cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender composition, situational strength, and team decision-making accuracy: A criterion decomposition approach

This study reexamines conclusions regarding the superiority of all male teams on traditionally masculine tasks. By decomposing the criterion of decision-making accuracy, we illustrate how male-dominated teams may, in some contexts, constitute the worst gender composition. Specifically, as the percentage of males on a team increased, there was an exponential increase in the tendency for making decisions that were overaggressive. However, this bias in male-dominated teams' decision making was neutralized when teams received feedback on past levels of overaggressiveness. We document these effects in a study of 80 four-person teams using a simulation of a task that is masculine in its characteristics and male-dominated in terms of occupational demography. Possible interventions aimed at improving team decision-making accuracy are suggested.
Response of the Peroxidase-Oxidase Oscillator to Light Is Controlled by MB+−NADH Photochemistry

Although the peroxidase-oxidase (PO) oscillator has been widely studied [Scheeline et al. Chem. Rev. 1997, 97, 739], 1 the continued lack of quantitative agreement between experiment and theory suggests that the molecularcomponents and reactions essential for oscillation dynamics are not fully understood. Particularly, the role of photochemical reactions has been largely overlooked even though the photosensitizer methylene blue (MB + ) has been routinely added to PO reaction mixes by investigators since the first demonstration of sustained oscillations [Nakamura et al. Nature 1969, 222, 794]. 2 We reasoned that the presence of MB + in the PO reaction should make oscillations sensitive to visible light exposure. We tested this possibility and observed that both the frequency and the amplitude of O 2 oscillations obtained with a free-running periodic PO oscillator were suppressed in a rapid and reversible manner when exposed to visible light. The effect occurred at illumination wavelengths between 600 and 700 nm, was greatest at 670 nm, and was consistent with the absorbance spectrum of MB + . Measurements of the rate of NADH oxidation by MB + during illumination with red light showed a dose dependence consistent with the response curve observed for periodic PO oscillations. We concluded that PO oscillations were influenced by light through a photochemical effect on MB + , with the photosensitive reaction being the oxidation of NADH by MB + . Given these results, photoinduced suppression effects may be a common experimental bias in PO experiments where broadband spectroscopic illumination has been used. Future laboratory work involving the PO oscillator will need to control for MB + -dependent photochemical effects and theoretical modeling efforts should account for photochemistry involving MB + and NADH.
Organ engineering based on decellularized matrix scaffolds

End-organ failure is one of the major healthcare challenges in the Western world. Yet, donor organ shortage and the need for immunosuppression limit the impact of transplantation. The regeneration of whole organs could theoretically overcome these hurdles. Early milestones have been met by combining stem and progenitor cells with increasingly complex scaffold materials and culture conditions. Because the native extracellular matrix (ECM) guides organ development, repair and physiologic regeneration, it provides a promising alternative to synthetic scaffolds and a foundation for regenerative efforts. Perfusion decellularization is a novel technology that generates native ECM scaffolds with intact 3D anatomical architecture and vasculature. This review summarizes achievements to date and discusses the role of native ECM scaffolds in organ regeneration.
The effects of widowhood and vascular risk factors on late-life depression.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine whether the impact of conjugal loss on depression is greater in the presence of vascular risk factors (CVRFs) (stress vulnerability hypothesis), or whether conjugal loss and CVRFs are independent predictors of depression following spousal loss (independent pathways hypothesis). Method The current study is a secondary data analysis of the Changing Lives of Older Couples database, which is a study of older widowed persons. One thousand five hundred thirty-two participants engaged in a baseline interview, and interviews were conducted 6, 18, and 48 months after the death of a spouse. Results Spousal loss is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms at six months after the death. At 18- and 48-months postloss, CVRFs significantly predict depression onset, however no interactions between the two variables were seen at any of the three follow-up waves. Looking longitudinally from baseline to each follow-up wave, the widows with low CVRFs were at greater risk for elevated depression at six-months postloss than the non-widows with low vascular risk, and all widows were at a greater risk for elevated depression at 18-months postloss. At 48-month follow-up, those with high CVRFs who had not lost a spouse were at significantly greater risk for depression than the non-widows with low CVRFs. Conclusions Results do not provide support for the stress-vulnerability hypothesis and suggest that loss and CVRFs are independent predictors of depression, whose effects vary with the passage of time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Blueprint for Attaining and Assessing Psychiatry Resident Competency

Background: The Residency Review Committee (RRC) for Psychiatry of the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) now requires that all psychiatric residency programs demonstrate competency for all psychiatric residents in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Objective: To increase awareness about specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to perform competent CBT, optimal teaching methods available to insure competency, and valid assessment tools and resources available to training programs. Methods: Literature review and discussion of common features of successful training programs. Results and Conclusions: Training programs have resources and standardized methods of training, supervision, and assessment available to help residents meet the ACGME mandated competency requirements in CBT.
Hemodynamic effects of angiotensin and renin inhibition in dogs with acute left ventricular failure.

