cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thyroid hormone interacts with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the terminal differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes

UNLABELLED Thyroid hormone activates Wnt-4 expression and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in rat growth plate chondrocytes. Wnt antagonists Frzb/sFRP3 and Dkk1 inhibit T3-induced Wnt/beta-catenin activation and inhibit the maturation-promoting effects of T3 in growth plate cells. This study indicates that thyroid hormone regulates terminal differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes in part through modulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. INTRODUCTION Thyroid hormone is a potent regulator of skeletal maturation in the growth plate, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this profound effect remain unknown. Wnt signaling has recently been recognized as an important signal transduction pathway in regulating chondrogenesis and terminal differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes. The objective of this study was to explore the interaction between the thyroid hormone and Wnt signaling pathways in the growth plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat epiphyseal chondrocytes were maintained in 3D pellet culture and treated with triiodothyronine (T3). Activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in response to T3 was detected by measurement of the expression of Wnt-4 mRNA, the cellular accumulation of beta-catenin, the transcriptional activity of TCF/LEF, and the expression of the Wnt/beta-catenin responsive gene Runx2/cbfa1. Terminal differentiation of the chondrocytes was assessed by measurement of alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and Col10a1 gene expression. RESULTS Thyroid hormone treatment of growth plate chondrocytes upregulated both Wnt-4 mRNA and protein expression, increased cellular accumulation of stabilized beta-catenin, increased TCF/LEF transcriptional activity, and stimulated the expression of the Runx2/cbfa1 gene. Overexpression of either Wnt-4 or a stabilized form of beta-catenin promoted growth plate chondrocyte terminal differentiation. Blocking Wnt ligand/receptor interactions with the secreted Wnt antagonists Frzb/sFRP3 or Dkk1 inhibited these T3-induced increases in beta-catenin accumulation and Runx2 gene expression and inhibited the maturation-promoting effects of T3 in growth plate cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that thyroid hormone regulates terminal differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes in part through modulating canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
Finding psychodynamic psychiatry's lost generation

This paper describes forces that have adversely affected the place of the psychodynamic perspective within psychiatric practice and training over the last generation. One effect of these forces has been to create a lost generation of psychiatrists with little knowledge or experience with psychodynamic treatment. The article addresses opportunities to reverse some of the detrimental effects of recent changes. The Residency Review Committee's introduction of a requirement that residents achieve a measurable level of competence in five schools of psychotherapy represents a major opportunity to influence psychiatric training and practice. The past and present work of the Committee on Psychotherapy by Psychiatrists (COPP) is summarized, including efforts to integrate and revise the five existing core competencies in psychotherapy into a "Y"-shaped model in a way that secures the future of psychodynamic therapy training in residencies. One existing unusual training opportunity with a central psychodynamic focus is described.
Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation for the conservative treatment of adenomyomata

Abstract Study Objective . To assess the effectiveness of treating adenomyomata with laparoscopic bipolar coagulation. Design . Prospective, observational study. Setting . The gynecology department of a community hospital. Patients . Ten women, each with severe dysmenorrhea, chronic menorrhagia, and adenomyomata diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Interventions . Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of adenomyomata. Measurements and Main Results . The mean (±SEM) total adenomyoma volume before leuprolide acetate administration was 119±16 cm 3 (range 6–190 cm 3 ); after 3 months of therapy this was reduced to 86±8 cm 3 (range 6–162 cm 3 , p 3 (range 3–155 cm 3 , p Conclusions . Conservative treatment obviated the need for major surgery in 90% of women with adenomyomata, but further evaluation of this technique is necessary to determine its definitive role.
A radioautographic analysis of the migration and localization of trunk neural crest cells in the chick.

Abstract The early migration and localization of neural crest cells has been analyzed radioautographically. Tritiated thymidine was used as a marker to distinguish the morphologically undifferentiated neural crest cells from the tissues through which they move and was found to be well suited as a cell-specific, long-term, nontoxic marker in vivo. The early migration of neural crest occurs as two streams of individual cells—one leading dorsolaterad into the superficial ectoderm, the other ventrad in the mesenchyme between the neural tube and the myotome. The direction of this latter migration is independent of the mesenchyme. The orientation of the initial migration is related to the orientation of the graft neural tube. Metamerism of neural crest derivatives is the result of the enhanced early migration of some cells within the segmental somitic mesenchyme and the concomitant attenuation of migration intersegmentally. The neural crest origin of spinal ganglia, sympathetic neuroblasts and melanoblasts was confirmed by this technique. Some Schwann sheath cells, however, were shown to emerge from the neural tube along with the ventral nerve fibers, and the possibility is raised that sheath cells are neuroglia solely of neural tube origin. It is concluded that the normal migratory pathway of integumental melanoblasts is within the superficial ectoderm. The labeled cells which are first to migrate through the somitic mesenchyme appear to have localized at the dorsolateral margin of the aorta very early in development, and these are thought to be presumptive sympathetic neuroblasts. Enteric pigment-forming cells are presumed to arise after the fourth day of incubation as an extension of the ventral migration of some neural crest cells beyond the area of the sympathetic complex. The role of the neural tube is discussed with regard to its effect on the segmentation of spinal ganglia and the possibility that it somehow promotes the differentiation of ganglionic neuroblasts from pluripotent neural crest cells.
Ultraviolet photoinitiated on-fiber copolymerization of ionic liquid sorbent coatings for headspace and direct immersion solid-phase microextraction.

