cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence assay for picomole quantities of ammonia.

Studies of renal physiology often require analyzing picomole quantities of ammonia, millimolar concentrations in samples with nanoliter or subnanoliter volumes. We report here a microfluorescence assay for ammonia that provides this sensitivity. This assay is a modification of a milliliter-scale assay described by Taylor et al [1], in which ammonia was reacted with o-phthalaldehyde and mercaptoethanol at a pH of 7.4 to form a fluorescent product. Depending on the sensitivity required, our assay can be performed in final volumes of 1 to 3ml (to measure nanomole quantities of ammonia), 2 to 10µl (to measure picomole quantities), or as low as 1nl (for subpicomole amounts). Fluorescence is measured with a filter fluorometer (milliliter final volumes) or by microfluorometry [2]. The microassay (in microliter or smaller final volumes) is performed in aqueous droplets on siliconized glass slides under oil to prevent evaporation. To minimize the oil solubility of the reaction product, we have used thioglycolic acid instead of mercaptoethanol in the reagent. The same reagents can be used to determine ammonia over a millionfold range of amounts, with better specificity for ammonia than in the assay of Taylor et al. This assay has been used recently to study the mechanism of acidification of tubular fluid in the inner medullary collecting duct [3].
Interaction of weak shock waves with cylindrical and spherical gas inhomogeneities

The interaction of a plane weak shock wave with a single discrete gaseous inhomogeneity is studied as a model of the mechanisms by which finite-amplitude waves in random media generate turbulence and intensify mixing. The experiments are treated as an example of the shock-induced Rayleigh-Taylor instability. or Richtmyer-Meshkov instability, with large initial distortions of the gas interfaces. The inhomogeneities are made by filling large soap bubbles and cylindrical refraction cells (5 cm diameter) whose walls are thin plastic membranes with gases both lighter and heavier than the ambient air in a square (8.9 cm side shock-tube text section. The wavefront geometry and the deformation of the gas volume are visualized by shadowgraph photography. Wave configurations predicted by geometrical acoustics, including the effects of refraction, reflection and diffraction, are compared to the observations. Departures from the predictions of acoustic theory are discussed in terms of gasdynamic nonlinearity. The pressure field on the axis of symmetry downstream of the inhomogeneity is measured by piezoelectric pressure transducers. In the case of a cylindrical or spherical volume filled with heavy low-sound-speed gas the wave which passes through the interior focuses just behind the cylinder. On the other hand, the wave which passes through the light high-sound-speed volume strongly diverges. Visualization of the wavefronts reflected from and diffracted around the inhomogeneities exhibit many features known in optical and acoustic scattering. Rayleigh-Taylor instability induced by shock acceleration deforms the initially circular cross-section of the volume. In the case of the high-sound-speed sphere, a strong vortex ring forms and separates from the main volume of gas. Measurements of the wave and gas-interface velocities are compared to values calculated for one-dimensional interactions and for a simple model of shock-induced Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The circulation and Reynolds number of the vortical structures are calculated from the measured velocities by modeling a piston vortex generator. The results of the flow visualization are also compared with contemporary numerical simulations.
Physician implicit attitudes and stereotypes about race and quality of medical care.

Background:Recent reports speculate that provider implicit attitudes about race may contribute to racial/ethnic health care disparities.Objectives:We hypothesized that implicit racial bias exists among pediatricians, implicit and explicit measures would differ and implicit measures may be related to
Cytokinin from soluble RNA of Escherichia coli: 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino) -2-methylthio-9-β-D-ribofuranosylpurine

We have isolated a compound responsible for the cytokinin activity of soluble RNA from Escherichia coli. The structure, indicated as 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9-β-D-ribofuranosylpurine, C 16 H 23 N 5 0 4 S, on the basis of low-and high-reso!ution mass spectrometry, was established by unequivocal synthesis. The mass spectra, chromatographic behavior, and ultraviolet spectra of the compounds from natural and synthetic sources were identical.
A lack of direct role of hepatitis B virus in the activation of ras and c-myc oncogenes in human hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

This study was performed to determine the relationship of the activation of ras and c-myc oncogenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma to the hepatitis B virus gene expression or the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA/RNA at the cellular level. This was done using immunocytochemical analysis with two different antibodies on serial sections. In addition, immunocytochemical assay for the detection of ras p21 or c-myc protein was performed in combination with in situ hybridization for hepatitis B virus DNA/RNA using 35S-labeled hepatitis B virus DNA as a probe. Investigation of a total of 14 paired human hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent nontumorous hepatic tissues revealed enhanced expression of ras p21 in one human hepatocellular carcinoma whereas c-myc protein was found in one paired human hepatocellular carcinoma and nontumorous tissue of the same patient. Only a small proportion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells or hepatocytes among a large number of cells on a given section showed enhanced expression, and the distribution of the oncogene product-expressing cells was focal. However, the cells over-expressing these oncogenes did not show hepatitis B surface antigen in the serial sections. Furthermore, the combined immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization assays revealed that human hepatocellular carcinoma cells overexpressing ras p21 did not show hepatitis B virus DNA/RNA, whereas some human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and nontumorous hepatocytes located away from the foci of oncogene-expressing cells gave positive signals. These findings suggest that continued expression of HBsAg or the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA/RNA in a given human hepatocellular carcinoma cell is not necessary for enhanced expression of ras or c-myc proteins. We conclude that HBsAg expression or hepatitis B virus DNA/RNA may not have a direct role in the activation of ras and c-myc oncogenes.
SLEEP AND AWAKE BEHAVIOR DURING GRADUAL SLEEP REDUCTION

