cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dogmatism and classroom grades: reappraisal of the Rokeach-Norrell studies of academic performance.

Summary-Three hypotheses were tested and confirmed concerning the effect of belief ceouality on the prediction of classroom grades from a student's level of closed-mlndedness. Reanalyzing the Rokeach-Norrell data, it was observed that malor area, sex, and the two combined were determinative of the predictive efficiency of dogmatism scores. Rokeach and Norrell (1966) in their sntdies of the relation of dogmatism to classroom performance provide only moderate support for the principle that closed-minded persons are less able chan open-minded persons to learn new beliefs. They examined the relation of classroom performance to dogmatism for 798 students in 33 courses and for 6 groupings of curricular majors, 4 of which could be subdivided into male and female majors. GPAs for major and for all college courses were also examined. Of the 33 courses 17 provided at least one significant correlation (p < .05) berween dogmatism and course grade with or without control for sex or major. For the total analyses performed by sex and major for each course, 20 yielded low but significant correlations berween dogmacism and classroom grades. By sex and major, this ranged strikingly from 41% of the correlations significant for natural science male majors and 23% for the social science male majors to 0% for the males majoring in education and the humanities. The percentage range of significant correlations for female majors was highly constricted. By academic area, 2 of 7 sociology classroom comparisons yielded significanc correlations with dogmatism; 5 of 30 natural science and humanities comparisons; 4 of 30 correlarions in a basic course, American Thought and Language; and only 1 of 10 significant correlations were obtained in psychology courses. The number of positive results obtained were beyond chance expectancy, but the character of the findings strongly indicaced the presence of uncontrolled, intervening variables. One of the potentially confounding variables is that of centrality, i.e., the importance of the new beliefs being learned (Ehrlich & Lee, 1969). The Rokeach-Norrell daca permic a secondary tesr of centrality effects through a set of simple assumptions. On the assumption chat classroom grades would be more important to students in their major areas than in other areas of curriculum, the following hypothesis was proposed: Dogmatism scores should manifest a greater number of significanc negative correlations with course grades for students in their major area classes. Since sex differences in both dogmacism and classroom grades appeared in
Complete normalization of hepatic G6PC deficiency in murine glycogen storage disease type Ia using gene therapy.

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia) patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) manifest disturbed glucose homeostasis. We examined the efficacy of liver G6Pase-α delivery mediated by AAV-GPE, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 vector expressing human G6Pase-α directed by the human G6PC promoter/enhancer (GPE), and compared it to AAV-CBA, that directed murine G6Pase-α expression using a hybrid chicken β-actin (CBA) promoter/cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer. The AAV-GPE directed hepatic G6Pase-α expression in the infused G6pc−/− mice declined 12-fold from age 2 to 6 weeks but stabilized at wild-type levels from age 6 to 24 weeks. In contrast, the expression directed by AAV-CBA declined 95-fold over 24 weeks, demonstrating that the GPE is more effective in directing persistent in vivo hepatic transgene expression. We further show that the rapid decline in transgene expression directed by AAV-CBA results from an inflammatory immune response elicited by the AAV-CBA vector. The AAV-GPE-treated G6pc−/− mice exhibit normal levels of blood glucose, blood metabolites, hepatic glycogen, and hepatic fat. Moreover, the mice maintained normal blood glucose levels even after 6 hours of fasting. The complete normalization of hepatic G6Pase-α deficiency by the G6PC promoter/enhancer holds promise for the future of gene therapy in human GSD-Ia patients.
Production risk, technical efficiency, and panel data

Abstract This paper demonstrates a method of measuring production risk and technical efficiency using panel data. A flexible (translog) production function is used to represent the underlying production technology. The risk function appears multiplicatively with the production function and it is flexible enough to accommodate both positive and negative marginal risks with respect to the inputs. The model also includes features of the usual panel data models. A multi-step procedure is used to estimate the parameters of the model. Estimation of individual and time-specific technical efficiences is also considered.
Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Toxic Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) Alkaloids

Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisons thousands of cattle on western rangelands each year. Because poisoning does not cause specific lesions, and poisoned animals are rarely found before they die, definitively identifying poisoned animals is difficult. Additionally, toxin concentrations in larkspur plants vary with environment, plant, and location. Rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic techniques are needed to identify poisoned animals and to determine when and what plants are likely to poison livestock. In this study, three competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (CI-ELISA) for toxic larkspur alkaloids were developed. One assay is class-specific toward the N-(methylsuccinimido)anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL) alkaloids, and two assays are specific for individual alkaloids. The assay with the lowest limit of detection had an I(50) of 191 pg with a limit of detection of 30.5 pg for methyllycaconitine. Spike and recovery studies using bovine blood and brain tissue ranged from 52 to 89%. These findings suggest that with additional development these techniques are likely to be excellent tools for diagnosing poisoned animals and identifying highly toxic plants.
The heterogeneity of human antibody responses to vaccinia virus revealed through use of focused protein arrays.

