cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D imaging of cone photoreceptors over extended time periods using optical coherence tomography with adaptive optics

Optical coherence tomography with adaptive optics (AO-OCT) is a highly sensitive, noninvasive method for 3D imaging of the microscopic retina. The purpose of this study is to advance AO-OCT technology by enabling repeated imaging of cone photoreceptors over extended periods of time (days). This sort of longitudinal imaging permits monitoring of 3D cone dynamics in both normal and diseased eyes, in particular the physiological processes of disc renewal and phagocytosis, which are disrupted by retinal diseases such as age related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. For this study, the existing AO-OCT system at Indiana underwent several major hardware and software improvements to optimize system performance for 4D cone imaging. First, ultrahigh speed imaging was realized using a Basler Sprint camera. Second, a light source with adjustable spectrum was realized by integration of an Integral laser (Femto Lasers, λc=800nm, uλ=160nm) and spectral filters in the source arm. For cone imaging, we used a bandpass filter with λc=809nm and uλ=81nm (2.6 μm nominal axial resolution in tissue, and 167 KHz A-line rate using 1,408 px), which reduced the impact of eye motion compared to previous AO-OCT implementations. Third, eye motion artifacts were further reduced by custom ImageJ plugins that registered (axially and laterally) the volume videos. In two subjects, cone photoreceptors were imaged and tracked over a ten day period and their reflectance and outer segment (OS) lengths measured. High-speed imaging and image registration/dewarping were found to reduce eye motion to a fraction of a cone width (1 μm root mean square). The pattern of reflections in the cones was found to change dramatically and occurred on a spatial scale well below the resolution of clinical instruments. Normalized reflectance of connecting cilia (CC) and OS posterior tip (PT) of an exemplary cone was 54±4, 47±4, 48±6, 50±5, 56±1% and 46±4, 53±4, 52±6, 50±5, 44±1% for days #1,3,6,8,10 respectively. OS length of the same cone was 28.9, 26.4, 26.4, 30.6, and 28.1 im for days #1,3,6,8,10 respectively. It is plausible these changes are an optical correlate of the natural process of OS renewal and shedding.
Localization in low dimensions

Abstract Recent results based on studies of the transmission coefficient T (which is directly related with the DC conductance G) of 1-D disordered systems are reviewed. The nature of the zero energy state in a 1-D system with only off-diagonal disorder is also examined. It is found, that although the localization length diverges at this energy, the state must be considered localized because the geometric value of T behaves as exp(−√L). The implications of these results on the experimental measured resistance of thin wires are also discussed.
Husserl’s Discovery of Philosophical Discourse

Husserl’s Idea of Phenomenology is his first systematic attempt to show how phenomenology differs from natural science and in particular psychology. He does this by the phenomenological reduction. One of his achievements is to show that the formal structures of intentionality are more akin to logic than to psychology. I claim that Husserl’s argument can be made more intuitive if we consider phenomenology to be the study of truth rather than knowledge, and if we see the reduction as primarily a modification in our vocabulary and discourse and not as simply a change in attitude. I briefly compare Husserl’s concept of philosophy with those of Plato and Kant.
Archeology and domestication in American Phaseolus (Beans)

The systematic and economic botany of American beans is discussed. Four species have been important food plants the main dietary role of which has been as a complementary ammo acid source in combination with corn. Beans were prominent among agricultural products cited in tribute lists in pre-Hispanic times.
Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression in Escherichia coli of mouse flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3): Comparison with the human isoform

The sequence of mouse flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) was obtained from several clones isolated from a mouse liver cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence of mouse FMO3 was 2020 bases in length containing 37 bases in the 5' flanking region, 1602 in the coding region, and 381 in the 3' flanking region. The derived protein sequence consisted of 534 amino acids including the putative flavin adenine dinucleotide and NADP+ pyrophosphate binding sites (characteristic of mammalian FMOs) starting at positions 9 and 191, respectively. The mouse FMO3 protein sequence was 79 and 82% identical to the human and rabbit FMO3 sequences, respectively. Mouse FMO3 was expressed in Escherichia coli and compared to E. coli expressed human FMO3. The FMO3 proteins migrated with the same mobility ( approximately 58 kDa) as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The expressed FMO3 enzymes (mouse and human forms) were sensitive to heat and reacted in a similar manner toward metal ions and detergent. Catalytic activities of mouse and human FMO3 were high toward the substrate methimazole; however, in the presence of trimethylamine and thioacetamide, FMO-dependent methimazole oxidation by both enzymes was reduced by greater than 85%. Other substrates which inhibited methimazole oxidation were thiourea and thiobenzamide and to a lesser degree N,N-dimethylaniline. When probed with mouse FMO3 cDNA, FMO3 transcripts were detected in hepatic mRNA samples from female mice, but not in samples from males. FMO3 was detected in mRNA samples from male and female mouse lung, but FMO3 message was not detected in mouse kidney sample from either gender. Results of immunoblotting confirmed the tissue- and gender-dependent expression of mouse FMO3.
Using Negative Predictive Values

