cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression, Localization, and Biochemical Characterization of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase 2

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase 2 (Nmnat2) catalyzes the synthesis of NAD from NMN and ATP. The Nmnat2 transcript is expressed predominately in the brain; we report here that Nmnat2 is a low abundance protein expressed in neurons. Previous studies indicate that Nmnat2 localizes to Golgi. As Nmnat2 is not predicted to contain a signal sequence, lipid-binding domain, or transmembrane domain, we investigated the nature of this interaction. These experiments reveal that Nmnat2 is palmitoylated in vitro, and this modification is required for membrane association. Surprisingly, exogenous Nmnat2 is toxic to neurons, indicating that protein levels must be tightly regulated. To analyze Nmnat2 localization in neurons (previous experiments relied on exogenous expression in HeLa cells), mouse brains were fractionated, showing that Nmnat2 is enriched in numerous membrane compartments including synaptic terminals. In HeLa cells, in addition to Golgi, Nmnat2 localizes to Rab7-containing late endosomes. These studies show that Nmnat2 is a neuronal protein peripherally attached to membranes via palmitoylation and suggest that Nmnat2 is transported to synaptic terminals via an endosomal pathway.
The composition of termite (macrotermes spp.) mounds on soil derived from basic rock in three rainfall zones of Rhodesia

Abstract Termite mounds and adjacent soils were sampled in three rainfall zones: 1000 mm per annum. Electrical conductivity, and extractable calcium, magnesium and potassium are significantly higher in termite mounds than adjacent soils in all rainfall zones. Values of pH, electrical conductivity and extractable calcium show large differences between termite mounds and adjacent soils in the low- and medium-rainfall zones, and small differences in the high-rainfall zone. Differences in the absolute concentration of extractable calcium (extract. Ca mounds - extract. Ca soils) between termite mounds of the three rainfall zones were probably caused mainly by leaching.
Work and Life Balance Support of Female Midlevel Noninstructional Staff at Community Colleges.

Two-year public institutions are known for their nurturing academic environments that support students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. One would assume that these nurturing and supportive environments would also go beyond the students to include employees. Family-friendly working environments support the needs of employees to balance work and life obligations without affecting career advancement opportunities. To decide whether two-year public institutions are family-friendly working environments, this quantitative study explored the perceptions of female midlevel noninstructional professional staff in various administrative positions at 215 two-year public institutions. A survey designed to obtain participant perceptions of their working environments and institutional policies pertaining to work and life balances was completed by 590 respondents. By understanding the perceptions of midlevel noninstructional professional staff, institutions can address the areas of concern by establishing formal...
Localization of clonal T cells to the epidermis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized hy progression of clonal, epidermotropic T cells with the proliferative (Ki-67+) T-cell fraction primarily confined to the epidermis in early CTCL. Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether the malignant clone (recognized by its clonal T-cell receptor [TCR] rearrangement) might also be localized to the epidermal compartment by differential Southern blot analysis. Methods: A rapid heat-saline technique was used to separately isolate epidermal and dermal DNA from 11 patients with CTCL (1 with disease in the pre-MF stage, 4 with patch-stage MF, 3 with plaque-stage MF, 1 with tumor-stage MF, 1 with Sezary syndrome, and 1 with non-MF peripheral T-cell lymphoma). Whole and heat-saline separated 6 mm biopsy specimens (obtained from the same lesion) were analyzed by standard Southern blotting with 5 to 10 μg of DNA digested with BamHI, HindIII, or EcoRI in each case. Filters were probed with a 32P-labeled TCR-Qβ complementary DNA. Skin compartment localization of TCR-Cβ rearrangement was compared with results of diagnostic immunophenotyping and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Results: DNA yields were as follows: from the whole specimens, 14.5 to 62.5 μg; from epidermal sheets, 2 to 42.5 μg; and from the dermis specimens, 2.5 to 25.5 μg. Whole and separated specimens from one patient with plaque-stage disease, three with patch-stage disease, and one patient with pre-MF disease revealed no rearrangement. Six patients had detectable gene rearrangements in the whole specimen by Southern blot; four of six had identical rearrangements in only the epidermal fragment (including the Sezary syndrome biopsy specimen) and not the dermis. The other two patients had only dermal TCR-Cβ rearrangement. No relation was seen between immunophenotype or proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and the localization of TCR-Qβ rearrangements. However, the degree of epider-motropism significantly correlated with the presence of TCR-Cβ rearrangements in the epidermal sheets. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the malignant clone in CTCL can be localized to the epidermal compartment in most cases in which a TCR rearrangement is detectable and that these clones are associated with epidermal proliferation of lymphocytes. This technique of differential epidermal versus dermal Southern analysis for TCR rearrangement may improve sensitivity by helping to distinguish reactive from malignant T-cell populations in future studies of the pathogenesis of CTCL.
Microbial shaping of sedimentary wrinkle structures

Wrinkle structures in ancient sedimentary environments are enigmatic. Wave-tank experiments suggest that wrinkle structures are shaped by microbial mat fragments that are moved by waves over sandy-bed surfaces, and thus are morphological biosignatures.
Use of thermography to evaluate the optimum time for surgery after preoperative radiation.