Abstract The renewed interest in strategies to combat infectious agents with epidemic potential has led to a re-examination of vaccination protocols against smallpox. To help define which antigens elicit a human antibody response, we have targeted proteins known or predicted to be presented on the surface of the intracellular mature virion (IMV) or the extracellular enveloped virion (EEV). The predicted ectodomains were expressed in a mammalian in vitro coupled transcription/translation reaction using tRNA lys precharged with lysine-ɛ-biotin followed by solid phase immobilization on 384-well neutravidin-coated plates. The generated array is highly specific and sensitive in a micro-ELISA format. By comparison of binding of vaccinia-immune sera to the reticulocyte lysate-produced proteins and to secreted post-translationally modified proteins, we demonstrate that for several proteins including the EEV proteins B5 and A33, proper recognition is dependent upon appropriate folding, with little dependence upon glycosylation per se . We further demonstrate that the humoral immune response to vaccinia among different individuals is not uniform in specificity or strength, as different IMV and EEV targets predominate within the group of immunogenic proteins. This heterogeneity likely results from the diversity of HLA Class II alleles and CD4 T helper cell epitopes stimulating B cell antibody production. Our findings have important implications both for design of new recombinant subunit vaccines as well as for methods of assaying the human antibody response utilizing recombinant proteins produced in vitro .
Assessment of avoidance behaviors in mouse models of muscle pain.

Abstract Pain encompasses both a sensory as well as an affective dimension and these are differentially processed in the cortex. Animal models typically use reflexive behaviors to test nociceptive responses; these are thought to reflect the sensory dimension of pain. While several behavioral tests are available for examining the affective dimension of pain it is unclear if these are appropriate in animal models of muscle pain. We therefore tested the utility of existing paradigms as well as new avoidance paradigms in animal models of muscle pain in mice. Specifically we used an escape-avoidance test to noxious mechanical stimuli, a learned avoidance test to noxious mechanical stimuli, and avoidance of physical activity. We used three animal models of muscle pain: carrageenan-induced inflammation, non-inflammatory muscle pain, and exercise-enhanced pain. In the carrageenan model of inflammation mice developed escape-avoidance behaviors to mechanical stimuli, learned avoidance to mechanical stimulation and avoidance of physical activity – these models are associated with unilateral hyperalgesia. When both muscles were inflamed, escape-avoidance behaviors did not develop suggesting that equivalent bilateral pain behaviors cannot be tested with an escape-avoidance test. In the non-inflammatory muscle pain model mice did not show significant changes in escape-avoidance behaviors or learned avoidance, but did avoid physical activity. In the exercise-enhanced pain model, there were no changes in escape-avoidance, learned avoidance of noxious or physical activity In conclusion, we developed several testing protocols that assess supraspinal processing of pain behaviors in models of muscle pain and that are most sensitive in animals with unilateral hyperalgesia.
A comparison of nurses' and patients' perceptions of intensive care unit stressors

This study was designed to compare intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' and patients' perceptions of the stressfulness of items in the environment for patients in an ICU. The sample consisted of 20 ICU patients and 23 registered nurses employed in the medical and surgical ICUs at a large midwestern university hospital. The patients were contacted 1 to 2 days after transfer from an ICU and asked to complete the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale (ICUESS), a Likert-type questionnaire designed to measure the stressfulness of commonly occurring items in the ICU environment. The nurses were asked to complete the same questionnaire as they believed an ICU patient would complete it. They were asked to complete the questionnaire after the completion of a shift worked in an ICU. A series of one-way ANOVAs were done to compare the patients' and nurses' responses. In every comparison, nurses rated the items as being significantly more stressful than did the patients. Items with the highest mean ratings by patients were: (1) having tubes in your nose or mouth; (2) being stuck with needles; (3) being in pain; (4) not being able to sleep; and (5) being thirsty. Patients and nurses also were asked to list the three most stressful items from the ICUESS. These responses were compared using chi-square tests for homogeneity. Nurses mentioned 'being tied down by tubes' and 'not being in control of oneself' significantly more times than did patients. The items 'being in pain', 'having tubes in your nose or mouth', and 'not being able to sleep' were listed most often by both nurses and patients.
Differential regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin messenger ribonucleic acid levels by gonadal steroids in postpartum rats.

