cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of chromogenic agar media for recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from ready-to-eat meat and poultry products

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of esculin- and chromogen-containing agars for the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from artificially contaminated ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Listeria innocua, Listeria ivanovii and Listeria seeligeri were inoculated (1–10 cfu/25 g) onto samples (n = 180) in addition to L. monocytogenes at 1–10 (LM level 1), 100 (LM level 2) or 1,000 (LM level 3) cfu/25 g. Three esculin-containing agars (Oxford, modified Oxford and PALCAM) and two chromogenic agars (Rapid'L. mono [RLM] and CHROMagar Listeria) were evaluated for the recovery of Listeria spp. With LM level 1, L. innocua overgrew the other three Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes was recovered from only 6.7 and 1.7% of samples on CHROMagar and RLM, respectively, and from no samples on the esculin-containing agars. At LM level 2 and 3, chromogenic agars recovered L. monocytogenes better than the three esculin-containing agars (P < 0.05). The highest sensitivity and specificity values were obtained with RLM and CHROMagar. These results indicate that chromogenic media could replace or supplement the current preferred media of the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual methods to detect and isolate L. monocytogenes more rapidly with higher sensitivity without tedious confirmation tests. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The chromogenic media discussed in this paper could be used in industrial and academic laboratories to detect and isolate L. monocytogenes with some advantages. The media could differentiate pathogenic Listeria from nonpathogenic species without tedious confirmation tests that can take up days. These advantages could provide quick information on any contaminated product in food plants and prevent delivery of the defective products, which may result in recall. The media also have advantages for laboratories with limited personnel to conduct tedious confirmation tests.
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques to evaluate CNS glioma

To make full use of the benefits of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of intracranial glioma, a variety of advanced MRI and qualitative and quantitative techniques can be added to the radiologists' diagnostic armamentarium, beyond the standard contrast-enhanced images. These techniques include perfusion MRI, which is useful in the characterization of glioma because a relative quantification of cerebral microcirculatory parameters may be estimated; magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which can provide an estimate of the concentration of normal and abnormal metabolites in the brain and, when supplemented with magnetic resonance perfusion data, can be a useful tool for distinguishing between tumor recurrence and radiation necrosis; and diffusion tensor imaging, which combines physiologic behaviors unique to the cytoarchitecture of brain cells and the interstitial tissues with 2D and 3D anatomic magnetic resonance images, and thereby differentiates intact white matter tracts, displaced by tumor or surrounding edema, from invasion or disruption by a more aggressive neoplasm.
Roles of Mast Cell Proteases in Airways

The mast cell proteases tryptase and chymase have long been known to constitute one-fifth of the total protein in mast cells. However, their biological functions have not been easy to study because of the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of the enzymes to study their biological functions. Recently, we have been fortunate to have available a permanent line of dog mastocytoma cells to purify both enzymes to homogeneity, and we have used the purified enzymes in two ways. First, in a series of biological studies, we have discovered unique and potent actions of the enzymes that may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Important biological activities are also likely to exist in other tissues. Because of their structures, mast cell proteases are likely to act in proximity to their sites of release. Thus, the presence and amounts of tryptase and chymase in specific loci may play important roles in tissue responses. In diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, there is evidence that the expression of these mast cell enzymes changes, and these changes have important pathogenetic implications. Second, we have begun to perform structural studies of the enzymes. The recent cloning of tryptase by our group should assist in the better understanding of its functions. Crystallography of the pure proteins should provide further insights and could be the basis of rational development of potent and selective drugs that will inhibit their actions.
The transportation of bed-load by streams

The problem of bed-load movement has been studied by a number of engineers and scientists during the past seventy years and a considerable amount of data has been published. The increasing use of river- and harbor-models has accentuated its importance because of the necessity for selecting a material capable of being moved which will not at the same time form excessively large ripples. The present paper is the result of a critical survey of available data made to ascertain whether or not a quantitative prediction of bed-movement is now possible.
Decreased bone mineralization in children with Noonan syndrome: another consequence of dysregulated RAS MAPKinase pathway?

