cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of a novel Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain variant that uses biohazardous saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds as sole carbon sources

Background: Green micro-alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (a Chlorophyte), can be cultured in the laboratory heterotrophically or photo-heterotrophically in Tris- Phosphate- Acetate (TAP) medium, which contains acetate as the carbon source. Chlamydomonas can convert acetate in the TAP medium to glucose via the glyoxylate cycle, a pathway present in many microbes and higher plants. A novel bacterial strain, CC4533, was isolated from a contaminated TAP agar medium culture plate of a Chlamydomonas wild type strain. In this article, we present our research on the isolation, and biochemical and molecular characterizations of CC4533. Methods: We conducted several microbiological tests and spectrophotometric analyses to biochemically characterize CC4533. The 16S rRNA gene of CC4533 was partially sequenced for taxonomic identification. We monitored the growth of CC4533 on Tris-Phosphate (TP) agar medium (lacks a carbon source) containing different sugars, aromatic compounds and saturated hydrocarbons, to see if CC4533 can use these chemicals as the sole source of carbon. Results: CC4533 is a Gram-negative, non-enteric yellow pigmented, aerobic, mesophilic bacillus. It is alpha-hemolytic and oxidase-positive. CC4533 can ferment glucose, sucrose and lactose, is starch hydrolysis-negative, resistant to penicillin, polymyxin B and chloramphenicol. CC4533 is sensitive to neomycin. Preliminary spectrophotometric analyses indicate that CC4533 produces b-carotenes. NCBI-BLAST analyses of the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of CC4533 show 99.55% DNA sequence identity to that of Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain PR86 and S. yanoikuyae strain NRB095. CC4533 can use cyclo-chloroalkanes, saturated hydrocarbons present in car motor oil, polyhydroxyalkanoate, and mono- and poly-cyclic aromatic compounds, as sole carbon sources for growth. Conclusions: Taxonomically, CC4533 is very closely related to the alpha-proteobacterium S. yanoikuyae, whose genome has been sequenced. Future research is needed to probe the potential of CC4533 for environmental bioremediation. Whole genome sequencing of CC4533 will confirm if it is a novel strain of S. yanoikuyae or a new Sphingobium species.
Locoregional Unsealed Radionuclide Cancer Therapy: Experimental Findings

Animal tumor models provide invaluable insights on the host-tumor relationship to understand human tumor pathology so that defense strategies can be designed and optimized. This chapter describes the experiences of locoregional radionuclide cancer therapy using small animal models of mice and rats as well as large animal models of dogs to examine the advantages and disadvantages of these tumor models. Comparison of tumor growth curves allows the choice of optimal radionuclides for LRCT. Monitoring of radionuclides in LRCT also allows the prediction of efficacy. Individual animal monitoring can be accomplished using gamma cameras, PET scanners, or optical imaging. Surprising findings of immunity from subsequent inoculation of tumors are noted in rats cured from earlier tumor by LRCT. These interesting and surprise findings and their implications are also explored.
Progress on Biobased Industrial Carbons as Thermochemical Biorefinery Coproducts

Industrial carbons are a category of high purity carbon (>95 wt %) materials that are solid at room temperature, produced in bulk as refinery byproducts, and subsequently used in a wide variety of ...
Botulinum Toxin for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

I have treated a number of patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. I have tried the various methods and doses and have found that 100 units (50 units per side) are very effective for about 8 months. This is consistent with what I found with facial hyperhidrosis in Frey’s syndrome.
Nickel-Catalyzed Ipso-Borylation of Silyloxyarenes via C–O Bond Activation

The conversion of silyloxyarenes to boronic acid pinacol esters via nickel catalysis is described. In contrast to other borylation protocols of inert C-O bonds, the method is competent in activating the carbon-oxygen bond of silyloxyarenes in isolated aromatic systems lacking a directing group. The catalytic functionalization of benzyl silyl ethers was also achieved under these conditions. Sequential cross-coupling reactions were achieved by leveraging the orthogonal reactivity of silyloxyarenes, which could then be functionalized subsequently.
Leave It to the Prose: A Case of POEMS Syndrome.

