cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic use of amniotic fluid.

Summary The amniotic fluid is now recognized as a continually changing body compartment which can yield valuable information regarding fetal maturity and health. Practical clinical applications of amniotic fluid analysis are found in the management of pregnancy in Rh-sensitized women, in the evaluation of fetal distress, in the determination of fetal maturity, and in the detection of familial chromosomal and metabolic disorders. Continuing investigations of the origin, the circulatory pathways, and the constituents of this vital fluid will undoubtedly uncover further diagnostic applications.
Spatial Dynamics: Some Conceptual and Mathematical Issues:

Spatial dynamics—the study of the spatiotemporal dimension of socioeconomic activities—is grounded on highly questionable premises. These are implicit or explicit philosophical theses regarding kno...
Computerized image reconstruction methods with multiple photon/x-ray transmission scanning.

The general problems associated with multiple scan photon/X-ray transmission image reconstruction are formulated and a technique which leads to a highly accurate solution is presented. The method, 'Technique of Linear Superposition with Compensation', is detailed, together with the computer algorithm and simulation results.
Role of progesterone in regulating uteroovarian venous concentrations of PGF2 α and PGE2 during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in ewes

The role of progesterone in regulation of uteroovarian venous concentrations of prostaglandins F2 alpha(PGF2 alpha) and E2 (PGE2) during days 13 to 16 of the ovine estrous cycle or early pregnancy was examined. At estrus, ewes were either mated to a fertile ram or unmated. On day 12 postestrus, ewes were laparotomized and a catheter was inserted into a uteroovarian vein. Six mated and 7 unmated ewes received no further treatment. Fifteen mated and 13 unmated ewes were ovariectomized on day 12 and of these, 7 mated and 5 unmated ewes were given 10 mg progesterone sc and an intravaginal pessary containing 30 mg of progesterone. Uteroovarian venous samples were collected every 15 min for 3 h on days 13 to 16 postestrus. Mating resulted in higher mean daily concentrations of PGE2 in the uteroovarian vein than in unmated ewes. Ovariectomy prevented the rise in PGE2 with day in mated ewes but had no effect in unmated ewes. Progesterone treatment restored PGE2 in ovariectomized, mated ewes with intact embryos. Mating had no effect on mean daily concentrations of PGE2 alpha or the patterns of the natural logarithm (1n) of the variance of PGF2 alpha. Ovariectomy resulted in higher mean concentrations and 1n variances of PGF2 alpha on day 13 and lower mean concentrations and 1n variances of PGF2 alpha on days 15 and 16. Replacement with progesterone prevented these changes in patterns of mean concentrations and 1n variances of PGF2 alpha following ovariectomy. It is concluded that progesterone regulates the release of PGF2 alpha from the uterus, maintaining high concentrations while also preventing the occurrence of the final peaks of PGF2 alpha which are seen with falling concentrations of progesterone. This occurs in both pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. Progesterone is also needed to maintain increasing concentrations of PGE2 in mated ewes.
BRAIN ACETYLCHOLINE AND CHOLINESTERASE: EFFECT OF PHENOTHIAZINES AND PHYSOSTIGMINE INTERACTION IN RATS1

— The effect of phenothiazines either alone or in combination with physostigmine on whole brain acetylcholine concn and cholinesterase activity has been investigated in male rats. Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, trifluperazine and thioridazine) when injected alone had no significant effect on brain acetylcholine concentration. Pretreatment with chlorpromazine and thioridazine significantly enhanced the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concn and inhibition of cholinesterase activity. However, trifluperazine had no significant effect on the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concentration and inhibition of cholinesterase activity. The potentiation of the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concn by phenothiazines may be due to (1) increased acetylcholine turnover secondary to the blockade of dopamine receptors by neuroleptic drugs and.
NUCLEON--NUCLEON SCATTERING FROM ONE-BOSON-EXCHANGE POTENTIALS. III. S WAVES INCLUDED.

The nucleon-nucleon interaction is described over the laboratory scattering energy range 0-350 MeV by a potential used in conjunction with the Schr\"odinger equation. In momentum space the potential is a superposition of Born terms obtained from single exchanges of $\ensuremath{\omega}$, $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$, $\ensuremath{\eta}$, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$, and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}$ mesons, where the ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}$ are hypothetical scalar mesons with isotopic spin 0 and 1, respectively. Rather than taking the usual static limit, all terms of order $\frac{{p}^{2}}{{M}^{2}}$ are retained. The inclusion of $S$ waves requires the introduction of a cutoff factor. The meson coupling constants, the masses of the ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}$, and a cutoff parameter are adjusted to fit the experimentally determined phase parameters. A comparison with experimental phase-shift analysis shows a good qualitative fit, on the average.
Winter anticyclone changes on the central Gulf Coast of the USA

