cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation of Stern-Volmer quenching constants in micellar solution as a function of aqueous or micellar quencher.

Abstract— The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of a fluorescent detergent may be measured by determining Stern-Volmer quenching parameters as a function of detergent concentration. The CMC's of a cationic detergent, 11-(3-hexyl-l-indolyI)undecyltrimethylamrnoniurn bromide (6-In-ll+), and an anionic detergent, sodium H-(3-hexyI-l-indoiyI) undecyl sulfate (6-In-ll−) were determined by this quenching procedure. Quenchers which were predominantly located in the aqueous phase (e.g. Co2+) or in the micellar phase (e.g. benzophenone) were employed. Aqueous phase quenchers are more effective below the CMC and cause a decrease in the long wavelength portion of the fluorescence band of the indole moiety. Quenchers located in the micellar phase are more effective above the CMC and decrease the short wavelength portion of the fluorescence band of the system.
Circumvention of resistance by doxorubicin, but not by idarubicin, in a human leukemia cell line containing an intercalator-resistant form of topoisomerase II: evidence for a non-topoisomerase II-mediated mechanism of doxorubicin cytotoxicity

The novel, topoisomerase II-reactive anthracycline intercalator idarubicin (IDA) was demonstrated to produce protein-associated DNA cleavage in HL-60 human leukemia cells. Like a host of other antineoplastic intercalating agents, IDA produced this effect to a much lesser extent in HL-60/AMSA cells, a line that is primarily resistant to the intercalator amsacrine, but is cross-resistant to a variety of topoisomerase II-reactive DNA intercalating agents including IDA. This resistance is thought to be secondary to the resistance of the topoisomerase II within HL-60/AMSA cells. Surprisingly, HL-60/AMSA cells were minimally resistant to the cytotoxic and DNA cleaving actions of another anthracycline, doxorubicin (ADR). Comparing other effects of the two anthracyclines revealed that IDA, but not ADR, produced endonucleolytic cleavage, a marker of apoptosis. These results suggest that DNA intercalating anthracyclines can have different effects in human leukemia cells. In the case of IDA, drug actions were similar to those produced by the majority of intercalating agents examined in this cellular system. In the case of ADR, the ability to circumvent the resistance of HL-60/AMSA suggests additional, non-topoisomerase II-mediated mechanisms of cytolysis that may also explain the broad spectrum of clinical activity of ADR.
Assessing time spent of reference questions at an urban university library

Abstract Nearly 36% of reference questions asked at Arizona State University West were from non-affiliated patrons and approximately 70% took five minutes or less to answer. While longer questions took a disproportionate amount of time, this study shows that the time spent answering affiliated and non-affiliated questions is proportionate.
The influence of forearm crutches on pelvic and hip kinematics in children with myelomeningocele: don't throw away the crutches

Gait analysis was performed on 16 children with high-sacral-level myelomeningocele who walked with and without crutches to evaluate the influence of crutches on their unique walking pattern. All of the patients used solid ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Deviations in coronal and transverse planes improved with assisted walking. The timing of stance phase pelvic depression and the magnitude of stance phase hip abduction improved with crutch walking. Pelvic rotation, which was seven times the normal range of motion during no-crutch walking, decreased to four times normal with crutches. Walking velocity was not significantly different between conditions. The results demonstrated that deviations in pelvic and hip kinematics are related to muscle weakness and improve with crutch use. Crutches enable the patient to transfer some weight bearing to their upper extremities which decreases the demand on weak lower-extremity musculature. This allows them to maintain functional ambulation with a closer to normal gait pattern.
Aberrant cytokine regulation in macrophages from young autoimmune-prone mice: Evidence that the intrinsic defect in MRL macrophage IL-1 expression is transcriptionally controlled

We have reported that, when compared to macrophages from normal strains, macrophages from the autoimmune-prone MRL and NZB mouse strains demonstrate dramatically reduced IL-1 expression in response to LPS. In MRL mice, this is an intrinsic defect which is unmodified by age, the progression of disease, or the presence of the Ipr gene. Here we report that the key events leading to aberrant IL-1 expression appear to be transcriptional, based on the following three sets of findings. (1) Nuclear run-on analysis demonstrates that the patterns of IL-1 transcription in MRL/+ and BALB/c macrophages are distinct, as the former is clearly more transient. The reduction in MRL/+ IL-1 transcription coincides with a reduction in the levels of nuclear NF-κB and precedes a drop in IL-1 mRNA steady-state levels. (2) Reduced levels of IL-1 transcripts are found in both nuclear and cytosolic fractions of MRL/+ macrophages, arguing against faulty IL-1 mRNA transport into the cytosol as a contributing factor in the establishment of this defect. (3) In the presence of actinomycin D, the rate of RNA degradation is similar in MRL/+ and BALB/c macrophages. Moreover, in vitro RNA decay assays demonstrate that even in the absence of metabolic inhibitors, there is no evidence for an accelerated decay of IL-1 mRNA during exposure to lysates isolated from MRL/+ vs BALB/c macrophages. Taken together, these findings argue that transcription is the predominant level at which this striking example of cytokine dysregulation is controlled.
Velocity modulation infrared laser spectroscopy of negative ions: The (011)–(001) band of azide (N−3)

