cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of nitrate toxicity in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei , reared with biofloc technology (BFT)

In cultures of the Litopenaeus vannamei with biofloc, the concentrations of nitrate rise during the culture period, which may cause a reduction in growth and mortality of the shrimps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the concentration of nitrate on the growth and survival of shrimp in systems using bioflocs. The experiment consisted of four treatments with three replicates each: The concentrations of nitrate that were tested were 75 (control), 150, 300, and 600 mg NO3−-N/L. To achieve levels above 75 mg NO3−-N/L, different dosages of sodium nitrate (PA) were added. For this purpose, twelve experimental units with a useful volume of 45 L were stocked with 15 juvenile L. vannamei (1.30 ± 0.31 g), corresponding to a stocking density of 333 shrimps/m3, that were reared for an experimental period of 42 days. Regarding the water quality parameters measured throughout the study, no significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). Concerning zootechnical performance, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was verified with the 75 (control) and 150 treatments presenting the best performance indexes, while the 300 and 600 treatments led to significantly poorer results (p < 0.05). The histopathological damage was observed in the gills and hepatopancreas of the shrimps exposed to concentrations ≥300 mg NO3−-N/L for 42 days, and poorer zootechnical performance and lower survival were observed in the shrimps reared at concentrations ≥300 mg NO3−-N/L under a salinity of 23. The results obtained in this study show that concentrations of nitrate up to 177 mg/L are acceptable for the rearing of L. vannamei in systems with bioflocs, without renewal of water, at a salinity of 23.
Nebivolol: a new antihypertensive agent.

Purpose. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, safety, economic issues, dosage, and place in therapy of nebivolol are reviewed. Summary. Nebivolol is a novel, highly selective β1-receptor blocker that causes peripheral vasodilation by increasing the production and release of nitric oxide and decreasing nitric oxide degradation. The nitric oxide-mediated effects of nebivolol lead to decreases in systemic vascular resistance and large artery stiffness and possible reversal of endothelial dysfunction. Clinical studies have shown nebivolol to be at least as effective at lowering blood pressure as other antihypertensive drugs, including other β-blockers. The most frequent adverse events reported in nebivolol clinical trials were transient headache, dizziness, and tired-ness. In a large trial in patients with heart failure, nebivolol was shown to reduce the composite endpoint of mortality and hospitalizations. Nebivolol is highly lipophilic and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The nebivolol dose most commonly used in clinical trials for hypertension was 5 mg daily; no significant further decreases in blood pressure were shown with higher doses. The average dose in clinical trials for patients with heart failure was 5–10 mg daily. Dosage adjustments are recommended in elderly patients and patients with severe renal impairment. Conclusion. Nebivolol is a unique, highly selective β-blocker with vasodilatory properties mediated through the nitric oxide pathway; it may be useful in the treatment of uncomplicated mild-to-moderate essential hypertension and in patients with heart failure.
PINCH1 Is Transcriptional Regulator in Podocytes That Interacts with WT1 and Represses Podocalyxin Expression

Background: PINCH1, an adaptor protein containing five LIM domains, plays an important role in regulating the integrin-mediated cell adhesion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PINCH1 is induced in the fibrotic kidney after injury, and it primarily localizes at the sites of focal adhesion. Whether it can translocate to the nucleus and directly participate in gene regulation is completely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using cultured glomerular podocytes as a model system, we show that PINCH1 expression was induced by TGF-β1, a fibrogenic cytokine that promotes podocyte dysfunction. Interestingly, increased PINCH1 not only localized at the sites of focal adhesions, but also underwent nuclear translocation after TGF-β1 stimulation. This nuclear translocation of PINCH1 was apparently dependent on the putative nuclear export/localization signals (NES/NLS) at its C-terminus, as deletion or site-directed mutations abolished its nuclear shuttling. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments revealed that PINCH1 interacted with Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1), a nuclear transcription factor that is essential for regulating podocyte-specific gene expression in adult kidney. Interaction of PINCH1 and WT1 was mediated by the LIM1 domain of PINCH1 and C-terminal zinc-finger domain of WT1, which led to the suppression of the WT1-mediated podocalyxin expression in podocytes. PINCH1 also repressed podocalyxin gene transcription in a promoter-luciferase reporter assay. Conclusion/Significance: These results indicate that PINCH1 can shuttle into the nucleus from cytoplasm in podocytes, wherein it interacts with WT1 and suppresses podocyte-specific gene expression. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized, novel function of PINCH1, in which it acts as a transcriptional regulator through controlling specific gene expression. © 2011 Wang et al.
Velocity spectra of convoy electrons emerging with swift ions from solids

Abstract Swift ions emerging from targets carry convoys of electrons. Velocity distributions are calculated for convoy electrons that trailed ions in wakebound states inside solids. They are compared with predictions of convoy formation by charge transfer to the continuum and with experiments.
Computation of standard deviations in Eigenvalue calculations

