cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of the framing of time on delay discounting

We examined the effects of the framing of time on delay discounting. Delay discounting is the process by which delayed outcomes are devalued as a function of time. Time in a titrating delay discounting task is often framed in calendar units (e.g., as 1 week, 1 month, etc.). When time is framed as a specific date, delayed outcomes are discounted less compared to the calendar format. Other forms of framing time; however, have not been explored. All participants completed a titrating calendar unit delay-discounting task for money. Participants were also assigned to one of two delay discounting tasks: time as dates (e.g., June 1st, 2015) or time in units of days (e.g., 5000 days), using the same delay distribution as the calendar delay-discounting task. Time framed as dates resulted in less discounting compared to the calendar method, whereas time framed as days resulted in greater discounting compared to the calendar method. The hyperboloid model fit best compared to the hyperbola and exponential models. How time is framed may alter how participants attend to the delays as well as how the delayed outcome is valued. Altering how time is framed may serve to improve adherence to goals with delayed outcomes.
A software package to enhance the teaching of engineering dynamics

Reported here is a National Science Foundation sponsored effort to develop computer animations to enhance lectures in the dynamics course that is part of most undergraduate engineering curricula. Data gathered and problems encountered in the course of the development process are presented, as is a summary of the individual software modules developed.
Deep brain stimulation for the obsessive-compulsive and Tourette-like symptoms of Kleefstra syndrome

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported to have beneficial effects in severe, treatment-refractory cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). In this report, the authors present the first case in which DBS was used to treat the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Kleefstra syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by childhood hypotonia, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and myriad psychiatric and behavioral disturbances. A 24-year-old female patient with childhood hypotonia, developmental delay, and diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, OCD, and TS refractory to medical management underwent the placement of bilateral ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) DBS leads, with clinical improvement. Medical providers and family observed gradual and progressive improvement in the patient's compulsive behaviors, coprolalia, speech, and social interaction. Symptoms recurred when both DBS electrodes failed because of lead fracture and dislodgement, although the clinical benefits were restored by lead replacement. The symptomatic and functional improvements observed in this case of VC/VS DBS for Kleefstra syndrome suggest a novel indication for DBS worthy of further investigation.
How high school students reason about the tree of life: a developmental perspective

In 1996, the National Research Council put forth a set of guidelines for K-12 science education that state that students be introduced to the theory of evolution in primary and secondary schools. Tree thinking is an essential tool for understanding evolutionary hierarchies, based on the distribution of derived characters among a set of taxa; yet, there is little research devoted to the acquisition of tree thinking skills during development. The present study examines the cognitive processes that underlie high school students' abilities to engage in tree thinking. We compare students' responses to those recently obtained from a college sample of students with weaker and stronger backgrounds in biology (Novick & Catley, 2009). These results will provide critical information regarding the developmental trajectory of tree thinking skills during adolescence and early adulthood.
Disentangling Clinical Depression from Diabetes-Specific Distress: Making Sense of the Mess We’ve Made

This chapter examines conceptual and applied issues regarding the screening of depression and diabetes-specific distress in adults with diabetes. We explore the conceptualization of depression as a frequently comorbid condition of diabetes and the importance of diabetes-specific distress and subthreshold depressive symptoms in regard to the emotional, behavioral, and health outcomes of living with diabetes. Overviews of the constructs of major depressive disorder (MDD) and diabetes-specific distress and challenges to an operational approach to negative emotion in the context of chronic illness are also presented in light of the meaningful overlap between diagnostic criteria of MDD and symptoms of diabetes and distress related to the burden of living with diabetes. Assessment of both depression and diabetes-specific distress are considered, including methodological issues and the strengths and weakness of leading self-report and semi-structured interview tools. Finally, suggestions for valid and clinically meaningful assessment of depressive symptoms and diabetes-specific distress in medical settings are discussed.
S‐Nitrosoglutathione Reductase Deficiency Enhances the Proliferative Expansion of Adult Heart Progenitors and Myocytes Post Myocardial Infarction

Background Mammalian heart regenerative activity is lost before adulthood but increases after cardiac injury. Cardiac repair mechanisms, which involve both endogenous cardiac stem cells (CSCs) and cardiomyocyte cell‐cycle reentry, are inadequate to achieve full recovery after myocardial infarction (MI). Mice deficient in S ‐nitrosoglutathione reductase ( GSNOR −⁄− ), an enzyme regulating S ‐nitrosothiol turnover, have preserved cardiac function after MI. Here, we tested the hypothesis that GSNOR activity modulates cardiac cell proliferation in the post‐MI adult heart. Methods and Results GSNOR −⁄− and C57Bl6/J (wild‐type [WT]) mice were subjected to sham operation (n=3 GSNOR −⁄− ; n=3 WT) or MI (n=41 GSNOR −⁄− ; n=65 WT). Compared with WT, GSNOR −⁄− mice exhibited improved survival, cardiac performance, and architecture after MI, as demonstrated by higher ejection fraction ( P P P GSNOR −⁄− hearts exhibited faster calcium decay and sarcomeric relaxation times ( P GSNOR −⁄− hearts demonstrated enhanced neovascularization ( P + CSC abundance ( P =0.013), and a ≈3‐fold increase in proliferation of adult cardiomyocytes and c‐kit + /CD45 − CSCs ( P P =0.023, respectively) as measured by using 5‐bromodeoxyuridine. Conclusions Loss of GSNOR confers enhanced post‐MI cardiac regenerative activity, characterized by enhanced turnover of cardiomyocytes and CSCs. Endogenous denitrosylases exert an inhibitory effect over cardiac repair mechanisms and therefore represents a potential novel therapeutic target.
Graphene plasmons: properties and applications