A modified cyclone‒model‒based weather classification system is used to identify long‒term trends in anticyclonic weather type frequencies over the central Gulf Coast of the USA. Results suggest that days dominated by mid‒latitude cold‒season anticyclones of continental origin (CH days) have decreased in frequency from 1961 to 1989. At the same time, anticyclones of Pacific origin (PH days) have become more common over the same region. In both cases, most of the trends are characterized by abrupt ‘step changes’ rather than gradual changes. Principal components analysis in combination with a clustering procedure is used to analyse long‒term trends in the surface air mass properties at New Orleans during times of influence of these weather types. The intensities of these weather types as a whole do not display any significant trends. However, several individual weather variables do show significant change, especially on CH days. Although some trends may represent changes in trajectory and intensity of the air masses, many may be indicative of more general atmospheric tendencies not limited to CH and PH days, such as the urban heat island and reduced visibility associated with anthropogenic activity. Future research should be conducted to improve our understanding of how changes in the presence and properties of these anticyclones relate to changes in the larger scale steering flow patterns governing their trajectories and intensities. © 1997 The Royal Meteorological Society.
Cotrimoxazole and neonatal kernicterus: a review

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP) individually and a combination known as cotrimoxazole (SMX-TMP) are widely used for the treatment of protozoan and bacterial infections. SMX-TMP is also one of the widely used antibiotics administered orally in neonates, along with gentamicin injection, for treating pneumonia and sepsis by home-based healthcare providers in Asian countries. Although the use of this drug has successfully reduced neonate mortality, there is a concern for it causing neurotoxicity. Previous clinical studies with sulfisoxazole have demonstrated occurrence of kernicterus in neonates. This sulfonamide is thought to displace bilirubin from its albumin-binding sites in plasma leading to an elevation of plasma bilirubin, which crosses the blood-brain barrier, reaches central neurons to cause kernicterus. We performed an extensive review of clinical and animal studies with cotrimoxazole, which showed no reported incidences of kernicterus with SMX-TMP use in neonates. EndNote, BasicBiosis, Embase, PubMed and Toxline database searches were conducted using specific keywords yielding 74 full-length articles relevant to the review. This review has taken into account various factors, including the disease itself, direct effects of the drug and its metabolism through conjugation and acetylation through a thorough review of the literature to examine the potentials of SMX-TMP to cause kernicterus in neonates. SMX-TMP in oral doses administered to neonates for 7-10 days is unlikely to cause kernicterus. Also, this review recommends warranting the need of future studies using animal models and clinical studies in humans to address SMX-TMP toxicity.
Balancing Fundraising in Academic Programs and Intercollegiate Athletics.

Fundraising for both academic purposes and intercollegiate athletics presents challenges that must be recognized.
Using alpha-interferon as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the dose of energy required with photodynamic therapy in treating human bladder tumors: cell culture results

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder has long been known as an aggressive killer. Because of the high degree of progression to muscle invasion and the high rate of occult early metastasis, early radical cystectomy had been the preferred treatment, a highly morbid procedure. Even now, with routine use of continent diversions or oithotopic bladder replacements, most patients would agree that there is still a great deal of morbidity associated with this treatment.
Sutureless Artificial Heart Valves

Valvular prostheses which incorporate an original method of mechanical fixation never previously described have been developed and successfully used in the aortic and mitral positions. Their principal advantage is a rapid, nonsuture method of permanent fixation which requires but a few seconds, thereby eliminating the need for prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial perfusion, and hypothermia. The risk of subsequent thrombus formation has been reduced by the elimination of sutures and cloth cuffs ordinarily used for fixation to the tissues.
Temperature Dependent Capacitance–Voltage Analysis of Unintentionally Doped and Si Doped Al0.82In0.18N Grown on GaN

Unintentionally doped (UID) and Si doped Al0.82In0.18N samples were grown on Si-doped GaN by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The high structural quality of the Al0.82In0.18N layers was confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Secondary ion mass spectrometry measurement showed oxygen levels of (2–6)×1018 cm-3 regardless of the explored growth conditions. Vertical Schottky diodes were fabricated with a Pd-based Schottky contact on Al0.82In0.18N and Ti/Al/Ni/Au-based ohmic contact on n-type GaN. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) analysis showed that UID Al0.82In0.18N was an n-type with a carrier density of about 3×1017 cm-3 in the bulk region at 300 K. Based on the temperature dependent C–V analysis from 100 to 300 K, the donor activation energy was found to be 4 meV, showing very weak temperature dependence despite the large bandgap of Al0.82In0.18N. Si-doped Al0.82In0.18N ([Si] 2×1018 cm-3) showed almost no carrier freeze-out at carrier density of 1.0×1018 cm-3.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of recombinant barley lectin and pro-barley lectin.

