cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of a Structurally Unique Osteoclastic Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase Is Driven by an Alternative Intronic, Cell Type-specific Promoter

An osteoclastic protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP-oc), essential for osteoclast activity, shows sequence identity with the intracellular domain of GLEPP1, a renal receptor-like transmembrane PTP. PTP-oc has been assumed to be a truncated variant of GLEPP1, resulting from alternative splicing. However, the 5′-untranslated region sequence of PTP-oc mRNA contains 217 bp from an intron of GLEPP1. There are no splicing acceptor sites at the PTP-oc transcription site. The intronic sequence flanking the 5′ end of the PTP-oc transcription start site contains potential promoter elements essential for transcriptional initiation. To test the hypothesis that the PTP-oc gene has an alternative, tissue-specific, intronic promoter, the promoter activity of a 1.3-kb PCR fragment covering the 5′-flanking region of the PTP-oc gene was measured. The putative PTP-oc promoter fragment showed strong promoter activity in U937 cells. Mutation of the putative TATA box within the PTP-oc promoter abolished 60–90% of its promoter activity. The PTP-oc promoter fragment showed strong promoter activity in cells that express PTP-oc (U937 cells and RAW264.7 cells) but not in cells that do not express the enzyme (skin fibroblasts, TE85 cells, and HEK293 cells). These findings strongly support the conclusion that the 1.3-kb intronic fragment contains the tissue-specific, PTP-oc proximal promoter. Deletion and functional analyses indicate that the proximal 5′ sequence flanking the TATA box of the PTP-oc contains potential repressor elements. The removal of the putative repressor elements led to the apparent loss of tissue specificity. In summary, we conclude that an intronic promoter within the GLEPP1 gene drives the expression of the PTP-oc in a cell type-specific manner. This GLEPP1/PTP-oc gene system is one of the very few systems in which two important tissue-specific enzymes are derived from the same gene by the use of alternative intronic promoters.
Igneous sulfides in the Fish Canyon Tuff and the role of sulfur in calc-alkaline magmas

Pyrrhotite is a common inclusion in several phenocrystal phases from the Fish Canyon Tuff, a voluminous, homogeneous ash flow erupted from the Central San Juan field. The fugacities of various gaseous species have been calculated using the composition of the pyrrhotite, iron-titanium oxides, and biotite. Sulfur and oxygen fugacities fall very near the sulfur condensation curve, implying that liquid sulfur may have been present in the parent magma. High sulfur fugacities during melt formation can cause high oxygen fugacity in calc-alkaline magmas due to the breakdown of pyrite at high temperatures. During cooling of such magmas, separation of SO 2 -rich gases causes a reduction in oxygen fugacity. Significant amounts of sulfur are available during degassing and represent a major source of sulfur for related ore deposits. The ultimate source of the high sulfur and oxygen activities is probably pyrite and magnetite deposited during the waning stages of hydrothermal circulation at active oceanic ridges. Other ash flows and calc-alkalic volcanic rocks should be carefully examined for similar sulfide phases.
Thermal Analysis of Phase Change Materials With Embedded Graphite Nanofibers for Thermal Management of Electronics

Phase change materials (PCMs) exhibit excellent thermal storage capacity due to their high latent heat of transformation and have been successfully utilized in small volumes for transient thermal management of electronics. However, their low thermal diffusivity makes it difficult to utilize large volumes of PCMs for transient thermal management of high power density systems. To improve the thermal performance of a paraffin PCM, high thermal conductivity graphite nanofibers are embedded into the paraffin PCM. The thermal effects of graphite fiber loading levels, measured in weight percent, are examined for a 131 cm3 volume cubic system with power loads of 3 and 7 W. It is found that the thermal response of the system improves with increased fiber loading levels.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Influence of the photocycle and thermocycle on rhythms of plasma thyroxine and plasma and ocular melatonin in late metamorphic stages of the bullfrog tadpole, Rana catesbeiana