A high-throughput method for the production of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sorbent coatings via ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiated copolymerization of ionic liquid (IL) monomers on a fused silica support is described. The copolymerization of monocationic and dicationic IL cross-linkers was performed “on-fiber” using UV initiated free radical polymerization. Mixtures composed of various amounts of the IL cross-linker, UV initiator (DAROCUR 1173), and IL monomer were dip-coated onto an etched and derivatized fused silica support and placed in a high-capacity UV reactor. The method requires no organic dispersive solvent and is much more rapid compared to traditional methods in which polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) sorbent coatings are prepared by 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN)-initiated polymerization. Two ionic liquid-based cross-linkers, namely, 1,8-di (3-vinylimidazolium) octane dibromide ([(VIM)2C8] 2[Br]) and 1,12-di (3-vinylimidazolium) dodecane dibromide ([(VIM)2C12] 2[Br]), were copolymer...
Role of trabecular morphology in the etiology of age-related vertebral fractures

Osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine differ from most other age-related fractures in that they usually are associated with minimal trauma and with loads no greater than those encountered during normal activities of daily living. With aging and osteoporosis, there is progressive resorption of bone, resulting in reductions in bone density, thinning of trabeculae, and loss of trabecular contiguity. These changes in trabecular bone structure are associated with losses in bone strength which are disproportionate to the reductions in bone mass alone. To explain this disproportionate loss of bone strength, the prevailing opinion is that density reductions in the vertebral centrum are accompanied by a reduction in the number of trabeculae, by preferential resorption of horizontal trabeculae, and by hypertrophy of the remaining vertical trabeculae. To evaluate this view of vertebral morphology, we performed three-dimensional stereological analysis of trabecular bone extracted from midsagittal sections of first lumbar vertebral bodies from 12 donors spanning an age of 27-81 years. We found that both the number (R2 = 0.63, P < 0.01) and thickness (R2 = 0.91, P < 0.01) of trabeculae decreased linearly with density (as expressed by bone volume fraction) whereas the spacing between the trabeculae (R2 = 0.61, P < 0.01) increased reciprocally. There were more vertical trabeculae with transverse trabeculae at all densities, and the number of vertical trabeculae changed with density at twice the rate of the number of transverse trabeculae (P < 0.001). These data do not support the prevailing view that there is preferential resorption of horizontal trabeculae or hypertrophy of the remaining vertical trabeculae.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intelligent satellites for interactive graphics

In the last four or five years it has become increasingly fashionable to speak of "intelligent," "smart," or "programmable" terminals and systems. Very few mainframe or peripheral manufacturers omit such a device from their standard product line. Although "intelligence," like beauty or pornography, is in the eye of the beholder, the adjective generally connotes that the device has a degree of autonomy or processing ability which allows it to perform certain (classes of) tasks without assistance from the mainframe to which it is connected. Many such devices are programmable by virtue of including a mini, microprogrammable or micro computer.
Preoperative cross-sectional imaging allows for avoidance of unnecessary adrenalectomy during RCC surgery

Abstract Objectives To assess the frequency of adrenal involvement and the reliability of preoperative imaging to predict adrenal involvement in patients treated for cortical renal masses at a single institution. Methods Using a retrospective pathology database, we identified 117 consecutive patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and concomitant ipsilateral adrenalectomy at our institution over the course of 2 decades. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and radiographic results were obtained for analysis. Results Of 117 patients, only 6 (5.1%) were identified as having adrenal involvement. The average age of the patient was 58.3 years, and the average tumor size was 7.13 cm. The mean tumor size in patients without adrenal involvement was 6.79 cm, whereas in those with adrenal involvement, it was 9.62 cm ( P = 0.057). Of 6 patients with adrenal involvement, 5 had imaging studies available for review, and all 5 demonstrated suspicion for adrenal involvement preoperatively. Among 111 patients without adrenal involvement, 53 (47.7%) had imaging available for review, with only 3 (5.7%) demonstrating suspicion for adrenal involvement. The negative predictive value was 100%, whereas the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 94.3%, respectively. Conclusions Ipsilateral adrenal involvement in renal cell carcinoma is uncommon and reliably predicted by preoperative cross-sectional imaging. Among all adrenalectomies in this series, nearly 95% were performed unnecessarily. With careful review, preoperative imaging can help avoid unnecessary adrenalectomy during radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cortical tumors.
MoRu–Be multilayer-coated grating with 10.4% normal-incidence efficiency near the 11.4-nm wavelength