Abstract Introduction Noonan syndrome (NS) is a disorder of RAS- mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with clinical features of skeletal dysplasia. This pathway is essential for regulation of cell differentiation and growth including bone homeostasis. Currently, limited information exists regarding bone mineralization in NS. Materials and methods Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone mineralization was evaluated in 12 subjects (mean age 8.7 years) with clinical features of NS. All subjects underwent genetic testing which showed mutations in PTPN11 gene (N = 8) and SOS1 gene (N = 1). In a subgroup of subjects with low bone mass, indices of calcium-phosphate metabolism and bone turnover were obtained. Results 50% of subjects had low bone mass as measured by DXA. Z-scores for bone mineral content (BMC) were calculated based on age, gender, height, and ethnicity. Mean BMC z-score was marginally decreased at − 0.89 {95% CI − 2.01 to 0.23; p = 0.1}. Mean total body bone mineral density (BMD) z-score was significantly reduced at − 1.87 {95% CI − 2.73 to − 1.0; p = 0.001}. Mean height percentile was close to - 2 SD for this cohort, thus total body BMD z-scores were recalculated, adjusting for height age. Adjusted mean total body BMD z-score was less reduced but still significant at − 0.82 {95% CI − 1.39 to − 0.25; p = 0.009}. Biochemical evaluation for bone turnover was unremarkable except serum IGF-I and IGF-BP3 levels which were low-normal for age. Discussion Children with NS have a significantly lower total body BMD compared to age, gender, ethnicity and height matched controls. In addition, total BMC appears to trend lower in children with NS compared to controls. We conclude that the metabolic bone disease present resulted from a subtle variation in the interplay of osteoclast and osteoblast activity, without clear abnormalities being defined in the metabolism of either. Clinical significance of this finding needs to be validated by larger longitudinal studies. Also, histomorphometric analysis of bone tissue from NS patients and mouse model of NS may further elucidate the relationship between the RAS-MAPK pathway and skeletal homeostasis.
Visualization of term discrimination analysis

A visual term discrimination value analysis method is introduced using a document density space within a distance–angle-based visual information retrieval environment. The term discrimination capacity is analyzed using the comparison of the distance and angle-based visual representations with and without a specified term, thereby allowing the user to see the impact of the term on individual documents within the density space. Next, the concept of a “term density space” is introduced for term discrimination analysis. Using this concept, a term discrimination capacity for distinguishing one term from others in the space can also be visualized within the visual space. Applications of these methods facilitate more effective assignment of term weights to index terms within documents and may assist searchers in the selection of search terms.
Regulation of Formation of Covalently Bound Flavins in Liver and Cerebrum by Thyroid Hormones

Abstract The effects of thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) treatment upon the formation of [2- 14 C]flavins bound covalently to tissue proteins in liver and cerebrum were measured 1 h after a subcutaneous injection of [2- 14 C]riboflavin in male rats of different ages. In livers of rats of ages 2, 3, and 12 months, T 4 (100 μg/100 g body wt) and T 3 (25 μg/100 g body wt) in daily intraperitoneal doses for 7 days each increased incorporation into covalently bound flavins 50% above that in saline-treated controls. In newborn rats, T 4 in doses of 10 μg/rat for 7 days increased incorporation similarly to that in adults. In adult rats doses of T 3 from 2.5 to 25 μg/100 g body wt were nearly as effective as larger doses of T 3 and T 4 in increasing the formation of covalently bound flavins in liver. In cerebra of newborn rats, T 4 was ineffective in increasing the formation of covalently bound flavins. However, in cerebra of rats of ages 2, 3, and 12 months, both T 3 and T 4 consistently increased the formation of covalently bound flavins. Doses of T 3 from 2.5 to 25 μg/100 g body wt produced significant increases. These findings are of interest in view of our previous demonstration that the formation of flavin adenine dinucleotide, the major tissue flavin, is not increased in rat brain even by massive doses of thyroid hormones. The present results indicate that the formation of the fraction of flavins bound covalently to tissue proteins differs from the usual pattern of brain metabolism of adult rats in being subject to control by thyroid hormones.
Autoradiographic study of iron-binding sites in the rat brain: distribution and relationship to aging.

Specific binding of 59Fe to various brain structures was investigated in rats using nanomolar concentrations of 59FeCl3 and quantitative aiitoradiography. Saturation studies revealed high affinity binding (kd in the nanomolar range) with binding sites density (Bmax) which varied in different brain regions from 462 fmol per mg tissue in the central thalamic nuclei to over 4 pmol per mg tissue in the cerebral peduncle. Binding was seen in both white and gray matter structures. Bmax values for frontal cortex, dentate gy-rus, and substantia nigra were significantly lower in older rats. The distribution of 59Fe binding sites was not consistent with the distribution of brain iron as reported by other investigators. 59Fe binding was reduced significantly in the presence of free radicals. These observations suggest that high affinity binding sites for iron are localized differentially in various brain structures and may play an important role in the translocation and storage of potentially harmful ferric cations in brain. The finding that the capacity of the brain tissue to bind iron diminished with age in discrete brain regions suggests that in the aged animal, the removal of “free” iron from the cellular domain may be impaired in such regions, leading to increased susceptibility to iron-enhanced lipid peroxidation and cell death.
Plant community response to burning and herbicide site preparation in eastern Louisiana, USA

