cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Stakes, Minimum-Competency Exams How Competent Are They for Evaluating Teacher Competence?

Increasingly, teacher educators recommend authentic, performance-related measures for evaluating teacher candidates. Nevertheless, more states are requiring teachers to pass high-stakes, minimum-competency exams. This study examined the relation between teacher candidate scores on authentic measures and their scores on certification exams required by the state of Texas. Participants included 155 teacher candidates. Predictor variables that served as authentic measures of teaching effectiveness included scores on the Professional Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ), designed to measure teaching dispositions, and scores on Teaching Performance Portfolios, designed to measure teaching knowledge and skills. Scores on the Professional Roles and Responsibilities (PPR) and the Generalist Elementary Comprehensive (GEC) exams served as the measures for the high-stakes, minimum-competency tests. Findings indicate a significant relationship between the PAQ and both the PPR and the GEC exams. No significant relationship w...
Proliferation and the nuclear disarmament process

The greatest nuclear proliferation risk today arises from the lack of adequate physical protection, control and accounting of weapon usable materials in Russia. The most effective way to improve physical security and material accounting in Russia is through a cooperative effort to construct a comprehensive, non-discriminatory regime that ultimately would place all nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon usable materials under some form of multilateral monitoring. There is an urgent need for government action in states that now have significant programs involving the commercial use of nuclear weapon usable materials to defer further separation of plutonium until the global inventory of separated plutonium is significantly reduced and energy market conditions fully justify the added security risks of using plutonium in the civil fuel cycle.
Effectiveness factors of ink-bottle type catalyst pores

Abstract The effectiveness factors of two types of ink-bottle type catalyst pores have been studied with a two-dimensional model assuming a heterogeneous chemical reaction. For the Type 1 ink bottle, which is a sphere with a small aperture, the effectiveness factor is greater than that of a cylindrical pore with the same internal surface. For the Type 2 ink bottle, which is a cylinder with a small aperture, the effectiveness factor is smaller than that of an ordinary cylindrical pore without a narrow neck. In both cases the effectiveness factor decreases appreciably as the aperture size is reduced.
Heightened norepinephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in type 2 diabetes

Abstract Adrenergic responsiveness (AR) appears to be increased in subjects with diabetes, but measurement of arterial AR in normotensive people with type 2 diabetes mellitus has not been previously reported. We sought to determine whether, compared with control subjects, there is increased arterial AR in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship to the level of systemic sympathetic nervous system activity (SNSa). We studied 15 type 2 diabetic subjects aged 57 ± 3 years without hypertension or clinical signs of autonomic neuropathy and 13 age-matched control subjects aged 55 ± 2 years. We assessed vascular α-AR by measuring forearm blood flow (FABF) by venous occlusion plethysmography during intrabrachial artery norepinephrine (NE) and phentolamine infusions, as well as arterial plasma NE levels and the extravascular NE release rate (NE2) derived from 3H-NE kinetics, as estimates of systemic SNSa. The vasoconstricting effect of NE during intrabrachial artery NE infusion was greater in type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects (P = .02). The vasodilating effect of phentolamine was greater in type 2 diabetics compared with control subjects (P = .05), suggesting increased endogenous arterial α-adrenergic tone. Arterial plasma NE levels (control v type 2, 1.8 ± 0.10 v 1.84 ± 0.14 nmol/L, P = .86) and NE2 (control v type 2, 11.8 ± 1.54 v 13.3 ± 0.89 nmol/min/m2, P = .39) were similar in the two groups. In summary, in type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects, (1) the vasoconstriction response to intraarterial NE is greater, (2) plasma NE and NE2 are similar, suggesting similar levels of systemic SNSa, and (3) arterial α-adrenergic tone is greater. We conclude that subjects with type 2 diabetes demonstrate inappropriately increased α-AR for their level of systemic SNSa.
Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization by Gauss elimination

(1991). Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization by Gauss Elimination. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 98, No. 6, pp. 544-549.
Interaction of DNA polymerase β with GRIP1 during meiosis

DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) is an essential enzyme that has been shown to localize as discrete foci to the synaptonemal complex during meiosis in the mouse. To identify proteins that associate with pol beta during meiosis, we employed the yeast two-hybrid screen. Here we show that a multiple PDZ domain-containing protein, the glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1), interacts specifically with pol beta. The PDZ domain-containing proteins, including GRIP1, act as scaffolds to promote rapid and localized biochemical events that require the interaction of multiple proteins. GRIP1 localizes to discrete foci on meiotic bivalents of both spermatocyte and oocyte nuclei, and colocalizes with pol beta. Together, these findings provide evidence that GRIP1 interacts with pol beta during meiosis. Our findings are consistent with the possibility that GRIP1 acts as a scaffold to promote interaction between proteins that function during meiosis.
Effect of the substrate on neurofilament phosphorylation in mixed cultures of rat embryo spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia.

