cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPECIATION OF HEPATIC ZN IN TROUT EXPOSED TO ELEVATED WATERBORNE ZN USING X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

The long-term impacts of chronic metal exposure for aquatic biota are not well understood, partly due to a lack of understanding of metal speciation within tissues. The objective of this study was to determine hepatic Zn speciation of rainbow trout (Oncorhnychus mykiss) exposed to Zn-enriched water in relation to unexposed (control) fish,through direct analysis of freeze-dried liver samples using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Juvenile rainbow trout (n=30) were exposed to Zn in a two-step process, 200 microg L(-1) for 14 days, followed by 370 microg L(-1) for 23 days. Thirty other trout were grown in a control treatment (10 microg Zn L(-1)). At the end of the experiment, three liver samples per treatment were collected, freeze-dried, ground, and mixed homogeneously. Although Zn concentration was higher in the Zn-exposed livers than in the control livers (22.32 vs 13.73 mg kg(-1), respectively; p < 0.05), Zn speciation was similar for both groups. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy indicated that Zn was coordinated to 4 sulfur atoms with an average Zn-S bond distance of 2.31 +/- 0.02 A. Sulfur K-XANES analysis confirmed that S was predominantly in reduced organic form analogous to cysteine. Our results are consistent with previous evidence for Zn(II) bonding to S in metallothionein proteins. These results suggest that the mechanisms for dealing with the extra load of bioaccumulated Zn in high exposure conditions were the same as in the control group.
MARINE SHIPPING TRADE AND INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Addressing the international threat of invasive species to biodiversity worldwide requires an international context due to the nature of the transboundary pollution. This paper presents a comparison of strategies to address the invasive species problem in noncooperative versus cooperative differential games. Asymmetry between the countries in terms of abatement costs and damages enables the investigation of sharing rules under cooperation. The empirical analysis includes data of maritime trade as a vector of invasive species pollution at ports along the Pacific coast of NAFTA countries. The Chander/Tulkens cost sharing rule induces countries to cooperate and achieve lower invasive species stock than under noncooperation.
A 20,000-year record of ocean circulation and climate change from the Santa Barbara basin

MUCH of the evidence for climate-driven fluctuations in ocean circulation during the past 20,000 years has come from studies of the North Atlantic region1-6. The extent to which such interactions have occurred in other ocean basins, and any associated teleconnec-tions between basins, is poorly understood. Here we present high-resolution palaeoclimate and palaeoceanographic records from a 20,000-year sedimentary sequence from the Santa Barbara basin, on the eastern margin of the North Pacific Ocean. The sequence shows oscillations of the benthic environment between low-oxygen conditions (laminated sediments) during periods of warm climate, and higher-oxygen conditions (non-laminated, bioturbated sediments) during cool intervals. Age differences between coexisting benthic and planktonic foraminifers indicate climate-related changes in the age and source-and, hence, oxygen content-of basin bottom waters. Relatively young bottom waters are associated with the cooler intervals and are considered to reflect high proportions of intermediate waters derived from proximal sources. Conversely, older bottom waters are associated with the warmer intervals and were derived from more distal sources. These climate-driven variations in ocean circulation appear to be synchronous with the main ocean-climate fluctuations in the North Atlantic region1-6, suggesting that a tight coupling mechanism operates between the two basins.
A quantitative genetic analysis of runway learning in mice.

Individual differences in the acquisition and extinction of a straight runway response were studied. Sixty-four pairs of mice chosen from a heterogeneous population and motivated by hunger were given 5 massed trials a day in the runway for 5 days of acquisition and 3 days of extinction. They were then mated at random and their offspring were tested using the same procedures. A second degree polynomial function (Y = a - bX - + -2) was fitted to the learning curve of each individual. Since learning may be defined as change in behavior, a, b and c may be regarded as overall activity, amount of learning and rate of learning respectively. Estimates of the heritability were made by regressing the means of the offspring on the parent means. Heritability estimates of the 3 parameters of the learning curve (the mean, b and c) were respectively 0.41±0.12, 0.30±0.10, and 0.26±0.14 for running times and 0.36±0.11, 0.19±0.12, and 0.25±0.10 for starting times. The correlations between traits were also partitioned into their genetic and environmental components. This analysis suggested that many of the same genes were contributing to individual differences in the comparable components for running and starting times for acquisition and extinction.
Carbon monoxide-induced axial skeletal dysmorphogenesis in the chick embryo.