Abstract The diel fluctuations in plasma thyroxine (T4) and plasma and ocular melatonin entrain to the light/dark (LD) cycle in the bullfrog tadpole, although the phase of the rhythms changes during development. Previous studies on the rhythmicity of these hormones were conducted under various LD cycles, but with a constant temperature, raising the question of the role of the natural thermocycle in determining the phase of the rhythms, and the changes that occur in the hormone levels and rhythms during late metamorphosis. To study this question, tadpoles were acclimated to simulated natural conditions of 14.5L:9.5D with a corresponding thermocycle in which the thermophase was 28 °C and the cryophase was 18 °C, or to the same thermocycle under constant light (24L). On both photoregimens, the diel fluctuations changed between prometamorphosis and metamorphic climax. However, more statistically significant rhythms, as indicated by the cosinor, occurred on 14.5L:9.5D than on 24L. At climax on the LD cycle, all hormones peaked around the same time in the late scotocryophase, whereas on 24L, plasma T4 peaked in the thermophase and plasma and ocular melatonin peaks occurred some distance from each other early in the cryophase. The earlier peaks of plasma and ocular melatonin on 24L were due to a transient rise in these hormones at the onset of the cryophase, which was not sustained in the absence of an LD cycle. On 14.5L:9.5D with a corresponding thermocycle, the hormone rhythms had nearly the same phases as was found in previous work on 12L:12D at a constant temperature of 22 °C, allowing for minor phase shifting due to the photocycle differences, indicating that in this species laboratory studies on constant temperature give valid results even in the absence of a thermocycle. The findings show that the phases of the hormone rhythms are determined by the LD cycle although the onset of the cryophase, in the absence of a photocycle, may exert some influence on the nighttime rise in melatonin. The developmental rise in plasma T4, and drop in plasma melatonin, occurred on both 14.5L:9.5D and 24L, indicating, taken together with previous work, that these climactic changes were independent of temperature and light cycling.
An estimate of the surface conditions of Venus

Recent spectroscopic observations of the cloud layer region of Venus give good relative pressure data on CO2, CO, H2O, HCl, and HF. From these data and the assumption that the atmosphere is in chemical equilibrium with the lithosphere, it is possible to deduce lower limits on the temperature and pressure of the coolest part of the surface of the planet, and to state an upper limit on the temperature in this coolest region. For Venus with an isothermal surface and with an adiabatic atmosphere, the surface pressure is found to be ≧ 1.8 bars and the surface temperature ≧ 514°K for all models considered. For Venus with a maximum surface temperature of 700°K and an adiabatic lapse rate above the hottest point, a surface pressure ≧ 5.4 bars and a cold-region temperature T ≧ 540°K were found. A probable upper limit on the temperature in the coolest region, derivable from the observational upper limits on COS and H2S, is about 560°K.
Intracranial pressure measurements using an implantable optically based sensing system

The long term goal of this research is the development of an implantable miniature intracranial pressure (ICP) sensor based on a transmissive optical approach. The proposed sensor will be composed of a pressure sensing membrane, an optical transmitter and receiver, and a signal transport mechanism. Two transpoit mechanisms were investigated one using a fiber optic approach and the other a telemetric approach each of which would be used depending on the desired application of intracranial pressure monitoring. Once implanted this sensor could not only be used to continuously monitor ICP but also be used in the development of a new generation of "smart" hydrocephalus shunts to provide feedback from intracranial pressure measurements to control flow through the valve. The current treatment of hydrocephalus relies on implantable shunts which employ passive, pressure operated, mechanical valves. These valves and their associated components must be selected by the surgeon such that the rate of flow through the shunt at the desired maximum pressure is in balance with the given rate of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation. Difficulties with the biomechanics and confounding by the changes in the condition of the patient with time lead to a high rate of complications in hydrocephalus shunting. It is envisioned that in the new design the passive opening of the shunt valve will be replaced by direct pressure detection using the proposed sensor, a control module, and an electronically operated valve. With this design the surgeon could select diverse pressure/flow characteristics to match the individual patient, to tune the device to accommodate changes in the patient, and to monitor the ICP signal externally. The primary focus in this article is to describe the preliminary design of the optically based implantable ICP sensor and present the in vitro results obtained from the optical bench top prototype.
The Distribution of Silver in Precipitation from Two Seeded Alberta Hailstorms

Abstract Samples of rain and small hail have been analyzed for their silver content. The samples were collected during both seeded and unseeded storms in the project area of the 1968 Alberta Hail Studies Program. The natural background concentration of silver was determined as 5 × 10−12 gm ml−1. The precipitation from two storms, each seeded with 240 gm of AgI, contained silver up to 14 times this background value. The circulation times for the silver iodide through the storms were determined. In one case, it was around 40 min; in the other two cases, it was around 70 min. This type of observation could be valuable in optimization of seeding techniques for hail suppression.
Cellular glutathione is a key to the oxygen effect in radiation damage

OXYGEN is known to enhance biological changes induced by ionising radiation1,2. The changes include chromosome breaks in Tradescantia3 mutation production in Drosophila, maize and bacteria3–6, and rate of mitosis in grasshopper neuroblasts7. The biological and physical bases for the various enhancements remain obscure, and it has not yet been established that they are the result of a common mechanism. The quantitative aspects of the relationship between oxygen concentration and radiation response have been measured: for example, killing of Escherichia coli by X-ray radiation at a constant radiation dose8 and various interpretations of the quantitative aspects of the response base have been made9–12. Ionising radiation has been proposed to interact with water to produce several products and these products interact with cellular material to produce the biological effects observed. In the reactions proposed, cellular sulphydryl groups are supposed to be a primary cellular constituent which is reactive with the radiation products from water. We report here that one major cellular sulphydryl constituent, glutathione (GSH), is apparently the major component in the interaction between radiation products and the cell, for cells unable to synthesise glutathione cannot be protected against killing by ionising radiation by reduction of the external oxygen concentration.
Involvement of Ath3 in CNTF-mediated differentiation of the late retinal progenitors