Abstract The effect of the substrate on neurofilament phosphorylation was studied in primary cultures of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia dissociated from 15-day-old rat embryos. On polylysine and Primaria® substrates, spinal cord neurons formed aggregates connected by bundles of neurites. (Primaria® dishes have a modified plastic surface with a net positive charge.) On both polylysine and Primaria® substrates, spinal cord neurons were stained with neurofilament monoclonal antibodies reacting with phosphorylated epitopes appearing early in rat embryo development, i.e. soon after neurofilament expression. Conversely, immunoreactivity with antibodies recognizing late phosphorylation events was only observed on Primaria® substrates. As reported by many investigators, fibronectin and laminin were excellent substrates for dorsal root ganglia neurons in culture. However, on both laminin and fibronectin substrates immunoreactivity with antibodies recognizing late phosphorylation events, only occurred after several days in culture, at a time when non-neuronal cells (mainly astrocytes) had formed a confluent monolayer.
Cellular Mechanisms of Alpha Herpesvirus Egress: Live Cell Fluorescence Microscopy of Pseudorabies Virus Exocytosis

Egress of newly assembled herpesvirus particles from infected cells is a highly dynamic process involving the host secretory pathway working in concert with viral components. To elucidate the location, dynamics, and molecular mechanisms of alpha herpesvirus egress, we developed a live-cell fluorescence microscopy method to visualize the final transport and exocytosis of pseudorabies virus (PRV) particles in non-polarized epithelial cells. This method is based on total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to selectively image fluorescent virus particles near the plasma membrane, and takes advantage of a virus-encoded pH-sensitive probe to visualize the precise moment and location of particle exocytosis. We performed single-particle tracking and mean squared displacement analysis to characterize particle motion, and imaged a panel of cellular proteins to identify those spatially and dynamically associated with viral exocytosis. Based on our data, individual virus particles travel to the plasma membrane inside small, acidified secretory vesicles. Rab GTPases, Rab6a, Rab8a, and Rab11a, key regulators of the plasma membrane-directed secretory pathway, are present on the virus secretory vesicle. These vesicles undergo fast, directional transport directly to the site of exocytosis, which is most frequently near patches of LL5β, part of a complex that anchors microtubules to the plasma membrane. Vesicles are tightly docked at the site of exocytosis for several seconds, and membrane fusion occurs, displacing the virion a small distance across the plasma membrane. After exocytosis, particles remain tightly confined on the outer cell surface. Based on recent reports in the cell biological and alpha herpesvirus literature, combined with our spatial and dynamic data on viral egress, we propose an integrated model that links together the intracellular transport pathways and exocytosis mechanisms that mediate alpha herpesvirus egress.
Continuous Quality Improvement in Inpatient Clinical Nutrition Services

Defining quality patient care is a complex and often confusing issue. This article describes one hospital's experience in applying quality improvement theories to inpatient clinical nutrition practice. The key to measuring quality was the use of standardized practice guidelines. In this article, terms such as continuous quality improvement are clarified and fundamental assumptions such as "quality is defined as conformance to requirements" are discussed. We review a working model for the 10-step plan of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and its application in practice, including the indicators and measurement tools used. Actual results from ongoing quality improvement efforts are addressed and compared to the JCAHO nine components of quality patient care. Because of preexisting nutrition practice guidelines at the Yale-New Haven Hospital, improvements in the delivery of patient nutrition care could be demonstrated; these included enhanced efficiencies in screening and intervention. Continuous quality improvement initiatives do work, and practitioners can use the practice experience presented here as a conceptual framework to justify or validate the quality of patient nutrition care in their own institutions.
Influence of cell temperature on sulfur dioxide contamination in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract The effects of temperature on sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) contamination in PEMFCs are investigated by operating single cells with 2 ppm SO 2 in the cathode at different temperatures. Cell performance response shows that voltage degradation was delayed and appears a transition of multiple processes at low temperatures; a similar performance loss is observed when performances reached steady state. The restored performance from the reversible and the irreversible degradations highly depends on temperature. At low temperature, the performance recovery is only negligible with neat air operation (self-recovery), while full recovery is observed after cyclic voltammetry (CV) scanning. As temperature increased, so did the self-recovery performance. However, the total recovery performance decreased. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicates that the potential-dependent poisoning process was delayed at low temperature, and the removal of the sulfur species from Pt/C was inhibited during the self-recovery. Water balance analysis implies that the delay could be attributed to the effect of liquid water scavenging and the mass transport of SO 2 in the membrane electrode assemblies. The CV analysis confirms that the decomposition/desorption of the sulfur adsorbates was inhibited and indicates that the SO 2 crossover from the cathode to the anode side was also mitigated at low temperature.
Identification of a Functional Switch for Actin Severing by Cytoskeletal Proteins