Abstract Barley lectin (BL) and its precursor form (proBL), synthesized and over expressed in Escherichia coli, have been crystallized under conditions identical to those used for the closely related lectin wheat germ agglutinin. These lectins are members of the Gramineae family and possess a unique disulfide-rich domain structure. The pro-lectin polypeptides are extended by 15 amino acid residues at the carboxy terminus. This pro-peptide, which is proteolytically removed as the mature lectin is deposited in the vacuoles, is thought to function as a targeting signal for molecular sorting. Crystals of BL and proBL are well ordered and belong to space groups C2221 and P212121. The unit cell dimensions for BL and proBL are a = 51·9 A, b = 73·7 A, c = 89·3 A (one monomer per asymmetric unit), and a = 45·2 A, b = 70·5 A, c = 111·6 A (two monomers per asymmetric unit), respectively. Diffraction patterns on precession photographs of BL crystals are closely similar to those of mature wheat germ agglutinin crystals, suggesting similar crystal packing and correct conformation of this recombinant protein in terms of the four structural domains and 16 disulfide bridges.
The 1984 justice department guidelines toward horizontal mergers

This paper examines the treatment of economic efficiency in the 1984 revision of the Department of Justice's antitrust Merger Guidelines. An overview of the evolution of the guidelines toward horizontal mergers is presented emphasizing three key areas where changes have occurred. A model is developed following O. Williamson framework is extended to link changes in market concentration (as measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index) that result from a horizontal merger to changes in market power (as measured by price-cost margins). Finally, the cost reductions (economies) required to offset increases in market power are developed in a simulation model. The paper concludes with an application of the model to the LTV-Republic Steel merger.
Proteocephalus pearsei (Cestoidea: Proteocephalidae) from the Pirate Perch, Aphredoderus sayanus (Percopsiformes: Aphredoderidae), in Northern Arkansas, U.S.A

One of 6 (17%) pirate perches, Aphredoderus sayanus, from Spring Creek, Independence County, Arkansas, was found to harbor in its small intestine a single proteocephalid tapeworm, Proteocephalus pearsei LaRue, 1919. This tapeworm has been reported previously from a variety of fish hosts, including those belonging to the families Centrarchidae, Cottidae, Gadidae, Moronidae, Percidae, Salmonidae, and Sciaenidae. The documented range of P. pearsei includes 6 northern states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), 2 Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Ontario), and the Great Lakes. We report a new host record and, for the first time, P. pearsei from Arkansas.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Background Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is commonly associated with complex congenital anomalies. The association of LVNC with less complex but more frequent anomalies, such as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), is not well described in the literature. The aims of this study were to (1) determine the incidence of association of LVNC with the most common congenital anomaly, BAV, in an echocardiographic database and (2) describe clinical and imaging characteristics of these patients. Methods An echocardiography database was retrospectively interrogated to identify 109 patients who fulfilled the echocardiographic criteria for BAV from July 1, 2011, to March 31, 2013. Echocardiograms were carefully evaluated to identify patients with concomitant LVNC. Results Twelve patients (11.0%) with BAV fulfilled the criteria for LVNC. The mean age at diagnosis was 33 ± 16.9 years; nine of 12 were men. Eight patients (66.7%) had symptoms during initial presentation. The most common BAV morphology was fusion of the right and left coronary cusps. Nine patients had mild or moderate aortic valve dysfunction (aortic regurgitation and/or stenosis), and eight had associated aortopathy. LVNC was located at the apex in all patients except one. Mean systolic global longitudinal strain was −16.9 ± 2.7%. Conclusions In this series of patients, concomitant BAV and LVNC were observed in 11% of a BAV population. Further studies are needed to understand the genetic and pathophysiologic basis of this association.
Shared Journeys Curriculum Theory and Museum Education

AbstractInformal and formal educators are scrutinizing particular representations of the world more often and asking whose voices are being heard and which interpretations concur or challenge learners' life worlds. Curriculum theory has emerged as a significant partner to theorize museum education practice to address ethics, equity, and accountability. The growing relationship between museum education and curriculum theory is grounded in five common concerns for shaping and sharing knowledge. The concerns include knowledge production, adherence to a democratic ideal, the art and act of choosing knowledge, curriculum as text, and ethics of interpretation. Increasingly, more museum educators are looking to curriculum theory for analytic tools to explore education, tools that also invigorate reflective and critical conversations about how we practice museum education.
Silicon Nanowire Array Photoelectrochemical Cells

Silicon nanowire arrays were grown by vapor−liquid−solid growth from SiH4 vapor at 500 °C, and tested as photocathodes in [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridyl)/acetonitrile solutions. Si nanowires were grown in anodic aluminum oxide membranes by first electroplating 50 μm long Co wires capped with 250 nm gold segments in the pores and then reacting with SiH4. The resulting Si nanowires protruded 10−15 μm beyond the top surface of the membrane but were degeneratively doped, most likely by Al from the membrane. Nanowires grown in the same manner on Si(111)/Au substrates could be controllably doped p-type by addition of trimethylboron. These p-Si nanowire arrays gave a photovoltage of 220 mV in [Ru(bpy)3]2+ solution when illuminated by white light.
Low doses of atropine sulfate impair retention of a well-learned spatial task.