To the Editor .— In “Poor Predictive Validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development for Cognitive Function of Extremely Low Birth Weight Children at School Age,”1,2 we learn that things have not changed in the last 40 years. Early mental tests are still poor predictors of later intelligence,3 and normality at early ages is a better predictor of later normality than early abnormality is of later …
Effects of Methylprednisolone and Its Liver-Targeted Dextran Prodrug on Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Liver Transplantation Model

To evaluate the effectiveness of a liver-targeted dextran prodrug (DMP) of methylprednisolone (MP) in cold preservation–warm reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation. The effects of donor pretreatment with single 5 mg/kg doses of MP or DMP on ischemia–reperfusion damage to the liver were studied after 8 or 24 h of cold preservation in both isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) and syngeneic orthotopic rat liver transplantation (OLT) models. In IPRL studies, donor pretreatment with DMP, and to a lesser degree MP, significantly improved the uptake of hyaluronic acid (HA), a marker of endothelial cell function, following 8 h of cold preservation. However, neither pretreatment was protective after 24 h of preservation. In the OLT model using 24-h-preserved livers, the seven-day survival of untreated grafts was 50%. DMP pretreatment of donors significantly improved graft survival to 100%, whereas MP pretreatment was ineffective. Additionally, only DMP significantly increased the blood glucose concentrations and decreased the plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α after OLT. Other measured markers of liver injury were not affected by either pretreatment. Selective delivery of methylprednisolone to the liver as a donor pretreatment strategy improves 24-h preserved graft survival in the OLT model.
Introduction of a capstone research program in a new college of pharmacy: Student perceptions

Abstract Background A capstone research project requirement was completed by fourth-year professional students at this college during the 2011–2012 school year. Objectives To (1) ascertain the students' perceived value of research in a Doctor of Pharmacy program; (2) assess students' attitudes regarding level of guidance and preparedness during the research project; and (3) evaluate the perceived impact of the program on students' research abilities after completion. Methods An anonymous survey was administered to graduating professional students. This survey consisted of 18 multiple-choice items (progressive Likert-type scales with ten response options and close-ended) and an additional section for comments. Data were analyzed using PASW version 18.0. Results Ninety-two percent ( n = 65) of students completed the survey. The majority (76.9%) are entering entry-level positions, while 13.78% are pursuing residency/fellowship training. The overall response mean for students' perceptions of the importance of research-related activities in their PharmD education was 2.9. The response means for guidance from mentors and preparedness received in the curriculum was 3.1 and 2.4, respectively. Overall, the majority of students felt that they are able to present a research poster at a local or national meeting and write a research manuscript in the future (69.2% and 72.3%, respectively). Conclusions This study demonstrated that graduating fourth-year students in this new pharmacy program do not believe research is an important component in the PharmD curriculum. While the students feel that they are prepared to participate in scholarly activities, their perception of the value of performing research was not important.
Validity of scores generated by a web-based multimedia simulated patient case software: a pilot study.

PURPOSE The value of multimedia simulated patient cases (MSPCs) in medical education remains unclear. The authors conducted a pilot study to assess the validity of automated scores of diagnostic reasoning ability provided by DxR Clinician, a widely available Web-based MSPC software. METHOD In 2002-03, all 89 students enrolled in a required third-year primary care clerkship at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine were assigned to complete four MSPCs. The authors determined the degree of correlation between the Clinical Reasoning Score (CRS) and Level of Diagnostic Performance (LDP) generated by the MSPC software and subscale scores from a validated measure of diagnostic reasoning sophistication, the Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI). RESULTS Of 356 completed case events, instructor override of automated scoring was required in 206 (58%) to obtain an accurate LDP and CRS. Mean DTI subscale scores improved significantly from the beginning to the end of the year (p <.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). However, there were no significant correlations between CRS or LDP scores on any of the four cases and either of the two DTI subscale scores. CONCLUSION Automated diagnostic reasoning scores generated by one widely available MSPC software appear to lack criterion validity. The validity of automated diagnostic reasoning scores generated by MSPCs should be established before such cases can be confidently employed as educational tools.
Role of Proton Gradients in the Mechanism of Osmosis

Experiments were carried out to determine whether the newly identified “exclusion zone” found adjacent to hydrophilic surfaces might play a role in osmosis. Two chambers were juxtaposed face to face, separated by a membrane made of cellulose acetate or Nafion. One chamber contained water, the other 100 mM sodium sulfate solution. Osmotically driven transmembrane fluid flow from low to high salt was observed using both membranes, in agreement with previous reports. Characteristic pH differences and potential differences between chambers were also noted. Visual examination with microsphere markers revealed extensive exclusion zones adjacent to both types of membrane. As these zones routinely generate protons in the water regions beyond, unequal proton concentrations in the respective chambers may be responsible for creating both the pH and potential gradients, which may be ultimately responsible for the osmotic drive.
Arginine degradation by arginase in mitochondria of soybean seedling cotyledons.

