cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 2 m cell for infrared spectroscopy in liquid—argon solution

Abstract A multiple reflection cell has been designed and built for the study of the infrared spectra of molecules in liquid—argon solution with long absorbing paths. The cell has been operated at path lengths from 0.3–2.1 m although, in principle, longer paths may be obtained. The volume of the cell is about 1.5 1. When set to a path length of 1.5 m the transmission of the cell in regions of no solute absorption was found to be better than 95%.
RESISTANCE OF TRANSFORMED MOUSE KERATINOCYTES TO GROWTH INHIBITION BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS

Glucocorticoid hormones are strong inhibitors of normal keratinocyte proliferation, but established mouse skin papillomas and carcinomas become resistant to these hormones. The biological effect of glucocorticoids is mediated through a highly specific glucocorticoid receptor (GR). To study the possible mechanisms of glucocorticoid resistance of transformed mouse keratinocytes, we evaluated GR expression and function in non-tumorigenic (3PC), papilloma-producing (MT1/2 and P1/17), and squamous cell carcinoma-producing (Ca3/7 and Ca8/29) keratinocyte cell lines and analyzed the DNA sequence of GR in glucocorticoid-sensitive and glucocorticoid-resistant keratinocytes. All transformed keratinocyte cell lines studied appeared to be completely resistant to the growth inhibition by the glucocorticoid fluocinolone acetonide (FA), whereas the untransformed cell line 3PC was very sensitive to FA. Despite the glucocorticoid resistance, all the tumorigenic keratinocyte cell lines expressed high levels of GR mRNA and protein. Southern blot analysis and direct sequencing of the DNA-binding domain of the GR gene revealed no significant changes in GR gene structure in transformed keratinocytes. To test the functional capability of GR, we compared the effect of FA on the expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes. FA strongly induced metallothionein 1 expression in 3PC cells, slightly induced metallothionein 1 expression in P1/17 and Ca3/7 cells, and did not affect its expression in MT1/2 and Ca8/29 cells. These data suggest that resistance to the growth inhibition of glucocorticoids is an important feature of tumorigenic keratinocyte cell lines. It is likely that this hormone-resistant phenotype is a result of alteration of GR function but not of GR expression or gene structure.
External Threat and Democracy: The Role of NATO Revisited*

This article examines the role of NATO in aiding democratic transitions and survival in the former Soviet republics. The authors argue that the level of external threat is a determining factor in centralization, militarization, and ultimately regime type. States tend to be democratic or are likely to make the transition toward democracy when threat levels are low, while autocracies are more likely to be found in states targeted by higher levels of threat. Building on recent findings examining the link between democracies and alliance, the authors demonstrate that NATO has been an effective guarantor of territorial sovereignty and independence in the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Moldova, reducing the level of threat experienced by each state, thus assuring the survival of decentralized and democratic governments. Former Soviet republics targeted by high levels of threat have reverted to or maintained centralized, autocratic forms of government.
PO-0198 Ferritin And Serum Iron In Paediatric Febrile Illness

Introduction Ferritin is the major intracellular iron binding protein in the body. Serum ferritin is an inflammatory marker. Iron sequestration is one of the innate immune responses to infection. The goal of this research was to investigate the role of serum ferritin and serum iron as clinically useful markers of infection in the paediatric emergency department. Methods Multiple inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and serum ferritin, and other iron studies were measured in 37 children, from 3 months through 8 years of age, presenting to the emergency department with temperature of ≥39 degrees Celsius, and 38 patients in the same age group with non-febrile illness (controls). Patients with chronic inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions and those with renal or hepatic failure were excluded. Results Mean serum ferritin, and ferritin/iron ratio were significantly higher among febrile children when compared to controls. Mean serum iron levels were significantly lower among febrile patients and in the subgroup of children who had bacterial infections when compared with children who had viral infections and those who had a non-infectious illness. Conclusion Serum iron and ferritin/iron ratio may be clinically useful markers for the differentiation of bacterial from viral infection in the emergency department. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to further explore the role of iron metabolism in paediatric infections.
Optically ionized plasma recombination x-ray lasers

Design studies for recombination x-ray lasers based on plasmas ionized by high intensity, short pulse optical lasers are presented. Transient lasing on n=3 to n=2 transitions in Lithium-like Neon allows for moderately short wavelengths (less than or equal to 100 angstroms) without requiring ionizing intensities associated with relativistic electron quiver energies. The electron energy distribution following the ionizing pulse affects directly the predicted gains for this resonance transition. Efficiencies of 10-6 or greater are found for plasma temperatures in the Vicinity of 40 eV. Simulation studies of parametric heating phenomena relating to stimulated Raman and Compton scattering are presented. For electron densities less than about 2.5 x1020 cm-3 and peak driver intensity of 2x1017 W/cm2 at 0.25 μm with pulse length of 100 fsec, the amount of electron heating is found to be marginally significant. For Lithium-like Aluminum, the required relativistic ionizing intensity gives excessive electron heating and reduced efficiency, thereby rendering this scheme impractical for generating shorter wavelength lasing (less than or equal to 50 angstroms) in the transient case. Following the transient lasing phase, a slow hydrodynamic expansion into the surrounding cool plasma is accompanied by quasi-static gain on the n = 4 to n = 3 transition in Lithium-like Neon. Parametric heating effects on gain optimization in this regime are also discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
497 FETAL CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS: CYCLES OF VASOPRESSIN (VP) LEVELS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) NOT BLOOD

