cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resistance, Engagement, and Understanding: A Profile of a Struggling Emergent Reader Responding to Read-Alouds in a Kindergarten Classroom

Although an abundance of research exists regarding reading achievement gaps with minority students, and it is widely accepted that experiences in the early grades can be foundational to future success, there is a need for more research on what constitutes effective literacy practices for struggling African American emergent readers. The purpose of this article is to describe the complexity of an African American kindergarten student's responses to interactive read-alouds. Drawing on data from a 9-month research project in an urban public kindergarten classroom, this case study describes how an emergent reader, who was identified by his teacher as struggling with both literacy development and motivation, was highly engaged during the daily interactive read-alouds. The researcher used qualitative research methods, and data analysis occurred in 3 phases: (a) descriptive analysis of the classroom context, (b) analysis of emergent themes, and (c) categorical analysis of comprehension levels. Overall, the findi...
emerging targets in pancreatic cancer: epithelial- mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies and is characterized by poor response to current therapy and a dismal survival rate. Recent insights regarding the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumorigenesis have brought further understanding to the field and have highlighted new therapeutic targets. CSCs are a distinct subset of cancer cells, with the ability to differentiate into other cell types and self-renew in order to fuel the maintenance of tumor amplification. Transition of a cancer cell from an EMT leads to increased migratory and invasive properties, and thus facilitates initiation of metastasis. EMT is regulated by a complex network of factors that includes cytokines, growth factors, aberrant signaling pathways, transcription factors, and the tumor microenvironment. There is emerging evidence that the EMT process may give rise to CSCs, or at least cells with stem cell-like properties. We review the key pathways involved in both of these processes, the biomarkers used to identify CSCs, and new therapeutic approaches targeting CSCs and EMT in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Differential sensitivity of the perioculomotor urocortin-containing neurons to ethanol, psychostimulants and stress in mice and rats.

Abstract The perioculomotor urocortin-containing population of neurons (pIIIu: otherwise known as the non-preganglionic Edinger–Westphal nucleus) is sensitive to alcohol and is involved in the regulation of alcohol intake. A recent study indicated that this brain region is also sensitive to psychostimulants. Since pIIIu has been shown to respond to stress, we investigated how psychostimulant-induced pIIIu activation compares to stress- and ethanol-induced activation, and whether it is independent from a generalized stress response. Several experiments were performed to test how the pIIIu responds to psychostimulants by quantifying the number of Fos immunoreactive nuclei after acute i.p. injections of saline, 10–30 mg/kg cocaine, 5 mg/kg methamphetamine, 5 mg/kg amphetamine, 2.5 g/kg ethanol, 2 h of restraint stress, 10 min of swim stress, or six applications of mild foot shock in male C57BL/6 J mice. We also compared Fos immunoreactivity in pIIIu after acute (20 mg/kg cocaine) and repeated cocaine exposure (7 days of 20 mg/kg cocaine) injections in male C57BL/6 J mice in order to investigate the potential habituation of this response. Finally, we quantified the number of Fos immunoreactive nuclei in pIIIu after administration of saline, 2.5 g/kg ethanol, 20 mg/kg cocaine, or 2 h of restraint stress in male Sprague–Dawley rats. We found that exposure to psychostimulants and ethanol induced significantly higher Fos levels in pIIIu compared to stress in mice. Furthermore, repeated cocaine injections did not decrease Fos immunoreactivity as would be expected if this response were due to stress. In rats, exposure to ethanol, psychostimulant and restraint stress all induced pIIIu Fos immunoreactivity compared to saline-injected controls. In both mice and rats, ethanol- and cocaine-induced Fos immunoreactivity occurred exclusively in urocortin 1-positive, but not in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive, cells. These results provide evidence that the pIIIu Fos-response to psychostimulants is independent of a generalized stress in mice, but not rats. They additionally show that the pIIIu response to stress differs significantly between species.
Hydrogen bonded framework structures constructed from 2-(pyridyl N-oxide) methylphosphonic acid ligands and erbium(III).

Syntheses for 2-(pyridyl N-oxide) methylphosphonic acid, 1-H, and 2-(pyridyl N-oxide) hydroxymethylphosphonic acid, 4-H, are described, and the crystal structures of both ligands are presented. Combination of these ligands with freshly prepared erbium hydroxide results in the formation of the isostructural complexes Er(L - ) 3 (LH).8H 2 O. The crystal structure determinations of the complexes show that extensive hydrogen bonding links the individual eight coordinate Er(L - ) 3 (LH) molecular units into a 3-D structure.
Workstation Recognition using a Constrained Edge-based Hough Transform for Mobile Robot Navigation

