaces

Currently, there is no closed form solution that can directly relate a desired frequency response to a corresponding frequency selective surface (FSS). Trial and error procedures are used until a frequency selective surface matches the desired criteria. One way of avoiding this laborious process and obtain a synthesis procedure is to utilize the training capabilities of neural networks. A neural network can be trained to keep changing the dimensions of the metallic strips or patches, their distance of separation, their shape, and the number of layers required in a multilayer structure until the frequency response matches the desired one. In the past, to achieve this goal, the back propagation learning algorithm was used in conjunction with an inversion algorithm. Unfortunately, both the back-prop algorithm and the inversion procedure are slow to converge. Others used "genetic algorithms" to solve the same problem. In this work the Fuzzy ARTMAP neural network is utilized. The Fuzzy ARTMAP is faster to train than the back-prop and it does not require an inversion algorithm to solve the FSS problem. Several results (frequency responses) from cascaded gratings for various angles of wave incidence, layer separation, width strips, and interstrip separation are presented and discussed. >
Cutting Edge: Rapid In Vivo Killing by Memory CD8 T Cells

In this study, we examined the cytotoxic activity of effector and memory CD8 T cells in vivo. At the peak of the CTL response following an acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, effector CD8 T cells exhibited extremely rapid killing and started to eliminate adoptively transferred target cells within 15 min by a perforin-dependent mechanism. Although resting memory CD8 T cells are poorly cytolytic by in vitro (51)Cr release assays, there was rapid elimination (within 1-4 h) of target cells after transfer into immune mice, and both CD62L(high) and CD62L(low) memory CD8 T cells were able to kill rapidly in vivo. Strikingly, when directly compared on a per cell basis, memory CD8 T cells were only slightly slower than effector cells in eliminating target cells. These data indicate that virus specific memory CD8 T cells can rapidly acquire cytotoxic function upon re-exposure to Ag and are much more efficient killers in vivo than previously appreciated.
Flight mechanics of a tailless articulated wing aircraft

This paper investigates the flight mechanics of a micro aerial vehicle without a vertical tail in an effort to reverse-engineer the agility of avian flight. The key to stability and control of such a tailless aircraft lies in the ability to control the incidence angles and dihedral angles of both wings independently. The dihedral angles can be varied symmetrically on both wings to control aircraft speed independently of the angle of attack and flight path angle, while asymmetric dihedral can be used to control yaw in the absence of a vertical stabilizer. It is shown that wing dihedral angles alone can effectively regulate sideslip during rapid turns and generate a wide range of equilibrium turn rates while maintaining a constant flight speed and regulating sideslip. Numerical continuation and bifurcation analysis are used to compute trim states and assess their stability. This paper lays the foundation for design and stability analysis of a flapping wing aircraft that can switch rapidly from flapping to gliding flight for agile manoeuvring in a constrained environment.
How Professors Can Promote Service‐Learning in a Teaching Institution

Although a college devoted to teaching seems the ideal place to promote service-learning, faculty at such institutions should actively seek key stakeholders’ support to ensure that service-learning thrives.
Reed-Solomon error control coding for Rayleigh fading channels with feedback

The use of nonbinary block error control codes over Rayleigh fading channels with feedback is examined. It is assumed that the fading is slow with respect to the rate of symbol transmission. Expressions are derived for the probabilities of channel symbol error and erasure, which are in turn used to develop expressions for code symbol error and erasure. Two erasure generation mechanisms are considered, one based on the existence of channel amplitude side information, the other not. This analytical framework is used to evaluate the performance of the Reed-Solomon/hybrid-ARQ protocol (RS/HARQ) over fading channels with feedback. The RS/HARQ system uses erasure decoding in a hybrid-ARQ protocol to provide excellent reliability performance at the expense of a reduction in throughput. The RS/HARQ protocol allows for the variation of the erasure threshold and the effective diameter of the decoding operation. >
Meeting the Needs of High School Science Teachers in English Language Learner Instruction

This survey study explored high school science teachers’ challenges and needs specific to their growing English language learning (ELL) student population. Thirty-three science teachers from 6 English as a Second language (ESL)-center high schools in central Virginia participated in the survey. Issues surveyed were (a) strategies used by science teachers to accommodate ELL students’ special needs, (b) challenges they experienced, and (c) support and training necessary for effective ELL instruction. Results suggest that language barriers as well as ELL students’ lack of science foundational knowledge challenged teachers most. Teachers perceived that appropriate instructional materials and pedagogical training was most needed. The findings have implications for science teacher preservice and inservice education in regard to working with language minority students.
Association of insurance status with health outcomes following traumatic injury: statewide multicenter analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recognizing disparities in definitive care for traumatic injuries created by insurance status may help reduce the higher risk of trauma-related mortality in this population. Our objective was to understand the relationship between patients' insurance status and trauma outcomes. METHODS: We collected data on all patients involved in traumatic injury from eight Level I and 15 Level IV trauma centers, and four non-designated hospitals through Arizona State Trauma Registry between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Of 109,497 records queried, we excluded 29,062 (26.5%) due to missing data on primary payer, sex, race, zip code of residence, injury severity score (ISS), and alcohol or drug use. Of the 80,435 cases analyzed, 13.3% were self-pay, 38.8% were Medicaid, 13% were Medicare, and 35% were private insurance. We evaluated the association between survival and insurance status (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and self-pay) using multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting for race/ethnicity (White, Black/African American, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native), age, gender, income, ISS and injury type (penetrating or blunt). RESULTS: The self-pay group was more likely to suffer from penetrating trauma (18.2%) than the privately insured group (6.0%), pCONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that after controlling for confounding variables, self-pay patients had a significantly higher risk of mortality following a traumatic injury as compared to any other insurance-type groups. Further research is warranted to understand this finding and possibly decrease the mortality rate in this population. Language: en
Dose-response trend tests for tumorigenesis adjusted for differences in survival and body weight across doses.

