cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracellular and intracellular melanin in inflammatory middle ear disease

Objectives/Hypothesis Melanin is a pigmented polymer with a known role in dermal solar protection. In vertebrates, melanogenesis has been reported in leukocyte populations, suggesting a potential role in innate immunity. In this study, we report the novel finding of melanin associated with chronic inflammation and speculate on its potential role in the middle ear and mastoid. Study Design Retrospective review of case series. Methods Medical records of six patients who demonstrated melanin in the ear were reviewed. Results Six patients from 1 to 63 years of age were identified with extracellular melanin and melanin-laden histiocytes within the middle ear and/or mastoid air cells at time of surgery. Concurrent intraoperative findings included cholesteatoma (n = 3), chronic suppurative otitis media (n = 2), and coalescent mastoiditis (n = 1). Histologically, extracellular melanin and melanin-laden histiocytes were identified by Fontana-Masson stain; absence of melanocytes was confirmed by the absence of Melan-A staining. One patient had a positive stain for CD163 (a marker for macrophages). Conclusion This case series is the first demonstration of melanin within middle ear mucosa without melanocytes in immediate proximity or metastatic melanocytic lesions. Melanin's presence in the setting of inflammation suggests that there may be a heretofore unreported link between the pigmentary and immune systems in the middle ear. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:E241–E244, 2014
From microbiology to cancer biology: the Rid protein family prevents cellular damage caused by endogenously generated reactive nitrogen species.

Summary The Rid family of proteins is highly conserved and broadly distributed throughout the domains of life. Genetic and biochemical studies, primarily in Salmonella enterica, have defined a role for RidA in responding to endogenously generated reactive metabolites. The data show that 2-aminoacrylate (2AA), a reactive enamine intermediate generated by some pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes, accumulates in the absence of RidA. The accumulation of 2AA leads to covalent modification and inactivation of several enzymes involved in essential metabolic processes. This review describes the 2AA hydrolyzing activity of RidA and the effect of this biochemical activity on the metabolic network, which impacts organism fitness. The reported activity of RidA and the consequences encountered in vivo when RidA is absent have challenged fundamental assumptions in enzymology, biochemistry and cell metabolism regarding the fate of transiently generated reactive enamine intermediates. The current understanding of RidA in Salmonella and the broad distribution of Rid family proteins provide exciting opportunities for future studies to define metabolic roles of Rid family members from microbes to man.
Culture and Rights: Anthropological Perspectives.

Culture and Rights: Anthropological Perspectives. Jane K. Cowan. Marie-Benedicte Dembour. and Richard A. Wilson. eds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. 258 pp.
Perceived communication skill needs for work groups

The purpose of this paper is to identify communication skills recognized as essential for success in work group contexts. Results from interviews and a survey conducted with a sample of personnel managers identified communication skills considered important for success in work group settings, the most critical of which was effective listening. The abilities to receive information and later transmit that information to fellow group members, and to give effective informative presentations in a group setting were characterized as the least crucial of the skills identified. Implications for group research and pedagogy are discussed.
Role of cytomegalovirus in cardiac allograft vasculopathy

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is the most common cause of death and retransplantation following heart transplantation, and about 10% of patients per year have evidence of accelerated vascular disease; 50% at 5 years. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been associated with accelerated cardiac vasculopathy and decreased 5-year survival. Prophylactic therapy using ganciclovir has reduced the incidence of CMV disease, but not in the group at highest risk, namely the seronegative recipient of an allograft from a seropositive donor (D+/R-). Combination prophylaxis consisting of CMV hyperimmune globulin (CMV-IGIV) plus ganciclovir is associated with decreased intimal thickening, reduced coronary artery disease and obliterative bronchiolitis, and improved survival.
Development of the Thermal Flash Method for Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers

The transient thermal flash technique, originally developed for testing low thermal diffusivity micro/nanofibers, was implemented for measuring the thermal conductivity of vapor-grown carbon nanofibers. The present technique uses a microfabricated strip of gold, which acts both as a heater and a temperature sensor. The modifications were validated against commercially available carbon fibers (Pyrograf® – I from Applied Sciences, Inc. and Mitsubishi K13D2U) and the results obtained were seen to match values previously reported in the literature. The carbon nanofibers reported in this article were also obtained from Applied Sciences, Inc. and are known as PR-25, belonging to the Pyrograf® – III family of nanofibers. The thermal conductivities calculated based on the experimentally determined values of diffusivity along with the specific heat capacity and density of graphite were around 1100 W/m-K and 1700 W/m-K, respectively for the nanofibers heat treated to 1100 °C and 3000 °C.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Low-Temperature Transitions in Tetramethylammonium Manganese Chloride