The cellular diversity of the mammalian retina is underpinned by multipotential neural progenitors that generate retinal neurons and glia with temporal and spatial specificity. It is thought, based on studies using a variety of approaches, that the fate of retinal progenitors is determined through interactions between temporally and spatially arrayed epigenetic cues with intrinsic factors that regulate the competence of cells to respond to such cues. Here, we demonstrate interactions between an intrinsic factor Ath3, a neural bHLH protein, and an extrinsic factor CNTF during the differentiation of the late retinal progenitors along the bipolar cell lineage. Expression of Ath3 is predominantly associated with the late stage of retinal histogenesis when bipolar cells are specified, and in adult it is detected in cells expressing bipolar cell-specific markers. We demonstrate that CNTF-induced bipolar cell differentiation is accompanied by an increase in levels of Ath3 transcripts and compromised when Ath3 expression is attenuated. Our study suggests that the influence of CNTF on the differentiation of late retinal progenitors is mediated through Ath3.
Effects of ethanol on the processing of low probability stimuli: an ERP study

The effect of a moderate dose of ethanol on the processing of low probability task-relevant and task-irrelevant stimuli was investigated using event-related potentials (ERPs). Sixteen subjects received alcoholic and placebo beverages on alternate days. ERPs were recorded from 15 locations on the scalp. The subjects were asked to press a button upon detection of rare target stimuli embedded among frequent standard and rare “novel” stimuli. Ethanol 1) reduced the amplitude of P3 to novel stimuli, but not P3 to target stimuli, 2) did not affect the mismatch negativity, and 3) delayed P3 latency and reaction time independently. These results suggest that 1) the processing of rare task-irrelevant stimuli is more vulnerable to the effects of ethanol than is the processing of task-relevant stimuli, and 2) ethanol impacts stimulus evaluation time and response production stages of information processing.
Laser photochemical deposition of germanium‐silicon alloy thin films

Thin films of Ge‐Si alloys were deposited by 193 nm photolysis of GeH4/Si2H6 gas mixtures using an ArF laser. For substrate temperatures below 350 °C, deposition occurred only with the laser present, while for temperatures above 400 °C, film growth was little influenced by laser photolysis and resembled conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The Si/Ge ratio in the films was about three times the PSi2H6/PGeH4 ratio of reactant partial pressures for deposition in either the laser photolysis or the CVD regime. This result indicates that there is strong cross chemistry between silicon and germanium‐bearing species in the gas phase. Film stoichiometry was measured by Auger analysis and Raman spectroscopy, with both methods leading to the same film composition.
Making good points: application-specific pareto-point generation for design space exploration using statistical methods

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) commonly implement system architectures composed from soft-core configurable components, such as a cache with configurable size or associativity, a processor with configurable datapath units, or a configurable network-on-chip connecting dozens of processors. Configurable components increasingly exist even on pre-fabricated platforms. Tuning configurable components to the particular application running on the architecture and to particular design constraints represents a challenging task often left to a designer. Knowledge of the Pareto-optimal points of a system for particular applications can be of benefit to designers seeking to make appropriate design tradeoffs for given constraints. Previous methods for generating Pareto points required extensive knowledge of an architecture's parameter interdependencies, used a simplistic approach that failed to find many parameters, or used randomized search algorithms that may have long runtimes. We introduce an algorithm for finding Pareto points, based on statistically rigorous methods derived from the Design of Experiments paradigm and extended for the purpose of finding Pareto points. The resulting DoE-based Pareto point Generator, or DPG, algorithm finds thorough Pareto points while running 3 times faster than randomized search algorithms, without requiring designer knowledge of parameter interdependencies--in fact, the approach determines those interdependencies automatically, representing an added bonus. We demonstrate DPG on Platune's configurable processor-bus-cache system-on-chip, Noxim's configurable network-on-chip, and the configurable Microblaze FPGA processor.
Irony and Argument in Dialogues , XII

Toward the end of Hume's Dialogues concerning Natural Religion , Philo catalogues the ‘frivolous observances’, ‘rapturous ecstasies’ and ‘bigotted credulity’ of ‘vulgar superstition’, concluding that ‘true religion, I allow, has no such pernicious consequences: But we must treat of religion, as it has com monly been found in the world’ (Hume, 1947: 222–3). This would be a mild enough sort of caveat were it not nigh on impossible to determine exactly what counts as true religion, and how it figures in Hume's argument. Typically, answers to this puzzle have required identifying the positions of the discussants, and then arguing that one of them represents Hume's views. A catalogue of the options may prove instructive.
Depolarization of dynamically polarized solid targets due to beam heating effects