Retention of a well-learned spatial task was assessed in rats 10 minutes prior to, and 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes after treatment with 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg, iv, atropine sulfate or the equivalent volume of saline, iv. There was a variable dose effect for escape latency and choice accuracy measures of spatial retention. A relatively large dose of atropine sulfate (30 mg/kg, iv) significantly impaired choice accuracy and escape latency compared with the control group. Moreover, impairment in choice accuracy was observed with smaller doses of atropine sulfate (3, 10mg/kg, iv) than have previously been shown to disrupt spatial retention.
Intimate relationships with their neighbors: Tales of stem cells in Drosophila reproductive systems

Stem cells have the unique potential to self-renew and to supply differentiated cells that replenish lost cells throughout an organism's lifetime. This unique property makes stem cells powerful therapeutic tools for future regenerative medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms of stem cell regulation are still poorly understood in many stem cell systems. Stem cell function has been shown recently to be controlled by concerted actions of extrinsic signals from its regulatory niche and intrinsic factors inside the stem cell. Stem cells in the Drosophila reproductive systems provide excellent models to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying stem cell regulation, including the relationships between stem cells and their niches. Within the past few years, much progress in understanding stem cells in Drosophila has been made, and the knowledge gained from studying these stem cells greatly advances our understanding of stem cells in other systems, including humans. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and describe future challenges in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell self-renewal, division, and differentiation in the Drosophila reproductive systems.
cDNA Cloning and Expression of a Family of UDP-N-acetyl-dgalactosamine:PolypeptideN-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase Sequence Homologs fromCaenorhabditis elegans

Abstract The initiation of mucin-typeO-glycosylation is catalyzed by a family of UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGaNTase) (EC 2.4.1.41). By screening two mixed-stageCaenorhabditis elegans cDNA libraries, a total of 11 distinct sequence homologs of the ppGaNTase gene family were cloned, sequenced, and expressed as truncated recombinant proteins (gly-3, gly-4, gly-5a,gly-5b, gly-5c, gly-6a,gly-6b, gly-6c, gly-7, gly-8, and gly-9). All clones encoded type II membrane proteins that shared 60–80% amino acid sequence similarity with the catalytic domain of mammalian ppGaNTase enzymes. Two sets of cDNA clones (gly-5 and gly-6) contained variants that appeared to be produced by alternative message processing.gly-6c contained a reading frameshift and premature termination codon in the C-terminal lectin-like domain found in most other ppGaNTase proteins, and a second clone (gly-8) lacked the typical C-terminal region completely. Homogenates of nematodes and immunopurified preparations of the recombinant GLY proteins demonstrated that worms express functional ppGaNTase enzymes (GLY-3, GLY-4, GLY-5A, GLY-5B, and GLY-5C), which can O-glycosylate mammalian apomucin peptide sequences in vitro. In addition to demonstrating the existence of ppGaNTase enzymes in a nematode organism, the substantial diversity of these isoforms in C. elegans suggests that mucin O-glycosylation is catalyzed by a complex gene family, which is conserved among evolutionary-distinct organisms.
In vitro HeLa cell DNA synthesis. II. Partial characterization of soluble factors stimulating nuclear dna synthesis.

When HeLa cells are lysed in hypotonic buffer and the lysate is fractionated by centrifugation into particulate and soluble components, the particulate component (nuclei) is deficient compared to unfractionated lysate in the extent to which it can carry out in vitro DNA synthesis. In addition, rapidly labeled short DNA chains (Okazaki pieces) accumulate in purified nuclei, and are chased into higher molecular weight DNA to a lesser degree than in unfractinated lysate. When purified nuclei were reconstituted with soluble component, the capacity of the nuclei for in vitro DNA synthesis was fully restored, as was the capacity of the nuclei for conversion of Okazaki pieces to higher molecular weight DNA. This suggests that the soluble component contains a factor or factors necessary for normal DNA replication. The major incorporation-stimulating activity was partially characterized and partially purified from the soluble component. It is heat labile, non-dialyzable, partially recoverable in the supernatant after pH 5 precipitation, found mainly in a 55–85% saturated (NH4)2SO4 fraction, and is included on Sephadex G-100. After passage through Sephadex G-100, the activity displays increased instability to storage at either 4°C or −70°C. Part of the activity does not bind to phosphocellulose at pH 7.2 and low salt; no additional activity can be recovered in a 0.5 M KCl wash of the phosphocellulose column. The Okazaki-piece-joining activity was found, along with the bulk of the incorporation-stimulating activity, in the 55–85% (NH4)2SO4 fraction. These findings provide some of the groundwork for future attempts to completely purify and characterize those activities in the soluble component of cell lysates which are involved in DNA replication.
Comparison of neurotransmission with nerve trunk and transmural field stimulation in guinea‐pig mesenteric artery.