Two young adults, 1 male and 1 female, reduced their total sleep time by 30 min. every 2 wk. from an initial 7.5 hr. to 4 hr. The 4-hr. regimen was maintained for 3 wk. and then ad lib. sleep was p...
An educational program for oral cancer detection

Abstract The Virginia oral cancer screening program provides a unique educational opportunity for undergraduate dental and medical students to enhance their skills in oral diagnosis and biopsy technique. During this week‐long trip to underserved areas of the state, an average of 761 patients are examined and 44 biopsies performed. Approximately 31% of all the biopsies done since 1972 have been diagnosed as either a premalignant or malignant lesion. The value of this program to both the students and the patients is discussed.
Gastric-duplication cyst with an aberrant pancreatic-ductal system: an unusual cause of recurrent abdominal pain.

1. Batts KP. Ischemic cholangitis. Mayo Clin Proc 1998;73:380-5. 2. Barquist ES, Goldstein N, Zinner MJ. Polyarteritis nodosa presenting as a biliary stricture. Surgery 1991;109:16-9. 3. Kasper HU, Dries V, Drebber U, et al. Florid ischemic cholangitis due to leucocytoclastic vasculitis. J Gastroenterol 2004;39:188-91. 4. Viola S, Meyer M, Fabre M, et al. Ischemic necrosis of bile ducts complicating Schonlein-Henoch purpura. Gastroenterology 1999;117:211-4. 5. Jaeger C, Mayer G, Henrich R, et al. Secondary sclerosing cholangitis after long-term treatment in an intensive care unit: clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, treatment, and follow-up. Endoscopy 2006; 38:730-4.
Prevalence of Lameness in High-Producing Holstein Cows Housed in Freestall Barns in Minnesota

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of clinical lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in 50 freestall barns in Minnesota during summer. Locomotion and body condition scoring were performed on a total of 5,626 cows in 53 high-production groups. Cow records were collected from the nearest Dairy Herd Improvement Association test date, and herd characteristics were collected at the time of the visit. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (proportion of cows with locomotion score ≥3 on a 1-to-5 scale, where 1 = normal and 5 = severely lame), and its association with lactation number, month of lactation, body condition score, and type of stall surface were evaluated. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness was 24.6%, which was 3.1 times greater, on average, than the prevalence estimated by the herd managers on each farm. The prevalence of lameness in first-lactation cows was 12.8% and prevalence increased on average at a rate of 8 percentage units per lactation. There was no association between the mean prevalence of clinical lameness and month of lactation (for months 1 to 10). Underconditioned cows had a higher prevalence of clinical lameness than normal or overconditioned cows. The prevalence of lameness was lower in freestall herds with sand stalls (17.1%) than in freestall herds with mattress stall surfaces (27.9%). Data indicate that the best 10th percentile of dairy farms had a mean prevalence of lameness of 5.4% with only 1.47% of cows with locomotion score = 4 and no cows with locomotion score = 5.
Bit Serial Optical Computer Design

issues are addressed. These include computation in a realm where propagation delays aremuch greater than logic delays, and implementation of circuits without flip -flops. Designprinciples are exemplified by the design of a n -bit counter. Following this, the design fora simple bit -serial computer is described.
Influence of Transverse Shear Deformation on the Scaling of Cross-Ply Cylindrical Shells

A heretofore unavailable closed-form solution, based on the constant shear- angle theory (CST), is obtained for a general unsymmetric cross-ply circumferentially complete cylindrical shell, with arbitrary boundary conditions and subjected to uniform internal pressure. A novel CLT (classical lamination theory)-based far-field asymptotic analysis has been employed to define dimensionless response parameters—maximum non dimensionalized transverse displacement and its nondimensionalized location—which have been shown to be the upper bounds for their CST- and LCST (layerwise constant shear angle theory)-based counterparts. They provide a rational basis for the scaling anal ysis of laminated cross-ply cylindrical shells. Numerical results are presented for three- layer (symmetric) and two-layer (antisymmetric) cross-ply cylindrical shells with simply- supported edges and are compared with the corresponding CLT-based analytical solutions and LCST-based finite element solutions. These results clearly demonstrate ...
Comparing observer models and feature selection methods for a task-based statistical assessment of digital breast tomsynthesis in reconstruction space