A MoRu–Be multilayer coating was applied to a diffraction grating to enhance the grating’s normal-incidence efficiency near 11.4 nm wavelength. The holographic grating substrate had a blazed groove profile with 2400 grooves/mm and a microroughness of 0.8 nm. The efficiency in the second diffraction order, measured with synchrotron radiation, was 10.4% at a wavelength of 11.37 nm.
Parental Problem-drinking and Adult Children's Labor Market Outcomes

Current estimates of the societal costs of alcoholism do not consider the impact of parental drinking on children. This paper analyzes the consequences of parental problem-drinking on children’s labor market outcomes in adulthood. Using the NLSY79, I show that having a problem-drinking parent is associated with longer periods out of the labor force, lengthier unemployment, and lower wages, in particular for male respondents. Increased probabilities of experiencing health problems and abusing alcohol are speculative forces behind these effects. While causality cannot be determined due to imprecise IV estimates, the paper calls for further investigation of the intergeneration costs of problem-drinking.
School Choice in California: Who Chooses Private Schools?

Abstract The school voucher debate has centered on the theoretical merits of allowing families greater choice between private and public schooling alternatives, but has provided few insights into how families currently choose between public and private schools. In this paper, we estimate a family-level model of private/public school choice for elementary and high school educational choice in California, using data from the 1990 census and supplementary information on California's public and private schools. The results suggest that the propensity of families to choose private schools is insensitive to out-of-pocket tuition costs, which implies that providing school vouchers would encourage few families to shift from public to private schools.
The ancestral role of ATP hydrolysis in type II topoisomerases: Prevention of DNA double-strand breaks

Type II DNA topoisomerases (topos) catalyse changes in DNA topology by passing one double-stranded DNA segment through another. This reaction is essential to processes such as replication and transcription, but carries with it the inherent danger of permanent double-strand break (DSB) formation. All type II topos hydrolyse ATP during their reactions; however, only DNA gyrase is able to harness the free energy of hydrolysis to drive DNA supercoiling, an energetically unfavourable process. A long-standing puzzle has been to understand why the majority of type II enzymes consume ATP to support reactions that do not require a net energy input. While certain type II topos are known to ‘simplify’ distributions of DNA topoisomers below thermodynamic equilibrium levels, the energy required for this process is very low, suggesting that this behaviour is not the principal reason for ATP hydrolysis. Instead, we propose that the energy of ATP hydrolysis is needed to control the separation of protein–protein interfaces and prevent the accidental formation of potentially mutagenic or cytotoxic DSBs. This interpretation has parallels with the actions of a variety of molecular machines that catalyse the conformational rearrangement of biological macromolecules.
Scanning electron microscopic features of human urinary bladder cancer.

Biopsies from 17 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were examined by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate surface features of the luminal cells. Pleomorphic microvilli were observed on cells in all cases regardless of tumor grade. Several types of cell surface patterns were observed but variability in apppearance increased with grade as did the degree of pleomorphism of the microvilli. Pleomorphic microvilli were not observed in biopsies from two patients without bladder lesions.
Genetic regulation of IgE responses: Achilles and the tortoise

In the last few decades, basic biology and immunology have thrived, largely thanks to the use of model organisms that allow exploration of complex functions in ideal experimental conditions and genetically defined backgrounds. IgE regulation studies are no exception to this rule. The current challenge is to anchor what we are learning in test tubes and animals to mechanisms of disease in patients with allergy. With information about the human genome rapidly piling up, and strong associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and disease phenotypes reported more and more often, it is becoming clear that such anchoring cannot occur without a robust integration between the biology of model systems and the biology of natural genetic variants. Here we will argue that an essential component of this integration is the functional analysis of the mechanisms through which natural variation affects pathways relevant to the pathogenesis of IgE-dependent inflammation.
Modeling low-bandgap thermophotovoltaic diodes for high-efficiency portable power generators

Abstract To aid in the design of low-temperature high-efficiency thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems, based on low-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) diodes and selective thermal emitters, we developed a detailed model of GaSb and GaInAsSb PV diodes. An equivalent circuit model describes the electrical behavior of the diode as a function of the operating point defined by a photocurrent and a junction temperature. The single diode equivalent circuit model has five variable parameters: photocurrent, dark current, ideality, and series and shunt resistance. The model accurately predicts the circuit parameters for a given operating point. In addition, parameterized quantum efficiency is used to calculate photocurrent while accounting for temperature induced bandgap narrowing. Models show very good agreement with experimental results obtained with calibrated blackbody source. Although we focus on TPV systems, these methods and results are applicable to solar-thermophotovotaic and concentrator photovoltaic systems.
Automated volumetric assessment by noncontrast computed tomography in the surveillance of nephrolithiasis.