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome named for its constellation of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes. As a proliferative plasma cell disorder, it has a multisystem presentation and chronic cytokine overproduction. It often presents in the fifth or sixth decade of life, mostly in males. Presentations vary widely, making it extremely difficult to diagnose. A chronic progressive distal, sensorimotor polyneuropathy in conjunction with a monoclonal plasma cell dyscrasia suggests POEMS. A sixty-one-year-old man with a significant past medical history of bilateral lower extremity weakness and a cerebral meningioma presented with anorexia, intermittent dysphagia, and early satiety with intermittent vomiting and diarrhea over the past three months with a 20-pound weight loss. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained due to vomiting, showing expansile lesions of the left ischium, acetabulum, and ilium, with small-volume ascites and splenomegaly. Because of these findings and the noted bilateral lower extremity neuropathic weakness, we obtained further testing to corroborate suspicions of a plasma cell disorder. Labs were significant for IgG lambda with a monoclonal spike (M spike), low cortisol, low testosterone, and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Protein electrophoresis was positive for bi-clonal lambda, and his vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were elevated to 377. Bone marrow core biopsy indicated malignancy. Given his polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, IgG lambda, skin changes, and extravascular fluid overload, POEMS syndrome was diagnosed. He was initiated on lenalidomide and dexamethasone and eventually received a stem cell autologous bone marrow transplant. Given his non-specific presentation, and the confounding factor of a known meningioma causing hypopituitarism, diagnosing POEMS required extensive workup. A contrast CT demonstrating bone lesions associated with myeloma-type disease was crucial, pairing his endocrinopathy and neuropathy with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Although POEMS is exceedingly rare, accurate diagnosis is vital, as treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. While high-dose chemotherapy-conditioned autologous stem cell transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for POEMS syndrome, patients who are diagnosed in a late stage of the disease are not candidates, underlining the need for early identification of the disorder.
Incidence of Second Primary Lung Cancer After Low-Dose Computed Tomography vs Chest Radiography Screening in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance In head and neck cancer survivors, lung cancer screening may aid in detecting a second primary lung cancer or metastatic head and neck cancer earlier in the course of disease, which may improve treatment outcomes. However, no randomized data exist to assess the value of lung cancer screening in this population. Objective To evaluate the incidence of second primary lung cancer in survivors of head and neck cancer survivors with screening low-dose computed tomography (CT) vs chest radiography (CXR). Design, Setting and Participants For this ad hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, head and neck cancer survivors were identified from the National Lung Screening Trial, which enrolled participants from August 2002 to April 2004. This randomized clinical trial compared screening using low-dose CT chest vs CXR in patients aged 55 to 74 years with at least a 30 pack-year history of cigarette smoking and who were current smokers or had quit within the past 15 years and who were at high risk for lung cancer. The incidences of second primary lung cancer and second primary head and neck cancer were compared with screening using low-dose CT vs CXR. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Interventions Screening low-dose CT of the chest vs CXR. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the incidence of a second primary lung cancer. Results Among 53 452 enrolled participants, we identified 171 survivors of head and neck cancer, of whom 82 were screened with low-dose CT of the chest and 89 with CXR. Participants’ mean (SD) age was 61 (5) years, and 132 were men (77.2%). The incidence of lung cancer was higher among head and neck cancer survivors compared with participants without head and neck cancer (2080 per 100 000 person-years [2.1%] vs 609 per 100 000 person-years [0.6%]; adjusted rate ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.63-3.95). In head and neck cancer survivors, the incidence of second primary lung cancer was 2610 cases per 100 000 person-years in the low-dose CT group vs 1594 cases per 100 000 person-years in the CXR group (rate ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.59-3.63). In head and neck cancer survivors, overall survival was 7.07 years with low-dose CT vs 6.66 years with CXR (log-rankP = .48). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this ad hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial suggest that head and neck cancer survivors are at especially high risk for a second primary lung cancer. These findings underscore the importance of low-dose CT screening in head and neck cancer survivors with significant cigarette smoking history who are fit to undergo treatment with curative intent.
Triumph after Catastrophe: Church, State and Society in Post-Boxer China, 1900-1937

The Boxer Rebellion of 1900, originally a regional anti-Christian and anti-foreign movement in Western Shandong, turned to be a sensational international event, prompting eight great powers to dispatch a large number of troops for its suppression. Ironically, soon after the catastrophe, Christianity entered into a golden age as the number of Chinese converts skyrocketed while the religion enjoyed an unprecedented growth. It was only temporarily halted by the Japanese invasion in 1937. This paper probes the complicated relationship among church, state and society during this historical era. It tries to figure out factors leading to the booming enterprise as it argues that a number of reasons had contributed to the new phenomenon, such as governmental preferential policies, liberal political and social milieu, missionaries’ new strategies, indigenous Christian efforts, and tenacious accommodations by Chinese believers.
Epinephrine and adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated magnesium accumulation in adipocytes and their plasma membranes.