A task-based assessment of image quality1 for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can be done in either the projected or reconstructed data space. As the choice of observer models and feature selection methods can vary depending on the type of task and data statistics, we previously investigated the performance of two channelized- Hotelling observer models in conjunction with 2D Laguerre-Gauss (LG) and two implementations of partial least squares (PLS) channels along with that of the Hotelling observer in binary detection tasks involving DBT projections.2, 3 The difference in these observers lies in how the spatial correlation in DBT angular projections is incorporated in the observer’s strategy to perform the given task. In the current work, we extend our method to the reconstructed data space of DBT. We investigate how various model observers including the aforementioned compare for performing the binary detection of a spherical signal embedded in structured breast phantoms with the use of DBT slices reconstructed via filtered back projection. We explore how well the model observers incorporate the spatial correlation between different numbers of reconstructed DBT slices while varying the number of projections. For this, relatively small and large scan angles (24° and 96°) are used for comparison. Our results indicate that 1) given a particular scan angle, the number of projections needed to achieve the best performance for each observer is similar across all observer/channel combinations, i.e., Np = 25 for scan angle 96° and Np = 13 for scan angle 24°, and 2) given these sufficient numbers of projections, the number of slices for each observer to achieve the best performance differs depending on the channel/observer types, which is more pronounced in the narrow scan angle case.
Magnetic properties of longitudinally-oriented barium ferrite particles

Abstract Experiments are reported on the effects of variable packing, particle orientation, field orientation, and time decay of the magnetization. Several different types of barium ferrite particles were employed. Comparisons of the results with recent theoretical calculations are presented. Qualitative trends are in accordance with the theories but details of the magnetization reversal process remain to be clarified.
Phospholipid transesterification in sub-/super-critical methanol with the presence of free fatty acids

Abstract Phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFA), along with triglycerides, are naturally formed constituents in unrefined vegetable oils and other plant lipids. Presence of phospholipids and FFA in such oils can cause processing difficulties, such as saponification and decrease in catalytic efficiency, thus lead to an adverse process efficiency in the transesterification of such oils for biodiesel production. This phenomenon was also observed in our previous study on converting microalgal lipids to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via in situ transesterification. This study aimed at further exploring the transesterification of phospholipids and investigating the effects of FFA presence and other processing conditions in biodiesel production from plant oils in sub- and/or super-critical methanol (SubCM/SCM). Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor in SubCM/SCM under various conditions without addition of catalysts. Pure chemicals of lecithin and stearic acid were used as the model compounds for phospholipids and FFA, respectively. The product yield (FAME in mol%) of the phospholipids after transesterification, as affected by the presence of FFA under different conditions, was selected as the respond factor to determine the process efficiency. Experimental results showed that phospholipids can be converted into FAME in such a process. Transesterification of phospholipids is largely affected by the interactive effect of operating temperature and reaction time. The increase in product yield is proportional to the increases in temperature and/or reaction time. The maximum product yield of 68.1 mol% was achieved at 250 °C and 120 min without the presence of FFA. The product yield started to level off once the system reached the SCM state. When temperature was held at 290 °C for 30 min, the product yield dropped to 33.6 mol%. Another phenomenon observed is that the presence of FFA enhances considerably the lipid conversion. The study revealed that phospholipids can be converted to FAME with a highest product yield of 93.9 mol% at 250 °C for 120 min in SCM without catalysts and with the presence of FFA. However, the FFA enhancement became less significant when the system was operated for a longer period of time than 120 min.
Embodied Interaction and User Experience: Interactive, 3D Graphics in Procedural Instructions

This proposal describes the collection of data from observing a new mediation method for procedural information. The mediation is accomplished with experimental software designed by the researchers, called SphereViewcopy. Examined will be the user effects of delivering information virtually, via a human-computer interaction (HCI) with interactive, 3D graphics, as they follow that information in an assembly task. We follow a protocol informed by situated action, to observe individual users performing purposeful action, in situ. The distribution of user angular preferences will be compared to angles prescribed from relevant literature (Heiser and Tversky, 2004; Agrawala et al., 2003; Heiser et al., 2002; Blanz et al., 1996). Data about user preferences for graphical angles may re-inform 2D presentation of information. Finally, visual data may inform us about the users' experience of reading to do something
Local Anomaly Detection

Anomalies with spatial and temporal stamps arise in a number of applications including communication networks, traffic monitoring and video analysis. In these applications anomalies are temporally or spatially localized but otherwise unknown. We propose a novel graph-based statistical notion that unifies the idea of temporal and spatial locality. This notion lends itself to an elegant characterization of optimal decision rules and in turn suggests corresponding empirical rules based on local nearest neighbor distances. We compute a single composite score for the entire spatio-temporal data sample based on the local neighborhood distances. We declare data samples as containing local anomalies based on the composite score. We show that such rules not only asymptotically guarantee desired false alarm control but are also asymptotically optimal. We also show that our composite scoring scheme overcomes the inherent resolution issues of alternative multi-comparison approaches that are based on fusing the outcomes of location-by-location comparisons. We then verify our algorithms on synthetic and real data sets.
Kalirin/Trio Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors Regulate a Novel Step in Secretory Granule Maturation