I will discuss the optical properties and possible applications of graphene in photonics and plasmonics. I will review the basics of the single particle and collective excitations of graphene, discuss the mechanisms of photocurrent generation in graphene and the design and characteristics of graphene-based photodetectors. I will show that the coupling of light to localized graphene plasmons provides an excellent way of enhancing the strength of graphene-light interaction. Plasmon excitations in graphene micro- and nano-structures and their use in graphene devices in the infrared and terahertz ranges of the EM spectrum will be discussed. The interactions of graphene plasmons with intrinsic graphene and substrate phonons and their implications will also be analyzed.
Use of control steady-state serum digoxin levels for predicting serum digoxin concentration after quinidine administration.

Abstract Serum digoxin and/quindine concentrations were measured before and following the institution of quinidine therapy in 11 patients who were receiving maintenance oral digoxin therapy and who required quinidine therapy for suppression of extrasystoles. Steady-state serum digoxin concentrations after quinidine administration were found to correlate well with serum digoxin concentrations before quinidine therapy and with peak serum digoxin concentrations after the first dose of quinidine sulfate, but not with serum quinidine concentrations. Thus steady-state serum digoxin concentration after quinidine (Y) could be estimated from the steady-state serum digoxin concentration before quinidine (X) as expressed by the regression formula Y=2.6X − 0.6, with Syx 2 = 0.21, and r = 0.96 ( p
An analysis of occupational upgrading differentials between black and white males

The racial occupational mobility gap is examined by applying a decomposition methodology to logistic functions. Results indicate that approximately one-third of the mobility gap between black and white male workers is due to differences in average characteristics (the endowment effect). The residual difference accounts for the remaining two-thirds. Formal education is found to be a major component of both the endowment effect and the resdiual difference. The ‘returns’ to tenure with a firm, overall labour market experience and marriage reduce the mobility gap in favour of black workers.
Widespread cutaneous and systemic calcification (calciphylaxis) in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and renal disease

Background: Calciphylaxis is a form of widespread calcification that may occur in patients with renal disease and hyperparathyroidism. The skin is often affected secondary to vascular compromise and ischemia. Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are predisposed to renal failure and thus may develop this serious complication. Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe two cases of fatal calciphylaxis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and renal disease. Methods: Two patients were examined clinically and through the performance of serologic studies and skin biopsies. Results: Both patients had a widespread livedo reticularis—like eruption, which rapidly progressed to cutaneous gangrene. Patient 1 had elevated serum calcium and phosphorus levels whereas patient 2 had normal values but had markedly elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels. Biopsy specimens in both cases showed vascular thrombosis and soft tissue calcification. Conclusion: Widespread calcification may develop in patients with HIV infection and renal failure and, in some cases, calcium and phosphorus levels may be normal.
Elective radiotherapy provides regional control for patients with cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND In the current study, the authors assessed the efficacy of elective radiotherapy in providing regional (lymph node) control in patients with cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck who were at high risk for lymph node involvement. Toxicity was also assessed. METHODS From 1983 to 1998, 157 patients with Stage I or II cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck received elective regional radiotherapy after wide local excision of the primary lesion. None of the patients had received sentinel lymph node biopsy or dissection of the lymph nodes. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed for outcome. RESULTS The median follow-up for the current review was 68 months (range, 7–185 months). The disease recurred locally in 9 patients, in the neck lymph nodes in 15 patients, and distantly in 57 patients. The actuarial regional control rate was 89% at both 5 years and 10 years. The actuarial disease-specific survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 68% and 63%, respectively, at 5 years and 58% and 49%, respectively, at 10 years. Breslow thickness was a significant determinant of disease-specific survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates. At 10 years, 6% of patients had developed a symptomatic treatment-related complication. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study confirmed the efficacy and safety of elective regional radiotherapy for patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma predicted to have a high rate of lymph node involvement. Elective irradiation was a viable alternative to elective lymph node dissection. It may also serve as an alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy, particularly for patients for whom dissection and systemic therapy are not therapeutic options. Cancer 2004;100:383–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Dynamics of a Thin Plate With Partly Specified Motion