At the University of Virginia Hospital, patients undergoing preoperative irradiation for carcinoma in the head and neck region are usually scheduled for surgery four to six weeks after completion of therapy. Since preoperative irradiation produces no significant difference in the operative difficulty or postoperative morbidity, it is assumed that the vascularity of the area has returned to the pre-treatment level. Thermography is being used to quantitatively gauge the amount of vascularity and thus, help predict the optimum time for surgery. Thermography is obtained at two-week intervals after a pre-treatment baseline and is carried out for eight weeks after completion of therapy. During therapy the vascularity as determined by thermography is noted to increase to a maximum at approximately three to four weeks or 3 to 4,000 rads. Following completion of treatment, the vascularity subsides gradually and returns to the pre-treatment level at four to six weeks after completion of therapy.
Quantitative evaluation of axonal regeneration by immunochemical assay for neurofilament protein

Abstract In experiments on nerve regeneration requiring assessment of the rate and extent of axonal outgrowth, the availability of a simple and accurate method of quantification would be extremely useful. We approached this issue by modifying the conventional ELISA procedure so as to provide a sensitive, specific, and quantitative biochemical assay of the phosphorylated neurofilament content of homogenates or sections of nerve tissue. The technique involves four sequential steps: (i) adhesion of fixed or fresh homogenates or tissue sections to wells of microtiter plates, (ii) binding of a monoclonal antibody against phosphorylated neurofilament to the tissue, (iii) secondary binding to the anti-phosphorylated neurofilament of a phosphatase-labeled second antibody (antimouse IgG), and (iv) enzymatic assay of alkaline phosphatase activity using a fluorescent substrate (4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate). The technique is sufficiently sensitive to measure the phosphorylated neurofilament content of a 1:100,000 (w/v) homogenate of brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve and of single 10-μm paraffin sections of Bouin-fixed rat spinal cord. To validate the applicability of the procedure to the study of nerve regeneration, the sciatic nerve of adult rats was either crushed (to permit regeneration) or transected and ligated (to preclude regeneration). The animals were autopsied 1 to 16 weeks later, when four segments 3-mm in length taken from regions proximal and distal to the lesion site were assayed for phosphorylated filament content. The temporal course of its disappearance during degeneration and its reappearance during regeneration coincided with the known histologic changes in crushed and transected nerves. These findings demonstrate the validity of using the immunochemical assay for PNF in stidies of nerve regeneration in the peripheral nervous system and the potential applicability of this procedure to studies on regeneration in the central nervous system.
Squamous cell granulomas of the neck: histologic regression of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma following chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Background For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), persistence of cervical adenopathy following organ-preservation therapy is a strong predictor of locoregional failure. Squamous cell granulomas of the neck may represent a regressed state of metastatic HNSCC; however, relevant clinicopathologic features of this lesion including its morphologic characteristics, association with therapy, and relationship to disease progression are not well defined. Methods We reviewed 866 consecutive neck dissections performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1984 to 1996. A total of eight cases showing a foreign-body giant-cell reaction to keratin in the absence of viable tumor formed the basis of this study. Results All eight cases were from patients with stage III or IV HNSCC with concurrent neck masses. Patients were initially treated by chemotherapy (n = 1), radiotherapy (n = 1), or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (n = 6); and all patients subsequently underwent neck dissection for persistence of their neck masses. Histologically, the neck lesions were characterized by a foreign-body giant-cell reaction to keratin and extensive scarring. None (0%) of the patients developed recurrent regional disease in the treated neck. Two (25%) of the patients had tumor recurrence at the primary site. Two (25%) of the patients developed widely metastatic disease. Conclusions These observations suggest that squamous cell granulomas represent histologic regression of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in patients with HNSCC treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Although persistent cervical adenopathy is an established risk factor for locoregional failure in this group of patients, squamous cell granulomas of the neck paradoxically may reflect enhanced regional tumor sensitivity to cytotoxic agents. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck20: 515–521, 1998.
Suppression of Glucagon Secretion during a Tolbutamide Infusion in Normal and Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetic Subjects*

To determine the effect of tolbutamide on glucagon release in noninsulin-dependent diabetic and normal subjects and how plasma glucose levels may modulate this effect, the acute glucagon response (AGR) to a 5-g iv arginine pulse was determined before and during a tolbutamide infusion. There was a decrease in plasma glucose concentration in both normal and diabetic subjects (both P less than 0.001); there tended to be a suppression of the AGR (4 of 6 normals and 8 of 11 diabetics), but this suppression was not statistically significant. In separate studies, when the plasma glucose level was clamped at baseline values by a variable rate of glucose infusion, the AGR was suppressed during the tolbutamide infusion in all 7 normal [change in AGR (delta AGR) = -35 +/- 12 pg/ml; P less than 0.05] and all 6 noninsulin-dependent diabetic subjects (delta AGR = -14 +/- 5 pg/ml, p less than .05). In 6 insulin-dependent diabetic subjects, there was no evidence of glucagon suppression by tolbutamide (delta AGR = +2 +/- 2 pg/ml). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that sulfonylureas suppress glucagon secretion by augmenting insulin secretion, an effect that falling glucose levels can mask. Consideration of this observation is necessary when interpreting the effects of a sulfonylurea on islet cell responses.
Evaluating the activity of temsirolimus in neuroendocrine cancer