The effects of enalaprilat (MK-422), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, were compared to those of SCRIP, a renin inhibitor, in experimentally induced left ventricular failure. In anesthetized dogs, acute left ventricular failure was induced by repeated embolization, via the left main coronary artery, with 50 μm plastic microspheres. Embolization significantly increased left ventricular enddiastolic pressure from 6 ± 1 to 14 ± 1 (p
Information storage in the nervous system of Aplysia: specific proteins affected by serotonin and cAMP

To identify proteins that may be involved in the induction of long-term changes in the nervous system, we investigated whether specific proteins in pleural sensory neurons of Aplysia were affected by procedures that mimic those used to produce long-term sensitization. Using two-dimensional PAGE, we found that exposure to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) for 2 or 3 hr appeared to increase incorporation of labeled amino acids into one protein (P9) and decrease incorporation into two other proteins (P19 and P20). These effects of 5-HT were observed whether the labeled amino acid was leucine or methionine. The same proteins that were affected by 5-HT were also altered by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and by the 8-bromo and 8-benzylthio analogs of cAMP. Addition of Co2+ to 5-HT did not seem to affect the action of 5-HT on P9 and P20, but it did seem to block the effect of 5-HT on P19. However, the effect of analogs of cAMP on P9, P19, and P20 was not altered by inclusion of Co2+. A phorbol ester that activates protein kinase C did not appear to affect the proteins that were modified by 5-HT, but phorbol ester did appear to increase the amount of labeled amino acids incorporated into another protein (P24). To investigate the specificity of these effects for pleural ganglion neurons, we examined the effect of 3- and 6-hr treatments of 5-HT on proteins in the abdominal ganglion. 5-HT affected at least nine proteins in the abdominal ganglion. One of these proteins (P9) appeared to be the same as one altered by 5-HT in the pleural sensory neurons. However, the occurrence of some proteins and some effects of 5-HT were specific for one ganglion or the other. The identified proteins that were affected by both 5-HT and changes in cAMP may be involved in the induction of long-term changes in the nervous system of Aplysia.
Challenges in the Management of Giant Intraductal Breast Papilloma

The differential diagnosis of a large breast mass in a post-menopausal woman can include both benign and malignant etiologies. Although rare, diagnosis of giant intraductal papilloma must be considered in the differential. Furthermore, although benign, papillomas presenting as a large breast mass affecting the skin require extensive breast surgical treatment.
Developmental expression of a Drosophila actin gene encoding actin I

The Drosophila melanogaster actin genes comprise a dispersed multigene family1,2 of six genes, one at each of six scattered chromosomal loci (refs 1,2 and unpublished observations). These genes encode the Drosophila actins I, II and III3,4, which can be separated in the isoelectric focusing dimension of two-dimensional gels. Actins II and III have been found in all tissues, with actin III an unstable species except in adult thorax5, while actin I, the most acidic form, appears during larval myogenesis both in vivo and in vitro3,4. Some actins therefore seem to be developmentally regulated. If individual members of a multigene family are regulated at the transcriptional level, this implies that developmental mechanisms of gene regulation can be elucidated by comparing gene family members. We report here a pattern of transcriptional activity of the D. melanogaster actin gene at the 79B chromosomal locus. Our results suggest that the 79B actin gene encodes actin I, the larval muscle-specific actin, and that actin I is synthesized initially as a precursor. The precursor co-migrates with cytoplasmic actin at the position of actin II and is subsequently acetylated to form actin I.
Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of ribosomal proteins: Improved resolution with Triton X-100☆

Abstract The nonionic detergent Triton X-100 binds in varying proportions to specific ribosomal proteins and decreases the relative mobility of these proteins during electrophoresis. When Triton X-100 binds to these ribosomal proteins in the first-dimension gel, the resolution of the ribosomal proteins in the second-dimension gel pattern is greatly improved. Maximum binding of Triton X-100 to the ribosomal proteins is dependent on pH, urea concentration, and the complete reduction of cysteine and methionine. After first-dimension electrophoresis the Triton X-100 in the gel does not interfere with the binding of sodium dodecyl sulfate to the ribosomal proteins and the molecular weight of these proteins can still be estimated directly from the second-dimension slab gel.
Block diagram analysis of vacuum-tube circuits

MANY AUTHORS OF textbooks on electronics begin their discussion of feedback amplifiers with the now-classic block diagram, from which they derive the general gain equation, $A^{\prime}={A \over 1-A \beta}\eqno{\hbox{(1)}}$ where A is the gain without feedback and β is the feedback fraction. In dealing with specific circuits, however, it is a common practice to write and solve the circuit equations. This article shows that amplifiers and oscillators can be analyzed from start to finish by block diagram methods, first developed for feedback control systems1 and later applied to purely circuit problems.2
Analytic accuracy of specific immunoglobulin E antibody results determined by a blind proficiency survey