Abstract High yield commercial forests are an important source of fiber for global forest product needs and the southeastern United States is a key region for global wood supply needs with intensively managed pine stands ( Pinus spp.) an important component of forested landscapes in this region. Concern has arisen over possible effects of stand establishment practices on vegetation communities within commercial forests, particularly relative to use of herbicides and burning. Therefore, we examined response of plant communities to site preparation within intensively managed pine stands in eastern Louisiana, USA that were either prescribe burned (PF; n = 5) or treated with a combination of herbicides (imazapyr and triclopyr) and prescribe burned (PFH; n = 5) during 2002. We used 5 m line intercepts ( n = 10 per stand) to quantify species richness, diversity, and relative abundance of plant species for 3 years post-treatment (2003–2005) with a repeated measures analysis of variance. We documented 80 genera or species of plants and neither species richness nor diversity differed between treatments. Site preparation with PFH appeared to promote development of an herbaceous plant community and reduced relative abundance of woody plants, whereas PF-treated sites were dominated by woody vegetation. Our results demonstrate that different plant communities result from PF and PFH site preparation and may place stands on different successional trajectories. We suggest PFH site preparation may increase availability of early successional vegetation associations on managed forest landscapes and may extend the time stands stay in this successional stage. However, increased crop tree growth from site preparation may shorten open canopy conditions.
Low complexity soft-interference cancellation turbo equalization for MIMO systems with multilevel modulations

This paper presents a low complexity soft-interference cancellation equalizer (SICE) for the turbo detection of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems operating in time dispersive channels. The SICE contains three time-invariant linear filters: a feedforward filter, a causal feedback filter and an anti-causal feedback filter. The feedforward filter is designed to suppress the intersymbol interference (ISI) due to time dispersive channels and the multiplexing interference from multiple transmit antennas. The causal (or anti-causal) feedback filter is developed to remove the residual interference caused by the symbols transmitted before (or after) the symbol under detection. The performance of the proposed SICE is verified through both extrinsic information transfer chart (EXIT) analysis and computer simulations. The analytical and simulation results demonstrated that the inclusion of the anti-causal soft decision during SICE is critical to the system performance. The EXIT chart analysis shows that the SICE performance approaches the ideal matched filter bound as the iteration progresses.
Structure, coordination, and solvation of V+(benzene)n complexes via gas phase infrared spectroscopy

V+(C6H6)n (n = 1−4) and V+(C6H6)nAr (n = 1, 2) complexes are produced by laser vaporization in a pulsed nozzle cluster source. The clusters are mass-selected and studied by infrared laser photodissociation spectroscopy in the C−H stretch region of benzene. Photodissociation of V+(C6H6)n complexes occurs by the elimination of intact neutral benzene molecules, whereas V+(C6H6)nAr complexes lose Ar. The dissociation process is enhanced on vibrational resonances and the spectrum is obtained by monitoring fragment yield versus the infrared wavelength. Vibrational bands in the 2700−3300 cm-1 region are characteristic of the benzene molecular moiety with systematic shifts caused by the metal bonding. A dramatic change in the IR spectrum occurs at n = 3, confirming that two ligands complete the coordination sphere and that additional benzenes act as solvent. The comparison between experiment and theory provides fascinating new insight into the bonding in these prototypical organometallic complexes.
Pyruvic acid metabolism in obesity.

Controlled experiments on the relative efficiency of carbohydrate, fat and protein in weight reduction diets indicate that obese people lose more weight when most of the calories are derived from fat. These findings are explained by a concept of obesity as due to an impairment in the oxidative pathway of pyruvic acid. Recent advances in the biochemistry of pyruvic acid are reviewed and an attempt is made to identify the precise point at which the metabolic defect occurs. Implications in treatment are mentioned.
Principles in design and microfabrication of variable-capacitance side-drive motors

This paper presents a detailed discussion of the critical issues it the design and fabrication of polysilicon, rotary, variable‐capacitance, side‐drive, electric micromotors. Three different side‐drive motor architectures with stator pole number to rotor pole number ratios of 3:1; 3:2, and 2:1 are considered. For each architecture, output torque characteristics of typical microfabricated motors are simulated using two‐dimensional finite‐element solutions in the plane of the substrate. The 3:2 design is shown to provide superior torque coverage with higher minimum torque values as compared to the other two designs. An examination of the contribution of the axial fringing fields shows that, for typical micromotors, the rotor–stator capacitance is more directly a function of the rotor–stator thickness and not of the vertical rotor–stator pole‐face overlap. Furthermore, since the rotor–stator capacitance is not very sensitive to a vertical offset between the rotor and the stator, electric forces tending to vertically align the rotor to the stator are significantly smaller than would be predicted from a simple parallel‐plate capacitance calculation. A standard and a localized oxidation of silicon (LOCOS)‐based side‐drive micromotor fabrication process are described. The standard process is used as a case study to provide a detailed discussion of practical issues that need to be considered in the development of a polysilicon surface‐micromachined motor fabrication process. Specific motor design examples are described and a brief history of our experimental findings is presented. Typical 3:2 micromotors have been operated with bipolar excitations as low as 37 V across 1.5 μm gaps and at speeds as high as 15 000 rpm.
Abiotic origin of biopolymers