Brissenden proposes a modified Monte Carlo method for eigenvalue calculations, designed to decrease biases in the flux and eigenvalue estimates, and in corresponding estimates of standard deviations. The proposed method is based on the generation of superhistories,'' chains of histories run in sequence without intervening renormalization of the fission source. This method appears to have some disadvantages, discussed in another paper of this conference, e.g., first, the new method requires substantial changes in existing codes and second, it may increase variances in computations where long superhistory chains are needed. In PWR's, for example, dominance ratios {approx gt}0.95 are not unusual, and it seems likely that chains of length 10 will, in such cases, still be strongly correlated. Earlier numerical experiments suggest that biases in fluxes and eigenvalues are negligibly small, even for very small numbers of histories per generation. Now more recent experiments, run on the CRAY-XMP, tend to confirm these earlier conclusions. The new experiments discussed in this paper involve the solution of one-group 1D diffusion theory eigenvalue problems, in difference form, via Monte Carlo. Experiments covered a range of dominance ratios from {approx}0.75 to {approx}0.985. In all cases flux and eigenvalue biases were substantially smaller than one standardmore » deviation.« less
14-3-3 proteins as potential oncogenes

14-3-3 proteins are a family of highly conserved cellular proteins that play key roles in the regulation of central physiological pathways. More than 200 14-3-3 target proteins have been identified, including proteins involved in mitogenic and cell survival signaling, cell cycle control and apoptotic cell death. Importantly, the involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in the regulation of various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes points to a potential role in human cancer. The present review summarizes current findings implicating a 14-3-3 role in cancer while discussing potential mechanisms and points of action of 14-3-3 during cancer development and progression.
Towards a rigorous justification of the Stiefel-Baumgarte stabilization method

The purpose of the present paper is to continue the work on the mathematical justification of the Baumgarte dissipative stabilization procedure. Using ideas reminiscent of the theory of invariant manifolds, geometrical results and error bounds are obtained.
Insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation requires the CAP-dependent activation of TC10

The stimulation of glucose uptake by insulin in muscle and adipose tissue requires translocation of the GLUT4 glucose transporter protein from intracellular storage sites to the cell surface. Although the cellular dynamics of GLUT4 vesicle trafficking are well described, the signalling pathways that link the insulin receptor to GLUT4 translocation remain poorly understood. Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) is required for this trafficking event, but it is not sufficient to produce GLUT4 translocation. We previously described a pathway involving the insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl, which is recruited to the insulin receptor by the adapter protein CAP. On phosphorylation, Cbl is translocated to lipid rafts. Blocking this step completely inhibits the stimulation of GLUT4 translocation by insulin. Here we show that phosphorylated Cbl recruits the CrkII-C3G complex to lipid rafts, where C3G specifically activates the small GTP-binding protein TC10. This process is independent of PI(3)K, but requires the translocation of Cbl, Crk and C3G to the lipid raft. The activation of TC10 is essential for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. The TC10 pathway functions in parallel with PI(3)K to stimulate fully GLUT4 translocation in response to insulin.
Presidential Satisfaction in Higher Education: An Empirical Study of Two- and Four-Year Institutions.

Situated in the broader context of academic administration and senior executive university leadership, this study examined variables correlated with self-reported satisfaction and performance among community college and four-year university presidents in four densely populated north American states. The results of our analysis suggest that personal and institutional demographics as well as measures of institutional discord are significant predictors of self-reported presidential satisfaction and performance. It was found that malleable factors – such as the difference in perception between what ‘is’ and what ‘should be’ – are more influential in predicting satisfaction and performance than fixed factors, such as personal and institutional demographics.
Microscale patterns of tree establishment near upper treeline, Snowy Range, Wyoming, USA

We report tree seedling (mostly Picea engelmannii, some Abies lasiocarpa, very infrequent Pinus contorta) invasion into meadows at upper timberline in the Snowy Range, Wyoming, from 1994 to 1996. We used gradient analysis to relate this to environmental patterns, particularly plant community structure (as aggregates of plant life-forms) and persistence of snowpack in 1995 and 1996. Tree seedlings established best at sites where snow melted earliest; the site with the shortest growing season had fewest seedlings. Microsites dominated by vascular plants admitted few or no seedlings; seedlings were most likely to be found where cryptogams dominated. These findings have implications for forest advance under some climate scenarios and successional hypotheses.
Intraoperative B-Mode Ultrasonography Is a Useful Adjunct to Peripheral Arterial Reconstruction