Besides classical effects on water balance and blood pressure, vasopressin has important functions in brain including modulation of behavioral processes and memory consolidation. In adult animals immunoactive VP in CSF exhibits a circadian pattern of release suggesting that the CSF may be a conduit for the effects of VP on diverse brain areas. To characterize the release of VP by the fetus, CSF was withdrawn continuously (1.0 ml/hr × 3 days) from the prechaismatic fossa of 5 chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 108 to 146 d gestation in 7 studies and plasma sampled intermittently (1.5 ml q 4h ×1 day) in 3 studies. Using a specific VP RIA,daily rhythms of VP in CSF were found for each fetus. Temporal profiles showed low levels of VP (12–25 pg/ml) during daylight alternating with high levels at night (30–45 pg/ml). Cycle length by frequency domain analysis was 22 to 24 hrs<. No similar fluctuations in plasma VP levels (2.1±1.0 pg/ml) were found. The amplitude of the CSF rhythms was increased (125 pg/ml) with chronic hypoxia, acute hemorrhage and in the days immediately preceding term delivery. We conclude that circadian rhythms of VP concentration in CSF but not plasma are present in the fetus during the final 25% of gestation. Changes in the amplitude and/or period of these rhythms may be important in the timing of parturition and the fetal response to suboptimal intrauterine condition.
Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Acting Bronchodilators for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare the cost-effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators by estimating incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS This cost-effective analysis was conducted from a third-party payer's perspective. The study was a retrospective pooled analysis, and the effectiveness evidence was derived from a systematic review of literature published from January 1, 1980, to April 14, 2006. Incremental QALYs were estimated by converting the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores into EuroQoL-5D scores and using these combined scores as the summary benefit measure. RESULTS The incremental cost per additional QALY was $26,094 (range, $11,780-$77,214) for tiotropium and $41,000 (range, $23,650-$98,750) for salmeterol compared with placebo. The cost per QALY gained was lower with tiotropium compared with salmeterol or ipratropium based on either the pooled data of available trials or a head-to-head trial. Treatment with tiotropium could save $391 per year while gaining 13 quality-adjusted days compared with ipratropium. CONCLUSION Tiotropium appears to be more cost-effective than the alternatives and may be the preferred agent for maintenance therapy in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Compared with ipratropium, tiotropium could be cost saving. Because of the wide ranges of cost-effectiveness ratios for tiotropium and salmeterol and the significant overlap between them, a large prospective head-to-head trial would help address the uncertainty and confirm the results of this analysis.
Predicting potential transpiration of singleleaf pinyon: an adaptation of the potometer method

Abstract Estimates of singleleaf pinyon ( Pinus monophylla Tort. and Frem.) potential water use were conducted on the Virginia Range, Nevada, based on crown dimensions and needle biomass. A modified potometer method was developed to measure whole-tree transpiration over an 8 h period. Water uptake from the potometer was positively related to both the foliar mass plus the average number of resin canals in the needles of each tree. Water uptake was also positively related to the total crown needle surface area (cm 2 ) plus the average resin canal number. Best predictive equations based on standard error of the estimate analyses were obtained with nonlinear regression analysis of untransformed data. Pinyon populations with higher resin canal numbers are generally found in locations with higher temperatures and drier summer conditions.
Statistical inference of a time-to-failure distribution derived from linear degradation

In the study of semiconductor degradation, records of transconductance loss or threshold voltage shift over time are useful in constructing the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the time until the degradation reaches a specified level. In this article, we propose a model with random regression coefficients and a standard-deviation function for analyzing linear degradation data. Both analytical and empirical motivations of the model are provided. We estimate the model parameters, the cdf, and its quantiles by the maximum likelihood (ML) method and construct confidence intervals from the bootstrap, from the asymptotic normal approximation, and from inverting likelihood ratio tests. Simulations are conducted to examine the properties of the ML estimates and the confidence intervals. Analysis of an engineering dataset illustrates the proposed procedures.
Formaldehyde-induced alkylation of a 2'-aminoglucose rebeccamycin derivative to both A.T and G.C base pairs in DNA