BACKGROUND Congenital axial skeletal defects affect two to three individuals per 1,000 live births. Without strong evidence for heritability, the cause is assumed to be multi-factorial. Carbon monoxide (CO), an increasingly prevalent environmental toxicant, is a potential environmental component in the etiology of these defects. The chick embryo is a useful model for the characterization and assessment of the mechanism(s) of action of basic developmental mechanisms. METHODS We have determined a critical period and dose for CO teratogenicity and established a model of CO-induced axial skeletal dysmorphogenesis in the chick embryo. The resulting phenotypes reveal a spectrum of axial skeletal defects ranging from minor defects of the vertebral canal and inter–vertebral discs, to thoraco–lumbar scoliosis, to a tailless phenotype reminiscent of caudal dysgenesis syndrome. These axial skeletal defects have been related to earlier developmental defects in somitogenesis, including errors in segmentation and epithelialization and the expression of the somitic epithelialization factor, Paraxis. We have examined patterns of cell death and apoptosis in CO exposed chick embryos to assess the target tissue(s) involved in the teratogenicity of CO. RESULTS With respect to the embryonic axis, the neural tube was found to be the most sensitive to CO-induced apoptosis, followed by the somitic mesoderm and Hensen's node. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that the somitic defects and the resulting axial skeletal dysmorphogenesis are caused by disrupted neural tube or ectoderm functions related to somite formation and maintenance. We also hypothesize that CO-induced dysmorphogenesis at this critical period of somitogenesis is caused by the overabundance of CO acting endogenously as a cellular signal, while coincidentally exerting its influence as a toxicant of oxygen delivery or utilization. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 67:219–230, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Rj4 allele in soybean represses nodulation by chlorosis-inducing bradyrhizobia classified as DNA homology group II by antibiotic resistance profiles.

To determine the relationship between nodulation restriction by the Rj4 allele of soybean, rhizobitoxine-induced chlorosis, and taxonomic grouping of bradyrhizobia, 119 bradyrhizobial isolates were tested in Leonard jar culture for nodulation response and chlorosis induction. In addition to strain USDA 61, the strain originally reported as defining the Rj4 response, eight other isolates (i.e., USDA 62, 83, 94, 238, 252, 259, 260, and 340) were discovered to elicit the nodulation interdiction of the Rj4 allele. Only 16% of all the bradyrhizobial strains tested induced chlorosis, but seven of the nine strains (78%) interdicted by the Rj4 allele were chlorosis-inducing strains. Furthermore, in tests for antibiotic resistance profile, eight of the nine interdicted strains (89%) were classed in DNA homology group II. This evidence suggests that the Rj4 allele has a positive value to the host plant in shielding it from nodulation by certain chlorosis-inducing bradyrhizobia of a DNA homology group with impaired efficiency of nitrogen fixation with soybean.
Prose and Cons about Goal-Free Evaluation:

TRACES are what evaluators left behind—discoveries, records, tracks—which made marks on the profession of program evaluation. Published here are excerpts from our past (e.g., articles, passages from books, speeches) that show where we have been or affected where we are g(r)o(w)ing. Suggestions for inclusion should be sent to the Editor, along with rationale for their import. Photocopies of the original printed versions are preferred with full bibliographic information. Copying rights will be secured by the Editor.
The effects of carrier-specific helper T-cell tolerance on antibody avidity in the anti-hapten response.

Abstract Rats rendered tolerant to ultracentrifuged sheep γ-globulin (SGG) have been shown to make a poor anti-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-specific antibody response upon challenge with TNP-SGG in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). We have been able to use this carrier-tolerance system in studying specific helper T-cell unresponsiveness to IgG and IgM antibody responses. By using the plaque inhibition technique to measure antibody avidity, we found that there appears to be no difference in the avidity of antibody responses to TNP between the SGG-tolerant and control groups when both are challenged with TNP-SGG in CFA. This was found to be true in both the 19 and 7S antibody responses in vivo as well as in an adoptive transfer model. In addition, studies on the maturation of 19 and 7S antibody responses showed no differences in antibody avidity between carrier-tolerant and control groups. These findings imply that carrier-specific helper T cells do not play a controlling role in determining whether high- or low-avidity hapten-specific B-cell precursors will proliferate in response to challenge with a hapten-carrier conjugate.
A Review of the Genomics of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Over the past 2 decades, many exciting discoveries regarding the genomics of gastric cancer have been made. There are 2 distinct histologic types of gastric adenocarcinoma, and these types differ in their epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetic profile, and clinical outcome. The development of new approaches to functional genomics has significantly improved our ability to explore molecular alterations underlying gastric carcinogenesis and progression. The pathogenesis of intestinal-type gastric cancer follows a multistep progression that usually is initiated by H pylori infection. A wide range of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities including point mutation, loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, and hypermethylation are described in intestinal-type gastric cancer and its precursor lesions. In contrast to the intestinal-type, diffuse-type gastric cancer is defined by a lack of precursor lesions; mutation or epigenetic silencing of the E-cadherin gene appears to be the key carcinogenic event. An improved understanding of the genomics of gastric cancer should lead to the rapid development of novel diagnostic techniques and molecular-based treatment strategies.
"Luttinger-liquid" behavior of the normal metallic state of the 2D Hubbard model.