We used an ultrasound imaging system with a 10 MHz probe during 118 vascular procedures. These procedures included 56 cerebrovascular, 38 infrainguinal, 16 renal, 4 mesenteric, and 4 aortic reconstructions. In 29 procedures, intraoperative ultrasonography was used to supplement or replace preoperative arteriography to better define the extent of disease for the optimal placement of an anastomosis or to determine the need for an additional reconstructive procedure. In 106 cases, ultrasonography was used for postreconstruction assessment. Of the 21 (20%) defects found, 11 (10%) were deemed important enough to warrant correction. Defects were significantly more common following endarterectomy procedures (p <0.01). All 11 of the major defects were successfully repaired, and neither the corrected defects nor the 10 uncorrected minor defects were associated with postoperative complications. Patients (with and without defects) underwent routine early postoperative follow-up assessment of the technical adequacy of their reconstruction using color duplex imaging; no residual defects were discovered. Two (2%) postoperative occlusions (one femorofemoral and one aortorenal bypass) occurred without a technical defect noted on reexploration. This clinical experience demonstrates that B-mode ultrasonography can supplement or replace preoperative arteriography in selected cases and is a valuable technique for identifying defects intraoperatively so that they can be immediately corrected.
PDE5A suppression of acute β-adrenergic activation requires modulation of myocyte beta-3 signaling coupled to PKG-mediated troponin I phosphorylation

Phosphodiesterase type 5A (PDE5A) inhibitors acutely suppress beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation in left ventricular myocytes and hearts. This modulation requires cyclic GMP synthesis via nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-NO stimulation, but upstream and downstream mechanisms remain un-defined. To determine this, adult cardiac myocytes from genetically engineered mice and controls were studied by video microscopy to assess sarcomere shortening (SS) and fura2-AM fluorescence to measure calcium transients (CaT). Enhanced SS from isoproterenol (ISO, 10 nM) was suppressed >or=50% by the PDE5A inhibitor sildenafil (SIL, 1 microM), without altering CaT. This regulation was unaltered despite co-inhibition of either the cGMP-stimulated cAMP-esterase PDE2 (Bay 60-7550), or cGMP-inhibited cAMP-esterase PDE3 (cilostamide). Thus, the SIL response could not be ascribed to cGMP interaction with alternative PDEs. However, genetic deletion (or pharmacologic blockade) of beta3-ARs, which couple to NOS signaling, fully prevented SIL modulation of ISO-stimulated SS. Importantly, both PDE5A protein expression and activity were similar in beta3-AR knockout (beta3-AR(-/-)) myocytes as in controls. Downstream, cGMP stimulates protein kinase G (PKG), and we found contractile modulation by SIL required PKG activation and enhanced TnI phosphorylation at S23, S24. Myocytes expressing the slow skeletal TnI isoform which lacks these sites displayed no modulation of ISO responses by SIL. Non-equilibrium isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis showed SIL increased TnI phosphorylation above that from concomitant ISO in control but not beta3-AR(-/-) myocytes. These data support a cascade involving beta3-AR stimulation, and subsequent PKG-dependent TnI S23, S24 phosphorylation as primary factors underlying the capacity of acute PDE5A inhibition to blunt myocardial beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Natural scenes have matched amplitude-modulated sounds that systematically influence visual scanning

We have previously demonstrated a linear perceptual relationship between auditory amplitude-modulation (AM) rate and visual spatial-frequency using gabors as the visual stimuli. Can this frequency-based auditory–visual association influence perception of natural scenes? Participants consistently matched specific auditory AM rates to diverse visual scenes (nature, urban, and indoor). A correlation analysis indicated that higher subjective density ratings were associated with faster AM-rate matches. Furthermore, both the density ratings and AM-rate matches were relatively scale invariant, suggesting that the underlying crossmodal association is between visual coding of object-based density and auditory coding of AM rate. Based on these results, we hypothesized that concurrently presented fast (7 Hz) or slow (2 Hz) AM-rates might influence how visual attention is allocated to dense or sparse regions within a scene. We tested this hypothesis by monitoring eye movements while participants examined scenes for a subsequent memory task. To determine whether fast or slow sounds guided eye movements to specific spatial frequencies, we computed the maximum contrast energy at each fixation across 12 spatial frequency bands ranging from 0.06–10.16 cycles/degree. We found that the fast sound significantly guided eye movements toward regions of high spatial frequency, whereas the slow sound guided eye movements away from regions of high spatial frequency. This suggests that faster sounds may promote a local scene scanning strategy, acting as a ‘filter’ to individuate objects within dense regions. Our results suggest that auditory AM rate and visual object density are crossmodally associated, and that this association can modulate visual inspection of scenes.
Response to ‘Calcium and phosphate: serum levels versus body balance’

I thank the authors for their comments about the use (or misuse) of the calcium–phosphate product (Ca P). Yokoyama et al.1 found no correlation between serum calcium and the calcium–phosphorus product, confirming the point made in my review.2 Because a correlation would be expected purely on a mathematical basis, this demonstrates that essentially all the variability in the calcium–phosphate product is governed by serum phosphate. As suggested to me by another nephrologist, we might as well use the product of the serum phosphorus and the patient's shoe size! Not only should the Ca P be reconsidered as a guideline, as recommended by Yokoyama et al., but also it should be abandoned. The Japanese have taken the correct approach in focusing on individual calcium and phosphorus levels.
Normal Personality Correlates of Chronic Pain Subgroups