Sir, Duran et al (10 October 2006) reported the results of a phase II trial of temsirolimus in 37 patients with advanced neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). The authors cite an intent-to-treat response rate of 5.6% (two out of 36 patients who received temsiroliums achieved a partial response by RECIST criteria), and conclude therefore that ‘temsirolimus appears to have little activity and does not warrant further single-agent evaluation in advanced NEC'. Yet, Duran et al found that tumour control (partial response plus stable disease), measured as the percent tumour change from baseline, was achieved in 23 out of the 36 patients (63.9%) on temsirolimus. When it is considered that all patients in this trial had to have documented, progressive disease within 6 months of the study entry, the significant percentage of patients experiencing disease stabilisation on temsirolimus and the 1-year progression-free rate of 40.1% suggest drug activity beyond the natural course of the disease. Temsirolimus also compares favourably with other agents previously studied in NEC (Oberg, 2002). As a comparison, Faiss et al (2003) prospectively studied the use of interferon-alpha and the somatostatin analogue lanreotide in treatment-naive NEC patients and found tumour control rates of 32% (lanreotide), 30% (interferon-alpha), and 25% (combination) at 1 year. Another study of 15 patients with metastatic NEC refractory to lanreotide examined the use of slow-release octreotide, and a partial response was seen in 7% of patients, stable disease in 40%, and progressive disease in 53% (Ricci et al, 2000). Duran et al also cite other recent reports of the use of sunitinib and, separately, gefitinib in NEC and acknowledge that the response rate and median time to progression with temsirolimus ‘compares favourably with other targeted therapies tested in this tumour population'. This trial exemplifies the difficulty of interpreting the results of single-arm trials using the RECIST criteria (Michaelis and Ratain, 2006). This is especially true for noncytotoxic agents being studied in indolent diseases for which one would expect a high rate of stable disease in the absence of treatment. In fact, the response rate for temsirolimus in NEC compares favourably to that observed with sorafenib in advanced renal cell cancer, where the RECIST response rate is less than 5% (Ratain et al, 2006). Furthermore, if one compares the figures demonstrating ‘tumour size change from baseline' for sorafenib in renal cell cancer to that of temsirolimus in NEC, the response distributions are nearly identical. However, the use of a randomised discontinuation design for the phase II trial of sorafenib demonstrated convincing evidence of activity and its subsequent widespread approval for the treatment of this disease. Rather than abandoning further evaluation of temsirolimus as a single-agent therapy for NEC, one should abandon the concept of single-arm studies of novel agents in neuroendocrine carcinomas.
Resin transfer molding with powder-coated preforms

Incomplete fiber wetting in a resin transfer molded composite may result in poor surface finish, high void content, and reduced mechanical properties. This work studied the use of tows that are precoated with a powdered version of the liquid molding resin (towpregs). The goal is to see if such preforms improve the final part properties because of better fiber wetting. Hercules 12K AS-4 fibers and PR500 (liquid) and PS500 (Powder) resins (3M) were used to make fabrics from towpregs containing 50 wt% total resin (liquid and powder combined). The powder fractions were 0, 13, 21, 50 wt%. Samples were resin transfer molded from preforms made from the towpreg fabrics. Results showed that samples molded with powder-coated preforms had improved surface finishes and reduced void contents (1.4 vs. 5%), but that the mechanical properties were not improved (transverse moduli of ∼ 7.8 Gpa and axial moduli of ∼ 100 Gpa), probably because of defects inherent in the hand-woven towpreg fabric that was used.
SEDIMENTATION PROPERTIES OF RAT LIVER MITOCHONDRIA : Effects of Cortisone Treatment

A prediction of the velocity of sedimentation of rat liver mitochondria in sucrose gradients is made on the basis of recent measurements of the size of isolated mitochondria suspended in sucrose medium and the model proposed by Bentzel and Solomon to describe the osmotic behavior of mitochondria. The experimentally observed velocity is extremely close to the predicted value and confirms by a different approach the estimate of mitochondrial volume made by Baudhuin and Berthet on the basis of electron microscopic measurements. Because cortisone treatment of rats is known to result in a marked increase in mitochondrial size as observed under the electron microscope, mitochondria were co-isolated from livers of control and cortisone-treated animals, and the sedimentation behavior of the mixtures was examined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Mitochondria from cortisone-treated animals were found to sediment 1.4 times as rapidly as those from control animals, indicating that their increased size cannot entirely be due to an increased imbibition of fluid from the surrounding sucrose medium, and that the change in size must at least in part be due to a change in content of nondiffusible mitochondrial components. Although the increase in sedimentation velocity of mitochondria from cortisone-treated animals is striking, it is less than that predicted solely on the basis of their size relative to that of control mitochondria. It is concluded that the increases in mitochondrial size and content of nondiffusible components produced by cortisone treatment are accompanied by alterations in mitochondrial composition as well.
Presence of immunoreactive β-endorphin and enkephalin-like material in the retina and other tissues of the frog, Rana pipiens☆

