cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Prevalences and Antimicrobial Resistances of Escherichia coli Isolates from Different Retail Meats in the United States, 2002 to 2008

Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System retail meat program and examined for antimicrobial susceptibility. Retail meat samples (n = 11,921) from four U.S. states collected during 2002 to 2008, consisting of 2,988 chicken breast, 2,942 ground turkey, 2,991 ground beef, and 3,000 pork chop samples, were analyzed. A total of 8,286 E. coli isolates were recovered. The greatest numbers of samples contaminated with the organism were chicken (83.5%) and turkey (82.0%), followed by beef (68.9%) and pork (44.0%). Resistance was most common to tetracycline (50.3%), followed by streptomycin (34.6%), sulfamethoxazole-sulfisoxazole (31.6%), ampicillin (22.5%), gentamicin (18.6%), kanamycin (8.4%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (6.4%), and cefoxitin (5.2%). Less than 5% of the isolates had resistance to trimethoprim, ceftriaxone, ceftiofur, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. All isolates were susceptible to amikacin. Compared to beef and pork isolates, the poultry meat isolates had a greater percentage of resistance to all tested drugs, with the exception of chloramphenicol, to which pork isolates had the most resistance. More than half of the turkey isolates (56%) were resistant to multidrugs (≥3 classes) compared to 38.9% of chicken, 17.3% of pork, and 9.3% of beef isolates. The blaCMY gene was present in all ceftriaxone- and ceftiofur-resistant isolates. The cmlA, flo, and catI genes were present in 45%, 43%, and 40% of chloramphenicol-resistant isolates, respectively. Most nalidixic acid-resistant isolates (98.5%) had a gyrA mutation in S83 or D87 or both, whereas only 6.7% had a parC mutation in either S80 or E84. The results showed that E. coli was commonly present in the retail meats, and antimicrobial resistance profiles differed according to the animal origin of the isolates.
Achieving comparability of US and Japanese financial statement data

Abstract This paper develops a methodology for restating Japanese and U.S. financial statement data at the firm level to a comparable reporting basis. We apply the procedure to a sample of Japanese and U.S. firms for fiscal years 1985 through 1988. Previous studies which have investigated the disparity between U.S. and Japanese price-earnings ratios (PERs) have concluded that different accounting principles explain between one-half and virtually all of the difference between U.S. and Japanese PERs. In contrast, our results indicate that adjusting for different accounting principles explains very little of the difference in PERs.
Cytochemical localization of malate synthase in glyoxysomes.

Cytochemical staining techniques for microbodies (peroxisomes) are limited at present to the enzymes catalase and α-hydroxy acid oxidase, and neither technique can distinguish glyoxysomes from other microbodies. Described here is a procedure using ferricyanide for the cytochemical demonstration by light and electron microscopy of malate synthase activity in glyoxysomes of cotyledons from fat-storing cucumber and sunflower seedlings. Malate synthase, a key enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle, catalyzes the condensation of acetyl CoA with glyoxylate to form malate and release free coenzyme A. Localization of the enzyme activity is based on the reduction by free CoA of ferricyanide to ferrocyanide, and the visualization of the latter as an insoluble, electron-opaque deposit of copper ferrocyanide (Hatchett9s brown). The conditions and optimal concentrations for the cytochemical reaction mixture were determined in preliminary studies using a colorimetric assay developed to measure disappearance of ferricyanide at 420 nm. Ultrastructural observation of treated tissue reveals electron-opaque material deposited uniformly throughout the matrix portion of the glyoxysomes, with little background deposition elsewhere in the cell. The reaction product is easily visualized in plastic sections by phase microscopy without poststaining. Although the method has been applied thus far only to cotyledons of fat-storing seedlings, it is anticipated that the technique will be useful in localizing and studying glyoxylate cycle activity in a variety of tissues from both plants and animals.
Separation and partial purification of acid phosphatases of the enamel organ of rat molars

At least two types of acid phosphatases with markedly different properties were separated from the enamel organ of rat molar tooth buds. One enzyme (A) bound weakly to the CM-cellulose column and was eluted with a combined linear salt and pH gradient; another enzyme (B) bound strongly to the column and was eluted with a second linear salt gradient at constant pH. Enzyme A was identified as a phosphomonoester hydrolase (3.1.3.2) similar to the lysosomal enzyme of soft tissues and the tartrate-sensitive enzyme of bone. Enzyme B did not hydrolyse aliphatic monophosphate ester substrates but, like enzyme A, it did split the aryl monophosphate ester substrate, para-nitrophenylphosphate, as well as the phosphate esters of casein and the acid anhydride substrates, ATP and inorganic pyrophosphate. This enzyme is similar to the low molecular weight tartrate-resistant acid phosphatases of bone and soft tissues.
Cross-linking studies on a cytochrome c-cytochrome c oxidase complex.