The molecular mechanisms involved in the maturation of secretory granules, organelles that store hormones and neuropeptides, are poorly understood. As granule content proteins are processed, the composition of granule membranes changes, yielding constitutive-like secretion of immature content proteins and producing secretagogue-responsive mature granules. Constitutive-like secretion was not previously recognized as a process subject to regulation. We show that Kalirin and Trio, homologous Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which interact with a secretory granule resident protein, modulate cargo secretion from immature granules. Some of the Kalirin and Trio isoforms expressed in neuroendocrine cells colocalize with immature granules. Overexpression of their N-terminal GEF domain (GEF1) enhances secretion from immature granules, depleting cells of secretory cargo in the absence of secretagogue. This response requires GEF1 activity and is mimicked by Kalirin/Trio substrates Rac1 and RhoG. Accordingly, selective pharmacological inhibition of endogenous GEF1 activity decreases secretagogue-independent release of hormone precursors, accumulating product peptide in mature secretory granules. Kalirin/Trio modulation of cargo secretion from immature granules provides secretory cells with an extra layer of control over the sets of peptides released. Control of this step enhances the range of physiological responses that can be elicited, whereas lack of control could have pathological consequences.
Filial Therapy with Immigrant Korean Parents in the United States

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of filial therapy training in: (a) increasing immigrant Korean parents' empathic behavior with their children; (b) increasing immigrant Korean parents' acceptance level toward their children; and (c) reducing immigrant Korean parents' stress related to parenting.The experimental group, consisting of 17 immigrant Korean parents in the United States, received 10 weekly 2-hour filial therapy training sessions and participated in weekly 30-minute play sessions with one of their children. The control group, consisting of 15 immigrant Korean parents in the United States, received no treatment during the ten weeks. All the parents were videotaped playing with their child before and after the training as a means of measuring change in empathic behavior. The two written self-report instruments completed for pretesting and posttesting purposes were the Porter Parental Acceptance Scale and the Parenting Stress Index. Analyses of covariance revealed that the immigrant Korean parents in the experimental group had significant changes in 10 of 12 hypotheses, including (a) a significant increase in their level of empathic interactions with their children; (b) a significant increase in their attitude of acceptance toward their children; and (c) a significant reduction in their level of stress related to parenting. This study supports the use of filial therapy for promoting the parent-child relationship in immigrant Korean families in the United States. Filial therapy helps immigrant Korean parents to be therapeutic agents for their children. It helps them regain their own power as parents and restore positive relationships with their children.
The Case of the Disappearing Mill Village: Implications of Industry Change for Building and Sustaining Small Communities

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the implications of industry dynamics for three small communities located in the southern United States. Coping with the economic and social ramifications of the loss of textile manufacturing remains a reality within many parts of the US southern states today, yet very little research has documented how local communities within this region have responded to industry change. Each of the three communities in this study was built around the textile industry, and together they shared a common reliance on manufacturing as an economic foundation. Using a multi-method qualitative approach, this research examines what happened once the manufacturing jobs were no longer available and the textile industry no longer provided the region with the economic support it once did. Data collection included in-depth interviews, review and analysis of public records and newspaper reports, as well as county and company archives. A total of forty-two interviews were conducted wit...
Nanocomposite based electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocomposite electrolytes based on lithium hectorite (LiHect) clay dispersed in high-dielectric organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) are shown to exhibit room-temperature conductivities exceeding 10{sup {minus}4} S/cm. The LiHect-based composites reveal lithium ion transference numbers of {approximately}0.8, as measured by the steady-state current method. In addition, dynamic rheological techniques show this system to be mechanically stable with elastic modulus G{prime} exceeding 10{sup 7} dynes/cm{sup 2} and yield stress exceeding 10{sup 4} dynes/cm{sup 2}.
An exactly soluble model of a system containing arbitrary isotropic bilinear and biquadratic exchange interactions

Abstract Stanley's exact results for a Bethe Lattice of classical spins of arbitrary dimensionality are generalized to include an arbitrary biquadratic interaction term. Simple expressions are obtained for both the nearest neighbor dipolar and quadrupolar correlation functions. It is shown that the system never displays long range order at any finite temperature. A modest amount of biquadratic excahnge can even prevent the system from ordering at T = 0°K. However, except for the linear chain, two distinct temperatures are found for the divergence of the dipolar and quadrupolar susceptibilities.
Numerical simulations of laminar flow over a 3D backward‐facing step