Abstract Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulate magnesium accumulation in plasma membrane vesicles derived from fat cells. A new method was developed to demonstrate this magnesium uptake utilizing the ligand, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid, whose magnesium complex fluoresces distinctively. An increase in total magnesium content in whole fat cells following hormone stimulation was documented. These findings were confirmed with 28Mg2+ in intact adipocytes.
Isosmotic Absorption of Fluid from Rat Jejunum In Vitro

Summary In an in vitro preparation of rat upper jejunum with serosal side bathed in liquid petrolatum, it was found that the absorbed fluid was always isosmotic with the mucosal fluid, whether the latter was iso-, hypo-, or hypertonic. The isosmotic absorption was independent of intraluminal distention pressure or the nature of solutes in the mucosal fluid. Water absorption rate decreased with the increase of osmolarity of the mucosal fluid, although the bathing fluids on both sides of intestine were isosmotic. The total solute absorption rate also decreased, but only slightly. Water absorption rate and total solute absorption rate increased with the increase of distention pressure. Glucose concentration ratio (concentration in the absorbed fluid: concentration in the mucosal fluid) was less than 1 with hypotonic mucosal fluid and greater than 1 with hypertonic fluid due to excess of either NaCl, mannitol, urea, or sucrose. With isotonic fluid, glucose concentration ratio was greater than 1 only when intraluminal distention pressure was above 3.5 mm Hg. Sodium concentration ratio was greater than 1 when excess organic solute (glucose, mannitol, sucrose, or urea) was present in the mucosal fluid. Calcium concentration ratio was greater than 1 with mucosal fluid hypertonic due to excess of mannitol or sucrose.
Prenatal hormones in first‐time expectant parents: Longitudinal changes and within‐couple correlations

Objectives Expectant mothers experience marked hormone changes throughout the transition to parenthood. Although similar neuroendocrine pathways are thought to support maternal and paternal behavior, much less is known about prenatal hormone changes in expectant fathers, especially in humans. Methods We examined longitudinal changes in salivary testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone in 29 first-time expectant couples (N = 58). Couples were assessed up to four times throughout the prenatal period, at approximately weeks 12, 20, 28, and 36 of pregnancy. We also examined within-couple correlations in hormones. Data were analyzed using dyadic growth curve modeling. Results As expected, women showed large prenatal increases in all four hormones. Men showed significant prenatal declines in testosterone and estradiol, but there were no detectable changes in men's cortisol or progesterone. Average levels of cortisol and progesterone were significantly positively correlated within couples. Conclusions The current study represents one of the most extensive investigations to date of prenatal hormones in expectant couples. It is also the first study to demonstrate prenatal testosterone changes in expectant fathers and within-couple correlations in progesterone. We discuss implications of these findings for parental behavior and adjustment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:317–325, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precision and recall of GlOSS estimators for database discovery

Online information vendors and the Internet together offer thousands of text databases from which a user may choose for a given information need. This paper presents a framework for and analyses a solution to this problem, which we call the text-database discovery problem. Our solution is to build a service that can suggest potentially good databases to search. A user's query goes through two steps: first, the query is presented to the GlOSS server (Glossary-Of-Servers Server) to select a set of promising databases to search. Secondly, the query is actually evaluated in the chosen databases. GlOSS gives a hint of what databases might be useful for the user's query, based on word-frequency information for each database. This information indicates how many documents in each database actually contain a keyword, for each field designator. To evaluate the set of databases that GlOSS returns for a given query, we present a framework based on the precision and recall metrics of information retrieval theory. We define metrics for the text-database discovery problem. We further extend our framework by offering different definitions for a "relevant database". We have performed experiments using query traces from the FOLIO library information retrieval system, involving six databases available through FOLIO. The results obtained for different variants of GlOSS are very promising. Even though GlOSS keeps a small amount of information about the contents of the available databases, this information proved to be sufficient to produce very useful hints on where to search. >
Tribochemistry of MoS3 Nanoparticle Coatings

The tribology of nanoparticles based on transition metal dichalcogenides has been studied extensively. However, evaluation of metal chalcogenides with other stoichiometries has been lacking. We have studied the friction, endurance, and tribochemistry of bonded molybdenum trisulfide (MoS3) nanoparticle-based coatings for the first time. A facile aqueous chemistry method was used to fabricate the MoS3 nanoparticles. Pin-on-disk tribometry of an MoS3 coating using phenolic resin as the binder was conducted in a dry N2 atmosphere (0.06 % RH, using normal loads of 5 N and 10 N). The results were compared with two types of commercial bonded coatings based on the solid lubricant molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as well as a bonded coating we formulated with commercial MoS2 nanoparticles. Surprisingly, the MoS3 coating showed similar lubricating ability to the MoS2-based coatings, exhibiting average μ k < 0.05 and endurance greater than a million cycles. To evaluate the tribochemistry occurring in the contact region, tribotesting of an MoS3 coating was halted when steady-state low friction was achieved (i.e., prefailure). Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction on the surface of this wear track showed that the MoS3 had undergone a tribochemical reaction to form the solid lubricant MoS2, which explains the excellent lubricity of the coating. This result opens up the possibility of developing MoS3 nanoparticle-based solid lubricant coatings and MoS3 nanoparticle additives for oils and greases that are synthetically easier and lower cost than formulations based on MoS2 nanoparticles.
On the regularity theory of fully nonlinear parabolic equations: II