We have measured 43 transitions centered at 1972 cm−1 in the (011)–(001) bending hot band of the azide ion (N−3) using diode laser velocity modulation spectroscopy of an NH3/N2O discharge. The data, ranging from P(32) to R(40), were fit to a standard l‐type doubling Hamiltonian through quartic terms. The l splittings in the spectrum were unusually large compared with similar molecules. Intensity measurements indicate that the vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom are equilibrated, unlike the case for isoelectronic NCO−. Additional lines of the ν3 fundamental have also been measured, which further refine the values of the ground state parameters.
Fracture Toughness and High‐Temperature Slow Crack Growth inSiC

The subcritical growth of macroscopic cracks in hot-pressed and in sintered SiC was examined at 900° to 1100°C in oxygen partial pressures of 10−4 and 10−8 atm. The K1-V data for the hot-pressed SiC were generated using the double torsion specimen in the incremental displacement rate mode. These data, in addition to earlier results, included three distinct regions in the plot of log V vs logK1,: a low slope region, N∼20, of substantial slow crack growth which was insensitive to testing temperature and environment; a plateau region which shifted to higher velocities with increasing temperature; and a region of very high slope with K values near KIC The results may be described qualitatively by viscous flow of the gram-boundary phase. No slow crack growth could be detected in the sintered SiC when tested hi the environments described.
Binding sites for [3H]-acetylcholine and 125I-α-bungarotoxin in the optic ganglion of Loligo pealii

Abstract 1. 1. In the optic ganglion of Loligo pealii , binding sites for [ 3 H]-acetylcholine ( K D : 5.2 × 10 −7 M; B max : 1.7 × 10 −11 mol / g tissue) and 125 I-α-bungarotoxin ( K D : 3.3 × 10 −9 M; B max : 9.7 × 10 −11 mol / g tissue) were observed. 2. 2. Both sites are blocked by nicotinic compounds, but differ significantly in their affinity for individual ligands, with the acetylcholine site preferentially binding agonists, and the toxin site, antagonists. 3. 3. The acetylcholine site is substantially more thermolabile than the toxin site. 4. 4. A partial separation of the two binding activities is accomplished by sucrose density centrifugation. 5. 5. These observations and a comparison with other tissues ( Torpedo californica electroplaque; chick optic lobe; rat brain) suggest the presence, in the squid, of more than one kind of neuronal nicotinic receptor.
Optics manufacturing research projects by undergraduates who happen to be women

Significant research is conducted during the school year and over summer months at the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) by undergraduates. Projects are designed with short- and long-term goals, to be carried out by students using advanced CNC machines and sophisticated metrology tools. Five activities are described with emphasis on the individuals doing the work.
Preparation of rhodamine-labelled tubulin and its reassembly in guard cells in leaves of Vicia faba L.

Tubulin from fresh pig brain was extracted through two cycles of polymerization and depolymerization, purified by chromatography on an ion-exchange column and labelled with 5(6)-carboxytetramethylrhodamine succinimidyl ester. We prepared 10.8 mg/ml rhodamine-labelled tubulin probe (dye/protein=0.6) and then microinjected it into living guard cells in leaves of Vicia faba L. After 5–10 min, a network of microtubules (MTs) could clearly be observed in the guard cells under a confocal laser scanning microscope. In opening guard cells, the cortical MTs radiated from the ventral wall to the dorsal wall and in closed guard cells the radial MTs were completely depolymerized into random and diffuse fragments. This shows that pig brain tubulin can easily be incorporated into MTs in guard cells, and that the dynamic behaviour of MTs can be examined directly in vivo during stomatal movement.
Cost-Effectiveness and Future Implications for Cardiovascular Imaging

This review highlights the current economic climate for health care and the evidentiary standards that are increasingly applied to appropriate use of cardiovascular imaging. Additionally, the evidence on cost efficiency and effectiveness is explored in this review. Ongoing multicentre registries and clinical trials will further enrich this evidence base with regard to value-based imaging strategies that provide enhanced effectiveness and efficiency resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Characterization of the branching patterns of glycogen branching enzyme truncated on the N-terminus.

Abstract Truncation of 112 amino acids at the N-terminus (Nd 1–112 ) changes the chain transfer pattern of the Escherichia coli glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) [Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 397 (2002) 279]. We investigated further the role of the N-terminus by engineering other truncated GBEs and analyzing the branching pattern by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. The wild type GBE transfers mainly chains with a degree of polymerization (d.p.) of 8–14, the Nd 1–112 enzyme transfers a greater proportion of chains with higher d.p. 15–20, whereas the 63- and 83-amino acid deleted enzymes had an intermediate pattern of transferred chains (d.p. 10–20). These data showed that a progressive shortening of the N-terminus leads to a gradual increase in the length of the transferred chains, suggesting that the N-terminus provides a support for the glucan substrate during the processes of cleavage and transfer of the α-(1–4) glucan chains.
Accelerometer steps/day translation of moderate-to-vigorous activity.