Abstract Landmark recognition is a task required of many robotic systems. In this work, we examine the use of a constrained Hough transform used by a mobile robot to locate a docking workstation. This algorithm deals withthe uncertainty inherent in a mobile robot by making use of a spatial uncertainty map maintained by the robot.Several iterations of the Hough transform are run with transformed models of the dock. Votes are accumulated ina collapsed Hough space which, although unable to recover range and orientation information, simplifies locatingthe dock within the image. 1 Introduction The goal for this research has been to create a system capable of finding a docking station within an image taken bya mobile robot which is operating in a manufacturing environment. This is a common example of a class of problems faced by mobile robots. In this work, the recognition is accomplished by using a constrained Hough transform algorithm (Htrans) with edge points as the salient feature. It is intended that the robot calls the algorithm after it has maneuvered itself into a position where the dock
Understanding and Consulting with Inconsolable Organizations

Contrary to their widely touted and expected benefits to organizations, the various forms of “managed social change” (e.g., downsizing, RIFing, reengineering, restructuring, outsourcing) over the past quarter century have had widespread devastating psychological effects on those fired, on those who survived the firings, on those whose roles were dramatically changed, and on their families and communities. The result has often been what I call “inconsolable organizations,” that is, workplaces mired in loss and grief. Inconsolable organizations emerge where recurrent traumatic change has occurred together with the often officially-enforced “inability to mourn” the massive losses—not only of others, but of one's very self and self-worth. A tentative model is proposed, one that situates organizational inconsolability relative to other dimensions of adaptation to traumatic change. Recommendations are offered for assisting organizations in these circumstances.
Substituted Benzamides Administered to Adult Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by Dipping and Feeding

In the laboratory, four substituted benzamides (LY 121342 benzamide, 2-chloro- N -[[[6-[2,4-dichlorophenyl]methoxy]-3-pyridinyl]amino]carbonyl]-6-fluoro-; LY 135926 benzamide, N -[[[6-[2,4-dichlorophenylmethoxy]-3-pyridinyl]amino]carbonyl]-; triflumuron; and CGA 112913, N -[4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl-oxy)-3,5-dichlorophenyl-aminocarbonyl]-2,6-difluoro-benzamide) were administered to adult boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, by dipping at concentrations ranging from 0.032 to 2.5% and feeding (3 d) at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 2.0%. In dipping tests, descending order of effectiveness of these compounds in causing progeny reduction was as follows: LY 135926, triflumuron, LY 121342, and CGA 112913. In feeding tests, descending order of effectiveness was as follows: CGA 112913, LY 121342, triflumuron, and LY 135926. Mortality was higher in dip and feeding tests with LY 121342 and LY 135926. Although all treatments reduced flight compared with the control, boll weevils that were fed these chemicals (except LY 121342) usually flew more than those that were dipped. A few days after treatment, flight of treated and controls was reduced compared with earlier flights.
Visitor survey versus conversion study

Abstract This research examines the similarities and differences between data collected by an inquiry conversion survey and that collected by a visitor survey. Both surveys were conducted in Nebraska during 1983. The results indicate that the two methodologies provide different estimates of both visitor characteristics and travel behaviors. While further research is recommended, the study concludes that inquiry conversion surveys are inappropriate surrogates for visitors surveys, and that using visitor survey expenditure estimates with inquiry conversion data analysis is also inappropriate. The study results are consistent with hypotheses derived from information seeking theory in marketing.
How Does The Tethered Kinesin Head Diffuse To The Next Microtubule Binding Site

During each step taken by a dimeric kinesin motor, one motor domain must release from its previous binding site on the microtubule and move 16 nm forward to the next binding site. This stepping process is thought to involve both concerted conformational changes and diffusive movement, but the relative role played by these two processes is not clear. We are investigating this question by computationally modeling the chemomechanical cycle of kinesin using Brownian dynamics simulations. The simulations model the diffusion of the tethered kinesin head and incorporate resistive forces from the motor's flexible neck-linker domain and a distance-dependent on-rate for binding to the next site on the microtubule. Initial simulations model the neck linker domain as an entropic spring, using parameters for a Worm-Like Chain taken from protein unfolding experiments. Because the importance of properly modeling the mechanical properties of the neck linker domain, we have refined these initial Brownian models using data from molecular dynamics simulations to predict the force-extension relationship of Kinesin-1, Kinesin-2, and mutants with engineered neck linker domains. Simulations for diffusion and binding of the tethered head are incorporated into a Monte Carlo model of the entire kinesin mechanochemical cycle to reproduce motor stepping kinetics. These simulations are being tested by comparing the predicted motor speed and processivity to results from ongoing single-molecule experiments on Kinesin-1 and Kinesin-2 motors. These simulations make specific predictions for the magnitude of the conformational changes involved in motor stepping and the kinetics of the diffusive search in relation to the overall stepping rate.
Electrophoretic mobilities and surface adsorption in the polystyrene latex-aliphatic soap system☆