ABSTRACT The problem considered here is that of determining the precise forcing function that produces specified motion of a deformable structure. While fundamental in nature, the problem is practically important for evaluating actuation requirements for active structures. Our approach to this problem is to apply an existing solution method for finite-dimensional mechanical systems. We evaluate the direct application of this method to the spatially discretized, small strain equations of a thin plate. Several example cases are considered in which the program forces are determined, and then applied in finite element analysis software for verification of the program constraint. NOMENCLATURE A transformation matrix B input matrix C constraint vector D orthogonal complement matrix E Young’s modulus N inertial force M mass matrix K bending rigidity P projection matrix c 0 desired acceleration h plate width p Distributed load t time t p plate thickness s prescribed motion x state vector v quasi-velocity
THE COMPOSITION OF TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS GREY MATTER

The chemical analysis of grey matter from a tuberous sclerosis subject indicated the presence of two different types of grey matter based on two distinctly different ganglioside concentrations. Both samples had gangliosides of reduced concentration with an abnormal composition compared to normal grey matter as evidenced from their thin-layer chromatography profiles. Analyses of the glycoprotein fraction from both samples revealed increased glycoprotein content, particularly in total carbohydrate. This observation was consistent with previous studies of angiofibromas and angiomyolipomas.
Direct determination of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesis rate in the human brain by 13C MRS and [1-13C]glucose infusion

A non-invasive 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique is described for the determination of the N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) synthesis rate, VNAA, in the human brain in vivo. In controls, the mean VNAA was 9.2 ± 3.9 nmol/min/g. In Canavan disease, where [NAA] is increased (p < 0.001) and [aspartate] is deceased (p < 0.001), VNAA was significantly reduced to 3.6 ± 0.1 nmol/min/g (p < 0.001). These rates are in close agreement with the activity of the biosynthetic enzyme measured in vitro in animals, and with the rate of urinary excretion of NAA in human subjects with Canavan disease. The present result is consistent with the regulation of NAA synthesis by the activity of a single enzyme, l-aspartate-N-acetyltransferase, in vivo, and with its control in Canavan disease by limited substrate supply and/or product inhibition. The 13C MRS technique provides the means for further determination of abnormal rates of neuronal NAA synthesis among neurological disorders in which low cerebral [NAA] has been identified.
The Melting Pot Revisited: Hispanic Density and Economic Achievement in American Metropolitan Regions

Hispanics are poised to become the nation’s largest minority. Their growth is well documented, as are persistent inequalities that prevent their full integration into American society. Studies of L...
A role for the heat shock protein–CD91 axis in the initiation of immune responses to tumors

For over 100 years, it has been established that tumor-specific immune responses can frequently be detected in the tumor-bearing host. Whether or not these immune responses are capable of controlling the growth of the tumor is influenced by many factors. However, the mechanism by which the immune responses are initiated in the first place has remained a dilemma. In this chapter, we present evidence that heat shock protein–peptide complexes released by tumor cells are the entity responsible for initiating the immune responses. Interaction of the extracellular HSP with its receptor CD91 is necessary for priming the immune response. We propose that the disruption of the HSP–CD91 interaction may be an active mechanism by which tumors prevent the generation of immune responses against it.
The Importance of Androgen Metabolism in the Regulation of Reproductive Behavior in the Avian Male

Abstract INTRODUCTION In a wide variety of vertebrate species, the repertoire of social behaviors associated with reproduction in the male, including heightened intermale aggression, courting of the female, and copulation, is dependent on gonadal hormones (Leshner, 1978). Because the effects of castration can be countered by treatment with testosterone (T) and because T is the primary androgen secreted by the testes in all species examined, it was assumed for many years that endogenous T was the hormone controlling reproductive activities in the male. Recent research in a variety of mammalian and avian species has cast doubt on this assumption. It now appears likely that T serves primarily as a prehormone, being metabolized to other hormones to exert its effects. The general schema seems to be that the testes produce T, which is released into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. Hormone-dependent tissues, such as the sexual accessory tissues and specific . . .
A multi-phylum study of grazer-induced paralytic shellfish toxin production in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense: A new perspective on control of algal toxicity