Analysis of interacting fermion systems shows that there are two fundamentally different fixed points, Fermi-liquid theory and ``Luttinger-liquid theory'' (Haldane), a state in which charge and spin acquire distinct spectra and correlations have unusual exponents. The Luttinger liquids include most interacting one-dimensional systems, and some higher- (especially two) dimensional systems in which the band spectrum is bounded above, systems with Mott-Hubbard gaps and an upper Hubbard band. We give a theory which is useful in calculating normal-state, and some superconducting, properties of high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ superconductors.
Comparison of periodic review operating doctrines: a simulation study

This paper contrasts two common operating doctrines for periodic review inventory systems; the "order up to R" rule and the Rr rule, by using both analytical and simulation methods. It concludes that the "order up to R" policy can be considered essentially optimal independently of how review and ordering costs compare with each other.
Maximum entropy approach for linear scaling in the electronic structure problem.

We present a method for obtaining the band-structure energy and density of states for large, sparse Hamiltonian matrices as occur in electronic structure problems. The computation scales linearly with the dimension of the matrix. We use a statistical approach using random vectors along with the principle of maximum entropy to obtain highly accurate estimates for integrals over the density of states. We offer several tests of the approach using tight-binding Hamiltonians and apply the scheme to large icosahedral fullerenes with 720 and 2160 atoms.
SU-GG-T-275: Investigation Into the Use of a MOSFET Dosimeter as An Implantable Fiducial Marker

Purpose: To evaluate the potential for an implantable dosimeter to be also used as an internal fiducial maker. Additionally, to evaluate the synergy of the dosimeter/fiducial capabilities. Method and Materials: Two implantable MOSFETdetectors (DVS®, Sicel Technologies, Inc.) were placed inside an acrylic pelvic phantom for which a wedged‐field photon plan and an eight‐field prostate treatment plan were developed. For each plan, conditions were simulated so that detectors were in their correct positions or slightly displaced to represent patient setup error and/or organ motion. Doses measured by the two detectors after irradiation were compared to those calculated by the treatment planning software. Additionally, using localization software (MarkerVision, Varian MedicalSystems) and kilovoltage images of each setup, the displacement of the detectors from their correct locations was calculated and compared to the induced physical displacement. Results: For all alignments and detector positions, measured and calculated doses showed an average disagreement of 2.7%. The detectors were easily visualized in AP and lateral radiographs, and the induced detector displacements were typically recognized by the localization software within 0.1 cm, and were recognized within 0.16 cm at worst. The relationship between the geometric displacement and measured dose was dependent on the positioning of the dosimeter and dose gradients. If the detector was placed in a uniform dose region then geometric displacements did not induce any dosimetric discrepancies. Alternately, if the detector was placed in a strong dose gradient then even high geometric accuracy resulted in dosimetric discrepancies. Conclusion: The implantable detector functioned well as both an internal dosimeter and as an internal fiducial marker and thus may be useful as a clinical tool to localize the target volume and verify dose delivery in vivo. Conflict of Interest: Research was supported by a grant from Varian MedicalSystems.
Routine duodenal biopsies to exclude celiac disease

discovered as a result of a policy of routine duodenalbiopsies. Interestingly, this policy was the result of theinvestigator’s expectation of a high prevalence of celiac diseasein those patients presenting for upper endoscopy. This leads tothe consideration as to whether duodenal biopsies should beundertaken routinely in patients undergoing EGD.Celiac disease has been recently recognized as a common condi-tion with many atypical manifestations. With an estimated world-wide prevalence of 1in 266
Intermediates in triple helix collaboration: the roles of 4th pillar organisations in public to private technology transfer

Managing triple helix projects is difficult due to differences in culture, incentive mechanisms and overall objectives of the various actors involved. A case study of Precarn, a 4th Pillar or intermediate organisation is used to illustrate how intermediates can help mitigate these difficulties. It is shown that such 4th Pillar organisations are useful, and indeed may be necessary, for successful multi-actor R&D initiatives in the triple helix. The potential benefits of 4th Pillar organisations in supporting triple helix R&D projects are illustrated through the roles Precarn has played in managing it own projects and the successes it has had.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for plant height, lodging, and maturity in a soybean population segregating for growth habit.

The use of molecular markers to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) has the potential to enhance the efficiency of trait selection in plant breeding. The purpose of the present study was to identify additional QTLs for plant height, lodging, and maturity in a soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., population segregating for growth habit. In this study, 153 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and one morphological marker (Dt1) were used to identify QTLs associated with plant height, lodging, and maturity in 111 F2-derived lines from a cross of PI 97100 and ‘Coker 237’. The F2-derived lines and two parents were grown at Athens, Ga., and Blackville, S.C., in 1994 and evaluated for phenotypic traits. The genetic linkage map of these 143 loci covered about 1600 cM and converged into 23 linkage groups. Eleven markers remained unlinked. Using interval-mapping analysis for linked markers and single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), loci were tested for association with phenotypic data taken at each location as well as mean values over the two locations. In the combined analysis over locations, the major locus associated with plant height was identified as Dt1 on linkage group (LG) L. The Dt1 locus was also associated with lodging. This locus explained 67.7% of the total variation for plant height, and 56.4% for lodging. In addition, two QTLs for plant height (K007 on LG H and A516b on LG N) and one QTL for lodging (cr517 on LG J) were identified. For maturity, two independent QTLs were identified in intervals between R051 and N100, and between B032 and CpTI, on LG K. These QTLs explained 31.2% and 26.2% of the total variation for maturity, respectively. The same QTLs were identified for all traits at each location. This consistency of QTLs may be related to a few QTLs with large effects conditioning plant height, lodging, and maturity in this population.
Learning from Spiritual Models and Meditation: A Randomized Evaluation of a College Course