Abstract Actin severing is vital for the organization of the actin cytoskeleton during cell motility. Severing of F-actin by the homologous proteins villin and gelsolin requires unphysiologically high calcium concentrations (20–200 μm). Here we demonstrate that high calcium releases an autoinhibited conformation in villin that is maintained by two low affinity calcium binding sites (aspartic acids 467 and 715) that interact with a cluster of basic residues in the S2 domain of villin. Mutation of either of these sites as well as tyrosine phosphorylation alters the conformation of villin resulting in a protein that can sever actin in nanomolar calcium. These results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation rather than high calcium may be the mechanism by which villin and other related proteins sever actin in vivo.
Magnetic properties of monodispersed submicromic α‐Fe2O3 particles

Magnetic properties are reported of recently prepared spherical hematite (α‐Fe2O3) particles of narrow size distributions with average diameters (d) varying between 20 and 300 nm. Mass magnetization (σ) of these particles has been determined as a function of temperature (T) up to 1000 K and of magnetic field (H) as high as 22 kOe. Specifically, magnetic behavior of α‐Fe2O3 particles of d = 300 nm is described in detail. Their Curie (Neel) temperature has been determined to be 960 K. The Bean‐Livingston plot indicates a change in magnetic anisotropy from higher symmetry at room temperatures to unidirectional behavior at elevated temperatures. This observation is consistent with the change of saturation and remanent magnetization with T. The measurements of σ on different size particles indicate that below 100 nm the particle magnetic susceptibility increases with decreasing size.
Effect of Active Transport and Loss to Choroidal Blood Flow on Transscleral Drug Delivery to the Posterior Eye

Delivering drugs to the posterior eye has been a challenge for many years. Systemic delivery of drugs is not a viable option because the eye does not receive enough blood supply, because of its small size, for the drug delivery process to be effective. Topical delivery in the form of eye drops is also ineffective in generating therapeutic concentrations in the posterior eye, because of the resistance offered by the corneal epithelium to the transport of drugs, and rapid elimination due to aqueous humor flow and tear dilution. Intravitreal delivery of drugs through implants and injections has been associated with serious side effects like endophthalmitis, hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. In recent years, transcleral delivery of drugs has received attention due to the relatively high permeability of the sclera.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Charge definition in non-abelian gauge theories

Abstract Conserved gauge-invariant electric and magnetic charges are defined for non-abelian gauge theories in terms of the asymptotic symmetries of the field configurations. They are expressed as flux integrals. Illustrations include the magnetic charge of the 't Hooft-Polyakov monopole and the electric and magnetic charges of the Julia-Zee dyon.
Temperature and pressure variation of the refractive index of diamond.

The temperature and pressure variations of the refractive index for a Type IIa diamond have been measured at audio frequencies using capacitance techniques. Measurements have been made at zero pressure over the 5.5–340-K temperature range and at pressures up to 1.4 × 108 Pa (1.4 kbar) at room temperature. At room temperature, (1/n)(dn/dT)p = +4.04 × 10−6/K and (1/n)(dn/dp)T = −0.36 × 10−12/Pa. In addition, the curvature in the refractive index with temperature has been determined. The first-order derivatives are compared with previous experimental data and the recent theoretical calculations of Van Vechten and Yu and Cardona.
Downregulation of cell-to-cell communication by the viralsrc gene is blocked by TMB-8 and recovery of communication is blocked by vanadate

The viralsrc gene downregulates junctional communication, closing cell-to-cell membrane channels presumably by way of the phosphoinositide signal route. We show that TMB-8 [8-N, N-(diethylamino) octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate] counteracts this downregulation in cells transformed by temperature-sensitive mutant Rous sarcoma virus: TMB-8 (36–72 μm) raises junctional permeability when applied during activity ofsrc protein kinase, i.e., at steady permissive temperature; and TMB-8 inhibits the fall of junctional permeability, when the activity ofsrc protein kinase gets turned on. TMB-8 also (reversibly) inhibits the growth of the cells at permissive temperature and reverses the morphological changes associated with transformation. The morphological reversal lags several hours behind the junctional-permeability reversal. Communication recovers within a few minutes when the activity of thesrc protein kinase is turned off (in absence of TMB-8). Sodium orthovanadate (20 μm) prevents this recovery, but it has no major effect on junctional permeability on its own. We discuss possible modes of action of these agents on critical stages of the signal route, related to intracellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C.
Risk factors for hearing loss in US adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2002.