Abstract The behavior of dynamically polarized targets in the presence of a high intensity electron beam was studied. The nuclear polarization seen by the incident electron beam is lower than the overall measured target polarization by NMR due to beam heating and subsequent depolarization. A correction for this beam-induced depolarization is developed here to correct the measured target polarization for these effects. Furthermore, a model has also been developed to calculate the target depolarization in beam, and optimization of running conditions for future experiments of this nature are discussed based on this model.
Potentials for energy efficiency improvement in the US cement industry

Abstract This paper reports on an in-depth analysis of the US cement industry, identifying cost-effective energy efficiency measures and potentials. Between 1970 and 1997, primary physical energy intensity for cement production (SIC 324) dropped 30%, from 7.9 GJ/t to 5.6 GJ/t, while specific carbon dioxide emissions due to fuel consumption and clinker calcination dropped 17%, from 0.29 tC/tonne to 0.24 tC/tonne. We examined 30 energy-efficient technologies and measures and estimated energy savings, carbon dioxide savings, investment costs, and operation and maintenance costs for each of the measures. We constructed an energy conservation supply curve for the US cement industry which found a total cost-effective energy saving of 11% of 1994 energy use for cement making and a saving of 5% of total 1994 carbon dioxide emissions. Assuming the increased production of blended cement, the technical potential for energy efficiency improvement would not change considerably. However, the cost-effective potential would increase to 18% of total energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 16%. This demonstrates that the use of blended cements is a key cost-effective strategy for energy efficiency improvement and carbon dioxide emission reductions in the US cement industry.
Friedel–crafts reagents as charring agents in impact polystyrene

We have screened various multifunctional Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation reagents for their charring ability in impact polystyrene. Only benzyl chloride reagents with Sb2O3–halogen catalysts promoted crosslinking; the result is increased char yields and decreased fuel production and thereby improved fire resistance. Selected systems were evaluated for ignition, extinction, flamespread, and smoke generation; chars were fully characterized.
AIDS and Culture: The Case for an African Information Identity

The library and information profession in Africa is not well recognized. It does not carry an identifiable set of core activities that share a common understanding across societies in Africa. The number of libraries in Africa is limited for a variety of reasons including lack of resources, populations that are not based in print literacy, and having its roots in the British model of librarianship. HIV/AIDS continues to pose severe problems for Sub-Saharan Africa. Some countries in the region have successfully reduced the number of HIV/AIDS cases, citing information as the main source of prevention, presenting library and information professionals a unique opportunity to collectively organize and establish their role in the fight against the disease. This paper will discuss the opportunity for how LIS professionals engaged in HIV/AIDS information activities can develop and strengthen a positive status for the library and information discipline in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A foundation for refactoring C with macros

This paper establishes the concept of "preprocessor dependences" as a foundation for building automated refactoring tools that transform source code containing lexical macros and conditional compilation directives, such as those provided by the C preprocessor. We define a preprocessor dependence graph (PPDG) that models the relationships among macro definitions, macro invocations, and conditional compilation directives in a file--the relationships that must be maintained for the semantics of the C preprocessor to be preserved. For many refactorings, a tool can construct a PPDG from the code before and after it is transformed, then perform a linear-time comparison of the two graphs to determine whether the refactoring will operate correctly in the presence of macros and conditional compilation directives. The proposed technique was implemented in OpenRefactory/C and tested by applying refactorings to GNU Coreutils version 8.21. Empirical results indicate that the technique is effective; it successfully handled refactoring scenarios in which Eclipse CDT, Visual Assist X, and XRefactory all refactored code incorrectly.
Pulmonary absorption and excretion of compounds in the gas phase: Theoretical pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic analysis

Kinetic equations were derived that describe the plasma concentration of an inhaled compound during and following single or repeated regular and irregular pulmonary exposures. The equations are based on a diffusional type of input function and assume a linear disposition with a biexponential unit-impulse response. The use of linear system analysis avoids the complexity of modeling the disposition processes; yet, the effect of these processes is still accounted for mathematically. The approach, therefore, appears to be more general and rational than approaches based on linear compartmental modeling. The ways in which the kinetic equations can be readily applied in pharmacokinetic or toxicokinetic analyses to obtain valuable parameters that enable kinetic predictions of the cumulation during prolonged exposure are discussed. The toxicokinetic problem of comparing the effect of different work schedules in occupational environments with air contaminants is discussed. Formulas derived from considerations of the blood plasma kinetics are presented for the calculation of an adjustment factor for the adjustment of the contaminant threshold limit value for abnormal work weeks. The use of these formulas appears to be more rational than that of similar formulas that have been proposed.
Driving racial profiling research forward: Learning lessons from sentencing research☆☆☆