We previously reported that sequential estradiol and progesterone exposure followed by progesterone withdrawal increases oxytocin (OT), but not arginine vasopressin (AVP), messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat. Substitution of testosterone for progesterone and subsequent testosterone withdrawal in the estrogen-primed rat increases PVN AVP mRNA levels. At the end of pregnancy (day 21), rats are exposed to high estrogen and declining progesterone and testosterone concentrations. Coincident with these changes in circulating gonadal steroid hormones are increases in OT and AVP mRNAs. If progesterone levels are sustained at term, OT levels are attenuated and if testosterone is sustained, AVP mRNA levels are attenuated. Immediately postpartum, however, OT and AVP mRNA levels decline compared to term levels. To further determine the role of estrogen in the regulation of OT and AVP mRNAs, we performed two experiments. In the first experiment, we administered estrogen during the peripartum period to determine if estrogen supplementation prevents the relative attenuation of OT and AVP mRNAs that is seen after parturition. Day 18 pregnant rats were given estradiol-filled or empty capsules and sacrificed on day 2 of lactation. By Northern analysis, significant differences in PVN AVP, but not OT, mRNA were found between the estrogen- and sham-treated lactational animals, P < 0.02. In the second experiment, we determined if sustaining estrogen after progesterone is removed in steroid-treated ovariectomized rats is essential for the increase in OT mRNA. Ovariectomized rats were given either empty capsules or sequential estradiol- and progesterone-filled capsules and both were sustained for 12 days. When progesterone-filled capsules were removed, estradiol-filled capsules were either removed or left in place, and the animals were sacrificed 48 h later. PVN OT mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot hybridization. OT mRNA was increased in both of the steroid-treated groups to the same degree, compared to sham-treated animals, P = 0.04. In summary, estrogen supplementation during early lactation prevents the attenuation of PVN AVP, but not OT, mRNA after parturition. In the estrogen-primed ovariectomized rat, it is not necessary to sustain estrogen to see the effects of progesterone withdrawal upon PVN OT mRNA.
Antifungal activity of alkanols against Zygosaccharomyces bailii and their effects on fungal plasma membrane.

A series of aliphatic primary alkanols from C6 to C13 were tested for antifungal activity against a food spoilage fungus Zygosaccharomyces bailii using a broth dilution method and were compared for their effects against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Z. rouxii. Decanol (C10) was found to be the most potent fungicide against Z. bailii at a minimum fungicidal concentration of 50 µg/ml (0.31 mM), whereas undecanol (C11) was found to be the most potent fungistatic at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 µg/ml (0.14 mM). The time-kill curve study showed that decanol was fungicidal against Z. bailii at any growth stage. Octanol (C8) increased plasma membrane fluidity in the spheroplast cells of S. cerevisiae. The primary antifungal action of alkanols comes from their ability to disrupt the native membrane-associated function of integral proteins nonspecifically as nonionic surface-active agents (surfactants). The antifungal activity of decanol against Z. bailii was slightly enhanced in combination with anethole. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of brookhaven nuclear transparency measurements (p,2p) reactions at largeQ 2

In this contribution we summarize the results of two experiments to measure the transparency of nuclei in the (p,2p) quasi-elastic scattering process near 90‡ in thepp center-of-mass. The incident momenta went from 6 to 14.4 GeV/c, corresponding to 4.8 <Q 2 < 127 (GeV/c)2. First, we describe the measurements with the newer experiment, E850, which has more complete kinematic definition of quasi-elastic events. E850 covers a larger range of incident momenta, and thus provides more information regarding the nature of the unexpected fall in the transparency above 9 GeV/c. Second, we review the techniques used in an earlier experiment, E834, and show that the two experiments are consistent for the carbon data. We use the transparencies measured in the five nuclei from Li to Pb to set limits on the rate of expansion for protons involved in quasi-elastic scattering at large momentum transfer.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for October-December 1990

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 199 earthquakes that occurred during the fourth quarter of 1990. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure.
Specificity in Signal Transduction: From Phosphotyrosine-SH2 Domain Interactions to Complex Cellular Systems

Over the last two decades, a new and unifying concept of cellular organization has emerged in which modular protein-protein interactions provide an underlying framework through which signaling pathways are assembled and controlled. In this scheme, posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation commonly exert their biological effects by regulating molecular interactions, exemplified by the ability of phosphotyrosine sites to bind selectively to SH2 domains. Although these interactions are rather simple in isolation, they can nonetheless be exploited to generate complex cellular systems. Here, I discuss experiments that have led to this view of dynamic cellular behavior and identify some current and future areas of interest in cell signaling.
The different roles of tryptophan transfer RNA in regulating trp operon expression in E. coli versus B. subtilis

