cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute flavanol consumption improves the cerebral vasodilatory capacity in college-aged African Americans

New Findings What is the central question of this study? The purpose was to determine whether acute flavanol consumption improves cerebral vasodilatory capacity during rebreathing-induced hypercapnia in African Americans. What is the main finding and its importance? The reduced cerebral vasodilatory response to hypercapnia in young healthy African Americans was improved acutely following consumption of a flavanol-rich beverage. This may have important clinical implications regarding racial differences in cerebrovascular disease risk and possible interventional approaches to offset this risk. African Americans (AAs) have increased risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. African Americans have attenuated cerebral vasodilator capacity during hypercapnia relative to Caucasian Americans (CAs). This study tested the hypothesis, using a placebo-controlled crossover design, that acute flavanol consumption improves the range of change in cerebral vascular conductance [CVCI, (a)] and the maximal CVCI (y0) achieved during rebreathing-induced increases in end-tidal carbon dioxide tension. Fourteen college-aged AAs and 14 CAs participated. Both a and y0 were lower in AAs prior to flavanols (for a, AAs, 46 ± 16 versus CAs, 74 ± 18% CVCI, P < 0.001; and for y0, AAs, 151 ± 18 versus CAs, 176 ± 20% CVCI, P = 0.002); however, these variables were increased after flavanols such that there were no differences between groups (for a, AAs, 64 ± 19 versus CAs, 72 ± 22% CVCI, P = 0.35; and for y0, AAs, 166 ± 22 versus CAs, 176 ± 22% CVCI, P = 0.26). Both a and y0 were also lower in AAs prior to placebo (for a, AAs, 52 ± 19 versus CAs, 76 ± 15% CVCI, P = 0.002; and for y0, AAs, 156 ± 20 versus CAs, 177 ± 21% CVCI, P = 0.015), and these differences remained following placebo (for a, AAs, 52 ± 17 versus CAs, 80 ± 20% CVCI, P < 0.001; and for y0, AAs, 152 ± 18 versus CAs, 181 ± 25% CVCI, P = 0.003). These data suggest that acute flavanol consumption improves cerebral vasodilatory capacity during hypercapnia in AAs.
Traditional Versus Economic Analysis: Evidence from Cardozo and Posner Torts Opinions

This Article contributes a new approach and evidence to the longstanding debate concerning the relative merits of traditional legal analysis compared to contemporary economic analysis of law. It evaluates prominent opinions of two judicial exemplars of the contending conceptions, the traditionalist Benjamin Cardozo and the economist Richard Posner, in torts, the field where economic analysis has greatest impact. Comparative critique of their opinions appearing in current torts casebooks, where they are the most ubiquitous judges, provides evidence that traditional legal analysis is a more capacious and persuasive basis of justification than contemporary economic analysis of law.
Prevention: Aspirin in primary prevention needs individual judgements.

In May 2014, the FDA astutely stated that any decision to use aspirin should be an individual clinical judgement by health-care providers. Almost simultaneously, the MESA investigators formulated, but did not test, a hypothesis that coronary artery calcification scoring might aid health-care providers in making this judgement.
Noncontacting acoustics-based temperature measurement techniques in rapid thermal processing

Temperature measurement of silicon wafers based on the temperature dependence of acoustic waves is studied. The change in the temperature-dependent dispersion relations of the plate modes through the wafer can be exploited to provide a viable temperature monitoring scheme with advantages over both thermocouples and pyrometers. Velocity measurements of acoustic waves through a thin layer of ambient directly above the wafer provides the temperature of the wafer-ambient interface. 1.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Body talk among college men: Content, correlates, and effects

Though researchers are beginning to examine body-related talk in women (often referred to as fat talk), little work has examined how men talk about their bodies with peers. The two studies presented in this article explore body talk among U.S. college men. First, an online survey examined the frequency with which college men engage in negative body talk, the content of these conversations, and the body image variables associated with engaging in this type of talk. Negative body talk in men was associated with drive for muscularity, eating disordered behavior, and appearance investment. Study 2 experimentally examined the effects of hearing male peers engage in negative body talk. Hearing muscle talk or fat talk caused decreased state appearance self-esteem and increased state body dissatisfaction. The correlates and consequences of negative body talk among men appear no less troubling than those identified among women.
Seasonal modulation of puberty and the postpartum anestrus in cattle: A review

Abstract While cattle are not usually considered seasonal breeders, both age at puberty and length of the postpartum anestrus can be modified by season. Specifically, autumn and winter environments during the first six months of life hasten puberty, while the same conditions after six months delay puberty. Cows calving in the winter have delayed resumption of estrous cycles compared with summer-calving cows. Effects of season interact in a complex manner with other environmental factors affecting reproduction, including breed, nutrition, level of milk production and suckling. While some seasonal variation is undoubtedly caused by variations in management, effects of season on puberty and the postpartum anestrus can be mimicked by altering day length, suggesting that photoperiod is one of the environmental stimuli responsible for seasonal effects. The physiological mechanisms by which season alters reproduction in cattle are unclear, but may include changes in folliculogenesis, secretion of luteinizing hormone and growth rate. Based on studies of prolactin secretion, photoperiodic signals are probably transmitted via the retina and pineal. It is suggested that the existence of seasonal effects on reproduction may create the propensity for spring and summer calving.
International Migration and Local Emplacement: Everyday Place-Making Practices of Skilled Migrants in Oslo, Norway