Analytic variability affects the accuracy of measurements of specific IgE antibodies, but the frequency of false results attributable to analytic variability is not well documented. We have monitored the accuracy of the results generated in our laboratory by testing aliquots of positive serum pools and a negative serum pool submitted blindly for the measurement of IgE antibodies to 16 different allergens, including foods; weed, grass, and tree pollens; mites, molds, and epithelia; and Hymenoptera venoms. Positive serum pools were prepared to contain modest amounts of IgE antibodies. Tests were performed by immunometric assays with microcrystalline cellulose allergen immunosorbents. Frank false-positive and false-negative results were very uncommon when binding levels were classified by a ratio-based reporting scheme. False-borderline results were more common. A borderline result is truly equivocal and may or may not indicate the presence of low levels of IgE antibodies. Analytic variability adds uncertainty to the measurement of small quantities of IgE antibodies regardless of the classification scheme used to report test results.
Arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle

Painful conditions of the acromioclavicular joint without instability can be treated successfully with arthroscopic methods. The direct approach is best suited for isolated acromioclavicular pathology. It also can be used to address the acromioclavicular joint during shoulder arthroscopy and bursoscopy, but two additional acromioclavicular portals are needed. In patients with both subacromial and acromioclavicular joint pathology, the bursal approach to the acromioclavicular joint can be used. In some patients with narrow or medially inclined overriding clavicles, the distal clavicle is not easily resected with the bursal approach. The direct approach is an alternative in these situations. Either method has been shown to be an effective treatment and can return the patient to full activity much sooner than with a traditional open resection.
Equity, equality, and the protestant ethic: Allocating rewards following fair and unfair competition

Abstract Female undergraduates scoring high and low on the Mirels-Garrett Protestant Ethic (PE) Scale divided a fixed reward between themselves and a co-worker following competition on a clerical task. Half the subjects were told that they had either won or lost in fair competition. The remaining subjects were told they had either won or lost because of an error that gave a favorable advantage to one of the performers. When the competition was fair, high PEs distributed the rewards available according to an equity norm, keeping more than half when they won and less than half when they lost. When the competition was unfair, high PEs attempted to reestablish fairness by compensating the performer with the unfair disadvantage. However, low PEs kept approximately half the reward regardless of fairness and regardless of whether they won or lost.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty as an alternative to total knee arthroplasty for unicompartmental osteoarthritis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty as an alternative to total knee arthroplasty in patients with degenerative arthritis limited to either the medial or lateral compartment. Methods: A decision model was created for the treatment of end-stage unicompartmental knee arthritis. A literature review was used to identify possible outcomes and their probabilities following treatment with either unicompartmental or total knee arthroplasty. Each outcome was weighted for quality of life with use of a utility factor, and effectiveness was expressed in units of quality-adjusted life years. Gross costs were estimated from Medicare reimbursement data for the relevant Current Procedural Terminology and Diagnosis-Related Group codes. Results: Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the cost-effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is dependent on the assumption that its durability and functional outcomes approach those of total knee arthroplasty. Specifically, it is necessary for the survival of unicompartmental implants to be within three to four years of the assumed survival of total knee implants for unicompartmental arthroplasty to remain a cost-effective alternative. Under these assumptions, the use of unicompartmental arthroplasty is a cost-effective choice as it results in incremental gains in effectiveness at a cost of less than $50,000 (in 1998 United States dollars) per quality-adjusted life year gained. Conclusions: This study supports unicompartmental knee arthroplasty as a cost-effective alternative for the treatment of unicompartmental arthritis when the durability and function of a unicompartmental replacement are assumed to be similar to those of a primary total knee replacement. This suggests that, with appropriate patient selection, the currently available literature supports unicompartmental arthroplasty as a cost-effective alternative to total knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Economic and decision analysis, Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Creation of a recombinant peptide substrate for fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based protease assays

-based assays. Generation of pure, reliable,high-quality substrate is essential to such assays. SmallFRET substrates can be easily prepared by chemical pro-duction. The preparation of Xuorogenic substrate becomescumbersome when a larger peptide substrate is required orwhen the amino acid residues that Xank the protease cleav-age site are critical to enzyme activity. We sought a novelmethod to generate a large FRET peptide substrate usingfacile DNA recombinant technology.FRET is a phenomenon that describes the alteration inXuorescence emission that occurs with the interaction oftwo molecules in close proximity. Energy transferred froman excited donor molecule (Xuor) to an acceptor molecule(quencher) is dependent on the Forster radius (
“Let's Talk About Sex”: Exploring HBCU Student Memorable Message Narratives