A numerical investigation of laminar flow over a three-dimensional backward-facing step is presented with comparisons with detailed experimental data, available in the literature, serving to validate the numerical results. The continuity constraint method, implemented via a finite element weak statement, was employed to solve the unsteady three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible laminar isothermal flow. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of this step geometry underestimate the experimentally determined extent of the primary separation region for Reynolds numbers Re greater than 400. It has been postulated that this disagreement between physical and computational experiments is due to the onset of three-dimensional flow near Re ≈ 400. This paper presents a full three-dimensional simulation of the step geometry for 100⩽ Re⩽ 800 and correctly predicts the primary reattachment lengths, thus confirming the influence of three-dimensionality. Previous numerical studies have discussed possible instability modes which could induce a sudden onset of three-dimensional flow at certain critical Reynolds numbers. The current study explores the influence of the sidewall on the development of three-dimensional flow for Re greater than 400. Of particular interest is the characterization of three-dimensional vortices in the primary separation region immediately downstream of the step. The complex interaction of a wall jet, located at the step plane near the sidewall, with the mainstream flow reveals a mechanism for the increasing penetration (with increasing Reynolds number) of three-dimensional flow structures into a region of essentially two-dimensional flow near the midplane of the channel. The character and extent of the sidewall-induced flow are investigated for 100⩽Re⩽ 800. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urbane Kontexte der Kulturproduktion—Räume der Kreativwirtschaft

Abstract A tremendous rise in the supply and demand for cultural products and services brought about an economic sector that now manifests in our lives through all sorts of media and gadgets. The production of culture is closely tied to a range of developments in the cities. Specific milieus and neighborhoods provide innovation and new trends for the cultural sector. The city of Zurich is a prime example of how these developments come about. Employment in the creative industries came to more than 8% of its total employment figures for 2005. With the increasing importance of creative industries, a shift of creative enterprises from the traditional districts of cultural production to the trendy neighborhoods can be observed. This is shown by employment statistics and interpreted by questioning the concepts of clusters and innovative milieus. The question of space is crucial for innovation in the culture and in the creative industries.
Dehydroascorbate transport in human chondrocytes is regulated by hypoxia and is a physiologically relevant source of ascorbic acid in the joint

Objective To evaluate the dehydroascorbate (DHA) transport mechanisms in human chondrocytes. Methods The transport of L-14C-DHA in human chondrocytes was analyzed under various conditions, including the use of RNA interference (RNAi), to determine the role of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) and GLUT-3 in L-14C-DHA transport and to evaluate the effects of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions on L-14C-DHA transport. In order to estimate the contributions of reduced ascorbic acid (AA) and DHA to intracellular ascorbic acid (Asc), the quantities of AA and DHA were measured in synovial fluid samples from osteoarthritis (OA) patients and compared with the reported levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Results DHA transport in human chondrocytes was glucose-sensitive, temperature-dependent, cytochalasin B–inhibitable, modestly stereoselective for L-DHA, and up-regulated by low oxygen tension. Based on the RNAi results, GLUT-1 mediated, at least in part, the uptake of DHA, whereas GLUT-3 had a minimal effect on DHA transport. DHA constituted a mean 8% of the total Asc in the synovial fluid of OA joints, in contrast to 80% of the reported total Asc in RA joints. Conclusion We provide the first evidence that chondrocytes transport DHA via the GLUTs and that this transport mechanism is modestly selective for L-DHA. In the setting of up-regulated DHA transport at low oxygen tensions, DHA would contribute 26% of the total intracellular Asc in OA chondrocytes and 94% of that in RA chondrocytes. These results demonstrate that DHA is a physiologically relevant source of Asc for chondrocytes, particularly in the setting of an inflammatory arthritis, such as RA.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE NASOPHARYNGEAL SECRETIONS FROM INFLUENZA PATIENTS : XII. THE EFFECTS OF SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS OF VACCINES OF BACTERIUM PNEUMOSINTES IN MAN.

Thirteen volunteers were injected subcutaneously with a vaccine prepared from two strains of Bacterium pneumosintes. Three doses were given corresponding, by opacity tests, to 1,000, 2,000, and 2,000 million staphylococci. The intervals between the several injections were 5 and 8 days. Local reactions of mild and transitory character only were noted. Constitutional reactions, also mild and transitory, consisting of headache, depression, and generalized muscular pains, were infrequently observed. None of the men was prevented by the vaccine from pursuing his ordinary duties. The vaccinations induce a transitory leucocytosis and lead to the appearance of specific agglutinins in the blood serum.
Goal-Directed Behavior and Perception of Self-Competence in Children with Spina Bifida

Compared a group of school-age children with spina bifida (n = 15) between the ages of 6 and 12 years with an age- and IQ-matched control group of normal children (n = 15). As predicted, the spina bifida children spent less time using goal-directed behaviors and more time in simple manipulation of the toys compared to the normal children. There were no group differences between the spina bifida and normal children's perceived competence but parents of the spina bifida children rated their children as having lower cognitive and physical competence. Associations were found between goal-directed behaviors and perceived self-competence for children in the spina bifida group but not the normal group.
Activation of Protein Kinase C-ζ in Pancreatic β-Cells In Vivo Improves Glucose Tolerance and Induces β-Cell Expansion via mTOR Activation