Literatures on skilled migration have predominantly investigated migration flows at the global and international scale, paying less attention to the local experiences of skilled migrants. Recently, scholars have called for studies that locally ground literatures on transnationalism and diasporas through studies of everyday practices. Such a perspective provides a more nuanced understanding of the local incorporation of skilled migrants and local politics of belonging. Drawing on an empirical study of foreign-born information technology specialists in Oslo, Norway, this paper investigates the ways in which skilled migrants create local spaces and places of belonging, and the actors and institutions that are involved in this place-making process. In particular, this paper brings together literatures on international migration, place, and belonging to provide insights into the local incorporation of skilled migrants. The findings underline the salience of history and locality in geographies of belonging, and...
Organizational and Professional Socialization: Its Impact on the Performance of New Administrators.

While interest in holding administrators accountable for school effectiveness has increased over the past decade, the quality of evaluation systems and corresponding assessments of their performance has not. Few empirical studies have focused on evaluating the performance of new administrators as they carry out important functions of their role, so little is known about the process of socialization and how it may affect the beginning administrator's job performance. The purpose of this study was to propose and test a model of socialization factors that may be related to the evaluation of new elementary and secondary assistant principals' job performance. These factors were grouped into three major sets: individual demographics, professional socialization (i.e., type of administrative preparation), and organizational socialization (e.g., school context).
Getting ahead: organizational practices that set boundaries around mobility patterns

An organizational level empirical analysis of career advancement in organizations was conducted on a diverse sample of 318 mid to large size worksites in Georgia, USA. Two variables were used to indicate career advancement: (1) emphasis on upward mobility of non-management employees to other non-management positions; and (2) the movement of non-management employees into management. Two sets of organizational variables are differentially related to the two different indicators of career advancement. Organizational structural variables are more likely to be related to upward mobility within the non-management ranks, and demographic variables are more likely to be related to across-category movement from non-management to management. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced insulatorlike electron transport behavior of thermally tuned quasicrystalline states of Al-Pd-Re alloys.

Low temperature annealing of insulatinglike AlPdRe icosahedral-quasicrystalline (iqc) samples has led to unexpected large changes in their transport properties, with resistivities at 0.45 K increasing from \ensuremath{\sim}1 to g 10 \ensuremath{\Omega} cm, but their electronic structure is apparently unaffected. These findings, which add evidence for quasiperiodic order effects on electronic properties, as well as the unusual low-$T$ ( 4.2 K) conductivity trend noted in the thermally tuned samples, underline fundamental differences between iqc and conventional materials that exhibit electron localization.
Absorptioň, transmission and reflection spectra of molecular crystals☆

Abstract Microscopic Maxwell's equations have been solved for a plane S-polarized monochromatic light wave incident on a slab crystal M molecules thick. The exciton interactions between molecules are assumed to be of the point dipole type. The theory deals with the change in exciting electric field with distance from the surfaces in a rigorous way. A model calculation is presented to illustrate the way in which the reflection spectrum of a thick crystal evolves from the spectrum of a thin crystal.
Substituent effects on chemical hardness

It is shown that for a number of molecules there exists a Hammett-like equation for the chemical hardness or the HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Substituent effects can be factored out of the molecular hardness. Preliminary results show that a hardness substituent constant, similar to the Hammett σ-constant, can be defined and determined for each substituent. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
11th workshop on privacy in the electronic society

The need for privacy-aware policies, regulations, and techniques has been widely recognized. This workshop discusses the problems of privacy in the global interconnected societies and possible solutions. The 2012 Workshop, held in conjunction with the ACM CCS conference, is the eleventh in a yearly forum for papers on all the different aspects of privacy in today's electronic society.
Smad6 is essential to limit BMP signaling during cartilage development

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways regulate multiple aspects of endochondral bone formation. The importance of extracellular antagonists as regulators of BMP signaling has been defined. In vitro studies reveal that the intracellular regulators, inhibitory Smads 6 and 7, can regulate BMP-mediated effects on chondrocytes. Although in vivo studies in which inhibitory Smads were overexpressed in cartilage have shown that inhibitory Smads have the potential to limit BMP signaling in vivo, the physiological relevance of inhibitory Smad activity in skeletal tissues is unknown. In this study, we have determined the role of Smad6 in endochondral bone formation. Loss of Smad6 in mice leads to defects in both axial and appendicular skeletal development. Specifically, Smad6-/- mice exhibit a posterior transformation of the seventh cervical vertebra, bilateral ossification centers in lumbar vertebrae, and bifid sternebrae due to incomplete sternal band fusion. Histological analysis of appendicular bones revealed delayed onset of hypertrophic differentiation and mineralization at midgestation in Smad6-/- mice. By late gestation, however, an expanded hypertrophic zone, associated with an increased pool of proliferating cells undergoing hypertrophy, was evident in Smad6 mutant growth plates. The mutant phenotype is attributed, at least in part, to increased BMP responsiveness in Smad6-deficient chondrocytes. Overall, our results show that Smad6 is required to limit BMP signaling during endochondral bone formation.
Social movements for sustainable agriculture in France: A polanyian perspective