This article reports on an exploratory study regarding the memorable message narratives that students attending a U.S. southern historically Black college and university (HBCU) shared as most influential in their current sexual practices. A larger national research project was conducted to generate formative data regarding HBCU student's knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), their comfort levels discussing sexuality, and the social, sexual, and memorable messages that guide their behaviors, practices, and beliefs regarding sexuality. From this larger data set, the authors focused on 114 narratives provided by participants. Using thematic analysis, this article delineates source-based themes of memorable messages that provide insight into how current sexual beliefs, attitudes, and practices are informed by a variety of socializing agents. Implications for future research, theorizing, and practice are discussed.
Synthesis and Study of Triphenylphosphines Functionalized at the 4-Positions through the Nitrogen Atoms in 1,4,7,10-Tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane and the X-ray Structure of the Oxide of the Molecule Substituted at All Three Positions

Hybrid phosphine crown ether ligands have been obtained from PhP(OMe)2 and P(OPh)3 and carbanions generated by low-temperature Li/Br exchange reactions involving 4‘-bromo-N-phenylaza-15-crown-5 and n-butyllithium. The A1 ν(CO) values for the Ni(CO)3L complexes of these phosphines have been found to be 2063.7 and 2060.8 cm-1, for the bis (1b) and tris (1c) crown species, respectively, indicating the significant electron-donating abilities of the nitrogen atoms. Addition of NaSCN salts in dichloromethane causes these frequencies to increase by 2.40 (1b) and 3.70 cm-1 (1c), indicating that the P(III) centers detect the presence of crown-coordinated ions. The oxide of 1c has been prepared and the X-ray structure obtained. A prominent feature of that structure, R3 symmetry, is that the nitrogen atoms are nearly planar and the ring carbon-to-nitrogen distances are 1.375 A, features that are also consistent with a significant amount of sp2 C−N double-bond character. The phenyl rings are arranged in a typical pr...
CO2 laser surgery in veterinary dermatology

Abstract The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser is an effective surgical tool in both human and veterinary cutaneous surgery. 1–6 The CO 2 laser can be used for incisional, excisional, or vaporizing procedures or can be an adjunct to conventional cold steel surgery.
Cross-linking and disulfide bond formation of introduced cysteine residues suggest a modified model for the tertiary structure of URF13 in the pore-forming oligomers.

Abstract URF13 is a mitochondrially encoded protein in the inner mitochondrial membrane of maize ( Zea mays L.) carrying the cms-T cytoplasm. This protein is responsible for Texas-type cytoplasmic sterility and is a ligand-gated, pore-forming receptor for the pathotoxins of fungal pathogens Bipolaris maydis race T and Phyllosticta maydis. URF13 contains three transmembrane α-helices, with amphipathic helices II and III likely involved in pore formation, and is present as oligomers in cms-T maize mitochondria and when expressed in Escherichia coli cells. To study tertiary and quaternary structures of URF13 oligomers, we employed combinations of site-directed mutagenesis and chemical cross-linking. We introduced Cys residues individually into consecutive positions 78–82, believed to be in helix III. We expressed these proteins in E. coli cells and tested for cross-linking through disulfide bond formation or by using Cys–Cys cross-linkers. URF13-R79C, URF13-R81C, and URF13-T82C were cross-linked using Cys–Cys-specific cross-linkers, as were double mutants URF13-C27R/R79C, URF13-C27R/R81C, and URF13-C27R/T82C, indicating that the cross-linking was between introduced Cys residues on adjacent URF13 molecules. Disulfide bond formation, induced by diamide, was seen only in URF13-T82C and URF13-C27R/T82C, indicating that Cys residues introduced into position 82 are closely juxtaposed in the oligomers. Based on these observations, we modified the models for the secondary structure of URF13 and the tertiary structure of the URF13 oligomers. Sequential cross-linking of URF13-R81C oligomers with bismaleimidohexane (Cys–Cys cross-linker) and N,N′ -dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (Lys–Asp/Glu cross-linker) suggests that URF13 oligomers consist of an even number of monomers.
DELAYED HYPERSENSITIVITY-TYPE GRANULOMA FORMATION AND DERMAL REACTION INDUCED AND ELICITED BY A SOLUBLE FACTOR ISOLATED FROM SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI EGGS

A soluble material has been isolated from schistosome eggs which in minute quantities without the addition of adjuvant induces sensitization to a delayed hypersensitivity type of granuloma forming around intact schistosome eggs. This material is secreted by intact eggs and is found in high concentration in the fluid released during the hatching process. When adsorbed to bentonite particles this substance elicits hypersensitivity type granuloma formation in specifically sensitized animals. The granuloma sensitizing factor also both induces and elicits delayed footpad swelling in mice. Quantities which sensitize with respect to these delayed type reactions do not induce antibody formation detectable by a sensitive hemagglutination. technique within the duration of the above experiments.
Teaching “format as a process” in an era of Web-scale discovery