1. Intracellular electrical and contractile responses to sympathetic nerve trunk stimulation (NTS) and transmural electrical field stimulation (TMS) were compared in the guinea-pig mesenteric artery in vitro. 2. Step increases in voltage with NTS gave rise to excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) which reached a plateau amplitude of 5-10 mV, whereas with TMS larger amplitude EJPs and sometimes action potentials were obtained. 3. EJPs of equal amplitude (1-7 mV) elicited with TMS and NTS had the same rise time, duration and decay half-time. 4. Slow depolarization obtained with repetitive stimulation was significantly greater in amplitude with TMS than with NTS. 5. Equal amplitude EJPs were obtained throughout the preparation with NTS. With TMS, the amplitude of responses declined substantially with distance from the stimulating electrodes. 6. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) completely blocked EJPs, slow depolarization and contraction with NTS; however, with TMS a TTX-resistant component was observed. The TTX-resistant response to TMS was abolished in the presence of a low-Ca2+ superfusion solution but was not affected by endothelium removal. 7. Phentolamine or prazosin abolished slow depolarization but not EJPs with NTS or TMS. Prazosin abolished contraction with NTS and reduced but did not abolish contraction with TMS. 8. alpha, beta-Methylene ATP abolished EJPs with NTS, whereas with TMS only EJPs obtained with low stimulus intensities were abolished. alpha, beta-Methylene ATP did not block contraction with either NTS or TMS. 9. Combined TTX, prazosin and alpha, beta-methylene ATP abolished EJPs initiated with TMS at all but the highest stimulus intensities (12-20 V, 0.3 ms duration). 10. It is concluded that responses obtained with NTS can be reliably attributed to the release of transmitter by the conduction of action potentials in paravascular nerves, whereas activation by TMS is a more complex phenomenon dependent upon stimulus strength and probably involving multiple forms of activation.
Photoinduced polarization of the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions

Abstract A photopotential can be measured for light absorbing species at the liquid/liquid interface of either water/1,2-dichloroethane or benzonitrile. The concentration and the dc potential dependence of the photopotential make it apparent that the effect is an interface phenomenon. The dependence on the chopper frequency and the fact that there is no correlation with the occurrence of an excited state dipole implies that the photoinduced potential results from a photothermal effect.
Linear programming based analysis of marginal cost pricing in electric utility capacity expansion

Abstract This paper concerns methods for discretizing and approximating the annual load duration curve in the context of a linear programming model and its interpretation in electric utility expansion planning. The emphasis is upon the interpretation of the linear programming dual variables and their relationship with classical results of peak load pricing. In particular, for capacity planning in which one can choose from a diverse number of technological alternatives, we support the work of Wenders by precisely characterizing how off-peak periods bear partial responsibility of the capacity cost.
Röntgens Entdeckung und die wissenschaftlichen Zeitschriften. Die erste Röntgen-Fachzeitschrift

Mit groser Schnelligkeit wurde die erste Nachricht von der Entdeckung der Rontgenstrahlen auch in die wissenschaftliche Fachpresse aufgenommen.
Photoemission study of Ag on hydrogenated amorphous silicon

We report a photoemission study of Ag overlayers deposited on a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film at room temperature, using synchrotron radiation as a probe. Unlike the two other interfaces, Au/a-Si:H and Cr/a-Si:H, where the metal deposits start to intermix with the a-Si substrate after a critical thickness is exceeded, the Ag/a-Si:H interface is abrupt without any indication of intermixing. The non-intermixing nature is reminiscent of its crystalline counterpart. More interestingly, we have found a unique behavior of small metal adatoms on a-Si:H; that is, they reside favorably on the dangling-bond sites. Strong hydrogen passivation on the surface prevents the gathered adatoms from coalescing.
Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression by the excitatory amino acids kainic acid and N-methyl-D,L-aspartate in the male rat

The glutamate analogs N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA) and kainic acid are involved in the regulation of GnRH and LH release in mammals. It has recently been reported that the increase in GnRH release induced by NMA is accompanied by an increase in GnRH mRNA levels, as measured by in situ hybridization. In the present study we assessed the effects of NMA and kainic acid on cytoplasmic mRNA levels using the more quantitative solution hybridization/RNase protection assay. To address the mechanism responsible for these mRNA changes, we also examined changes in heteronuclear RNA transcripts as a reflection of gene transcription. Adult male rats were implanted with a jugular catheter, and 1-2 days later, NMA (14 mg/kg BW), kainic acid (2 mg/kg BW), both NMA and kainic acid, or saline vehicle were injected through the cannula. Rats were killed 15 min or 1 h later by decapitation, blood samples were collected for RIA of LH, brains were removed, and the preoptic area was dissected and frozen. Cytoplasmic and nuclear RNA were extracted and assayed separately by RNase protection assay. Treatment with NMA or NMA plus kainic acid resulted in significantly elevated cytoplasmic mRNA levels 15 min and 1 h later compared to saline control values, with no differences between the two drug treatments observed. Kainic acid stimulated mRNA levels 1 h, but not 15 min after injection. Nuclear RNA transcripts were unaffected by all drug or vehicle treatments. As nuclear primary transcript levels presumably reflect GnRH gene transcription, and these levels are unaltered, the present study indicates that the regulation of GnRH gene expression by excitatory amino acids occurs at a posttranscriptional level. The increase in cytoplasmic GnRH mRNA levels also does not result from an increased translocation of the relatively large nuclear GnRH mRNA pool into the cytoplasm, because nuclear GnRH mRNA levels are also unchanged. Therefore, the elevation of cytoplasmic mRNA levels after excitatory amino acid treatment is probably due to an increase in mRNA stability.
Mixed Convective Burning of a Horizontal Flat Plate