Several strands of social movement activism have recently coalesced in France to push a new agenda for sustainable agriculture into the policy arena. Activist groups are forming alliances nationally and across Europe to devise common strategies. The emergence of collective action by these groups has been undertheorized in social science literature dealing with sustainable agriculture. This article suggests one approach to bridging this knowledge gap by considering the origins of these movements in the context of theory based on Karl Polanyi's (1957) book, The Great Transformation. Viewed as examples of Polanyi's concept of the double movement of societal self‐protection, the histories and goals of these groups are interpreted as reflecting an ongoing struggle to define a place for nonmarket social and environmental concerns that are threatened by an increasing emphasis on agricultural competitiveness in global markets.
Paramagnetic Fine Structure Spectrum of Cr +++ in a Single Ruby Crystal

The fine structure spectrum of the Cr + + + paramagnetic resonance line in a single ruby crystal has been studied at 300°K. From the measurements it is found that the zero-field splitting of the spin levels is 2(0.193 ± 0.001) cm -1 and the spectroscopic splitting factors are g || = 2.003 ± 0.006 and g ⊥ = 2.00±0.02.
Are Anti-inflammatory Therapies Viable Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders?: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

These data re-vealreliableassociationsofinflammatorymarkerswithpsychiatricdisorders,theinductionofpsychiatricsymp-tomsfollowingadministrationofinflammatorystimuli,theassociationofinflammation-relatedgeneswithpsy-chiatricdisease,andtheelucidationofneurobiologicaland immunological mechanisms by which inflamma-tion targets neurotransmitters and neurocircuits tochange behavior. Nevertheless, whether therapeuticstrategiesthatinhibitinflammationwillbeeffectiveintreatingpsychiatricillnessesremainsunclear.Thisques-tionisnottrivialgiventhepressingneedfornovelthera-peuticsbasedonthehighratesoftreatmentresistanceacross disorders and on our relatively limited psycho-pharmacologicrepertoire.Asreflectedinrecentreviewsoftheefficacyofanti-inflammatorydrugsintreatingdepressionandschizo-phrenia, including a recent meta-analysis on depres-sion published in
1389 SEX DIFFERENCES IN LUNG AND ADRENAL NEUROSYMPATHETIC DEVELOPMENT

Adrenergic mechanisms are known to be important in the synthesis and release of pulmonary surfactant and in the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We studied neuro-sympathetic development in the lung and adrenal glands in male (M) and female (F) fetal and newborn rabbits. Tissue levels of catecholamines, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA) were measured using a sensitive radioenzymatic assay. Beta adrenergic receptor development in the lung was studied using the tritiated radioligand dihydroalprenolol. Neurosympathetic innervation of the lung was assessed by measuring tissue NE levels which increased gradually from 27 day fetuses to 8 day old newborns. Sex differences were not significant. Lung β-receptor number was significantly elevated in F over M at each gestational age and throughout the neonatal time period investigated (p<0.005) Adrenal gland content of E, NE and DA increased exponentially with advancing developmental age (p<.005). Adrenal E was significantly (p<.01) elevated in F as compared to M fetuses as was the proportion of E. Adrenal NE and DA were similar in M and F fetuses. Sex differences were not significant in the newborn animals. Conclusions: 1) Lung β receptor development but not innervation is accelerated in F fetuses; 2) Adrenal maturation is accelerated in F fetuses; 3) Delayed neurosympathetic and neurohumoral development may explain the male susceptibility to RDS.
Capacitive immunosensing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and protein conjugates

A capacitive immunosensor for the detection of the interaction between benzo[a]pyrene-bovine serum albumin (BaP-BSA) and a monoclonal antibody (designated as MAb10c10) specific to BaP has been developed. MAb10c10 was immobilized on a gold electrode through a self-assembled monolayer of cystamine. Linear sweep voltammetry showed that the charging current decreased with BaP-BSA binding to the antibody on the electrode, and calibration curves were constructed for BaP-BSA and Pyrene-BSA in the range of 0.01 μM-6.00 μM. Selectivity over structurally related analytes is observed.
A rough set approach to attribute generalization in data mining

Abstract This paper presents a method for updating approximations of a concept incrementally. The results can be used to implement a quasi-incremental algorithm for learning classification rules from very large data bases generalized by dynamic conceptual hierarchies provided by users. In general, the process of attribute generalization may introduce inconsistency into a generalized relation. This issue is resolved by using the inductive learning algorithm, LERS based on rough set theory.
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding and cooperative interactions in carbohydrates via the molecular tailoring approach.