Abstract Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis use different mechanisms of sensing and responding to tryptophan and uncharged tRNA Trp as regulatory signals. In E. coli, tryptophan activates a repressor that binds to the trp promoter- operator, inhibiting transcription initiation. In B. subtilis, tryptophan activates an RNA-binding protein, TRAP, which binds to the trp operon leader RNA, causing transcription termination. In E. coli uncharged tRNA Trp accumulation stalls the ribosome attempting translation of tandem Trp codons in the leader-peptide coding region of the operon. This stalling permits the formation of an RNA antiterminator structure, preventing transcription termination. In B. subtilis uncharged tRNA Trp accumulation activates transcription and translation of the at operon. AT protein inhibits tryptophan-activated TRAP, thereby preventing TRAP-mediated transcription termination. These differences might reflect the unique organizational features of the respective trp operons and their ancestry.
Mobile Applications: Situating Leadership Education

Florida State University has recently introduced the LEAD (Lead, Engage, Apply, Develop) Mobile Application for undergraduate students. The innovative platform has situated potential building of leadership capacity directly into the hands of students. Individual modules are available in the mobile application and designed to introduce leadership concepts, activities for users to practice applying these theories to their own reality, and reflection for students to make meaning from the theories learned and their application. The current article explores the application's innovative features, lessons learned from the development, and implications for leadership educators and learners.
Development of Microwave Package Characterization Technique

We present a plastic package characterization technique using coplanar waveguide to package adapter (CPA) and LRM calibrations. LRM calibrations used with off-set CPA standards are employed to de-embed the response of CPA adapters in measured S-parameters. A variety of small shrink outline packages (SSOP) has been characterized to 26.5 GHz using this technique.
Concordance of the Kiel and Lukes-Collins classifications of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

The Kiel and Lukes-Collins classifications of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are the only classifications based on immunological concepts. Their cytological types have been confirmed by numerous immunological studies as B- and T-cell types and have been related to clinicc-pathological entities. In this presentation, the cytological types of the two classifications are compared. Eleven of the 13 major types of the Lukes-Collins classification are essentially identical with the Kiel counterparts, though the terminology differs in four of the 11 types. In the two types in which discordance occurs, the relationship between the types of the two classifications are clarified. As a result, the two classifications are placed into effective alignment for understanding and translating terminological differences. Both classifications represent sound bases for morphological diagnoses and also for relating the results of the broad range of current and future immunological studies to morphology.
Terrain texture synthesis with an extended self-similar model

We propose a new method for terrain texture synthesis by using a generalized two dimensional fractional Brownian motion (fBm) model called the extended self-similar (ESS) process. The utility of 2-D fBm for terrain texture modeling has been examined by some researchers. Although the fBm may provide a good model for landscapes for some scales, it will not capture the behavior of the terrain at all scales. We introduce the ESS process to model terrains at all scales where the parameters of the ESS model provide a multiscale roughness representation of the landscape. Specifically, we define a generalized Hurst parameter which changes with respect to scales. To validate the usefulness of the new model, we show how to estimate the generalized Hurst parameters from 2-D data and how to synthesize an ESS process. The generation method is based on Fourier synthesis of the stationary ESS increments, and the algorithm has a complexity of O[N2 log(N)] for an image of size N X N. Then, we demonstrate the relation between the generalized Hurst parameter and visual roughness through examples of synthesized images. Finally, we examine the ability of the ESS process to render real terrain data.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CpG-ODN but not other TLR-ligands restore the antitumor responses in old mice: the implications for vaccinations in the aged

Aim There is accumulative evidence indicating that targeting antigen presenting cells (APCs) with different types of adjuvants could result in the induction of antitumor immune responses. It has been hypothesized that APCs function may be altered in the elderly contributing to a decline in the immune function. We evaluated whether targeting APCs following injection with Poly I:C, LPS, flagellin, imiquimod and CpG-ODN would induce an antitumor response in the old.
AVO Inversion By Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)

SUMMARY In this paper, we investigate the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) for amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis. Prospecting using AVO is dependent on the fact that the difference between near-offset and far-offset responses can be a hydrocarbon indicator. Neural networks are good at “learning” and “predicting” such relationships and can thus be trained to learn the relationship between, for example, a near-offset partially stacked trace and a far-offset partially stacked trace for background (non-hydrocarbon bearing rocks). Far traces can then be predicted by this learned relationship and the difference between observed and ANN predicted traces can potentially be used as a hydrocarbon indicator. An advantage of this method over conventional cross-plotting techniques is that it can be made insensitive to incorrect normal moveout corrections.
Percutaneous arterial interventional treatment of exercise-induced neurogenic intermittent claudication due to ischaemia of the lumbosacral plexus.