We have measured the proton nuclear magnetic resonance of tetramethylammonium manganese chloride, a linear chain antiferromagnet, in the temperature region 0.4-300 K. In addition, its ac magnetic susceptibility was measured in applied fields of 0 to 22 kG in the temperature range 0.3-4.2 K. When measured along the crystallographic $c$ axis, the zero-field susceptibility had an anomaly at 0.84 K. When the external field was applied perpendicularly to the $c$ axis below 0.8 K, a critical field of 11.5 kG was observed in $\frac{\mathrm{dM}}{\mathrm{dB}}$. The proton NMR did not indicate any cooperative transition to a magnetically ordered state of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ spins. It did indicate, however, a gradual diminution of fluctuations in the crystallographic $\mathrm{ab}$ plane until a nonrandom order had been established between chains below approximately 0.8 K. We find that the tetramethylammonium groups cease all rotations below 39 K. In the region of 40 to 50 K, the tetramethylammonium groups not only undergo some hindered rotations, but their orientation is different from the published room-temperature x-ray diffraction results. Above 50 K only a single narrow NMR line is observed and, consequently, no additional information on the crystal structure could be obtained.
A Basic Three-dimensional Turbulent Boundary Layer Experiment to Test Second-Moment Closure Models

In this work, a three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer experiment was set up with stream-wise and alternating span-wise pressure gradients, which are generated as a result of the test section wavy side wall shape. Each side had six sine waves with an amplitude to wavelength ratio 2a of 0.25. Boundary layer control was used so that the flow over the side walls remains attached. Waves of streamwise vorticity and high free-stream turbulence intensity levels of about 12% were produced. The mean flow velocity components as well as turbulent fluctuations were measured using Laser Doppler Velocimetry. Velocity profiles spanwise of the test section centerline are highly three dimensional with multiple peaks in the normal stresses and triple products profiles. Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) transport budgets were performed for all profiles and the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate is estimated. Velocity spectral measurements were also made and an independent estimate of the kinetic energy dissipation rate is made, which agrees well with the TKE transport equation estimates. The resulting structure of this well documented flow is complex and unconventional, which makes this geometry a challenging test case for CFD.
Thermal environment affects hair coat development of Norway rats

Abstract Newborn rats have limited homeothermic capabilities and little insulation. Nevertheless, rats flourish in diverse thermal environments. We hypothesized that the environmental temperature influences the development of their hair coat insulation. Rats were housed from birth (0 d) in either a cool (17 °C), moderate (25 °C), or warm (33 °C) environment. Measures were recorded from young juveniles (22 d), old juveniles (43 d), and young adults (85 d). Cool-housed rats were found to develop greater body and coat mass and a higher coat mass to body mass ratio than warm-reared rats. These results indicate that thermal environment affects the growth of the hair coat insulation of developing rats.
Swelling and outgassing of heavily-irradiated lithium hydride

Abstract Twenty-two years worth of data on lithium deuteride-tritide (Li(D, T)) from three national laboratories is presented. The percent linear swelling and the outgassing of hydrogen isotopes and 3 He for samples stored at 243 to 438 K are presented in summary tables. In some cases, up to a full half-life of tritium (12 years) has been spent in the study. Initial tritium concentrations range from 2 to 98 at%. The precision of the swelling is considered, and the evidence is ambiguous as to whether temperature cycling and handling affects swelling. The early outgassing is all hydrogen, but it turns to helium at long lines. The outgassing levels out for each sample but the amount outgassed varies wildly from sample to sample. At linear swellings beyond 11%, behavior becomes erratic. A maximum linear swelling of 23% is seen for one sample at 5000 days.
Local Metal and Deuterium Ordering in the Deuterated ZrTiNi C14 Laves Phase

Abstract Local structure of the hexagonal C14 Laves phase in an annealed approximately equiatomic ZrTiNi alloy was studied before and after deuteration using neutron total scattering. Rietveld refinements of the P63/mmc AB2 model demonstrate that the A-sites are shared by Zr and Ti, whereas the two non-equivalent B-sites are occupied by a mixture of Ti and Ni. Reverse Monte Carlo refinements using a joint fit of the neutron total scattering data in real and reciprocal spaces revealed significant short-range ordering of Ti and Ni on the B-sites. The refined Ti–Ni nearest-neighbor distances are appreciably shorter than the corresponding Ti–Ti and Ni–Ni distances. Nevertheless, the differences in the effective sizes of chemically distinct tetrahedral interstices (i.e. [Zr2Ti2], [Zr2TiNi], [Zr2Ni2], etc.), which are important for hydrogen absorption, remain rather small. Rietveld refinements of the structure of the deuterated sample TiZrNiD2.14 confirmed that deuterium occupies various [A2B2] tetrahedral interstices. RMC refinements suggested a strong preferential occupation of deuterium in the [Zr2Ti2] and [Zr2TiNi] tetrahedra whereas the [Zr2Ni2] sites remained nearly empty. These results support earlier models which predicted preferential occupancy by hydrogen in sites coordinated by metals that form the most stable binary hydrides. The deuterium atoms in the [Zr2TiNi] tetrahedra are displaced toward Ni. X-ray absorption near-edge structure measured for Ti, Zr, and Ni K-edges demonstrated that deuteration is accompanied by the reduction in the density of unoccupied electronic states (just above the Fermi level) associated with Ti and Zr.
Modeling Aggregate Choice for Form and Function Through Metaconjoint Analysis