A heterogeneous sample of chronic pain patients was first classified into one of three previously identified subgroups (i.e., dysfunctional, interpersonally distressed, adaptive) using the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (R. D. Kerns, D. C. Turk, & T. E. Rudy, 1985). Multiple differences at the domain and facet levels of the Revised NEO PI-R Personality Inventory (P. T. Costa, Jr. & R. R. McCrae, 1992) were found among the three subgroups of patients. In particular, the interpersonally distressed patients showed a greater degree of Neuroticism and were more introverted. Further analyses revealed that this group had tendencies toward feeling more vulnerable, being less trustful, and experiencing less positive emotions than the other groups. The dysfunctional group of patients was notable in terms of their low activity level and lower Openness (to new experience). Adaptive copers reported being emotionally stable, having a moderate degree of Extraversion, and being open to a wider variety of experiences. These differences may act as mediating influences in differing patient responsiveness to pain management programs.
Rhinosinusitis: review from a dental perspective

Patients often present to their dental providers with reports of posterior maxillary pain. The etiology of their symptoms may be either an acute or chronic situation, and the examining dentist's primary focus is usually to rule out dental pathosis. Rhinosinusitis should be an important consideration on the list of differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with posterior maxillary pain. The American Academy of Otolaryngology standardized the terminology for paranasal sinus infections in 1996 and offered guidelines for evaluation and treatment of sinusitis. This article highlights these guidelines for diagnosing and treating patients with rhinosinusitis. It also includes a review of sinus anatomy and of the special considerations for iatrogenic sinus exposure as well. Dental providers who understand the relationship between the maxillary sinus and the oral structures are better prepared to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The astute dental provider will ensure a rapid and positive outcome for this group of patients with rhinosinusitis.
Gasification characteristics of coal char under CO2 atmosphere

The char gasification characteristics and the composition of evolved gases in a CO2 environment have been studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) coupled with a mass spectrometer. Three types of coal char were studied: lignite (TXL), sub-bituminous (PRB), and bituminous (KYB). TG results showed that the reactivities of TXL and PRB were higher than that of KYB, and the reactivity of TXL was higher than that of PRB. The characterization of the chars implied that the mineral content in the char plays an important role in the reactivity and that the surface area and pore volume may accelerate the reactivity of chars. The evolved gases from three chars were mainly CO and SO2. SO2 was slightly delayed by CO during gasification of TXL and PRB chars, but for KYB, SO2 and CO formed in the same temperature range, but at higher temperatures compared with TXL and PRB. The CO production of KYB was the best, 0.98 mg mg−1; and SO2 was the least, 0.031 mg mg−1. PRB and TXL chars had similar CO production, but SO2 in TXL was higher.
Density and relative number of granule and Purkinje cells in cerebellar cortex of cat.

Abstract The numerical densities of granule and Purkinje cells in the cerebellar vermis of the cat were determined using a combination of stereological and other, nonparametric, methods. The density of granule cells in our Epon-Araldite embedded material was1.75 × 10 6 /mm 3 of the granular layer and did not vary with the local curvature of the cortex; the density of Purkinje cells was 364 per mm 2 of the Purkinje cell layer. The average thickness of the granular layer, determined by planimetry and curvimetry, was 0.18 mm and the ratio of the volume of the molecular layer to the volume of the granular layer was 1.50. The ratio of the number of granule cells to that of Purkinje cells was 899. A previous study using knife cut lesions and silver staining for degeneration showed that cerebellar parallel fibers were about 6 mm long, a value several times that thought previously. The present estimates of the density of granule cells and the thickness of granule and molecular layers are consistent with this average parallel fiber length of 6 mm.
Thomas F. O'Meara. Vast Universe: Extraterrestrials and Christian Revelation

Thomas F. O'Meara Vast Universe: Extraterrestrials and Christian Revelation Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2012. 104 pp. $12.95 ISBN 978-0-8146-8047-6 (paperback) During the past 10 years, ast...
Low molecular weight nuclear RNA. The 3′-terminal sequence of the U2 RNA

The U2 RNA is one of the low molecular weight nuclear RNAs of Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells that is specifically localized in the extranucleolar portion of the nucleus. After the RNA was purified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it was subjected to various enzymatic digestion procedures for determination of its primary sequence of nucleotides. The U2 RNA contains 197 nucleotides. Its 5′ end, which is highly modified, contains N2, 2, 7-trimethyl guanylic acid and 11 pseudouridylic acid residues (Reddy et al, J. Biol. Chem. 247, 7245–7250, 1972) in addition to 10 2′-O-methyl ribose residues.
High-spin E 2 bands in Kr isotopes

Bands of E2 transitions are assigned to /sup 79/Kr and /sup 81/Kr on the basis of ..gamma..-ray singles, ..gamma..-..gamma.. coincidence, angular distribution, and excitation function measurements. These bands can be interpreted as arising from the decoupling of g/sub 9/2/ neutrons from the /sup 78/Kr and /sup 80/Kr cores, respectively, and a comparison is made with the previously reported /sup 77/Kr decoupled band. Relative reaction cross sections are in fair agreement with evaporation model calculations.
A malate-oxaloacetate shuttle linking cytosolic fatty acid α-oxidation to the mitochondrial electron transport chain in uncoupled fresh potato slices