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effects of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, smoking, diabetes) and noise exposure (occupational, recreational, firearm) on frequency-specific audiometric thresholds among US adults while assessing synergistic interactions between these exposures.Design
Water Relations and Photosynthesis of a Desert CAM Plant, Agave deserti

The water relations and photosynthesis of Agave deserti Engelm., a plant exhibiting Crassulacean acid metabolism, were measured in the Colorado desert. Although no natural stomatal opening of A. deserti occurred in the summer of 1975, it could be induced by watering. The resistance for water vapor diffusion from a leaf (RWV) became less than 20 sec cm−1 when the soil water potential at 10 cm became greater than −3 bars, as would occur after a 7-mm rainfall. As a consequence of its shallow root system (mean depth of 8 cm), A. deserti responded rapidly to the infrequent rains, and the succulent nature of its leaves allowed stomatal opening to continue for up to 8 days after the soil became drier than the plant. When the leaf temperature at night was increased from 5 to 20 C, RWV increased 5-fold, emphasizing the importance of cool nighttime temperatures for gas exchange by this plant. Although most CO2 uptake occurred at night, a secondary light-dependent rise in CO2 influx generally occurred after dawn. The transpiration ratio (mass of water transpired/mass of CO2 fixed) had extremely low values of 18 for a winter day, and approximately 25 for an entire year.
Conceptualizations of Spirituality, Religion, and Faith: Comparing Biblical Notions with the Perspectives of Protestant Christian Students at a Lutheran College.

As part of a larger investigation into the spiritual climate at one Lutheran college, we interviewed Protestant Christian students in order to compare their conceptualizations of spirituality, religion, and faith with biblical notions of those concepts. We found that the students’ understandings of those concepts only loosely reflected general understanding within the higher education literature, and a significant disconnect existed between their conceptualizations of the relevant terms and those found in the Bible. In an effort to make meaning of our findings, we discuss existing literature about religious illiteracy as it relates to inherited faith and to the impact of institutional religious affiliation.
A multilayer upper-boundary condition for longwave radiative flux to correct temperature biases in a mesoscale model

An upper-level cold bias in potential temperature tendencies of 10 K day 21 , strongest at the top of the model, is observed in Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model forecasts. The bias originates from the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model longwave radiation physics scheme and can be reduced substantially by 1) modifying the treatment within the scheme by adding a multilayer buffer between the model top and top of the atmosphere and 2) constraining stratospheric water vapor to remain within the estimated climatology in the stratosphere. These changes reduce the longwave heating rate bias at the model top to 60.5 K day 21 . Corresponding bias reductions are also seen, particularly near the tropopause.
Characterization of λglnA+ phages used as templates for in vitro synthesis of glutamine synthetase

Seven λglnA+ transducing phages carrying different amounts of Escherichia coli bacterial DNA to the left of the lambda attachment site could be grouped into two families which apparently originated from two secondary bacterial attachment sites clockwise of glnA. These conclusions are based on analysis of the phages with restriction endonucleases EcoRI and BstI and on analysis of their function in directing protein synthesis in a coupled in vitro transcription-translation system. DNA from all phages directed synthesis of glutamine synthetase, the product of the glnA gene, which was identified immunologically and by subunit molecular weight. All but the shortest phage of one family directed synthesis of the products of nitrogen regulatory genes ntrB and ntrC, which are closely linked to an counter-clockwise of glnA on the bacterial chromosome. Synthesis of glutamine synthetase from several phages in vivo was regulated by availability of nitrogen and required a functional ntrA product, indicating that the glnA promoter-operator was intact.
Factors Influencing Metabolic Activity of Bull Spermatozoa. IV. pH, Osmotic Pressure, and the Cations, Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium

Summary The combined effects of increasing pH from 4 to 8, of increasing potassium concentration, at the expense of sodium, and of varying osmotic pressure on the aerobic metabolic responses of washed bovine spermatozoa provided with fructose have been determined in one experiment. Low pH and high potassium levels were found to be inhibitory of all measures of metabolism (oxygen uptake, fructose utilization, and lactic acid accumulation). Osmotic pressure had no significant effect. In a second experiment, variations in the calcium level of the diluent replaced the variations in the osmotic pressure. The inhibitory effect of potassium was eliminated by the presence of calcium. Consequently, pH was the only variable affecting metabolic response. The uptake of fructose in the first few minutes after resuspension of the washed cells in a fructose-containing diluent is more rapid if the diluent has a pH of 5 than if it has a pH of 7.5, though on continued exposure the utilization ceases at the low pH but continues unabated at the higher one.
Management of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause of illness and death in the United States. Most cases result from exposure to the internal combustion engine and to stoves burning fossil fuels. Most cases of accidental exposure are preventable if proper precautions are taken; however, when cases arise, their presenting signs and symptoms are nonspecific and often lead to a misdiagnosis resembling a flu-like viral illness. As a result, the incidence of acute CO poisoning is underestimated. The effects of CO poisoning are due to tissue hypoxia, with the CNS and the heart being the most susceptible target organs due to their high oxygen needs. Prolonged hypoxia due to high CO levels may lead to cardiac arrhythmias or arrest (or both) and a variety of neurologic sequelae. Treatment is directed toward the relief of tissue hypoxia and the removal of CO from the body. Severity of poisoning can be divided into three levels based on CO levels in the blood. Administration of normobaric 100 percent oxygen is the therapy of choice for most cases, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy is reserved for severe poisonings. (Chest 1990; 97:165-69)
Ribonuclease activities and distribution in Alzheimer's and control brains.