A variety of methods have been investigated in different laboratories for the polymerization of amino acids and nucleotides under abiotic conditions. They include (1) thermal polymerization; (2) direct polymerization of certain amino acid nitriles, amides, or esters; (3) polymerization using polyphosphate esters; (4) polymerization under aqueous or drying conditions at moderate temperatures using a variety of simple catalysts or condensing agents like cyanamide, dicyandiamide, or imidazole; and (5) polymerization under similar mild conditions but employing activated monomers or abiotically synthesized high-energy compounds such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). The role and significance of these methods for the synthesis of oligopeptides and oligonucleotides under possible primitive-earth conditions is evaluated. It is concluded that the more recent approach involving chemical processes similar to those used by contemporary living organisms appears to offer a reasonable solution to the prebiotic synthesis of these biopolymers.
Lifetime studies on the phosphorescence of the tetrahedral tetrahalomanganate ion in fused salts and solids

Abstract The phosphorescence of tetrabutylammonium tetrahalomanganate salts has been investigated, both in the crystal and in the fused salt. The lifetime behavior of the 4 T 1 → 6 A transition in these tetrahedral systems is extremely unusual: The phosphorescence remains in the low viscosity melt; the bromide lifetime is ten times smaller than the chloride at room temperature, but about twenty times larger at 130°C; there is highly specific structure in the lifetime data of the solid which correlates with thermal phase transitions. Dilution experiments demonstrate that cooperative effects and electronic charge transfer processes are not important in these species. An explanation is suggested in terms of both low Franck—Condon factors and of frequency or Stokes shift of accepting modes for vibronically-induced radiative decay by the steric packing effects of the neighboring organic ion. Experiments for distinguishing the effects of these two mechanisms are suggested.
The development of the eye of Rana pipiens at two different temperatures.

The development of the eye in embryos of Rana pipiens raised at two different temperatures was studied in detail from Shumway stage 16 through Shumway stage 25. One clutch of eggs from each of ten different female frogs was divided into two groups, one of which was raised at a temperature of 14°C and the other at 19°C. The 14° to 19° difference falls in the middle of the temperature range for normal development of Rana pipiens as established by Atlas ('35), Moore ('39), and Ryan ('41). Two hundred embryos, one embryo from each of the ten clutches, raised to each of ten stages at 14° or at 19°, were sectioned for microscopic study of the eye region. Descriptions of the morphology and histology of the developing eye are illustrated by photographs and provide a reference to which development of experimental embryos may be compared. A synoptic checklist is provided which specifies the changes occurring at each stage studied.
Wafer-scale W-band power amplifiers using on-chip antennas

This paper presents, for the first time, a W-band SiGe power amplifier designed and fabricated together with a high-efficiency on-chip microstrip antenna. The antenna/amplifier results in an effective radiated power (ERP=P t G t ) ≫ 10 dBm from 88 to 98 GHz, with a peak of 14.6 dBm at 92 GHz. The chip consumes 120 mA from a 1.7 V supply. The antenna/amplifier approach can be extended to a large number of elements (8×8) and allows for efficient wafer-scale power combining and phased-array scanning.
Solar system 'fast mission' trajectories using aerogravity assist

Initial analyses of the aerogravity assist (AGA) delivery technique to solar system targets (and beyond) has been encouraging. Mission opportunities are introduced that do not exist with typical gravity assist trajectories and current launch capabilities. The technique has the most payoff for high-energy missions such as outer planet orbiters and flybys. The goal of this technique is to reduce the flight duration significantly and to eliminate propulsion for orbit insertion. The paper will discuss detailed analyses and parametric studies that consider launch opportunities for missions to the sun, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto using AGA at Venus and Mars.
Silymarin in the treatment of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: an open-label pilot study.

No effective medical therapy is available for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We evaluated the safety and estimated the efficacy of silymarin in patients with PSC in a pilot study. Thirty patients with PSC were enrolled. Silymarin, 140 mg orally three times daily, was given for 1 year. A statistically significant improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase activity (1131 ± 216 vs. 861 ± 139, P = 0.007), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (116 ± 15 vs. 83 ± 11, P = 0.01) occurred with treatment. Serum bilirubin levels were not significantly affected by the treatment, while serum albumin and the Mayo risk score remained essentially unchanged. Overall, 34% of patients had a positive response to silymarin as defined by ≥50% improvement or normal status in liver tests. The results of this pilot study warrant further evaluation of silymarin in patients with PSC in a large-scale, controlled trial.
Grandfather rules and the theory of optimal tax reform