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) localization was studied in soybean (Glycine max L.) seedling cotyledons. Subcellular fractionation in a discontinuous Percoll gradient showed that arginase was localized in the mitochondrion. Arginine (Arg) uptake by mitochondria was demonstrated by co-sedimentation of [3H]Arg-derived label and the mitochondrial marker enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. Arginine uptake was complete in about 10 min. Since detergent but not NaCl released most label, we conclude that Arg was taken up and not bound to the organellar surface. Arginine transport was not saturable, at least up to 20 mM. Basic amino acids were the best inhibitors of Arg uptake. The uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol did not inhibit Arg uptake. At least 30% of l-[guanido-14C]Arg taken up by mitochondria was degraded by arginase in seedling cotyledons, while little or no degradation was detected in mitochondria from developing embryos, even though the Arg uptake level was similar in both mitochondrial preparations. These results are consistent with our previously reported pattern of arginase expression and urea accumulation during embryo development and seed germination (A. Goldraij and J.C. Polacco, 1999, Plant Physiol. 119: 297–303). The lack of Arg degradation allows developing embryos to conserve Arg, the main N-reserve amino acid utilized by germinating soybean.
Effect of structural non-uniformity on the temperature dependence of the crystal-melt interfacial tension

The temperature dependence of the crystal-melt interfacial tension is calculated for three simple interface models, two uniform ones and one consisting of a bilayer. The differences are appreciable, and it is found that the analysis shows that the adjusting the interface width to a non-integer interface value is a better approximation to the more realistic bilayer than adjusting the thermodynamic parameters to a uniform interface of the full bilayer width.
Daytime sleepiness and sleep duration in long-term cancer survivors and non-cancer controls: results from a registry-based survey study.

Purpose Sleep-related complaints are common in cancer survivors. Although daytime sleepiness and sleep duration are associated with poor functional status, quality of life, and mortality in the general population, little is known about these issues in long-term cancer survivors. This study examined differences in daytime sleepiness and sleep duration between long-term cancer survivors and non-cancer controls.
A Bull's Eye on my Back: the Perils and Pitfalls of Trying to Bring About Educational Change:

This article consists of a step by step refutation of criticisms made by Dr. Hans Jellen in a presentation entitled “Renzulli-it-is: a national disease in gifted education” delivered at the Illinoi...
Radionuclide left ventricular contractile indices and their relationship to heart size in dogs.

To identify possible mechanisms to explain differences between the maximum time-varying elastance (Emax) and end-systolic pressure-volume (E& slope values calculated with radionuclide angiography and to establish whether they have a relationship to heart size, we studied 16 dogs that were instrumented with micromanometer left ventricular catheters and had red blood ceils tagged with technetium-99m for radionuclide angiography. Hemodynamics and radionuclide angiograms were obtained under control conditions and during six additional steady-state loading conditions. lsochronal E,,, averaged 7.14 k 2.54 mm Hg/ml, while E.. averaged 5.66 f 1.66 mm Hg/ml (p < O.Ol), but they were highly correlated (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). This observation was related to the assumption of linearity when curvilinearity was present and to the important Influence of timing on these relationships. The E max and Ege slope values were compared to dog weight; left ventricular weight, which ranged from 65 to 142 gm (mean 113 + 16 gm); and left ventricular end-diastolic volume, which ranged from 15 to 56 ml (mean 29 + 10 ml) using multiple regression analyses. The E,., and Eeo slope values demonstrated a comparable inverse linear relationship with only left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.76 and -0.69, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). We conclude that the differences between E msx and Egs slope values calculated with radionuclide anglography are related to the assumption of linearity when curvilinearity is present and to the importance of the timing of systolic events and that both Emax and E,, are comparably related to left ventricular end-diastolic volume. Since the E,,, and E.s slope values are affected by similar influences, are highly correlated, and are comparably related to heart size, they both may be useful for assessing alterations in left ventricular contractility as long as they are applied consistently In animals or man. (AM HEART J 1989;118:325.)
Honestly Arrogant or Simply Misunderstood? Narcissists' Awareness of their Narcissism

Narcissists describe themselves as narcissistic (e.g., arrogant). Do they have self-insight, or do they simply misunderstand the behavioral manifestations or consequences of narcissism? With two samples (undergraduates N = 86, 65% female, M age = 20; MTurk N = 234, 62% female, M age = 35), the current paper investigates whether narcissism is associated with genuine self-insight. Findings suggest that individuals higher in narcissism: (a) agree with close others (informant N = 217) that they behave in explicitly narcissistic ways (e.g., brag); (b) view narcissism as an individually desirable trait but not necessarily as a socially desirable trait; and (c) strive to be more narcissistic. Thus, it appears that narcissists truly grasp the behavioral and social significance of their narcissism.
Evidence that basal secretion of relaxin by individual cultured large luteal cells is influenced by mobilization of intracellular calcium: Analysis by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay

Ca2+ redistribution from an intracellular site(s) is a key biochemical event associated with relaxin (RLX) secretion by large luteal cells (LLCs) of porcine origin. However, the functional significance of internal stores of Ca2+ to basal rates of RLX secretion is not well understood. In addition, the identity of the intracellular storage site(s) for Ca2+ within LLCs is not known, nor is it clear if all RLX-releasing LLCs are equally dependent on this pool. In the present study, release of RLX from 24 h cultured luteal cells derived from early pregnant swine was monitored by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay (RHPA). Incubation of cultures in the presence of graded concentrations of thapsigargin (1 nM-1 microM), a plant sesquiterpene lactone that inhibits endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and thereby increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, resulted in a dose-related increase in basal RLX secretion. The stimulatory effect of thapsigargin on RLX production was not abrogated by culture in Ca(2+)-free medium. Suppression of Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum of LLCs, achieved by incubating monolayers in medium containing dantrolene (1-100 microM), resulted in dose-related inhibition of basal RLX release. Taken together, these results suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum serves as a major storage site for Ca2+ redistribution within LLCs and, furthermore, that mobilization from this site is functionally coupled to basal secretion of RLX.
Projection displays and MEMS: timely convergence for a bright future

Projection displays and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have evolved independently, occasionally crossing paths as early as the 1950s. But the commercially viable use of MEMS for projection displays has been illusive until the recent invention of Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing TM (DLP) technology. DLP technology is based on the Digital Micromirror Device TM (DMD) microchip, a MEMS technology that is a semiconductor digital light switch that precisely controls a light source for projection display and hardcopy applications. DLP technology provides a unique business opportunity because of the timely convergence of market needs and technology advances. The world is rapidly moving to an all- digital communications and entertainment infrastructure. In the near future, most of the technologies necessary for this infrastrucutre will be available at the right performance and price levels. This will make commercially viable an all-digital chain (capture, compression, transmission, reception decompression, hearing, and viewing). Unfortunately, the digital images received today must be translated into analog signals for viewing on today's televisions. Digital video is the final link in the all-digital infrastructure and DLP technoogy provides that link. DLP technology is an enabler for digital, high-resolution, color projection displays that have high contrast, are bright, seamless, and have the accuracy of color and grayscale that can be achieved only by digital control. This paper contains an introduction to DMD and DLP technology, including the historical context from which to view their developemnt. The architecture, projection operation, and fabrication are presented. Finally, the paper includes an update about current DMD business opportunities in projection displays and hardcopy.
Both fis-dependent and factor-independent upstream activation of the rrnB P1 promoter are face of the helix dependent

Transcription from the Escherichia coli rrnB P1 promoter is increased by a cis-acting sequence which extends upstream of the -35 hexamer to about -150 with respect to the transcription initiation site, the Upstream Activation Region (UAR). Activation by the UAR involves two components: (1) a trans-acting protein, Fis, which binds to three sites in the UAR between -60 and -150, and (2) the UAR sequences themselves which affect RNA polymerase (RNAP) activity independent of other proteins. We refer to the latter as Factor-Independent Activation (FIA). In addition to its interactions with the -10 and -35 hexamers typical of E. coli promoters, RNAP makes contacts to the -53 region of rrnB P1, which may be related to the FIA effect. We constructed a series of insertion mutants containing integral and non-integral numbers of helical turns at position -46, between the Fis binding sites and the -35 region, and the resulting promoter activities were measured in vitro and in vivo. The data suggest that both Fis-dependent and factor-independent activation are face of the helix dependent: the Fis binding site and the sequences responsible for factor-independent activation must be correctly oriented relative to RNA polymerase in order to activate transcription. These results, in conjunction with other evidence, support a model for the involvement of direct Fis-RNAP interactions in upstream activation. We also demonstrate that RNAP interacts with the -53 region of the rrnB P1 UAR even when these sequences are displaced upstream of the RNAP binding site, and that these interactions correlate with factor-independent activation.
Causal Systems in Ecology

In his Research commentary “Ecological science and statistical paradigms: At the threshold” ( Science' s Compass, 23 Jan., [p. 502][1]), Brian A. Maurer states that process models are essential in advancing understanding of causal systems in ecology. He points out the difficulties in parameter
Proteomic Analysis of the Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) transport vesicles