In spite of many theoretical and experimental attempts for understanding intramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) in carbohydrates, a direct quantification of individual intramolecular H-bond energies and the cooperativity among the H-bonded networks has not been reported in the literature. The present work attempts, for the first time, a direct estimation of individual intramolecular O−H···O interaction energies in sugar molecules using the recently developed molecular tailoring approach (MTA). The estimated H-bond energies are in the range of 1.2−4.1 kcal mol-1. It is seen that the OH···O equatorial−equatorial interaction energies lie between 1.8 and 2.5 kcal mol-1, with axial−equatorial ones being stronger (2.0−3.5 kcal mol-1). The strongest bonds are nonvicinal axial−axial H-bonds (3.0−4.1 kcal mol-1). This trend in H-bond energies is in agreement with the earlier reports based on the water−water H-bond angle, solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), and 1H NMR analysis. The contribution to the H-bo...
Covalent Protein−Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Efficient Delivery of Antisense Molecules

Antisense oligonucleotides have been covalently attached to asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) via disulfide bond conjugation chemistry. These conjugates were characterized extensively by an array of chemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic means. Multiple (approximately six) oligonucleotides can be conjugated to each ASGP molecule. The molecular conjugates were used to deliver antisense oligonucleotides complementary to the mRNA of the interleukin 6 signal transduction protein (gp130) to modulate the acute phase response of hepatoma (HepG2) cells in vitro. These conjugates were biologically active, as measured by inhibition of the cytokine-stimulated up-regulation of the acute phase protein haptoglobin. The level of inhibition was comparable to that found with previous technology featuring noncovalent complexes of ASGP−poly(l-lysine) and oligonucleotide. Because of the ability to control the stoichiometry of the conjugate and its unimolecular nature (as opposed to bimolecular for the noncovalent conjugates), ...
Biomedical meetings and biomedical journals: Vive la difference et vive la compagnie

Abstract Why do we continue to gather to meet to exchange medical knowledge more than 500 years after the invention of the printing press, 100 years after the telephone, and 20 years after the widespread use of email? We, the human race, have been transmitting information by multimedia—voice, face, and body language—into each other's ears and eyes (and noses) in caves around fires, at work, and on the trail, since well over 100 000 years ago. That communication is built on a foundation shared with many other primates and non-primate mammals. The origins of this communication are hundreds of millions of years old. Each newly input bit of this type of communication often needs to be processed immediately and responded to appropriately (food, hug, love, hit, bite, fight, and flight). The brain has had all this evolutionary time to build a complex, rich network of neurons to take it all in immediately, deal with it speedily, and save it for guidance in the future. (Also, ‘re-play’ is not usually a choice.) Writing is only 5000 years old and comes in through only the eyes. (The ears and nose are excluded from these communications.) The earliest surviving paintings, the predecessors of writing, are less than 30 000 years old and are an exclusive product of human evolution. The brain has had less time to build a rich response centre. Re-reading is common. Only in a minority of instances (e.g. STOP sign, High Voltage) is an immediate response demanded. In essence, the two distinct modes of communication complement one another. Vive la difference. Vive la compagnie. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Commentary We witnessed this complementarity at the recent Laniado Hospital/Bildirici Diabetes Center meeting in Israel. The public presentations from the speaker's platform stirred the minds and souls of the audience. We remember the presenter, we recall the overall message (but not the details), and we were emotionally moved by what we heard. Now we are publishing these papers in a medical journal to use the other mode of communication—the written word (cool, slow, reader's convenience, skip, and re-play). Each alone is good—the two together produce an unexplained but exhilarating synergy and a long-term meld of the warm emotion and cool reason. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of theta-burst TMS on cognitive control networks measured with resting state fMRI.

It has been proposed that two relatively independent cognitive control networks exist in the brain: the cingulo-opercular network (CO) and the fronto-parietal network (FP). Past work has shown that chronic brain lesions affect these networks independently. It remains unclear, however, how these two networks are affected by acute brain disruptions. To examine this, we conducted a within-subject theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) experiment in healthy individuals that targeted left anterior insula/frontal operculum (L aI/fO, a region in the CO network), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L dlPFC, a region in the FP network), or left primary somatosensory cortex (L S1, an experimental control region). Functional connectivity was measured in resting state fMRI scans collected before and after continuous TBS on each day. We found that TBS was accompanied by generalized increases in network connectivity, especially FP network connectivity, after TBS to either region involved in cognitive control. Whole-brain analyses demonstrated that the L dlPFC and L aI/fO showed increased connectivity with regions in frontal, parietal, and cingulate cortex after TBS to either L dlPFC or L aI/fO, but not to L S1. These results suggest that acute disruption by TBS to cognitive control regions causes widespread changes in network connectivity not limited to the targeted networks.
On the Origin of High-Alumina Arc Basalt and the Mechanics of Melt Extraction