The electrophoretic mobilities of a polystyrene latex stabilized by straight-chain aliphatic soaps were measured as a function of soap and salt concentrations. The soaps employed were alkali salts of fatty acids ranging from C8 (caprylic) soap to C16 (palmitic) soap. The salts employed were potassium and sodium chlorides. The results are explained by a modification of the Stern localized adsorption model which takes into account the effect of the ionic strength of the system on the rate of adsorption of soap anions by the latex particle. It has been postulated, on the basis of these experimental data, that the chloride ions are preferentially adsorbed by the latex particle, in addition to adsorption of the soap ions. This requires an extension of the Stern-Langmuir adsorption isotherm into a two-component adsorption of ions of the same sign, but with different effective areas and adsorption potentials. From the maxima in the curves representing mobilities versus soap concentratioin, the dependence of adsorption potential and of effective area of soap ion on the number of CH2 groups in the aliphatic chain was obtained. It was observed that within the limitations of the theoretical model employed the adsorption potential increases by approximately 600 cal/mol for each additiona -CH2- group in the soap molecule.
Changing Womanhood: Perimenopause Among Filipina-Americans

Objective To develop a conceptualization of perimenopause experienced by Filipina‐American women. Design Grounded theory methods of interviews and constant comparative analysis. Setting Participants were interviewed in their homes or other location of their choosing. Participants Sixteen Filipina‐American women who had not menstruated in the past 6 months or who identified themselves as perimenopausal. Main outcome measures Changing womanhood was the core category and was related to three major categories: living in my changing body changing family relationships and changing community networks. Results The women experienced changes such as hot flashes and irritability as well as role conflicts and broadening community involvement. The perimenopause is also a time to focus on oneself and to seek activities of a personal, familial, and community nature that are fulfilling in a different way than previous child‐rearing activities. Conclusion Filipina‐American women experience perimenopause as a normal process of aging rather than as symptomatic of disease, thus providing a health‐oriented model of perimenopause.
Chromosome 10, Frequently Lost in Human Melanoma, Encodes Multiple Tumor-Suppressive Functions

Although many DNA aberrations in melanoma have been well characterized, including focal amplification and deletions of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, broad regions of chromosomal gain and loss are less well understood. One possibility is that these broad events are a consequence of collateral damage from targeting single loci. Another possibility is that the loss of large regions permits simultaneous inactivation of multiple tumor suppressors, by broadly decreasing the resident gene dosage and expression. Here, we test this hypothesis in a targeted fashion using RNA interference to suppress multiple candidates resident in broad regions of loss. We find that loss of chromosome regions 6q, 10, and 11q21-ter are correlated with broadly decreased expression of most resident genes, and that multiple resident genes impacted by broad regional loss of chromosome 10 are bona fide tumor suppressors capable of affecting tumor growth and/or invasion. We also provide functional support for Ablim1 as a novel tumor suppressor. Our results support the hypothesis that multiple cancer genes are targeted by regional chromosome copy number aberrations.
Oscillation Effects and Time Variation of the Supernova Neutrino Signal

The neutrinos detected from the next galactic core-collapse supernova will contain valuable information on the internal dynamics of the explosion. One mechanism leading to a temporal evolution of the neutrino signal is the variation of the induced neutrino flavor mixing driven by changes in the density profile. With one and two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations we identify the behavior and properties of prominent features of the explosion. Using these results we demonstrate the time variation of the neutrino crossing probabilities due to changes in the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) neutrino transformations as the star explodes by using the S-matrix--Monte Carlo--approach to neutrino propagation. After adopting spectra for the neutrinos emitted from the proto-neutron star we calculate for a galactic supernova the evolution of the positron spectra within a water Cerenkov detector and find that this signal allows us to probe of a number of explosion features.
Giant pilomatricoma (epithelioma of Melherbe): report of a case and review of literature.

Malherbe and Chenantais1 are credited with the first report of pilomatricoma. In 1880, they described calcifying epitheliomas, initially thought to be tumors of the sebaceous glands. Malherbe corrected this view in 1905.2 Since then, this uncommon entity has been called “calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe.” After several studies suggested the cell of origin to be the outer sheath cell of the hair follicle, Forbis and Helwig3 in 1961 proposed the term “pilomatrixoma.” This new term was later corrected to “pilomatricoma,” which is more etymologically correct.4 Pilomatricoma is a benign skin neoplasm that usually presents as a single, slow-growing subcutaneous or intradermal nodule of less than 3 cm in diameter.5 It may appear at any age, with a bimodal peak in the first and sixth decades. The tumor is more common in females (female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1 overall but 2.5:1 in patients younger than 20 years).6,7 Anatomically, the head and neck is the favored site, representing more than 50% of its distribution.8
Determinants of Agricultural Intensity Index “Scores” in a Frontier Region: An Analysis of Data from Northern Guatemala