Objective To evaluate the use of automated volumetric assessment for stone surveillance and compare the results with manual linear measurement. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients seen in our stone clinic who had undergone 2 noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scans without stone intervention during the interval between scans. Thirty patients met our inclusion criteria and underwent longitudinal assessment for urolithiasis via NCCT (mean interval 583.2 days, range 122-2030). Fifty-two discrete calculi were analyzed. Three board certified radiologists measured maximal linear stone size in the axial plane using electronic calipers on soft tissue (ST) and bone windows (BWs). Automated stone volume was also obtained by each reader using a dedicated prototype software tool for stone evaluation. Results Mean stone linear size and volume was 4.9 ± 2.8 mm (ST), 4.5 ± 2.6 mm (BW), and 116.2 ± 194.6 mm 3 (window independent), respectively. Mean interobserver variability for linear size measurement was 16.4 ± 10.5% (ST) and 20.3 ± 13.8% (BW). Interobserver variability for volumetric measurement was 0%. Of the 52 persistent stones, the mean percent change in linear stone size between CT studies was 39.3 ± 46.7% (ST) and 42.9 ± 53.1% (BW) growth, compared with 171.4 ± 320.1% (window independent) growth for automated volume measurement over a mean of 583.2 days. However, discordant results for increased vs decreased interval size was seen between linear and volumetric assessment in 19/52 stones (36.5%). Conclusion Automated volumetric measurement of renal calculi via NCCT is independent of specific reader and window settings. Volumetric assessment amplifies smaller linear changes over time, whereas as much as one third of cases show linear-volume measurement discordance. Volumetric assessment is therefore preferable, particularly for longitudinal surveillance of renal calculi.
Mathematics and Self-Esteem: Implications for Women's Career Choice:

The relationship of math participation and success to self-esteem and career goals is examined in a sample of 64 women and 52 men college students at the end of their sophomore year. No gender differences were found in math anxiety or perceptions of the usefulness of mathematics, but women were less likely to select a math-related career goal. Among the men students, math participation and self-assessments of math ability were positively related to more general self-estimates of competence; among women, these variables were not related significantly. Women's choices for math-related careers were more closely associated with scholastic ability and math background than were men's career choices. These results are discussed in the context of societal pressures and supports for men and women in regard to math participation.
Simulation of tagged MR images with linear tetrahedral solid elements

Computer simulation of tagged magnetic resonance (MR) images is presented using signals derived from connected solid triangular or tetrahedral elements. Simulation provides precisely-known deformations for validating tag quantification algorithms. MR imaging signal is derived by Fourier-transforming over a standard element, then mapping to actual elements via transformations. Linear intensity variations over the element are interpolated from vertex intensities determined by tag calculations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:336‐340. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sodium Laser Guide Star Technique For Adaptive Imaging In Astronomy

Atmospheric turbulence severely limits the resolution of ground-based astronomical telescopes. In good seeing conditions at the best observatory sites, resolution at visible wavelengths is typically limited to ~1 sec of arc. During the past 15 years adaptive optical systems using electrically deformable mirrors have been developed to compensate for turbulence effects. Unfortunately, these systems require bright reference sources adjacent to the object of interest and can only be used to observe the brightest stars. Artificial guide stars suitable for controlling an adaptive imaging system can be created in the upper atmosphere by using a laser to excite either Rayleigh backscattering or the mesospheric sodium layer. The design requirements for an adaptive telescope utilizing Na laser guide stars are discussed in this paper and those for the Rayleigh guide stars in a companion paper. The brightness of the Na guide star depends upon many factors including Na abundance, laser bandwidth, laser pulse energy, pulse length, zenith angle and seeing cell diameter. Based upon our initial experiments at Mauna Kea Observatory and our detailed theoretical calculations, it should be possible to obtain near diffraction limited images for zenith angles down to 30° from ground-based telescopes as large as 10m in diameter with a laser power of less than 30 watts.
Regulation of DNA synthesis in mouse macrophages: I. Sources, action and purification of the macrophage growing factor (MGF)

Summary Mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro can be induced to proliferate when incubated in medium conditioned by other cells. The stimulating activity of the macrophage growing factor (MGF) is highly species-specific and the release of MGF seems to be restricted to cells of fibroblastic type, lymphoblastic lines being non-producers. MGF can be purified and concentrated on QAE-or DEAE-Sephadex column, from which it elutes as a strong acidic component.
Human immunodeficiency virus and malignancy: thoughts on viral oncogenesis.