Abstract A cytochrome c - cytochrome c oxidase complex containing 0.8–1.0 moles of cytochrome c per mole of cytochrome c oxidase (heme a + a3) was isolated as described by Ferguson-Miller, S., Brautigan, D.L., and Margoliash E., J. Biol. Chem. 251 , 1104 (1976). This complex was reacted with dithiobissuccinimidyl propionate, an 11 A bridging bifunctional reagent, and the cross-linked products obtained were analyzed by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Cytochrome c was cross-linked to subunit II of cytochrome c oxidase. Other cross-linked products were formed involving different subunits of cytochrome c oxidase. These included I+V, II+V, III+V, V+VII, IV+VI and IV+VII. Experiments are also described using N,N′-bis(3-succinimidyloxycarbonylpropyl) tartarate. The major product formed with this 18 A bridging bifunctional reagent was a pair containing II+VI.
Influence of nitrogen and water vapor on the oxidation of thorium between 400 and 1000° C

The reaction of thorium with air, oxygen, oxygen-nitrogen, and oxygen-water vapor atmospheres has been studied in the temperature range of 400–1000°C using thermogravimetric analysis and metallographic and x-ray diffraction examination. It was demonstrated that H2O and N2 as well as O2 are involved in the reaction of thorium with air. Oxidation in pure oxygen followed a relatively slow rate. Faster rates and nonisothermal conditions were observed under certain conditions with mixed atmospheres. Above 600° C,N2 caused accelerated oxidation and scale color changes. The effects of H2O were similar but occurred below 600°C. The rate laws followed for reaction with air are complex combinations of cubic, parabolic, and linear laws.
Semi-classical theory of laser-induced circular birefringence, resonance, and optical activity in scattered radiation

Abstract The semi-classical theory of pump laser-induced circular birefringence, spectral Zeeman type splitting, dichroism, and ellipticityis developed with reference to a novel technique called laser ESR and NMR. The theory, in terms of molecular property tensors and transition tensors, is also applied to Rayleigh/Raman optical activity in light scattered from a probe laser co-axial with the pump. Optical rectification is shown to be the pump laser property responsible for these new effects, which parallel those due to static magnetic flux density B , and which are based on analogy with the inverse Faraday effect, the ability of a circularly polarised pump laser to induce magnetisation. The interaction Hamiltonian is developed in terms of the conjugate product of the pump laser and a new fundamental atomic/molecular property called the electronic orbital/spin polarisability, an antisymmetric second rank polar tensor which transforms as a rank-one axial vector analogous with the atomic/molecular magnetic dipole moment. it is shown that optical rectification in the pump laser produces, through the conjugate product, the complete range of effects customarilygenerated by B , including NMR and ESR, quantum Hall effect and so on.
Criteria for the evaluation of laser solar energy converter systems

Assuming that a parabolic insolation-collection mirror-based solar pumped laser has a collector and heat emitter whose weights are proportional to their areas, and that the weight of the laser is negligible by comparison, the output power/unit weight can be expressed in terms of the efficiencies and working temperatures of the system. This ratio appears to be several times higher for an IBr laser than for one operating on C3F7I, because the solar utilization efficiency is greater for the former despite its lower working temperature.
Sensitivity of stable water isotopic values to convective parameterization schemes

[1] Convective parameterization has been argued as a principal generator of inter-model differences in climate sensitivity, but it is difficult in practice to constrain simulated convective processes. Here we show how stable water vapor isotopes, which are sensitive to the convective condensation rates, may be useful for evaluating convective parameterizations. By varying one of the least constrained convection parameters in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), namely the timescale for consumption of convective available potential energy (CAPE), τ, the simulated precipitation experiences substantial changes in response to changes in both the deep and shallow convection schemes—increasing τ from the standard 2 hours to 8 hours increases the contribution from shallow convection. The lowest order effect of increasing τ is a decrease (increase) in lower (upper) tropospheric condensation rates, with approximately the opposite vertical structure for the change in simulated isotopic signature. Increasing τ from the standard 2 hours to 8 hours also provides a better match to satellite-observed water vapor isotope ratios, albeit with some uncertainty related to the quality of currently-available satellite measurements. Thus, the incorporation of water vapor isotopes into GCMs provides additional constraints on convective parameterizations, especially as more and better quality water vapor isotope measurements become available.
Science to Practice: Angiogenic Marker Expression during Tumor Growth—Can Targeted US Microbubbles Help Monitor Molecular Changes in the Microvasculature?