Abstract Physical activity (PA) guidelines are typically communicated in terms of duration, frequency and intensity, e.g., 30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on at least 5 days/week. Step counters can be used to collect objective PA expressed as steps/day, however the association between steps/day and recommended PA levels is unclear. Objective We determined a direct steps/day translation of 30 min/day accumulated MVPA, using concurrently detected ActiGraph accelerometer-defined step and activity count data collected as part of the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Method We employed statistical models to analyze data from 3523 participants 20+ years of age who wore the accelerometer for at least one valid day (i.e., at least 10/24 h) over 7 days. Results 30 min/day of MVPA translated to approximately 7900 steps/day for males and 8300 steps/day for females. In a subsample of participants (n = 1197) with valid data on all 7 days, we found 150 min/week of MVPA translated to approximately 7000 steps/day (or 49,000 steps/week). Conclusion Accumulating approximately 8000 steps/day is a good proxy for 30 min of daily MVPA, while accumulating 7000 steps/day every day of the week is consistent with obtaining 150 min of weekly MVPA.
Changes in arterial pressure during left heart pullback in patients with aortic stenosis: a sign of severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract Increases in peripheral arterial pressure of 5 mm Hg or more were noted during retrograde withdrawal of a catheter from the left ventricle to the central aorta in 15 of 42 patients with aortic stenosis undergoing cardiac catheterization. These increases were noted in 15 of 20 patients (75 percent) with an aortic valve area of 0.6 cm 2 or less but in none of the 22 patients with an aortic valve area of 0.7 cm 2 or more ( P Hg suggested either that the Gorlin formula consistently underestimates true aortic valve area or that other hemodynamic changes (such as an increase in left ventricular systolic pressure or a decrease in cardiac output, or both) occur in response to the presence of the retrograde catheter. It is concluded that an increase in peak arterial pressure of 5 mm Hg or more during catheter withdrawal from the left ventricle is an ancillary hemodynamic finding of critical aortic stenosis. Although the mechanism of this phenomenon is uncertain, partial obstruction of an already narrowed aortic orifice by the retrograde catheter and relief of this obstruction with catheter withdrawal may be operative.
Resettlement as a desertification control measure: A case study in Darfur Region, Sudan—Part II: Recommendations☆

Abstract Like many other parts of the Sahel region, Darfur has been shaken by chronic drought during the past 15 years. Its resources are being depleted by the ongoing desertification process. While there is little that planners can do about the drought, the desertification process in Northern Darfur could be slowed or halted by a reduction in the intensity of land use, e.g., by a reduction in the population density. Part I argued that permanent resettlement of part of the population out of low rainfall areas could be a partial control measure for desertification, and also discussed the advantages and disadvantages associated with several approaches to resettlement. Part II discusses issues involved in the design of a resettlement program, particularly paying attention to available resources, skills and plans of the intended resettlement population, and development strategies appropriate for the region. It is anticipated that the arguments in the paper are applicable to other areas of the Sahel experiencing similar environmental stresses.
Outcome after metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus: a study of postoperative foot function using revised foot function index short form.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate patients' perception of their functional outcome at 6 and 12 months after surgical correction for hallux valgus using the Foot Function Index Revised short form. A total of 59 patients underwent 68 osseous and soft tissue procedures for the correction of hallux valgus deformity from January 2009 through December 2010. The outcome analysis was based on the validated patient questionnaire, the Foot Function Index Revised. The preoperative data were collected on the day of the patient's surgery using the Foot Function Index Revised short-form questionnaire. The postoperative data were collected at 6 and 12 months after the patient's initial surgical date using the same validated questionnaire. The cumulative Foot Function Index Revised score and the scores in each subscale demonstrated statistically significant data at both 6 and 12 months of follow-up. On average, the Foot Function Index Revised scores had improved by 39% at 6 months and 50% at 12 months. The improvement in all scores indicated an improvement in health-related foot function after hallux valgus surgery, evidencing effective surgical intervention. Expectations are the best predictors of patient satisfaction, and the present study has provided statistically significant data to allow physicians to establish realistic outcomes after surgical correction for hallux valgus deformity.
2,2,2-Tris(pyrazolyl)ethoxide (EpOX) Ruthenium(II) Complexes, (EpOX)RuCl(L)(L′): Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity

Treatment of RuCl2(PPh3)3 with sodium 2,2,2-tris(pyrazolyl)ethoxide [NaOCH2C(pz)3; pz = pyrazolyl] affords the asymmetric heteroscorpionate complex cis-(EpOX)RuCl(PPh3)2 (1), (EpOX = κ3-N,N,O-OCH2C(pz)3), which can be converted to Ru(II) compounds (2–6), (EpOX)RuCl(L)(L′) [(2) L = PPh3, L′ = P(OCH2)3CEt; (3) L = L′ = P(OCH2)3CEt; (5) L, L′ = PPh3, CO; (6) L = L′ = CO]. Compounds 1 and 3 react with CHCl3 at 60 and 100 °C, respectively, to yield cationic tris(pyrazolyl)methane Ru(II) complexes, [(κ3-N,N,N-Mp)RuCl(L)2]Cl [Mp = HC(pz)3; (7) L = PPh3; (8) L = P(OCH2)3CEt]. The complexes have been characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, high resolution mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1 and 3 have also been characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis.
Cystatin C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease: influence of body composition

Cystatin C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease: influence of body composition
Children with severe epilepsy: evidence of hippocampal neuron losses and aberrant mossy fiber sprouting during postnatal granule cell migration and differentiation.