A B S T R A C T The present study surveyed grazer-induced stimulation of paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) production by the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense. The survey included species, known to graze upon A. fundyense, from five phyla: the protists, Polykrikos kofoidii (Dinoflagellata) and Tiarina fusus (Ciliophora), the bivalve molluscs Mytilus edulis and Mya arenaria (Mollusca), the ascidians, Molgula manhattensis and Botrylloides violaceus (Chordata), and the copepod, Eurytemora herdmani (Arthropoda). Direct (grazers in contact with cells of A. fundyense) and indirect (grazers not in contact with cells of A. fundyense) induction assays were carried out with protists and copepods. Only indirect assays were carried out with molluscs and ascidians. Indirect assays also tested whether induction of PST production occurred via kairomones or feeding-related cues. All metazoan grazers induced PST production. By contrast, neither of the two species of protistan grazer induced PST production. Direct and indirect inductions of PST production were evident for the copepod, with direct induction being significantly higher than indirect induction. Effects upon PST production by phylum, species (nested within phylum), and interactions of phylum by diet, and species by diet, were evident. When induction of PST production occurred, a kairomone effect was apparent, except for M. edulis. Similarly, feeding-related cues were evident, except for E. herdmani. An asymptotic relationship between the magnitude of indirect induction of PST production and total cell ingestion by the grazers suggests a saturation response of grazer-induced PST production.
Synthesis of a taxinine analog via the intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition

Abstract The synthesis of the tricyclic ring system of the taxane diterpenes via an A→ABC intramolecular Diels-Alder construction, and the elaboration of the cycloadduct 13 to taxinine analog 17 are described.
The effect of viscosity on free vibrations of submerged fluid-filled spherical shells

In order to clarify the effect of fluid viscosity on the vibration of submerged elastic shells, the axisymmetric free oscillations of a fluid-filled spherical shell immersed in a sound field are studied. The dynamic response of the shell is determined by the classical normal mode method, while a boundary layer approximation is employed for the fluid medium. In the absence of viscosity, the shell motion is always damped due to the compressibility of the fluid outside the shell. It is shown that, except for the appearance of natural frequencies with a large damping component, the presence of surrounding fluid outside a fluid-filled shell produces only small changes in the real part of the frequency spectra. The analysis of the influence of viscosity reveals that the viscosity has essentially no effect on the frequencies of shells of moderate thickness. However, the viscous damping is predominant for the non-radiating modes of a fluid-filled submerged shell and the damping is due solely to viscosity for all modes if the outer fluid is assumed incompressible. Moreover, for very thin shells, viscous effects are noticeable on both frequencies and total damping, as the frequency is close to the upper branch of the in vacuo frequency. It also is found that in the presence of compressible flow outside the shell, the damping effect of viscosity can be either positive or negative. Thus, the damping is reduced by fluid viscosity for certain cases. This implies that both the damping of the shell motion and the acoustic radiation damping are reduced by fluid viscosity, since the viscous dissipation damping must remain positive. It also is noted that in the case of negative viscous damping, the inviscid damping is always predominant and the viscous contribution is rather insignificant. A detailed examination indicates that the viscosity of the contained fluid will, in general, produce a damping effect, except near the valley of the negative portion of the damping curve where the viscosity of the inner fluid will reduce the damping even further. On the other hand, the viscosity of the surrounding fluid will, in general, increase the damping when frequency of vibration is less than the critical frequency, which is somewhat above the upper branch of the in vacuo frequency. The damping is reduced by the viscosity of external fluid for frequencies associated with large inviscid damping, or when the frequency of vibration is greater than the critical frequency.
Hardware and software architecture of ABBY: An industrial mobile manipulator

Industrial robotic manipulators have successfully automated many stationary factory tasks, but there exist many other tasks which could be automated given a mobile platform. One such task is kitting, the process of gathering the constituent elements of a larger unit (the “kit”) from inventory. ABBY is a prototype of a low-price industrial mobile manipulator platform chiefly composed of an ABB IRB-120 industrial robotic manipulator and an Invacare electric wheelchair base. Use of the Robot Operating System (ROS) and ROS Industrial facilitated development and drivers for ABB industrial manipulators have been contributed back to the ROS Industrial project. ABBY is designed to autonomously navigate a factory to populate and deliver kits to workstations. This paper describes the prototype robot constructed to pursue this research, including the use of ROS and ROS Industrial to facilitate and accelerate system development.
An investigation of the structure of expectancy-value attitude and its implications

Abstract The purpose of this study was to propose a new way of representing the structure of expectancy-value attitude and to investigate the implications of its representation. Expectancy-value attitude was represented as a cognitive network of vertically and horizontally interconnected judgements about product attributes, using a structural equation modeling methodology. Results suggested that a structural representation of expectancy-value attitude gave a satisfactory fit to the data. Two implications of this representation were also tested for: (1) understanding the effects of expectancy-value attitude on intentions, and (2) predicting the dynamics of belief change. The structural representation of expectancy-value attitude did not improve the prediction of intentions. The observed effects of expectancy-value attitude on intentions did not differ between the traditional and proposed structural representations. However, the structural representation was useful for understanding belief change. Since expectancy-value attitude existed as a network of interconnected beliefs, an ad effect on one belief was hypothesized to bring about changes in other related beliefs. As hypothesized, advertisements mentioning one belief changed other beliefs that were connected with the mentioned belief.
Novel Iridaboranes from the Reactions of Cp*2Ir2HxCl4-x, x = 0−2, with LiBH4. Existence of a Concurrent Reaction Channel in the Conversion of Metal Chlorides to Metal Hydrides