Levels of free and total alkaline ribonuclease, and levels of acidic ribonuclease, were measured postmortem in control brains and in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. In each brain region assayed, whether control or Alzheimer's, there was a statistically significant difference between the levels of free and total alkaline ribonuclease. Between 59 and 90% of the enzyme activity was associated with alkaline ribonuclease inhibitor in an inactive complex. Levels of free and total alkaline ribonuclease varied widely among different brains and brain regions, and were always lower in cerebellum than in temporal cortex and occipital pole. There was no significant difference in the levels of total alkaline ribonuclease, free alkaline ribonuclease, or acidic ribonu-cleases between corresponding regions of Alzheimer's and control brains. There was also no qualitative difference in the subcellular distribution of the alkaline and acidic ribonucleases between Alzheimer's and control brain. No significant relationships were found between ribonuclease levels and age, neuritic plaque density, postmortem interval, or storage time.
Oscillatory integral operators in scattering theory

We consider a particular Fourier integral operator with folding canonical relations, which arises in scattering theory: the Radon Transform of Melrose and Taylor. We obtain the regularity properties of this operator when the obstacle admits tangent planes with contact of precise order k (Theorem 1.1 and its Corollary). For these purposes, we derive asymptotic estimates for oscillatory integral operators in Wn with folding canonical relations (Theorem 2.2). Asymptotics correspond to vanishing principal curvature of a fold of one of the projections from the canonical relation, and to small support of the localization of oscillatory integral operator.
Individualized treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with chronic non-fluent aphasia due to stroke

While evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may facilitate language recovery in chronic post-stroke aphasia, individual variability in patient response to different patterns of stimulation remains largely unexplored. We sought to characterize this variability among chronic aphasic individuals, and to explore whether repeated stimulation with an individualized optimal montage could lead to persistent reduction of aphasia severity. In a two-phase study, we first stimulated patients with four active montages (left hemispheric anode or cathode; right hemispheric anode or cathode) and one sham montage (Phase 1). We examined changes in picture naming ability to address (1) variability in response to different montages among our patients, and (2) whether individual patients responded optimally to at least one montage. During Phase 2, subjects who responded in Phase 1 were randomized to receive either real-tDCS or to receive sham stimulation (10 days); patients who were randomized to receive sham stimulation first were then crossed over to receive real-tDCS (10 days). In both phases, 2 mA tDCS was administered for 20 min per real-tDCS sessions and patients performed a picture naming task during stimulation. Patients' language ability was re-tested after 2-weeks and 2-months following real and sham tDCS in Phase 2. In Phase 1, despite considerable individual variability, the greatest average improvement was observed after left-cathodal stimulation. Seven out of 12 subjects responded optimally to at least one montage as demonstrated by transient improvement in picture-naming. In Phase 2, aphasia severity improved at 2-weeks and 2-months following real-tDCS but not sham. Despite individual variability with respect to optimal tDCS approach, certain montages result in consistent transient improvement in persons with chronic post-stroke aphasia. This preliminary study supports the notion that individualized tDCS treatment may enhance aphasia recovery in a persistent manner.
Radiographical evaluation of ulcerative colitis

Radiographical modalities have become important diagnostic tools in cases of ulcerative colitis (UC). Imaging can be used non-invasively to determine the extent of involvement, severity of disease and to detect disease-related complications and extra-intestinal inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manifestations. While abdominal X-rays and barium enemas still retain their relevance in specific clinical settings, the use of computed tomography enterography (CTE) or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are now used as first-line investigations to exclude active small bowel disease in IBD patients and can be utilized to detect active colonic inflammation. Additionally, CT colonography and MR colonography are emerging techniques with potential applications in UC. Ultrasonography, leukocyte scintigraphy and positron emission tomography are novel abdominal imaging modalities currently being explored for IBD interrogations. This plethora of radiological imaging options has become a vital component of UC assessments.
Austria and its Polish Subjects, 1866–1914: A Relationship of Interests

As one of the original partitioning powers of the eighteenth century, Austria shared equally with Russia and Prussia in the responsibility for destroying the independent Polish kingdom. Maria Theresa may have felt troubled by this violation of sovereignty, but, to paraphrase Frederick the Great, she (and her successors) still took. The fact that conscience did not prevail over reason of state, even in the case of such a pious empress, set the pattern for the future relations between Habsburg Austria and its Polish subjects. As they had in 1772, Austrian interests took precedence over Polish ones and, until 1866, the demarcation between ruler and ruled was clear.
A review of fiber-optic biosensors

Fiber-optic biosensors (FOBS) are optical fiber-derived devices which use optical field to measure biological species such as cells, proteins, and DNA. Because of their efficiency, accuracy, low cost, and convenience, FOBS are promising alternatives to traditional immunological methods for biomolecule measurements. Tapered fiber-optic biosensors (TFOBS) are a type of FOBS which rely on special geometries to expose the evanescent field to interact with samples. In order to amplify sensitivity and selectivity, TFOBS are often used with various optical transduction mechanisms such as changes in refractive index, absorption, fluorescence, and Surface Plasmon Resonance. In this review, the basic principles of TFOBS are summarized. Various common geometries for evanescent sensing and the influence of geometric parameters on optical principles are reviewed. Finally, a detailed account of the studies done to date for biomolecules detection using TFOBS will be provided. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Did the early Eucharist ever have a sevenfold shape