In the spring of 1981, as a newly minted assistant professor of surgery at the University of California-San Francisco, I was called to see a 33-year-old man with bilateral interstitial pulmonary infiltrates who was dying of acute respiratory failure at San Francisco General Hospital. My medical colleagues requested an open-lung biopsy. To our mutual amazement, this previously healthy gay man had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, despite the fact that there was no history of lymphoma or organ transplantation. The first cluster of cases of this pneumonia was reported the same year.'
The effects of preoperative, video-assisted anesthesia education in Spanish on Spanish-speaking patients' anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction: a pilot study

We studied the effect of an instructional video in Spanish on self-reported anxiety, knowledge about general anesthesia procedures, and satisfaction with the preoperative anesthesia process in patients requiring a Spanish interpreter. This prospective, randomized, nonblinded pilot study took place at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a university-affiliated tertiary-care hospital. Twenty adult, ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients, scheduled for elective surgery (gynecological, orthopedic, and intrabdominal surgery) during general anesthesia were studied. Anxiety, knowledge, and patient satisfaction were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). There was a significant reduction in anxiety score in patients who viewed the video compared with those who did not (median reduction 2 vs 0; P = 0.020). There was an increase in satisfaction score in the video group (median increase 2 vs 0; P = 0.046). There was no difference in reported knowledge-improvement scores between the two groups (3.5 vs 4; P = 0.908). In Spanish-speaking patients, the addition of an instructional video in Spanish to a preanesthesia interview decreased anxiety and increased patient satisfaction.
Evaluation of an extraaortic counterpulsation device in severe cardiac failure.

A valveless, single-orifice polyurethane ventricle with a maximum stroke volume of 60 mL was implanted on the brachiocephalic artery just above the aortic arch in sheep (n = 14) to act as an extraaortic counterpulsation device. In parallel, an intraaortic balloon was placed in the descending thoracic aorta. Both devices were pneumatically driven with an intraaortic balloon pump console that was gated by the electrocardiogram to provide aortic diastolic augmentation at a stroke volume of 40 mL. To compare the efficacy of counterpulsation for each device during severe cardiac failure, biventricular block was induced by continuous infusion of esmolol (100 to 600 micrograms.kg-1.min-1), titrated to reduce aortic flow and pressure to less than 75% of baseline. Pulsatile coronary and aortic flows were recorded with ultrasonic flow probes placed around their respective vessels. Aortic root and left ventricular pressures were recorded using micromanometers. The enhancement of hemodynamic variables for both devices were compared for optimal timing conditions, which were defined as inflation set just before the dicrotic notch and deflation bordering on isovolumetric systole. The extraaortic counterpulsation device was able to significantly augment aortic and coronary flows while simultaneously decreasing left ventricular tension time index and aortic end-diastolic pressure (p less than 0.02). The intraarotic balloon pump was able to significantly reduce only tension time index (p less than 0.002) to a lesser extent that the extraaortic counterpulsation device. All analysis was performed with the paired-samples t test. The extraaortic counterpulsation device greatly improves the myocardial oxygen supply-consumption ratio of the left ventricle by increasing diastolic coronary flow and reducing left ventricular wall tension during systole.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Composition on the Width of the Calorimetric Glass Transition in Polymer-Solvent and Solvent-Solvent Mixtures

The calorimetric glass-transition temperature (Tg) and transition width were measured over the full composition range for solvent–solvent mixtures of o-terphenyl with tricresyl phosphate and with dibutyl phthalate and for polymer–solvent mixtures of polystyrene with three dialkyl phthalates. Tg shifted smoothly to higher temperatures with the addition of the component with the higher Tg for both sets of solvent–solvent mixtures. The superposition of the differential scanning calorimetry traces showed almost no composition dependence for the width of the transition region. In contrast, the composition dependence of Tg in polymer–solvent mixtures was different at high and low polymer concentrations, and two distinct Tg's were observed at intermediate compositions. These results were interpreted in terms of the local length scale and associated local composition variations affecting Tg. The possible implications of these results for the dynamics of miscible polymer blends were examined. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1155–1163, 2004
Social and Intellectual Value of Computer‐Mediated Communications in a Graduate Community

In the literature, there are many testimonials to the positive effects of CMC on intellectual life. Some exploratory studies are beginning to appear to help us understand this phenomenon, especially as a component of educational environments. For this study, a survey was conducted to develop a profile of most likely users, to identify those factors which may influence or inhibit its use, and determine its perceived social and intellectual value in a graduate school community. These factors were analyzed by four levels of use to identify which factors would encourage some students to use the systems more than others.
Ripple effect: Unforeseen applications of sand studies

Sand ripples and their deposits are playing a crucial role in unraveling the history of flowing water on Mars, conducting experimental floods to restore beaches in the Grand Canyon, and improving the ability to detect explosive mines buried beneath the seafloor. Even the visionary geologists who discovered the origins of ripples and ripple stratification could never have imagined these future applications of their work. Sand ripples formed by blowing wind and flowing water have been studied for almost 150 years. This article briefly reviews some key discoveries in understanding ripples, reviews three studies that are currently utilizing ripples, and illustrates how simple fundamental discoveries have unexpected practical applications.
Site selectivity in the binding of inorganic anions to serum transferrin.