Reaction of either Cp*2Ir2Cl4 or Cp*2Ir2HCl3 with LiBH4 leads to formation of the new iridaborane Cp*Ir(H)2B3H7, 1 (a borallyl complex), in parallel with Cp*IrH4. In contrast, reaction of Cp*2Ir2H2...
Pulmonary gas exchange during orthotopic liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange during the course of liver transplantation. We studied 25 adult cirrhotic patients undergoing transplantation, performed with venovenous bypass. A significant increase in P a o 2 and a significant decrease in physiological shunt and alveolar-arterial partial pressure difference were observed just before the start of venovenous bypass. These changes were probably caused by modifications in respiratory mechanics, such as an increase in functional residual capacity. There were no other respiratory changes during the anhepatic and post-anhepatic phases.
Applied Technology with Methods for Measuring Sulfur Blank Values by Using Infrared Absorption Method

Currently, there are three major methods for infrared carbon-sulfur analyzer to measure blank values. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods by using the measured test data from specific tests, and finally makes a conclusion that, the Cycle Measurement of Sulfur Blank Value (CMSBV) created by JIANHUAN WEI is the most effective method. Entering this sulfur blank value into analyser, the automatic deduction of blank values will be performed. As a result, the impact of the blank value on sulfur measurement can be eliminated. Key words: Sulfur blank value, direct measurement method, indirect measurement method, The Cycle Measurement of Sulfur Blank Value (CMSBV)
Quinoline-based polymeric metal chelate light-emitting diodes

The growth of insoluble and intractable thin organic films is presently reported by a novel self-assembly technique. Bifunctional 8,8'-dihydroxy-5,5'-biquinoline is reactively self-assembly with diethyl zinc to form a linear coordination polymer. These films were characterized by FTIR, UV/VIS spectroscopy, profilometry, and photoluminescence measurements. The film growth on glass or indium-tin oxide coated substrates was monitored by increasing absorbance at 396.6 nm using UV/VIS spectroscopy and profilometry. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the self- assembled films are polymeric in nature. The reduction of end-group hydroxyls and a significant red-shift of the photoluminescence emission spectrum with respect to zinc bisquinoline powder was attributed to an increase in conjugation length. Single layer light emitting diodes fabricated int his fashion exhibited an orange electroluminescence, consistent with the corresponding photoluminescence spectrum.
High-Density Lipoprotein Subclass Distribution And Human Cord Blood Lipid Levels

The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution was examined by gradient gel electrophoresis (gge) in 154 human cord blood samples, and determinations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels were performed. Three distinct gge patterns were recognizable. The first pattern, termed the normal (gge) pattern, was distinguished by a prominent double peak in the (HDL2a)gge region and a pronounced peak in the (HDL3b)gge region. Minor peaks, or shoulders, were also seen in the (HDL2b)gge and (HDL3c)gge regions, and a valley was present in the (HDL3a)gge region. This pattern was associated with normal lipid levels for cord blood plasma (mean triglycerides: 30-42 mg/dl; mean total cholesterol 62-85 mg/dl; mean HDL-cholesterol: 34-41 mg/dl). The second pattern, termed the 2b(gge) pattern, contained a major peak in the (HDL2b)gge region rather than the shoulder seen in the normal (gge) pattern, while the (HDL2a)gge, (HDL3b)gge, and (HDL3c)gge regions were less pronounced. This pattern was associated with elevated total cholesterol and HDL-C levels (means 85-102 and 49-56 mg/dl, respectively). The third pattern, termed the 3b(gge) pattern, was characterized by a paucity of material in the (HDL2b)gge region, a single peak in the (HDL2a)gge region, and either a relative increase in the (HDL3b)gge region, or a simultaneous increase in both (HDL3b)gge and (HDL3c)gge. This pattern was associated with elevated triglyceride levels (means 78-88 mg/dl) and decreased HDL-C levels (means 20-30 mg/dl). Only two infants had a simultaneous elevation of triglycerides and total cholesterol and both cases exhibited the 3b(gge) pattern. Our study demonstrates that although the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the newborn are much lower than those in adults, they are the important factors associated with the HDL subclass distribution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Drug Delivery Interfaces in the 21st Century: From Science Fiction Ideas to Viable Technologies

Early science fiction envisioned the future of drug delivery as targeted micrometer-scale submarines and “cyborg” body parts. Here we describe the progression of the field toward technologies that are now beginning to capture aspects of this early vision. Specifically, we focus on the two most prominent types of systems in drug delivery: the intravascular micro/nano drug carriers for delivery to the site of pathology and drug-loaded implantable devices that facilitate release with the predefined kinetics or in response to a specific cue. We discuss the unmet clinical needs that inspire these designs, the physiological factors that pose difficult challenges for their realization, and viable technologies that promise robust solutions. We also offer a perspective on where drug delivery may be in the next 50 years based on expected advances in material engineering and in the context of future diagnostics.
Supply-side effects of the 150-hour educational requirement for CPA licensure