The use of labeled US microbubbles opens the possibility of in vivo molecular profiling of tumor angiogenesis as a diagnostic tool.
The Ah Receptor Is a Sensitive Target of Geldanamycin-Induced Protein Turnover☆

Geldanamycin (GA) binds directly to hsp90 and apparently disrupts certain hsp90 heterocomplexes. We have investigated the GA-hsp90 interaction and its effect on other associated proteins. Incubation of 2-[125I]-iodo-3-azido-7,8-dibromo-p-dioxin-labeled Hepa 1c1c7 cytosol with GA-coupled beads revealed a stable association of Ah receptor (AhR)/hsp90 complex with GA. In addition, sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis demonstrated that GA does not disrupt the 9S Ah receptor complex in vitro. HeLa and Hepa 1c1c7 cells were subjected to a dose-response and time-course treatment with GA and the level of the AhR was determined. A 75% depletion in AhR levels was observed within an hour of exposure to 100 nM GA. The relative stability of other proteins that associate with hsp90 was determined with the following rank order of sensitivity to GA exposure: AhR >> c-Raf-1 > glucocorticoid receptor > CDK4 >> p50. A series of hsp90 deletion mutants were used to map the domain that interacts with GA. Deletion of the first 221 amino acids in NH2-terminal domain resulted in loss of binding to solid-phase GA. Epitopes of monoclonal antibodies specific for hsp90 were also determined by direct immunoprecipitation with hsp90 mutants. Results indicated that monoclonal antibodies 8D3 and 3G3 interact with hsp90 via the first 221 amino acids in NH2-terminal region, whereas AC88 requires a COOH-terminal region between amino acids 661-677.
Mechanisms for methylation-mediated gene silencing and aging

Gene silencing is often mediated by CpG methylation of key protein binding sites within gene regulatory sequences (GRSs). An aging mechanism is proposed based on this gene-silencing phenomenon whereby accumulation over time of methylation within GRSs contributes to cellular senescence. The proposed molecular mechanism for age-related gene silencing is the spreading of methylation through the regulatory sequences of genes resulting in progressive reduction of gene transcription. There is considerable experimental evidence for methylation spreading and its role in gene silencing, but the mechanism responsible for this process has not been elucidated. A four-step mechanism is proposed whereby an original methylation occurs, methyltransferase (MTase) molecules progressively move 5' to 3' from this site, neighboring CpG dinucleotides become methylated, and diminished gene expression ensues. Over time, this process may lead to widespread gene silencing in diverse dividing and nondividing cell types contributing to aging of the organism.
Seasonal And Diurnal Changes In Cloud Obscurations To Visible And Infrared Energy Transmission

Statistics on cloud cover and the attenuation of radiation by clouds are being compiled from satellite and lidar data. The multispectral data from the GOES/VAS satellite allow the definition of cloud altitudes and infrared emissivities. Thin transmissive cirrus clouds can be detected with this technique which have been mis-identified in other studies as low altitude clouds or completely undetected because of the complications of underlying clouds or land backgrounds. A summary of cloud cover statistics over the last two years is presented in Section 3. The cloud infrared emissivity derived by this technique is a measure of the attenuation of infrared radiation by the clouds. It has been theoretically related to the total vertical optical thickness in the visible spectrum by Hansen l. This relationship is predicted using a multiple scattering model of cirrus cloud sized particles. With this relationship we plan to convert our cloud emissivity data to optical thickness estimates so that radiative attenuation estimates can be made in both the visible and infrared parts of the spectrum. We are in the process of verifying the relationship using lidar and satellite data. The first results of this verification study are shown in Section 4.
The Reception of John Calvin’s Work by Petrus van Mastricht (1630–1706)

Although Petrus van Mastricht (1630–1706) praises John Calvin (1509–1564) as one of the best commentators of Scripture, he rarely refers to Calvin’s work in his Theoretico-practica theologia, and if he does, he conflicts or concurs. This contribution explores the reception of Calvin’s work by Mastricht, thereby focusing on exegetical continuities and discontinuities in their comments on the Psalms. It concludes that Mastricht gives more attention to etymological and philological issues of the Hebrew text than Calvin does, and emphasizes more than him the doctrine of immensity and the concept of the covenant.
Atomic-Level Description of Amyloid β-Dimer Formation

All-atom simulations have been carried out on a monomer and dimer of the aggregation-prone fragment (16−22) of amyloid β peptide, which is implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The replica exchange molecular dynamics method, which has been successfully applied to peptide folding, is utilized as a means to sample the configurational space with proper Boltzmann weighting so that the structural, motional, and thermodynamic description of self-assembly can be obtained. The free energy landscape showing the delicate balance between different monomer and dimer conformations is mapped along carefully chosen reaction coordinates. The canonical ensembles at 38 different temperatures are used to describe the thermodynamics and the relative stabilities of at least six different dimer conformations including that of parallel and antiparallel orientations. We also delineate the nature of the molecular forces that activate and stabilize these different dimer conformations as a function of temperature, especially as relate...
A novel approach for salvaging infected prosthetic mesh after ventral hernia repair.