Radiological interventional therapy is described in seven patients with a distinct clinical syndrome of exercise-induced neurogenic intermittent claudication due to a reversible ischaemia of the lumbosacral plexus during walking accompanied by transient neurologic deficits. This condition was presumably caused by a reversible vascular steal phenomenon during exertion. The underlying vascular conditions were stenoses of the internal and/or common iliac arteries. All patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) during the period from 1988 to 2001; an additional stent was placed in two patients. After a mean follow-up period of 18 months, four patients were asymptomatic, two had an improvement in walking-distance of 300m and 800m, respectively, and one patient developed a peripheral intermittent claudication without neurological complaints. In four patients, however, a further intervention was required. In patients with intermittent claudication due to exercise induced ischaemia of the lumbosacral plexus, a successful treatment is possible by means of PTA. Repeat intervention is justified if symptoms recur.
Cultured astrocytes express toll‐like receptors for bacterial products

It has become apparent that astrocytes may be important contributors to inflammatory immune responses within the brain in response to microbial challenges. To date, the mechanisms that underlie activation of this major glial cell type by such challenges have not been investigated. In the present study, we present evidence for members of a recently discovered family of receptors for highly conserved microbial components, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), in isolated cultures of primary murine astrocytes. We describe the low-level constitutive expression of messenger RNA-encoding TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 in resting cultures of these cells. Importantly, the level of expression of messenger RNA for each of these receptors is markedly elevated following exposure to specific bacteria-derived ligands for these receptors. The functional expression of these receptor proteins is further supported by the ability of known ligands for each TLR to induce both message expression and protein secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6. In addition, the recent availability of antibodies to TLR2 and TLR4 has enabled us to demonstrate directly the presence of these receptors on astrocytes by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Furthermore, we have confirmed the sensitivity of such receptor expression to ligand stimulation. The present demonstration of Toll-like microbial pattern-recognition receptors on primary astrocytes provides a mechanistic link between bacterial challenge and inflammatory immune responses that may be an important component of the pathologies of bacterially induced inflammatory CNS disorders.
Mixing with Intermittent Jets with Application in Handling Radioactive Waste Sludges

This document presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies undertaken to establish a methodology for performing reduced-scale mixing tests with intermittent jet mixing systems in non-Newtonian fluids. A theoretical model for mixing cavern formation from steady and intermittent jets is developed and compared with data from single mixing jet tests in a non-Newtonian simulant. Scaling laws are proposed based on the modeling and dimensional analysis. Validation tests were conducted at three scales using two non-Newtonian simulants. The key similarity parameters were found to be the non-dimension jet frequency, the yield Reynolds number, and the jet Reynolds number. The validated scaling laws provided the basis for reduced-scale testing of plant-scale mixing systems. In this paper only the initial results for a single jet and the developed model and scaling laws will be discussed.
Theory of the Perfect Game: Competitive Balance in Monopoly Sports Leagues

Based on the limiting assumption that sports owners are profit maximizers the invariance proposition holds that revenue sharing has no impact on competitive balance in sports leagues. If owners are win-maximizing sportsmen instead, then revenue sharing can lead to increased competitive balance and higher payrolls. Evidence of the sportsman effect is provided by erosion of monopsonistic exploitation in the four major American sports leagues where players now share about 60% of revenues. Monopsony power erosion forces sports-league cartels to exploit statutory monopoly power in monster deals for media rights fees and public venue subsidies. New evidence on competitive balance suggests that revenue sharing leads to increased balance with or without team salary caps. Optimum competitive balance is an empirical question, and the answer lies between random competition of the NFL and deterministic dynasties of the NBA.
The impact of aortic arch geometry on flow dynamics using a simplified approach with magnetic resonance velocity mapping.

Background. We sought to determine, in vivo, the impact of aortic arch geometry on flow dynamics, which affects overall cardiovascular energetics and has implications for organ perfusion and Doppler flow calculations. Methods. Twenty-seven patients (13 with left and 14 with right aortic arches) underwent magnetic resonance phase-encoded velocity mapping in the ascending and descending aorta. The cross-sectional area were divided into 4 equal quadrants aligned along the long axis of the aorta for analysis. Significance P < .05. Results. In the ascending aorta, there was a significantly higher total flow throughout the cardiac cycle in the posterior and leftward quadrant of right aortic arch than left aortic arch (P = .007) that was compensated for by significantly lower flow in anterior and rightward quadrant of right aortic arch than left aortic arch (P = .02). In the right aortic arch, maximum velocity (100 ± 14 cm/second) occurred in 7/9 patients in the right half while in left aortic arch, maximum velocity (107 ± 20 cm/second) occurred in 13/15 in the left half. In the descending aorta, whether left aortic arch or right aortic arch, the posterior half appeared to have greater flow than the anterior half. Conclusion. Right aortic arch geometry impacts flow dynamics in the ascending aorta whereas it is not altered in the descending aorta, where flow is predominantly in the posterior half. The sidedness of the aortic arch determined the location of maximum velocity. Alternatively, this also may suggest that hemodynamics could have played a role in the development of right aortic arch in certain individuals.
Analgesia from the periaqueductal gray in the developing rat: focal injections of morphine or glutamate and effects of intrathecal injection of methysergide or phentolamine.