Surgically resected hippocampi from children with extrahippocampal seizures and structurally non-atrophic brains were examined to determine the relationship of neuron losses and aberrant mossy fiber (MF) sprouting to the postnatal migration and differentiation of the fascia dentata (FD) granule cells (GC). Percent neuron loss compared to age-matched autopsy controls was determined by quantitative cell densities, and aberrant MF sprouting by neo-Timm histochemistry. Postnatal immature GC migration and differentiation was demonstrated by the transient but GC-specific expression of the immature form of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM-H). Results showed that the hippocampi from children with seizures appeared microanatomically intact without focal areas of damage. However, significant neuron losses were found by neuron counts in the fascia dentata (P < 0.01), CA4 (P < 0.01), and CA2 (P < 0.05). Aberrant supragranular inner molecular layer MF sprouting was found in hippocampi of children with seizures, and the MFs showed smaller puncta in specimens resected under 2 years of age (n = 3) compared to the larger puncta in older children (n = 5). Hippocampi from children under 2 years of age also demonstrated NCAM-H positive primitive cells in the infragranular and stratum granulosum of the fascia dentata consistent with the postnatal migration and differentiation of GCs, the parent neurons of the MFs. These results indicate that seizures in the immature but structurally intact human hippocampus are associated with decreased neuron densities and aberrant MF sprouting very early in postnatal development. The data also show that aberrant MF sprouting is found during postnatal migration, differentiation and axogenesis of GCs. These results suggest that the timing of seizures during hippocampal development influences the amount of neuron loss and of MF sprouting, which may contribute to features similar to those of adult hippocampal sclerosis.
Arginase activity patterns and their regulation during embryonic development in liver and kidney.

Abstract The developmental patterns for mouse liver and kidney arginase were measured by a sensitive radioactive assay from day 8 of gestation until adulthood. On day 8 high arginase activity is generally distributed throughout early embryos. Then, as development proceeds, the arginase activity drops rapidly in liver and kidney, apparently because of mass increase unaccompanied by net arginase synthesis. Suddenly, on day 12 of gestation in liver and on day 16 in kidney, arginase activity begins to accelerate toward adult values. In order to study the mechanisms controlling arginase acceleration, 12- and 13-day fetal livers were explanted to organ cultures containing various exogenous chemicals, and subsequently assayed for arginase. Physiological concentrations of hydrocortisone causes the arginase activity to rise more than 100-fold to adult levels within 4 days in culture. Glucagon, thyroxine, and dibutyryl adenosine-3′-5′-cyclic phosphate have no effect in this system. Experiments with cycloheximide, actinomycin D, and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine suggest that the hydrocortisone response is dependent upon protein and RNA synthesis but independent of DNA synthesis.
MicroRNA expression profiling in the prefrontal cortex of individuals affected with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of small non-coding RNAs which negatively control gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The number of miRNAs identified is growing rapidly and approximately one-third is expressed in the brain where they have been shown to affect neuronal differentiation, synaptosomal complex localization and synapse plasticity, all functions thought to be disrupted in schizophrenia. Here we investigated the expression of 667 miRNAs (miRBase v.13) in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ, N = 35) and bipolar disorder (BP, N = 35) using a real-time PCR-based Taqman Low Density Array (TLDA). After extensive QC steps, 441 miRNAs were included in the final analyses. At a FDR of 10%, 22 miRNAs were identified as being differentially expressed between cases and controls, 7 dysregulated in SZ and 15 in BP. Using in silico target gene prediction programs, the 22miRNAs were found to target brain specific genes contained within networks overrepresented for neurodevelopment, behavior, and SZ and BP disease development. In an initial attempt to corroborate some of these predictions, we investigated the extent of correlation between the expressions of hsa-mir-34a, -132 and -212 and their predicted gene targets. mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) and metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (GRM3) was measured in the SMRI sample. Hsa-miR-132 and -212 were negatively correlated with TH (p = 0.0001 and 0.0017) and with PGD (p = 0.0054 and 0.017, respectively).
Optimizing workability and expansion of a salt-saturated concrete

Abstract In experiments with an expansive salt-saturated concrete (ESC), time of setting was controlled by amount of sodium citrate used. The rheologic and physical properties required of ESC could not be achieved using conventional high-range water-reducing admixtures, such as melamine or napthalene formaldehyde condensates. Within a fixed range of citrate percentages, expansivity of the concrete is proportional to the amount of citrate used. The desired level of expansion results from delaying formation of ettringite until after formation of a rigid structure in the paste.
Cohen–Lenstra Heuristics and the Spiegelungssatz: Number Fields