Background Salvaging infected prosthetic material after ventral hernia repair is rarely successful. Most cases require mesh excision and complex abdominal wall reconstruction, with variable success rates. We report two cases of mesh salvage with a novel use of percutaneous drainage and antibiotic irrigation.
Pain-Control Research Opportunities and Future Directions

Abstract [Cordell WH: Pain-control research opportunities and future directions. Ann Emerg Med April 1996;27:474-478.]
Medical technology transfer for sustainable development: A case study of intraocular lens replacement to correct cataracts

Abstract Cataracts account for almost 50% of blindness in the world (17 million people). The magnitude of this problem is stunning, and affects the sustainable economic progress of developing nations where 90% of the blind are located (and likewise 90% of the $19 billion dollars in lost global productivity each year). The Vision 2020 program has called for eliminating cataract as a cause of avoidable blindness through intraocular lens replacement surgery (IOL surgery), a relatively cheap solution with good outcomes. This paper will: (1) give background on the scope and problems surrounding international technology transfer of IOL surgery; (2) develop the international medical technology transfer framework adapted from work by Lall and Wei; (3) compare programs in the countries of Nepal and Nigeria; (4) evaluate the success of their technology transfer of intraocular lens replacement; and (5) provide recommendations for sustainable international transfer of IOL surgery.
Antonym Adjective Contexts and the Facilitation of Noun-Pair Learning in Children.

Second and sixth graders were asked to learn noun pairs linked by various types of verbal connectives: verbs, unmarked and marked comparative adjectives, polar antonym adjective pairs, and conjunctions. Results indicated that all contexts produced better learning than conjunctions, that comparative adjective effects were comparable to verb effects, and that both of these sentence contexts were superior to the polar-pair condition which consisted of conjoined noun phrases. Also, in all conditions, first- and final-position nouns were found to prompt equivalent recall. Results provide compelling evidence for the operation of adjective structures as mnemonic organizers in younger as well as older children, and they challenge imagistic accounts of the verb facilitation effect.
Direction finding networks based on the approximate maximum likelihood and covariance fit formulations

Competitive feedback network solutions for narrowband direction finding are developed. The main interest lies in estimating the directions of arrival for closely spaced sources. It is shown that if there is a priori information about the number of sources a conditional maximum likelihood solution can be obtained by the network. A suboptimal estimator that requires no a priori knowledge about the number of signals and a network that performs a covariance fit is also presented. Results are presented using both synthetic and real array data. >
Is Hanukkah Responsive to Christmas

Is religious activity responsive to the presence and activity of other religions? How do religious minorities persist and keep their children from converting? We investigate these questions by examining the extent to which the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that is celebrated in December, is driven by the presence of Christmas. Hanukkah celebration in the US is especially suited to address these questions; US Jews are a minority who account for less than 2% of the population, and conversion and intermarriage, which is estimated at over 40% (United Jewish Communities, 2000), are key concerns among American Jews. A key observation that motivated this work is that Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Judaism in general and in Israel in particular but it is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays in the US. Hanukkah is often called the Jewish Christmas because American Jewish parents give their children gifts, like their Christian neighbours. Surveys we conducted in both Israel and the US confirm that Hanukkah is perceived to be much less important in Israel. This stark difference in the importance of Hanukkah in Israel (where Jews are a majority) and in the US (where Jews are a minority) suggests that the extent of Hanukkah celebration in the US may be driven by the presence of Christmas. With so many other differences between Israel and the US, however, one should be cautious drawing any interpretation from this anecdotal fact. Our strategy is therefore to look within the US, by comparing the behaviour of different American Jewish households. Our hypothesis is that Jews with children are more likely to be affected by the presence of Christmas, because Jewish parents might worry that their children would feel left out, intermarry, or convert. That is, Christmas, a fun holiday for children, induces Jewish parents to compete. Thus, if the presence of Christmas is important, we expect that Jewish parents will celebrate Hanukkah more intensively than Jews without children. To account for the alternative hypothesis that children induce more intensive celebration of all holidays regardless of Christmas, we use the intensity of Passover celebration as a control. To account for the alternative hypothesis that Hanukkah is simply a more fun holiday for children than Passover, we use a difference-in-differences * We thank Andrew Scott (the Editor), two anonymous referees, Manuel Amador, Nick Bloom, Doireann Fitzgerald, Avner Greif, Seema Jayachandran, Tim Guinnane and Izi Sin for many useful comments and suggestions.
Dual functions of a melanin-based ornament in the common yellowthroat

Melanin-based ornaments often function as signals in male-male competition, whereas carotenoid-based ornaments appear to be important in female mate choice. This difference in function is thought to occur because carotenoid pigments are more costly to produce than melanins and are thus more reliable indicators of male quality. We examined the role of melanin- and carotenoid-based ornaments in male-male competition and female choice in the common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas, a sexually dichromatic passerine. Males display a black facial mask produced by melanin pigmentation and a bright yellow bib (throat, breast and belly) produced by carotenoid pigmentation. In controlled aviary experiments, mask size was the best predictor of both male-male competition and female mate choice, and, therefore, mask size may be regarded as an ornament of dual function. These dual functions may help to maintain the reliability of mask size as an indicator of male quality, despite the potentially low cost of production. The size of the bib was unrelated to male-male competition or female choice, but there was a tendency for females to prefer males with more colourful bibs. We propose that the black mask is important in competition for territories with other males and for attracting females. Our results highlight the need for more studies of the mechanisms of sexual selection in species with ornaments composed of different pigment types.
Textbook Multigrid Efficiency for Leading Edge Stagnation