Most models of high-alumina arc basalt petrogenesis rely heavily on the supposition that the abundances of certain trace elements, in particular the relatively unfractionated Rare Earth Element (REE) patterns and the unusually high concentrations of K, Rb, Sr, and Ba are incompatible with a garnet-bearing subducted oceanic crustal (quartz eclogite) source rock. We have carefully examined this apparently unequivocal evidence in light of recent progress on the physics of melt extraction and the heat transfer and mechanics of magma ascent. The weakest element of all trace element models involving a quartz eclogite source is the assumption that the element concentrations are fixed at the source and only later modified in the near-surface environment. We expand on such models by monitoring the concentrations of R EE and major and trace elements during initial melting, ascent, and extraction of magma. This is done by combining calculated cooling curves for ascending magmatic bodies with high pressure phase equilibria. The amount that each phase contributes to the melt is monitored along with the composition of the melt and residual solids. With quartz eclogite, initial melting initiates gravitational instability of the entire source material (melt plus solids) before melt extraction can occur. During ascent of this mush, melting increases until the solids can be repacked to free the melt. This extraction takes place some 15-20 km above the slab, after about 50 per cent melting, at which point the melt has a pattern of REE and other trace element concentrations almost identical to those observed in high-alumina arc basalts, assuming an initial composition equivalent to altered oceanic crust plus 5 per cent pelagic sediment. Sr abundances are the only ones which are not well-matched by this process. The major element concentrations of the extracted melt also closely match those of high-alumina arc basalt. A similar, but less detailed evaluation of both fertile and depleted peridotite source rocks yields good agreement for the REE and other trace element concentrations assuming a LREE-enriched source rock strongly enriched in K, Rb, Sr, and Ba. Ni, Cr, and Co abundances are satisfied only through substantial low pressure fractionation of mafic phases, in particular olivine. Though not rigorously tested, such a process may be compatible with the observed major element concentrations of high-alumina basalt. However, the experimentally verified fact that high-alumina basalts could never have been in equilibrium with either an olivine-beari ng magma or source rock eliminates this possibility altogether. Thus, the simultaneous consideration of the mechanics of ascent and melt extraction along with phase equilibria clearly shows that partial melting of quartz eclogite best satisfies the chemical constraints of major, trace, and REE characteristics of high-alumina arc basalts.
Chronic mental illness and perinatal outcome

A retrospective review of pregnant women admitted to a state psychiatric facility and to an acute university psychiatric unit compares various characteristics of the two populations. No major significant differences were noted in demographic, psychiatric, or obstetric characteristics. It was hypothesized that the patients from the state facility would have a better perinatal outcome secondary to an opportunity for closer prenatal follow-up. No differences were noted in perinatal outcomes between the two facilities. Significantly poorer perinatal outcomes were noted in the combined group of psychiatric patients when compared were noted in the combined group of psychiatric patients when compared with the state of Oregon's birth-outcome statistics. The importance of prenatal care in this high-risk population is discussed, and specific recommendations are offered.
Lessons from a Systematic Review of Effects of Multisystemic Therapy

Abstract In this article, I consider methods used to review and synthesize results of multiple studies of the effects of social interventions. Traditional narrative reviews are subject to many sources of bias; thus, there is a burgeoning body of literature on the science of research synthesis. I describe current efforts to bridge the gap between the science and practice of research synthesis and one systematic review that aims to do this. A fully systematic review of results of controlled studies of the effects of multisystemic therapy (MST) points to inconsistent and incomplete reports on primary outcome studies, important variations in the implementation and integrity of randomized experiments, errors of omission and interpretation in previous reviews, and findings that differ from those of prior, published reviews. Implications for primary outcome research, publication standards, and research synthesis are considered.
The β‐phaseolin gene is flanked by matrix attachment regions

The β-phaseolin promoter yields high levels of spatially and temporally regulated expression in transgenic plants. It is shown that elements within 5′ and 3′ regions flanking the coding sequence bind strongly and specifically to matrix preparations from tobacco nuclei. Both of these matrix attachment regions (MARs) are A/T-rich and contain topoisomerase II, Abox, T-box and MAR motifs frequently found in MARs in Drosophila and other organisms. The β-phaseolin 5′ MAR is located on a 1047 bp fragment with a core element of 673 bp (positions −1096 to −424), that includes a 55 bp region (−682 to −628) previously shown to function as an enhancer. A 1205 bp fragment (positions +1879 to +3083) 3′ of the phaseolin coding region also showed strong and specific binding to nuclear matrix preparations and contained consensus MAR motifs. A β-phaseolin promoter-GUS fusion construct (p1470/phas) that included the MAR elements exhibited higher expression levels and lower plant-to-plant variability in stably transformed tobacco plants than did a similar construct lacking MAR sequences. Seeds of plants containing two intact copies of the insert had higher expression levels than did those of plants containing a single copy. These findings, which are the first to report a plant gene being flanked both 5′ and 3′ by MARs, are in accordance with previous observations of increased DNase I sensitivity associated with the onset of phaseolin transcription in bean and with the consistently high and position-independent expression observed in transgenic plants from the β-phaseolin promoter. The results suggest that the native β-phaseolin gene is located on a small chromatin loop that functions as an active and independent domain.
Measurement and comparison of Leaf Area Index estimators derived from satellite remote sensing techniques