Ever since the publication of Gregory Dix’s The Shape of the Liturgy in 1945, it has been commonly assumed that the pattern of the Last Supper (bread ritual–meal–cup ritual) constituted the model which was adopted for the shape of the first-century Christian eucharist, and that this was later modified when the meal eventually disappeared. This article questions that assumption and suggests an alternative hypothesis.
Parent alcoholism and the leaving home transition

Although they have received little empirical attention, departures from the parental home play a significant role in demarcating the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The current study examined the extent to which various features of young adults' experiences of leaving home differed for children of alcoholic (COAs) versus nonalcoholic parents, what adolescent precursors might account for noted differences and what indicators of young adult adjustment are related to the leaving home experience. A total of 227 young adults drawn from a high-risk, community sample of COAs and matched controls were interviewed at ages 18-23 years regarding their prior leaving home experiences. COAs showed greater difficulties in negotiating this transition, fewer positive feelings about the transition, and different reasons for leaving home as compared to participants without an alcoholic parent. Moreover, adolescent risk behaviors, family conflict, and family disorganization (assessed prior to this transition) each partly accounted for COAs' risk for difficulty in the leaving home transition. Although certain aspects of the leaving home transition were uniquely related to young adult adjustment, future research is still needed to more comprehensively understand the implications for young adult development associated with such individual differences in the leaving home transition.
Prediction of Corrosion Inhibition Using Surfactants

Abstract Effective use of surfactants for corrosion inhibition requires appropriate information about the application environment and metal as well as the properties of the surfactant. Surfactant adsorption, which is a prerequisite to corrosion inhibition by surfactant molecules, is dependent on the properties of the surfactant and metal as well as the solution environment. Among the most important surfactant and environmental factors that determine corrosion inhibition using surfactant molecules are the surfactant chain length, surfactant functional group, and the solution ionic strength. This paper presents a methodology and appropriate formulas that allow for the prediction of corrosion inhibition using surfactants of varying chain lengths and functional groups in solutions with varying ionic strengths.
Return to Smoking Following a Smoke-Free Psychiatric Hospitalization

This study examined the smoking behaviors and motivations of 100 patients hospitalized in a smoke-free psychiatry unit. The sample averaged nineteen cigarettes per day and had a history of repeated failed quit attempts, yet 65% expressed interest in quitting. During hospitalization, nicotine replacement was provided to 70% of smokers to manage nicotine withdrawal. Provider counseling for smoking cessation, however, was rare, and all patients returned to smoking within five weeks of hospital discharge. The inpatient setting provides a potential site for initiating tobacco dependence treatment; however to maintain abstinence following hospital discharge, greater support is needed.
Enhanced oncolytic potency of replicative adenovirus expressing p53.

One emerging approach to improve the treatment of drug-resistant cancers involves targeting of therapeutic genes by adenoviral delivery to tumor cells. Resistance to cytotoxic agents commonly occurs because the cytotoxic is an external agent that depends upon cellular exposure to achieve its affects. Decreases in uptake or retention by the cancer cell result in suboptimal exposure and reduced effect. Recent understanding of basic cellular processes in normal cells and how they go awry in cancer has yielded new therapeutic opportunities using viral delivery vehicles to target the cancer specific abnormalities (Borst et al., 2001; Nemunaitis and Cunningham, 2002). Persistent investigation into the mechanism(s) of selective replication and associated oncolytic effect of DNA viruses in malignant tissue continues to yield fruitful results. Three replicative DNA viral constructs: adenovirus (Khuri et al., 2000; Nemunaitis et al., 2001b), herpes simples virus (Kucharzuk et al., 1997; Toyozuimi et al., 1999) and vaccinia virus (Gomella et al., 2001; Mastrangelo et al., 2000) are currently being explored clinically. Each of these viruses has demonstrated reasonable tolerability and evidence of activity when administered via local regional approaches, however, none have shown systemic activity. Our own experience with ONYX-015 (an E1b deleted selective replicating adenovirus) illustrates this point. Despite significant clinical activity with intratumoral injection of ONYX 015 (Khuri et al., 2000; Nemunaitis et al., 2001b), intravenous infusion produced no clinical responses despite clear evidence of viral access to malignant tissue. Electron micrographs of tumor obtained from treated patients showed clumps of intranuclear viral particles within malignant tissue, but there was little or no evidence of oncolysis (Nemunaitis et al., 2001a, in press). We theorized that this lack of activity might be due to low concentrations of viral particles actually presenting to malignant tissue because of hepatic
HiCoMo: High Commit Mobile Transactions