Rebeccamycin derivatives represent a promising class of antitumor agents. In this series, two glycosylated indolocarbazoles, NB-506 and NSC-655649, are currently undergoing clinical trials. Their anticancer activities are associated with their capacities to interact with DNA and to inhibit DNA topoisomerases. Previous studies revealed that the planar indolocarbazole chromophore can intercalate into DNA, locating the appended carbohydrate residue in one of the two helical grooves, probably the minor groove as is the case with the anthracyclines and other DNA-binding antibiotics. The sugar residue contributes significantly to the DNA binding free energy of NB-506. However, the exact positioning of the glycosyl residue of rebeccamycin derivatives in the drug-DNA complex remains poorly understood. To better understand how glycosylated indolocarbazoles interact with DNA, we investigated the interaction of a rebeccamycin derivative (85) bearing a 2'-amino group on the sugar residue. We show that the presence of the 2'-amino function permits the formation of covalent drug-DNA complexes in the presence of formaldehyde. Complementary biochemical and spectroscopic measurements attest that 85 reacts covalently with the 2-amino group of guanines exposed in the minor groove of the double helix, as is the case with daunomycin. In contrast to daunomycin, 85 also forms cross-links with an oligonucleotide containing only A.T base pairs. The covalent binding to A.T base pairs was detected using a gel mobility shift assay and was independently confirmed by thermal denaturation studies and by fluorescence measurements using a series of synthetic polynucleotides. The HCHO-mediated alkylation reaction of the drug with A.T base pairs apparently involves the 6-amino group of adenines exposed in the major groove whereas the covalent attachment to G.C base pairs implicates the 2-amino group of guanines situated in the opposite minor groove. Therefore, the results suggest that either the drug is able to switch grooves in response to sequence or it can simultaneously bind to both the minor and major grooves of the double helix. This study will help to guide the rational design of new DNA-binding antitumor indolocarbazole drugs and also provides a general experimental approach for probing minor versus major groove interactions between small molecules and DNA.
POTENTIATION OF THE ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF POLY r(A-U) BY RIBOFLAVIN, FAD AND FMN

The role of riboflavin (RFN), FAD or FMN in modulating the antiviral activity of poly r(A-U) was examined by the human foreskin fibroblast-vesicular stomatitis virus bioassay in which the concentrations of poly r(A-U) was fixed at 0.1 mM or 0.2 mM while the riboflavin, FAD or FMN concentration was varied to produce variable RFN (or FAD or FMN)/ ri b onucleotide ratios ranging from l/16 to 2/l. Riboflavin, FAD and FMN tested individually did not exhibit any antiviral activity, while poly r(A-U) 1 a one exhibited antiviral activity. When poly r(A-U) was combined with riboflavin, FAD or FMN, the antiviral activity was potentiated seven- to twelve-fold at RFN (or FAD or FMN)/ ‘b rr onucleotide ratios in the region
BANNER ADVERTISER-WEB SITE CONTEXT CONGRUITY AND COLOR EFFECTS ON ATTENTION AND ATTITUDES

Gaining consumers' attention and generating favorable attitudes are two key advertising objectives. Using two experiments in an on-line environment, we consider the effects of the congruity between the product foci of the advertiser and the Web site, as well as banner color and banner color-text color contrast on measures of attention (i.e., recall and recognition) and attitudes toward the ad and the Web site. Experiment 1 results indicate that incongruity has a more favorable effect on recall and recognition, whereas congruity has more favorable effects on attitudes. Experiment 2 results suggest that when ads generate sufficient attention to gain recall or recognition, moderate congruity offers the most favorable attitudes toward the ad. Managerial implications for the use of these ad execution cues are discussed and future research avenues are proposed.
Fabrication and characterization of spatially defined, multiple component, chemically functionalized domains in enclosed silica channels using cross-linked phospholipid membranes.

The utilization of photopolymerized phospholipids for the preparation of spatially defined, chemically functionalized, micron-sized domains within enclosed fluidic channels was recently reported (Ross, E. E.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 16756−7). Fabrication of the phospholipid patterns is achieved via self-assembly of photoreactive phospholipid membranes that are subsequently cross-linked via UV-irradiation through a photomask. In this work, we have characterized the chemical and physical stability of the self-assembled, chemically functionalized, cross-linked phospholipid patterns and extended this approach to the preparation of cross-linked phospholipid patterns with multiple chemical functionalities. Poly(bis-SorbPC) patterns were found to withstand a number of chemical and physical challenges, including drying/rehydration, solvent or surfactant rinse, and extended storage without compromising the size or morphology of the cross-linked phospholipid patterns. Nonspecific adsorption of proteins ...
A study of axisymmetric solid of revolution elements based on the assumed-stress hybrid model☆

Abstract A series of axisymmetric solid-of-revolution elements with 4-nodes and quadrilateral cross section have been developed based on the assumed-stress hybrid model. A linear boundary displacement assumption is employed for each element and a variety of interior stress assumptions have been made. Example problems of a thick cylinder under internal pressure and a thick sphere under internal pressure are utilized to evaluate the various elements, and several desirable stress assumptions have been identified. For the thick sphere problem, which involves a singularity problem as a result of the placing of an element at the axis of symmetry, several special treatments are suggested. Comparisons of present results with those obtained by the use of a 4-node element based on the assumed displacement model indicate that the present hybrid elements are far superior in predicting the stress distribution within the elements.
Dopamine D-2 auto- and postsynaptic receptors in the nigrostriatal system of the rat brain: localization by quantitative autoradiography with [3H]sulpiride.