Abstract Equilibrium constants for the sequential binding of two anions at the specific metal-binding sites of apotransferrin have been measured by difference ultraviolet spectroscopy in 0.1 M N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid (Hepes) at pH 7.4 25°C. Log K 1 values for phosphate, phosphite, sulfate, and arsenate fall in the narrow range of 3.5–4.0, while the log K 1 for bicarbonate is 2.73. No binding is observed for nitrate, perchlorate, or borate. A dinegative charge appears to be the most important criterion for anion binding. Equilibrium constants have also been measured for binding of anions to both forms of mono(ferric)transferrin. There appears to be a very small site selectivity (0.2 to 0.4 log units) for phosphate, arsenate, and phosphite that favors binding to the N-terminal site, but there is no detectable selectivity for binding of sulfate or bicarbonate. Comparison of the binding affinities and anion selectivity with literature data on anion-binding to protonated macrocyles and cryptates strongly supports the existence of specific anion-binding sites on the protein. Binding constants were also measured in 0.01 M Hepes. The anionic sulfonate group of the buffer appears to have a small effect on anion binding.
Common Features of Mucosal and Peripheral Antibody Responses Elicited by Candidate HIV-1 Vaccines in Rhesus Monkeys

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines that elicit protective antibody responses at mucosal sites would be highly desirable. Here, we report that intramuscular immunization of candidate HIV-1 vaccine vectors and purified Env proteins elicited potent and durable humoral immune responses in colorectal mucosa in rhesus monkeys. The kinetics, isotypes, functionality, and epitope specificity of these mucosal antibody responses were similar to those of peripheral responses in serum. These data suggest a close immunological relationship between mucosal and systemic antibody responses following vaccination in primates.
Expectancy Effects in Caffeine Research

The impact of expectancy on the experience of caffeine-related symptoms was investigated by randomly assigning subjects to an expectancy or nonexpectancy instructional condition. Subjects were administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a Symptom Questionnaire prior to and 45 minutes after receiving their designated instructional set and ingesting a cellulose-filled gelatin capsule which ostensibly was filled with caffeine. Results revealed that a significant expectancy effect existed on five Symptom Questionnaire items.
AN ANALOGUE STUDY OF THERAPIST EMPATHIC PROCESS: WORKING WITH DIFFERENCE

Most theories of psychotherapy advocate therapist empathy, although little is known about the process. A study, using analogue clinical scenarios, suggests psychotherapists can bridge perceived differences between their clients’ life experiences and their own. Ninetythree therapists viewed 5 videotaped vignettes based on actual cases. Each completed a demographic questionnaire, Interpersonal Reactivity Index (M. H. Davis, 1980), vignette response empathy scale, difference measure, reference point questionnaire, and selfperceived empathy measure. Findings show therapists perceived scenarios as different from their lives and that they were generally empathic across client vignettes. Gender differences emerged on measures of empathy. The research suggests therapists’ ability to use reference points from their own experience may help facilitate empathy when responding to client life stories of difference.
Mobile Compression Devices and Aspirin for VTE Prophylaxis Following Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Recently, Levy et al questioned the effectiveness of mobile compression devices (MCDs) as the sole method of thromboprophylaxis following simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study's purpose was to assess if the addition of aspirin to MCDs improves venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention following simultaneous bilateral TKA. Ninety-six patients (192 TKAs) were retrospectively reviewed: 47 patients received MCDs for 10 days and aspirin for 6 weeks postoperatively based on a risk stratification protocol, while 49 patients received warfarin for 4 weeks postoperatively. One symptomatic VTE was noted in the warfarin cohort, while one patient in the MCD/aspirin cohort and three patients in the warfarin cohort were readmitted within 3 months of surgery. In appropriately selected patients, MCDs with aspirin shows promise in VTE prevention following simultaneous bilateral TKA.
Simulational Study of Viscous Fingering in Fractured Reservoirs

Viscous fingering phenomena occurring in fluid displacement process are simulated by rising the fractal theory in heterogeneous reservoirs. Networks of random fractures are constructed using successive random adding method in two-dimensional areal simulations. A modified fractal growth model, in which the interfacial tension effects in the boundary of displacing and displaced fluids are taken into account, is employed to simulate the immiscible displacement of native oil by injected water in fracture-network reservoirs. The results suggest that the geometry of a fracture network influence upon the displacement process significantly. Increasing fracture width, or increasing linear density of fractures, or decreasing Hurst exponent of a fracture, will lead to the dominant movement of driving fluid along the fractures. The fractures control the flooding pattern. Fingers grow easier at the orientations of fractures. Therefore, the areal sweep efficiency decreases, but the sweep efficiency along fractures increases, Furthermore, the distribution of a fracture network also affects the development and evolution of fluid displacement.
Osmotic potential and turgor maintenance in Spartina alterniflora Loisel.