Data on farming systems in Peten, Guatemala, were used to develop an agricultural intensity index. The index can be used to assign an intensity “score” to a given farming system based on the array of practices used by the farmer, each practice’s contribution to production intensity, and the scale at which these practices are used. The scores assigned to 118 farmers in three study areas in Peten were analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the factors that account for the variation in intensity levels, as measured through the index. The analyses reveal that the factors influencing agricultural intensity in Peten vary greatly from one study area to the next. This is due to differences in livelihood opportunities and strategies that, in turn, affect how agriculture fits into the local economy and how and why intensification is pursued. Variation in intensity levels can best be understood by considering the factors at the household and sub-regional scales that influence (a) whether farmers feel a need to intensify, (b) whether they see some benefit in doing so, and (c) whether they have the resources required to intensify production through particular strategies. Close attention must be paid to these factors by conservation and development organizations seeking to influence land use patterns and conserve forest in Peten.
INBREEDING DEPRESSION: TESTS OF THE OVERDOMINANCE AND PARTIAL DOMINANCE HYPOTHESES

Abstract The two principal theories of the causal mechanism for inbreeding depression are the partial dominance hypothesis and the overdominance hypothesis. According to the first hypothesis, inbreeding increases the frequency of homozygous combinations of deleterious recessive alleles thereby decreasing fitness, whereas the overdominance hypothesis posits that inbreeding increases homozygosity and thus reduces the frequency of the superior heterozygotes. These two hypotheses make different predictions on the effect of crossing inbred lines: the overdominance hypothesis predicts that trait means will be restored to the outbred means, whereas the partial dominance hypothesis predicts that trait means will exceed those of the outbred population. I tested these predictions using seven inbred lines of the sand cricket, Gryllus firmus. Fourteen generations of brother-sister mating resulted in an inbreeding depression of 20–34% in four traits: nymphal weights at ages 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, and early fecundi...
Charge conduction and breakdown mechanisms in self-assembled nanodielectrics.

Developing alternative high dielectric constant (k) materials for use as gate dielectrics is essential for continued advances in conventional inorganic CMOS and organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). Thicker films of high-k materials suppress tunneling leakage currents while providing effective capacitances comparable to those of thin films of lower-k materials. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and multilayers offer attractive options for alternative OTFT gate dielectrics. One class of materials, organosilane-based self-assembled nanodielectrics (SANDs), has been shown to form robust films with excellent insulating and surface passivation properties, enhancing both organic and inorganic TFT performance and lowering device operating voltages. Since gate leakage current through the dielectric is one factor limiting continued TFT performance improvements, we investigate here the current (voltage, temperature) (I (V,T)) transport characteristics of SAND types II (π-conjugated layer) and III (σ-saturated + π-c...
An Integrated Approach to the Exposome: Rappaport and Lioy Respond

We welcome the remarks of van Tongeren and Cherrie regarding our recent editorial (Lioy and Rappaport 2011) and see no particular differences in our positions. As originally conceived, the exposome concept promoted investigations of disease etiology, that is, finding unknown causes of disease (Wild 2005). This requires an untargeted study design so that important, but as yet unrecognized, exposures will not be missed (Rappaport and Smith 2010). Such untargeted designs lend themselves to omic characterization of biospecimens (of the top-down type), as has been demonstrated in recent metabolomic investigations (e.g., Wang et al. 2011). Many external measurements of exposure focus on specific chemicals or classes of agents, but van Tongeren and Cherrie offer examples of untargeted designs (e.g., mining records of household food purchases). In any case, as measurements of external phenomena become less targeted, they become more exposomic (of the bottom-up type). The real issue is to recognize the underlying reasons for estimating exposure levels. If measurements are intended to find unknown sources of disease, then they are consistent with the exposome concept. If they are intended for other purposes (e.g., dose response, risk assessment/management, source characterization), then they follow more traditional lines of exposure assessment/science. As we emphasized in our editorial (Lioy and Rappaport 2011), both approaches have merit, and a combination of the two offers particular advantages for both identifying and preventing hazardous exposures, and thereby mitigating diseases.
Increases in rat liver cyclic AMP concentrations prior to the initiation of DNA synthesis following partial hepatectomy or hormone infusion

Abstract In rat liver following partial hepatectomy an unprecedented biphasic increase in cyclic AMP concentration was observed. After a lag period of 1 1 2 hr , the cyclic AMP content rose to a peak at 2 1 2 hr . The cyclic AMP level fell to normal at 8 hr, and then rose again to a second peak at 12 hr. DNA synthesis started at 18 hr, by which time the cyclic AMP level was approaching control values. A biphasic increase in cyclic AMP concentration was also observed to precede the initiation of DNA synthesis in intact liver following the infusion of a mixture of tri-iodothyronine, amino acids, glucagon and heparin. The relationship between these biphasic changes in cyclic AMP levels and the initiation of DNA synthesis in liver is discussed.
Play therapy and children with disabilities

Play therapy allows children with developmental and health disabilities to discover what physical and emotional strengths they have in relation to their disabilities. Play therapy may be directive or nondirective, emotionally or physically focused. Suggestions for specific activities are presented for providing play therapy for children with disabilities.
Moderate alcohol intake is associated with decreased risk of insulin resistance among individuals with vitamin D insufficiency.