The possible existence of a malonate-sensitive dicarboxylate-mediated electron shuttle between microsomal NAD-linked fatty acid α-oxidation and the mitochondrial electron transport chain in uncoupled fresh potato slices was investigated. Uncoupled slice respiration is inhibited by benzylmalonate and butylmalonate, inhibitors of dicarboxylate transport into mitochondria. Uncoupled slice respiration is also inhibited by rotenone, an indication of intramitochondrial NADH oxidation. Since fatty acid α-oxidation per se is rotenone insensitive, rotenone and benzylmalonate inhibition of the oxidation of carboxyl-labeled myristate in slices points to a dicarboxylic acid shuttle linking microsomal fatty acid a-oxidation with intramitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase. Malonute inhibits both respiration and 14CO2, release from carboxyl-labeled myristate in fresh uncoupled slices, as do inhibitors of dicarboxylate transport. Mitochondrial studies show that malonate inhibits malate oxidation but not malate dehydrogenase per se. Furthermore, malonate inhibits malate transport more severely than malate oxidation. Accordingly, mulonate inhibition of uncoupled slice respiration in the absence of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity is attributed to its interference with mitochondrial malate transport, and its consequent curtailment of a putative malate-OAA shuttle linked to cytosolic NAD-mediated fatty acid α-oxidation.
Stress exposure, psychological distress, and physiological stress activation in midlife women with insomnia.

Objective The objective of this study was to describe perceived and polysomnograhic (PSG) sleep patterns and determine whether stress exposure, psychological distress, and physiological stress activation differed among midlife women with psychophysiologic-type (PP-type) or subjective only-type (SO-type) insomnia or no insomnia. Methods Women had their sleep monitored, collected urine samples, and completed questionnaires in a week-long field study, and 53 women met criteria for insomnia types or no insomnia based on reported sleep quality and PSG sleep efficiency. Results As expected, women with PP-type insomnia were found to have the lowest sleep efficiency, took longer to fall asleep, had more wakefulness after sleep onset, and had more fragmented sleep. Perceptions of stress exposure, either for major or minor events, did not differ among groups. Despite there being no differences in perceived stress exposure, women with both types of insomnia scored higher on psychological distress (SCL-90R), especially on the somatization subscale, than women with no insomnia. Of the physiological stress activation indicators tested, a morning-to-evening difference in urinary cortisol statistically differed across the groups (p Conclusions These data provide support for the hypothesis that, in midlife women, cognitive or emotional arousal with chronic stress neuroendocrine activation underlies chronic insomnia, particularly the PP-type.
Stroke and TIA survivors' cognitive beliefs and affective responses regarding treatment and future stroke risk differentially predict medication adherence and categorised stroke risk.

Cognitive beliefs and affective responses to illness and treatment are known to independently predict health behaviours. The purpose of the current study is to assess the relative importance of four psychological domains – specifically, affective illness, cognitive illness, affective treatment and cognitive treatment – for predicting stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) survivors’ adherence to stroke prevention medications as well as their objective, categorised stroke risk. We assessed these domains among stroke/TIA survivors (n = 600), and conducted correlation and regression analyses with concurrent and prospective outcomes to determine the relative importance of each cognitive and affective domain for adherence and stroke risk. As hypothesised, patients’ affective treatment responses explained the greatest unique variance in baseline and six-month adherence reports (8 and 5%, respectively, of the variance in adherence, compared to 1–3% explained by other domains). Counter to hypotheses, patients...
Application of singular perturbation for modeling image field in recursive restoration

Singular perturbation method is applied to the area of image modeling. It is shown that the strong-weak coupling effects between the pixels leads to a 2-D singularly perturbed system which exhibit two-time scale property. This system can be decomposed into two reduced order 2-D subsystems. The proposed method offers a new scheme for efficient image processing using low order models without losing the aggregated effects of weakly correlated pixels.
Discrimination effects in SIMS. Part III. Ion optical and energy discrimination

Abstract Discrimination effects caused by the convolution of the diverse shapes of the secondary ion energy spectra with the fixed ion optical and energy-bandpass characteristics of the CAMECA IMS-300 ion microanalyzer are discussed. Substantial differences in the transmission efficiency of the ion optics between atomic ions, and very large differences between atomic and polyatomic ions have been found. The influence of discrimination effects on the appearance of a SIMS spectrum is illustrated, and the potential influence of the effects on quantitative analysis is discussed.
Equation-free modelling of evolving diseases: coarse-grained computations with individual-based models