Abstract In this paper we study the compatibility of Cohen–Lenstra heuristics with Leopoldt's Spiegelungssatz (the reflection theorem). We generalize Dutarte's ([1983, in “Theorie des nombres, Besancon, 1983–1984”]) work to every prime number p : He proved the compatibility of the Cohen–Lenstra conjectures with the Spiegelungssatz in the case p =3. We also show that the Spiegelungssatz is compatible with the conjectural probabilities on the p -rank of some subgroups of the class group of a cyclic extension of degree q over Q , where q is a prime number dividing p −1.
Sweet Water and Exotic Fish: Ethnographic Reflections of Environmental Imaginations in Ecuador and the Great Lakes

SUMMARY This article explores environmental imaginations in two cultural contexts—in the tales of an indigenous Saraguro, Ecuador, storyteller and in environmental science stories from the Great Lakes. By juxtaposing two examples of cultures grappling with the presence of exotic species in their waters, I raise comparative questions about how we conceptualize human-environment relations in the contemporary world, as well as how moral authority regarding the environment is perceived in different cultural contexts. In bringing these two types of stories together, the article refutes the idea that scientifically based understandings of human-environment relations are immune to culture.
Relationship between ambulatory and exercise blood pressure and cardiac structure.

Abstract Recent research using automated ambulatory blood pressure recorders and echocardiography has revealed a closer relationship between LV structure and blood pressure during usual activity than with physician measurements of blood pressure. Because increased LV mass is a strong predictor of an adverse prognosis, 30–33, 67 this suggests that ambulatory blood pressure may also be more predictive of prognosis than casual readings, a view supported by preliminary evidence. 47, 48, 68 Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring has already proved useful to identify patients with "white coat" hypertension or "office" hypertension, whose hearts appear normal by echocardiography. 61 Further research is needed to determine the relative predictive value and comparative cost-effectiveness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography for identification of patients in whom hypertension does or does not constitute a cardiovascular disease that requires antihypertensive therapy.
Control of parameters affecting optical path distortion in heavy-metal fluoride glass windows

Heavy metal fluoride glasses are of particular interest for laser window applications because they have negative thermo-optic coefficients dn/dT. A negative value of dn/dT leads to very low to near zero optical path distortion (OPD). Because heavy metal fluoride glasses are multi-component glass forming systems they offer a means to tailor properties through compositional variations in such a way that OPD can be controlled and minimized. This paper examines the effect of compositional changes of ZrF4 -based glasses on properties critical in determining OPD i. e. thermal expansion refractive index and dn/dT. In addition this paper describes a new interferometric technique used to measure CTE and dn/dT concurrently. The role various components play in determining the critical properties and the theoretical OPD is discussed. Finally the viability of using these compositional changes for the preparation of bulk glasses will be evaluated in terms of glass stability. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Radiative Ignition of Thermoplastic and Charforming Materials

Small samples of poly(methyl methacrylate), red oak and possibly low-density polyethylene ignite under the influence of thermal radiation with a propensity that increases with the area irradiated, consistent with ignition requiring that the lower flammability limit of pyrolysis gases be reached. The time to self-extinction of small samples of charring, burning materials (low-density polyethylene, red oak and possibly polycarbonate) in the absence of external radiant flux increases with burning area, suggesting that the increased absorptivity of char increases the importance of radiative feedback.
HIF‐1α regulates hypoxia‐induced EP1 expression in osteoblastic cells

Changes in regional oxygen tension that occur during skeletal development and fracture stimulate local bone cell activity to regulate bone formation, maintenance, and repair. The adaptive responses of bone cells to hypoxia are only beginning to be understood. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) is activated under hypoxia and promotes expression of genes required for adaptation and cell survival, and also regulates both bone development and fracture repair. We have previously demonstrated that hypoxic osteoblasts increase PGE2 release and expression of the PGE2 receptor EP1. In the present studies, we investigated the impact of altered HIF-1a activity and expression on EP1 expression in osteoblasts. HIF-1a stabilization was induced in cells cultured in 21% oxygen by treatment with dimethyloxaloglycine (DMOG) or siRNA targeted against PHD2. To implicate HIF-1a in hypoxia-induced EP1 expression, osteoblastic cells were treated with siRNA targeted against HIF-1a prior to exposure to hypoxia. EP1 expression was significantly increased in cells cultured in 21% oxygen with DMOG or PHD2 siRNA treatment compared to controls. Hypoxia responsive element (HRE) activation in hypoxia was attenuated in cells treated with HIF-1a siRNA compared to controls, indicating HIF-1a as the functional HIF-a isoform in this system. Furthermore, hypoxic cells treated with HIF-1a siRNA demonstrated reduced EP1 expression in hypoxia compared to controls. Inhibition of SAPK/JNK activity significantly reduced hypoxia-induced EP1 expression but had no impact on HIF-1a expression or activity. These data strongly implicate a role for HIF-1a in hypoxia-induced EP1 expression and may provide important insight into the mechanisms by which HIF-1a regulates bone development and fracture repair. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 233‐239, 2009. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evidence for modulation of hepatic mass by estrogens and hepatic "feminization".