The dependence of leaf water potential (Ψ), osmotic potential (π) and turgor pressure (P) on relative water content (RWC) was determined for leaves of tall and short growth forms of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. from a site on Canary Creek marsh in Lewes, Delaware. Tall plants (ca. 1.5 m) occured along a drainage ditch where interstitial water salinity was approximately 20‰, and short plants (ca. 0.2 m) were 13 m away near a pan and exposed to 80‰ salinity during the most stressful period. Leaves were collected at dawn and pressure-volume measurements were made as they desiccated in the laboratory. Pressure equilibrium was used to measure Ψ, RWC was determined from weight loss and dry weight, π was determined from the pressure volume curve, and P was calculated as the difference between Ψ and π. Physical properties of the bulk leaf tissue that have a role in regulating water balance of the two growth forms were estimated: relative water content of apoplastic water (RWCa) relative water content at zero turgor (RWC0), the bulk modulus of elasticity (E), and water capacity (Cw). There were no detectable temporal trends in any of the parameters measured from Nune through September and no significant differences between the two growth forms when compared on the basis of RWCa, RWC0, E, and Cw. There was a clear difference between the two growth forms with respect to π; at RWC0, π was-4.5±0.40 MPa for short form plants and-3.3±0.40 MPa for tall form.
Isolation of GPS Multipath and Receiver Tracking Errors

GPS receiver dynamic tracking error is an often misunderstood concept. Flight test results and field experiences have shown dynamics-induced errors that can be related directly to the receiver architecture. To evaluate the effects of multipath in airborne receivers, it is necessary to isolate multipath from receiver tracking errors. Separation of multipath and receiver tracking errors can be difficult, particularly for a highly dynamic receiver platform. This results from the fact that the two error sources can be similar in magnitude and frequency. Historically, receiver dynamic tracking error has often been ignored or overlooked when analyzing multipath data. This paper describes a controlled experiment that allows for the isolation of multipath and receiver tracking errors. The theory behind the dynamic tracking error phenomenon is described, along with the isolation technique. Data collection and analysis results are presented to confirm the viability of the technique.
Emergence and dispersal of phytal-dwelling meiobenthic copepods

Abstract The relationship between the emergence (= active upward swimming) of phytal-dwelling meiobenthic copepods from blades within subtropical seagrass beds and dispersal of copepods was examined. Samples of copepods emerging from blades were collected using emergence traps. The distances to which copepods dispersed were measured using horizontal traps positioned at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 m outside the source of colonists. On each of two dates, experimental (defaunated) blades were sampled from patches at various distances from the source bed to assess copepod colonization; additionally, patches were arranged to determine if they served as “trapping stones” to accelerate copepod invasion of nearby patches. Twelve species of copepods vertically migrated from seagrass blades; these same species moved horizontally through the water column at all distances tested (up to 20 m). Species richness, abundances of total adults and copepodites, and total nauplii, did not decrease as patch distance from the source bed increased. Diosaccid sp. A and Scottolana canadensis ([Wiley] Coull) were the only copepod species displaying differences in abundance with distance (patch location). Colonization was extremely rapid, with ambient densities being attained within 2 days. The frequency of adults and copepodites was dependent upon patch location for 9 and 12 species on sampling dates 2 and 4, respectively. On day 2 copepodites dominated patches for most species, while adults dominated on day 4, although no consistent trend in location of patch containing the highest frequencies of copepodites or adults was detected. The frequency of males and females was dependent upon patch location for only 1 species on each date, with numbers of females exceeding males. Although no “stepping stone” effect was detected, active emergence of phytal-dwelling meiobenthic copepods from blade surfaces contributed to their dispersal to newly created patches of vegetation.
Lunar communications with libration-point satellites.

Satellite motion in libration point vicinity, neglecting lunar eccentricity and solar perturbation, discussing lunar communication system utilizing libration point satellites
Chaotic roll motion and capsize of ships under periodic excitation with random noise

Abstract A stochastic analysis procedure is developed to examine the properties of chaotic roll motion and the capsize of ships subjected to periodic excitation with a random noise disturbance. To take into account the presence of randomness in the excitation and the response, a generalized Melnikov method is developed to provide an upper bound on the domain of the potential chaotic roll motion. The associated Fokker—Planck equation governing the evolution of the probability density function (PDF) of the roll motion is derived and numerically solved by the path integral solution procedure to obtain joint probability density functions (JPDFs) in state space. A chaotic response can be found in two regions (near the homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits). The global behavior of the roll motion can be depicted by the JPDF. It is found that the presence of noise enlarges the boundary of the chaotic domains and bridges coexisting attracting basins in the local regimes. The attracting domain of capsize is of the greatest strength. The probability of capsize is considered in this paper as an extreme excursion problem with the time-averaged PDF as an invariant measure. With this measure, the heteroclinic region is identified as an ‘unsafe’ regime. Numerical results indicate that, under the presence of noise, all roll motion trajectories of a ship that visit the regime near the heteroclinic orbit will eventually lead to capsize.
Perspectives on intraoperative teaching: divergence and convergence between learner and teacher.