Effects of two meditation and mindfulness-based spiritual interventions were examined in college undergraduates (N=44). Compared to a control group, both interventions decreased negative religious coping (d=−0.80, p<.01) and images of God as mainly controlling (d=−.73, p<.01). One intervention provided more training in tools for learning from community and tradition-based spiritual exemplars. It produced gains in famous or traditional spiritual exemplars’ perceived influence (d=+.81, p<.05) and availability (d=+.66, p<.10), in self-efficacy for learning from spiritual exemplars (d=+.92, p<.05), and in nonmaterialistic aspirations (d=+0.65, p<.05).
A Design for Thick Film Microcircuit DC-to-DC Converter Electronics

The design concept for thick film microcircuit dc-to-dc converter electronics used in the power subsystem of the Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft is presented. Microcircuits have been used in low power logic circuits for nearly ten years, but only recently have these techniques been applied to power subsystem circuits which operate at higher power levels. Thick film microcircuit techniques have been utilized in a dc-to-dc converter reducing weight by 70 percent, volume by 80 percent, and interconnections by 75 percent. The close piece-part spacing allowed short interconnections and lower dissipation, and reduced noise coupling. The developed microcircuit handled total power levels from one watt to twenty-five watts.
Differential Cytokine Patterns in Mouse Macrophages and Gingival Fibroblasts After Stimulation With Porphyromonas gingivalis or Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide

Background: A major cause of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis, a non-motile, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium. Within gingival tissue, both macrophages and fibroblasts participate in the immune response to foreign entities by releasing cytokines and expressing molecules to recruit and activate lymphocytes. However, the contribution of gingival macrophages and fibroblasts to the immune response to P. gingivalis infection is not fully known.Methods: The AMJ2-C8 cell line (AM cells), a mouse alveolar macrophage cell line, and ESK-1 cells, a mouse gingival fibroblast cell line made in our laboratory, were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from either P. gingivalis or Escherichia coli. The expression of immune response molecules was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunoassay.Results: AM and ESK-1 cells responded differently to P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS stimulation. The ESK-1 gingival fibroblast cell line was more res...
PREDICTIVE DIAGNOSTICS FOR LOGISTIC MODELS

Novel methodology is implemented to assess the predictive power of covariate information associated with sequential binary events. Logistic models are first fitted on the basis of a subset of the observations and then evaluated sequentially on the rest. The probabilistic forecasts are compared to the outcomes via a scoring function, but as most validation samples are small, the usual reference distribution for the test statistics is inadequate. However, bootstrap-based distributions can easily be constructed. The first example pertains to the evaluation of screening tests for major depression. It illustrates that goodness-of-fit and predictive assessments lead to the selection of very different models. The second example deals with the prediction of a major event in the natural history of HIV-induced disease. It shows that this type of analysis can reveal features missed by other approaches.
Type of alcohol consumed, changes in intake over time and mortality: the Leisure World Cohort Study

Background: modifiable behavioural risk factors including smoking and alcohol consumption are major contributing or actual causes of mortality. Objective: to examine the effect of alcohol intake on all-cause mortality in older adults. Design and Setting: prospective population-based cohort study of residents of a California, United States retirement community. Subjects: 8,877 women and 5,101 men (median age, 74 years) who in the early 1980s completed a postal health survey including details on alcohol consumption. Methods: participants were followed for 23 years (1981‐2004) including two follow-up questionnaires (in 1992 and 1998) asking about current alcohol intake. Age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted risk ratios of death and 95% confidence intervals were calculated separately for men and women, using proportional hazard regression. Results:ofthe8,644womenand4,980menwithcompleteinformationonthevariablesofinterestandpotentialconfounders, 6,930 women and 4,456 men had died (median age, 87 years). Both men and women who drank alcohol had decreased mortality compared with non-drinkers. Those who drank two or more drinks per day had a 15% reduced risk of death. The reduced risk was not limited to one type of alcohol. Stable drinkers (those who reported drinking both at baseline and follow-up) had a significantly decreased risk of death compared with stable non-drinkers. Those who started drinking at follow-up also had a significantly lower risk. Women who quit drinking were at increased risk of death. Conclusion: in elderly men and women, moderate alcohol intake exhibits a beneficial effect on mortality. Those who quit may do so for health reasons that affect mortality.
Motion of Flare Footpoint Emission and Inferred Electric Field in Reconnecting Current Sheets