We demonstrate how direct simulation of stochastic, individualbased models can be combined with continuum numericalanalysis techniques to study the dynamics of evolving diseases. Sidestepping the necessity of obtaining explicit populationlevel models, the approach analyses the (unavailable in closed form) coarse macroscopic equations, estimating the necessary quantities through appropriately initialized short bursts of individualbased dynamic simulation. We illustrate this approach by analysing a stochastic and discrete model for the evolution of disease agents caused by point mutations within individual hosts. Building up from classical susceptibleinfectedrecovered and susceptibleinfectedrecoveredsusceptible models, our example uses a onedimensional lattice for variant space, and assumes a finite number of individuals. Macroscopic computational tasks enabled through this approach include stationarystate computation, coarse projective integration, parametric continuation and stability analysis.
Chinese and Vietnamese strains of HP-PRRSV cause different pathogenic outcomes in United States high health swine

An infectious clone of a highly pathogenic PRRSV strain from Vietnam (rSRV07) was prepared and was demonstrated to contain multiple amino acid differences throughout the genome when compared to Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV strain rJXwn06. Virus rescued from the rSRV07 infectious clone was compared to rJXwn06 and US Type 2 prototype strain VR-2332 to examine the effects of virus genotype and phenotype on in vitro growth, and virus challenge dose on in vivo pathogenicity and host response. After swine inoculation at high- and low-doses of virus, rSRV07 was shown to replicate to an approximately 10-fold lower level in serum than rJXwn06, produced lower body temperatures than rJXwn06 and resulted in decreased mortality. Furthermore, a 9-plex cytokine panel revealed that the cytokine responses varied between different strains of PRRSV, as well as between tissues examined and by inoculum dose.
Effect of buffer gas alterations on the thermal electron attachment and detachment reactions of azulene by pulsed high pressure mass spectrometry

Abstract A principal motivation for the present study is to determine the ion source conditions required for achievement of the high pressure limit (HPL) of kinetic behavior for the resonance electron capture (REC) reaction of azulene (Az), Az + e → Az−. This goal is accomplished here by measuring rate constants for the reverse process, thermal electron detachment by molecular anions of azulene, Az− → Az + e, by pulsed high pressure mass spectrometry by using a variety of buffer gases, methane, argon, nitrogen, and helium, over a range of pressures, from 1 to 6 Torr, over a range of temperatures, from 150 to 200 °C. From these measurements, it is shown that the ion source conditions commonly used in electron capture mass spectrometry for the trace analysis of REC-active molecules would not be sufficient for achievement of the HPL of the REC reaction of azulene and, therefore, would likely result in significantly reduced sensitivity to this compound. The problem highlighted here for the case of azulene is undoubtedly shared by many other REC-active compounds. The resolution of this problem is expected to require accommodation of several relevant factors shown here to be important in the case of azulene, including the choice of buffer gas, pressure, and ion source temperature.
Psychopharmacology of tic disorders in children and adolescents

Tics in children and adolescents are a common occurrence; however, a small proportion of these disorders require pharmacologic interventions. Several limitations exist with the use of pharmacologic interventions, and hence, a more ideal multidisciplinary approach is recommenced, with emphasis on nonpharmacologic management for improved functioning, adaptation, and comorbidities. Mutual and realistic goals ensure a trustful and successful relationship between the clinician and patient. An individualized plan is recommended with the goal of limiting side effects and managing comorbid conditions as a priority before addressing the tics specifically. This article reviews medications used to treat tic disorders in children and adolescents.
Japanese Children's Reasoning about Conflicts with Parents

Ninety-five Japanese children (aged 6–12) were interviewed using hypothetical stories to examine their reasoning about parent–child conflicts. Participants were most likely to reject parental authority and to support child's discretion in conflict situations where the parent interfered in the child's personal choice and gave the child commands that violated moral and conventional principles. However, participants were most likely to accept parental authority when the child's wish conflicted with the parent's moral concern. Participants’ reasoning was more varied when the child's wish went against the parent's conventional demand. Consistent with their cultural values, participants considered harmonious relationships in evaluating conventional and personal conflicts, but not moral conflicts. Age differences were observed in the endorsement of personal choice. Results suggest that children do not simply act upon their cultural values but also show resistance to parental authority for reasons beyond meeting selfish needs and form differentiated judgments about parent–child conflicts.
Palatal myoclonus: A reappraisal

Abstract We have reviewed our experience with 17 cases of palatal myoclonus, have discussed the relevant literature, and have suggested a possible underlying pathophysiological mechanism. It is proposed that palatal myoclonus comes about from a disturbance within the olivo-cerebellar modulatory projection on to the rostral brain stem, and that the characteristic facial, oro-respiratory, and oculo-skeletal contractions of this disorder may be further understood in terms of their hierarchic incorporation within a system serving for emotional display. This hierarchy is shown to have certain important physiological and behavioral implications, and a tentative scheme is offered to explain some familiar clinical disorders of emotional expression.
Twenty-Fifth Rare Earth Research Conference