This study examines issues associated with professional licensure in the context of the recently implemented 150-hour educational requirement for CPA licensure. We base our hypotheses on prior professional licensure research in economics and accounting. The results show that the implementation of the requirement has been associated with a substantial decline in the number of candidates taking the CPA exam, a significant increase in the pass-rate on the exam and an overall decline in the number of successful candidates. We also find that a substantial number of candidates advanced the timing of their candidature to circumvent the requirement and that candidates migrate from states that implement the requirement to non-implementing states.
Tuberculosis of the tongue: report of a case.

Tuberculosis of the tongue is one of the less common lesions caused by the tubercle bacillus. Morgagnl1 in 1761 first described a case, and in the 191 years since then only about 500 additIonal cases have been reported.2 Since the tongue of every patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis is exposed to positive sputum, the relative infrequnecy of tuberculosis of the tongue must be explained. It is probably due to a combination of reasonsthe thickness of the mucous membrane, the resistance of striated muscle to tuberculosis,the cleansing action of saliva,and the well-nigh perpetual motion of the tongue.3 In theory tuberculosis of the tongue may be either primary or secondary. However, all reported cases occur late in the course of pulmonary tuberculosis, to which they are secondary. Tubercle bacilli may reach the tongue by extension (that is, through the sputum or by direct extension from a nearby structure). Alternatively the bacilli may gain access to the tongue by way of the blood-stream, or by lymphatic extension. Katz4 studied a group of cases and believed that in 89 per cent the tongue is infected through the sputum; others hold that hematogenous dissemination plays a greater role. Tuberculosis may involve any surface of the tongue, the edge and tip being the commonest sites.It may manifest itselfas an ulcer-by far the commonest form-a fissure, a granuloma, a tuberculoma, or a diffuse glossitis. The lesion develops slowly and is painless at first; but after ulceration occurs pain is a prominent feature. If there is no specific treatment, or if treatment falls,pain Is likelyto become constant, severe, and progressive. The prognosis and treatment have changed completely since the coming of chemotherapy. In 1945 there was no adequate treatment. If the underlying pulmonary disease could be controlled by rest and collapse therapy, and if the sputum could be made negative, the lesion of the tongue might heal; otherwise It usually progressed. Local treatment was mainly palliative,
The effect of preferred stock rating changes on preferred and common stock prices

Abstract Daily returns are used to investigate the effect of preferred stock rating change announcements on preferred and common stock prices. Announcements that are free of confounding events, ‘clean’ announcements, significantly affect preferred stock prices. However, the effect occurs after the day of announcement, mostly on event day +1. Conversely, there is no evidence ‘clean’ announcements affect common stock prices. Larger preferred stock abnormal returns are associated with announcements that are contaminated by confounding events, but the abnormal returns appear to be the result of the confounding events more than the rating change.
Miocene Unconformity, Pamlico River Area, North Carolina

A mid-Miocene angular unconformity appears on records from a high resolution “Boomer” survey of the Pamlico River, North Carolina. This unconformity is within the Yorktown Formation, and it is interpreted as indicating a shift in basinal axes during the deposition of the Yorktown Formation.
Dual functions of NifEN: insights into the evolution and mechanism of nitrogenase

Nitrogenase catalyzes the nucleotide-dependent conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia at the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) center of its molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein component. Biosynthesis of FeMoco is arguably one of the most complex processes in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, which involves the participation of a number of nif (nitrogen fixing) gene products. One key player in this process, NifEN (encoded by nifE and nifN), is homologous to the MoFe protein with regard to both the primary sequences and the types of the metal centers. Recently, an all-iron precursor has been identified on NifEN, which closely resembles the Fe/S core structure of the mature cofactor. Such a precursor-bound form of NifEN has not only served as an excellent platform for the investigation of FeMoco assembly, but also facilitated the examination of the capacity of NifEN as a catalytic homolog of MoFe protein. This perspective will focus on the recent advances toward elucidating the dual functions of NifEN in nitrogenase assembly and catalysis, and the insights afforded by these advances into the evolution and mechanism of nitrogenase.
Seismic eccentrically braced frames

Abstract This paper provides an introduction and an overview of the design and behavior of seismic-resistant eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). Within the last ten years, EBFs have become a widely recognized lateral load-resisting system for steel buildings in areas of high seismicity. The primary purpose of this paper is to present design recommendations for links and connections in EBFs. Some basic concepts on the behavior of EBFs are reviewed, and highlights of significant experimental results are presented. The important effects of link length on both the elastic and inelastic response of EBFs under lateral load are emphasized. The paper focuses on EBFs constructed with shear links, as these provide for the maximum stiffness, strength, ductility and energy dissipation capacity of an EBF. Suggested details are provided for links and for selected connections in EBFs.
Evaluation of particle dispersal from mining and milling operations using lead isotopic fingerprinting techniques, Rio Pilcomayo Basin, Bolivia.