Chemically-reacting laminar boundary-layer flow over a horizontal fuel slab is studied, in the limit of flame-sheet combustion, for the entire range of mixed convection with the buoyancy force either aiding or opposing the development of the boundary layer. Rigorous solution as well as approximate solution assuming local similarity are obtained for the Shvab-Zel'dovich variables, velocity profiles, surface shear and temperature gradients, flame-front standoff distances, and excess pyrolyzates. Comparison of these results show that, while the approximate solution provides good agreement for the mass burning rate and the flame location, the velocity profiles deviate significantly from the rigorous solution in the regime of intense mixed convection. Complete solutions are also obtained for opposing flows to the point of separation for mixed-convective burning over both horizontal and vertical fuel surfaces. 14 references.
Inhibitory receptors and allergy.

Recent studies of the major cell types involved in the initiation and progression of allergic inflammation have revealed that they express an unexpectedly large number of surface receptors that inhibit the release of proinflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils in vitro. Moreover, analyses of animals deficient in some of these receptors, for example, FcγRIIB, gp49B1 and paired Ig-like receptor (PIR)-B, have shown that the molecules indeed suppress allergic responses driven by the adaptive immune response in vivo. These findings support the emerging concept that allergic diseases are caused not only by excessive activation of cells but also from deficiencies in receptors that suppress these activation responses.
Should invertebrates receive greater inclusion in wildlife research journals

Invertebrates are among the most diverse organisms on Earth, significantly contribute to ecosystem function and integrity, and possess high potential as bioindicators. By definition, invertebrates also are wildlife. Yet, inclusion of invertebrates in peer-reviewed wildlife journals has not been investigated. As such, our objective was to assess inclusion of invertebrates in prominent wildlife journals published in the last decade. Based on our review and first-hand experience, we also aimed to provide recommendations for integration of invertebrates into wildlife science, education, and peer-reviewed literature. We performed a systematic literature review by manually searching all issues and articles from 2003–2013 of the following journals: European Journal of Wildlife Research, Journal of Wildlife Management, South African Journal of Wildlife Research, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Research, and Wildlife Society Bulletin. We analyzed data derived from our review to elucidate trends in the inclusion of invertebrates in these journals. We identified 4,916 articles that involved animal taxa, of which 122 (2.5%) included invertebrates and <1% included invertebrates as focal taxa. Our results indicated invertebrates are included in a minute portion of articles in top wildlife journals. We recommend a paradigm shift to a less taxonomically homogenized and vertebrate-centric approach to wildlife science and education, integrating invertebrates into wildlife studies, and publishing results of those studies in wildlife journals to facilitate effective management of all wildlife species. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
The Way to Independence: Memories of a Hidatsa Indian Family. 1840-1920

The Way to Independence: Memories of. Hidatsa Indian Family, 1840-1920. Carolyn Gilman and Mary Jane Schneider. with essays by W. Raymond Wood, Gerard Baker, Jeffery R. Hanson, and Alan R. Wool worth. St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1987. 371 pp., color plates, b/w illustrations, maps, line drawings, bibliography, index. $24.95 (cloth), $14.95 (paper).
Modifications of spider silk sequences in an attempt to control the mechanical properties of the synthetic fibers

Bacteria were genetically engineered to produce two spider silk protein variants composed of basic repeat units combining a flagelliform elastic motif ([GPGGX]4) and a major ampullate silk strength motif ([linker/poly-alanine]. The secondary structures of the pure recombinant proteins in solution were determined by circular dichroism. The data presented suggest that the nature of the 5th and 10th amino acid (X) in the [GPGGX]2 elastic motif and temperature have an impact on the amount of β-sheet structures present in the proteins. More specifically, increasing temperatures seem to be positively correlated with β-sheet formation for both proteins and this state is irreversible or reversible when both X (5th and 10th) in the elastic motif are hydrophilic or hydrophobic respectively. Moreover, each pure silk-like protein was able to spontaneously self-assemble into films from aqueous solutions. Two kinds of synthetic fibers were made by pulling fibers from these preassembled films as well as spinning fibers from each protein resolubilized in HFIP. The mechanical data show that the pulled fibers are far tougher than the spun fibers suggesting a better fiber organization.
Cardiac Vulnerability to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Drastically Increases in Late Pregnancy