The program of the 25th Rare Earth Research Conference (RERC08) integrated basic and applied multidisciplinary research centered on the f-elements. Leading science was featured in the form of invited oral presentations and contributed posters on topics in f-element chemistry, physics, and material, earth, environmental, and biological sciences. The conference was held in Shelby Hall, located on The University of Alabama?s Tuscaloosa, AL campus. The final program and list of attendees is available at URL http://bama.ua.edu/~rdrogers/RERC08/.
Influence of Prolonged Low -Protein Feeding on Epithelized Gingival Wounds in Adult Rats

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAINFLUENTIA DEL PROLONGATE USO DE UN DIETA A BASSE CONTENTO DE PROTEINA SUPER EPITHELISATE VULNERES GINGIVAL IN RATTOS ADULTE.—Un mense post le infliction de lesionage gingival, gruppos de rattos esseva alimentate (1) con un dieta a un contento de 8 pro cento de caseina, accessibile ad libitum, (2) in pares con un dieta a un contento de 27 pro cento de caseina, e (3) con un varietates de dietas de controlo, accessibile ad libitum. Le animales esseva sacrificate in le curso de un periodo de 7 menses. Le examines histologic monstrava que le sitos del vulneres in le rattos del prime duo gruppos manifestava un plus alte incidentia de inflammation e de sequestration que illos del gruppos de controlo. Iste constation pare significar le occurrentia de un persistente influentia adverse de privation nutritional e spicificamente de alimentation a basse contento de proteina super epithelisate vulneres gingival.
An Exploration of Pre-Service Teachers' Expectations for Their Future Roles:

The diversity of teacher roles has been a long-standing concern in the field of special education. Role complexity has been implicated in teacher burnout and attrition and in the inefficiency of service delivery models. Recent evidence suggests that new policy may be further complicating teacher roles and that teachers may not be prepared for such change. This study is a comparison of 184 preservice special education teachers' expectations for their future roles with the current roles of 133 practicing teachers. In general, pre-service teachers' expectations appeared to be quite accurate. Significant mismatches are revealed in several areas, particularly with respect to collaboration and the settings in which teachers work. Implications are presented for policy makers, administrators, and teacher educators.
Community size preference status, community satisfaction and migration intentions

Increasing attention has been directed to the effect of cognitive factors on migration decision making. We evaluate the influence of community size preference status and six domains of community satisfaction on migration intentions per se and short- vs. longterm migration intentions, separately, simultaneously, and with controls on community involvement and social position. The data are from a 1988 statewide migration survey of 851 Utahns. Separate multivariate analyses are conducted for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan residents. Satisfaction/dissatisfaction with selected features of community life primarily impacts migration intentions per se while community size preference status dominates the time frame of migration intentions.
Subclinical haemostatic activation and current surgeon volume predict bleeding with open radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE To assess subclinical haemostatic activation and clinical variables to predict bleeding during radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP), as haemostatic activation is common in cancer and might be useful for predicting outcomes, but routine coagulation screening does not correlate with bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS Clinical data and blood samples were collected from 153 patients (median age 63 years; prostate-specific antigen, PSA, level 5.92 ng/mL) before RP and lymph node dissection. Plasma was assayed for d-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). Univariable then multivariable analyses were used to identify associations between plasma markers and clinical variables for bleeding and thrombosis. RESULTS Most patients (77%) were stage T1c and most (76.5%) had organ-confined cancer (≤pT2). Pathological Gleason scores were ≤6 in 68 (44.4%) and ≥8 in 14 (9%) of the patients. The median (range) estimated blood loss (EBL) was 400 (50–3000) mL, the median decrease in haemoglobin level 3.5 (−0.1, 6.6) g/dL, and eight men (5.2%) required a transfusion. In the univariable analysis, a lower TAT before RP (P < 0.001) and d-dimer level (P = 0.023) correlated with a greater decline in haemoglobin level. The platelet count, international normalised ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) did not predict the EBL nor change in haemoglobin level; the eight transfused patients had lower platelet counts before RP (P = 0.004). Higher surgical volume predicted a lower EBL (P < 0.001) and lower decrease in haemoglobin (P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression showed that TAT remained significant for the decrease in haemoglobin, and surgical volume for EBL and decrease in haemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS Haemostatic activation before RP was associated with significantly less bleeding when assessed by objective measures, predicting the decrease in haemoglobin level better than prothrombin time, aPTT or platelet counts. Current surgeon volume might also predict both subjective and objective bleeding variables.
Linear envelope detection for pulse NMR

Abstract A linear envelope detector, suitable for operation at frequencies commonly used in pulse NMR experiments, is described. The detector exhibits 0.5 % linearity over the range 0–7 V output and operates with rf inputs of 100 mV or less. An active six-pole Butterworth filter with a wide range of selectable cutoff frequencies is included for signal-to-noise ratio optimization. Critical portions of the circuit utilize inexpensive commercially available modules, thus minimizing potential difficulties in construction.
Implementation of direct frequency synthesizer for multiple frequency clock generation