Objective While current emphases on operative teaching focus on "virtual" education, residents and faculty engage most intimately in the operating room. The utilization of intraoperative teaching techniques, drawn from adult education principles, is understudied. Design A survey with both quantitative and qualitative elements was administered to surgical residents and their faculty. Thirty-eight analogous questions regarding teaching techniques, populating four general domains, were rated for frequency of application. Respondents were asked to rank best teaching practices and identify other effective educational approaches using open-ended questions. Setting University-based general surgical residency (5 institutions). Participants General surgical residents and their faculty. Results 46 residents (77%) and 37 faculty (63%; mean 17 yrs experience) completed the survey. There was significant disagreement between residents and faculty in how frequently 32 of the 38 teaching techniques were applied (all p Conclusions The perceptions of residents and faculty regarding the frequency of using effective approaches for operative teaching are disparate. While faculty appear to value adult learning principles and perceive that they are employed regularly, residents have a discrepant viewpoint. However, themes that were identified by both residents and faculty through qualitative analysis provide the foundation for educational process improvements.
A SUPERSTRING Z' AT O(1 TeV)?

We discuss the scale and effects of a new neutral gauge boson, Z', in our recently derived superstring standard-like model, which is a combination of B - L and T3R and provides a mechanism to suppress proton decay. We show that the mass and mixing angle of the Z' with the standard model Z depend only on MZ and MW. For the central values of MZ and MW from recent experiments, MZ'~1000 GeV. We discuss the effect of Z-Z' mixing on the width of the Z and investigate the effect on primordial nucleosynthesis calculations, from which we find that the existence of light right-handed neutrinos with a Z' is excluded unless MZ'≥1.5 TeV.
Diabetes care among Somali immigrants and refugees.

The risk for development of diabetes and associated complications among immigrants increases in the years after arrival to the United States. Somali immigrants and refugees represent the largest subset of African immigrants to the United States, yet little is known about the quality of their diabetes care. Therefore, adherence with diabetes quality indicators (Hemoglobin A1C <7%, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl, blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg) were compared between Somali and non-Somali patients with diabetes at a large academic primary care practice in the United States in 2008. Demographic and health-seeking behavior variables were assessed for association with adherence among the Somali population. A total of 5,843 non-Somali and 81 Somali patients with diabetes were identified. Somali patients with diabetes were less likely to meet the criteria for optimal glycemic control than non-Somali patients (40.6% vs. 53.9%; P = 0.02). There was a similar, though statistically non-significant, trend towards lower rates of lipid control among Somali patients. There was no difference in achievement of optimal blood pressure between the two groups. There was a strong association between number of primary care visits during the study interval and achievement of all three diabetes care quality goals. This study demonstrates disparities in achievement of diabetes management quality goals among Somali patients compared with non-Somali patients, highlighting the need for additional system and practice changes to target this particularly vulnerable population.
Oxaliplatin-based combined-modality therapy for rectal cancer

Abstract There are two conventional treatments for clinically resectable rectal cancer. The first is surgery, and, if the tumor is T3 and/or N1–2, this is followed by postoperative combined-modality therapy. The second, for patients with ultrasound T3 or clinical T4 disease, is preoperative combined-modality therapy followed by surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. In this review, the results of these approaches as well as novel combined-modality approaches using oxaliplatin-based regimens will be presented.
Glycosylation of Skeletal Calsequestrin IMPLICATIONS FOR ITS FUNCTION

Calsequestrin (CASQ) serves as a major Ca2+ storage/buffer protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). When purified from skeletal muscle, CASQ1 is obtained in its glycosylated form. Here, we have confirmed the specific site and degree of glycosylation of native rabbit CASQ1 and have investigated its effect on critical properties of CASQ by comparison with the non-glycosylated recombinant form. Based on our comparative approach utilizing crystal structures, Ca2+ binding capacities, analytical ultracentrifugation, and light-scattering profiles of the native and recombinant rabbit CASQ1, we propose a novel and dynamic role for glycosylation in CASQ. CASQ undergoes a unique degree of mannose trimming as it is trafficked from the proximal endoplasmic reticulum to the SR. The major glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc2Man9) found in the proximal endoplasmic reticulum can severely hinder formation of the back-to-back interface, potentially preventing premature Ca2+-dependent polymerization of CASQ and ensuring its continuous mobility to the SR. Only trimmed glycans can stabilize both front-to-front and the back-to-back interfaces of CASQ through extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, the mature glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc2Man1–4) within the SR can be retained upon establishing a functional high capacity Ca2+ binding polymer. In addition, based on the high resolution structures, we propose a molecular mechanism for the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT2) mutation, K206N.