Animals with end-to-side portacaval shunts and sham-operated animals, wherein the body weight and liver weight of the animals varied spontaneously over a considerable range, were studied. The relationships between hepatic androgen- and estrogen-receptor content, serum testosterone and estradiol levels and hepatic mass were characterized. Animals with portacaval shunts were smaller than those without shunts. Moreover, they had reduced serum levels of testosterone and estradiol. The reduction in serum testosterone was greater than that of estradiol. As a result, the calculated estrogen/testosterone ratio of the two groups of animals was greater for the portacaval shunt animals than for the controls. The dissociation constant values for the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor in the liver did not differ between groups. The activity of the androgen receptor (p < 0.01) and estrogen receptor (p < 0.05) was reduced markedly in the animals with portacaval shunts compared with controls. Moreover, the hepatic cytosolic estrogen receptor activity-but not that of the androgen receptor-correlated with the measured hepatic mass in both groups of animals. These data suggest that hepatic feminization is either associated with or is a hepatic regenerative signal in the rat. (HEPATOLOGY 1990;12:547–552).
A Novel Control Methodology for a Pilot Plant Azeotropic Distillation Column

A fundamental dynamic model was successfully used in the implementation of multiple control methodologies via a novel inferential control strategy using HYSYS to treat missing process measurements. Results from steady state and dynamic testing of an azeotropic distillation system of methanol, normal pentane, and cyclohexane were obtained. Steady-state equilibrium and nonequilibrium models were developed and validated with experimental data from a packed distillation unit operated at finite reflux. Dynamic multicomponent distillation experiments were also carried out, and experimental process data were collected using the pilot scale experimental unit. Two different variable pairings were studied, and the results from individual control loop configurations were compared with a multivariable control strategy using the model predictive control (MPC) software Predict Pro.
Total internal reflection fluorescence in biological systems

Abstract Fluorescence of labeled proteins near a solid/liquid interface can be excited by the evanescent field of total internal reflection to study reversible adsorption kinetics and surface diffusion.
FEEDING AND SIBLICIDAL CANNIBALISM IN A MALE PARASITIC WASP (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)

Abstract Melittobia digitata Dahms is a small parasitic wasp known for its lethal male combat but subject to controversy regarding the occurrence of male feeding and cannibalistic feeding in particular. Here we report our observations supporting siblicidal cannibalism. To test the ability of a male's capability to feed we smeared sugary dye on the wasps' mouthparts and observed the dye passing through the digestive system to produce colored feces, confirming that males have a complete digestive tract. To document siblicidal feeding we injected other males with water-soluble dye, and paired them with undyed males. Undyed winners that appeared to feed on dyed losers were monitored; dye was evident in their feces. Finally, to determine if males benefit from feeding, we compared the longevity of artificially fed and unfed males; fed males lived significantly longer than non-fed males (Mann-Whitney U test = 81.5, N1 = 26, N2 = 26, P < 0.001). We discuss possible reasons for the comparative rarity of siblicidal...
Ludwig von Mises as Social Rationalist

For the most part Ludwig von Mises’s writings on society and social evolution have been ignored by the participants in the current revivals of both Austrian economics and classical liberal political philosophy. When his social theory has been addressed, Mises appears to his critics (Barry 1987, p. 59) as “a child of the Enlightenment wrongly deposited in the twentieth century.” But this assessment is inaccurate for two reasons. First, Mises severely criticizes the social meliorism of the Enlightenment liberals and demonstrates that their position is inconsistent with one that assigns the central position to human reason in social evolution. Second, in developing his own uniquely rationalist position, Mises has much to say about matters of central importance to modern Austrians, libertarians, and classical liberals who are either critics or adherents of the “spontaneous order” and/or social evolutionist positions staked out by Hayek.
Dendritic-cell-based therapeutic cancer vaccines.

The past decade has seen tremendous developments in novel cancer therapies through the targeting of tumor-cell-intrinsic pathways whose activity is linked to genetic alterations and the targeting of tumor-cell-extrinsic factors, such as growth factors. Furthermore, immunotherapies are entering the clinic at an unprecedented speed after the demonstration that T cells can efficiently reject tumors and that their antitumor activity can be enhanced with antibodies against immune-regulatory molecules (checkpoint blockade). Current immunotherapy strategies include monoclonal antibodies against tumor cells or immune-regulatory molecules, cell-based therapies such as adoptive transfer of ex-vivo-activated T cells and natural killer cells, and cancer vaccines. Herein, we discuss the immunological basis for therapeutic cancer vaccines and how the current understanding of dendritic cell and T cell biology might enable the development of next-generation curative therapies for individuals with cancer.
Diabetes enhances acetaldehyde-induced depression of cardiac myocyte contraction.