Abstract This paper analyzes grandfather rules (GR) within the context of the “optimal tax reform’ problem and a reform that eliminates differential capital taxation. Two general conclusions are suggested. First, GR can be a very effective reform implementation tool. Appropriately structured GR can convert potential ‘losers’ from reform into gainers so that the reform becomes Pareto-improving; alternatively, GR can often be used to distribute the gains from reform more equitably. Second, GR should nevertheless be used with caution. Market adjustments often imply that losses are sufficiently small that little grandfathering is needed; moreover, the effects of GR are very sensitive to the length of time they are in force, and their implementation may lead to efficiency losses.
Prolonged exposure to low levels of aluminum leads to changes associated with brain aging and neurodegeneration

Aluminum is one of the most common metal elements in the earth's crust. It is not an essential element for life and has commonly been thought of as a rather inert and insoluble mineral. Therefore, it has often been regarded as not posing a significant health hazard. In consequence, aluminum-containing agents been used in many food processing steps and also in removal by flocculation of particulate organic matter from water. In recent years, acid rain has tended to mobilize aluminum-containing minerals into a more soluble form, ionic Al3+, which has found their way into many reservoirs that constitute residential drinking water resources. As a result, the human body burden of aluminum has increased. Epidemiological studies suggest that aluminum may not be as innocuous as was previously thought and that aluminum may actively promote the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Epidemiological data is strengthened by experimental evidence of aluminum exposure leading to excess inflammatory activity within the brain. Such apparently irrelevant immune activity unprovoked by an exogenous infectious agent characterizes the aging brain and is even more pronounced in several neurodegenerative diseases. The causation of most of these age-related neurological disorders is not understood but since they are generally not genetic, one must assume that their development is underlain by unknown environmental factors. There is an increasing and coherent body of evidence that implicates aluminum as being one such significant factor. Evidence is outlined supporting the concept of aluminum's involvement in hastening brain aging. This acceleration would then inevitably lead to increased incidence of specific age-related neurological diseases.
A 25-year review of adenocarcinoma of the appendix. A frequently perforating carcinoma.

A study was undertaken to compare the age, sex, preoperative diagnosis, and operative findings of patients who had adenocarcinoma of the appendix with patients who had adenocarcinoma of the colon. The study consisted of an analysis of 316 case reports and collective reviews of adenocarcinoma of the appendix that were reported in the literature between 1960 and 1985. The mean age of patients with this disease was 57.1 years and the male-to-female ratio for adenocarcinoma of the appendix was 1.4∶1. Only rarely was a malignancy suspected as 68 percent of the patients presented with signs and symptoms of inflammatory disease of the appendix. The tumor was perforated in 55 percent of patients, making it the most frequently perforating carcinoma of the entire gastrointestinal tract. One half of these perforations were localized as abscesses. The presence of perforation did not necessarily predispose a poor prognosis. Synchronous appendiceal and other colonic neoplasms occurred in 2.7 percent of patients. Pseudomyxoma peritonei occurred as a presenting feature in 5.6 percent of patients and was generally a poor prognostic indicator. Carcinomatosis peritonei was found at initial exploration in 10.3 percent of patients and these patients rarely survived one year.
The magnetic phase diagram of deuterated manganese chloride

Abstract The magnetic phase diagram of MnCl 2 ·4D 2 O. from 1°K to the Neel temperature, has been traced out, using an adiabatic calorimetric technique. The triple point was located at T = 1.19° K and H c = 7550 Oe .
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to bovine IgG1.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies were developed to bovine IgG1. In addition, production of monoclonal antibodies to bovine light chain is also reported. Monoclonal antibody specificities were initially determined by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. The monoclonal antibovine IgG1 was shown by a specificity—independent isotyping solid-phase enzyme immunoassay to be mouse IgG1 with kappa light chains. Ascites derived monoclonal antibovine IgG1 antibodies were linked to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose and used for affinity isolation of bovine IgG1. The bovine IgG1 eluted from the affinity column was characterized using immunoelectrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. Affinity chromatography using monoclonal antibodies provided both a verification of monoclonal antibody specificity and a rapid technique for the isolation of bovine IgG1. This technique may also be employed to remove IgG1 contaminants during purification of bovine IgA.
Gastrointestinal infections after transplantation.

Purpose of review Recipients of both solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at increased risk for infectious morbidity and mortality after transplantation due to on-going immunosuppression. Gastrointestinal infections have been increasingly reported in these populations. Recent findings Increased reports of gastrointestinal infections including bacterial infection with Clostridium difficile, viral infection with norovirus and parasitic pathogens like cryptosporidium are emerging. Risk factors identified have focused on type of transplant, transplant immunosuppression regimens and exposures. Although many events are self-limiting, significant morbidity and rare mortality are reported. Summary Improved diagnostic techniques have increased the reporting of several gastrointestinal infections after transplantation, affording improved understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases. Armed with this emerging data, prevention, recognition of infection and treatment strategies can be more thoroughly assessed in these at-risk populations.
Working Towards Empirically-Based Continuous Improvements in Service Learning