A multigrid solver is defined as having textbook multigrid efficiency (TME) if the solutions to the governing system of equations are attained in a computational work which is a small (less than 10) multiple of the operation count in evaluating the discrete residuals. TME in solving the incompressible inviscid fluid equations is demonstrated for leading- edge stagnation flows. The contributions of this paper include (1) a special formulation of the boundary conditions near stagnation allowing convergence of the Newton iterations on coarse grids, (2) the boundary relaxation technique to facilitate relaxation and residual restriction near the boundaries, (3) a modified relaxation scheme to prevent initial error amplification, and (4) new general analysis techniques for multigrid solvers. Convergence of algebraic errors below the level of discretization errors is attained by a full multigrid (FMG) solver with one full approximation scheme (F.4S) cycle per grid. Asymptotic convergence rates of the F.4S cycles for the full system of flow equations are very fast, approaching those for scalar elliptic equations.
FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES IN THE MICRODETERMINATION OF METALS IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS. III. METHOD FOR COMPLEXOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF MAGNESIUM IN SMALL SERUM SAMPLES.

Abstract A method has been developed for the complexometric determination of magnesium in 25–250 μl of serum. The technique employs the fluorescent indicator 2,4-bis[ N,N′ -di(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl] fluorescein and the chelating agent 1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid at alkaline pH.
High-field 4.23 tesla magnetic resonance imaging: initial experience in turbo-inversion recovery imaging and fMRI physics

High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers functional, biochemical and physiological information. High field is advantageous for both fMRI signal generated from deoxyhemoglobin and blood oxygen, and intracellular sodium by inversion recovery MRI imaging. High field MRI was used to image human and primates for sodium MRI imaging.
An Engineer's Guide to Refined Glass Strength Forecasting

*As aerospace instruments become increasingly more precise and elaborate, the mechanical strength of glass components can become a key design constraint. The probabilistic fracture behavior of glass is complex and, often, overly simplistic strength estimates are employed that, while easier to make use of, fail to take advantage of well understood glass properties. Such a simple approach requires the use of conservative strength values that encompass the weakest possible cases. This results in optic designs that, while robust, are unnecessarily massive and display excess wavefront error and instability, threatening mission viability. This paper presents a more detailed approach to glass strength analysis, as compiled from existing literature, incorporating both the principles of fracture mechanics and details of the specific design in question. The mathematical formulae needed to more accurately predict failure rates of individual glass components using laboratory data are presented. The resulting method of analysis incorporates our understanding of fracture and uses known information about the specific mechanical design. Replacing conservative strength values with detailed, application specific survival forecasts gives engineers greater design freedom. Optic mass and performance can be more effectively optimized, improving instrument performance.
Science in the Schoolhouse The Critical Role of the School Leader

School-level administrative support has been identified as an essential component of programs that promote research to practice. In this discussion, I address the critical role that school leaders play in supporting special educators and ensuring effective instruction for students with learning disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the need for teachers to be supported by administrators who are knowledgeable about special education and for administrators to receive the preparation and guidance they require to support science in contemporary schools.
Hybrid channel coding for multiresolution HDTV terrestrial broadcasting

This paper describes a new HDTV system that applies joint multiresolution (MR) source and channel coding to efficiently use the available radio spectrum. Hybrid analog/digital MR channel modulation provides the benefits of digital source coding and the more efficient spectrum usage of analog transmission. Nonuniform spacing of the digital signaling levels provides MR delivery of the digital components while spread-spectrum processing permits MR delivery of the analog components. Error correction coding and OFDM channel modulation deliver the MR service in widely varying channel conditions. Simulation results demonstrate performance in various regions of the service area. >
Computational modelling of Smad-mediated negative feedback and crosstalk in the TGF-β superfamily network

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal transduction pathway controls many cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. It plays a fundamental role during development and it is dysregulated in many diseases. The factors that control the dynamics of the pathway, however, are not fully elucidated yet and so far computational approaches have been very limited in capturing the distinct types of behaviour observed under different cellular backgrounds and conditions into a single-model description. Here, we develop a detailed computational model for TGF-β signalling that incorporates elements of previous models together with crosstalking between Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 channels through a negative feedback loop dependent on Smad7. The resulting model accurately reproduces the diverse behaviour of experimental datasets for human keratinocytes, bovine aortic endothelial cells and mouse mesenchymal cells, capturing the dynamics of activation and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of both R-Smad channels. The analysis of the model dynamics and its system properties revealed Smad7-mediated crosstalking between Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 channels as a major determinant in shaping the distinct responses to single and multiple ligand stimulation for different cell types.
Isoform-specific Regulation of Cytochromes P450 Expression by Estradiol and Progesterone