In vitro receptor autoradiography with [3H]sulpiride (a selective D-2 antagonist) was used to assess the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine and ibotenic acid lesions of the caudate-putamen and substantia nigra pars compacta on D-2 dopamine receptors in rat brain. A marked reduction in [3H]sulpiride binding within the pars compacta of the substantia nigra resulted from lesions of the substantia nigra compacta with either toxin, while substantial reduction in binding within the caudate-putamen followed only ibotenate lesions of that structure. Since (−)sulpiride is a selective D-2 antagonist, these data confirm that autoreceptors on nigral DA neurons are of the D-2 type, while a portion of D-2 receptors in the caudate-putamen are postsynaptic on striatal neurons.
Influence of modified Tyrode's media on motility of cold-stored stallion spermatozoa

Summary Two experiments were conducted to determine if the nonelectrolyte components of a modified Tyrode's media could be eliminated without affecting the percentage of stallion spermatozoa which recovered motility after storage at 5°C. In the first experiment, diluents tested included the traditional 2.4% skim milk-5% glucose extender frequently used in the industry or that same extender supplemented at a 65:35 (vol/vol) basis with either the modified high-potassium Tyrode's media (MT) or that same media minus lactate and pyruvate (MT-LP), bovine serum albumin (MT-BSA) or lactate, pyruvate and bovine serum albumin (MT-BSA,LP). Three ejaculates were collected from each of 4 stallions. For each ejaculate and test diluent combination, two aliquots of semen were cooled in a static cooling device. One aliquot was diluted and cooled after the seminal plasma was removed by centrifugation and the second aliquot was diluted and cooled without removing the seminal plasma. The percentage of motile sperm was higher (P In the second experiment, all aliquots were centrifuged to remove seminal plasma prior to resuspension in one of four test diluents which consisted of MT-BSA and SKMG with and without the HEPES buffer (MT-BSA+HEPES, MT-BSA-HEPES, SKMG+HEPES and SKMG-HEPES). Exclusion of HEPES buffer from the Tyrode's media was not detrimental to the recovery of motile spermatozoa (P
Structural integrity in optical systems

Structural integrity in optical systems must be maintained to achieve submicron tolerances in optomechanical systems with moving parts—particularly important in microelectronics. Typical problems are illustrated with solutions.
Fourth-order corrections in quantum electrodynamics and the magnetic moment of the electrons

The covariant $S$ matrix formalism of Dyson has been applied to the calculation of the fourth-order radiative correction to the magnetic moment of the electron. Intermediate results for the covariant $\ensuremath{\Delta}$-functions which describe the interaction of virtual electrons and photons with the vacuum are given to order $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. The addition to the magnetic moment to order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$ is found to be finite after the charge of the electron is renormalized consistently. This correction amounts to $\frac{\ensuremath{-}2.97{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}}$ Bohr magneton so that the magnetic moment of the electron is $\ensuremath{\mu}=1.001147$ Bohr magnetons.
Focus on recombinational DNA repair

The Juan March workshop on ‘Recombinational DNA Repair and its Links with DNA Replication and Chromosome Maintenance’ was held in Madrid, Spain, between 13 and 15 December 2004. The workshop was organized by S. Kowalczykowski, S. West, A. Aguilera and J. Alonso. ![][1] Homologous recombination (HR) has a crucial role in chromosome maintenance by promoting error‐free repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and single‐strand gaps. DNA strand breaks occur spontaneously during normal cellular processes, such as DNA replication, or when cells are treated with DNA damaging agents, and are essential intermediates in several programmed genome rearrangements. HR is also required for telomere maintenance in the absence of telomerase in eukaryotes. In Escherichia coli , most of the genes involved in HR were identified in screens for recombination‐defective mutants (rec genes). Similarly, screens for radiation‐sensitive mutants in budding yeast led to the discovery of the RAD52 epistasis group genes that define the main pathway for HR in eukaryotes. The RecA and Rad51 recombinases are central to the process of HR in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. Recombinases promote homologous pairing and strand exchange, which leads to recombination between the two interacting DNA molecules (Fig 1). However, the recombinases require several other proteins to accomplish strand exchange in vivo (Kowalczykowski, 2000; Krogh & Symington, 2004; West, 2003). The role of these accessory factors in facilitating the activity of the respective recombinase was one of the topics covered at the meeting. HR and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) are the main pathways for repairing DSBs in eukaryotic cells, but there are distinct sub‐pathways depending on the presence of one or two ends at the break site, or flanking homologies surrounding the DSB. The regulation of these pathways of DSB repair (DSBR) is an active area of investigation, as shown by the talks at this … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Note on the scaling of ratings or rankings when the numbers per subject are unequal

The average rating (or normalized rank) of a person rated by a larger number of judges will in general be closer to the group average than will the average rating of a person rated by a smaller number of judges, as a result of rating unreliability and regression. This note presents a technique for correcting that bias.
Urinary kallikrein excretion in grade school children with high and low blood pressure