This empirical study reports the implementation and assessment of service learning in management education. Principles of Management students worked in teams to support Campus Kitchens, a national program affiliated with colleges and universities, in recovering surplus food and delivering it to community members. Student perceptions regarding civic engagement and social responsibility, application of skills, and professional development were assessed. Two complete cycles of implementation and assessment are chronicled. The sample size for Cycle 1 was 123 students and for Cycle 2 the sample size was 91 students. The authors describe how empirical as well as anecdotal data drove the changes made to improve the service-learning experience.
Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression Following Treatment with Reboxetine, Citalopram, and Physical Exercise

The antidepressants, reboxetine and citalopram, were used in conjunction with voluntary physical exercise (wheel running) in order to assess the contribution of noradrenergic and serotonergic activation to enhancements in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression resulting from antidepressant treatment and exercise. Reboxetine (40 mg/kg/day), citalopram (10 mg/kg/day), voluntary physical activity, and the combination of antidepressants with exercise were applied to rats for a range of treatment intervals (2 to 14 days). Hippocampal BDNF transcription levels (full-length BDNF, as well as exons I-IV) were then assessed via in situ hybridization. Reboxetine treatment led to a rapid (evident at 2 days) enhancement in BDNF transcription in several hippocampal regions. This increase was also observed when reboxetine treatment was combined with voluntary physical activity for 2 weeks. Treatment with citalopram led to an increase in BDNF mRNA in only one hippocampal region (CA2) after short-term (2 days) treatment, and when combined with exercise, increased BDNF mRNA in the CA4 and dentate gyrus after 2 weeks. As reported in previous studies, voluntary physical activity enhanced BDNF transcription in several hippocampal areas, both on its own and in combination with antidepressant treatments. Examination of the levels of individual BDNF transcript variants influenced by each of these antidepressants revealed distinct patterns of expression in response to the various treatments, and showed that exercise-plus-antidepressant produced significant changes where antidepressant alone failed. Overall, treatment with the norephinephrine-selective antidepressant, reboxetine, in combination with exercise, led to both rapid and sustained increases in hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. The serotonergic agent, citalopram, appeared to require longer treatment intervals in order to influence BDNF expression positively.
Mechanism of inhibition of MMTV-neu and MMTV-wnt1 induced mammary oncogenesis by RARα agonist AM580

We hypothesized that specific activation of a single retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα), without direct and concurrent activation of RARβ and γ, will inhibit mammary tumor oncogenesis in murine models relevant to human cancer. A total of 50 uniparous mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-neu and 50 nuliparous MMTV-wnt1 transgenic mice were treated with RARα agonist (retinobenzoic acid, Am580) that was added to the diet for 40 (neu) and 35 weeks (wnt1), respectively. Among the shared antitumor effects was the inhibition of epithelial hyperplasia, a significant increase (P<0.05) in tumor-free survival and a reduction in tumor incidence and in the growth of established tumors. In both models, the mechanisms responsible for these effects involved inhibition of proliferation and survival pathways, and induction of apoptosis. The treatment was more effective in the MMTV-wnt1 model in which Am580 also induced differentiation, in both in vivo and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. In these tumors Am580 inhibited the wnt pathway, measured by loss of nuclear β-catenin, suggesting partial oncogene dependence of therapy. Am580 treatment increased RARβ and lowered the level of RARγ, an isotype whose expression we linked with tumor proliferation. The anticancer effect of RARα, together with the newly discovered pro-proliferative role of RARγ, suggests that specific activation of RARα and inhibition of RARγ might be effective in breast cancer therapy.
Optimal estimation equations for unknown bandlimited signals

The problem of approximating a bandlimited but otherwise arbitrary signal by a free solution to a linear, time-invariant, differential equation is solved. Optimal solutions for the equation parameters are derived for equations of any dynamic order. Applications are discussed and examples in state reconstruction and inverse filtering in the presence of unknown disturbances are given.
On the Site of Formation of Citric Acid in the Dog

SummaryA comparison has been made of the citric acid content of renal venous blood with arterial (femoral) blood in dogs with an exteriorized kidney after the injection of dlsodium malate. The venous blood was found to contain no more than or, perhaps, somewhat less citrate than arterial blood.
Response of plant and rodent communities to removal of prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) in Arizona

Abstract We conducted a natural removal experiment, utilizing a local outbreak of sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis) as the removal agent, to test the effects of removal of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) on plant and nocturnal rodent assemblages in three grassland habitats (ponderosa, pinyon-juniper, and desert grasslands) in northern Arizona. We measured plant cover, rodent abundance, plant and rodent species richness, and plant and rodent composition at three treatment locations: active prairie dog colonies ( n = 15 ), inactive colonies ( n = 15 ), and control locations ( n = 15 ). Only the amount of plant cover differed significantly among treatments. As landscape level heterogeneity among habitat types increased, rodent abundance and species diversity increased, suggesting that intrinsic habitat characteristics are stronger drivers of plant and rodent assemblages than presence or removal of Gunnison's prairie dogs. We conclude that Gunnison's prairie dogs are not functioning as a keystone species in grasslands of northern Arizona.
Replacement Names For Two Orb-Weaving Spiders (Araneae, Araneidae, Araneus)