Abstract Substantial quantities of immunoreactive (IR)-β-endorphin have been demonstrated in the retina of Rana pipiens in amounts not affected by exposure to constant light or constant darkness. IR-β-endorphin has also been measured in blood, pituitary, hypothalamus, and extrahypothalamic brain of this species, while lower concentrations of IR-Met-enkephalin and IR-Leu-enkephalin have also been found in these tissues. The significance of the widespread distribution of opioid peptide-like material in amphibian tissues remains to be determined.
On power functions of the likelihood ratio tests for the simple loop order in normal means: Unequal sample sizes

Likelihood ratio tests are considered for two testing situations; testing for the homogeneity of normal means against the alternative restricted by a simple loop ordering trend and testing the null hypothesis that the means satisfy the trend against all alternatives. The exact expressions are given for the power functions for the simple loop order, k = 4 and unequal sample sizes, both for the case of known and unknown variances.
Adhesion stimulates direct PAK1/ERK2 association and leads to ERK-dependent PAK1 Thr212 phosphorylation

The Rac1/Cdc42 effector p21-activated kinase (PAK) is activated by various signaling cascades including receptor-tyrosine kinases and integrins and regulates a number of processes such as cell proliferation and motility. PAK activity has been shown to be required for maximal activation of the canonical Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK Map kinase signaling cascade, likely because of PAK co-activation of Raf and MEK. Herein, we found that adhesion signaling also stimulates an association between PAK1 and ERK1/2. PAK1 and ERK1/2 co-immunoprecipitated from rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) plated on fibronectin, and the two proteins co-localized in membrane ruffles and adhesion complexes following PDGF-BB or sphingosine 1-phosphate treatment, respectively. Far Western analysis demonstrated a direct association between the two proteins, and peptide mapping identified an ERK2 binding site within the autoinhibitory domain of PAK1. Interestingly, deletion of a major ERK binding site in PAK attenuates activation of an ERK-dependent serum-responsive element (SRE)-luciferase reporter gene, indicating that association between PAK and ERK is required to facilitate ERK signaling. We also show that ERK2 phosphorylates PAK1 on Thr(212) in vitro and that Thr(212) is phosphorylated in smooth muscle cells following PDGF-BB treatment in an adhesion- and MEK/ERK-dependent fashion. Expression of a phosphomimic variant, PAK-T212E, does not alter ERK association, but markedly attenuates downstream ERK signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that PAK1 may facilitate ERK signaling by serving as a scaffold to recruit Raf, MEK, and ERK to adhesion complexes, and that subsequent growth factor-stimulated phosphorylation of PAK-Thr(212) by ERK may serve to provide a negative feedback signal to control coordinate activation of ERK by growth factor- and matrix-induced signals.
RADIOLYTIC STABILITY OF SOME RECENTLY DEVELOPED ION EXCHANGE AND EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHIC RESINS CONTAINING DIPHOSPHONIC ACID GROUPSa

ABSTRACT The effect of 60Co irradiation on the Diphonix™, Diphosil and Diphonix-CS chelating ion exchange resins, and on two Dipex™ extraction chromatographic resins containing the P,P’-di(2-ethylhexyl) methanediphosphonic acid (H2DEH[MDP]) impregnated in the pores of a polymeric support (Dipex-1) and of silica (Dipex-2), respectively, has been investigated. The resins have been irradiated while in contact with HNO3 (Diphonix, Diphosil and Dipex resins) or NaOH (Diphonix-CS resin) up to an absorbed dose of about 200 Mrad. As a probe of the resin radiolytic degradation, metal uptake (both equilibrium and kinetics) and capacity measurements have been performed. Our results show that the Diphonix-CS resin properties are practically unaffected by irradiation under the experimental conditions used in this work. The Diphonix, Diphosil, and especially the Dipex resins suffer substantial capacity losses, but their affinity for actinide ions is not seriously compromised. On the other hand, the kinetics of metal up...
Influence of heterotrophic microbial growth on biological oxidation of pyrite.