14 kallikrein-kinin system may participate in regulation of systemic blood pressure, t, 2 In rats, urinary kallikrein activity has been shown to be lower in genetically hypertensive 12 than in normotensive rats, to increase with mineralocorti- A coid treatment, and to decrease following establishment of renal artery stenosis. 3 In human beings, urinary kallikrein "1" 10 activity has been reported to be lower in patients with ~. essential hypertension than in patients with normal blood e~ pressure] and to be significantly lower in blacks, a group :::i with a higher incidence of essential hypertension. 2'4 ,,i 0 v Although the kallikrein-kinin system has not been as extensively studied in children, available data seem to Z conform to the pattern currently established for adults? m 6 In the present study, kallikrein activity was measured in .J grade school children selected from opposite extremes of a ..a normal blood pressure distribution curve. The results of . 4 kallikrein activity may be related to level of blood pressure. z er 2 PATIENTS AND METHODS Subjects were selected from a continuing survey of blood pressure in 10,000 Minneapolis Public School students, representing over 98% of all children in grades 1 to 3. 6,7 Briefly, two supine blood pressure measurements, separated by at least 30 seconds, were obtained in each child during school by trained personnel using a random zero sphygmomanometer. The blood pressure cuffs used were selected according to body size and were wide enough to cover at least 120% of the diameter of the upper arm and long enough to encircle over 90% of the upper arm. Chil
The Energy Factor In Radiographic Imaging

The photon energy spectrum has played a relatively minor role in classical radiographic imaging. Radiologists have used different regions of the spectrum for different studies. For example; lower energies are used for mammography to emphasize calcifications, and higher energies are used for chest studies to minimize rib shadows. These effects, however, are relatively subtle compared to those of selective energy imaging to be described in this paper. We will describe the application of energy selectivity to computerized tomography and projection radiography. In the case of computerized tomography the technique eliminates the non-linear spectral-shift artifact, and provides the average atomic number and density of each pixel. In the case of projection radiography, any intervening material can be removed to facilitate visualization of some desired structure. In addition, as with CT, an unknown lesion can be identified based on its average atomic number.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
23. Allostatic associations in women veterans with histories of childhood sexual assault

Women veterans have increased sexual victimization before entering the military and increased military sexual trauma (MST). Using the allostatic load model, we studied relationships between hair cortisol, cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers, stress, pain, PTSD, and history and frequency of childhood rape or attempted rape in 81 women veterans. The latter was reported by 27 women (33%). There was a trend for lower hair cortisol in these women [t(63.92) = 1.91, p = .06], suggesting a dampened hypothalamic–hypophyseal–pituitary axis. These women also had higher cholesterol [t(69) = −2.62, p = .01] and triglycerides [t(68) = −2.23, p = .03], higher perceived stress scores [t(77) = −2.00, p = .05], greater pain [t(78) = −3.32, p = .01], greater fatigue [t(77) = −2.03, p = .05], and there was a trend for lower plasma IL10 [t(56.75) = 1.87, p = .07] than women veterans without this history. We did not find evidence of higher CRP or IL-6 as has been reported in other studies, but many of these women were on medications that could suppress inflammation (antidepressants, anxiolytics, anti-hypertenives, statins, and anti-inflammatories). Of the 27 women who reported childhood sexual assault, 10 (37%) also reported MST. These data suggest that some women veterans who have suffered childhood sexual assault are vulnerable and have increased allostatic load and propensity for a variety of later illnesses.
Dynamic Thermal Analysis of Polymers. An Overview

Abstract Dynamic thermal methods of analysis are becoming increasingly important for polymer characterization. These techniques are based on measuring changes in certain physical properties continuously and automatically upon variation of the sample temperature. This presentation reviews thermal analysis in general, and briefly describes the features and applications of several commonly used thermal methods, such as differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, thermomechanical analysis, electrothermal analysis, thermo-optical analysis, and thermal evolution analysis. General references are given for the various techniques.
Formation of perithecia of Ceratocystis ulmi on natural and synthetic nutrient media

Ceratocystis ulmi formed fertile perithecia on 17 of 37 culture media tested, including many of the (autoclaved) natural substrates, but not on Saboraud's media or White's medium and not on potato dextrose agar (Table 1). Later, perithecia formed abundantly on four of eight variants of Zentmyer-Tchernoff agar medium (Table 2). This appears to be the first report on perithecia ofC. ulmi on an agar medium to which only synthetic nutrients were added. Both normal-strength and 1∶10 diluted media gave perithecia. If only the sugar or only the asparagine-plus-salts were diluted, none or very few perithecia formed. Tenfold dilution of the vitamins did not affect results. Light did not prevent formation of perithecia. Ceratocystis ulmi vormde rijpe perithecien op 17 van de 37 getoetste voedingsbodems, maar in het begin alleen op enkele van de (gesteriliseerde) natuurlijke voedingsbodems, niet op Sabourauds of Whites agar en evenmin op aardappel-dextrose-agar (Table 1). In latere proeven werden rijkelijk perithecien gevormd op 4 van de 8 varianten op Zentmyer-Tchernoff-agar (Tabel 2). Waarschijnlijk is dit de eerste vermelding van vorming van perithecien vanC. Ulmi op agar waaraan uitsluitend synthetische voedingsstoffen zijn toegevoegd. Zowel op de standaard-concentratie als op een tienvoudige verdunning van de voedingsstoffen werden perithecien gevormd. Als alleen de glucose of alleen de asparagine-plus-zouten verdund waren, werden er geen of zeer weinig perithecien gevormd. Tienvoudige verdunning van de vitaminen beinvloedde de resultaten niet. Licht remde de vorming van perithecien niet.
Connecting Students around the World through a Collaborative Museum Education Program.