It is well established that cardiomyopathy is a consistent feature of diabetes and that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease among diabetic subjects. Acetaldehyde (ACA), the main ethanol metabolite, is considered to play a role in the ethanol-induced cardiac dysfunction. It has been reported recently that the negative inotropic effect of ACA was more potent in the diabetic myocardium. To determine whether the disparate ACA-induced myocardial depression in diabetes is due to intrinsic alterations at the cellular level, mechanical properties in response to ACA were evaluated in ventricular myocytes from both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat hearts. Myocytes were electrically stimulated to contract at 0.5 Hz and contractile properties analyzed included peak shortening (PS), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR(90)) and maximal velocities of shortening and relengthening (+/-dL/dt). Ca(2+) transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity (DeltaFFI) changes. ACA (0. 1-30 mM) disproportionately depressed PS in a dose-dependent manner, in myocytes from diabetic hearts compared to normal hearts. Interestingly, the degree of inhibition in DeltaFFI was similar in both groups. Neither the duration nor maximal velocities of shortening and relengthening were affected by ACA in either group. These results are the first to suggest that enhanced ACA-induced myocardial depression in diabetes is due to disparate intrinsic actions on individual myocytes. The mechanism underlying the alteration of ACA-induced myocardial depression may be due, in part, to depressed Ca(2+) responsiveness in diabetic hearts.
Educational Assessment of Mathematics Skills and Abilities

Mathematics assessments play a valuable role in identifying students' strengths and weaknesses and in developing and monitoring instructional practice. Over the last century, mathematics assessment has been refined as math content has changed as a result of curriculum reform. Today, researchers and practitioners use various assessment techniques to (a) identify students who have mathematics learning disabilities (LD), (b) target individual strengths and weaknesses across mathematics areas, (c) document the effects of mathematics instruction in a remedial or special program, (d) identify strategies that students employ during math activities, (e) conduct research about the characteristics of students with math LD, and (f) examine the technical characteristics of mathematics tests. This article provides an historical overview of the development of mathematics assessment and a description of specific strategies for conducting math evaluations.
Pitfalls in pulmonary cytopathology

Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed major cancer. Fine-needle aspiration of lung lesions is a reliable test with a high diagnostic yield, high sensitivity, and high specificity, yet differentiation of reactive pulmonary processes from neoplasms and subclassification of lung neoplasms often poses difficult diagnostic dilemmas. This review outlines potential pitfalls in pulmonary cytology and presents diagnostic tools to assist in the accurate diagnosis.
Lesions of the perirhinal cortex but not of the frontal, medial prefrontal, visual, or insular cortex block fear-potentiated startle using a visual conditioned stimulus

The present study is part of an ongoing series of experiments aimed at delineation of the neural pathways that mediate fear-potentiated startle, a model of conditioned fear in which the acoustic startle reflex is enhanced when elicited in the presence of a light previously paired with shock. A number of cortical areas that might be involved in relaying information about the visual conditioned stimulus (the light) in fear-potentiated startle were investigated. One hundred thirty-five rats were given 10 light-shock pairings on each of 2 consecutive days, and l-2 d later electrolytic or aspiration lesions in various cortical areas were performed. One week later, the magnitude of fear-potentiated startle was measured. Complete removal of the visual cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, or posterior perirhinal cortex had no significant effect on the magnitude of fear-potentiated startle. Lesions of the frontal cortex attenuated fear-potentiated startle by approximately 50%. However, lesions of the anterior perirhinal cortex completely eliminated fear-potentiated startle. The effective lesions included parts of the cortex both dorsal and ventral to the rhinal sulcus and extended from approximately 1.8 to 3.8 mm posterior to bregma. Lesions slightly more posterior (2.3-4.8 mm posterior to bregma) or lesions that included only the perirhinal cortex dorsal to the rhinal sulcus had no effect. The region of the perirhinal cortex in which lesions blocked fear-potentiated startle projects to the amygdala, and thus may be part of the pathway that relays the visual conditioned stimulus information to the amygdala, a structure that is also critical for fear-potentiated startle. In addition, the present findings are in agreement with numerous studies in primates suggesting that the perirhinal cortex may play a more general role in memory.
Small changes, big results: evolution of morphological discontinuity in mammals

Comparative morphological and developmental studies, including a recent comparative study of tooth development among the Afrotherian mammals, are indicating the types of genetic mechanisms responsible for the evolution of morphological differences among major mammalian groups.
Estimating maximum instantaneous distortion from inlet total pressure rms measurements

An inexpensive method is developed to determine the extreme values of instantaneous inlet distortion. This method also provides insight into the basic mechanics of unsteady inlet flow and the associated engine reaction. The analysis is based on fundamental fluid dynamics and statistical methods to provide an understanding of the turbulent inlet flow and quantitatively relate the rms level and power spectral density (PSD) function of the measured time variant total pressure fluctuations to the strength and size of the low pressure regions. The most probable extreme value of the instantaneous distortion is then synthesized from this information in conjunction with the steady state distortion. Results of the analysis show the extreme values to be dependent upon the steady state distortion, the measured turbulence rms level and PSD function, the time on point, and the engine response characteristics. Analytical projections of instantaneous distortion are presented and compared with data obtained by a conventional, highly time correlated, 40 probe instantaneous pressure measurement system.
Towards practical biometric key generation with randomized biometric templates