Although the murine late pregnant (LP) heart is speculated to be a better functioning heart during physiological conditions, the susceptibility of LP hearts to I/R injury is still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the cardiac vulnerability of LP rodents to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In vivo female rat hearts [non-pregnant (NP) or LP] or ex vivo Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to I/R. The infarct size was approximately fourfold larger in LP animals compared with NP both in vivo and ex vivo. The heart functional recovery was extremely poor in LP mice compared with NP (~10 % recovery in LP vs. 80 % recovery in NP at the end of reperfusion, P < 0.01). Interestingly, the poor functional recovery and the larger infarct size in LP were partially restored one day post-partum and almost fully restored 1 week post-partum to their corresponding NP levels. Mitochondrial respiratory function and the threshold for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore were significantly lower in LP compared with NP when they both were subjected to myocardial I/R injury [Respiratory control ratio = 1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5 in NP, P < 0.05; calcium retention capacity (CRC) = 167 ± 10 vs. 233 ± 18 nmol/mg protein in NP, P < 0.01]. Cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well mitochondrial superoxide production, was approximately twofold higher in LP compared with NP following I/R. The phosphorylation levels of Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3, but not GSK3β, were significantly reduced in the hearts from LP subjected to I/R. In conclusion, increased mitochondrial ROS generation, decreased CRC as well as impaired activation of Akt/ERK/STAT3 at reperfusion are the possible underlying mechanisms for higher vulnerability of LP hearts to I/R.
Genomic alterations of primary tumor and blood in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.

Background: Genomic alterations are important events in the origin and progression of various cancers, with DNA copy number changes associated with progression and treatment response in cancer. Array CGH is potentially useful in the identification of genomic alterations from primary tumor and blood in breast cancer patients. The aim of our study was to compare differences of DNA copy number changes in blood and tumor tissue in breast cancer. Methods: DNA copy number changes in blood were compared to those in tumor tissue using array-comparative genomic hybridization in samples obtained from 30 breast cancer patients. The relative degree of chromosomal changes was analyzed using log2 ratios and data was validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Forty-six regions of gains present in more than 30% of the tissues and 70 regions of gains present in more than 30% of blood were identified. The most frequently gained region was chromosome 8q24. In total, agreement of DNA copy numbers between primary tumor and blood was minimal (Kappa = 0.138, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although there was only a slight agreement of DNA copy number alterations between the primary tumor and the blood samples, the blood cell copy number variation may have some clinical significance as compared to the primary tumor in IDC breast cancer patients.
A study of social stereotype of body image in children.

The role of an individual's body configuration in social interactions and the effects of these interactions on self-concept is an important part of the total process of personality development. It is not uncommon to be the initiator or recipient of such statements as "He certainty is a crafty, wiry little thing," or "He is all skin and bones—must worry a lot." It is reasonable to assume that the individual who is the recipient of statements which are based on another per- son's perception of his body is likely to incorpo- rate these perceptions into his own body concept. As a direct result of an individual's body con- figuration, he typically receives rather consistent reactions from others. These reactions thus provide a framework for his body concept, which becomes a significant part of the total self-concept.
First-Slot scheduling with wavelength conversion for distributed file transfers

As more flexible and self-adaptive network connections are expected between cloud users and service vendors, the requests for more sophisticated bandwidth scheduling schemes are emerging. In this paper, we conduct a thorough study on the a specific type of bandwidth reservation: First-Slot scheduling in this scenario. We introduce a model for the optical networks with sparse wavelength conversion, which are now widely served as dedicated networks between the users and the cloud. We evaluate the performances of EBF and KDP algorithms under various topologies and workloads. Our results show that increasing the fraction of nodes with wavelength converters reduces the blocking probability, but have only marginal effects on requests' average start time. However, both metrics are heavily affected by network topology and traffic load. We also observe that accepting requests greedily, like EBF does, yields better performance when the workload is low, but the more conservative approach, KDP, is superior when the workload is high.
Cellular digital fibromas: distinctive CD34-positive lesions that may mimic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Background: Digital fibromas are common benign acral tumors typically reported as angiofibromas (AFs) or acquired digital fibrokeratomas (ADFs). Cellular variants are not well recognized. Methods: We collected 14 acral fibrocytic lesions showing a spindle cell morphology from our files, and evaluated CD34, Factor XIIIa, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and S100 protein staining of these lesions. We compared the histologic and immunohistochemical features of these cellular fibromas with five digital AFs, five ADFs, and five digital dermatofibromas. Results: The 14 cellular digital fibromas showed intersecting fascicles of thin delicate bland spindle cells in the superficial reticular dermis with a fibrotic-to-slight myxoid stroma. The spindle cells in all cases stained strongly for CD34, and only scattered stromal cells stained for Factor XIIIa. Five tested cases were negative for EMA and S100 protein. The digital AFs, fibrokeratomas, and dermatofibromas stained predominately for Factor XIIIa, with no or minimal staining for CD34. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a subset of digital fibromas is characterized by a dense cellular proliferation of CD34-positive spindle cells. Awareness of this variant of digital fibroma and its staining pattern is critical in preventing misdiagnosis as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, particularly in superficial biopsies.
Defect modes in multisection helical photonic crystals