Purpose – This paper aims to present academic librarians with a framework for teaching and assessing information literacy in response to advancements in online discovery. Advancements in online discovery require academic librarians to develop new means of teaching and assessing information literacy, with an emphasis on having students use critical thinking to evaluate sources. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper analyzes how the threshold concept “format as a process” could be incorporated into information literacy instruction sessions which address Web-scale discovery services and other online search tools. General guidelines for applying this concept are included, along with potential classroom activities and assessments. Findings – Format as a process provides a valuable framework for evaluating information, though librarians need to be mindful of how they present the concept to students. Instruction must be focused on fostering critical thinking skills, rather than how to perform tasks...
Ocean Drilling Science Plan to Be Released Soon

[1] The upcoming International Ocean Discovery Program, which is slated to operate from 2013 to 2023 and calls for an internationally funded program focused around four science themes, will pick up right where its predecessor, the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, ends, explained Kiyoshi Suyehiro, president and chief executive officer of IODP, a convenient acronym that covers both programs. At a 5 April briefing at the 2011 European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Austria, he outlined four general themes the new program will address. IODP involves 24 nations and utilizes different ocean drilling platforms that complement each other in drilling in different environments in the oceans.
Tissue specific responses of oysters, Crassostrea virginica, to silver nanoparticles

Abstract Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) toxicity in eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, was investigated in both gill and hepatopancreas tissues, and compared to dissolved Ag exposures. Oysters were exposed to varying concentrations of AgNPs prepared with citrate coatings and dissolved Ag (AgNO3) for 48 h and the effects on a suite of biomarkers of cellular stress were evaluated. Two biomarkers of cellular damage were evaluated-lysosomal destabilization rates of hepatopancreas cells as indicators of lysosomal damage, and lipid peroxidation as an indicator of oxidative damage. Total glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were used as indicators of impacts on antioxidant capacity. The results indicated that gill tissues were more prone to oxidative damage following dissolved Ag exposures than AgNP exposures, while hepatopancreas tissues were more sensitive to AgNP exposures. Total protein levels increased in hepatopancreas tissues following AgNP exposures, but not dissolved Ag exposures. These tissue specific differences in toxicity and bioreactivity of Ag nanoparticles compared to dissolved metal ions reflect distinct nanoparticle effects. Oysters exposed to dissolved Ag would be more prone to cellular and tissue damage of gills, but oysters exposed to AgNPs could be more prone to hepatopancreas damage contributing to metabolic and reproductive impairment.
Reducing Phosphorus Loss in Tile Water with Managed Drainage in a Claypan Soil

Installing subsurface tile drain systems in poorly drained claypan soils to improve corn ( L.) yields could potentially increase environmental phosphorus (P) loss through the tile drainage system. The objectives of the study were to quantify the average concentration and loss of ortho-P in tile drain water from a claypan soil and to determine whether managed subsurface drainage (MD) could reduce ortho-P loss in tile water compared with free subsurface drainage (FD). Flow-weighted ortho-P concentration in the tile water was significantly lower with MD (0.09 mg L) compared with that of FD (0.15 mg L). Ortho-P loss in the tile water of this study was reduced with MD (36 g ha) by 80% compared with FD (180 g ha). Contrary to previous research, reduced ortho-P loss observed over the 4-yr study was not solely due to the reduced amount of water drained annually (63%) with MD compared with FD. During the spring period, when flow was similar between MD and FD, the concentration of ortho-P in the tile water generally was lower with MD compared with FD, which resulted in significantly less ortho-P loss with MD. We speculate that MD's ability to conserve water during the dry summer months increased corn's uptake of water and P, which reduced the amount of P available for leaching loss in the subsequent springs.
Line-terminating equipment for a t.d.m. electronic telephone exchange

The paper discusses the design and engineering of the lineterminating equipment at an electronic exchange using the pulseamplitude modulation system. The exchange will form part of the existing public network of lines, and to cater for the various types of line connection involved, a number of different designs of electronic and electro-mechanical equipment is necessary. Descriptions of the equipment associated with the more important of these lines are given, together with details of the circuits used and their electrical performance.
Optical propagation in the underwater environment

Similar to atmospheric propagation, the propagation of light underwater is affected by absorption and scattering. However, the scale of absorption and scattering in the underwater environment is much shorter, with extinction coefficients given in inverse meters rather than inverse kilometers. Such severe attenuation of light poses many challenges to optical imaging and free space optical communications in water. Although blue-green wavelengths can be selected to minimize absorption, multiple small angle forward scattering produces extended beam profiles that cannot be described by simple Gaussian shapes. This spatial spreading leads to image blurring and pulse stretching, which can limit the information capacity of underwater optical communication links. Scatter of the beam in the backward direction can also reduce the contrast of underwater imaging systems and modulating retroreflector-type communications links. Results from laboratory tank experiments and performance prediction models will be presented to illustrate the effects of the underwater environment on a propagating optical signal and on free space optical communication links.
The influence of time constraints on diet choice of the great tit, Parus major