Although biometrics have garnered significant interest as a source of entropy for cryptographic key generation, recent studies indicate that many biometric modalities may not actually offer enough uncertainty for this purpose. In this paper, we exploit a novel source of entropy that can be used with any biometric modality but that has yet to be utilized for key generation, namely associating uncertainty with the way in which the biometric input is measured. Our construction poses only a modest requirement on a user: the ability to remember a low-entropy password. We identify the technical challenges of this approach, and develop novel techniques to overcome these difficulties. Our analysis of this approach indicates that it may offer the potential to generate stronger keys: In our experiments, 40% of the users are able to generate keys that are at least 230 times stronger than passwords alone.
Qualitative structure from motion

Exact structure from motion is an ill-posed computation and therefore very sensitive to noise. In this work I describe how a qualitative shape representation, based on the sign of the Gaussian curvature, can be computed directly from motion disparities, without the computation of an exact depth map or the directions of surface normals. I show that humans can judge the curvature sense of three points undergoing 3D motion from two, three and four views with success rate significantly above chance. A simple RBF net has been trained to perform the same task.
Timing-dependent reduction in ethanol sedation and drinking preference by NMDA receptor co-agonist d-serine

NMDA receptors become a major contributor to acute ethanol intoxication effects at high concentrations as ethanol binds to a unique site on the receptor and inhibits glutamatergic activity in multiple brain areas. Although a convincing body of literature exists on the ability of NMDA receptor antagonists to mimic and worsen cellular and behavioral ethanol effects, receptor agonists have been less well-studied. In addition to a primary agonist site for glutamate, the NMDA receptor contains a separate co-agonist site that responds to endogenous amino acids glycine and d-serine. d-serine is both selective for this co-agonist site and potent in boosting NMDA dependent activity even after systemic administration. In this study, we hypothesized that exogenous d-serine might ameliorate some acute ethanol behaviors by opposing NMDA receptor inhibition. We injected adult male C57 mice with a high concentration of d-serine at various time windows relative to ethanol administration and monitored sedation, motor coordination and voluntary ethanol drinking. d-serine (2.7 g/kg, ip) prolonged latency to a loss of righting reflex (LoRR) and shortened LoRR duration when given 15 min before ethanol (3 g/kg) but not when it was injected with or shortly after ethanol. Blood samples taken at sedative recovery and at fixed time intervals revealed no effect of d-serine on ethanol concentration but an ethanol-induced decrease in l-serine and glycine content was prevented by acute d-serine pre-administration. d-serine had no effect on ethanol-induced (2 g/kg) rotarod deficits in young adult animals but independently and interactively degraded motor performance in a subset of older mice. Finally, a week-long series of daily ip injections resulted in a 50% decrease in free choice ethanol preference for d-serine treated animals compared to saline-injected controls in a two-bottle choice experiment.
Salinity affects microbial activity and soil organic matter content in tidal wetlands

Climate change-associated sea level rise is expected to cause saltwater intrusion into many historically freshwater ecosystems. Of particular concern are tidal freshwater wetlands, which perform several important ecological functions including carbon sequestration. To predict the impact of saltwater intrusion in these environments, we must first gain a better understanding of how salinity regulates decomposition in natural systems. This study sampled eight tidal wetlands ranging from freshwater to oligohaline (0-2 ppt) in four rivers near the Chesapeake Bay (Virginia). To help isolate salinity effects, sites were selected to be highly similar in terms of plant community composition and tidal influence. Overall, salinity was found to be strongly negatively correlated with soil organic matter content (OM%) and C : N, but unrelated to the other studied environmental parameters (pH, redox, and above- and below-ground plant biomass). Partial correlation analysis, controlling for these environmental covariates, supported direct effects of salinity on the activity of carbon-degrading extracellular enzymes (β-1, 4-glucosidase, 1, 4-β-cellobiosidase, β-D-xylosidase, and phenol oxidase) as well as alkaline phosphatase, using a per unit OM basis. As enzyme activity is the putative rate-limiting step in decomposition, enhanced activity due to salinity increases could dramatically affect soil OM accumulation. Salinity was also found to be positively related to bacterial abundance (qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene) and tightly linked with community composition (T-RFLP). Furthermore, strong relationships were found between bacterial abundance and/or composition with the activity of specific enzymes (1, 4-β-cellobiosidase, arylsulfatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phenol oxidase) suggesting salinity's impact on decomposition could be due, at least in part, to its effect on the bacterial community. Together, these results indicate that salinity increases microbial decomposition rates in low salinity wetlands, and suggests that these ecosystems may experience decreased soil OM accumulation, accretion, and carbon sequestration rates even with modest levels of saltwater intrusion.
Reading—and enjoying—“wiles of women” stories as a feminist

(1999). Reading—and enjoying—“wiles of women” stories as a feminist. Iranian Studies: Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 203-222.