The rate and extent of pyrite oxidation by the iron-oxidizing bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was limited by the growth of the heterotrophic microbe Acidiphilium acidophilum. In batch systems containing a mixture of both organisms, the maximum zero-order rate of ferric iron accumulation was about 1.4 mg of Fe3+ L-1 d-1 as compared to 9.4 mg of Fe3+ L-1 d-1 for pure cultures of A. ferrooxidans under the same conditions. Pyrite oxidation was limited in cases where both cultures of organisms were initially present as well as situations where the heterotrophic organisms were added to established, pyrite-oxidizing systems containing A. ferrooxidans. Results also indicated that organic carbon remaining in solution following heterotrophic bacterial growth reduced the rate of abiotic pyrite oxidation by the ferric ion. Furthermore, a cell-free solution of the residual organic carbon resulted in a lag of A. ferrooxidans growth in soluble ferrous medium. The residual organic carbon solution that accumulated...
Structure and dose effects on ion beam modification of polymers

Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethersulfone (PES) were implanted with 200 keV boron ions at three different doses. PS was also implanted with 100 keV boron. A nanoindentation technique and reciprocating sliding wear tests were used to characterize mechanical properties of the implanted polymers. The results showed that hardness increased with increasing dose as well as increasing energy. The relative increase in hardness was reduced with increasing complexity of the side groups of the polymer chains although absolute hardness values were higher. With increasing complexity of the main backbone polymer chain, the relative increase in hardness as well as numerical hardness values were lower. These effects were attributed to the relative contributions of cross-linking and chain scission, which were viewed as competing processes. Wear tests showed that in general, a low or intermediate implant dose yielded the best improvement in wear resistance. No specific trends were observed relating friction coefficient values and improved wear resistance.
SU-FF-T-364: Quality Assurance (QA) Procedure for KV-KV Setup Correction Verification Using Autodetection of Radiopaque Markers

Purpose: Developed QA procedure for checking 1) the accuracy of the automatic detection of implemented markers 2) the accuracy of the detected shifts using the radiomarker application software provided on the On‐Board ImagingSystem (OBI). This QA procedure will assure that marker match software is reliable and that the positional difference detected by the software can be reliably transferred to couch motion. Method and materials: Anthropomorphic phantom was used for this procedure. Three bbs were placed into the phantom defining 3D spatial locations. An axial CT scan of the phantom was acquired with slice thickness of 2 mm. A plan with AP and lat KV fields with attached DRRs was created in Eclipse treatment planning where only the radiopaque markers are visible. The procedure starts with seting up the phantom as marked in the CT and acquires KV‐KV AP and lat images. The automated marker matching process of the OBI identifies the location of the markers on the reference sim‐CT image and their locations on the KV radiographs. Once detected, the 3D sim‐CT reference markers will be projected onto the orthogonal 2D images. The system will provide automatic marker positioning where the reference markers position themselves over the markers in the KV radiographs and necessary couch positions will be displayed. The shifts obtained will be applied to remotely move the couch. To test the accuracy of the detected shifts, a 1‐cm shift was applied to the phantom in all 3 translational directions. Same above procedure was followed to detect the shifts. All data were saved. Result: This procedure is simple and easy to implement. The accuracy the procedure can detect is better than 1 mm. Conclusion: The suggested QA procedure is clinically robust and reliable. We implemented this procedure before starting using the system for patient set up verification.
Representing development: models, meaning, and the challenge of complexity

Neuroconstructivism (Mareschal et al. 2007a) provides a useful framework for how to integrate research from different levels of analysis to model the multidimensional dynamics of development. However, the authors overlook the topic of meaning, a fundamental feature of cognition and subjective experience and also downplay the nonlinear nature of developmental causality. Neuroconstructivism is overly optimistic on the point of how well current computational models can address the challenge of complexity in developmental science.
Cation distribution in magnetoplumbite and β′′-alumina structures

Abstract Atomistic computer simulation techniques have been used to investigate the structural features influencing relative cation enrichments in magnetoplumbite structure based on A12O3 and β′′-alumina. The simulation results indicate that, like in spinel structure, Mg2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+ ions strongly prefer a tetrahedral coordinated environment in both magnetoplumbite and β′′-alumina structures. Due to its large octahedral site preference energy, Cr3+ ion is enriched in octahedral sites. Therefore, in general, the normal site preferences of cations for tetrahedral or octahedral sites are paralleled in magnetoplumbite and β′′-alumina structures, but in the case of Ni2+, the crystal structure has an effect on its distribution. There is a mixed Ni2+ ion distribution among both tetrahedral and octahedral sites, with the tetrahedral site being more energetically favorable in both structures. More detailed site preferences of Ni2+ ions in the presence of Zn2+ in magnetoplumbite structure are also reported in this study.
Using Textbooks as Ballistic Shields in School Emergency Plans

This study reports the results of an empirical investigation into the ability of textbooks to form an effective ballistic shield that can be incorporated into school safety plans. The authors exami...
Growth-Stimulating Factors in Alfalfa for Chicks