We introduce a new mobile transaction model applicable to decisionmaking applications over aggregate data warehoused on mobile hosts. The model allows the aggregate data to be updated in disconnection mode, while guaranteeing a very high rate of commitment on reconnection. We name such transactions High Commit Mobile Transactions, or HiCoMo. At reconnectiontime, HiCoMo's are analyzed and several base (fixed network) transactions are generated in order to bring the same effect upon the base tables from which the aggregates are derived. In this paper, we provide a formal definition for the concepts related to HiCoMo's, and a transformation algorithm that is used to analyze them and generate base transactions. We provide a simple example scenario to demonstrate the usefulness of this transaction model. Finally, we compare the commit behavior of HiCoMo's to that of the two-tier model using simulation and a mobile transaction benchmark drawn from an inventory application domain.
Research on learning: potential for improving college ecology teaching

Recent research has changed our understanding of how people learn. These findings are based on well-established learning theories that can potentially help faculty teach more effectively. Unfortunately, most science faculty, including ecologists, have little or no exposure to research on learning or its application to teaching. In this paper, four areas of research on knowledge and learning are given as the basis for an approach designed to help students overcome the common misconception that plants do not consume oxygen. To help improve college ecology instruction, ecology faculty and researchers who study learning should collaborate to design research about ecology teaching and ecological thinking.
Update on Metabolic Diseases Associated With Laminitis in Horses and Ponies

Abstract Several recent scientific publications describe some important findings that may further improve our ability to diagnose and manage both equine Cushing's disease (ECD) and equine metabolic disease (EMD). This abstract provides a brief summary of recent findings in ECD and EMD that have immediate application for clinical practice.
DNA Damage-Binding Complex Recruits HDAC1 to Repress Bcl-2 Transcription in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Elevated expression of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 is believed to be one of the contributing factors to an increased relapse rate associated with multiple cisplatin-resistant cancers. DNA damage-binding protein complex subunit 2 (DDB2) has recently been revealed to play an important role in sensitizing human ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis through the downregulation of Bcl-2, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly defined. Here, it is report that DDB2 functions as a transcriptional repressor for Bcl-2 in combination with DDB1. Quantitative ChIP and EMSA analysis revealed that DDB2 binds to a specific cis-acting element at the 5′-end of Bcl-2 P1 promoter. Overexpression of DDB2 resulted in marked losses of histone H3K9,14 acetylation along the Bcl-2 promoter and enhancer regions, concomitant with a local enrichment of HDAC1 to the Bcl-2 P1 core promoter in ovarian cancer cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro binding analyses identified a physical interaction between DDB1 and HDAC1, whereas downregulation of HDAC1 significantly enhanced Bcl-2 promoter activity. Finally, in comparison with wild-type DDB2, mutated DDB2, which is unable to repress Bcl-2 transcription, mediates a compromised apoptosis upon cisplatin treatment. Taken together, these data support a model wherein DDB1 and DDB2 cooperate to repress Bcl-2 transcription. DDB2 recognizes and binds to the Bcl-2 P1 promoter, and HDAC1 is recruited through the DDB1 subunit associated with DDB2 to deacetylate histone H3K9,14 across Bcl-2 regulatory regions, resulting in suppressed Bcl-2 transcription. Implications: Increasing the expression of DDB complex may provide a molecular strategy for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 370–80. ©2013 AACR.
THE MOVEMENT AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF SIMILAR-SIZED ADULT AND JUVENILE CRAB SPIDERS MISUMENA VATIA (ARANEAE, THOMISIDAE)

Adult male animals are commonly believed to exhibit higher activity than other conspe- cifics, but little information exists to compare their activity with that of other conspecifics of similar size. Here we compare the activity of adult male and similar-sized juvenile female crab spiders Misumena vatia (Araneae, Thomisidae). Adult males moved farther and more frequently than juvenile females of similar size (fourth instar) that were not affected by impending molt. Juvenile females influenced by impending or recent molt did not move as far or as frequently as nonmolting juveniles, even though their exoskeletons were hard enough to permit rapid movement. A small sample of penultimate males, of similar size to the adult males and juvenile females, exhibited activity patterns similar to the juvenile females. All of these data indicate that the high activity level of adult males is not a simple manifestation of behavior that is solely a function of size. We suggest that the high activity levels of the adult males facilitate search for scarce, cryptic mates.
Psychiatric advance directives and reduction of coercive crisis interventions

Background: Psychiatric advance directives are intended to enable self-determined treatment for patients who lose decisional capacity, and thus reduce the need for coercive interventions such as police transport, involuntary commitment, seclusion and restraints, and involuntary medications during mental health crises; whether PADs can help prevent the use of these interventions in practice is unknown.Aims: This study examined whether completion of a Facilitated Psychiatric Advance Directive (F-PAD) was associated with reduced frequency of coercive crisis interventions.Method: The study prospectively compared a sample of PAD completers (n = 147) to non-completers (n = 92) on the frequency of any coercive interventions, with follow-up assessments at 6, 12, and 24 months. Repeated-measures multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of PADs. Models controlled for relevant covariates including a propensity score for initial selection to PADs, baseline history of coercive interventions, concur...
Mechanism and dynamics of ion transfer across a liquid-liquid interface