The VLDL transport vesicle (VTV) mediates the transport of nascent VLDL particles from the ER to the Golgi and plays a key role in VLDL-secretion from the liver. The functionality of VTV is controlled by specific proteins; however, full characterization and proteomic profiling of VTV remain to be carried out. Here, we report the first proteomic profile of VTVs. VTVs were purified to their homogeneity and characterized biochemically and morphologically. Thin section transmission electron microscopy suggests that the size of VTV ranges between 100 nm to 120 nm and each vesicle contains only one VLDL particle. Immunoblotting data indicate VTV concentrate apoB100, apoB48 and apoAIV but exclude apoAI. Proteomic analysis based on 2D-gel coupled with MALDI-TOF identified a number of vesicle-related proteins, however, many important VTV proteins could only be identified using LC-MS/MS methodology. Our data strongly indicate that VTVs greatly differ in their proteome with their counterparts of intestinal origin, the PCTVs. For example, VTV contains Sec22b, SVIP, ApoC-I, reticulon 3, cideB, LPCAT3 etc. which are not present in PCTV. The VTV proteome reported here will provide a basic tool to study the mechanisms underlying VLDL biogenesis, maturation, intracellular trafficking and secretion from the liver.
Uncovering stereotypes and identifying characteristics of gifted students and students with emotional/behavioral disabilities

The recognition, understanding, and identification of gifted and talented behaviors in students with exceptionalities has become an increasingly important issue in the management of classrooms, yet, for the most part, the literature continues to ignore this important aspect of teacher education. The present study reports on the results of an instrument that asked preservice and in‐service teachers to categorize a set of characteristics and behaviors according to whether each described a student identified with an Emotional/Behavior Disability (EBD), who is gifted, both, or neither. Results of this survey revealed stereotypical thinking in the identification of characteristics of the student labeled EBD. The degree of teachers’ training and experience also played a role in the understanding and categorization of the characteristics/behaviors used on the survey in this project.
Normal incidence performance of multilayer thin-film structures containing a magneto-optical film

Calculations of the reflectance, transmittance, Kerr magneto -optical polarization rotation, and related constants are important in the design of multilayer thin -film media for magneto - optical disks for data storage. Abstract Calculations of the reflectance, transmittance, Kerr magneto-optical polarization rotation, and related constants are important in the design of multilayer thin-film media for magneto-optical disks for data storage. Different computation methods have been suggested in the literature for specific structures. 1" 3 We have established a powerful technique based on matrix methods and have written a program to calculate all the optical responses of multilayer structures. Calculations for a few specific models have been made, and these predict Kerr rotation angles > 2° for normal incidence. These calculations can be readily extended to different media structures. Oblique incidence calculations are also being incorporated. We feel that disk media designs can be analyzed very effectively with this technique.
Copper diffusion in organic polymer resists and inter-level dielectrics

Abstract In future generation microelectronic devices, it is anticipated that back end of the line processing may incorporate interconnects composed of Cu metal, and inter-level dielectrics composed of organic polymers. In this study, we examined a number of commercially available and new NRL synthesized organic polymer systems towards Cu metal incorporation in the film during application. All the polyimides examined transported Cu, in large part due to the ability of the solvent, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), to dissolve Cu. We report examples where the solvent is largely responsible for Cu incorporation into the polymer film, and examples where the polymer and not the solvent is responsible for Cu transport into the film polymethyl methacrylate. Three preparations examined in this study, polystyrene, Teflon AF, and 1,3,5-tris (2-allyloxy-hexafluoro-2-propyl) benzene/poly methyl hydrosiloxane, were found to resist Cu diffusion.
Ian Galton Speaks on “Performance Enhancement Techniques for Fractional-N PLLs” at SSCS-CASS/Atlanta

Nearly fifty attendees heard DL Ian Galton speak on PLLs at SSCS-Atlanta on 7 November, 2007. According to chapter member Oscar Palomino, "PLL technology is a very popular topic at Georgia Tech, which offers graduate courses and features various research teams developing novel designs on the subject."
Constructing locales from quantales

We recall that a locale is a complete lattice L satisfying a ∧ (∨bα) = ∨(a ∧ bα), for all a ∈ L, and {bα} ⊆ L. Examples of locales include the lattices (X) of open subsets of topological spaces X. Following Joyal and Tierney [7], a morphism f: L → M of locales is a ∨-, ∧-, and τ-preserving map. Such functions are sometimes called ‘frame homomorphisms’, in which case the right adjoint f*:M → L (which exists since f preserves ∨) is then called a ‘morphism of locales’.
Display for medical imaging

This paper discusses display parameters such as display function, contrast, dynamic range and spatial resolution of displays useful in digital radiology. It concentrates on the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) as the maturest electronic display available at this tie. It appears that current high- resolution monochrome CRT display systems can present all information in digital medical images without interaction by the reader when the images are display-specifically processed to compensate for the reduced CRT MTF.
Effects of Mefenoxam, Phosphonate, and Paclobutrazol on In Vitro Characteristics of Phytophthora cactorum and P. citricola and on Canker Size of European Beech