Abstract Discretion is an integral component of the criminal justice system and is exercised by both police and the judiciary. Based on the extant research, evidence of racial/ethnic disparities within the context of traffic stops and sentencing decisions has been documented. Due to its long history of inquiry, sentencing research has developed a more thorough understanding of disparity and its correlates. This article contends that racial profiling research could expedite its development by learning from the history of sentencing research. Specifically, the extant research on sentencing decisions has demonstrated the value and utility of theory and methods as pillars of knowledge development. Therefore, progress in racial profiling research is most likely accomplished by employing similar theoretical frameworks and appropriate quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The Moral Socialization of School Administrators: Informal Role Learning Outcomes:

The study of administrator preparation programs, processes, and associated outcomes has proceeded in a theoretical vacuum, and has focused primarily on technical knowledge and skill associated with...
A comparison between Thai residents and non-residents in their motivations, performance evaluations, and overall satisfaction with a domestic festival:

Competitiveness among destinations, the rising cost of marketing, and the need to maintain market share, inspire the event management of the Tenth-Month Merit-Making Festival (TMMF) to use the fest...
Plant movements revealed.

Each year, as spring returns, I rejoice in the “greening” of the foothills, the blooming of wild flowers and garden perennials, and the first lettuce at the farmer's market. As I thought about which topic to research next on the web, this new growth (it is spring as I write this) led me to explore sites where plant movement has been captured, particularly those using time-lapse photography. This Feature describes online movies for teaching and learning plant biology. All movies are available in the QuickTime format. They are appropriate for high school and college courses, although some could be used at the elementary and middle school level.
Convexity algorithms for parallel machines

The authors present a parallel algorithms to identify (i.e., detect and enumerate) the extreme points of the convex hull of a set of planar points using a hypercube, pyramid, tree, mesh-of-trees, mesh with reconfigurable bus, EREW PRAM (exclusive read, exclusive write parallel random-access machine) and AKS sorting network. For the situation where the input set of n planar points is given ordered one per processor on a machine with Theta (n) processors, the authors introduce a worst-case hypercube algorithm that finishes in Theta (log n) time, a worst-case algorithm for the pyramid, tree, and mesh-of-trees that finishes in Theta (log/sup 3/ n/log logn)-time, and a worst-case algorithm for the mesh with reconfigurable bus that finishes in Theta (log/sup 2/ n) time. For the situation where the input set is given unordered one per processor, several optimal worst-case algorithms are given. It is shown that the Theta (log n) time hypercube algorithm for ordered data will extend to yield a worst-case optimal EREW PRAM algorithm and AKS sorting network algorithm for the case where the set of planar points is distributed in random fashion one point per processor. >
Leadership and Employee Engagement Proposing Research Agendas Through a Review of Literature

Leadership is one of the most studied topics in the organization sciences, and employee engagement one of the more recent. However, the relationship between leadership and employee engagement has not been widely investigated. As many organizations invest significant resources in retaining, developing, and engaging employees, human resource development (HRD) professionals are tasked to develop and partner with leaders to deliver those strategies effectively. Thus, a comprehensive understanding on the relationship and mechanism between leadership and engagement is essential to HRD professionals informing leaders on how best to cultivate positive results in followers. In this vein, this research conducted an extensive review of empirical and conceptual studies that examined the relationship between leadership and employee engagement, analyzed/synthesized the studies into integrated frameworks for the leadership–engagement relationship, and proposed future research agendas.
Derivation and validation of a formula to estimate risk for 30-day readmission in medical patients

Objective To create a simple readmission risk-prediction tool that can be generated easily at the bedside by physicians, nurses, care coordinators and discharge planners. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Participants Inpatients aged 18 and older on general internal medicine services. Measures Predictor variables included age, prior hospitalization, high-risk diagnoses, high-risk medications, polypharmacy, depression, use of palliative care and a cumulative score summing these factors (readmission risk score—RRS). The main outcome measure was 30-day readmission. Predictive values were calculated. Results Readmission increased linearly from 4.9% of those whose RRS score was 0–37.5% of those with highest risk scores ( P = 0.0002). We derived a simple formula for readmission risk as 8 and 4% more for each additional readmission risk factor. The positive predictive value for RRS >0 was low, while the negative predictive value for this cutoff was 95%. Conclusions An easily calculated 7-point score can be used to estimate readmission risk. This tool may be particularly useful for identifying lower risk patients who may not require intensive intervention, thus aiding in appropriate targeting of resources.
D-valine as a selective agent for normal human and rodent epithelial cells in culture.

Abstract A nutrient medium has been developed to enable the growth of normal epithelial cells while selectively inhibiting fibroblast proliferation. In this medium, D-valine is substituted for L-valine; and only those cells containing D-amino acid oxidase can convert the D-amino acid into its essential L-enantiomer. The ability to select for cells with this enzyme has enabled us to maintain epithelial cell populations free from fibroblast overgrowth. The presence of D-amino acid oxidase has been histochemically confirmed in the epithelial cells selected from renal cell suspensions and explants. The ability to proliferate in the selective medium is transmitted to the clonal progeny of these cells. Moreover, epithelial cell proliferation in this medium indicates the presence of D-amino acid oxidase, which we have detected in tissues where it had not previously been reported—fetal human kidney, lung, and cord. Fibroblasts will not grow in the selective medium, but will proliferate normally if the product of the D-amino acid oxidase reaction is supplied.
The Cochrane Library and Cochrane Collaboration.