Abstract The aim of these experiments was to examine the changes in antinociception elicited by morphine or glutamate stimulation of the periaqueductal gray of the midbrain (PAG) during the postnatal development of the rat. Pups, aged 3, 10, and 14 days, were implanted with cannulas aimed at either the dorsal or the ventral aspect of the PAG, and glutamate (vehicle, 60 mM or 180 mM) or morphine (vehicle, 2 μ g or 6 μg) was microinjected into one of those two sites. Pups were tested for analgesia against noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli. Morphine produced analgesia at 3 and 10 days of age only when administered to the ventral part of the PAG and the thermal noxious stimulus was tested. Conversely, analgesia induced by glutamate was seen at 3 and 10 days of age only when glutamate was given to the dorsal aspect of the PAG and the mechanical stimulus was used. In 14-day-old pups, both drugs produced analgesia against both types of noxious stimuli regardless of their site of administration within the PAG. Systemically administered naloxone attenuated the analgesic effects of both drugs when they were administered to the ventral PAG, but did not consistently attenuate the analgesic effect of either compound given to the dorsal aspect of the PAG. When either morphine or glutamate was injected into the ventral PAG, intrathecal injections of methysergide attenuated analgesia against the thermal stimulus to a significantly greater degree than the mechanical stimulus and intraspinal injection of phentolamine attenuated analgesia against the mechanical stimulus more potently. When glutamate was given to the dorsal PAG, analgesia against both stimulus types was significantly attenuated. These results indicate that the morphine- and glutamate-induced analgesia mediated by the PAG are developmentally differentiated. These ontogenetic differences most likely reflect differences in the mechanism of action by which these drugs produce analgesia when administered to the PAG, as well as neuroanatomical differences within the dorsal and the ventral regions of the PAG.
More on assertion and belief

NOTES '"Predicability," Philosophy in America, edited by Max Black (London: Allen and Unwin, 1965), p. 281. 2 Ibid., p. 265. 'Miss Haack has attempted to produce counterexamples (Analysis, 28:159-65 (April 1968)), but I have argued in "Sommers' Rule and Equivocality" (Analysis, 29:58-61 (December 1969) ) that her examples are either ill formed by reference to the conditions set by REA, or if well formed are not counterexamples. 'Cf. Sommers' formulation of CUP, "Predicability," p. 267. ' I apply here to particulars Sommers' criterion for an individual (ibid., p. 279). I shall borrow from Strawson and assume that "historical occurrences, material objects, people and their shadows are all particulars; whereas qualities and properties, numbers and species are not" (P. F. Strawson, Individuals (London: Methuen, 1959),p. 15). ' "Predicability," p. 265; cf. p. 280.
TeleProbe: design and development of an efficient system for telepathology

This paper describes an internet-based system for telepathology. This system provides support for multiple users and exploits the opportunities for optimization that arise in multi-user environment. Techniques for increasing system responsiveness by improving resource utilization and lowering network traffic are explored. Some of the proposed optimizations include an auto-focus module, client and server side caching, and request reordering. These systems can be an economic solution not only for remote pathology consultation but also for pathology and biology education.
Functional analysis of GABAA receptors in nucleus tractus solitarius neurons from neonatal rats

To gain insight into specific GABA(A) receptor configurations functionally expressed in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), we conducted several physiological and pharmacological assessments. NTS neurons were characterized in thin brain slices from 1-14 day old rats using whole-cell patch clamp recordings. GABA(A-) receptor-mediated currents were detected in all neurons tested, with an average EC(50) of 22.2 microM. GABA currents were consistently stimulated by diazepam (EC(50)=63 nM), zolpidem (EC(50)=85 nM), loreclezole (EC(50)=10.1 microM) and the neurosteroid 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-hydroxy-20-one (3alpha-OH-DHP). In contrast, GABA-gated currents of the NTS were inhibited by the divalent cation Zn(2+) (IC(50)=33.6 microM) picrotoxin (IC(50)=2.4 microM) and blockade of endogenous protein tyrosine kinase. GABA-activated currents were insensitive to furosemide (10-1000 microM) in all NTS neurons tested. Collectively, the data suggest that in neonatal rats, the predominant alpha subunit isoform present in GABA(A) receptors of the NTS appears to be the alpha1 and/or alpha2 subunit. beta2 and/or beta3 subunits are the major beta isoform, while the predominant gamma subunit is likely gamma2. Our data suggest the contribution to NTS GABA currents by alpha3-alpha6, beta1, gamma1 and delta subunits, if present, is minor by comparison.
Changes in Calcium-Binding Protein Expression in the Brainstem Vestibular and Oculomotor Nuclei of the Jaundiced Gunn Rat