AbstractIn order to design programs that are relevant to global audiences, it is essential for informal learning centers to work collaboratively and test programs in a variety of communities. In line with this, research was conducted on a recent collaborative educational effort between Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois and the National Museum of Niger in Niamey titled Community of Conservation. Students designed their own animal behavior research projects, collected data, and presented their results at a culminating event in their home country and to their peers via Skype. As part of the collaboration, education staff from both institutions participated in a cultural exchange. Mixed-method evaluation results indicated an increase in US and Nigerien student knowledge of the following: wildlife native to their own country, the wildlife and culture of their partner community, and the scientific process. Attitudinal (affective) changes in both staff and students were also evident with increased cultural u...
Actions of (±)-7-hydroxy-N,N-dipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) on dopamine synthesis in limbic and extrapyramidal regions of rat brain

Abstract The proposed D3-selective ligand (±)-7-hydroxy-N,N-dipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) inhibited tyrosine hydroxylase in vitro (IC50 = 0.6–0.7 μM) and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accimulation in vivo (ID50 = 4.8–6.4 mg/kg) in two autoreceptor models in extrapyramidal and limbic tissue in rat forebrain, without consistent regional selectivity. Some limbic selectivity (ID50 = 10 vs. 29 mg/kg) was found in an in vivo model permitting expression of postsynaptic D3 and D2 receptor activity. The effects were partially blocked by S(−)-eticlopride alone, and fully after reserpine pretreatment. The results suggest that 7-OH-DPAT activates D3 or D2 autoreceptors, alters dopamine storage or release, and may interact with some limbic selectivity at postsynaptic D3 and D2 receptors as a partial agonist.
Structural Insights for the Full Length Influenza A M2 Proton Channel in Native E. Coli Membranes

Membrane proteins are structurally characterized in membrane mimetic environments, environments that may or may not reflect the properties of native membrane proteins. This is critically important since the structure of membrane proteins is influenced by the protein's environment. Here we will show structural data from magic angle spinning solid state NMR of the full length M2 protein from Influenza A observed in E. coli membranes. This protein has never been exposed to the denaturing influence of detergents nor to the length isolation, purification and reconstitution protocols that typify membrane protein sample preparation for structural studies. The data will be compared to the purified full length protein in synthetic liposomes and to spectra of smaller constructs for which there is a high resolution structure in lipid bilayers.
Eradication of cryptosporidium from a defunctionalized colon limb by refeeding stoma effluent

Over the last 40 years, cryptosporidium has increasingly been recognized as a cause of acute self-limiting diarrhea in normal hosts. In the immunocompromised patient, cryptosporidium may cause severe illness with prolonged diarrhea and malabsorption. Pharmacologic therapy of cryptosporidium relies on adequate delivery of drug metabolites to the colon. Here we describe a patient who developed toxic megacolon during induction therapy for leukemia, requiring ileostomy formation to proceed with leukemia treatment. Although the megacolon resolved promptly, the resulting isolation of the colon from the fecal stream prevented luminal delivery of active metabolites of anti-protozoal drugs, resulting in persistent cryptosporidiosis. Refeeding of the ileostomy output into the colon effectively eradicated cryptosporidium from the colon and permitted closure of the ileostomy.
A Perfect Mendelian Ratio in An Egg Shell

Abstract The contents of a fertilized double-yolked egg are shown. One of the chicks was scaleless and the other was feathered.
Effect of Gas Sparging on Mass Transfer in Zinc Electrolytes

The effect of sparging on mass transfer is reported for zinc electrolytes containing antimony and antimony-free electrolytes. Comparative results with non-sparged electrolytes show, an enhancement in mass transfer. In the sparged electrolyte, the mass transfer coefficients,KZn, increase with increasing current density, antimony additions, and sulphuric acid concentration. The deposition morphology is consistent with the mass transfer results. A relationship between the mass transfer coefficients for sparged and non-sparged systems is obtained. The relationship correlates satisfactorily with the data and provides a quantitative method for determining the degree of enhancement in mass transfer coefficients due to sparging. The correlation which best represents the mass transfer data for sparged zinc electrolytes is $$Sh = 105(ReSc)^{0.23} $$ whereSh, Re, andSc are the Sherwood, Reynolds, and Schmidt numbers, respectively. The correlation represents the case where sparging is applied to a gas evolving electrode, hydrogen in this case.
A Simple Step: Integrating Library Reference and Instruction into Previously Established Academic Programs for Minority Students