Abstract INVESTIGATIONS in the last several years have shown there are still some unidentified factors in feeds necessary for optimum nutrition. Only a few of these investigations, however, have been concerned with the existence of these factors in plant products. Carlson et al. (1949) and Menge et al. (1952) reported factors in yeast, and Cravens et al. (1951) factors in yeast and wheat bran that stimulate the growth of chicks. Bowland et al. (1948) found that alfalfa contained factors which increase the rate of growth of rats fed purified diets. Kohler and Graham (1951) observed that water extracts of leafy green vegetables stimulated the growth of chicks, and Scott (1951) noted the same effect in turkey poults. This growth-stimulating substance, however, was destroyed by drying and was consequently lacking in the dehydrated materials (Kohler and Graham, 1951). This paper presents data which indicate that dehydrated alfalfa contains factors which stimulate the …
Nonlinear beam propagation in quadratic nonlinear materials

Quadratically [/spl chi//sup (2)/] media have historically been used to generate new frequencies. Although textbook analysis has focused on small conversion with plane waves, many additional effects (cascading, beam distortion, multi-soliton generation, etc.) occur for high intensity, finite beams. They will be explained and reviewed.
Fluctuating asymmetry in fetuses of diabetic rhesus macaques.

This study examines dental fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in two samples of fetal rhesus monkeys, one composed of 19 fetuses from diabetic mothers (FDM) and the other of 20 fetuses from nondiabetic mothers. Seventeen measurements were taken on the deciduous dentition of right and left mandibles. The degree of FA was assessed by comparing FDM to fetuses of normal mothers by (a) correlation between right and left sides, and (b) analysis of variation differences between right and left sides. Significant FA was found for three traits based on the correlation between right and left sides and for seven traits by the between-treatment ratio of variance between sides. Distal teeth, both within and outside of a morphologic field, exhibit significantly greater FA than mesial teeth. Our results support the hypothesis that developmental instability is detectable by dental FA.
Toll-Like Receptor 9 Modulates Macrophage Antifungal Effector Function during Innate Recognition of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Phagocytic responses are critical for effective host defense against opportunistic fungal pathogens. Macrophages sample the phagosomal content and orchestrate the innate immune response. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes unmethylated CpG DNA and is activated by fungal DNA. Here we demonstrate that specific triggering of TLR9 recruitment to the macrophage phagosomal membrane is a conserved feature of fungi of distinct phylogenetic origins, including Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Malassezia furfur, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The capacity to trigger phagosomal TLR9 recruitment was not affected by a loss of fungal viability or cell wall integrity. TLR9 deficiency has been linked to increased resistance to murine candidiasis and to restriction of fungal growth in vivo. Macrophages lacking TLR9 demonstrate a comparable capacity for phagocytosis and normal phagosomal maturation compared to wild-type macrophages. We now show that TLR9 deficiency increases macrophage tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in response to C. albicans and S. cerevisiae, independent of yeast viability. The increase in TNF-α production was reversible by functional complementation of the TLR9 gene, confirming that TLR9 was responsible for negative modulation of the cytokine response. Consistently, TLR9 deficiency enhanced the macrophage effector response by increasing macrophage nitric oxide production. Moreover, microbicidal activity against C. albicans and S. cerevisiae was more efficient in TLR9 knockout (TLR9KO) macrophages than in wild-type macrophages. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that TLR9 is compartmentalized selectively to fungal phagosomes and negatively modulates macrophage antifungal effector functions. Our data support a model in which orchestration of antifungal innate immunity involves a complex interplay of fungal ligand combinations, host cell machinery rearrangements, and TLR cooperation and antagonism.
Geology of Wheaton Consolidated Oil Field, Gibson County, Indiana: ABSTRACT

The Wheaton Consolidated oil field is in Union and Barton townships of Gibson County, Indiana. The field has produced oil since the 1920s from a sandstone reservoir referred to as the "Jackson Sand," which is equivalent to the Big Clifty Formation of surface terminology. The Big Clifty Formation is part of the Stephensport Group, and is Chesterian or Late Mississippian in age. Within the field area the Big Clifty Formation can be mapped between the underlying Barlow Limestone and overlying Golconda Limestone. The lower contact appears to be sharp over the field area. The upper contact of the Big Clifty intergrades with at least one tongue of Golconda which pinches out into the Big Clifty. The Big Clifty Formation includes sandstone, shale, and mudstone with minor amounts of sandy limestone. A typical sequence from top to bottom includes: black shale; thin red mudstone; gray shale; silty limestone; interbedded gray shale and very fine-grained, white, sandstone; well sorted, fine-grained, white, sandstone; and thin gray shale. The percentage of sandstone within the Big Clifty Formation varies significantly. The thickness of the Big Clifty Formation ranges from 64 to 89 ft (19.5 to 27 m). The unit dips to the End_Page 1280------------------------------ southwest and is 940 ft (287 m) below the surface within the northwest part of the study area and 1,330 ft (405 m) below the surface in the southwest part of the study area. The areas containing high concentrations of sandstone form two elongated trends within the study area. The sandstone trends strike N55°E, and trend axes lie approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) apart. The sandstone bodies are approximately 3/4 mi (1.2 km) across and 5 mi (8 km) long, and range in thickness from 3 to 40 ft (~ 1 to 12 m). The sandstone bodies may represent shallow marine offshore bar or strandline deposits. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1281------------
Coordinated Channel Access in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Multi-Level Spectrum Opportunity Perspective