A detailed molecular model for ion transfer across the interface between water and 1,2-dichloroethane provides insight into the mechanism of the transfer across the interface between two immiscible liquids. Extensive molecular dynamics computer simulations underscore the roles of surface roughness and capillary distortions in this process, demonstrate that ion transfer is an activated rather than a simple diffusive process, and provide a test for the applicability of theoretical models.
Inhibition of a viral enzyme by a small-molecule dimer disruptor

We identified small-molecule dimer disruptors that inhibit an essential dimeric protease of human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) by screening an alpha-helical mimetic library. Next, we synthesized a second generation of low-micromolar inhibitors with improved potency and solubility. Complementary methods including size exclusion chromatography and 1H-13C HSQC titration using selectively labeled 13C-Met samples revealed that monomeric protease is enriched in the presence of inhibitor. 1H-15N HSQC titration studies mapped the inhibitor binding site to the dimer interface, and mutagenesis studies targeting this region were consistent with a mechanism where inhibitor binding prevents dimerization through the conformational selection of a dynamic intermediate. These results validate the interface of herpesvirus proteases and other similar oligomeric interactions as suitable targets for the development of small-molecule inhibitors.
Pathobiont hypnotises enterocytes to promote tumour development

Cougnoux and colleagues1 report a new mechanism by which select bacteria can drive colon cancer. Specifically, they discovered that colobactin-producing E. coli strains can activate growth-arrested (ie, senescent) cells to produce growth factors that drive tumor growth. These findings may, in part, underlie the association of such bacteria with carcinomas and could result in novel strategies to slow tumor growth. Approximately 20% of cancers are considered to be a consequence of infection by bacteria and/or viruses typically classified as pathogens. Moreover, many cancers occur in tissues with high exposure to microbiota, such as colorectal cancers (CRC), suggesting microbes not typically thought of as pathogens in promoting carcinogenesis. For example, mucosa-associated Escherichia coli are present more frequently in colon tissue from patients with adenocarcinomas than in control subjects. While E. coli are typically present in the intestine of healthy persons, various strains of E. coli have ‘pathogen-like features’ and associate with disease resulting in them being referred …
An Improved Method for the Measurement of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in Human Plasma

Here we report a highly sensitive and convenient ligand binding assay for the determination of 1,25(OH)2D3 in small volumes of human plasma. This method involves: (1) extraction of vitamin D3 and its metabolites using methanol-methylene chloride with separation or phases by centrifugation; (2) gel chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography for the quantitative isolation of 1,25-(OH)2D3: and (3) a sensitive ligand binding assay for 1,25-(OH)2D3 employing cytosol receptor from the intestinal mucosa of rachitic chicks. Using modified rachitogenic chick diets allows early (< 4 wks) harvesting of active receptor for 1,25-(OH)2D3 in high yield. The method includes a rapid and effective procedure for stable and long-term storage of the active cytosol receptor. A convenient dextran-charcoal means is used for the separation of receptor bound from free 1,25-(OH)2D3 resulting in the achievement of a lower (<. 5%) background (i.e., nonspecific binding) than reported for other 1,25-(OH)2D3 assays. Analysis...
Sclerotherapy of Diffuse and Infiltrative Venous Malformations of the Hand and Distal Forearm.

Venous malformations (VM) involving the hand and forearm often lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, and the threshold for treatment is high due to the risk of nerve and skin damage, functional deterioration and compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand is a safe and effective therapy. A retrospective review of all patients with diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand and forearm treated with sclerotherapy from 2001 to 2014 was conducted. All VM were diagnosed during the clinical visit by a combination of physical examination and imaging. Sclerotherapy was performed under imaging guidance using ethanol and/or sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Clinical notes were reviewed for signs of treatment response and complications, including skin blistering and nerve injury. Seventeen patients underwent a total of 40 sclerotherapy procedures. Patients were treated for pain (76 %), swelling (29 %) or paresthesias (6 %). Treatments utilized ethanol (70 %), sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam (22.5 %) or a combination of these (7.5 %). Twenty-four percent of patients had complete resolution of symptoms, 24 % had partial relief of symptoms without need for further intervention, and 35 % had some improvement after initial treatment but required additional treatments. Two skin complications were noted, both of which resolved. No motor or sensory loss was reported. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective therapy for VM of the hand with over 83 % of patients experiencing relief.
Aortic Intramural Hematoma After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation carries a risk of thermal damage to extracardiac structures, including the esophagus and the phrenic nerves [(1–3)][1]; however, aortic complications have not been described previously. We report a case of aortic intramural hematoma in a 68-