Nationally, universities fail to retain African-American, Hispanic, and Native-American students at the same rate as White students. In recent studies, libraries were shown as one of the only campus facilities that positively impacted minority student retention. Partnerships between the library and Minority Student Affairs programs can produce effective results for both minority students and university libraries. Federally funded, targeted academic summer programs such as the Ronald E. McNairs Scholars Program, the Summer Research Opportunities Program, and the Upward Bound Program provide academic libraries with an ideal foundation to offer reference and instruction services to minority students.
Synthesis of an organogallium(I) compound [Ga(CH2CMe2Ph)]n with EPR spectral evidence for gallium clusters

Abstract The organogallium(I) compound [Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 Ph)] n has been prepared by the reduction of Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 Ph) 2 Cl by using either sodium or lithium with naphthalene in THF. The yellow dihydronaphthalene gallium(III) intermediate M 2 {C 10 H 8 [Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 Ph) 2 Cl] 2 } initially formed at −78°C but then decomposed at higher temperatures to form [Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 Ph)] n , Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 Ph) 3 and MCl. EPR spectra, which were recorded as the two yellow intermediates Na 2 {C 10 H 8 [Ga(CH 2 CMe 2 R) 2 Cl] 2 } (R=Ph, Me) decomposed, indicated the presence of radicals. The first and second derivatives of the EPR signals, line-widths, g -values and hyperfine coupling constants are consistent with the radicals being clusters of organogallium species. The experimental spectra were simulated by the superposition of two spectra, a single Gaussian shaped line with a peak-to-peak width of 14 mT (92%) with the spectrum of five equivalent gallium nuclei, A =2.1 mT (8%). The even number of lines observed in the experimental spectra indicate an odd number of gallium nuclei with at least five being required to give the number of observed lines.
A developmental conundrum: a stabilized form of β-catenin lacking the transcriptional activation domain triggers features of hair cell fate in epidermal cells and epidermal cell fate in hair follicle cells

Wnt signaling orchestrates morphogenetic processes in which changes in gene expression are associated with dramatic changes in cell organization within developing tissue/organss. Upon signaling, excess β-catenin not utilized at cell–cell junctions becomes stabilized, where it can provide the transcriptional activating domain for Lef/Tcf DNA binding proteins. In skin epithelium, forced stabilization of β-catenin in epidermis promotes hair follicle morphogenesis, whereas conditional removal of β-catenin in hair progenitor cells specifies an epidermal fate. We now report that a single protein, a stabilized version of β-catenin lacking the COOH-terminal transactivation domain, acts in epidermis to promote hair fates and in hair cells to promote epidermal fate. This reveals fundamental differences in ways that epidermal and hair cells naturally respond to β-catenin signaling. In exploring the phenotype, we uncovered mechanistic insights into the complexities of Lef1/Tcf/β-catenin signaling. Importantly, how a cell will respond to the transgene product, where it will be localized, and whether it can lead to activation of endogenous β-catenin/Tcf/Lef complexes is specifically tailored to skin stem cells, their particular lineage and their relative stage of differentiation. Finally, by varying the level of β-catenin signaling during a cell fate program, the skin cell appears to be pliable, switching fates multiple times.
Joint time-frequency analysis of EEG signals based on a phase-space interpretation of the recording process

Time-frequency transforms are used to identify events in clinical EEG data. Data are recorded as part of a study for correlating the performance of human subjects during a memory task with pathological events in the EEG, called spikes. The spectrogram and the scalogram are reviewed as tools for evaluating spike activity. A statistical evaluation of the continuous wavelet transform across trials is used to quantify phase-locking events. For simultaneously improving the time and frequency resolution, and for representing the EEG of several channels or trials in a single time-frequency plane, a multichannel matching pursuit algorithm is used. Fundamental properties of the algorithm are discussed as well as preliminary results, which were obtained with clinical EEG data.
Surviving disaster: assessment of obstetrics and gynecology training at Louisiana State University-New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina

ABSTRACT Background After Hurricane Katrina, the 2 primary teaching sites for Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans were destroyed. In this study, we examine the measures the Louisiana State University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology took to provide uninterrupted education for Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and the outcome of those measures. Methods Information was gathered from the program director’s office and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education website. Resident turnover during the disaster and where residents trained before and after Katrina were tabulated. Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores, obstetric statistics, and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology pass rates before and after Katrina were analyzed for significant differences from year to year. Results After Katrina, all residents were shifted to other teaching sites in the state, and the program gained 2 additional private teaching sites. The department lost 10 residents in the year following Katrina and replaced them with 5 new residents for the next academic year. There was no significant difference in Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores for individual residents from 2004 to 2006, and the median score for the program has not changed significantly for the past 4 years. The only number that has changed is the number of cesarean sections performed by second-year residents, which decreased significantly from 2005–2006 to 2006–2007 but has stabilized over the last year. The classes of 2004–2006 had 100% pass rates on the written American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology examination, with 1 failure in 2007. Conclusions The Obstetrics and Gynecology program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center provided uninterrupted training for residents through cooperation with other Louisiana State University facilities and private institutions in the state. We saw a small decrease in the number of cesarean sections performed by our second-year residents 1 year after Katrina; however, the rest of the resident experience has remained stable.
Forests: An International and Interdisciplinary Scientific Open Access Journal