A systematic motion of Hα kernels during solar flares can be regarded as the chromospheric signature of progressive magnetic reconnection in the corona, in that the magnetic field lines swept through by the kernel motion are those connected to the diffusion region at the reconnection point. In this paper, we present high-cadence and high-resolution Hα-1.3 A observations of an impulsive flare that exhibits a systematic kernel motion and relate them to the reconnecting current sheet (RCS) in the corona. Through analyses of X-ray and microwave observations, we further examine the role of the macroscopic electric field inside the RCS in accelerating electrons. We measure the velocity of the kernel motion to be 20-100 km s-1. This is used together with the longitudinal magnetic field to infer an electric field as high as 90 V cm-1 at the flare maximum. This event shows a special magnetic field configuration and motion pattern of Hα kernels, in that a light bridge divides a flare kernel into two parts that move in different manners: one moving into the stronger magnetic field and the other moving along the isogauss contour of the longitudinal magnetic field. The temporal variation of the electric field inferred from the former type of kernel motion is found to be correlated with 20-85 keV hard X-ray light curves during the rise of the major impulsive phase. This would support the scenario of magnetic energy release via current dissipation inside the RCS, along with the hypothesis of the DC electric field acceleration of X-ray-emitting electrons below 100 keV. However, there is no good temporal correlation between the hard X-ray emission and the inferred electric field from the other motion pattern. Furthermore, the microwave emission, which supposedly comes from higher energy electrons, shows a time profile and electron spectrum that differs from those of the X-ray bursts. We conclude that either the two-dimensional magnetic reconnection theory related to the Hα kernel motion is applicable to only some part of the flare region due to its special magnetic geometry, or the electron acceleration is dominated by other mechanisms depending on the electron energy.
Intracellular Calcium Oscillations Signal Apoptosis Rather than Activation in In Vitro Aged Mouse Eggs

We have previously demonstrated that initiation of intracellular calcium ([Ca 21 ]i) oscillations in mouse eggs signals activation or apoptotic death depending on the age of the eggs in which the oscillations are induced. To extend these studies, mouse eggs were aged in vitro to 24, 32, and 40 h post-hCG and injected with sperm cytosolic factor (SF), adenophostin A, or sperm (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and the times at which signs of apoptosis first appeared were examined. These treatments, which induced [Ca 21 ]i oscillations, caused fragmentation and other signs of programmed cell death in eggs as early as 32 h post-hCG. The susceptibility of aged eggs to apoptosis appeared to be due to cytoplasmic deficiencies, because fusion of recently ovulated eggs with aged, SF-injected eggs prevented fragmentation. Evaluation of mRNA and protein levels of the apoptotic regulatory proteins Bcl-2 and Bax showed a prominent decrease in the amounts of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in aged eggs, whereas Bax mRNA levels did not appear to be changed. Lastly, the Ca 21 responses induced by the aforementioned Ca 21 agonists ceased in advance in aged eggs. Together, these results suggest that one or several critical cytosolic molecules involved in the regulation of Ca 21 homeostasis, and in maintaining the equilibrium between anti- and proapoptotic proteins, is either lost or inactivated during postovulatory egg aging, rendering the fertilizing Ca 21 signal into an apoptosis-inducing signal.
Diverse Functions of Secretory Phospholipases A2

Phospholipase A2 enzymes (PLA2s) catalyze the hydrolysis of glycerophospholipids at their sn-2 position releasing free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Mammalian PLA2s are classified into several categories of which important groups include secreted PLA2s (sPLA2s) and cytosolic PLA2s (cPLA2s) that are calcium-dependent for their catalytic activity and calcium-independent cytosolic PLA2s (iPLA2s). Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs), lysosomal PLA2s, and adipose-specific PLA2 also belong to the class of PLA2s. Generally, cPLA2 enzymes are believed to play a major role in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, the iPLA2 family to membrane homeostasis and energy metabolism, and the sPLA2 family to various biological processes. The focus of this review is on recent research developments in the sPLA2 field. sPLA2s are secreted enzymes with low molecular weight (with the exception of GIII sPLA2), Ca2+-requiring enzymes with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. Ten enzymatically active sPLA2s and one devoid of enzymatic activity have been identified in mammals. Some of these sPLA2s are potent in arachidonic acid release from cellular phospholipids for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, especially during inflammation. Individual sPLA2 enzymes exhibit unique tissue and cellular localizations and specific enzymatic properties, suggesting their distinct biological roles. Recent studies indicate that sPLA2s are involved in diverse pathophysiological functions and for most part act nonredundantly.
Advanced bipolar circuits-a perspective