Results from clinical studies suggest that pregnancy alters hepatic drug metabolism in a cytochrome P450 (P450) isoform-specific manner, and rising concentrations of female hormones are potentially responsible for the changes. The objective of this study was to comprehensively characterize the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the expression and activity of major drug-metabolizing P450s. To this end, primary human hepatocytes were treated with estradiol and progesterone, and mRNA expression and activity levels of 10 different P450 isoforms were determined. The results showed that estradiol enhances CYP2A6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 expression, whereas progesterone induces CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 expression. The induction was mainly observed when the average hormone concentrations were at the levels reached during pregnancy, suggesting that these effects are likely pregnancy-specific. Estradiol also increased enzyme activities of CYP2C9 and CYP2E1 without affecting the mRNA expression levels by unknown mechanisms. Taken together, our results show differential effects of estrogen and progesterone on P450 expression, suggesting involvement of different regulatory mechanisms in female hormone-mediated P450 regulation. Our findings potentially provide a basis in mechanistic understanding for altered drug metabolism during pregnancy.
Children's understanding of nutritional information presented in breakfast cereal commercials

This study examined children's understanding of commercial network techniques—both audio and video—designed to communicate the “balanced breakfast” concept. Data revealed a general lack of concept understanding.
Electronic Properties of Wide Bandgap Pentenary Chalcopyrite Alloys and Their Photovoltaic Devices

We have used electronic and optical techniques to characterize alloys of the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 material system. The alloys were prepared such that the bandgap of the resultant materials was near 1.5 eV. These materials are interesting as the absorber layer of thin-film solar cell devices, and were studied in a solar cell device configuration. Electronic characterization techniques included admittance spectroscopy and drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP). Optical techniques included transient-photocapacitance and transient-photocurrent spectroscopies. From these measurements we were able to determine defect activation energies and profiles, Urbach energies, and information about deeper (optical) defect positions and widths. These data are used to suggest a model of a deep electron trap 200 meV to 300 meV below the conduction band that is filled optically and emptied thermally, and may affect solar cell device performance.
Fused taper infrared optical fiber couplers in chalcogenide glass

We have fabricated low loss, high coupling ratio bidirectional optical couplers for infrared light using multimode step-index chalcogenide fiber. Using a fusion technique similar to that commonly employed with silica fibers, we have found a temperature regime where fusion can occur while interdiffusion of the core and cladding materials will not. The resultant device has a roughly 3:1 coupling ratio, less than 0.3 dB of excess insertion loss, and preserves the guided modes of the fiber intact.
Characterization of Hydrogen Bonding between Selected Barbiturates and Polyethylene Glycol 4000 by IR Spectral Analysis

Abstract Several barbiturates and primidone were equilibrated with polyethylene glycol 4000 in pyridine. IR spectral properties of these samples indicate that seven disubstituted barbiturates complex with polyethylene glycol 4000 while five disubstituted barbiturates and two trisubstituted barbiturates as well as primidone do not. Forces responsible for complexation of barbiturates with polyethylene glycol 4000, as inferred from spectral data, consist of hydrogen bonds formed between N 1 and N 3 hydrogens of the barbiturate ring and two oxygen atoms of the —O—CH 2 CH 2 —O—moiety. Also, there appear to be three configurations of intermolecular hydrogen bonding sites between disubstituted barbiturates. Several factors affect the barbiturate-polyethylene glycol 4000 interaction, including the nature of the solvent, C 5 substituents, the number of hydrogen bonds formed between reactants, and the 2-carbonyl group of the barbiturate ring. Complexes of polyethylene glycol 4000 with phenobarbital, butabarbital, and cyclobarbital are stable in water at 26° or below, but complexes of polyethylene glycol 4000 with butethal, cyclopentenyl allylbarbituric acid, pento barbital, and probarbital are not.
Our Environment, Our Health: A Community-Based Participatory Environmental Health Survey in Richmond, California

This study presents a health survey conducted by a community-based participatory research partnership between academic researchers and community organizers to consider environmental health and environmental justice issues in four neighborhoods of Richmond, California, a low-income community of color living along the fence line of a major oil refinery and near other industrial and mobile sources of pollution. The Richmond health survey aimed to assess local concerns and perceptions of neighborhood conditions, health problems, mobile and stationary hazards, access to health care, and other issues affecting residents of Richmond. Although respondents thought their neighborhoods were good places to live, they expressed concerns about neighborhood stressors and particular sources of pollution, and identified elevated asthma rates for children and long-time Richmond residents. The Richmond health survey offers a holistic, community-centered perspective to understanding local environmental health issues, and can inform future environmental health research and organizing efforts for community-university collaboratives.
Modeling multi-layer effects in passive microwave remote sensing of dry snow using Dense Media Radiative Transfer Theory (DMRT) based on quasicrystalline approximation

The Dense Media Radiative Transfer theory (DMRT) of Quasicrystalline Approximation of Mie scattering by sticky particles is used to study the multiple scattering effects in layered snow in microwave remote sensing. Results are illustrated for various snow profile characteristics. Polarization differences and frequency dependences of multilayer snow model are significantly different from that of the single-layer snow model. Comparisons are also made with CLPX data using snow parameters as given by the VIC model.
Sequence-Dependent Gene Conversion: Can Duplicated Genes Diverge Fast Enough to Escape Conversion?