In the previous work, meta-attributes have been used to model the relationship between two groups of disparate product attributes. There, preference for form, function, and the relationship between the two were modeled for individual consumers. However, this approach is limited as designers are often called on to choose a design that best appeals to a group of consumers, not individuals. This work expands on the concept and makes it more generally applicable by adapting metaconjoint to model aggregate choice for consumer groups. The results from this work show that a metaconjoint approach can be used to model aggregate choice for form and function and can yield better results on holdout sample predictions than form or function alone.
Aspects of Resolution Degradation in a Nuclear Pulse Analyzer System

Common causes of resolution degradation are discussed for low and high count rates. Previous works have presented signal/noise versus shaping networks for Johnson noise and 1/f2 noise. Equations are derived here to include l/f noise, which is found to be significant. Results are presented for peak-height change versus input rise time for different shaping networks. For high count rates, the need for an amplifierwithlongtime constants and the use of a baseline restorer are discussed. A restorer and deadtime gating circuits are presented, along with experimental results.
Quantification of extracellular UDP-galactose

The human P2Y(14) receptor is potently activated by UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc), UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), and UDP-glucuronic acid. Recently, cellular release of UDP-Glc and UDP-GlcNAc has been reported, but whether additional UDP-sugars are endogenous agonists for the P2Y(14) receptor remains poorly defined. In the present study, we describe an assay for the quantification of UDP-Gal with subnanomolar sensitivity. This assay is based on the enzymatic conversion of UDP-Gal to UDP, using 1-4-beta-galactosyltransferase. UDP is subsequently phosphorylated by nucleoside diphosphokinase in the presence of [gamma-(32)P]ATP and the formation of [gamma-(32)P]UTP is monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. The overall conversion of UDP-Gal to [gamma-(32)P]UTP was linear between 0.5 and 30 nM UDP-Gal. Extracellular UDP-Gal was detected on resting cultures of various cell types, and increased release of UDP-Gal was observed in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells stimulated with the protease-activated receptor agonist thrombin. The occurrence of regulated release of UDP-Gal suggests that, in addition to its role in glycosylation reactions, UDP-Gal is an important extracellular signaling molecule.
Viewpoint: “Customized competitiveness” strategies for horticultural exporters – Central America focus with lessons from and for other regions

Abstract This paper presents the idea of “customized competitiveness” as a strategy necessary for overall competitiveness in particular in globalized horticulture markets and in the “second round” of globalization that started in the mid/late 1990s. Customized competitiveness is additional and complementary to basic “structural competitiveness” that is the focus of competitiveness debates today and for the past decade. The paper illustrates the need for this new strategy, using the example of Central America, highlighting the severe challenges (similar to those facing other developing regions) it faces in the second round of globalization of horticulture markets, magnified by market liberalization culminating recently in implementation of CAFTA. The paper then illustrates “solutions” by providing examples of cutting-edge programs in various developing countries of de facto “customized competitiveness” in the form of public–private partnerships and the provision of public and semi-public goods, to help their exporters access and succeed in the new markets. We conclude with policy implications for Central America and other developing regions.
Preparation of Oligogermanes via the Hydrogermolysis Reaction

The hydrogermolysis reaction has been shown to be useful for the formation of germanium−germanium bonds. The Ge−Ge bond forming reaction involves a germanium amide and a germanium hydride and requires the use of acetonitrile as the solvent. A key factor in the formation of the Ge−Ge bond involves reaction of the germanium amide R3GeNMe2 with acetonitrile solvent to furnish an α-germylated nitrile R3GeCH2CN which contains a labile Ge−C bond. This species undergoes subsequent reaction with a germanium hydride R3GeH to form the Ge−Ge bond. Using this method, the digermanes Bun3GeGePh3 and Et3GeGePh3 have been obtained and their X-ray crystal structures have been determined. The preparation of three synthons for stepwise oligogermane chain buildup, R2Ge(NMe2)CH2CH2OEt (R = Et, Bu, Ph), has also been achieved. These synthons react with Ph3GeH in CH3CN to afford the corresponding digermanes, which in the case of R = Et and Bu undergo subsequent reaction with DIBAL-H to generate a digermane hydride. The ethyl an...
Insulin resistance of late pregnancy does not include the liver