OBJECTIVE PKC-ζ activation is a key signaling event for growth factor–induced β-cell replication in vitro. However, the effect of direct PKC-ζ activation in the β-cell in vivo is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of PKC-ζ activation in β-cell expansion and function in vivo in mice and the mechanisms associated with these effects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We characterized glucose homeostasis and β-cell phenotype of transgenic (TG) mice with constitutive activation of PKC-ζ in the β-cell. We also analyzed the expression and regulation of signaling pathways, G1/S cell cycle molecules, and β-cell functional markers in TG and wild-type mouse islets. RESULTS TG mice displayed increased plasma insulin, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin secretion with concomitant upregulation of islet insulin and glucokinase expression. In addition, TG mice displayed increased β-cell proliferation, size, and mass compared with wild-type littermates. The increase in β-cell proliferation was associated with upregulation of cyclins D1, D2, D3, and A and downregulation of p21. Phosphorylation of D-cyclins, known to initiate their rapid degradation, was reduced in TG mouse islets. Phosphorylation/inactivation of GSK-3β and phosphorylation/activation of mTOR, critical regulators of D-cyclin expression and β-cell proliferation, were enhanced in TG mouse islets, without changes in Akt phosphorylation status. Rapamycin treatment in vivo eliminated the increases in β-cell proliferation, size, and mass; the upregulation of cyclins Ds and A in TG mice; and the improvement in glucose tolerance—identifying mTOR as a novel downstream mediator of PKC-ζ–induced β-cell replication and expansion in vivo. CONCLUSIONS PKC-ζ, through mTOR activation, modifies the expression pattern of β-cell cycle molecules leading to increased β-cell replication and mass with a concomitant enhancement in β-cell function. Approaches to enhance PKC-ζ activity may be of value as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A DRUG RELEASE RATE METHOD FOR A WATER SOLUBLE DRUG IN A LIPOSOME PREPARATION

AbstractAn in vitro method was developed to determine the rate of drug release from a liposome preparation. Three batches of liposomes containing orciprenaline sulphate were evaluated for release of drug over a 24 hour period in an end-over-end tumbler device. Intra and inter day precision studies indicate good reproducibility for this test method. This method is easy to use in drug development and quality control laboratories to evaluate drug release from liposome formulations.
Strategies for selection of subjects for sequencing after detection of a linkage peak

Linkage analysis has the potential to localize disease genes of interest, but the choice of which subjects to select for follow-up sequencing after identifying a linkage peak might influence the ability to find a disease gene. We compare nine different strategies for selection of subjects for follow-up sequencing using sequence data from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17. We found that our more selective strategies, which included methods to identify case subjects more likely to be affected by genetic causes, out-performed sequencing all case and control subjects in linked pedigrees and required sequencing fewer individuals. We found that using genotype data from population control subjects had a higher benefit-cost ratio than sequencing control subjects selected as being the opposite extreme of the case subjects. We conclude that choosing case subjects for sequencing based on more selective strategies can be reliable and cost-effective.
Quantitative Diffusion Tensor Tractography of Association and Projection Fibers in Normally Developing Children and Adolescents

Whole-brain diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) at high signal-to-noise ratio and angular and spatial resolutions were utilized to study the effects of age, sex differences, and lateral asymmetries of 6 white matter pathways (arcuate fasciculus [AF], inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [IFOF], uncinate fasciculus [UF], corticospinal tract [CST], and somatosensory pathway [SS]) in 31 right-handed children (6-17 years). Fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of the orientational variance in water molecular diffusivity, and the magnitude of water diffusivity (parallel, perpendicular, and mean diffusivity) along the pathways were quantified. Three major patterns of maturation were observed: 1) significant increase in FA with age, accompanied by significant decreases in all 3 diffusivities (e.g., left IFOF); 2) significant decreases in all three diffusivities with age without significant changes in FA (e.g., left CST); and 3) no significant age-related changes in FA or diffusivity (e.g., SS). Sex differences were minimal. Many pathways showed lateral asymmetries. In the right hemisphere, the frontotemporal (FT) segment of AF was not visualized in a substantial (29%) number of participants. FA was higher in the left hemisphere in the FT segment of AF, UF, and CST, whereas it was lower in the frontoparietal segment of AF. This study provides normative data essential for the interpretation of pediatric brain DTT measurements in both health and disease.
The Evaluation of Undergraduate Nursing Students' Knowledge of Post-Op Pain Management After Participation in Simulation