Recently M. Crandall and P. L. Lions [3] developed a very successful method for proving the existence of solutions of nonlinear second-order partial differential equations. Their method, called the theory of viscosity solutions, also applies to fully nonlinear equations (in which even the second order derivatives can enter in nonlinear fashion). Solutions produced by the viscosity method are guaranteed to be continuous, but not necessarily smooth. Here we announce smoothness results for viscosity solutions. Our methods extend those of [1]. We obtain Krylov-Safonov (i.e. C estimates [8]), C 1 ' " , Schauder (C) and W estimates for viscosity solutions of uniformly parabolic equations in general form. The results can be viewed as a priori estimates on the classical C solutions. Our method produces, in particular, regularity results for a broad new array of nonlinear heat equations, including the Bellman equation [6]:
Maternal Reading Self-Efficacy Associated with Perceived Barriers to Reading

Although early reading practices impact a host of child literacy, language, and school outcomes, many parents do not read to their young children. One possible explanation for this lack of early literacy practices is mothers’ feelings about their ability to successfully read to their children. A series of multiple regressions were used to explore whether new mothers’ reading self-efficacy predicted their perceived barriers to reading to their 18-month-old children. Findings suggest that self-efficacy buffers against mother-centered (e.g., too tired), child-centered (e.g., toddler fussy), and structural (e.g., environmental distractions) barriers to reading. Given the importance of early literacy and that not all mothers read to their toddlers, increasing reading self-efficacy may offer a way to reduce perceived barriers to early literacy practices.
Influence of landscape-scale variables on vegetation conversion to exotic annual grassland in southern California, USA

In California, USA, coastal sage scrub (CSS) vegetation is being converted to exotic annual grassland, and several causes have been suggested. In order to investigate the importance of environmental variables in the conversion and recovery of CSS, particularly nitrogen deposition within the context of historical fire intervals, we employed an information theoretic approach. Prior studies have not assessed both conversion and recovery, and did not analyze nitrogen critical load for vegetation type conversion. We included measures of climate, topography, vegetation, land use, nitrogen deposition, and fire in our analysis, and found that 34% of CSS study sites were converted to exotic grassland between 1930 and 2009. Converted sites had higher nitrogen deposition with a critical load of 11 kg N ha−1 yr −1, also had shallower slopes, and were more west-facing. A smaller number of sites (24%) recovered to CSS, and these sites had about 2.5 times more CSS and 4.5 times less grassland in the surrounding landscape. CSS conservation and restoration efforts are most likely to be successful when focused on sites with <11.0 kg N ha−1 yr −1 and low invasion of exotic grasses. Analyses such as this that identify important threats may be useful in region-wide plans to conserve unique vegetation types.
NCTR Plus Sensor Fusion Equals IFFN or can Two Plus Two Equal Five

Fowler's Seventh Law for military systems [1] states: "Be wary of proposals for synergistic systems. Most of the time when you try to make 2 + 2 = 5, you end up with 3-and sometimes 1.9." We attempt to approach the broad issues of IFFN (identification, friend, foe, neutral) of military targets via the techniques of NCTR (noncooperative target recognition), coupled with the systems approach called "sensor fusion." Although the overall style of the paper is that of a tutorial, many of the results presented are original. In all cases where we make political obsrvations, they represent our personal opinions.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE IN VITRO CULTURE OF THE RUMEN CILIATE OPHRYOSCOLEX PURKYNEI STEIN.

SYNOPSIS. A method for the in vitro culture of O. purkynei was developed which permitted the continuous culture of this protozoon in clone culture for a. period of 32 months. The shortest division time was 24 hr. The concentration of cells varied between 700 and 1000/ml in the routine procedure. Variations in spination which occurred in the clone culture suggested that this characteristic was of doubtful taxonomic importance. Ground wheat and alfalfa served as substrates but soluble sugars did not. Green plant material appeared to be necessary for continued growth of the protozoa. Ingestion of a large streptococcus was demonstrated by vital staining of a mixed population of bacteria with tetrazolium prior to incubation with the protozoan suspension in the presence of wheat. O. purkynei can tolerate exposure to variations in osmotic pressure, temperature, and oxygen which are consonant with its transfer in nature by grooming or ingestion of contaminated food or drink.
A Method for Evaluating the Magnetic Field Homogeneity of a Radiofrequency Coil by Its Field Histogram