ABSTRACT As immigrant women from African countries enter the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, western health care providers are beginning to see patients affected by the cultural practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Unfamiliar with the practice, either medically or culturally, these providers are turning to medical librarians for information. Complicating the issue are the strong negative feelings most western health care workers have about FGM, which appears to them to be both barbaric and cruel. These feelings may conflict strongly with those of their immigrant patients, who regard the practice as normal and desirable. Both medical and cultural information are needed for the professional to provide treatment of medical conditions, while also establishing a good relationship with the FGM affected patient. This article identifies and describes the most important refereed journal article databases, available now over the Internet, providing both medical and cultural information on FGM, ...
Apatite fission-track evidence for the Cretaceous development of kilometer-scale relief and steady-state Tertiary topography in New England

Abstract Apatite fission track (AFT) ages in samples collected along the 5000 foot relief (1500 m) exposed at Mt. Washington in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire are used to constrain the Cretaceous cooling history of this area in the northern Appalachians. Nine AFT ages for samples of the Littleton and Rangeley formations collected along this profile range in age from ~ 150 Ma at the highest elevations of ~ 1900 m to ~ 100 Ma at the base (~ 500 m). Thermal histories based on these results and on model time–temperature histories based on the distribution of fission track lengths in the higher elevations samples show three stages of cooling, from 1.5–2.0 °C/m.y. (170–130 Ma) to 0.2 °C (130–65 Ma), to ~ 0.6 °C/m.y. (65 Ma to the present). In contrast, the thermal history calculated for the lower elevations sample shows cooling delayed until ~ 120 Ma at ~ 2 °C/m.y. (120–100 Ma), followed by monotonic cooling of ~ 0.6 °C/m.y. from 100 Ma to the present. The convergence of these histories from high, intermediate, and low elevations suggests a common cooling history independent of elevation differences of > 1 km. Structural/tectonic explanations for this thermal convergence are implausible, and we conclude that the most likely explanation for the common cooling history across > 1 km of relief is that the relief was established by the end of the Cretaceous and has persisted with steady-state topography through the Tertiary to the present. The AFT results are consistent with an earlier relief method study employing 40 Ar/ 39 Ar muscovite cooling ages. Geothermal gradients calculated from the results of both studies yield ~ 40 °C/km suggesting that this gradient persisted throughout Permian and Mesozoic times.
Pros and cons of paper and electronic surveys

This chapter describes the different types of paper and electronic surveys currently available and their costs and benefits in terms of equipment and printing costs, demands on staff time, and ease of use.
Contributions of orbitofrontal and lateral prefrontal cortices to economic choice and the good-to-action transformation.

SUMMARY Previous work indicates that economic decisions can be made independently of the visuomotor contingencies of the choice task (space of goods). However, the neuronal mechanisms through which the choice outcome (the chosen good) is transformed into a suitable action plan remain poorly understood. Here we show that neurons in lateral prefrontal cortex reflect the early stages of this good-to-action transformation. Monkeys chose between different juices. The experimental design dissociated in space and time the presentation of the offers and the saccade targets associated with them. We recorded from the orbital, ventrolateral, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (OFC, LPFCv, and LPFCd, respectively). Prior to target presentation, neurons in both LPFCv and LPFCd encoded the choice outcome in goods space. After target presentation, they gradually came to encode the location of the targets and the upcoming action plan. Consistent with the anatomical connectivity, all spatial and actionrelated signals emerged in LPFCv before LPFCd.
The influence of cognitive reserve on neuropsychological functioning following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Neuropsychological impairment is common, yet variable, after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Similar variability has been observed in other CNS-related diseases. Empirical findings in Alzheimer's disease and HIV, among other areas, suggest cognitive reserve (CR) may mediate the cognitive impact of these diseases. The present study examined whether CR mediates neuropsychological outcome after CABG. Participants were 42 (N = 42) individuals who underwent elective, normothermic CABG. Each was placed in high (n = 22) or low (n = 20) CR groups based on estimated premorbid intelligence and occupational attainment. All were administered neuropsychological tests preoperatively and at discharge. The total incidence of neuropsychological decline (66.7%) was not significantly different between CR groups. However, on working memory and executive function tests, specifically, the high CR group demonstrated greater post-operative decline compared to the low CR group. These data are considered in the context of a threshold model of CR theory.
Release of a Wound-Healing Agent from PLGA Microspheres in a Thermosensitive Gel