The purpose of this paper was to assess undergraduate nursing students' pain knowledge after participation in a simulation scenario. The Knowledge and Attitudes of Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) was used to assess pain knowledge. In addition, reflective questions related to the simulation were examined. Student preferences for education method and reactions to the simulation (SIM) were described. Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of pain management is reported as inadequate. An emerging pedagogy used to educate undergraduate nurses in a safe, controlled environment is simulation. Literature reports of simulation to educate students' about pain management are limited. As part of the undergraduate nursing student clinical coursework, a post-operative pain management simulation, the SIM was developed. Students were required to assess pain levels and then manage the pain for a late adolescent male whose mother's fear of addiction was a barrier to pain management. The students completed an anonymous written survey that included selected questions from the KASRP and an evaluation of the SIM experience. The students' mean KASRP percent correct was 70.4% ± 8.6%. Students scored the best on items specific to pain assessment and worst on items specific to opiate equivalents and decisions on PRN orders. The students' overall KASRP score post simulation was slightly better than previous studies of nursing students. These results suggest that educators should consider simulations to educate about pain assessment and patient/family education. Future pain simulations should include more opportunities for students to choose appropriate pain medications when provided PRN orders.
Kagan’s Candor: Updated Findings from the Recent Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings

How forthcoming was Elena Kagan during her recently completed confirmation hearings? We find that Kagan answered just under 70% of questions in a fully or very forthcoming manner – almost an identical rate as other recent nominees, and slightly higher than the average score for all nominees since 1955. Kagan thus continues a sixty-year trend where nominees on average give complete answers to roughly 65% of the Judiciary Committee’s questions. Interestingly, we also find that Kagan’s candor varied considerably from senator to senator. This may explain why some senators praised Gen. Kagan for being an exceptionally forthcoming nominee while others criticized her for "dancing" around the issues.
Abstract PL05-02: Antioxidants and nutritional intervention in aging and age-associated disease

Abstracts: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research 2008 PL05-02 Aging is a complex and multifactorial biological phenomenon that is commonly manifested by the decline of many physiological functions and is often associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, neuronal diseases, and infections. Nutrition has been recognized to play an important role in the aging process and age-associated diseases. Changes in bodily functions with aging, together with malnutrition associated with advancing age, also increase the risk of developing a number of age-related diseases. Free radicals and oxidative stress have been recognized as important factors in the biology of aging and many age-associated degenerative diseases. In this regard, the modulation of oxidative stress by calorie restriction in animal models has been suggested to be one mechanism that helps to slow aging and the decline of bodily functions. Our human studies also indicate a reduction of oxidative stress by lowering caloric intake. Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that dietary interventions with micronutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, zinc and antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamins E and C, selenium as well as specific phytochemical components in grains, fruits, and vegetables contribute to healthy aging through the primary prevention of age-related decline of bodily functions and associated disorders. In summary, nutrition is a critical determinant of the quality of life in the elderly and may have a significant impact on longevity. Supported by USDA-58-1950-7-707 Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):PL05-02.
Instructor accents in online education and their effect on learning and attitudes

Reductions in perceptual fluency have been shown to negatively impact attitudes towards learning material, but not learning itself. The current study extends this work to spoken presentations and examines whether the presence of a foreign accent negatively affects learners' experience in an online learning environment. Results indicate that the presence of an instructor accent, consistent with prior work on perceptual fluency, does not impact learning, but does cause learners to rate the instructor as less effective. Further, for those who received accented presentations, changes in participants' attitudes towards both the content area and online instruction were not predicted by learning, but instead their attitude towards the instructor. This suggests that learners in online learning environments with accented narration are potentially miscalibrated, and these biases in judgement could be inappropriately linked to a specific instructor, rather than their success of learning in the field.
Heats of Formation of Triplet Ethylene, Ethylidene, and Acetylene

Heats of formation of the lowest triplet state of ethylene and the ground triplet state of ethylidene have been predicted by high level electronic structure calculations. Total atomization energies obtained from coupled-cluster CCSD(T) energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit using correlation consistent basis sets (CBS), plus additional corrections predict the following heats of formation in kcal/mol: Delta H0f(C2H4,3A1) = 80.1 at 0 K and 78.5 at 298 K, and Delta H0f(CH3CH,3A") = 86.8 at 0 K and 85.1 at 298 K, with an error of less than +-1.0 kcal/mol. The vertical and adiabatic singlet-triplet separation energies of ethylene were calculated as Delta ES-T,vert = 104.1 and Delta ES-T,adia = 65.8 kcal/mol. These results are in excellent agreement with recent quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) values of 103.5 +- 0.3 and 66.4 +- 0.3 kcal/mol. Both sets of computational values differ from the experimental estimate of 58 +- 3 kcal/mol for the adiabatic splitting. The computed singlet-triplet gap at 0 K for acetylene is Delta ES-T,adia(C2H2) = 90.5 kcal/mol, which is in notable disagreement with the experimental value of 82.6 kcal/mol. The heat of formation of the triplet is Delta H0f(C2H2,3B2) = 145.3 kcal/mol. There is a systematic underestimation of the singlet-triplet gaps in recent photodecomposition experiments by ~;;7 to 8 kcal/mol. For vinylidene, we predict Delta H0f(H2CC,1A1) = 98.8 kcal/mol at 298 K (exptl. 100.3 +- 4.0), Delta H0f(H2CC,3B2) = 146.2 at 298 K, and an energy gap Delta ES-T-adia(H2CC) = 47.7 kcal/mol.
Observations on Boron and Some Borides