Abstract The magnetic field homogeneity of a radiofrequency coil is very important in both magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. In this report, a method is proposed for quantitatively evaluating the RF magnetic field homogeneity from its histogram, which is obtained by either experimental measurement or theoretical calculation. The experimental histogram and theoretical histogram can be compared directly to verify the theoretical findings. The RF field homogeneities of the bird-cage coil, slotted-tube resonator, cosine wire coil, and a new radial plate coil design were evaluated using this method. The results showed that the experimental histograms and the corresponding theoretical histograms are consistent. This method provides an easy and sensitive way of evaluating the magnetic field homogeneity and facilitates the design and evaluation of new RF coil configurations.
Linking employee development activity, social exchange and organizational citizenship behavior

The authors examined ‘perceived beneficiary’ of employee development (self, organization) for relationships with employee development activity. Perceived organizational support served as a moderator. The authors conclude that employees may engage in development activities to partly benefit their organization to the extent that a positive exchange relationship exists. Correlational data also show that development behavior is related to organizational citizenship behavior, and this is particularly true for work-related development activity. This research links employee development with social exchange and organizational citizenship, providing implications for both research and practice.
Protein abundance ratios for global studies of prokaryotes

The use of multidimensional capillary HPLC combined with MS/MS has allowed high qualitative and quantitative proteome coverage of prokaryotic organisms. The determination of protein abundance change between two or more conditions has matured to the point that false discovery rates can be very low and for smaller proteomes coverage is sufficiently high to explicitly consider false negative error. Selected aspects of using these methods for global protein abundance assessments are reviewed. These include instrumental issues that influence the reliability of abundance ratios; a comparison of sources of nonlinearity, errors, and data compression in proteomics and spotted cDNA arrays; strengths and weaknesses of spectral counting versus stable isotope metabolic labeling; and a survey of microbiological applications of global abundance analysis at the protein level. Proteomic results for two organisms that have been studied extensively using these methods are reviewed in greater detail. Spectral counting and metabolic labeling data are compared and the utility of proteomics for global gene regulation studies are discussed for the methanogenic Archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis. The oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is discussed as an example of an organism where a large percentage of the proteome differs in relative abundance between the intracellular and extracellular phenotype.
News About News in a Presidential Primary Campaign: Press Metacoverage on Evening News, Political Talk, and Political Comedy Programs

This study examines press metacoverage (i.e., news about news) on traditional broadcast network evening news programs, political talk programs on cable television, and political comedy programs. A content analysis found that 2008 presidential primary campaign stories on The O'Reilly Factor, Countdown, and The Daily Show were more likely to cover the news media and to present the news media in a negative light than were stories on NBC Nightly News. The results suggest that people who view political talk and political comedy programs will be exposed to a distinctively unflattering view of the ways in which the press covers elections. Such exposure, in turn, may carry consequences for public opinion.
Pulmonary Insulin Responsivity: In Vivo Effects of Insulin on the Diabetic Rat Lung and Specific Insulin Rinding to Lung Receptors in Normal Rats11

Adult rats were rendered diabetic by a single iv injection of streptozotocin (70 or 75 mg/kg). In these rats, serum insulin fell to minimal levels during the 48 h following drug treatment, and this was roughly paralleled by a progressive decrease in the ability of the lung to oxidize glucose. The addition of insulin to diabetic rat lung slices in vitro had no restorative effect on the depressed glucose oxidative rate during a 2 h incubation period; however, two daily treatments of the rats with 1 unit of protamine zinc insulin completely restored lung glucose oxidation rate to normal, without significantly reducing the hyperglycemic state of the rats. An examination of the temporal changes in glucose utilization by the rat lung after acute insulin treatment revealed that the diabetic lung responded directly to serum levels of insulin, whereas the nomal lung appeared to be unaffected by serum insulin levels as high as 87 ng/ml. The reduced rate of glucose oxidation in the diabetic lung was apparent after p...
Teachers' impressions of children varying in pragmatic skills

Abstract Many behaviors and characteristics contribute to teachers' impressions of their students and affect teachers' judgments of such qualities as competence and likeability. Among these behaviors are pragmatic skills, the appropriate use of language in social contexts. One hundred fifty-three experienced school teachers listened to one of five audiotaped conversations between a girl and a school librarian, then rated the girl on several scales. In one tape the girl requested, took turns, responded when spoken to, and maintained the logic of the conversation appropriately. In the others she used pragmatic skills inappropriately. Tape condition had a significant effect on ratings of the girl's likeability. Teachers formed positive impressions of the girl when she used all pragmatic skills appropriately and when she failed to respond promptly when spoken to, and negative impressions of the girl in the other conditions. Implications of these results for teacher training and children's pragmatic and social skills training are discussed.
An exploratory study of awareness interests about software modifications

As software engineers collaboratively develop software, they need to often analyze past and present program modifications implemented by other developers. While several techniques focus on tool support for investigating past and present software modifications, do these techniques indeed address developers' awareness interests that are important to them? We conducted an initial focus group study and a web survey to understand in which task contexts and how often particular types of awareness-interests arise. Our preliminary study results indicate that developers have daily information needs about code changes that affect or interfere with their code, yet it is extremely challenging for them to identify relevant events out of a large number of change-events.
Managing and directing a digital project