Reviews the recent advances in high-speed low-power bipolar circuits. The basic underlying principles for achieving superior power-delay performance and load driving capability, such as charge-buffering, DC/AC coupled active pull-down schemes, and complementary push-pull approaches, are examined. The utilization and combination of these basic principles to form various high-speed low-power npn-only and complementary bipolar circuit configurations are discussed. >
Supravalvular Mitral Stenosis in a Cat

A 3-year-old, 4-kg, castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented with signs of progressive respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs showed pulmonary edema and pleural effusion. Echocardiography revealed a perforate membrane immediately above the mitral valve that divided the left atrium into proximal and distal chambers. The left auricle was proximal to the dividing membrane and connected to the markedly enlarged proximal left atrial chamber, consistent with the diagnosis of supravalvular mitral stenosis (SMS). Position of the obstructing membrane relative to the left auricle distinguishes SMS from cor triatriatum sinister (CTS). In CTS, the left auricle is distal to the dividing membrane and connects to the distal left atrial chamber.
The National Technology Leadership Coalition

The National Technology Leadership Coalition (NTLC) was established by the teacher education associations representing science, mathematics, English, and social studies in concert with the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE). This journal, Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, is one of the most tangible results of the coalition. The CITE Journal may be unique in its editorial sponsorship by multiple teacher education associations (click on the About tab at the top of this screen for more information about the sponsor associations).
Analytical model for the XeF(C–A) excimer laser amplifier

Among the rare gas monohalide excimer molecules, the XeF(C—A) excimer transition is unique due to its exceptionally broadband fluorescence spectrum in the blue-green. Such a XeF(C—A) laser has been efficiently tuned with a narrow spectral width (0.001–0.01 nm) using injection control.1 Since the laser was pumped by a short pulse (10 ns) and high-current-density (>200-A/ cm2) electron beam, temporal buildup of the optical field is of significant importance.
Lawlike Generalizations and Marketing Theory

MY note "The Morphology of Theory and the General Theory of Marketing"' attempted to explore the basic nature of theoretical structures, evaluate the purported "general theory of marketing" presented by Robert Bartels,2 and stimulate more rigorous analysis of the basic issues involved in generating marketing theory. A recent thoughtful critique of my note by Pinson, Anglemar, and Roberto suggests the note achieved some success in stimulating discussion in theoretical analysis.3 However, in their critique, Pinson et al misinterpreted my position on a number of key issues and then, unfortunately, compounded the error by using these misinterpretations to draw fallacious inferences.
Observation of the Influence of Strain Induced Deep Level Defects on the Electroabsorption Characteristics of InGaAs/GaAs (100) Multiple Quantum well Structures and Implications for Light Modulators

In a thick strained GaAs/InGaAs MQW we recently reported the unusual observation of the exciton linewidth initially narrowing upon application of a reverse bias, before the usually observed broadening set in with further increase in the bias. The phenomena suggested the existence of a spatially varying electric field in the MQW region arising from a depletion of the net charge density with increasing reverse bias. Here we provide an explanation for the unusual observation arrived at through a systematic examination of the sample behavior using electro-transmission, electro-photoluminescence, capacitancevoltage profiling and transmission electron microscopy. We conclude that shallow levels cannot account for the observation and that the presence of strain induced point defect related deep levels (either n of p type) offers a consistent explanation. This is the first clear manifestation of the influence of deep levels on the free exciton electroabsorption behavior and has practical implications for MQW based electroabsorptive / electrorefractive light modulators.
Investigation of Localized Arc Filament Plasma Actuator in Supersonic Boundary Layer

This paper presents a numerical study on the effect of tailored surface heating due to a Localized Arc Filament Plasma Actuator (LAFPA) on the flow structure of a Mach 1.5 laminar flat plate boundary layer. A three-dimensional simulation is performed using the third-order accurate Roe scheme along with the Min-Mod limiter in each spatial direction. The fourth-order accurate Runge-Kutta scheme is used for time integration. The grid is refined in the vicinity of the leading edge to capture a weak shock induced by boundary layer displacement in the leading edge. The LAFPA is modeled as a rectangular surface heat source. A parametric study is performed with three different surface temperature rises (∆Tw =50K, 250K and 500K) to explore the impact on flow evolution downstream of the actuator. The flow experiences a transient process with respect to time after the thermal perturbation is turned on. A kinetic response is induced, which results in the generation of new flow structures. Two pairs of counter-rotating streamwise vortices are formed on the leading and trailing edge of the heat source mainly due to the spanwise velocity change in the normal-to-wall direction. When a steady state is reached, two pairs of counter-rotating streamwise vorticities are observed on the cross section downstream of the heating element.
Athletics, clubs, or music? The influence of college extracurricular activities on job prestige and satisfaction