Phytophthora citricola and P. cactorum cause bleeding cankers that lead to the death of mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in the northeastern United States. The effects of two fungicides and a plant growth regulator on in vitro pathogen characteristics and on canker expansion were investigated. In the first experiment, 16 single-spore isolates (11 P. citricola and 5 P. cactorum) were grown on clarified V8 juice agar amended with (i) 0 to 20 μg a.i./ml of mefenoxam, (ii) 0 to 301,429 μg a.i./ml phosphonate either with or without a bark-penetrating surfactant at 0.5 mg a.i./ml, or (iii) 0 to 25 mg a.i./ml of the surfactant alone. Radial growth, oospore production, and zoospore germination were observed to be dependent on isolate and treatment. A species effect on growth was also observed, as P. cactorum isolates were 2.5- to sevenfold less sensitive to phosphonate, but 2- to 150-fold more sensitive to mefenoxam than P. citricola isolates (based on 50% inhibition of growth). In the second experiment, bark and soil drenches of mefenoxam (50 mg a.i./ml and 19 μg a.i./ml, respectively), phosphonate (301,429 and 101 μg a.i./ml, respectively), and a soil drench of paclobutrazol (21 mg a.i./ml) were evaluated for their efficacy as curative or preventive treatments against bleeding canker. None of the treatments (curative or preventive) were able to stop canker expansion or prevent infection. However, saplings inoculated with P. citricola and treated with the phosphonate bark drench as either a curative or preventive treatment had cankers that were 36 to 82% shorter than those of inoculated control stems treated with water. For saplings inoculated with P. cactorum, the phosphonate bark drench was only effective when applied as a preventive (38% shorter than inoculated control stems treated with water), and not as a curative treatment. No other treatment was effective at limiting canker expansion.
Hydrogeologic reconnaissance of the beowawe geysers geothermal area, Nevada

Abstract The Beowawe Geysers in north-central Nevada are the discharge from a hydrothermal-convection system in a region of high heat flow. The site of thermal-fluid upflow (at about 18 kg/s before drilling and well testing) appears to be related to the intersection at depth of two major fault zones. Assuming steady-state conditions, recharge within the drainage basin could account for both thermal and nonthermal ground-water discharge. Circulation of thermal fluid to depths exceeding 5 km is required to attain estimated temperatures of more than 220°C.
Cheap control problem of a linear uniform rank system: design by composite control

Abstract Cheap control problems where a small parameter μ 2 multiplies the control cost are considered. Due to the cheapness of control, a strong control action in the form of high-gain feedback forces the given system to have slow and fast, low and high amplitude variations. For a class of linear systems (uniform rank systems), a systematic procedure of amplitude scaling and time-scale decomposition which normalizes high and low amplitude variations and which separates slow and fast time scales is presented. The method permits the explicit characterization of all the limiting properties of the considered cheap control problem as μ → 0. Methods of calculating singular controls and how non-uniqueness can arise in them are discussed. Above all, several suboptimal composite control schemes are developed based on the decomposition of the given optimal design into two lower order subsystem designs.
Paravesical cystic retroperitoneal lymphangioma presenting as recurrent vesicoureteral reflux

Abstract We present a case of a retroperitoneal paravesical lymphangioma in a three-year-old girl and review the clinical, histologic, and imaging characteristics of these rare tumors.
Effects of Endpoint Temperature on the Internal Color of Pork Loin Chops of Different Quality

The effects of 5 endpoint temperatures for cooked, internal color were determined for boneless pork longissimus muscle from 4 treatment groups: normal, normal-injected, PSE, and DFD. Visual and instrumental color, myoglobin denaturation, and acid phosphatase (ACP) of raw and cooked samples were evaluated. Visual internal color became (P 0.05) for chops from normal and normal-injected groups. Myoglobin denaturation increased as endpoint temperature increased. ACP activity in raw chops was not affected by treatment group and it was a good indicator of doneness at 71.1 °C. Les effets de 5 temperatures finales de cuisson sur la couleur interne de muscle longissimus de porc desosse sont determines pour 4 groupes de traitement: normal, injection, viande PSE (pâle, molle et exsudative) et viande DFD (sombre, ferme et seche). La couleur visuelle interne devient moins rose lorsque la temperature finale augmente. Cependant, la viande DFD est plus rose et la viande PSE est moins rose que celle des autres groupes.
Forodesine, an inhibitor of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, induces apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency in humans results in T lymphocytopenia. Forodesine, a potent inhibitor of PNP, was designed based on the transition-state structure stabilized by the enzyme. Previous studies established that forodesine in the presence of deoxyguanosine (dGuo) inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes. A phase 1 clinical trial of forodesine in T-cell malignancies demonstrated significant antileukemic activity with an increase in intracellular dGuo triphosphate (dGTP). High accumulation of dGTP in T cells may be dependent on the levels of deoxynucleoside kinases. Because B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells have high activity of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), we hypothesized that these lymphocytes would respond to forodesine. This postulate was tested in primary lymphocytes during in vitro investigations. Lymphocytes from 12 patients with CLL were incubated with forodesine and dGuo. These CLL cells showed a wide variation in the accumulation of intracellular dGTP without any effect on other deoxynucleotides. This was associated with DNA damage-induced p53 stabilization, phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15, and activation of p21. The dGTP accumulation was related to induction of apoptosis measured by caspase activation, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and PARP cleavage. Based on these data, a phase 2 clinical trial of forodesine has been initiated for CLL patients.
Near‐Earth magnetic disturbance in total field at high latitudes 1. Summary of data from Ogo 2, 4, and 6