Presents a diary of the attempts to construct and launch a collaborative and interdepartmental digital project at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Looks at some of the problems that arose. Concludes with an analysis of the lessons learned and suggestions of how to deal with the conflicts that arise in the setting up of this kind of project.
A system for producing and monitoring in vitro calcium pulses similar to those observed in vivo

We have used a computer-controlled automatic pipettor system in conjunction with a fluorescence spectrometer to produce Ca2+ pulses and pulse sequences within a cylindrical fluorescence cuvette. These pulses or pulse sequences are similar to those observed in the cytosol of many types of cells in vivo and show good reproducibility. Their intensity, duration, shape, and periodicity can be controlled and determined at will. Pulses of other ions or of transmembrane potential can be produced by the same apparatus. As an example of the use of this apparatus, initial studies on uptake of pulses of Ca2+ by isolated liver mitochondria are described in which controls are used to verify that initial rapid mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is actual net uptake, as opposed to binding or exchange.
Receptor up-regulation, internalization, and interconverting receptor states. Critical components of a quantitative description of N-formyl peptide-receptor dynamics in the neutrophil.

High resolution kinetic data of the binding of fluorescent peptide to the N-formyl peptide receptor of neutrophils at 37°C has allowed for the development of a ligand binding model that predicts statistically larger binding rate constants than those previously reported for intact neutrophils. The new model accounts for ligand association and dissociation, receptor up-regulation, ligand-receptor complex internalization, a change in receptor affinity, and the quenching of internalized fluorescent ligand. We determined that receptor up-regulation is both agonist- and temperature-induced and is inhibited by both phenylarsine oxide and pertussis toxin treatment. Model fits of ligand association to pertussis toxin-treated cells show that while receptor up-regulation was inhibited, rate constants for ligand binding, receptor affinity conversion, and internalization of ligand-receptor complexes were unaffected. Results suggest Gi-protein-mediated receptor up-regulation and Gi-protein-independent receptor affinity conversion. Simulation of ligand infusion using our model gives insight into the quantitative and dynamic relationship between the low affinity ligand-receptor complex and the actin polymerization response.
The lac operator as a phenotypic label for DNA fragments cloned in Escherichia coli

To confer a detectable phenotype on any DNA fragment cloned in Escherichia coli, one can label the fragment by ligating it to the lac operator so that host cells can be identified as blue colonies on agar plates. This screening strategy is similar to that used for the pUC and M13 series of vectors, but does not require the vector to contain the lacZ gene. Instead, the presence of the lac operator on the multicopy vector results in the induction of the host cell beta-galactosidase by titrating out the repressor. This paper describes how pUC/M13 vectors or synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides can be used to supply the operator label, and shows how this method has been used to position unique restriction sites for initiating BAL 31 deletions. This approach may be particularly helpful when a given DNA fragment is to be cloned in many different constructs or is to pass through many sequential cloning steps.
Appraisal of the Kuo-Herling shell-model interaction and application to A =210–212 nuclei

Shell-model calculations are described for A=204--212 nuclei. These calculations use the Kuo-Herling realistic effective interactions for hole states and particle states relative to $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. These interactions contain a bare part and a core-polarization contribution. The contribution of the core polarization was varied to find the best fit to the energy spectra of A=204--206 and 210--212 nuclei. This and other modifications to the Kuo-Herling interaction---designed to give better agreement with experimental energy spectra---are discussed. Aspects of the spectroscopy of $^{211\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}212}\mathrm{Pb}$, $^{210}\mathrm{Po}$, $^{212}\mathrm{Ra}$, $^{210}\mathrm{Bi}$, and $^{212}\mathrm{At}$ are presented in order to illustrate the use of the Kuo-Herling particle interaction. Deficiencies in the Kuo-Herling interaction are described and the desirability and possibility of an improved calculation of the interaction is emphasized.
Equivalence classes in the Weyl groups of type Bn

We consider two families of equivalence classes in the Weyl groups of type B n which are suggested by the study of left cells in unequal parameter Iwahori-Hecke algebras. Both families are indexed by a non-negative integer r. It has been shown that the first family coincides with left cells corresponding to the equal parameter Iwahori-Hecke algebra when r=0; the equivalence classes in the second family agree with left cells corresponding to a special class of choices of unequal parameters when r is sufficiently large. Our main result shows that the two families of equivalence classes coincide, suggesting the structure of left cells for remaining choices of the Iwahori-Hecke algebra parameters.
Looking Black at Revolutionary Cuba

What does the promise of 1959â€”iVenceremos! (We Will Win!)â€”mean to blacks in the United States, and what are the possible futures for the continuation and expansion of revolution? As commentary by black individuals who visited or took refuge in Revolutionary Cuba and my own ethnographic work on the island, roughly from 1998 to 2003, show, the vision of Cuba has become more salient and more complex as the position of blacks in the United States becomes more fraught with contradictions. As must any contemporary 50-year-old, the Cuban Revolution must now reconcile intention and effect and chart its future course in a world very different from the one it was born into.
Spiritual leadership as a model for student inner development

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self-understanding.” —from the Foreword to Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education by Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
Evolving role of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone antagonists.