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is an important biophysical characteristic of vegetation that is directly related to rates of atmospheric gas exchange, biomass partitioning, and productivity. Mapping and monitoring LAI over scales from landscapes to regions is essential for understanding medium-scale biophysical properties and how these properties affect biogeochemical cycling, biomass accumulation, and primary productivity. This study developed and verified several models to estimate LAI using in situ field measurements, Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, vegetation indices, simple and multiple regression, and artificial neural networks (ANNs). It was shown that while multiple band regression and regression with individual vegetation indices can estimate LAI, the most accurate way to estimate regional scale LAI is to train an ANN using in situ LAI data and remote sensing brightness values.
Native valve endocarditis caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria: Case report and review of the literature

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are included in group IV of Runyon's classification for mycobacteria [1]. Out of the more than 40 species of RGM, only few have clinical relevance. Those with the...
From Onsite to Online: Lessons Learned From Faculty Pioneers

As the demand for online courses grows, academic settings that do not offer this option risk losing potential students to universities that adopt more innovative approaches to education. Understanding strategies that will prepare faculty to meet the challenges associated with this transformation is essential to developing a quality online program. Most basic to this transition is the philosophic acceptance of online learning as an educational method equivalent to traditional didactic lecture. Because the knowledge and skills associated with navigating Web-based tools and resources are perceived as a barrier by many faculty, focused efforts must be undertaken to assess faculty learning needs and to provide formal and informal education related to recommended teaching strategies and available technology. Collaboration with course design experts and participation in faculty work groups will facilitate acceptance and promote a sense of involvement. Administrative support is also imperative to produce satisfactory student outcomes that meet the needs for accreditation agencies, certification, or higher education standards.
A review of polymer multijunction solar cells

Polymer solar cells are one of the most promising prospects for widespread renewable energy due to their low cost, light weight, and mechanical flexibility. However, to date, low efficiencies (7.9%) of these devices inhibit their application. New materials and device designs are needed to increase the efficiency and make this technology available for large-scale applications. A polymer multijunction solar cell made of two or more subcells in series, parallel, or other special connections offers a potential solution to the losses in the current polymer single-junction solar cells. In this article, the recent developments in polymer multijunction photovoltaic materials, cell structures, and device modelling are reviewed. In addition, the current challenges that need to be addressed to achieve siginificantly higher efficiency are discussed.
Mathematical modelling of controlled release from implanted drug-impregnated monoliths

Abstract Specialized implantable capsule and drug combinations can deliver pre-specified and reproducible drug dosages over a wide spectrum of conditions and durations of therapeutic treatment. Mathematical and computational models of controlled release may provide a reliable design tool for the fabrication of such devices, and may also facilitate the determination of suitable dosages for other drugs of differing chemical and molecular properties without the need for time-consuming animal laboratory testing for each new bioactive agent. The author reviews the evolution of mathematical models for the diffusional release of a solute from both non-erodible and biodegradable multi-layered slab matrices in which the initial drug loading c0 is greater than the solubility limit cs.
Sterol composition of nystatin-resistant Candida maltosa mutants.

Composition of sterol fractions of nystatin-resistantCandida maltosa strains was determined. Using UV-spectrometry, TLC and GLC-MS it was demonstrated that resistance to nystatin is connected with the composition alterations of yeast cell sterols. Block of different stages of ergosterol biosynthesis was revealed in some mutants,viz. C-24-transmethylation, Δ8→Δ7, 14α-demethylation, C-5(6)-dehydrogenation, reduction of C-14(15) and C-24(28) double bonds.
Oscillatory double-diffusive instabilities in a vertical slot

Recent linear stability analyses of double-diffusive convection in a laterally heated vertical slot containing water have shown that for very weak (or no) vertical salinity gradient the initial instabilities are steady, but as the salinity gradient is increased there is a transition to oscillatory instabilities. For higher Prandtl number fluids the initial instabilities in a slot with no stratification can be oscillatory or wave-like. We show that the oscillatory instabilities in water are linked to these higher Prandtl number oscillatory instabilities. The salinity gradient has a destabilizing effect on these oscillations, making them appear for Prandtl numbers where oscillatory instabilities are not possible in the absence of salinity gradients. We derive an asymptotic description for this mode of instability.
Gene expression profiles of early pneumococcal otitis media in the rat.