This paper presents a low-jitter and high output frequency resolution direct frequency synthesizer (DFS) with phase interpolator (PI) based fractional divider (PIFD) for multiple frequency clock generation. Compared to conventional DFS, the proposed architecture offers higher frequency resolution, higher maximum frequency, better phase noise and jitter performance, as well as higher switching speed. In this paper, the fundamental jitter limitation of the synthesizer, due to the PI non-linearity and device mismatch, is analyzed in detail. It is shown that the PI non-linearity increases exponentially with the input signal intersection angle. In addition, the jitter from VCO is also taken into account. Designed and simulated in a 65nm CMOS technology, the frequency synthesizer provides a wide frequency range from 8MHz to 8GHz, with frequency resolution 8MHz. The maximum switching time is limited by the output clock period. The best RMS jitter is 3ps @ 8GHz when N pI =0 and the worst-case RMS jitter is 12ps @ 7.994GHz when N pI =35. The spurious free dynamic range is 56dBc in worst case.
Optimal transfers between coplanar elliptical orbits

Nesline, F. W., and Zarchan, P., "Why Modern Controllers Can Go Unstable in Practice," Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 7, No. 4, 1984, pp. 495-500. Miyazawa, Y., and Dowell, E. H., "Robust Control System Design with Multiple Model Approach and Its Application to Active Flutter Control," AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference, AIAA Paper 89-3578, Boston, MA, Aug. 1989. Miyazawa, Y., and Dowell, E. H., "An Approach to Modeling and Estimation for Uncertain System," AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference, AIAA Paper 87-2241-CP, Monterey, CA, Aug. 1987; see also Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 12, No. 5, 1989, pp. 672-680. Data Set Handbook of the Dornier Do228-200 Aircraft, BM20-32/ 88, Dornier Friedrichshafen, Germany, 1988. Bryson, A. E., Jr., and Ho, Y. C., Applied Optimal Control, Blaisdell, Waltham, MA, 1969.
Ribonucleotide reductase: A determinant of 5-bromodeoxyuridine mutagenesis in phage T4

Mutagenesis by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) can result from base-pairing errors either during replication of a BrdUrd-containing template or at the nucleotide incorporation step. Replication errors give rise predominantly to AT-to-GC transitions, while incorporation errors, in which 5-bromo-dUTP competes with dCTP at a template guanine site, should give rise to GC-to-AT transitions. The latter pathway should be sensitive to deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pool fluctuations. Since dNTP pools are regulated through allosteric control of ribonucleotide reductase, the control of this enzyme should be a determinant of BrdUrd mutagenesis — if mutagenesis results largely from incorporation errors. Since T4 phage-encoded ribonucleotide reductase is insensitive to feedback inhibition, we established conditions under which phage DNA replication is dependent upon ribonucleotide reductase of the host, Escherichia coli. We examined BrdUrd mutagenesis of rII mutants known to revert to wild type either by AT-to-GC or GC-to-AT transition pathways. While both reversion pathways were stimulated under all conditions analyzed, the AT-to-GC pathway was stimulated more when the E. coli reductase was functioning, while the GC-to-AT pathway was more specifically enhanced when the T4 reductase was active. These results confirm that ribonucleotide reductase is a determinant of BrdUrd mutagenesis, but our observations, plus experiments showing that BrdUrd has relatively small effects upon dNTP pool sizes, indicate that the relationship between deoxyribonucleotide metabolism and BrdUrd mutagenesis is more complex than anticipated.
Mechanism of Fusarium mycotoxin action in mammary gland

The interaction of the Fusarium mycotoxins zearolenone and dihydrozearalanol with specific estrogen binding sites was studied by using cytosol preparations of mammary glands from lactating rats. Both substances inhibited [3H]estradiol‐17β association with its binding site in a competitive fashion. This inhibition was a result principally of an effect on estrogen binding by the 8S species of receptors separated by density gradient centrifugation. These data suggest that the biological action of Fusarium mycotoxins with estrogenic activity is mediated by intracellular estrogen receptors.
Extended semantics for generalization hierarchies

This paper examines the notion of a generalization abstraction proposed by Smith and Smith and considers the properties of a collection of generalizations as a unit called a 'generalization hierarchy'. Presented here is a more detailed representation which consists of a hybrid between a (graphical) network and a predicate calculus formalism.
Lagrangian floats as sea floor imaging platforms

There is a persistent need for high resolution photographic images of the sea floor and associated biota for marine habitat classification and fisheries stock assessment. This paper presents a novel low cost Lagrangian imaging platform that offers high quality images with reduced operational demands in comparison to existing methodologies such as diver surveys, drop cameras, ship towed systems and dedicated remote or autonomous underwater vehicles. The platform consists of a recently developed bottom following Lagrangian float fit with down looking stereo cameras and strobe lighting. The float can use active ballasting to perform constant altitude photographic drift surveys in coastal waters over varying bathymetry. Images from the float can be used to create large photomosaics, stereographic bathymetry estimates and image-derived current measurements. Test data are presented to demonstrate the operation of the Lagrangian float and summarize the data products.