Abstract GnRH antagonists, unlike GnRH agonists, do not act via "downregulation." Instead, GnRH antagonists monopolize the GnRH receptors to such an extent that endogenous GnRH is unable to bind to sufficient numbers of GnRH receptors to provoke release of LH/FSH. This fundamental difference in the mechanism of action of GnRH antagonists versus GnRH agonists is anticipated to result in clinical benefits for certain applications.
The severity of academic dishonesty: A comparison of faculty and student views

This study considers the severity of academic dishonesty as an important factor in dealing with academic integrity. The results indicate that although faculty generally consider specific dishonest behaviors as more severe than do students, the differences appear to lessen as students progress toward graduation.
Kissing spine and the retrodural space of Okada: more than just a kiss?

Baastrup (“kissing spine”) disease is characterized by contact by adjacent lumbar spinous processes and the presence of lumbar interspinous bursitis. The formation of an adventitious bursa within the interspinous region has been described previously in a retrospective review of routine lumbar magnetic resonance imaging in which the authors demonstrated the prevalence of interspinous bursitis in 8.2% of the study population [1]. These authors found an association between the formation of an interspinous bursa and the presence of associated degenerative changes such as central canal stenosis, disk bulging, and anterolisthesis. However, whether this bursa formation is the result of mechanical impingement from adjacent spinous processes or the result of degenerative conditions has not been fully characterized. Dr. Kikuzo Okada first described a communication pathway between single-level bilateral cervical facet joints in 1981 [2]. He described an extradural space dorsal to the ligamentum flavum that could connect the interlaminar region, interspinous region, and bilateral facet joints. This communication has been described in the lumbar spine, whereby interventional procedures in a single-sided facet joint have demonstrated flow of contrast material to the contralateral facet joint [3]. Usually “kissing spine” is thought to be caused by touching of approximating lumbar spinous processes during lumbar extension. This touching may create an adventitial bursa irritation within the interspinous ligament at the same level. However, we postulate that kissing spine disease may actually be an early sign of segmental instability. The anteroposterior shearing forces in persons with spondylolisthesis or early mid-range segmental instability may cause a friction moment, resulting in the interspinous formation of a bursa. Alternatively, excessive fluid within the facet joint caused by effusion may leak through the retrodural space of Okada to this region between the spinous processes and accumulate in the interspinous bursa. This bursa formation is different from a posterior facet joint synovial cyst in that the cyst has a contiguous relationship to the adjacent facet joint and is located in close proximity to the joint, whereas the adventitial bursa formation is more posterior within
Doppler echocardiographic flow characteristics of isolated patent ductus arteriosus: Better delineation by Doppler color flow mapping

Abstract Eighteen infants and children with isolated ductus arteriosus and various hemodynamic states were examined with the Doppler color flow mapping technique to study the flow patterns of the patent ductus and its adjacent structures. Direct visualization of the ductus was achieved in all patients. All ductal flow was shunting left to right from the descending aorta to the pulmonary artery even in the presence of significant elevation of pulmonary artery pressure. However, transient bidirectional shunting was observed in two patients on serial studies. Disturbed systolic and diastolic flows were demonstrated within the ductus in each case. The blood flows in the main pulmonary artery consisted of three distinguishable areas: 1) a characteristic high velocity turbulent retrograde ductal jet throughout the entire cardiac cycle, located in the anterolateral aspect of the main pulmonary artery; 2) nonspecific low velocity retrograde late systolic and early diastolic flow, located in the posteromedial aspect of the mata pulmonary artery; and 3) low velocity forward systolic and diastolic flow, occupying the remaining area of the pulmonary artery. The blood flows in the descending aorta pear the ductal orifice consisted of disturbed systolic and diastolic flows in a reversed direction. By providing detailed real time blood flow information with simultaneous imaging of the ductus, Doppler color flow mapping greatly facilitates the detection of a small ductal shunt. This technique also allows detection of a bidirectional or right to left ductal shunt.
Computational studies of protegrin antimicrobial peptides: A review