ABSTRACT Conversion between duplicated genes limits their independent evolution. Models in which conversion frequencies decrease as genes diverge are examined to determine conditions underwhich genes can "escape" further conversion and hence escape from a gene family. A review of results from various recombination systems suggests two classes of sequence-dependence models: (1) the " k -hit" model in which conversion is completely inactivated by a few ( k ) mutational events, such as the insertion of a mobile element, and (2) more general models where conversion frequency gradually declines as genes diverge through the accumulation of point mutants. Exact analysis of the k -hit model is given and an approximate analysis of a more general sequence-dependent model is developed and verified by computer simulation. If ´ is the per nucleotide mutation rate, then neutral duplicated genes diverging through point mutants are likely to escape conversion provided 2µ/λ >> 0.1, where λ is the conversion rate between identical genes. If 2µ/λ > 1. Implications of these results for both models of concerted evolution and the evolution of new gene functions via gene duplication are discussed.
United States congressional publication indexing: Statistical comparisons between the CIS/index and the monthly catalog

Abstract What is the best reference tool for learning about the availability of current Congressional publications? This article will document that a new indexing/ abstracting tool — the CIS/Index — is superior to the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications in terms of comprehensiveness and indexing speed. Such information should help library administrators reach optimal decisions about the desirability of obtaining the CIS/Index to supplement their reference collections. A random sample of 438 Congressional publications listed in the monthly abstract sections of the 1976 CIS/Index was examined to determine the mean time lag (in days) necessary for an item to be analyzed and indexed. In addition, each item was also searched in the Monthly Catalog . Only 79.7% of the Congressional publications listed in the CIS/Index appeared in the Monthly Catalog . On the average, each of these publications appeared over 100 days earlier in the CIS/Index.
Using Eigenpattern Analysis to Constrain Seasonal Signals in Southern California

Earthquake fault systems are now thought to be an example of a complex nonlinear system (BAK, et al., 1987; RUNDLE and KLEIN, 1995). The spatial and temporal complexity of this system translates into a similar complexity in the surface expression of the underlying physics, including deformation and seismicity. Here we show that a new pattern dynamic methodology can be used to define a unique, finite set of deformation patterns for the Southern California Integrated GPS Network (SCIGN). Similar in nature to the empirical orthogonal functions historically employed in the analysis of atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena (PREISENDORFER, 1988), the method derives the eigenvalues and eigenstates from the diagonalization of the correlation matrix using a Karhunen-Loeve expansion (KLE) (FUKUNAGA, 1970; RUNDLE et al., 2000; TIAMPO et al., 2002). This KLE technique may be used to determine the important modes in both time and space for the southern California GPS data, modes that potentially include such time-dependent signals as plate velocities, viscoelasticity, and seasonal effects. Here we attempt to characterize several of the seasonal vertical signals on various spatial scales. These, in turn, can be used to better model geophysical signals of interest such as coseismic deformation, viscoelastic effects, and creep, as well as provide data assimilation and model verification for large-scale numerical simulations of southern California.
Ratings and the institutional approach: A third answer to the commodity question

(1984). Ratings and the institutional approach: A third answer to the commodity question. Critical Studies in Mass Communication: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 216-225.
Lorentz-STEM imaging of Fields and Domains using a High-Speed, High-Dynamic Range Pixel Array Detector at Atomic Resolution

Kayla X. Nguyen, Robert Hovden, Mark W. Tate, Prafull Purohit, John Heron , Celesta Chang, Sol M. Gruner, David A. Muller Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA Kavili Institute for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University USA
An integrative affect regulation process model of internalized weight bias and intuitive eating in college women.