In a cognitive radio network (CRN), spectrum opportunities should be efficiently utilized through careful coordination between cognitive radio (CR) users. In this paper, we formulate the coordinated channel access as a joint power/rate control and channel assignment optimization problem, with the objective of maximizing the sum-rate achieved by all CRs over all channels. The problem is formulated under a generalized multi-level spectrum opportunity framework, which reflects the microscopic spatial opportunity available to CRs. A centralized polynomial-time approximate algorithm to the problem is developed. We prove the algorithm's correctness and show its accuracy through numerical examples.
Internally Mediated Developmental Desynchronization of Neocortical Network Activity

During neocortical development, neurons exhibit highly synchronized patterns of spontaneous activity, with correlated bursts of action potential firing dominating network activity. This early activity is eventually replaced by more sparse and decorrelated firing of cortical neurons, which modeling studies predict is a network state that is better suited for efficient neural coding. The precise time course and mechanisms of this crucial transition in cortical network activity have not been characterized in vivo. We used in vivo two-photon calcium imaging in combination with whole-cell recordings in both unanesthetized and anesthetized mice to monitor how spontaneous activity patterns in ensembles of layer 2/3 neurons of barrel cortex mature during postnatal development. We find that, as early as postnatal day 4, activity is highly synchronous within local clusters of neurons. At the end of the second postnatal week, neocortical networks undergo a transition to a much more desynchronized state that lacks a clear spatial structure. Strikingly, deprivation of sensory input from the periphery had no effect on the time course of this transition. Therefore, developmental desynchronization of spontaneous neuronal activity is a fundamental network transition in the neocortex that appears to be intrinsically generated.
Matching pursuits channel estimation for an underwater acoustic OFDM modem

Sparse channel estimation algorithms are proposed for underwater acoustic Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communications in time-varying multipath channels. Following carrier frequency offset (CFO) correction, the proposed algorithms first extract the portion of the time domain signal corresponding to pilot symbols. The Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm is then applied to channel estimation. Performance of the proposed receiver is evaluated in simulations and in underwater field tests. Experiments in shallow water show that a BER on the order of 10-3 is achievable at 330 m distance for uncoded data transmission. Experimental results with LDPC-coded transmission are also presented showing zero BER at 330 m.
Shoulder proprioception in baseball pitchers

We examined proprioceptive differences between the dominant and nondominant shoulders of 21 collegiate baseball pitchers without a history of shoulder instability or surgery. A proprioceptive testing device was used to measure kinesthesia and joint position sense. Joint position sense was significantly (P = .05) more accurate in the nondominant shoulder than in the dominant shoulder when starting at 75% of maximal external rotation and moving into internal rotation. There were no significant differences for proprioception in the other measured positions or with kinesthesia testing. Six pitchers with recent shoulder pain had a significant (P = .04) kinesthetic deficit in the symptomatic dominant shoulder compared with the asymptomatic shoulder, as measured in neutral rotation moving into internal rotation. The net effect of training, exercise-induced laxity, and increased external rotation in baseball pitchers does not affect proprioception, although shoulder pain, possibly due to rotator cuff inflammation or tendinitis, is associated with reduced kinesthetic sensation. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001;10:438-44.)
Andean Diaspora: The Tiwanaku Colonies and the Origins of South American Empire

Andean Diaspora: The Tiwanaku Colonies and the Origins of South American Empire. Paul S. Goldstein. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2005. 403 pp.
Galactic disc dark matter, terrestrial impact cratering and the law of large numbers

A new approach is used to study the old question of missing mass in the Galactic disc. Invoking the law of large numbers, a simple average is formed of the many independent published values of the volume density of solar neighbourhood matter deduced from observational analyses of the gravitational force perpendicular to the Galactic plane. This average value is 0.15 ± 0.01 M⊙ pc−3, which should be compared with 0.10 ± 0.01 M⊙ pc−3 in known visible matter. The estimated 30 per cent dark matter significantly increases the Galactic z-force, thereby reducing the average half-period of vertical oscillation of the Solar system about the Galactic plane to 37 ± 4 Myr. A number of previously proposed Galactic mechanisms can both trigger and modulate the rate of gravitational perturbations of the Oort halo of comets. These mechanisms include encounters with massive interstellar clouds and the vertical Galactic tides. Predicted impacts of Oort halo comets on the Earth are broadly compatible with the terrestrial record of large impact craters. A specifically Galactic signature may appear in the 36 ± 1 Myr mean periodicity of cratering detected in Grieve’s updated list of the ages of large impact craters.
Associations between evaluation anxiety, cognitive interference and performance on working memory tasks