Mining and milling of ores from the Cerro Rico de Potosi precious metal-polymetallic tin deposits of Bolivia have led to severe contamination of water and sediments of the Rio Pilcomayo drainage system. Lead (Pb) isotopic data were used in this study to first document downstream dispersal patterns of Pb contaminated sediment within the channel of the Rio Pilcomayo, and then to determine the relative contribution of Pb from Cerro Rico within alluvial terrace soils that are used for agriculture. The concentration and isotopic composition of Pb within channel bed sediments differed significantly between 2000, 2002, and 2004. These differences presumably reflect changes in the type of ore mined and milled at Cerro Rico, and alterations in dispersal and grain-size dilution mechanisms associated with interannual variations in rainfall and runoff. Within agricultural terrace soils, both Pb concentrations and the percentage of Pb from Cerro Rico: (1) semi-systematically decrease downstream, (2) were found to decrease with terrace height above the channel, and (3) reflect the use of contaminated irrigation water. In upstream reaches (within 30 km of the mills), Pb from mining represents the most significant Pb source, accounting for more than 80% of Pb in the examined agricultural fields. At Sotomayor, located approximately 170 km from the mills, the relative contribution of Pb from Cerro Rico is highly variable between fields, but can be significant, ranging from approximately 15% to 35%. The analysis demonstrates that Pb isotopic ratios can be used to effectively trace contaminated particles through river systems and into adjacent alluvial soils, even where multiple Pb sources exist and Pb concentrations are similar to background values.
Genetic analysis of a drosophila neural cell adhesion molecule: Interaction of fasciclin I and abelson tyrosine kinase mutations

Drosophila fasciclin I is a homophilic cell adhesion molecule expressed in the developing embryo on the surface of a subset of fasciculating IONS axons, all PNS axons, and some nonneuronal cells. We have identified protein-null mutations in the fasciclin I (fas I) gene, and show that these mutants are viable and do not display gross defects in nervous system morphogenesis. The Drosophila Abelson (abo proto-oncogene homolog encodes a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that is expressed during embryogenesis primarily in developing CNS axons; abl mutants show no gross defects in CNS morphogenesis. However, embryos doubly mutant for fas 1 and abl display major defects in CNS axon pathways, particularly in the commissural tracts where expression of these two proteins normally overlaps. The double mutant shows a clear defect in growth cone guidance; for example, the RP1 growth cone (normally fas 1 positive) does not follow its normal path across the commissure.
The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HBx Protein Activates AKT To Simultaneously Regulate HBV Replication and Hepatocyte Survival

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a risk factor for developing liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx is a multifunctional protein encoded by the HBV genome; HBx stimulates HBV replication and is thought to play an important role in the development of HBV-associated HCC. HBx can activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in some cell lines; however, whether HBx regulates PI3K/AKT signaling in normal hepatocytes has not been evaluated. In studies described here, we assessed HBx activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in an ex vivo model of cultured primary hepatocytes and determined how this HBx activity affects HBV replication. We report that HBx activates AKT in primary hepatocytes and that the activation of AKT decreases HBV replication and HBV mRNA and core protein levels. We show that the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a target of HBx-regulated AKT, and we link HNF4α to HBx-regulated AKT modulation of HBV transcription and replication. Although we and others have shown that HBx stimulates and is likely required for HBV replication, we now report that HBx also activates signals that can diminish the overall level of HBV replication. While this may seem counterintuitive, we show that an important effect of HBx activation of AKT is inhibition of apoptosis. Consequently, our studies suggest that HBx balances HBV replication and cell survival by stimulating signaling pathways that enhance hepatocyte survival at the expense of higher levels of HBV replication. IMPORTANCE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of the development of liver cancer. Regulation of cell signaling pathways by the HBV HBx protein is thought to influence the development of HBV-associated liver cancer. HBx stimulates, and may be essential for, HBV replication. We show that HBx activates AKT in hepatocytes to reduce HBV replication. While this seems contradictory to an essential role of HBx during HBV replication, HBx activation of AKT inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis, and this may facilitate persistent, noncytopathic HBV replication. AKT regulates HBV replication by reducing the activity of the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α). HBx activation of AKT may contribute to the development of liver cancer by facilitating persistent HBV replication, augmenting the dedifferentiation of hepatocytes by inhibiting HNF4α functions, and activating AKT-regulated oncogenic pathways. AKT-regulated factors may provide therapeutic targets for inhibiting HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated liver cancer.
Misconceptions about adoptive families

>Adoption is a frequent alternative child rearing mode. Six popular misconceptions about adoption are presented. Research evidence is cited which effectively refutes each of these misconceptions.
Ends of bacteriophage mu DNA.