The purpose of this research was to develop a topical microsphere delivery system in a thermosensitive 20% poloxamer 407 gel (Pluronic F127) to control release of KSL-W, a cationic antimicrobial decapeptide, for a period of 4–7 days for potential application in combat related injuries. KSL-W loaded microsphere formulations were prepared by a solvent extraction-evaporation method (water-oil-water), with poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (50 : 50, low-weight, and hydrophilic end) as the polymeric system. After optimization of the process, three formulations (A, B, and C) were prepared with different organic to water ratio of the primary emulsion while maintaining other components and manufacturing parameters constant. Formulations were characterized for surface morphology, porous nature, drug loading, in vitro drug release, and antimicrobial activity. Microspheres containing 20% peptide with porous surfaces and internal structure were prepared in satisfactory yields and in sizes varying from 25 to 50 μm. Gels of 20% Pluronic F127, which were liquid at or below 24.6°C and formed transparent films at body temperature, were used as carriers for the microspheres. Rheological studies showed a gelation temperature of 24.6°C for the 20% Pluronic F127 gel alone. Gelation temperature and viscosity of formulations A, B, and C as a function of temperature were very close to those of the carrier. A Franz diffusion cell system was used to study the release of peptide from the microspheres suspended in both, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and a 20% Pluronic F127 gel. In vitro release of greater than 50% peptide was found in all formulations in both PBS and the gel, and in one formulation there was a release of 75% in both PBS and the gel. Fractions collected from the release process were also tested for bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis using the broth microdilution method and found to provide effective antimicrobial activity to warrant consideration and testing in animal wound models for treating combat-related injuries.
Simultaneous topographic and recognition imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on single human breast cancer cells

Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in signaling pathway of the development of breast cancer cells. Since EGFR overexpresses in most breast cancer cells, it is regarded as a biomarker molecule of breast cancer cells. Here we demonstrated a new AFM technique—topography and recognition (TREC) imaging—to simultaneously obtain highly sensitive and specific molecular recognition images and high-resolution topographic images of EGFR on single breast cancer cells.
Low-dose levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury

AbstractObjective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a lower dose of levetiracetam (500 mg every 12 hours) to prevent early seizures after traumatic brain injury (TBI). It was hypothesized that the seizure rate would be low and comparable to previous studies using phenytoin.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care, academic institution that is designated as a level 1 trauma centre in the US. Consecutive patients with TBI were evaluated. Patients who were given a levetiracetam dose of 500 mg every 12 hours were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a seizure within 7 days of TBI.Results: There were a total of 169 patients included in the study, who were treated with levetiracetam 500 mg every 12 hours. The median time to first dose of levetiracetam was 3.5 hours after injury (interquartile range = 1–13 hours). After initiation of levetiracetam, there were four (2.4%) patients who had a seizure within 7 days. This was n...
Ecological factors rather than barriers to dispersal shape genetic structure of algal symbionts in horizontally-transmitting corals

Many reef-building corals acquire their algal symbionts (Symbiodinium sp.) from the local environment upon recruitment. This horizontal transmission strategy where hosts pair with locally available symbionts could serve to increase coral fitness across diverse environments, as long as hosts maintain high promiscuity and symbionts adapt locally. Here, we tested this hypothesis in two coral species by comparing host and symbiont genetic structures across different spatial scales in Micronesia. Each host species associated with two genetically distinct Symbiodinium lineages, confirming high promiscuity in broadly dispersing hosts. However, contrary to our initial expectation, symbiont genetic structure was independent of physical barriers to dispersal between islands, unlike genetic structure of their hosts that was nearly perfectly explained by ocean currents. Instead, Symbiodinium consistently demonstrated genetic divergence among local reefs and between the two host species at each island, although not necessarily between distant islands. These observations indicate that Symbiodiniumlineages disperse much more broadly than previously thought and continuously adapt to specific hosts and reef environments across their range, following the classical Baas Becking′s hypothesis: ″Everything is everywhere, but the environment selects″. Overall, our findings confirm that horizontal transmission could be a mechanism for broadly dispersing coral species to enhance their local fitness by associating with locally adapted symbionts. Dramatic differences in factors driving the genetic structures of horizontally-transmitting corals and their Symbiodinium imply that viewing their combined genomes as a single entity (′hologenome′) would not be useful in the context of their evolution and adaptation.
Simultaneous Measurement of Force and Lattice Spacing in Skinned Cardiac Fibers