Hyperinsulinemia was required to preserve normal intravenous glucose tolerance in late pregnancy in the rat (18 to 21 days' gestation). To evaluate the site and mechanism of this insulin resistance, insulin binding and action were measured in hepatocytes freshly isolated from control and gravid animals. As expected, glucose concentrations were lower, insulin levels were higher, and hepatocyte size increased in the pregnant animals. Insulin binding was similar in liver cells from the two groups. No difference was found in sensitivity or responsiveness of insulin-stimulated net 14C-glucose incorporation into glycogen in the hepatocytes from the control and gravid rats. These results suggest that the well-documented, but ill-defined, insulin antagonism of late pregnancy does not include the liver and is a postreceptor defect, most likely residing in muscle tissue.
Phosphorylation within an Autoinhibitory Domain in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Reduces the Ca2+ Concentrations Required for Calmodulin To Bind and Activate the Enzyme

We have investigated the effects of phosphorylation at Ser-617 and Ser-635 within an autoinhibitory domain (residues 595-639) in bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase on enzyme activity and the Ca (2+) dependencies for calmodulin binding and enzyme activation. A phosphomimetic S617D substitution doubles the maximum calmodulin-dependent enzyme activity and decreases the EC 50(Ca (2+)) values for calmodulin binding and enzyme activation from the wild-type values of 180 +/- 2 and 397 +/- 23 nM to values of 109 +/- 2 and 258 +/- 11 nM, respectively. Deletion of the autoinhibitory domain also doubles the maximum calmodulin-dependent enzyme activity and decreases the EC 50(Ca (2+)) values for calmodulin binding and calmodulin-dependent enzyme activation to 65 +/- 4 and 118 +/- 4 nM, respectively. An S635D substitution has little or no effect on enzyme activity or EC 50(Ca (2+)) values, either alone or when combined with the S617D substitution. These results suggest that phosphorylation at Ser-617 partially reverses suppression by the autoinhibitory domain. Associated effects on the EC 50(Ca (2+)) values and maximum calmodulin-dependent enzyme activity are predicted to contribute equally to phosphorylation-dependent enhancement of NO production during a typical agonist-evoked Ca (2+) transient, while the reduction in EC 50(Ca (2+)) values is predicted to be the major contributor to enhancement at resting free Ca (2+) concentrations.
Sample path convergence of stable markov processes

In recent years several people [5, 6, 8] have sharpened the Krylov-Bogoliubov topological decomposition of a compact space relative to a Markov operator (due to Bebutov [1]) but at the cost of introducing the quite stringent condition of uniform mean stability. One of the authors [9] has shown that a portion of this theory holds under the weaker condition that the operator be stable, that is takes continuous functions into continuous functions. (For example, this Condition guarantees that the union of the ergodic sets is closed.) In this paper we extend the results of [5] concerning the sample path behavior of the Markov processes by showing that the convergence of the paths to ergodic sets and ergodic kernels holds under the condition of stability. We also clarify the relationship between our Krylov-Bogoliubov type of ergodic decompositon and Foguel's recent topological analogue of Hopf's ergodic decomposition [4].
The phagokinetic tracks of 3T3 cells

This paper describes a technique of visualizing tracks of cultured cells moving on a glass substrate covered with gold particles. It leads to the following observations: -If the tracks of many cells are examined, cell line characteristic track patterns become apparent. -In several cases, second or third generation descendents of 3T3 cells were observed to repeat track patterns of their ancestor cell. -If a 3T3 cell collides with another 3T3 cell or a nonmigrating BSC-1 cell, it forms an outgoing track from the impact area as if the cell was elastically reflected at the target.
Coupled Radiation Effects in Thermochemical Nonequilibrium Shock-Capturing Flowfield Calculations

Lunar and Mars return conditions are examined using the LAURA flowfield code and the LORAN radiation code to assess the effect of radiative coupling on axisymmetric thermochemical nonequilibrium flows. Coupling of the two codes is achieved iteratively. Special treatment required to couple radiation in a shock-capturing method is discussed. Results indicate that while coupling effects are generally the same as occur in equilibrium flows, under certain conditions radiation can modify the chemical kinetics of a nonequilibrium flow and thus alter relaxation processes. Coupling effects are found to be small for all cases considered, except for a five meter diameter aerobrake returning from Mars at 13.6~km/sec.
Importance of electrode/zirconia interface morphology in high-temperature solid electrolyte cells

The role of electrode/electrolyte interface morphology in the overall polarization behaviour of high-temperature solid electrolyte cells has been studied. Carefully prepared and polished scandia-stabilized zirconia discs with sputtered platinum electrodes were examined using electron microscopy and electrical polarization techniques. Initially non-porous sputtered platinum electrodes were ‘conditioned’ by a progressive treatment to generate artificial porosity. This eliminated subsequent time-dependent changes in the interface-related impedance of such cells. After prolonged use, the anode and cathode morphologies were found to be distinctly different from each other.
Development of creative processes in children

The major creative processes in children are reviewed with a focus on affective processes and children's play.
Primary Papilloma of the Trachea

Abstract A patient is reported who had primary papilloma of the trachea and sarcoidosis. Treatment consisted of resection of the tumor with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Factors of suicide ideation and their relation to clinical and other indicators in older adults.