The present study extended the weight stigma and well-being process model (Tylka et al., 2014) by examining three affect regulation pathways that may help simultaneously explain the predicted inverse association between internalized weight bias and intuitive eating. A weight-diverse sample of 333 college women completed an online survey assessing internalized weight stigma, intuitive eating, body shame, body image flexibility, and self-compassion. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Non-parametric bootstrap resampling procedures were computed to ascertain the presence of the indirect effects of internalized weight bias on intuitive eating via the three hypothesized mediators controlling for BMI in a combined model. Results demonstrated that body image flexibility significantly and self-compassion marginally contributed unique variance in accounting for this relationship. Our preliminary cross-sectional findings contribute to a nascent body of scholarship seeking to provide a theoretically-driven understanding of how negative and positive forms of experiencing and relating to the body may co-occur within individuals. Results also point to potential target variables to consider incorporating in later-stage efforts to promote more adaptive ways of eating amidst internalized weight stigma.
Visual Diagnosis: Chest Pain in a Boy With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Cardiomyopathy

1. Philip T. Thrush, MD* 2. Kevin M. Flanigan, MD†,‡§ 3. Jerry R. Mendell, MD†,‡§ 4. Subha V. Raman, MD|| 5. Curt J. Daniels, MD*,|| 6. Hugh D. Allen, MD¶ 1. *Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. 2. †The Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. 3. ‡Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. 4. §Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. 5. ||Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. 6. ¶Associate Editor. Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX. * Abbreviations: DMD: : Duchenne muscular dystrophy EF: : ejection fraction ECG: : electrocardiography CMRI: : cardiac magnetic resonance imaging LGE: : late gadolinium enhancement A 17-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) due to a deletion of exons 18 to 37 in the DMD gene was diagnosed in our clinic as having cardiomyopathy at age 12 years. His current medications include deflazacort (30 mg/d), lisinopril (10 mg once daily for cardiomyopathy), and metoprolol succinate (50 mg twice daily for disordered automaticity). His cardiac function had been stable, with ejection fractions (EFs) ranging from 47% to 55%. After 1 day of headache and emesis, he presents to a local emergency department with acute onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiography (ECG) reveals ST-segment elevation in the inferolateral leads and ST-segment depression in the midprecordial leads, which prompts further testing (Figure 1). His initial troponin I level is elevated. He is transferred to a tertiary care facility for further evaluation. At the time of admission, his chest pain is substantially improved without intervention, but his troponin I level is now 40.27 ng/mL (40.27 μg/L) (reference range, <0.04 ng/mL [<0.04 μg/L]). Further laboratory evaluation reveals a white blood cell count of 12,900 /μL, 72% neutrophils, 20% lymphocytes, a C-reactive protein level of 299.8 mg/L (2855.3 nmol/L) (reference range, <12.0 mg/L [114.3 nmol/L]), and a lactate level of 7.2 mg/dL (0.8 mmol/L) (reference range, 4.5-19.8 mg/dL [0.5-2.2 mmol/L]). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) reveals extensive left ventricular lateral wall epicardial enhancement (Figure 2A) and an EF of 50%. Quantitative T2 mapping reveals an increased T2 signal (80 milliseconds compared with 48 milliseconds in the unaffected interventricular septum) in the same region consistent with acute inflammation and injury …
Rate of European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) egg-mass detrition in field corn

Impact of egg-mass detrition of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), on estimation of egg-mass density in a cornfield was investigated. Both an average and worst-case detrition rate curve were estimated from field egg-mass counts. At 50% completion of a 20-day symmetric oviposition period, 1.14 and 1.46% of egg masses deposited were predicted missing using these curves. Of 20 cornfields observed between 1982 and 1983, the management decision was never changed as a result of correcting for egg-mass detrition.
Soluble vs insoluble hexavalent chromate. Relationship of mutation to in vitro transformation and particle uptake.

Soluble CaCrO4 and insoluble PbCrO4 were tested for induction of mutation to 6-thioguanine (base-substitution, deletion, addition, and frameshift mutations) or ouabain (base-substitution mutations) resistance in Chinese hamster ovary cells and morphological transformation in C3H/101/2 mouse embryo cells. CaCrO4 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity and mutation to 6-thioguanine resistance, but did not induce mutation to ouabain resistance or morphological transformation. Highly cytotoxic amounts of CaCrO4 induced conversion of 10T1/2 cells to adipocytes, but cell lines derived from such cells were not transformed. PbCrO4 was not mutagenic in either mutation assay but induced a dose-dependent, low frequency of focus formation. Cell lines established from these foci had a 3–5-fold increased saturation density, grew in soft agarose, and were tumorigenic in nude mice. Chronic exposure to CaCrO4 or PbCl2 did not induce transformation, PbCl2 was inactive even at acutely cytotoxic concentrations, and sequential treatments with CaCrO4 and PbCl2 did not induce transformation. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed progressive cytoplasmic engulfment of PbCrO4 particles and extensive vacuolization of cells in contact with the particles. No particles were observed inside of vacuoles. We suggest that internalization of PbCrO4 and the associated cellular stress response may be related to PbCrO4-induced neoplastic transformation of 10T1/2 cells.
An Undescribed Species of Macrophoma and of Volutella Occurring on Pachysandra Terminalis

Macrophoma Pachysandrae n. sp. has been found on Pachysandra terminalis, causing black pustules but no definite cankers on the dead or partially dried stems.The pycnidia are globose to ovoid, 200–2...