Abstract The name Araneus beebei Levi 1941 is replaced by Araneus aragua. Araneus raui Levi 1973 is replaced by Araneus missouri. The species Araneus phrygiatus (Walckenaer 1842) is not recognizable based on the original description and considered a nomen dubium.
PULMONARY MECHANICS AND HEMODYNAMICS IN A MECONIUM ASPIRATION (MAS) LAMB MODEL TREATED WITH PARTIAL LIQUID VENTILATION (PLV) AND NITRIC OXIDE (NO).245

MAS is associated with surfactant inactivation and pulmonary hypertension. We studied the MAS newborn lamb response to PLV with inhaled NO. Term lambs were delivered by C-section, intubated and instrumented. Lambs received 2-2.5 ml/kg of 20% human meconium slurry prior to the first breath. All lambs received conventional ventilation (CV) on FIO2 1.0 and PEEP of 3-4 cmH2O. Respiratory rate and pressures were adjusted to achieve PaCO2 35-45 mmHg. At 1 hour lambs received either PLV with perflubron (LiquiVent ®;n=3) or CV(n=5). At 4 hours lambs received 80 ppm NO for 10 minutes. Oxygen Index (OI) was lower and dynamic compliance was higher in the PLV group (Δ) as compared to the CV (□) group. Pulmonary arterial pressure (PPA) and pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR) were elevated in both groups. No difference was noted in heart rate, aortic and left atrial pressures, pH, and PaCO2. At 4 hours inhaled NO decreased PPA and PVR in both groups. Table We conclude that PLV improved lung function, and NO decreased PVR in this MAS model. Funded in part by Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.Figure
Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Controls a Sustained Calcium Signal Essential for B Lineage Development and Function☆

Genetic data support a role for Btk during the B lineage development transitions regulated by signaling through both the pre-B and the B cell antigen receptors. Dysregulated signaling at each of these transitions can result in failure of these cell populations to proliferate and subsequent cell death. Btk-dependent IP3 production is crucial for maintaining the sustained calcium signal in response to BCR engagement and is likely to regulate a subset of transcriptional events essential for B lineage growth or survival. Identification of these Btk-dependent signals will be important in understanding B cell activation, differentiation, and cell death. This information may lead to therapies specifically targeting these events in B cell autoimmunity or malignancy and provide a fuller understanding of the appropriate target populations and potential negative consequences of Btk gene therapy in XLA. Identification of Btk/Tec family kinases in an increasing number of vertebrate and invertebrate cell lineages suggests that the link between Btk and the PLC gamma/IP3/calcium signaling pathways may be broadly conserved.
Effects of thermodynamic models on the predictions of free volume diffusion theory for concentrated polymer solutions

Three thermodynamic models were used to demonstrate the effects of model choice on solvent–polymer binary diffusion coefficients predicted by free volume theory. Poly(vinyl acetate) and four solvents were used as typical solutions for these calculations. Thermodynamic models affect the predictions the most at high solvent weight fractions and for solutions which exhibit positive enthalpic interactions. For solutions dilute in solvent where Henry's law might describe phase equilibria, diffusion coefficients can be estimated without reference to thermodynamic data.
Multiport network model and transmission characteristics of two-port rectangular microstrip patch antennas

A multiport network model for two-port rectangular microstrip patch antennas is introduced. This model is capable of accounting for the feedline-patch junction reactances as well as for the mutual coupling among the edges of the patch, and is used to evaluate two-port transmission characteristics of rectangular patches. The proposed model has been applied to the analysis of rectangular patches used as elements of series-fed microstrip arrays. Results presented show that it is possible to match a two-port patch at the input port and, at the same time, to achieve a specified transmission coefficient to the other port to taper the amplitude distribution of the array appropriately. These experimental results verify the validity of the proposed model and the method of analysis used. >
Generalizing Koenker's distribution

Abstract Koenker (1993) discovered an interesting distribution whose α quantile and α expectile coincide for every α in ( 0 , 1 ) . We analytically characterize the distribution whose ω ( α ) expectile and α quantile coincide, where ω ( · ) can be any monotone function. We further apply the general theory to derive generalized Koenker's distributions corresponding to some simple mapping functions. Similar to Koenker's distribution, the generalized Koenker's distributions do not have a finite second moment.
Exact correspondence relationship for the expectation values of r-k for hydrogenlike states.