Abstract Great tits were given 30 or 60 s of access to food presented on a moving conveyor belt with interbout intervals of 120 s. Selectivity in a two-prey system (small and large fly pupae) was measured within access periods. The birds rejected a higher proportion of small prey during the longer foraging period, and also rejected fewer small prey with a reduction in time left within the access period (end-of-bout effect). The end-of-bout effect was greater for 30-s bouts. Previous work has shown that animals are less precise in estimating time intervals as interval length increases, and this may account for the differences in the end-of-bout effect between access periods. The birds subdivided each access period into shorter foraging subbouts, and selectivity appeared to decline within these sub-bouts. Individual differences in selectivity between birds correlated with the mean length of the individual foraging sub-bouts. Thus, when analysed over four different time scales (30-s versus 60-s access periods, time left within the access period, uninterrupted time allocated to the belt and time left within these sub-bouts), selectivity always declined with time left in the bout independently of the time scale over which the behaviour was analysed.
Improving Group Learning through Electronically Facilitated Skillful Discussions.

The purpose of this paper is to explore how groups enhance their ability to learn by practicing skillful group discussions. Specifically, it is examined how synchronous, electronic conferencing or chatrooms may be used as a practice ground for groups learning to engage in skillful discussions. The results of an exploratory study seem to indicate that electronic conferencing can effectively support groups as a practice ground enhancing the groups’ ability to engage in reflection, collective inquiry and skillful discussion. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Toxicity of Cordycepin in Combination with the Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitor 2′-Deoxycoformycin in Beagle Dogs

For 3 consecutive days, the nucleoside cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) was administered as 1-hr iv infusions (0, 1, 4, 8, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day) to dogs. These doses were given 1 hr after a bolus iv injection (0.25 mg/kg/day) of 2'-deoxycoformycin (dCF), a potent inhibitor of adenosine deaminase. The hypothesis was that dCF would affect the toxicity of cordycepin. Plasma adenosine deaminase activity was strongly inhibited during the dose period and for 5 days following the final dose of dCF. Dogs given cordycepin alone showed no drug-related toxicities. In dogs given only dCF, drug-related toxicity to lymphoid tissue (lymphopenia and thymus lymphoid depletion), thrombocytopenia, and decreases in food consumption were observed. Cordycepin in combination with dCF produced symptoms associated with severe gastrointestinal toxicity (decreased body weights, emesis, diarrhea, decreased food consumption, and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract) and bone marrow toxicity (lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and depletion of hematopoietic cells). The gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow were sites associated with dose-limiting toxicities. In surviving dogs, most of the effects were reversible by Day 30. The maximum tolerated dose of cordycepin administered in combination with dCF was 8 mg/kg/day (160 mg/m2/day) given daily for 3 days.
The heart as a muscle--pump system and the concept of heart failure.

Over the years few subjects have received the attention of physicians and physiologists as the description of cardiac function, and in particular the evaluation of the failing heart. At the turn of the century and from the laboratories of Frank’ and Starling’ emerged the view of the heart as a compression pump. This concept, espoused by Wiggers” and then by Katz,’ likened the heart to a piston-cylinder arrangement and focused on its pressure-volume relations using such displacement terms as stroke volume, cardiac output, and stroke work. In more recent years others, such as Sonnenblick,” Fry and colleagues,” and Levine and B&man’ approached this subject from a different vantage point. Here the mechanical properties of cardiac muscle and in particular the behavior of its contractile element were emphasized. The application of, these fundamental muscle concepts to the whole heart served to broaden our view of ventricular function. In the diseased heart, however, the confidence with which characteristics of the contractile element could be assessed was challenged.“, 9 The controversy focused on the muscle models and simplifying assumptions which were necessary to make such determinations and the fact that supportive experimental data were limited.
Galvanotaxis of slime mold.

The plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum reacts to direct current by migration toward the cathode. Cathodal migration was obtained upon a variety of substrata such as baked clay, paper, cellophane, and agar with a current density in the substratum of 1.0 µa./mm.2 Injury was produced by current densities of 8.0 to 12.0 µa./mm.2 The negative galvanotactic response was not due to electrode products. Attempts to demonstrate that the response was due to gradients or orientation in the substratum, pH changes in the mold, cataphoresis, electroosmosis, or endosmosis were not successful. The addition of salts (CaCl2, LiCl, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, KCl, MgSO4, sodium citrate, and sea water) to agar indicated that change of cations had more effect than anions upon galvanotaxis and that the effect was upon threshold values. K ion (0.01 M KCl) increased the lower threshold value to 8.0 µa./mm.2 and the upper threshold value to 32.0 µa./mm.2, whereas the Li ion (0.01 M LiCl) increased the lower threshold to only 4.0 µa./mm.2 and the upper threshold to only 16.0 µa./mm.2 The passage of electric current produced no increase in the rate of cathodal migration; neither was there a decrease until injurious current densities were reached. With increase of subthreshold current densities there was a progressive decrease in rate of migration toward the anode until complete anodal inhibition occurred. There was orientation at right angles to the electrodes in alternating current (60 cycle) with current density of 4.0 µa./mm.2 and in direct current of 5.0 µa./mm.2 when polarity of current was reversed every minute. It is concluded that the negative galvanotactic response of P. polycephalum is due to inhibition of migration on the anodal side of the plasmodium and that this inhibition results in the limitation of the normal migration of the mold to a cathodal direction. The mechanism of the anodal inhibition has not been elucidated.
Role of adrenal steroidogenesis in etiology of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