Single crystals of beta-rhombohedral boron have been grown in both needle and plate habit from the vapor phase. Maximum size of needle crystals was approximately 5 mm × 0.1 mm × 0.1 mm. Penetration twinning and growth steps at one end of a crystal were detected in some cases. These boron needles were characterized by smooth lateral faces of high reflectivity. Thin lathlike red crystals of AlB12 were prepared from the elements at reduced pressure.
Regenerative Cells in the Ageing Lung

Healthy ageing slowly transforms the structure, gas exchange efficiency, mechanical properties, immune functions, and stem-progenitor cells of the lung. Further, ageing alters the biological responses of the lung to injury, infection, and tissue resection. Regeneration of the lung can be reactivated by partial pneumonectomy (PNX), thus making PNX a unique and powerful model for the analysis of age-dependent regenerative mechanisms in the healthy lung. Specifically, the response to PNX manifests as compensatory growth and remarkable hyperplasia of stem-progenitor cells in the lung parenchyma and the formation of new alveoli by secondary septation akin to late development. Importantly, the abundance and proliferation potential of specific stem-progenitor cells in the PNX model are strikingly age dependent. This chapter focuses on important mechanisms of lung regeneration revealed by PNX that are thought to be vulnerable to healthy ageing and places those mechanisms in the context of chronic lung disease.
Group parent training in Oregon

Research examining the actual practice and methods of group parent trainers has not kept pace with the great amount of literature on "how-toparent" theory. In this study, 23 group parent trainee$ throughout the Willamette Valley in Oregon were interviewed to determine the characteristics of their groups in terms of numbers of parents in each group, length of groups, fees charged, teaching methods used, parenting approaches taught. The;i.r general concerns a771d opinions about the parent training field were also elicited. The support aspects of the parent groups were recognized as integral to parent training's effectiveness. The organizational structure of the groups and the. teaching methods employed by the trainers appeared to emphasize the supportive functions of the groups. Very limited success was realized with educating involuntary clients on a group basis. It appears that attempts to educate wider numbers of parents will have to be accomplished on a voluntary basis. Outcome studies docume.nting group parent education's effectiveness are needed~ l I , I
Measurement of serum leptin and insulin levels in simple obese children

Aim: To investigate the relationship between obesity and serum leptin and insulin in children.Methods:The serum leptin and insulin of simple obese children and healthy children were measured and analyzed.Results: The level of serum leptin in obesity group ((34.21±15.92) μg/L) was obviously higher than that in the control ((12.40±3.77) μg/L); the content of serum insulin in the obesity group ((14.56±7.23) mIU/L) was also higher than that in the control ((5.75±5.07) mIU/L). A positive correlation was found between the levels of leptin and insulin in obese children (r= 0.37 ,P 0.01 ).Conclusion: The occurrence of children's obesity may be related to a higher level of serum leptin and insulin.
The effect of prednisone and amphenone on fluid and electrolyte balance and on aldosterone excretion of patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Abstract 1.1. Partial inhibition of adrenal steroid production by Amphenone in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, who were maintained on prednisone and sodium restriction, was associated with increased urine sodium excretion in 5 of 7 cases, although a clinically significant loss of ascites occurred in only one. A complete inverse correlation between sodium and aldosterone excretion was not observed, and it is suggested that other factors as well as aldosterone secretion are operative in causing the sodium retention of these patients. In addition, the data indicate that patients with cirrhosis may have an impaired ability to excrete conjugated aldosterone. 2.2. Prednisone was found consistently to cause a water diuresis when administered to patients with cirrhosis, and this was associated with an increased response to mercurial diuretics and frequently a rise in serum sodium. Increased sodium excretion followed prednisone administration in 5 of 10 cases but was clinically significant in only 3 and could not be correlated with decreased aldosterone excretion. 3.3. The adverse neurologic manifestations following Amphenone administration to patients with cirrhosis, even though ameliorated by concomitant prednisone administration, create a severe limitation to its clinical usefulness. Prolonged prednisone administration to these patients with cirrhosis was associated with overwhelming infection in 2 instances.
Severe pancytopenia in a patient taking low dose methotrexate and probenecid

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed life-threatening pancytopenia resulting from low dose oral methotrexate (MTX) toxicity potentiated by probenecid. Clinically significant drug interactions are not frequently cited as risk factors for MTX hematologic toxicity. As low dose MTX is gaining increasing popularity in rheumatologic practice, these potentially serious interactions should be considered.