Abstract Objective To determine whether moderate alcohol intake modifies the association between low vitamin D levels and insulin resistance (IR), we hypothesized that moderate alcohol intake would have a modifying effect on IR in people with low vitamin D levels. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of subjects ≥20 y old without a history of diabetes, coronary heart disease, or stroke in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2004. Main outcome was IR status measured by homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR; ≥ 2.6) and fasting insulin (>12.2 μU/mL) in moderate drinkers compared with non-drinkers by vitamin D levels (deficient ≤20 ng/mL, insufficient 21–32 ng/mL, normal >32 ng/mL). Results Two thousand seven hundred twenty-one subjects met the inclusion criteria, representing a weighted total of >138 million people. Of these, 34% were vitamin D deficient and 47% insufficient. In adjusted analysis, compared with moderate drinkers with normal vitamin D levels, non-drinkers had no increased risk of IR by HOMA-IR levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–2.30). Vitamin D–deficient individuals had a higher risk of IR regardless of alcohol consumption (moderate drinkers OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.41–3.19; non-drinkers OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.29–3.83). However, in those with insufficient vitamin D levels, moderate alcohol intake had a modifying effect on the odds of IR, with no difference seen in moderate drinkers (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.92–1.80) and an increased risk found in non-drinkers (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07–3.11). Similar results were seen with fasting insulin. Conclusion Moderate alcohol consumption appears to have a modifying effect on the risk of IR in individuals with insufficient levels of vitamin D.
The question of an impaired surgeon dilemma.

You are the chief-of-surgery at a major urban medical center. Dr X is a 69-year-old vascular surgeon who has been a close friend for years. Dr X has had excellent clinical results throughout her career, but recent cases reviewed by the Deaths & Complications Conference suggest that her complication rate has risen. Also, during the last year, anecdotal reports from several sources have indicated her professional behavior occasionally is somewhat uneven. This Monday morning, a surgeon with a well-known long-standing dislike of Dr X came to your office, reporting indignantly that he detected the odor of alcohol when Dr X arrived for an emergency case last evening. How should this be handled? ARefer the matter to the hospital chief-of-staff BMeet about the report, interview the other parties, document your findings, and refer for counseling, if indicated CAppoint an investigative committee, which you will chair DMeet with Dr X and document your findings EMake extensive notes and wait to see if it happens again.
A cell membrane correlate of tardive dyskinesia in patients treated with phenothiazines.

Phenothiazine administration to psychiatric patients is associated with an increase in the “structural order” of platelet membranes as determined by steady-state fluorescence polarization measurements with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), a fluorescent probe that localizes preferentially in the hydrocarbon region of cell membranes (Zubenko and Cohen 1984, 1985a, b). In this study, platelet membranes prepared from a group of psychiatric patients who developed tardive dyskinesia following chronic treatment with phenothiazines exhibited a significant elevation in DPH fluorescence polarization when compared to similar preparations from an otherwise matched group of patients who had no symptoms or history of tardive dyskinesia. The distribution of polarization values obtained for the tardive dyskinesia group displayed minimal overlap with that of an unmedicated, psychiatrically-healthy control group matched for age and gender. The fluorescence polarization of DPH-labelled platelet membranes was not significantly correlated with phenothiazine daily dose or serum cholesterol concentration in the phenothiazine-treated patient groups, or with dyskinesia severity (AIMS rating) in the tardive dyskinesia group. Patient gender and the presence of an affective disorder did not significantly correlate with DPH fluorescence polarization. The potential physiological and clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy on Tube-Like Network Formation of Human Endothelial Cells

New guidelines suggest that HIV-infected pregnant women should be offered combination antiretroviral therapy (zidovudine and protease inhibitors) to prevent fetal HIV infection but concerns remain about potential adverse effects for the infant. Prior small case series have suggested an increased risk for hemangioma. In this study we used zidovudine and indinavir, alone or in combination, to assess the effect on an in vitro angiogenesis system for endothelial cells. The increase in capillary tube formation, was associated with a significant increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. Zidovudine and indinavir used in combination do not further strengthen both endothelial cell tubes formation and VEGF secretion. We conclude that zidovudine and indinavir may induce angiogenesis in an in vitro model.
Post-harvest residue input to cropland

Total annual input of carbon with crop residues to the soils in Missouri (North Central Region of the USA) was found to be about 3.7 t ha−1 for wheat, 3.4 t ha−1 for soybeans and 9.2 t ha−1 for corn. Root biomass represented 40–50% of total residues and its accumulation appears to be influenced by climatic conditions. Estimates of carbon outflow from the ecosystem in the form of CO2 were in good agreement with the biomass input.
C3′/C4′‐Stereochemical Effects of Digitoxigenin α‐L‐/α‐D‐Glycoside in Cancer Cytotoxicity