We measured peripheral adrenal steroid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), killed by nitrogen suffocation, at different ages during the development of hypertension. SHR became hypertensive by 8 weeks of age. Circulating plasma aldosterone (Aldo) levels of SHR gradually declined with age compared to their male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive controls. On the other hand, corticosterone (B) concentrations rose relatively as the rats grew older; however, they were significantly lower in SHR at 16 weeks of age. Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) levels were significantly lower at 8 weeks and 18-hydroxy- 11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) were lower at 16 weeks of age. Steroid ratios at age 4 weeks showed significantly higher B to 18-OH-DOC and lower B to DOC, 18-OH-DOC to Aldo, and 18-OH-DOC to DOC values in SHR. Furthermore, the B to 18- OH-DOC ratio remained significantly higher at 12 weeks and the B to DOC ratio remained lower at 16 weeks. These data imply the possibility of the secretion of an unknown ...
Protease-activated receptor-1 is upregulated in reactive stroma of primary prostate cancer and bone metastasis.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer progression is partly facilitated by tumor–stroma interactions. We recently reported that protease-activated receptors (PAR-1 and PAR-2) are overexpressed in prostate cancer, and PAR-1 expression in peritumoral stroma is associated with biochemical recurrence. However, the nature of PAR expression in prostate tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. We therefore evaluated PAR-1 and PAR-2 expression in primary prostate cancer and bone metastasis. METHODS PAR-1 and PAR-2 expression in normal, primary prostate cancer and the corresponding bone metastatic tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, and double-label immunohistochemistry with the use of additional markers. RESULTS PAR-1 was expressed in peritumoral stroma in the majority of primary cancer tissues (83%). Serial sections and double-label immunohistochemistry determined that these PAR-1 expressing stromal cells were predominantly myofibroblasts, the primary cell type in reactive stroma. Analysis of cancer glands revealed that PAR-1 expression was significantly increased in the reactive stroma around higher Gleason grade cancers. PAR-2 was predominantly expressed in the primary cancer cells as well as smooth muscle cells but not in reactive stroma. In bone metastasis, PAR-1 expression in cancer cells was elevated compared to the primary site from the same patient. In the bone reactive stroma, PAR-1 was present in vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts, while both PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. CONCLUSIONS In primary prostate cancer and bone metastasis, PAR-1 is upregulated in reactive stroma and PAR-2 is uniformly overexpressed in carcinoma cells, suggesting these receptors may play potentially different roles in prostate cancer development and metastasis. Prostate 69: 727–736, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The integrated microbial genomes (IMG) system in 2007: data content and analysis tool extensions

The integrated microbial genomes (IMG) system is a data management, analysis and annotation platform for all publicly available genomes. IMG contains both draft and complete JGI microbial genomes integrated with all other publicly available genomes from all three domains of life, together with a large number of plasmids and viruses. IMG provides tools and viewers for analyzing and annotating genomes, genes and functions, individually or in a comparative context. Since its first release in 2005, IMG's data content and analytical capabilities have been constantly expanded through quarterly releases. IMG is provided by the DOE-Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and is available from http://img.jgi.doe.gov.
Instability of quasicrystalline order in the local Kalugin-Kitaev-Levitov model.

In 1978 Alexander and McTague noticed that a very simple Landau theory of crystallization led naturally to the consideration of structures that we would now describe as icosahedral quasicrystals. They concluded, however, that a body-centered-cubic (bcc) crystal would be the most favored phase. Shortly after the experimental discovery of such quasicrystals, Kalugin, Kitaev, and Levitov (KKL) argued that a very natural extension of the Alexander-McTague model could easily stabilize the icosahedral quasicrystal over the bcc crystal. Both investigations considered only the quadratic and cubic terms in the bulk free energy. It has been pointed out, however, that if the free energy with a local quartic term is directly minimized, then the quasicrystal is never a global minimum. We show here, in addition, that in the presence of a local quartic term the quasicrystal is not even metastable in the KKL model, being unstable against a collapse to the bcc crystal.
Maternal Stress Exposures, Reactions, and Priorities for Stress Reduction among Low‐income, Urban Women