AbstractIn this study, we investigate how college extracurricular activities influence students’ early occupational outcomes. In particular, we examine how the type and number of extracurricular activities, as well as level of participation, influence occupational prestige and job satisfaction. Employing the three national databases, we compare the relationship between extracurricular activities and occupational outcomes across three different cohorts and different levels of college selectivity in the context of the US. Our results suggest that the type of activities pursued in college is consistently important for occupational outcomes, and different types of activities have significant influence for different cohorts. Extracurricular activities tend to have more labour market benefits for graduates of selective institutions.
An Asymmetrical Portrait: Exploring Gendered Income Inequality in the Arts

While a large body of work has focused on gendered income inequalities in other fields, virtually no literature has explored this phenomenon within artistic careers. We use the Strategic National A...
The Effects of Communication Modality and Spatial Processing Load on Distributed Team Performance in a Simulated C2 Environment

The present study addressed the effects of communication modality and spatial processing load on team performance, workload, and situational awareness. Sixteen people served as paid participants in this study. Teams of two participants competed against a computer opponent in a RoboFlag simulation based on “capture–the–flag”. Participants either could or could not see their teammates' simulated vehicles during a trial, and they could send each other images or annotated images from their RoboFlag display. Results of the experiment indicated that team performance and situational awareness were increased, and team communication and workload were decreased when participants could see teammates' vehicles, and more limitedly, that transmission of spatial information between teammates is facilitated by the ability to communicate that information pictorially. Overall, results support the supposition that distributed team performance may be mediated by spatial processing load.
Are we working to save the species our children want to protect? Evaluating species attribute preferences among children

As conservation resources decline and numbers of threatened species increase, prioritizing species for conservation is increasingly important, and prioritizing based on attributes may be the most efficient approach. Despite the importance of biodiversity as a legacy to future generations, children's preferences for species attributes have never been considered. We surveyed 3rd and 5th grade students, typically 8–10 years old, in North Carolina, USA, to determine how children prioritize conservation of species based on attributes. We asked the students to rank five species attributes, allocate money to species with each attribute, and choose between each species attribute and endemism in terms of their importance for conservation. Children prioritized species that are important in nature and those whose numbers are declining over species with other attributes, whereas research suggests that adults prioritize endemic species over most other types. Our results suggest children prioritize biodiversity conservation differently from adults, and in ways that may be more conducive to biodiversity conservation in cases where endemism is not directly related to species endangerment, and we suggest the perspectives of children be considered more fully within biodiversity conservation.
Antigenic cross-reactivity of sperm and T lymphocytes.

Since seminal components can mediate immunosuppression in vitro, it is possible that some antigen(s) may be common to both the reproductive and immunologic systems. In a group of 70 couples with unexplained infertility, 50 "autoimmune" males and 40 "isoimmune" females had lower than normal percentages of total T cells (mean values±standard error of the mean 63±2% and 60±2% for immune males and females, respectively, versus 77±2% and 78±5% for 50 normal males and females, respectively; P P P P P P P P
Sleep during concanavalin-A-induced hepatitis and peritonitis in inbred mice.

Study objectives: To assess the suitability of concanavalin-A-induced hepatitis as a model for investigating the relationships between hepatic disease and alterations in somnolence. Design: We characterized the sleep patterns of various strains of inbred mice undergoing ConA-induced inflammation. Setting: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL. Intervention: Intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of concanavalin-A. Participants: Inbred mice. Measurements and Results: Intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of concanavalin-A both elicited strain-dependent changes in slow-wave sleep. ConA treatment also reduced spontaneous locomotor activity. ConA-induced changes in slow-wave sleep varied with dose, route of administration, and circadian period of administration. As compared with the other strains, C57BL/6J mice had lower serum concentrations of interferon-y at 8 hours after ConA administration. Conclusions: These data provide the first demonstration that sleep enhancement and reduced locomotor activity accompany hepatic inflammation in mice.
Gradient and Laplacian Edge Detection

Publisher Summary To use the gradient or the Laplacian approaches as the basis for practical image edge detectors, one must extend the process to two dimensions, adapt to the discrete case, and somehow deal with the difficulties presented by real images. Relative to the 1D edges, edges in 2D images have the additional quality of direction. One usually wishes to find edges regardless of direction, but a directionally sensitive edge detector can be useful at times. Also, the discrete nature of digital images requires the use of an approximation to the derivative. Finally, there are a number of problems that can confound the edge detection process in real images. These include noise, crosstalk or interference between nearby edges, and inaccuracies resulting from the use of a discrete grid. False edges, missing edges, and errors in edge location and orientation are often the result. An edge detector based solely on the zero crossings of the continuous Laplacian produces closed edge contours if the image, meets certain smoothness constraints. The contours are closed because edge strength is not considered, so even the slightest, most gradual intensity transition produces a zero crossing. In effect, the zero crossing contours define the boundaries that separate regions of nearly constant intensity in the original image.
Enhanced Imaging Over Complete Circular Apertures