Sweet'n low in stereo: A Wharton reaction was employed along with a diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed glycosylation and other post-glycosylation transformations to synthesize digitoxin analogues. Cytotoxic evaluation against a panel of cancer cell lines uncovered the stereochemical and substitutional limits of the C3'/C4'-hydroxy functionality in digitoxin monosaccharide.
Angiotensin II signaling activates the NO-cGMP pathway in rat proximal tubules

We examined the signal transduction cascade of angiotensin II in isolated rat proximal tubules. Angiotensin II induced a rapid (15 sec) concentration-dependent rise in intracellular free Ca2+ (EC50 = 1.7 nM). The rise in Ca2+ was blocked by the angiotensin II receptor AT1 specific antagonist SKF n = 3). It indicated that SK&F 108566 is a high affinity competitive antagonist at AT1 receptors in the proximal tubule. Angiotensin II signaling also induced a rapid (5 min) rise in cGMP formation. This response was blocked by SK&F 108566, by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, or by inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase. This indicates that the formation of cGMP elicited by angiotensin II is mediated by AT1 receptors and activation of the NO-cGMP pathway. Since cGMP can inhibit Na, K-ATPase activity, activation of the NO-cGMP pathway may act as a negative feedback component of angiotensin II signaling in renal proximal tubules.
Low-dispersion connecting tubes for liquid chromatography systems

Abstract The dispersion that takes place in coiled and serpentine tubes of different dimensions is reported. The advantage of using serpentine tubes suitably encased as connecting tubes in liquid chromatography is demonstrated. Such connecting tubes have been shown to have a variance contribution of less than 0.05 μl 2 /cm of linear length and a pressure drop of less than 0.05 MPa/cm at a flow-rate of 3 ml/min.
Positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 for the treatment of schizophrenia

Background: Normalization of excessive glutamate neurotransmission through activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) represents a novel and promising approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. This strategy has gained support through the evaluation of dual mGluR2/3 agonists that act directly at the glutamate (orthosteric) binding site. Importantly, clinical validation of the mechanism was achieved in a Phase II study in schizophrenia patients with mGluR2/3 agonist LY404039. Selective positive allosteric modulators (potentiators) of mGluR2 that bind to the transmembrane region of the receptor have shown efficacy in rodent models predictive of antipsychotic activity, but have yet to be evaluated in the clinic. Allosteric mGluR2 potentiators may offer advantages over orthosteric mGluR2/3 agonists as a result of their unique mode of action and ability to achieve superior mGluR2 selectivity. Objective/method: This review focuses on the structures and biological activities of small molecule...
Polarization reversal of Rayleigh scattering near a 2P32, 12 − 2S12 resonance doublet

Abstract Using a linearly-polarized, single-mode dye laser beam, tuned near the Na resonance doublet (but not on resonance), the polarization of the sideward Rayleigh scattering from Na atoms is experimentally studied. This polarization changes from nearly +100% when the laser wavelength is sufficiently off and outside the doublet, to nearly -100% when the laser wavelength is at a certain value inside the doublet, in good agreement with the predictions of Placzek. Self-collision-induced resonance fluorescence is also observed, and is unpolarized. The presence of foreign gas (∽ 100 torr of H 2 , D 2 , N 2 or Ne) does not affect the Rayleigh polarization, but does affect the magnitude and polarization of the collision-induced fluorescence.
Information exchange theory and man-machine interaction

Information exchange theory aims at the study and modeling of information exchange processes among interacting agents. In this paper, we develop a model for information exchange. The concepts of protocols, types of information systems, misinformation and information distortion, codification, and information distance are introduced. Examples of information exchange processes are given.
Dynamic neuromodulation of synaptic strength intrinsic to a central pattern generator circuit

Motor circuits are often thought to be physically separate from their neuromodulatory systems. We report here a counter example, where neurons within a circuit appear to modulate synaptic properties of that same circuit during its normal operation. The dorsal swim interneurons (DSIs) are members of the central pattern generator circuit for escape swimming in the mollusc Tritonia diomedea. However, DSI stimulation also rapidly enhances the synaptic potentials evoked by another neuron in the same circuit onto its follower cells. This modulatory action appears to be mediated by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine); the DSIs are serotonin-immunoreactive, and bath-application of serotonin mimics and occludes the effect of DSIs. These results indicate that during the escape swim, circuit connection strengths are dynamically controlled by the activity of neurons within the circuit itself. This 'intrinsic neuromodulation' may be important for the animal's initial decision to swim, the generation of the swim motor programme itself, and certain types of learning.
A tale of two studies: the importance of setting, subjects and context in two randomized, controlled trials of a web-based decision support for perimenopausal and postmenopausal health decisions.