Forests was established to provide comprehensive coverage on the ecology, conservation and management of forests, with the first issue published in March 2010. As an international and multi-disciplinary journal, Forests has provided a forum for publishing process–based and applied scholarly articles that span the technological, environmental, cultural, economic, and social realm associated with the management, use, conservation, and understanding of forested ecosystems. By all accounts, Forests is well poised toward becoming a premier publication outlet in this diverse field of study. In its short tenure, Forests received its first Impact Factor in 2013 (1.094—Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE)/Web of Science), which placed it 25th out of 62 Forestry journals. Notably, Forests ranked first among the open access journals in this category. [...]
Application of Magneto-Optical Ferrite-Garnet Films with Plane Anisotropy for Investigation of Superconductors

Problems of application of magneto-optical (Bi,Lu)3(Fe,Ga)5O12 ferrite-garnet films with plane anisotropy for visualization of magnetic fields in superconductors are considered in the present research.
Efficient, single-axial-mode operation of a monolithic MgO:LiNbO 3 optical parametric oscillator

A monolithic doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO) fabricated from MgO:LiNbO3 was pumped by a cw, frequency-doubled, diode-laser-pumped Nd:YAG laser. The threshold for cw operation was 12 mW, and pump depletions of up to 78% were observed two times above threshold. The total OPO output power was 8.15 mW, with a conversion efficiency for the incident pump of 34% and combined conversion efficiency for the 1064-nm laser light of 14%. The OPO was temperature tuned from 1007 to 1129 nm, operated on a single-axial-mode pair over most of the range, and could be electric field tuned by as much as 38 nm near degeneracy.
Origin of the Yellow Color of Complex Nickel Oxides

Single-crystal optical absorption spectra of NiO, NiTiO_3, NiWO_4, NiV_2O_6, NiNb_2O_6, Ni_2SiO_4, Ni_3V_2O_8, LiNiPO_4, Li_2Ni_2MO_3O_(12), SrNiTeO_6, LiScSiO_4:Ni, MgSiO_3:Ni, and (Mg,Ni)_2SiO_4 are presented for the purpose of comparing the spectra of yellow and green Ni^(2+) compounds. Powder spectra of NiTiO_3, NiWO_4, NiV_2O_6, NiNb_2O_6, and Ni_3V_2O_8 in the ultraviolet region help elucidate the more intense charge transfer bands. Bright yellow color results when Ni^(2+) is in a six-coordinated site significantly distorted from octahedral symmetry. Increased absorption intensity occurs when the metal ion d-d bands are in proximity to an ultraviolet charge transfer band.
Phase transformation and sustained load crack growth in ZrO2 + 3 mol% Y2O3: Experiments and kinetic modeling

Abstract To better understand environmentally assisted crack growth (SCG) in yttria stabilized zirconia, experimental studies were undertaken to characterize the kinetics of crack growth and the associated stress/moisture induced phase transformation in ZrO2 + 3 mol% Y2O3 (3Y-TZP) in water, dry nitrogen and toluene from 3 to 70°C. The results showed that crack growth in water depended strongly on stress intensity factor (K1) and temperature (T) and involved the transformation of a thin layer of material near the crack tip from the tetragonal (t) to the monoclinic (m) phase. These results, combined with literature data on moisture-induced phase transformation, suggested that crack growth enhancement by water is controlled by the rate of this transformation and reflects the environmental cracking susceptibility of the transformed m-phase. A model was developed to link subcritical crack growth (SCG) rate to the kinetics of t → m phase transformation. The SCG rate is expressed as an exponential function of stress-free activation energy, a stress-dependent contribution in terms of the mode I stress intensity factor KI and activation volume, and temperature. The stress-free activation energies for water and the inert environments were determined to be 82±3 and 169±4 kJ/mol, respectively, at the 95% confidence level, and the corresponding activation volumes were 14 and 35 unit cells. The decreases in activation energy and activation volume may be attributed to a change in surface energy by water.
Conflict Between Doing Well And Doing Good? Capital Budgeting Case Study - Coors

Considering the paradox of drinking what you drive and driving what you drink, Coors Brewing Company’s conversion of spilt beer into ethanol is interesting and timely because of today’s intensified need for alternate fuels. The decision of investment in a sustainable project was present in 1996 as well as today. It is evident that Coors considered sustainability before it became popular. Their ethanol project allows an examination of several business issues that pertain to finance, accounting, operations management and environmental management students. This case has provided students sufficient information to practice the whole capital budgeting process which includes identifying and forecasting cash flows, applying capital budgeting tools and performing sensitivity and scenario analysis. Finance students will focus on cash flows and the capital budgeting aspect of the case. The potential reduction of waste disposal cost and generation of revenues from ethanol production will also be of interest to cost accounting students who focus on cutting costs in the production process. From a management standpoint, the Coors Brewing Company and Merrick’s ethanol project serves as an example of how a company can make a profit while engaging in environmentally safe projects. This illustrates the coexistence of company performance and ethicality.