Variations in the total (i.e. scalar) magnetic field data from the polar orbiting OGO-2, 4, and 6 spacecraft (altitudes 400-1510 km) are summarized for invariant latitudes above 55 deg. Data from all degrees of magnetic disturbance are included. The data are presented in terms of the quantity delta B(= measured field magnitude minus the field magnitude from a spherical harmonic model of the quiet field).
Induction and rapid expression of an immune response in vitro.

INDUCTION and expression of the primary immune response in vivo were thought to take several days. Newer techniques for detecting the synthesis and release of antibody by single cells, however, seem to indicate that the lag phase is shorter than was previously assumed. Litt1 reported the release of red cell haemolysins by cells in the peripheral lymph nodes of guinea-pigs 7.5 min after the primary injection of chicken red blood cells.
Job satisfaction among students in work education programs

Abstract Data were collected from 1016 students in grades 9–14 from 50 work education programs. Data were also collected from 696 similar students who held part-time jobs but were not participating in work education programs. Participating students were significantly more satisfied with their jobs than were the nonparticipating students. Group atmosphere, availability of adult role models, meaningfulness of work roles, and availability of feedback accounted for much of the variation in job satisfaction among students.
Iron‐stress response mechanism and iron uptake in iron‐efficient and‐ inefficient tomatoes and soybeans treated with cobalt

Abstract The influence of Co on Fe uptake and the Fe‐stress response mechanism of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was studied. Iron‐efficient and ‐inefficient plants (T3238 fer + and T3238 fer tomatoes and A7 and T203 soybeans, respectively) were grown in nutrient solutions for seven and nine days at varying Fe and Co levels (0, 0; 1.0, 0; 1.0, 0.3; 1.0, 0.6; 1.0, 1.2; 1.0, 2.4; and 0, 1.2 mg liter–1 Fe and Co, respectively). Cobalt significantly (p≤0.05) decreased chlorophyll and foliar Fe and increased foliar and root Co in all cultivars. Cobalt effects on root Fe varied among cultivars. The Fe‐inefficient cultivars were most susceptible to chlorosis in the presence of Co, yet apparently exhibited true Fe deficiency. The Fe‐efficient cultivars appeared to exhibit a combination of Fe deficiency and Co toxicity. Chlorophyll formation was generally limited when foliar Fe was below 50 ug Fe g–1 dry weight regardless of Co treatment. Reductant and proton excreti...
The epi-distance topology: continuity and stability results with applications to convex optimization problems

Let IX denote the proper, lower semicontinuous, convex functions on a Banach space X, equipped with the completely metrizable topology of uniform convergence of distance functions on bounded sets. We show, subject to some standard constraint qualifications, that the operations of addition and restriction are continuous. These results are applied to convex well-posed optimization problems, as well as to convergence of approximated solutions in infinite dimensional convex programming, to linear functionals exposing convex sets, and to metric projections. Also, for any given function in IX, we obtain results regarding the convergence of its inf-convolution with smoothing kernels.
Environmental enrichment alters glial antigen expression and neuroimmune function in the adult rat hippocampus

Neurogenesis is a well-characterized phenomenon within the dentate gyrus (DG) of the adult hippocampus. Environmental enrichment (EE) in rodents increases neurogenesis, enhances cognition, and promotes recovery from injury. However, little is known about the effects of EE on glia (astrocytes and microglia). Given their importance in neural repair, we predicted that EE would modulate glial phenotype and/or function within the hippocampus. Adult male rats were housed either 12 h/day in an enriched environment or in a standard home cage. Rats were injected with BrdU at 1 week, and after 7 weeks, half of the rats from each housing group were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and cytokine and chemokine expression was assessed within the periphery, hippocampus and cortex. Enriched rats had a markedly blunted pro-inflammatory response to LPS within the hippocampus. Specifically, expression of the chemokines Ccl2, Ccl3 and Cxcl2, several members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were all significantly decreased following LPS administration in EE rats compared to controls. EE did not impact the inflammatory response to LPS in the cortex. Moreover, EE significantly increased both astrocyte (GFAP+) and microglia (Iba1+) antigen expression within the DG, but not in the CA1, CA3, or cortex. Measures of neurogenesis were not impacted by EE (BrdU and DCX staining), although hippocampal BDNF mRNA was significantly increased by EE. This study demonstrates the importance of environmental factors on the function of the immune system specifically within the brain, which can have profound effects on neural function.
Shrinking the digital divide: the moderating role of technology environments