Abstract Objective Knowledge relevant to women's peri- and postmenopausal health decisions has been evolving rapidly. Web-based decision supports can be rapidly updated and have the potential to improve the quality of patients’ decisions. We developed and tested a web-based decision support for peri- and postmenopausal health decisionmaking. Methods We recruited 409 women aged 45–75 for one randomized, controlled trial and 54 women with an upcoming clinic appointment for a subsequent trial. Women were randomized to use the web-based decision support versus a printed brochure (first trial) and usual care (second trial). Outcomes were changes in decisional satisfaction, decisional conflict, and knowledge, both within each trial and compared across the trials. Results Intervention subjects had greater increases in decisional satisfaction in the second trial and knowledge in both trials. A high dropout rate among women randomized to the website in the first trial effectively negated benefits in that trial, but not in the second. Conclusions The utility of this web-based decision support in two trials depended on a number of factors that appear related to the urgency of making a decision. Practice implications Decision aids should be targeted to patients actively trying to make a decision.
Factors Associated with herb and dietary supplement use by young adults in the United States

Little is known about the association between use of herbs and dietary supplements (HDS) and lifestyle/behavior factors in young adults in the US. Analyzing the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we examined the patterns of HDS (excluding vitamins/minerals) use among young adults in the United States using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In our sample of 18 to 30 year olds (n = 6666), 26% were current smokers, 24% were moderate/heavy drinkers, 43% had high physical activity, and 54% and 76% use prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications respectively. Non-vitamin, non-mineral HDS was used by 17% of the overall sample in the last 12 months. In the multivariable analysis, the lifestyle and behavioral factors associated with HDS use include: current smoking (odds ratio 1.41 95% CI [1.16–1.72]); being a former smoker (1.50 [1.15–1.95]); moderate/heavy alcohol use (2.02 [1.53–2.65]); high physical activity levels (2.45 [1.98–3.03]); and prescription medication use (1.51 [1.26–1.81]). Among HDS users, only 24% discussed their use with a health care professional. Nearly one in five young adults report using non-vitamin/non-mineral HDS.
Determination of the transverse centre of rotation of the knee using CAT scans.

Digitized serial CAT scans of four non-embalmed cadaver knees were used in the computer-aided determination of the longitudinal (internal-external) centres of rotation. The mean and standard deviation of the centre of rotation locations were calculated both before and after sectioning the anterior cruciate ligament. Regardless of anterior cruciate ligament status, the mean location of the centre of rotation was on the tibial spine, slightly anterior to the origin of the posterior cruciate ligament. However, upon sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament, the standard deviation of the centre of rotation location increased markedly in the latero-medial direction in three of the four legs tested.
Capturing momentary, self-report data: a proposal for reporting guidelines.

Self-report data are ubiquitous in behavioral and medical research. Retrospective assessment strategies are prone to recall bias and distortion. New techniques for assessing immediate experiences in respondents' natural environments (e.g., Ecological Momentary Assessment [1], Experience Sampling [2]) are being used by many researchers to reduce reporting bias. This article discusses seven aspects of momentary research that are often overlooked or minimized in the presentation of momentary research reports, yet that are critical to the success of the research: (a) the rationale for the momentary sampling design, (b) the details of momentary sampling procedures, (c) the data acquisition interface, (d) rates of compliance with the sampling plan, (e) the procedures used to train and monitor participants, (f) data management procedures, and (g) the data analytic approach. Attention to these areas in both the design and reporting of momentary research studies will not only improve momentary research protocols but also allow for the successful replication of research findings by other investigators.
A comparison of PASCAL and FORTRAN as introductory programming languages

Many colleges and universities offer introductory programming classes based on the FORTRAN language. Several of these schools are contemplating a change to a more modern programming language in this first course. The Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado has recently made the transition from FORTRAN to PASCAL, and this paper offers an informal discussion of the experiences of one instructor during that change. It is hoped that others who may be considering a similar change will benefit from our experiences.
Adaptive page replacement based on memory reference behavior

As disk performance continues to lag behind that of memory systems and processors, virtual memory management becomes increasingly important for overall system performance. In this paper we study the page reference behavior of a collection of memory-intensive applications, and propose a new virtual memory page replacement algorithm, SEQ. SEQ detects long sequences of page faults and applies most-recently-used replacement to those sequences. Simulations show that for a large class of applications, SEQ performs close to the optimal replacement algorithm, and significantly better than Least-Recently-Used (LRU). In addition, SEQ performs similarly to LRU for applications that do not exhibit sequential faulting.
Numerical modeling of hot electron GaAs/Al x Ga 1−x As quantum well photovoltaic

The effects of carrier escape from quantum well (QW) and the interaction of hot electrons with crystal lattice are investigated in GaAs/Al x Ga 1−x As QW hot carrier solar cells where the cooling dynamics in photo-excited structures affect the cell efficiency. For modeling and characterization of quantum well hot electron solar cells the thermionic emission theory of heterostructures coupled with energy balance and non-isothermal driftdiffusion equations are solved numerically. Simulation data show that hot carriers escape from multi quantum well results in a higher maximum conversion point in structures with long energy relaxation lifetime which may lead to a higher efficiency in hot electron solar cells.
Do Compensatory Processes Underlie the Preclinical Phase of Neurodegenerative Disease? Insights from an Animal Model of Parkinsonism