Summary Objective: To define the gene expression patterns during the early phases of a bacterial middle ear infection in the rat model. Method: Using cDNA gene array technology, we profiled the mRNA expression of 1176 genes in a rat model of acute otitis media. We identified changes in gene expression two-fold or greater 12 and 48 h after bilateral ME inoculation with either tryptic soy broth (TSB) or Streptococcus pneumoniae in TSB. Results: Transcripts of cytokines and cell adhesion molecules were up-regulated by 12 h, but returned to placebo transcription levels by 48 h. Three of six stress-response genes, including inducible nitric oxide synthase, GADD45 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) were up-regulated by 12 h, with HSP27 transcription levels continuing to rise through 48 h. All assayed transcription factors were up-regulated by 12 h, but only c-fos and c-jun up-regulation persisted to the 48-h time point. Up-regulation of apoptosis-related genes, except for bcl-x , was not evident until 48 h. These gene expression patterns reflected an early proinflammatory response consisting of cytokines, cell adhesion and stress-response molecules at 12 h followed by an up-regulation of apoptosis-related genes at 48 h. Conclusion: Downstream targets of several transcription factors, up-regulated transiently at 12 h, control secondary effects of S. pneumoniae infection, including apoptosis of neutrophils and mucosal epithelial cells, bone proliferation and promotion of leukocyte differentiation. These observations lead to a greater understanding of the early events in the pathogenesis of an AOM episode and highlight therapeutic targets, which may play a roll in the sequelae of AOM.
Investigation of moisture-assisted fracture in SiO2 films using a channel cracking technique

Abstract The technique of channel cracking was developed to study moisture-assisted crack growth in SiO 2 films, which are used widely in many silicon-based technologies. Films of various residual stresses from tensile to compressive were PECVD deposited, pre-cracked and subjected to an applied uniform tensile stress by bending the silicon substrate using a 4-point beam-bending fixture. The tests were performed in controlled environments: dry ( 90% RH). Crack velocities were varied by changing the applied stress and measured by optically monitoring crack growth in situ. It was observed that under the same moisture conditions, films with higher compressive stresses were tougher than those with higher tensile stresses. The presence of moisture at the crack tip was found to reduce the films' resistance to cracking dramatically. The three principal regions of moisture-assisted cracking established by Weiderhorn in a bulk glass system were also observed.
Small or Liberal Arts Colleges Adapting to CS2013: Making It Work (Abstract Only)

Roughly once per decade, the ACM and IEEE-Computer Society form a joint task force to produce curricular guidelines for undergraduate computer science programs. The latest guidelines document, Computer Science Curricula 2013 (CS2013), was released in December 2013. CS faculty at many institutions are interested in understanding CS2013, evaluating their curricula against it, and adopting some or all of the recommendations. This task is non-trivial at any institution, but it can be particularly challenging at small or liberal arts institutions. For instance, small schools with few faculty are limited in the number of courses they can offer, and many liberal arts colleges place limits on the number of courses that can be required for a major. How might a department with limited resources trade off covering the core while still providing electives to students? A meta-issue involves mapping CS2013 at all: Given the demands on a small department, are there ways to improve and update a curriculum without having to go through a complete CS2013 mapping? In this workshop we will: (1) give a brief overview of CS2013, (2) describe experiences mapping individual courses or an entire curriculum to CS2013, (4) split participants into working groups for course or curricular mapping based on starting points and goals, (4) re-group to share lessons learned from the mapping experience. Laptop Strongly Recommended.
Flt3L controls the development of radiosensitive dendritic cells in the meninges and choroid plexus of the steady-state mouse brain

Antigen-presenting cells in the disease-free brain have been identified primarily by expression of antigens such as CD11b, CD11c, and MHC II, which can be shared by dendritic cells (DCs), microglia, and monocytes. In this study, starting with the criterion of Flt3 (FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3)-dependent development, we characterize the features of authentic DCs within the meninges and choroid plexus in healthy mouse brains. Analyses of morphology, gene expression, and antigen-presenting function established a close relationship between meningeal and choroid plexus DCs (m/chDCs) and spleen DCs. DCs in both sites shared an intrinsic requirement for Flt3 ligand. Microarrays revealed differences in expression of transcripts encoding surface molecules, transcription factors, pattern recognition receptors, and other genes in m/chDCs compared with monocytes and microglia. Migrating pre-DC progenitors from bone marrow gave rise to m/chDCs that had a 5–7-d half-life. In contrast to microglia, DCs actively present self-antigens and stimulate T cells. Therefore, the meninges and choroid plexus of a steady-state brain contain DCs that derive from local precursors and exhibit a differentiation and antigen-presenting program similar to spleen DCs and distinct from microglia.
Low temperature magnetic susceptibility of vitreous As2Se3

The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility of pure, vitreous As2Se3 has been investigated from 0.015 to 1.2 K. Over this temperature range no Curie law susceptibility is observed (<1017 free spins per cm3 assuming S = 12, g = 2).
Multiple mechanisms may contribute to the adherence of Candida yeasts to living cells