We examine the two defect modes in four-section helical photonic crystals (HPCs) that comprise three twist defects located at the intersections. The three twist defects are introduced by a single angle ϕt , but they are quantified differently by the jump angles across the successive sections. The two defect modes are localized at the different defect sites and can be either coupled or uncoupled to each other, depending on the value of ϕt . Both defect modes are excited by normally incident plane waves of different circular polarization states as the HPC thickness increases. When the two defect modes are uncoupled to each other, two co-handed reflection holes are present in the Bragg regime for small thickness, but they evolve into two stable cross-handed transmission holes for sufficiently large thickness. When the two defect modes are coupled to each other, however, three co-handed reflection holes appear around the center of the Bragg regime for small thickness, and they evolve into three cross-handed transmission holes as the thickness increases, and eventually all three co-handed transmission holes coalesce into one stable cross-handed transmission hole for sufficiently large thickness. Finally, the simultaneous occurrence of the two types of spectral holes at a single resonance wavelength can be realized for specific values of sample thickness when the two defect modes are uncoupled to each other.
A Surgical Skills Elective to Expose Preclinical Medical Students to Surgery

Background. Early introduction to surgical skills may serve several valuable purposes; medical students will acquire skills that will reduce their anxiety in approaching clerkships and improve the quality of patient care, and they will possibly become interested in surgery as a career. Materials and methods. We designed an elective called "OR assist" for first and second year medical students based on needs identified from the literature and third year students. The elective comprised three sessions for a total of 6 hours and included instruction in surgical skills and operating room etiquette. We surveyed the students before and after the experience and also surveyed a group of control students. We assessed confidence in surgical skills and OR etiquette and concerns about surgical lifestyle, environment, and enthusiasm. Results. Eight-six students participated and generally had some operating room experience. The 75 students with pre/post match data reported significant improvement in confidence in suturing, knots, and instrumentation (P 1.0) and less concern about issues related to enthusiasm for surgery (P < 0.001; effect size = 0.5). The participants and controls did not differ at baseline except for identification of surgical instruments, which was higher for participants. After the experience, the participants were significantly more confident and had less concern about enthusiasm in surgery than the controls. Conclusions. An elective can be effective in improving students' confidence and reducing their concerns about surgery as a career. This is a unique opportunity for early exposure to surgical role models.
Valve control for venturi ventilation. A simple modification of a standard slide-valve.

A simple modification of a B.O.C. slide valve is presented, for controlling the injector flow in venturi ventilation.
Identifying Reading Disability Based on Response to Intervention: Evidence from Early Intervention Research

Frank R. Vellutino, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology (joint appointment) at the State University of New York at Albany. He is also the director of the University’s Child Research and Study Center. fvellutino@uamail.albany.edu Donna M. Scanlon, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Reading Department at the State University of New York at Albany. She is also the Associate Director of the University’s Child Research and Study Center. dscanlon@uamail.albany.edu Haiyan Zhang, MS, is a doctoral student in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany. hz7494@albany.edu
Comparison of the Inotropic and Chronotropic Effects of Metoprolol and Propranolol

The cardiovascular responses to intravenous doses of isoproterenol were measured in eight male volunteers before and during administration of 50 mg metoprolol, orally every 6 hours and 40 mg propranolol, orally every 6 hours for a total of five doses. The dose of isoproterenol required to produce an increase in heart rate of 25 beats/min (the ID25) was 2.0 +/- 1.4 microgram before beta blockade, 6.2 +/- 4.4 microgram during metoprolol, and 44.4 +/- 12.0 microgram during propranolol administration. Similar changes in diastolic blood pressure, QS2I, preejection period, and preejection period/left ventricular ejection time ratio occurred at the ID25 during treatment with both metoprolol and propranolol. In volunteers, propranolol produces a much more intense blockade of the inotropic and chronotropic effects of isoproterenol than does metoprolol.
Bayes nets and babies: infants' developing statistical reasoning abilities and their representation of causal knowledge.

A fundamental assumption of the causal graphical model framework is the Markov assumption, which posits that learners can discriminate between two events that are dependent because of a direct causal relation between them and two events that are independent conditional on the value of another event(s). Sobel and Kirkham (2006) demonstrated that 8-month-old infants registered conditional independence information among a sequence of events; infants responded according to the Markov assumption in such a way that was inconsistent with models that rely on simple calculations of associative strength. The present experiment extends these findings to younger infants, and demonstrates that such responses potentially develop during the second half of the first year of life. These data are discussed in terms of a developmental trajectory between associative mechanisms and causal graphical models as representations of infants’ causal and statistical learning.
A robust parallel conformal finite-difference time-domain processing package using the MPI library

We present a parallel conformal finite-difference time-domain (PCFDTD) technique using the MPI library, which carries out the field exchange between the neighboring processes in a highly efficient way. A robust conformal mesh-generation technique based on the proposed parallel-processing scheme is also described. In addition, this paper introduces some novel approaches to implementing the excitation sources, including rectangular and circular waveguides, lumped elements, matched terminators, and sub-gridding, as well as meshing and simulation-result collection in the parallel scheme. The efficiency of the parallel-processing FDTD code is analyzed through several typical examples. Several electrically large finite antenna arrays are presented to validate the proposed techniques.