Abstract Background Research on the factor structures of the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI; [Beck, A.T., Kovacs, M., Weissman, M., 1979. Assessment of suicidal intention: the Scale for Suicide Ideation. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 47, 343–352]) and the Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation (MSSI; [Miller, I.W., Norman. W.H., Bishop, S.B., and Dow, M.G., 1986. The modified scale for suicidal ideation: reliability and validity. J Consult Clin Psychol, 54, 724–725]) in younger adults have tended to yield two factor solutions. The purpose of the current study was to examine the factor structure of the SSI in an older population in order to determine whether the factor structure was similar and, if so, whether the factors related to other clinical and demographic correlates. Methods 199 participants (M age 57, S.D.) were selected from a combined database of psychiatric outpatients and inpatients over the age of 49 currently experiencing suicidal ideation. Principal axis factoring was used in order to determine the factor structure of the SSI. In addition, we ran correlations and regression analyses to determine the relation of each factor with other clinical and demographic correlates. Results Consistent with prediction, we found a two-factor solution. Also consistent with predictions, clinical and demographic correlates related differentially to each of the factors. Limitations The relatively small sample size and the fact that our sample was predominantly Caucasian. Conclusion The current study has provided data on the factor structure of the SSI in an older population, demonstrating that suicidal ideation in this group is similar to younger age groups.
Studies on Species of Asclepias. VIII. Determination of Vein Islet Numbers

The determination of vein islet numbers for 6 species of the genus Asclepias is described. After these numbers are obtained, their reliability as diagnostic aids in the differentiation of closely related species is determined by the application of the “Statistical Quality Control Chart Technique” of industry. By the use of this method, it is possible to distinguish one species from another.
Rape as a Social Problem: A Byproduct of the Feminist Movement

I analyze the anti-rape movement from a theoretical perspective, emphasizing interest-group formation and action and the generation of social problems by social movements. Although a variety of interst groups have expressed increasing concern over forcible rape, thus contributing to its definition as a social problem, the feminist perspective represents the most active and vocal of anti-rape interests. The activities and analyses of anti-rape forces in three areas are examined: at the community level, in the legislative arena, and in the judicial sphere. Although there has been resistance to the feminist challenge of traditional definitions of rape within each arena, much has been accomplished. The process of defining rape as a serious social problem continues.
Deconstructing protein structure.

Proteins are responsible for many important cellular functions, and in order to fulfrtl its role, each protein must fold correctly into a unique three-dimensional structure. Three decades of research on a wide variety of proteins have confirmed Anfinsen’s originaI demonstration that the primary ammo acid sequence encodes all the information necessary for a protein to fold into this threedimensional form.
Quantifying the Spatial Organization of Bacterial Ribosomes using Three-Dimensional Super-Resolution Microscopy

Correctly localizing proteins is essential for many biological processes. Since bacteria lack organelles compartmentalizing transcription and translation, it is possible that the site of protein synthesis is organized around the location of the corresponding gene. This would provide a mechanism to create a high local concentration of a specific protein. Past work supports this hypothesis of complete spatial and temporal overlap between the positions of active ribosomes and the corresponding gene (model 1). However, other results support a conflicting model with separation (on the order of hundreds of nanometers) between the gene and its site of translation (model 2). The latter case also implies that transcription and translation do not occur simultaneously. The small size of bacteria prohibits using conventional fluorescence imaging to determine the positions of individual ribosomes. To overcome this, we apply the method of 3D super-resolution microscopy which reveals individual ribosome position with tens of nanometer precision. In order to distinguish between models 1 and 2, we combine 3D super-resolution microscopy with the translation level of individual genes mapped to cell position on a population of Caulobacter crescentus cells in the same developmental state. According to model 1, high spatial density of ribosomes correlates with the positions of highly translated genes on the chromosome. We quantify the level of correlation for individual cells and compare the correlation with simulated ribosome positions from model probability distributions. Combining high resolution single molecule information with translation profiling data reveals the underlying spatial heterogeneity of ribosome organization on a well-defined system.
Precision Farming and the New Information Technology: Implications for Farm Management, Policy, and Research: Discussion

challenges created by precision farming technology. Wolf and Buttel concentrate on the potential role of precision farming in structural change. Sonka and Coaldrake see precision farming as part of the larger context of information technology applications in agriculture. Precision farming is a young technology and these perspectives reflect the uncertainty about its eventual role in crop production and the consequences of that role. One characteristic that these papers have in common is that they are rather distant from the "bleeding edge of technology" and the concerns of the farmers, agribusiness people, and researchers who struggle to make this technology practical and profitable. This discussion will attempt to take a perspective closer to the fray and to focus on three areas which were not well developed in the papers: (a) historical context, (b) the status of economic research on precision farming, and (c) opportunities for agricultural economists created by this technology.
A multinational study of psychiatric nursing staffs' beliefs and concerns about work safety and patient assault