An exact correspondence relationship between the classical and quantum-mechanical expectation values of ${\mathit{r}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{k}}$ for arbitrary hydrogenic states with quantum numbers n and l is established. The quantum-mechanical result for arbitrary powers of k is explicitly expressed in terms of relatively simple orthogonal polynomials which are intimately related to the Legendre polynomials and which consist of only the minimum of n-l or k+1 terms. The correspondence between the sets of polynomials, and the complete formal analogy of the classical and quantum results, are found to originate in the fact that the correspondence limit of the Pasternack-Kramers recursion relation for the 〈${\mathit{r}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{k}}$〉 is the three-term recursion for the Legendre polynomials.
Genetic evaluation with autosomal and X-chromosomal inheritance.

At present, genetic evaluation in livestock using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) assumes autosomal inheritance. There is evidence, however, of X-chromosomal inheritance for some traits of economic importance. BLUP can accommodate models that include X-chromosomal in addition to autosomal inheritance. To obtain BLUP with autosomal and X-chromosomal additive inheritance for a population in which allelic frequency is equal in the sexes, and that is in gametic equilibrium, we write y i = x′iβ + ai + si + ei, where y i is the phenotypic value for individual i, x′i, is a vector of constants relating y i to fixed effects, β is a vector of fixed effects, a i is the additive genetic effect for autosomal loci, S i is the additive genetic effect for X-chromosomal loci, and e i is random error. The covariance matrix of a i's is Aσ A 2 , where A is the matrix of twice the co-ancestries between relatives for autosomal loci, and σ A 2 is the variance of additive genetic effects for autosomal loci. The covariance matrix of s i's is Sσ F 2 , where S is a matrix of functions of co-ancestries between relatives for X-chromosomal loci and σ F 2 is the variance of additive genetic effects for X-chromosomal loci for noninbred females. Given the covariance matrices of random effects a i, si, and e i, BLUPs of autosomal and of X-chromosomal additive effects can be obtained using mixed model equations. Recursive rules to construct S and an efficient algorithm to compute its inverse are given.
A note on the parallel complexity of anti-unification

The anti-unifier is the dual notion to the unifier, i.e., it is the most specific term that has the input terms as instances. We show that the problem of anti-unification is in NC, in contrast to unification that is known to be P-complete.
Petrogenesis of Tertiary Andesite Lava Flows Interlayered with Large-Volume Felsic Ash-Flow Tuffs of the Western USA

separately from the region’s voluminous dacite and rhyolite The San Juan volcanic field (Colorado), the Indian Peak magmas, but later mixing with the felsic magmas influenced volcanic field (Utah–Nevada) and the central Nevada volcanic compositions of many andesites. field formed during Oligocene and Miocene times. Each field is characterized by >3000 km of rhyolitic and dacitic ash-flow tuff sheets and smaller volumes (<300 km) of interlayered andesitic lavas. In each field, andesite lavas erupted from vents within and peripheral to calderas formed by approximately contemporaneous felsic ash-flow eruptions. Olivine andesites occur
Water rights and water markets: lessons from technical advisory assistance in Latin America

L'eau a des traits uniques qui la distinguent des autres ressources naturelles. Ces caracteristiques ont habituellement comme consequence des systemes legaux dans lesquels l'eau appartient au domaine public, mais avec des droits d'usage accordes aux agents economiques et proteges par la garantie constitutionnelle de la propriete privee. L'attribution et la conservation des droits d'eau sont toujours dependantes du benefice social reconnu qu'elles procurent. La ressource se faisant de plus en plus rare, les nouvelles demandes ne peuvent etre satisfaites que par le transfert de droits d'eau a partir des usages existants. Pour traiter le probleme de la redistribution, les pays doivent decider entre mecanismes administratifs et marches d'eau. Pour le fonctionnement durable et efficace des marches d'eau, il est necessaire d'avoir un systeme institutionnel et legal qui soit compatible avec la mise en marche de l'eau ainsi qu'avec la nature de la ressource elle-meme. Un marche d'eau sans reglements pour proteger la ressource, les tiers et l'environnement, ni pour empecher le monopole, aura pour consequence l'appropriation privee non controlee d'une ressource rare et des problemes propres au marche lui-meme plutot que touchant a l'efficacite de l'allocation de ressource.
Development of an extraction method for perchlorate in soils

Perchlorate originates as a contaminant in the environment from its use in solid rocket fuels and munitions. The current US EPA methods for perchlorate determination via ion chromatography using conductivity detection do not include recommendations for the extraction of perchlorate from soil. This study evaluated and identified appropriate conditions for the extraction of perchlorate from clay loam, loamy sand, and sandy soils. Based on the results of this evaluation, soils should be extracted in a dry, ground (mortar and pestle) state with Milli-Q water in a 1 ∶ 1 soil ∶ water ratio and diluted no more than 5-fold before analysis. When sandy soils were extracted in this manner, the calculated method detection limit was 3.5 μg kg−1. The findings of this study have aided in the establishment of a standardized extraction method for perchlorate in soil.