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, naturally occurring peptides that exhibit strong antibacterial properties generally believed to be a result of selective bacterial membrane disruption. As a result, there has been significant interest in the development of therapeutic antibiotics based on AMPs; however, the poor understanding of the fundamental mechanism of action of these peptides has largely hampered such efforts. We present a summary of computational and theoretical investigations of protegrin, a particularly potent peptide that is both an excellent model for the mechanism of action of AMPs and a promising therapeutic candidate. Experimental investigations have shed light on many of the key steps in the action of protegrin: protegrin monomers are known to dimerize in various lipid environments; protegrin peptides interact strongly with lipid bilayer membranes, particularly anionic lipids; protegrins have been shown to form pores in lipid bilayers, which results in uncontrolled ion transport and may be a key factor in bacterial death. In this work, we present a comprehensive review of the computational and theoretical studies that have complemented and extended the information obtained from experimental work with protegrins, as well as a brief survey of the experimental biophysical studies that are most pertinent to such computational work. We show that a consistent, mechanistic description of the bactericidal mechanism of action of protegrins is emerging, and briefly outline areas where the current understanding is deficient. We hope that the research reviewed herein offers compelling evidence of the benefits of computational investigations of protegrins and other AMPs, as well as providing a useful guide to future work in this area.
Preschool Student Learning in Literacy and Mathematics: Impact of Teacher Experience, Qualifications, and Beliefs on an At-Risk Sample

Few studies investigating the impacts of teacher characteristics and beliefs about the importance of early skill learning have included measures of children's learning outcomes. This study investigated how teachers' educational attainment, experience, and beliefs impact the development of letter identification and number concepts (enumeration, cardinality, and numeral identification). One hundred thirty-eight 4-year-old children from low-income homes attending public preschool programs were the focus of a study based on findings that early learning is impacted by family characteristics and teachers' perceptions of children's eagerness to learn (West, Denton, & Germino Hausken, 2000). Children's skills were assessed fall and spring, with more change found in spring measures of letter identification than in measures of number concept skills. Teachers' educational attainment was found to strongly influence development of letter identification, with teacher experience a weaker influence. For number concepts, ...
Particle contamination effects in EUVL: enhanced theory for the analytical determination of critical particle sizes

Existing analytical and numerical methodologies are discussed and then extended in order to calculate critical contamination-particle sizes, which will result in deleterious effects during EUVL E-chucking in the face of an error budget on the image-placement-error (IPE). The enhanced analytical models include a gap dependant clamping pressure formulation, the consideration of a general material law for realistic particle crushing and the influence of frictional contact. We present a discussion of the defects of the classical de-coupled modeling approach where particle crushing and mask/chuck indentation are separated from the global computation of mask bending. To repair this defect we present a new analytic approach based on an exact Hankel transform method which allows a fully coupled solution. This will capture the contribution of the mask indentation to the image-placement-error (estimated IPE increase of 20%). A fully coupled finite element model is used to validate the analytical models and to further investigate the impact of a mask back-side CrN-layer. The models are applied to existing experimental data with good agreement. For a standard material combination, a given IPE tolerance of 1 nm and a 15 kPa closing pressure, we derive bounds for single particles of cylindrical shape (radius × height < 44 μm) and spherical shape (diameter < 12 μm).
Extragenic revertants of rad50, a yeast mutation causing defects in recombination and repair.

The RAD50 gene in yeast is required for recombination-repair (i.e., the double strand break repair pathway) in mitosis, and for meiotic recombination and sporulation. Both of these processes are complex and seem likely to require a relatively large number of gene products. In order to help define other genes required for recombination and repair processes in yeast, we have isolated extragenic revertants of rad50-4 which restore the ability to grow in the presence of MMS. Evidence from segregation indicates the extragenic revertants fall into at least five loci. Two of them reduce sporulation and spore viability at high temperature; another mutation confers a spontaneous hyperrec phenotype on mitotic cells. Thus, at least three revertants are candidates for mutations which affect recombination functions.
On the time variation in the tropical energetics of large-scale motions during the FGGE summer

A pronounced quasi-periodic variation with a period of 11/2 months (OHM) was observed in the tropical (10°S-20°N) energetics during the FGGE summer using the data generated by the FGGE III-b analyses of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This quasi-periodic variation in the tropical energetics was found to be mainly attributed to wave 1. The time evolution in the three-dimensional structure and dynamical transport processes of this wave are used to explore how this OHM variation occurred and was maintained. It was revealed that the OHM variation in the eddy-available potential energy essentially occurs north of the equator and in the eddy kinetic energy appears both north and south of the equator. The former variation is possibly supported by the generation of the eddy available potential energy and the latter variation north of the equator is maintained by the release of the eddy-available potential energy due to the thermally direct overturnings. The OHM variation in the eddy kinetic energy south of the equator is sustained by the barotropic interaction between the zonal flow and wave 1. A possible mechanism to induce the OHM variation in the tropical energetics is also discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1985.tb00426.x