In an effort to understand beliefs and concerns about work safety and patient assault, the author describes the results of a multinational survey of 999 nursing staff members working in psychiatric facilities across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and South Africa. Although the majority of the sample (75%) reported being physically assaulted at least once during their careers, 62% responded that they felt safe in their work environment most of the time. Significant differences were found among the nurses with regard to beliefs about adequacy of staffing, safety of the physical environment, admission of assaultive patients, expectations about being victims of assault, overall level of safety, and taking legal action against a patient. A significant difference in attitudes was also found among nursing staff members, who reported previous assaults. They believed that assaults are expected events in their work with psychiatric patients.
Functional Alterations in Memory Networks in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

The hallmark clinical symptom of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is episodic memory impairment. Recent functional imaging studies suggest that memory function is subserved by a set of distributed networks, which include both the medial temporal lobe (MTL) system and the set of cortical regions collectively referred to as the default network. Specific regions of the default network, in particular, the posteromedial cortices, including the precuneus and posterior cingulate, are selectively vulnerable to early amyloid deposition in AD. These regions are also thought to play a key role in both memory encoding and retrieval, and are strongly functionally connected to the MTL. Multiple functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies during memory tasks have revealed alterations in these networks in patients with clinical AD. Similar functional abnormalities have been detected in subjects at-risk for AD, including those with genetic risk and older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Recently, we and other groups have found evidence of functional alterations in these memory networks even among cognitively intact older individuals with occult amyloid pathology, detected by PET amyloid imaging. Taken together, these findings suggest that the pathophysiological process of AD exerts specific deleterious effects on these distributed memory circuits, even prior to clinical manifestations of significant memory impairment. Interestingly, some of the functional alterations seen in prodromal AD subjects have taken the form of increases in activity relative to baseline, rather than a loss of activity. It remains unclear whether these increases in fMRI activity may be compensatory to maintain memory performance in the setting of early AD pathology or instead, represent evidence of excitotoxicity and impending neuronal failure. Recent studies have also revealed disruption of the intrinsic connectivity of these networks observable even during the resting state in early AD and asymptomatic individuals with high amyloid burden. Research is ongoing to determine if these early network alterations will serve as sensitive predictors of clinical decline, and eventually, as markers of pharmacological response to potential disease-modifying treatments for AD.
Junking corporate America

A firestorm of deals and debt consumed corporate America during the 1980s. Some contend that this deal mania, and the junk debt that fueled it, enhanced the nation's economic performance and bolstered its global competitiveness. Viewed in the context of its aftermath, however, the evidence suggests that a decade of junk‐debt deals subverted economic performance, weakened the country's economy and rendered it dangerously vulnerable to recession, and inflicted a massive opportunity cost vis‐a‐vis America's foreign rivals.
Architecture aware semi partitioned real-time scheduling on multicore platforms

As real-time embedded systems integrate more and more functionality, they are demanding increasing amounts of computational power that can only be met by deploying them on powerful and scalable multicore architectures. The use of multicore architectures with on-chip memory hierarchies and shared communication infrastructure in the context of real-time systems poses several challenges for task scheduling. Semi-partitioned scheduling algorithms form a middle ground between the two extreme approaches, namely global and partitioned scheduling. In such an algorithm, a subset of tasks are partitioned onto cores and the remaining tasks are allowed to migrate in a pre-specified manner. By making most tasks non-migrating (partitioned), runtime migration overhead is minimized. On the other hand, by allowing some tasks to migrate among cores, schedulability is improved. In this paper, we present a predictable semi-partitioned scheduling algorithm for independent hard-real-time sporadic tasks executing on homogeneous multicore platforms using cache locking and locked cache migration. As part of the semi-partitioned scheduling algorithm, we propose two different task ordering schemes and two different schemes for the initial partitioning phase. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes in comparison to existing state-of-the-art techniques.
Riboflavin: Inhibitory Effects on Receptors, G-Proteins, and Adenylate Cyclase