This study explores the relationship between Ca2+-activated force and myofilament lattice spacing (LS) in skinned cardiac muscle fibers. LS measurements were obtained using synchrotron x-ray diffraction while isometric force was simultaneously monitored with a force transducer. Dextran T500 (3%) compressed the lattice to physiological LS of intact muscle, and sarcomere length was set to 2.1μm at pCa8 using HeNe-laser diffraction. Fibers were isolated from left-ventricle of wild-type (WT) or troponin C knock-in mice bearing the homozygous mutation Ala8Val, which causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (KI-cTnC-A8V+/+). Cardiac fibers from KI-TnC-A8V+/+ have been reported to have 2.5x greater myofilament Ca2+-sensitivity compared to WT. Since WT and KI fibers generate different levels of force at the same [Ca2+], they provide a powerful tool for investigating whether LS is tightly coupled to force-development. Compared to WT, KI-TnC-A8V+/+ fibers tended toward smaller LS at all [Ca2+] tested (pCa8 to 5.4). However, at pCa6.2 and 5.8, both WT and KI-TnC-A8V+/+ fibers maintained LS similar to that recorded at pCa8 in each muscle. Interestingly, WT fibers developed ∼15% of the maximal force at pCa5.8 while KI-TnC-A8V+/+ fibers developed ∼70%. Because the lattice spacing vs pCa curves are approximately parallel, these data suggest that at submaximal [Ca2+], skinned fiber force does not strictly determine the distance between thin and thick filaments and that force levels can reach up to 70% of the maximal force without shortening of LS. At higher [Ca2+] (pCa5.6, 5.4) both WT and KI-TnC-A8V+/+ fibers tended toward reduced LS, despite the markedly different levels of force in each muscle. There were no differences in TnI-PSer23,24, MyBPC-Pser282 or mitochondrial content between both muscles. Future experiments will aim at determining whether radial stiffness differs between WT and KI, and measuring kinetics and number of cross-bridges at submaximal [Ca2+].
Effects of parenteral recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor on monocyte number, phenotype, and antitumor cytotoxicity in nonhuman primates

Recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) was given to cynomolgus monkeys by continuous intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection, at a dose of 50 to 100 micrograms/kg/d in repetitive 14-day cycles. Starting within 24 to 48 hours of initiation of rhM-CSF, there was a progressive increase in the number of circulating monocytes, from a baseline of 811 +/- 253 cells/microL to a peak of 3,495 +/- 712 cells/microL on day 5 to 7. Many of these cells were large, granular, and extensively vacuolated. The expanded cell population expressed HLA-DR, LFA3, CD11b (904), and CD14 (MY4), and was 77% CD16 (FcRIII) positive by two-color cytofluorometry. In functional assays, fresh monocytes showed little cytotoxicity against cultured human melanoma cells (SKMel-1), with or without prior rhM-CSF treatment. However, after 3 days of in vitro culture in rhM-CSF, monocytes from treated animals mediated efficient antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) against SKMel-1 using the murine monoclonal antibody 3F8 (IgG3, anti-ganglioside GD2). Under the same conditions, monocytes from control animals showed little ADCC (17% versus 82%, P less than .05). Antitumor cytotoxicity in the absence of antibody was less efficient and was not significantly different between the two groups. There was a mild decrease in platelet count during rhM-CSF treatment, without clinical symptoms. No abnormalities of serum biochemical parameters were seen. We conclude that parenteral rhM-CSF increases the number of circulating monocytes in nonhuman primates, and that these monocytes mediate increased antitumor ADCC after a brief period of in vitro differentiation. This study has implications for the design of possible future clinical trials combining antitumor monoclonal antibodies and rhM-CSF.
Invariant Spectra in N-Coupled Standard Maps

This paper examines the evolution of the dynamical spectra of stretching numbers in a system of N-coupled Standard Maps. It is found that the convergence rate of the spectra to their invariant forms is independent of the dimensionality 2N and the nonlinearity/coupling parameters. This rate is impressively faster than one could predict on the basis of ergodicity. This effect is probably associated with the manifold of the maximum Lyapunov exponent along which the main stretching occurs. It seems that dynamical spectra depend mainly on the dramatically smaller subspace defined by this unstable manifold.
Community College Workforce Development in the Student Success Era

This chapter provides a discussion of the workforce development role of community colleges and the influence of the “success agenda.” Some of the primary themes from the extant literature that are discussed include: the traditional workforce development role of community colleges; aspects of the completion and/or success agenda relevant to workforce development; recent efforts to frame community college workforce development in the accountability movement (e.g., performance-based funding); implications relevant to the Workforce Investment Act; and, opportunities and constraints through for-credit career-preparation programs, noncredit education, and developments in transfer including articulation and the applied baccalaureate. The chapter also includes a discussion of how these related themes have been approached in the scholarly literature and directions for advancing inquiry.
A Quick Tour of Class Field Theory

One could argue that the principal goal of number theory is to understand the integral or rational solutions of systems of Diophantine equations; that is, polynomial equations with integral coefficients. Nineteenth-century mathematicians, mainly riding the impetus provided by attempts to tackle the Fermat equation x n +y n =z n (n≥3), realized the benefits of studying the solutions in extended number systems R, as opposed to confining one’s attention to only Z and Q, and this led eventually to global and local fields and their rings of integers.