Abstract A fully integrated digital world has become a reality, and all segments of society must embrace it in order to be contributing partners to future success in the US. As the use of information technology (IT) has grown, the demand for workers with technical skills has also increased dramatically. Yet the supply of these workers has not kept pace. One reason for this supply-demand disparity is the insufficient number of women and minorities entering engineering and science-related fields. This is disturbing given that these two groups are the fastest growing segment of the US population. Empirical research is needed to investigate why these two important population segments are not active participants in the digital revolution. This paper submits several research propositions that address this problem. The propositions suggest that personality composition—particularly motivation, self esteem, learning styles, and cognitive thinking—influences a person’s academic performance and the decision to pursue IT education and careers. The technological sophistication of a person’s environment also influences these variables and moderates the relationship between personality composition and IT career choices. Research on this topic has compelling implications and can provide scientific insight into what environmental conditions would stimulate interest in IT-related fields among students in grades K–12.
Intermolecular interactions in the AhpC/AhpD antioxidant defense system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ☆

The AhpC/AhpD system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis provides important antioxidant protection, particularly when the KatG catalase-peroxidase activity is depressed, as it is in many isoniazid resistant strains. In the absence of lipoamide or bovine dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DHLDH), components of the normal catalytic system, covalent dimers, tetramers, and hexamers are formed when a mixture of AhpC and AhpD is exposed to peroxide. Each of the oligomers contains equimolar amounts of AhpC and AhpD. This oligomerization is reversible because the oligomers can be fully reduced to the monomeric species by dithiothreitol. Using mutagenesis, we confirm here that Cys61 and Cys174 of AhpC as well as Cys133 and Cys130 of AhpD are critical for activity in the fully reconstituted system consisting of AhpC, AhpD, lipoamide, DHLDH, and NADH. A key step in the reduction of oxidized AhpC by reduced AhpD is formation of a disulfide cross-link between Cys61 of AhpC and Cys133 of AhpD. This cross-link can be reduced by intramolecular reaction with either Cys174 of AhpC or Cys130 of AhpD. Cys176 can also, to some extent, substitute for Cys174, providing a measure of redundancy that helps to maintain the efficiency of this antioxidant protective system.
Miracles and Statistics: The Casual Assumption of Independence

Abstract The primary theme of this address is cautionary: Statistical independence is far too often assumed casually, without serious concern for how common is dependence and how difficult it can be to achieve independence (or related structures). After initial discussion of statistics and religion, the address turns to miracles, especially Hume's critique and Babbage's reply. Stress is given the often tacit or unexamined assumption of independence among witnesses of a putative miracle. Other contexts of multiple testimony are treated, and the address ends with contemporary casual assumptions of independence: nuclear reactor safety, repeated measurements, and so forth. Other topics include prayer, circularity of argument, and the tension between skepticism about testimony and the pragmatic need to accept most of it provisionally.
A Low Cost Wireless Tool Tip Vibration Sensor for Milling

A low cost, wireless vibration sensor system has been developed for noninvasive integration into commercial end milling tool holders. Electret based accelerometers are used as the sensors and a Bluetooth compatible digital transmitter is used as the sensor interface. The use of mass market consumer electronic components is low cost and plug and play with modern PC hardware. Two prototypes were built and, in both cases, were able to collect good quality data at high sampling rates. The objective of the research is to enable accurate observation of NC metal cutting system dynamics. Initial results indicate the system can be used to estimate tool runout and detect the onset of regenerative chatter, prior to workpiece damage.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Integrating computer science and mathematics in middle school with alice (abstract only)

The Adventures in Alice Programming project at Duke University has created a variety of Alice curriculum materials for integrating computer science into other disciplines at the K-12 level, focusing on both computer science topics and animation topics. For example, one of our new animation tutorials shows how to attach multiple camera views to an object to move with the object through a virtual Alice world. Our newest curriculum materials focus on integrating computer science into middle school mathematics. Our math related tutorials guide users on programming math projects from scratch, and our math challenges are partially built programs for students to complete. We use topics that are attractive to middle school students. For example, we have created a wizard world math and programming challenge that is an eight-level game. Each level in the game is titled similarly to courses one might take in the school Hogwarts in the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. Students must add code related to either a math or computer science concept in order to complete a level and move to the next level. Since 2008, we have taught extensive multi-week Alice beginner workshops every summer to K-12 teachers, teaching over 200 teachers. Our new curriculum materials are mapped to both the CSTA and the Common Core Math standards, and are available for free at www.cs.duke.edu/csed/alice/aliceInSchools along with teacher lesson plans.