We consider enhanced imaging methods for spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected over a complete circular aperture of 360 degrees. Circular SAR has two unique features to its wide-angle non-planar collection geometry. First, it provides wide-angle information about the unisotropic reflectivity of the scattering centers in the scene. Second, unlike the linear collection geometry circular SAR reveals three dimensional information about the location of the scattering centers in the spotlighted area. In this paper, first we review traditional imaging techniques for far-field circular SAR geometries and present a GLRT based three dimensional imaging algorithm matched to limited persistence scatterers. The 3-D resolution of the circular SAR systems are limited by the sparse sampling elevation and the limited persistence of the reflectors in the scene. We employ Cramer-Rao bound analysis to characterize 3-D resolution for circular SAR systems for point targets with limited persistence. Finally , we present an enhanced imaging algorithms with non-quadratic regularization providing a sparse description of the target scene that is consistent with the collected SAR data with reduced sidelobes.
Prolonged Ex Vivo Expansion (7–10 Days) of Cord Blood (CB) Recryopreserved and Rethawed Aliquots with Anti-CD3, IL-2, IL-12 Significantly Expands NKT Cells, NKT KIR Substes and NK Cytotoxicity Compared to Short-Term Expansion: Potential for CB Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy (ACI).

CD56 + NK subsets exhibit differential receptor profiles including killer-Ig-like receptors (KIR), C-lectin (NKG2) and natural cytotoxicity receptors involved with tumor target recognition which may play a role in ACI for malignancies (Farag et al, Blood 2002). UCB is limited by the absence of available donor effector cells (NK, CTL, LAK and NKT cells) for infusion after transplantation for the treatment of minimal residual resistant hematological relapse and/or PTLD (Barker et al, Blood 2001; Locatelli, et al Blood 1999). We have demonstrated the ability to ex-vivo expand (EVE) CB in short term culture (48hrs) with IL-2, IL-7, IL-12 and anti-CD3 (AB/CY) c ryopreserved, t hawed, re c ryopreserved, re t hawed and ex vivo e xpanded (CTCTE) with a significant increase in CD3 − /16 + /56 + bright/dim subsets expressing KIR3DL1, KIR2DL1/S1, KIR2/DL2, CD94/NKG2A (Ayello/Cairo et al, BBMT 25a 2004). Timeus et al ( Hematologica 2003) demonstrated the ability to sequentially freeze-thaw UCB twice without a detrimental effect on UCB clonogenic potential or viability ( Hematologica 2003). In this study we compared previous short term (48hr) cultures with prolonged cultures (48–240hrs) on expansion, maturation, NK and LAK cytolytic ability, KIR inhibitory and C-lectin NK subsets in CTCTE UCB utilizing the same AB/CY cocktail. UCB were cryopreserevd and thawed by the NHBLI/COBLT method (Fraser/Cairo et al, J Hemat 1998). After rethawing, nonadherent UCB cells were cultured in serum-free media alone or with anti-CD3 (50 ng/ml), IL-2 (5 ng/ml), IL-7 (10 ng/ml) and IL-12 (10 ng/ml) [ABCY] for 4 time periods: 48, 96, 168 and 240 hrs. NK subsets (CD94 + , CD16 + , CD56 + ) and NK receptor (KIR3DL1, KIR2DL1/S1, KIR2DL2 and NKG2a) expression were analyzed by flow cytometry using CD3, CD16, CD56, NKBL1, CD158a, CD158b, CD94 and NKG2a mAbs. Additionally, NK and LAK cytotoxicity was measured by europium release assay. There was a significant increase in NKT (CD3 + /16 + /56 + ) UCB with AB/CY from 48–240 hrs vs media (2.97±.3 vs 66.7±7.1 vs 35.8±5.9%, p − /16 + /56 + ) KIR3DL1 48 vs 240 hrs vs media (18.8±2.8 vs 38.3±6.3 vs 12.1±4.2%, p
Married couples’ decision-making about household natural hazard preparedness: a case study of hurricane hazards in Sarasota County, Florida

Survey-based studies of household natural hazard preparedness have often relied on individual-level data to predict household-level preparedness behaviors, in doing so neglecting intra-household dynamics’ influence on household decision-making and creating possible methodological concerns. Targeting married, heterosexual couples living in Sarasota County, Florida, this study aims at understanding who the decision-makers are in a three-stage household decision-making process—problem initiation, information search and evaluation, and final decisions—regarding household hurricane preparedness. The study then investigates how the decision-makers in the decision-making stages impact their households’ levels of preparedness. Survey results of 170 couples indicate that at least half of all households stated that they make joint decisions during all three stages of decision-making, and joint decision-making corresponds with a high level of preparedness during each stage. Households that make joint decisions throughout the decision-making process have significantly higher levels of preparedness than households in which wives make decisions independently throughout the process or no one makes decisions at all throughout the process. This study also investigates the level of adoption for each of the preparedness items and behaviors according to the various decision-makers. Practitioners should note the prevalence of joint decision-making in household natural hazard preparedness and promote preparedness activities for households in which wives serve as the sole decision-makers. This study shows the importance of considering intra-household dynamics in household natural hazard preparedness research.