Changes in Calcium-Binding Protein Expression in the Brainstem Vestibular and Oculomotor Nuclei of the Jaundiced Gunn Rat
The anti-Shine–Dalgarno sequence drives translational pausing and codon choice in bacteria

Protein synthesis by ribosomes takes place on a linear substrate but at non-uniform speeds. Transient pausing of ribosomes can affect a variety of co-translational processes, including protein targeting and folding. These pauses are influenced by the sequence of the messenger RNA. Thus, redundancy in the genetic code allows the same protein to be translated at different rates. However, our knowledge of both the position and the mechanism of translational pausing in vivo is highly limited. Here we present a genome-wide analysis of translational pausing in bacteria by ribosome profiling--deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments. This approach enables the high-resolution measurement of ribosome density profiles along most transcripts at unperturbed, endogenous expression levels. Unexpectedly, we found that codons decoded by rare transfer RNAs do not lead to slow translation under nutrient-rich conditions. Instead, Shine-Dalgarno-(SD)-like features within coding sequences cause pervasive translational pausing. Using an orthogonal ribosome possessing an altered anti-SD sequence, we show that pausing is due to hybridization between the mRNA and 16S ribosomal RNA of the translating ribosome. In protein-coding sequences, internal SD sequences are disfavoured, which leads to biased usage, avoiding codons and codon pairs that resemble canonical SD sites. Our results indicate that internal SD-like sequences are a major determinant of translation rates and a global driving force for the coding of bacterial genomes.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia monitoring with a Lamprey idiotope-specific antibody.

For antigen recognition, lampreys use leucine-rich repeats (LRR) instead of immunoglobulin V-(D)-J domains to generate variable lymphocyte receptors (VLR) of three types: VLRA, VLRB, and VLRC. VLRB-bearing lymphocytes respond to immunization with proliferation and differentiation into plasmacytes that secrete multivalent VLRB antibodies. Here, we immunized lampreys with B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to generate recombinant monoclonal VLRB antibodies, one of which, VLR39, was specific for the donor CLL cells. The target epitope of VLR39 was shown to be the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of the heavy chain variable region (VH) of the B-cell receptor. Using this antibody to monitor the CLL donor after chemoimmunotherapy-induced remission, we detected VLR39+ B cells in the patient 51 months later, before significant increase in lymphocyte count or CD5+ B cells. This indication of reemergence of the leukemic clone was verified by VH sequencing. Lamprey antibodies can exhibit exquisite specificity for a protein epitope, a CLL signature VH CDR3 sequence in this case, and offer a rapid strategy for generating anti-idiotype antibodies for early detection of leukemia recurrence. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(4); 223–8. ©2013 AACR.
High‐dose carboplatin–irinotecan–temozolomide: Treatment option for neuroblastoma resistant to topotecan

Background We report a retrospective study of a novel regimen for neuroblastoma (NB) resistant to standard induction or salvage chemotherapy which now routinely includes topotecan. Patients and Methods Forty-five patients received carboplatin (500 mg/m2/day, 2×)–irinotecan (50 mg/m2/day, 5×)–temozolomide (250 mg/m2/day, 5×) (HD-CIT). Only one course was planned. Patients with thrombocytopenia indicative of poor bone marrow (BM) reserve resulting from extensive prior therapy received peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) post-HD-CIT. Results Modest acute toxicity allowed outpatient treatment. Low-grade diarrhea was common; there was no mucositis, nephrotoxicity, or cardiotoxicity. Myelosuppression was prolonged but uncomplicated. The absolute neutrophil count reached 500/µl on days 20–30 (median, 25) in 25 patients with satisfactory BM reserve, and on days 9–14 (median, 11) post-PBSC infusion. Anti-NB activity was common against refractory (non-progressing) disease or new relapse occurring off therapy (68% objective response rate), but not against disease progressing on therapy. Seven of 26 patients treated for refractory NB are progression-free and in complete remission following subsequent therapy, including anti-GD2 immunotherapy, at ≥29+ months post-HD-CIT. Conclusions HD-CIT is appealing as salvage or consolidative therapy because of anti-NB activity and modest non-hematologic toxicity. PBSC support is unnecessary when BM reserve is intact. The wide antineoplastic activity of its three components and their potential for activity against disease in the central nervous system support applicability to other cancers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:403–408. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The tectonic crustal stress field and style of faulting along the Pacific North America Plate boundary in Southern California