A relationship between rodent body weight and tumor incidence for some tissue/organ sites has been demonstrated in many studies. It is not uncommon for a chemical tested for carcinogenicity to also affect body weight due to toxicity and/or food consumption. In such cases, comparisons of tumor incidence may be biased by body weight differences across dose groups. A simple procedure was investigated for reducing this bias. This procedure divides the animals into a few groups on the basis of body weight. Body weight at 12 months was used, before the appearance of a tumor was likely to affect body weight. Statistics for dose-response trend tests are calculated within body weight strata and pooled to obtain an overall dose-response trend test. This procedure is analogous to stratifying animals on the basis of age at the time of removal from a study to account for differences in ages of animals across dose groups that can affect comparisons of tumor incidence. In this paper, differences in survival times of animals were adjusted by the Poly-3 technique used by the National Toxicology Program. This technique does not require the assignment of cause of death. Several examples from rodent chronic bioassays were investigated, where the high dose group had reduced body weights and associated reductions in tumor incidence. When we analyzed the data by body weight strata, some positive dose-response trends for tumor incidence were demonstrated. In one case, the body weight adjusted analysis indicated that a negative dose-response trend in tumor incidence was a real effect in addition to a body weight reduction. These examples indicate that it is important to consider the effects of body weight changes as low as 10%, and perhaps less, as possibly being caused by chemicals in 2-year bioassays for carcinogenesis. The simple procedure of analyzing tumor incidence within body weight strata can reduce the bias introduced by
Unsteady disturbances of streaming motions around bodies

The present investigation of flows around bodies with a stagnation point notes that the vortical part of such flows becomes singular along the entire body surface and its wake; as a result, the potential part of the flow will also be singular along the entire surface. A modified splitting of the velocity field is proposed which encompasses: (1) a vortical part having zero streamwise and normal components along the body surface; (2) an entropy-dependent part; and (3) a regular part similar to the potential part which satisfies a linear inhomogeneous wave equation with a modified source term.
Temporal pattern of foraging and microhabitat use by Galápagos marine iguanas, Amblyrhynchus cristatus

We observed a colony of marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) on Isla Fernandina, Galapagos, Ecuador, while measuring local micrometeorological and tidal conditions. We found size-related differences in foraging mode, with smaller iguanas feeding intertidally during daytime low tides and larger iguanas feeding subtidally. Despite having greater opportunity, subtidal foragers did not time their foraging bouts or exploit their environment in ways that optimized their period at high body temperature. Instead, the foraging schedule of these iguanas served to maximize their rate of rewarming following emergence from the cool sea. Intertidal feeders, by contrast, showed much greater behavioral flexibility in attempting to exploit their thermal environment. We suggest that size-ordered differences in marine iguana thermoregulatory behavior reflect underlying ontogenetic changes in costs and benefits of thermoregulation due to differences in predator pressure, quantity of food and electrolytes taken at each feeding, mode of foraging, and agonistic tendencies.
Flow Control with Local Electromagnetic Braking in Continuous Casting of Steel Slabs

A computational fluid flow model is applied to investigate the effects of varying submerged entry nozzle (SEN) submergence depth and electromagnetic brake (EMBr) field strength on flow in the mold cavity. The three-dimensional, steady K-e model of the nozzle and liquid cavity in the mold used the magnetic induction method in FLUENT to incorporate the localized-type static EMBr field measured at a steel plant. The model was validated by comparing results with an analytical solution and with nail board and oscillation mark measurements collected at the plant. Increasing EMBr strength at a constant SEN depth is found to cause a deeper jet impingement, weaker upper recirculation zone and meniscus velocity, and a smaller meniscus wave. Increasing SEN depth without EMBr caused the same trends. Increasing SEN depth at a constant EMBr strength brought about the opposite: higher meniscus velocity, larger meniscus wave, and deeper penetration depth. Using the knowledge gained from this model, electromagnetic forces can be controlled to stabilize the fluid flow in the mold cavity and thereby minimize casting defects.