Introduction Maternal psychosocial stress has been associated with adverse maternal-child outcomes. Vulnerable women's experiences with stressors during pregnancy and their desires and priorities for appropriate and useful stress reduction interventions are not well understood. Methods Qualitative interviews with low-income, urban women explored their stress exposures and reactions during pregnancy, ways that stressors overlapped and interacted, and their priorities for stress reduction. Quantitative measures (Perceived Stress Scale; My Exposure to Violence Instrument Danger Assessment; Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale, Revised; and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian) supplemented qualitative descriptions of women's stress exposures and reactions. Analyses explored relationships between stressors and women's priorities for stress intervention. Lay advisors from the sample population reviewed qualitative interview guides for appropriateness, completeness, and language prior to interviews and reviewed study findings for validity. Study findings were returned to the community in newsletter form. Results Twenty-four low-income, urban women participated in interviews. Women in the sample reported high stress, lifetime violence exposure, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The most common stressors reported were financial strain, violence exposure, and feelings of intense isolation and loneliness. Few participants reported having discussed psychosocial stressors with prenatal care providers. Participants in this study described connections with other women as desirable to relieve their stress and provided input on ways health care providers could facilitate such connections. Discussion Clinical and research implications of findings are discussed, including approaches that health care providers may find useful to facilitate connections among vulnerable pregnant women.
Correlation of Aptian-Albian Carbon Isotope Excursions in Continental Strata of the Cretaceous Foreland Basin, Eastern Utah, U.S.A.

Abstract Nodular carbonates (“calcretes”) in continental foreland-basin strata of the Early Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation (CMF) in eastern Utah yield δ13C and δ18O records of changes in the exogenic carbon cycle related to oceanic anoxic events (OAEs), and terrestrial paleoclimate. Chemostratigraphic profiles of both forebulge and foredeep sections show two prominent positive δ13C excursions, each with a peak value of −3%0 VPDB, and having background δ13C values of about −6%0 VPDB. These excursions correlate with the global early Aptian (Ap7) and late Aptian–early Albian (Ap12-Al1) carbon isotope excursions. Aptian–Albian positive δ13C excursions in the CMF also correspond to 3–4 per mil increases in carbonate δ18O. These phenomena record local aridification events. The chemostratigraphic profile on the thinner forebulge section of the CMF is calibrated, for the first time, by a radiogenic U-Pb date of 119.4 ± 2.6 Ma on a carbonate bed, and by detrital zircon U-Pb dates on two bounding sandstone units (maximum depositional ages of 146 Ma and 112 Ma). Petrographic observations and diagenetic analyses of micritic to microsparitic carbonates from nodules indicate palustrine origins and demonstrate that they crystallized in shallow early meteoric phreatic environments. Meteoric calcite lines derived from CMF carbonates have δ18O values ranging between −8.1 to −7.5%0 VPDB, supporting an estimate of zonal mean groundwater δ18O of −6%0 VSMOW for an Aptian–Albian paleolatitude of 34° N. Furthermore, our two chemostratigraphic profiles exhibit a generally proportionate thinning of correlative strata from the foredeep on to the forebulge, suggesting that there were consistently lower rates of accumulation on the forebulge during the Aptian–Albian. Identification of the global Aptian–Albian δ13C excursions in purely continental strata, as demonstrated in this paper, opens a new avenue of research by identifying specific stratigraphic intervals that record the terrestrial paleoclimatic impacts of perturbations of the global carbon cycle.
Low-dose smoking resumption in ex-smokers with refractory ulcerative colitis

Background and aim: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is primarily a disease of non-smokers. Ex-smokers may have a more refractory disease course and anecdotal evidence in non-controlled clinical trials have suggested that smoking resumption, or the administration of nicotine, may ameliorate signs and symptoms of UC in ex-smokers. We report outcomes of ex-smokers with refractory UC who resumed low-dose cigarette smoking. Methods: 17 ex-smokers with refractory UC were identified. Clinical remission was defined as a disease activity index score of 0. Results: Two out of 17 patients refused the recommendation to resume smoking. Of the 15 patients who resumed smoking, the mean daily number of cigarettes was 8.6. Fourteen out of those 15 patients who resumed smoking were able to maintain prolonged clinical remission off steroids. One out of the 15 patients failed to improve and required oral steroids. Another patient was compelled to quit smoking since he became addicted. His disease flared after maintaining a prolonged remission of 3 years and he eventually underwent surgery. Three out of these 15 patients switched from cigarettes smoking to nicotine compounds and continued to maintain remission. Conclusion: Resumption of low dose smoking in a selected group of ex-smokers with refractory UC may ameliorate signs and symptoms. Quality of life, medication side effects, and smoking risk factors should all be considered and discussed with patients. Smokers should be meticulously followed for compliance with “low-dose” regimen and all associated smoking risks.