Riboflavin inhibited binding of both agonist and antagonist radioligands to rat brain A(1)-adenosine receptors with K(i) values of approximately 10 µM. In an adenylate cyclase assay with membrane preparations from either rat adipocytes or DDT MF-2 cells, both of which contain A(1)-adenosine receptors, riboflavin inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cyclase activity with an IC(50) of approximately 20 µM. However, the inhibition of cyclase by riboflavin was not reversed by an A(1)-selective antagonist, nor by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Thus, neither A(1)-receptors nor G(i)-proteins appear critically involved in the inhibition of cyclase by riboflavin. Riboflavin did block the stimulation by an adenosine analog of [(35)S]GTPγS binding in rat cerebral cortical membranes. However, riboflavin also inhibited the stimulation by fMLP of [(35)S]GTPγS binding in HL-60 cell membranes. Riboflavin inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclase in membranes from DDT MF-2 cells > rat adipocytes > PC12 cells, hamster CHO M2 cells, and wild-type S49 cells. There was virtually no inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclase in membranes of human platelets, rat cerebral cortex, or cyc(-)S49 cells lacking G(s)-proteins. The calcium-stimulated cyclase in rat cerebral cortical membranes was inhibited by riboflavin. A preincubation of membranes with riboflavin markedly enhanced the inhibition for DDT MF-2 and wild-type and cyc(-)S49 membranes. The extent of inhibition in the different cell lines was dependent on the agent used to stimulate cyclase. Riboflavin, like the P-site inhibitor 2´,5´-dideoxyadenosine, was more potent and efficacious when manganese instead of forskolin was used as the stimulant. However, unlike the P-site inhibitor, riboflavin did not markedly inhibit GppNHp- or fluoride-stimulated cyclase. Riboflavin at low micromolar concentrations appears to have three possibly interrelated effects on second messenger systems subserved by G-proteins. These are antagonism at A(1)-adenosine receptors, inhibition of turnover of guanyl nucleotides at G-proteins, and inhibition of adenylate cyclase.
Alienation in the United States: Uniform or Group-Specific Change?

“Alienation,” in the sense of disenchantment with core institutions of society, increased after the mid-1960s. Most accounts hold that the rise in alienation was uniform across all groups. This paper evaluates the hypothesis of uniform change using data from the Harris Polls. We find evidence of both short-term and long-term shifts in patterns of alienation. Blacks and low-income people are less alienated under Democratic than under Republican administrations. Over the long term, increases in alienation have been larger among women and people without a college degree.
Recurrent Bullous Retinal Detachments From Photodynamic Therapy for Idiopathic Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Purpose To report the recurrent bullous retinal detachments as complications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). Design Interventional case report. Methods A pseudophakic 84-year-old-woman had IPCV and decreased vision. Angiography demonstrated macular leakage. PDT with verteporfin was applied. Two days later, visual acuity decreased from 20/50 to 20/400. Examination revealed extensive inferior subretinal fluid, which mimicked a pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A scleral buckle was placed; no retinal breaks were identified. Results Vision and fluid resolved over three weeks. Four months later, examination revealed decreased vision and persistent leakage. Two days after repeat PDT, bullous exudative macular detachment recurred. Detachment resolved over two weeks; visual acuity returned to 20/50. Conclusion IPCV that is treated with PDT may be complicated by iatrogenic bullous exudative retinal detachments that resemble rhegmatogenous detachments. Modified treatment parameters may reduce the risk of recurrence. The natural history likely includes spontaneous resolution and visual recovery.
Group development: Extending tuckman's theory

Abstract Graduate students in group work find Tuckman's theory of the stages of group development too limiting. In this article the author adds a second level to clarify the stages of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Fibonacci in The Curriculum: Not Just a Bad Recurrence

As an advocate of infusing various algorithmic and mathematical aspects when teaching about programming, I have come to realize that an early such practice is essential for a rounded computer science education. In this paper, I show how this can be done while focusing on one theme: Fibonacci.Perhaps the most common use of Fibonacci has been to show the power of recurrence in implementing the Fibonacci sequence, which is often accompanied by a caveat that it is not the best implementation (very slow). Nevertheless, the sequence, with its rabbit story and celebrated golden ratio, is a rather exciting "gadget" for many students and it often pays off to introduce it. Therefore, I explore ways to use Fibonacci (the binary word) and the golden ratio for guiding implementation, and to successfully convey an important message of computer science that programming is not just about writing code. This will be done in the context of one dimensional and two dimensional arrays.
Multiple stem cell populations contribute to the formation of the myocardium

Owing to the very rapid growth of the vertebrate embryo following fertilization, an efficient circulatory system needs to be established during the initial stages of development. For that reason, the first functional organ that develops in both the bird and mammalian embryo is the heart. Until recently, the narrative of cardiac development was portrayed in a straightforward manner, with all the myocardium in the mature heart being generated from the expansion of an original pool of myocardial cells present in the early gastrula. It is now known that the story of the developing myocardium is more dynamic, as it is comprises cellular components of multiple ancestries. The de novo addition of myocytes to the developing heart occurs at various points during embryogenesis, as cardiac muscle takes on new members by the absorption of cells that either reside in neighboring nonmuscle tissue or come into contact with the myocardium by entering the heart upon migration or via the circulation. This article reviews what is presently known about cellular populations that contribute to the myocardium and examine reasons why the embryo utilizes multiple cellular sources for forming the cardiac muscle.
Regulation of a voltage-dependent, calcium-activated K conductance by cyclic GMP in dissociated flounder enterocytes.