We invert for the state of stress in the southern California crust using a catalogue of high quality earthquake focal mechanisms (1981–2010). The stress field is best resolved where seismicity rates are high and sufficient data are available to constrain the stress field across most of the region. From the stress field, we determine the maximum horizontal compressive stress (S_Hmax) orientations and the style of faulting across southern California. The trend of S_Hmax exhibits significant regional and local spatial heterogeneities. The regional trend of S_Hmax varies from north along the San Andreas system to NNE to the east in the Eastern California Shear Zone as well as to the west, within the Continental Borderland and the Western Transverse Ranges. The transition zones from one state of stress to the other occur over a distance of only a few kilometres, following a trend from Yucca Valley to Imperial Valley to the east, and the western edge of the Peninsular Ranges to the west. The local scale heterogeneities in the S_Hmax trend include NNW trends along the San Andreas Fault near Cajon Pass, Tejon Pass and the Cucapah Range, as well as NNE trends near the northern San Jacinto Fault and the Wheeler Ridge area. The style of faulting exhibits similar complexity, ranging from predominantly normal faulting in the high Sierra Nevada, to strike-slip faulting along the San Andreas system, to three consecutive bands of thrust faulting in the Wheeler Ridge area and the Western Transverse Ranges. The local variations in the style of faulting include normal faulting at the north end of the San Jacinto Fault and scattered areas of thrust faulting. The regional variations in the SHmax trends are very similar to the pattern of the GPS-measured maximum shortening axes of the surface strain rate tensor field although the strain field tends to be smoother and appears to capture some of the upper-mantle deformation field. The mean trend of S_Hmax departs about approximately 14° to the east from the trend of the maximum shortening directions derived from anisotropy in the upper mantle.
The Virtual Clinical Practicum: An Innovative Telehealth Model for Clinical Nursing Education

Abstract The Virtual Clinical Practicum® (VCP) involves a clinical nursing education delivery strategy that uses video teleconferencing technology to address time, distance, and resource barriers. Technology-delivered education can augment the existing curriculum by increasing student access to clinical experts in specialty areas, thus supporting efficient use of faculty resources. This article describes the implementation of the VCP process and student perceptions of its effectiveness and usefulness. The VCP was shown to be a successful method of clinical nursing education, offering students exposure to clinical situations not available by other means. Opportunities for dialogue, critical reflection, and synthesis allowed students to experience the benefits of a traditional experience, enhanced through technology and tailored to the specific needs of the students. Respondents overwhelmingly recommended further use of the VCP to augment existing clinical nursing education methods.
Chromosome pairing in maize.

ABSTRACT This report summarizes our observations at pachytene on opposite-arms intercrosses between stocks of interchanges that involve chromosomes 1 and 5 in maize.—Pairing does not begin at the centromeres in these intercrosses.—We propose a model which assumes different probability values along each chromosome arm for the initial or primary site of pairing. Observations on the frequencies of the different types of configurations at pachytene were used to estimate probability values which satisfactorily fit the data.—There is a relatively low probability (of the order of.1 to.3) for the initial pairing to be in a short terminal segment (about.1 of the arm length). Initial pairing in the one or two short segments adjacent to the tip segment is much higher. Initial pairing is much lower in segments successively closer to the middles of the chromosome arms, and then zero or nearly zero in the proximal half of the arm. This means that the initial pairing may fail occasionally even in a relatively long interchanged segment and produce a T-shaped (3-armed) configuration.—After the initial pairing has occurred, the average probability that a secondary site of pairing is adjacent to the centromere in a segment.3 to.4 the length of an arm is low (.13, ranging from.02 to.29).—We can predict that in an intercross in which both breakpoints in both parental interchanges are far out on the chromosomes, "pairs" will be formed with nonhomologous ends (homologous differential segments paired). In these pairing could have begun at any point in the interstitial segments, but not likely in segments close to the centromeres.—Multiple secondary sites which vary in time or in order of pairing will explain the variation in position of the cross-shaped pachytene configuration in interchange heterozygotes.—The observed configuration in any one cell is the result of a particular combination of pairing events at the various sites. This is a very different concept of pairing from previous interpretations which described it as a result of zipper-like action, and the variation in position of the pachytene cross-configuration as the result of "shifts" in position.—Our cytogenetic results and their interpretation are in close agreement with reports on chromosome ultrastructure and molecular events in the early stages of meiosis, i.e. the attachment of chromosome ends to the nuclear membrane, the manner in which synaptonemal complexes develop, and the regions of DNA whose replication is delayed until zygonema.
COMMIT TIME DECISION FOR MEASURING DEMAND SIDE QUALITY COSTS WITH LIMITED DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

Consider a single machine processing multiproducts situation when only the mean and standard deviation of processing time for each product are available. The bounds of optimal commit delivery time range are obtained. A decision of the robust commit delivery time is suggested. An extension to the situation with information of orders in queue is also discussed. Numerical examples show that the suggested decision performs well. The expected value of additional information, which measures the maximum amount a decision maker is willing to pay for knowledge of true distribution information, is small, and that further demonstrates the worthiness of the suggested robust decision.
Bracing for Islamic Creationism

To avoid a vast rejection of evolution in the Muslim world, scientists can present the theory as the bedrock of biology and can stress its practical applications.