Lesions of the DA neurons innervating the striatum is accompanied by permanent gross neurological deficits only when the loss of striatal DA is almost complete, a finding reminiscent of Parkinson's disease. This appears to result at least in part from an enhanced capacity of the remaining DA neurons to continue to modulate DA-sensitive targets in the striatum. Among the neurochemical changes that may be responsible for this enhanced capacity are a loss of high-affinity DA uptake sites and time-dependent increases in the synthesis and release of DA. Following very large lesions, an increase in the sensitivity of striatal cells to DA also gradually occurs (Fig. 1). A lesion-induced increase in the functional activity of residual neurons may be a rather general phenomenon. We have made analogous observations in the sympathoadrenal system (Fluharty et al., 1985) and in the noradrenergic (Acheson & Zigmond, 1981; Chiodo et al., 1983; Abercrombie et al., 1989) and serotonergic (Stachowiak et al., 1986) systems of CNS. Thus, during many neurodegenerative diseases, compensatory changes in the affected neural system and its targets may be involved in the extended preclinical stage that often is observed. This hypothesis has several implications. First, many clinical disorders that appear late in life may in fact have their origins in events that had occurred many years earlier, and the emergence of neurological or psychiatric symptoms may represent the end stage of the neurodegenerative-process, rather than its onset. Second, to reverse clinical symptoms one may not need to reverse the entire neurobiological deficit; instead, clinical recovery might be achieved with a relatively modest restoration of the injured projections. Third, it may be possible to achieve recovery even without restoring the connections that have been lost if the capacity of the remaining elements of the injured system can be enhanced further. Finally, in some cases arresting the degenerative process may be sufficient; the natural compensatory processes of the nervous system might then be permitted the time needed to restore function.
Teaching the Integration of Psychotherapy Paradigms in a Psychiatric Residency Seminar

The authors describe methods used to approach the integration of competing psychotherapy paradigms within a resident psychotherapy seminar. They distributed a questionnaire developed to assess residents’ subjective feelings about the usefulness of the seminar and also surveyed a second program that teaches multiple perspectives without formal attempts at integration. Results indicate that a large majority of residents in both programs felt positively about their training experience from several perspectives. However, residents from the comparison program may have had a less uniformly positive experience in learning to compare and contrast psychotherapy paradigms.
Meeting the Nursing Faculty Shortage Challenge: An Accelerated Doctoral Program in Nursing

In 2003, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation partnered with a major west coast school of nursing to create an accelerated doctoral program in nursing. The program's chief aim was to address the nursing shortage by increasing the number of nurse faculty by funding 42 doctoral students in five cohorts. Students accepted into the accelerated program receive a generous stipend and commit to earn their doctorate in 3 years and teach for 3 years after graduation at 1 of 17 area nursing programs. Two cohorts have graduated from the accelerated program and are currently in faculty positions. This article describes the accelerated doctoral program and the academic progression and postgraduation employment of the first two cohorts.
Sol–gel derived ZnO/PVP nanocomposite thin film for superoxide radical sensor

Abstract Pure ZnO films and ZnO nanoparticle-dispersed polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite films are prepared on Pyrex glass substrates by the sol–gel dip-coating technique utilizing zinc acetate precursor. The thin films are extensively characterized for surface morphology, chemistry, and nanocrystallite size using various advanced analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the processing conditions considered, ZnO semiconductor thin films with nanocrystallite size 20–30 nm are obtained. The ZnO nanoparticle size in the PVP composite film increases with increase in ZnO content. The resistance of both the synthesized ZnO and ZnO/PVP thin films decrease significantly after exposure to solution containing superoxide anion radicals (SOR). The results thus indicate that ZnO and ZnO/PVP composite thin films can be used as biosensors for SOR and potentially for characterizing the antioxidant properties of fluids.
Simultaneous very low dose mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol for medical abortion

Abstract Objective This pilot study was designed to evaluate the outcome of medical abortion following simultaneous mifepristone (100 mg) and misoprostol (800 μg). Methods Enrollees had gestational ages up to 56 days and desired a medical abortion. They received 100 mg of mifepristone orally and 800 μg of misoprostol vaginally. Follow-up examination occurred in 2–7 days. A phone call 3 weeks later assessed symptoms and acceptability. A 95% success rate, as seen in higher dose studies, gives a 95% confidence interval of 88–100% for 40 subjects. Results Forty women were enrolled; 39 women had follow-up visits. Completed medical abortion was confirmed for 35 (90%) of 39 women. Four women had uterine aspiration. Two patients required repeat misoprostol. Median time from medication to abortion was 7 h. Most women (92%) strongly preferred taking all medications in the clinic. Conclusions The simultaneous administration of vaginal misoprostol with 100 mg of oral mifepristone had the outcome of completed abortion within the predicted confidence interval. In addition, simultaneous dosing was highly acceptable.