The adherence ofCandida yeasts to monolayers of human intestinal epithelium was studied in order to determine the specific and nonspecific mechanisms that might contribute to yeast adherence. Multiple factors were shown to significantly affect the adherence of yeasts to intestinal cells. It was demonstrated that hydrophobic yeasts adhered two times greater than normal yeasts, and positively charged yeasts adhered ten times greater than normal yeasts to monolayers of intestinal epithelium. The binding of yeasts to the intestinal cells was saturable and was most effectively blocked by mucin, which caused an 83% reduction in adherence, whereas the addition ofd-glucose caused a 41% reduction in adherence. Aggregation or coadherence of yeasts occurred as the yeast inocula were increased.Candida appears to possess the ability to adhere to living tissue by several mechanisms, such as adhesin-receptor interactions, nonspecific hydrophobic and ionic bonding, and aggregation or coadherence. This is the first demonstration of multiple forces that may act simultaneously in the process of adherence of yeasts to living cells.
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 secretion by the human JAR choriocarcinoma cell line is stimulated by TNF-α

The JAR choriocarcinoma cell line share many of the characteristics of early placental trophoblast cells including the invasion properties. Matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs), the main actors of matrix proteolysis, are involved in normal invasion as well as in the invasive character of tumor cells and the metastase formation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is present in the placental environment and TNF-α levels are elevated in some placental pathologies. In the present work, we addressed whether TNF-α is a modulator of JAR cell MMP secretion. Following TNF-α stimulation, zymographic analysis showed the increased secretion of the active form of MMP-2 and to a lesser extent proMMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, MMP-2 gene expression only increased slightly whereas MMP-9 and TIMP-1 transcripts were undetectable. This suggests that TNF-α may modulate the secretion of MMPs independently of MMP gene expression control.
The essayes or counsels, civill and morall

(1987). The essayes or counsels, civill and morall. History of European Ideas: Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 748-750.
Growth and plant zinc distribution in two navy bean varieties fertilized with zinc

Abstract Sanilac and Saginaw varieties of navy beans were grown on Wisner silty clay loam. Treatments of no added Zn and 3 ppm Zn were applied to the soil fertilized with N, K, and 500 ppm P. Selected plant tissues were harvested two, four, six, or eight weeks after planting. The weights and Zn contents of some tissues were not affected by Zn application regardless of variety but the growth of the plant parts above the primary leaves and the Zn contents of the trifoliolate leaves increased with Zn rate. The three oldest trifoliolate leaves and younger tissues showed equal or greater increases in growth and Zn contents than the total plant tops, but the primary leaves and the lower portions of stems were less influenced by available Zn in the soil. These responses indicated that the three oldest trifoliolate leaves were the most reliable indexes for available Zn throughout the growing period. As the plants matured, the growth and Zn contents of the young tissues of the Saginaw variety responded more to Zn ...
Binding of furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice to Aspergillus niger hyphae

Furanocoumarins (FCs) in grapefruit are involved in the "grapefruit/drug interactions" in humans, in which the FCs inhibit the intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4) activity responsible for metabolizing certain prescribed medications. These interactions have adversely affected the grapefruit industry and have led a need to develop a process to remove the FCs from grapefruit juice (GFJ) in a manner that retains much of the original juice sensory attributes. In our experiments, grapefruit juice was incubated with Aspergillus niger, and the compositional changes in hydroxycinnamates, flavonoid glycosides, and the FCs were monitored. Many of the FCs and 7-geranyloxycoumarin were efficiently taken up by the fungal tissue, whereas no uptake occurred with the polar hydroxycinnamates, flavonoid glycosides, and a few of the polar FCs. This biosorption was also observed with autoclaved A. niger, indicating that the uptake of non-polar FCs by the fungal hyphae was due to adsorption rather than metabolism. The binding of the FCs to autoclaved fungus was complete within 4 h, and the level of binding was proportional to the amount of autoclaved fungal hyphae used. This removal of the FCs from GFJ led to a reduced inhibition of CYP 3A4 activity in in vitro assays by both GFJ and GFJ extracts.
An elementary approach to the algebraic stability theorems

We prove that the mapping of a nonzero single variable polynomial to the minimum of the absolute values of its roots is continuous. We deduce a strengthened version of Huang's Stability Theorem as an immediate consequence. We present an algorithm for testing for zeros of two-variable polynomials inside the unit bidisk based on our results.
Rapid solvent-induced recombination and slow energy relaxation in a simple chemical reaction: Picosecond studies of iodine photodissociation in CCl4.

The time scale for solvent ''caging'' in the classic I/sub 2/ photodissociation reaction appears to be 100 ps) of molecular absorption is shown to be due to both ground-state vibrational relaxation and excited-state trapping in the recombined molecule. In addition, newly observed absorptions in the 350--400-nm region provide direct information on solvent-induced predissociation and excited-state vibrational relaxation.