Enterocytes from the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) were isolated by collagenase digestion and maintained in flounder Ringer's solution. Whole cell currents were studied using the amphotericin-perforated whole-cell patch clamp technique. The mean resting membrane potential and capacitance values or dissociated cells were-45±7 mV and 5±0.4 pF, respectively. Enterocytes held at-20 mV and treated with 1 μmol·l-1 ionomycin exhibited outward currents when cells were stepped through a series of voltages from-60 to +110 mV. The reversal potential of this current in flounder Ringer's solution was-55 mV and the voltage at which half-maximal activation occurred was +20 mV. Voltage-dependent inhibition of outward current was observed at +60 mV and above. When cells were bathed in symmetric K Ringer's solution the reversal potential shifted to zero mV and no inhibition of current was observed at voltages between-60 and 140 mV. When the holding potential of the cell was changed from-20 to-80 mV and stepped from-60 to +110 mV, a second [previously characterized, O'Grady et al. (1991)] K current with delayed-rectifier properties was identified. This observation demonstrated that the delayed rectifier K channel and the Ca2+-activated K channel described in this study exist in the same cell. Extracellular addition of 2 mmol·l-1 Ba2+ to cells bathed in symmetric K Ringer's solution resulted in nearly complete inhibition of outward current. Charybdotoxin produced only minor effects on this current. Addition of 8-Br cGMP to the bathing solution also inhibited outward current and this effect could be partially reversed following washout of 8-Br cGMP from the bathing solution. The results of this study indicated that a Ca2+-activated K conductance in winter flounder enterocytes is potentially inhibited by agents that increase intracellular cGMP. A similar effect of cGMP on a delayed rectifier K channel in flounder enterocytes was previously demonstrated.
Making Connections to Real Data and Peer-Review Literature: A Short Soil Exercise in a Geochemistry Class

ABSTRACT A class exercise was designed for a college-level geochemistry class to promote inquiry and student participation. In this exercise, real soil data available online was analyzed to evaluate geochemical associations among different soil orders and as a screening tool for anthropogenic metal contamination. Students were asked to read a peer-reviewed research article and use the methods in it as a model for analyzing their dataset. The exercise provided a setting to review and reflect on the changes that rocks undergo to produce soils, with ion substitution and formation of clay minerals as key steps in this process. Both active learning and cooperative learning were involved. Students made decisions about which path to take toward reaching a common goal; they first worked independently and later discussed the results as a group, comparing between three statistical methods applied with the data with respect to their advantages and limitations. The real-life dataset exposed students to the common sho...
Three new assays for rituximab based on its immunological activity or antigenic properties: analyses of sera and plasmas of RTX-treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B cell lymphomas.

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody which targets CD20 and is approved for treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), with an approximate 50% overall response rate among NHL patients. Accurate determination of RTX concentrations in patient plasmas is important for proper dosing of patients and for correlating RTX concentrations with clinical responses. There is currently no assay available for RTX which utilizes easily obtainable commercial reagents. Therefore, we sought to develop such an assay, and in this report we describe three new assays for RTX concentration. One assay, based on flow cytometry, quantitates immunologically active RTX based on its ability to bind to CD20 on Raji cells. Two other methods, based on flow cytometry and ELISA, measure RTX based on its antigenic properties. The assays are accurate, in good agreement with one another, and can all measure RTX concentrations as low as approximately 1 microg/ml in both sera and plasmas. Use of these assays reveals that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients receiving RTX treatment have lower plasma RTX concentrations than patients with other B cell lymphomas at all times over the usual 4-week course of therapy. The level in CLL plasmas often declines to <1 microg/ml RTX 1 week after each RTX infusion, substantially lower than the values found in comparable non-CLL patient plasmas. RTX assay results also demonstrate that naive CLL patient plasmas do not have levels of non-cell associated CD20 sufficient to either interfere with an in vitro assay of RTX or to block the potential therapeutic action of RTX in vivo.
Workshop: Creating and refining knowledges, identities, and understandings in on-line communities

This two-day workshop examines the ways that on-line communities create and refine their shared resources, in-cluding both the formal and observable artifacts (docu-ments, chats, threads) and the less tangible conventions, roles, and identities in the community.
Integral solutions for transient fluid flow through a porous medium with pressure-dependent permeability

Abstract This paper presents an integral method for analyzing transient fluid flow through a porous medium, which has pressure-dependent permeability. Approximate analytical solutions have been obtained for one-dimensional linear and radial flow by an integral-solution technique, in which the density of the fluid, and the porosity and permeability of the formation, are treated as arbitrary functions of pressure. The integral solutions have been checked by comparison with exact solutions for constant-permeability cases and with numerical simulation results for general non-linear flow problems, and good agreement has been obtained for both cases. In the study of transient flow of fluids through porous media, intrinsic or absolute permeability of the formation has often been treated as a constant in order to avoid solving a non-linear problem. The present work shows that the assumption of a pressure-independent permeability may introduce significant errors for flow in certain pressure sensitive media. Application of the integral solutions to slightly compressible fluid flow in a horizontal fracture set is illustrated. The calculations show that neglect of changes in fracture permeability leads to large errors under the condition of high injection pressure.