According to Cognitive Interference Theory, evaluation anxiety leads to increased negative off-task self-dialogue which then results in diminished cognitive performance. Given that negative off-task self-dialogue is primarily verbal, the phonological loop and central executive components of the working memory system should be most affected by evaluation anxiety. Eighty-eight participants were randomly assigned to receive evaluation anxiety inducing instructions or supportive instructions prior to administration of three tests (Digit Span, Visual Memory Span, and StroopColour-Word) that measured the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and central executive components of working memory. Measures of evaluation anxiety and negative off-task self-dialogue were obtained during and after testing. Results showed that participants receiving anxiety inducing instructions reported significantly more evaluation anxiety and off-task self-dialogue. They also had significantly lower performance on the Digit Span Test and the StroopColour-Word Test. Negative off-task self-dialogue also mediated the relationship between evaluation anxiety and performance on the Digit Span Test. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Voltage High Speed Programming/Erasing Charge Trapping Memory with Metal-Al2O3-SiN-Si3N4-Si Structure

SONOS-type NAND flash memory cell with metal-Al2O3-SiN-Si3N4-Si was fabricated and key characteristics were investigated. Low voltage and high-speed programming/erasing characteristics were achieved, due to low barrier height of Si3N4 and high dielectric constant of Al2O3 compared with those of SiO2. It also showed good endurance up to 10 k cycles, and more than 1.5 V memory windows after 10 years.
High velocity refactorings in Eclipse

In Eclipse, and in most other development environments, refactorings are activated by selecting code, then using a menu or hotkey, and finally engaging in a dialog with a "wizard". However, selection is error-prone, menus are slow, hotkeys are hard to remember, and wizards are time-consuming. The problem is that as a consequence, refactoring tools disrupt the programmer's workflow and are perceived to be slower than refactoring by hand. In this paper we present two new user interfaces to Eclipse's existing refactoring engine: marking menus and refactoring cues. Both are designed to increase programming velocity by keeping the tool out of the programmer's way.
The CDC’s Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population Is a Valuable Tool for Researchers and Policy Makers

The CDCs National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population (Nutrition Report) is a serial publication that provides ongoing assessment of the populations nutritional status. The Nutrition Report presents data on blood and urine biomarker concentrations (selected water- and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients, trace elements, dietary bioactive compounds) from a representative sample of the population participating in the NHANES. The Second Nutrition Report (released in 2012) contains reference information (means and percentiles) for 58 biomarkers measured during all or part of 2003–2006, stratified by age, sex, and race-ethnicity. Where available, we presented cutoff-based prevalence data during 2003–2006 and data on changes in biomarker concentrations or prevalence since 1999. Blood vitamin concentrations were generally higher in older ($60 y) than in younger (20–39 y) adults and lower in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks than in non-Hispanic whites. Nearly 80% of Americans (aged $6 y) were not at risk of deficiencies in any of the 7 vitamins studied (vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E and folate). Deficiency rates varied by age, sex, and race-ethnicity. Approximately 90% of women (aged 12–49 y) were not at risk of iron deficiency, but only 68% were not at risk of deficiencies in iron and all 7 vitamins. Young women (20–39 y) had median urine iodine concentrations bordering on insufficiency. First-time data are presented on plasma concentrations of 24 saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tabulation and graphical presentation of NHANES data in the Second Nutrition Report benefits those organizations involved in developing and evaluating nutrition policy. J. Nutr. doi: 10.3945/jn.112.172858.
Rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase secretion into lumen and serum is coordinately regulated

We have reported the presence of intestinal alkaline phosphatase on particles with surfactant-like properties within enterocytes, on the luminal surface (light mucosal scrapings) and in the lumen of adult fat-fed rat intestines ((1989) J. Clin. Invest. 84, 1355). To test the physiological role of these particles, we compared the effect on particle secretion of a known inducer of luminal and serum alkaline phosphatase secretion (fat), with the effect of pharmacological stimulators (cholecystokinin and bethanecol). Fat induced a 2-3-fold increase in membrane-free phosphatase activity in serum, and in particle-bound alkaline phosphatase activity in proximal luminal washings and light mucosal scrapings, reaching a peak in both compartments 7 h after a corn oil feed. Bethanecol given subcutaneously induced a quantitatively similar increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and in particle-bound phosphatase activity in proximal light mucosal scrapings, reaching a peak 7.5 min after injection. Cholecystokinin also had a 2-3-fold stimulatory effect, 30 min after injection, on particle-bound phosphatase activity in proximal intestinal light mucosal scrapings and distal intestinal luminal washings. The increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in serum samples reached a peak 60 min after cholecystokinin injection. Thus, three independent stimuli increase both luminal and serum appearance of intestinal alkaline phosphatase. These data support the earlier findings that intestinal alkaline phosphatase secretion into the lumen is mediated by a secreted particle, further show that secretion into serum and lumen is coordinately regulated, and are consistent with the hypothesis that the rise in serum alkaline phosphatase activity could be related to extracellular release of the enzyme from the particles.