THE temperate bacteriophage Mu does not prefer a specific attachment site on the chromosome of Escherichia coli and can apparently engineer the insertion of its DNA irrespective of the host sequences encountered1. The highly promiscuous, non-homologous integrative recombination between Mu DNA and E. coli DNA has prompted a comprehensive analysis of the structure of the Mu genome. The DNA molecules in mature Mu virus particles are linear duplexes of 37–38 kilobases (kb) (ref. 2). When the two Mu DNA strands are separated and reannealed, complete duplexes are not regenerated. Instead, one end is always split into two single-stranded tails, which can be readily seen with an electron microscope3,4. This end of Mu DNA has been identified as the right end or the S end5. The single-stranded tails are generally 1.5 kb in length, although occasionally the single strand can be as short as 0.5 kb or as long as 3.0 kb (ref. 6). The non-renaturation of the S end clearly reflects the heterogeneity of the terminal sequences. Studies on the renaturation kinetics of the Mu DNA have implied that E. coli sequences at the S end are responsible for the heterogeneity7, Allet and Bukhari have proposed that the left end of Mu DNA, the c end, is also not fixed and varies in length by about 100 base pairs8. This proposal stemmed from the observation that the DNA fragment cleaved from the c end of Mu by the restriction endo-nuclease HindIII (from Hemophilus influenzae) does not give a sharp band on polyacrylamide or Agarose gels after electrophoresis. The heterogenity of the c end is normally not detectable by electron microscopic techniques.
HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 haplotypes in aborted fetuses and couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion

HLA haplotypes may be associated with spontaneous abortion through a variety of mechanisms, including maternal hyporesponsiveness to fetal alloantigens, maternal autoimmunity, and HLA-linked t-locus homologues. HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 haplotypes were determined in 37 couples with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSAB), 40 of their abortuses, and 20 fertile control couples. The distribution of haplotype frequencies did not differ between control subjects and RSAB wives, RSAB husbands, or abortuses. The frequency of the HLA-DR5-linked haplotype, DQA1*501/DQB1*301, which was considered a marker for immune hyporesponsiveness, did not differ between RSAB wives and control subjects (P = 0.353). The frequency of the autoimmune-associated HLA-DR3-linked haplotype, DQA1*0501/DQB1*0201, did not differ significantly between RSAB wives and control subjects (P = 0.103). The frequency of the DQA1*0201/DQB1*0201 haplotype in RSAB husbands was greater than the 95th percentile confidence limit of the frequency of this haplotype in control subjects. Among seven RSAB husbands who were heterozygous for this haplotype and did not share a DQA1*0201 allele with his wife, the haplotype was transmitted to 6 of 7 abortuses (3.5 expected). Although the small size of this sample precludes drawing conclusions regarding HLA transmission biases in RSAB couples, these data have generated a specific hypothesis regarding the DQA1*0201/DQB1*0201 haplotype that can be investigated in future studies.
Rapid determination of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors in rat hepatic microsomes by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid and reliable electrospray tandem mass spectrometric method for soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors in rat hepatic microsomes is described. Four synthesized sEH inhibitors were extracted from rat hepatic microsomes with ethyl acetate and were determined by HPLC using positive ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry within 7 min. The relationship between signal intensity and concentration of sEH inhibitors was linear over the concentration range of 2.0 to 500 ng/mL per 5-microL injection with the use of a noncoeluting internal standard with a similar chemical structure. The intraassay precision was less than 12.4% relative standard deviation and accuracy ranged from -7.0 to 11.3% deviation from the theoretical values with five duplicate assays. The recovery of sEH inhibitors from rat hepatic microsomes, fortified at levels of 50, 100, and 250 ng/mL, averaged 74.2-107.7% with a RSD of 2.1-7.6%. This method was successfully applied to the quantification of residual sEH inhibitors in rat hepatic microsomes without interference.
Right-to-Left Anatomic Shunt Associated With a Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: The Importance of Injection Site in Demonstrating the Shunt

Anatomic right-to-left shunt causes hypoxemia that can pose a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Among the many possible causes of right-to-left shunt, persistent left-sided superior vena cava (PLSVC) with an "unroofed" coronary sinus represents an uncommon congenital anomaly in which detection by saline-contrast echocardiogram (bubble echo) or contrast-enhanced CT scan requires injection of contrast in the left arm. We present the case of an elderly man with hypoxemia on the basis of a right-to-left shunt accompanying a PLSVC with unroofed coronary sinus in whom the shunt escaped initial detection following a bubble echo with contrast injected into the right arm. This case reminds pulmonary clinicians, who are frequently called on to assess the cause of hypoxemia, that specifying a contrast injection into the left arm is required in the pursuit of this specific shunt-producing anomaly.