cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of apoptosis: a potential mechanism for syndromic craniosynostosis.

The biologic pathogenesis of syndromic craniosynostosis remains unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether specific biologic differences exist between normal calvarial osteoblasts and osteoblasts derived from patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. This study (1) examined the apoptotic rate and cell cycle of osteoblasts derived from patients with syndromic craniosynostosis, and (2) investigated for the presence of soluble factors released from syndrome-derived osteoblasts. Osteoblast cell lines were established from calvarial specimens of patients with clinically diagnosed syndromic synostosis and from normal controls. A co-culture technique was used to investigate for the presence of elaborated soluble factors. Apoptotic rate and cell cycle analyses were performed by using flow cytometry after staining with annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium-iodide, respectively. The apoptotic rate was significantly reduced in syndrome-derived osteoblasts as compared with control osteoblasts. Control osteoblasts co-cultured with syndromic osteoblasts demonstrated a dramatic reduction in their apoptotic rate as compared with those co-cultured with control osteoblasts. These results indicate that osteoblasts derived from patients with syndromic craniosynostosis display a lower apoptotic rate, a normal DNA synthetic rate, and the capability to reduce the apoptotic rate in normal calvarial osteoblasts through the elaboration of soluble factors.
Clots and spots on ulcers: why and how to treat

The clinical indication for urgent endoscopy with combined diagnosis and treatment is bleeding severe enough to warrant urgent medical attention. Stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage are utilized as a guide to endoscopic therapy. Active arterial bleeding, nonbleeding visible vessels, and adherent nonbleeding clots are always treated endoscopically. In randomized trials, patients with these "major stigmata" had better outcomes from endoscopic therapies than with medical therapies alone. Flat spots, gray or black sloughs, and clean ulcer bases are not treated endoscopically, since medical therapy alone affords good outcome. The current recommendation is to treat major stigmata of hemorrhage endoscopically for the initial bleeding episode and a second time for rebleeding before considering ulcer surgery. Clinical presentation and comorbidity and the endoscopic appearance of the ulcer (i.e., stigmata of hemorrhage) of patients with UGI bleeding are used to determine the subsequent level of care (e.g., discharge or ward or intensive care).
Evolution of correlated characters

Many traits are genetically correlated with each other. Thus, selection that changes the mean value of one trait causes other traits to change as well. Recent comparative studies have emphasized the possible importance of such correlated responses in affecting the evolution of traits, including some behaviors, which are of little adaptive significance, or even maladaptive. However, it is also possible for traits with major effects on fitness, such as brain size, to evolve entirely by correlated response. Other traits that do not appear to have evolved at all may have been subject to much directional selection, simply to prevent their evolution by correlated response. The new interest in correlated responses reflects more rigorous attempts to consider the organism as a whole, rather than dissecting it into a number of questionably separable traits.
βVLDL uptake by pigeon monocyte-derived macrophages: Correlation of binding dynamics with three-dimensional ultrastructure

Endocytosis of pigeon beta migrating very-low-density lipoprotein (beta VLDL) by monocyte-derived macrophages (monocyte/macrophages), cultured from Random Bred White Carneau (RBWC) pigeons, occurs by both coated and non-coated regions of the plasma membrane (Henson et al.: Exp. Mol. Pathol. 51:243-263, 1989). Secondary to binding, the beta VLDL is translocated to lysosomes for degradation. Ultimately these events lead to foam cell formation in vitro. Utilizing video-enhanced contrast light microscopy in conjunction with whole mount intermediate-voltage transmission electron microscopy (IVEM) and high-resolution scanning EM, the dynamics of beta VLDL binding have been correlated with ultrastructure. Beta VLDL conjugated to gold colloids was visualized at the surface of living cells by using Allen video-enhanced contrast-differential interference contrast microscopy (AVEC-DIC). Subsequent to AVEC-DIC, direct observation of the identical cells by IVEM and SEM was facilitated through the use of gold finder grids, and these EM observations confirmed identification of the video-observed beta VLDL particles. Upon addition of beta VLDL, pigeon monocyte/macrophages underwent gross morphological changes. These changes were recorded by video as movements at the cytoplasmic periphery, and the movements involved extension of microvilli, expression of retraction fibers, and elaboration of membrane ruffles. When secondarily observed by stereo (3-D) IVEM and SEM, the identification of microvilli, retraction fibers, and membrane ruffles was confirmed and the lipoprotein-gold conjugates were associated with these ligand-induced membrane structures. Beta VLDL-gold conjugates were also associated with pit-like regions at the base of microvilli, while at the base of ruffles, beta VLDL-gold conjugates were located in membrane invaginations and cytoplasmic vesicles.
Antecedents of Leader Utilization of Staff Input in Decision-Making Teams.

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to explore the possibility that the inconsistent findings of Brehmer and Hagafors (1986, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , 38, 181–195), Sniezek and Buckley (1995, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , 62, 159–174), and leader–member exchange research regarding leaders' propensity to differentially and accurately weight staff input can be explained as a result of experience, the availability to the leader of staff member judgment confidence, and the cumulative past accuracy of each staff member. The availability to the team leader of staff member past judgment accuracy and staff member judgment confidence was provided in an environment in which differential staff weighting was the appropriate staff utilization strategy. Eighty-four leaders of four-person decision-making teams performed 63 decisions on a computerized decision-making task. Both experience and providing leaders with cumulative staff past accuracy information were related to greater staff weighting variability and greater staff weighting accuracy. Although positively related to staff weighting, staff confidence information did not improve leader weighting variability nor actual staff weighting accuracy.
Drosophila fasciclin I is a novel homophilic adhesion molecule that along with fasciclin III can mediate cell sorting

Fasciclin I is a membrane-associated glycoprotein that is regionally expressed on a subset of fasciculating axons during neuronal development in insects; it is expressed on apposing cell surfaces, suggesting a role in specific cell adhesion. In this paper we show that Drosophila fasciclin I is a novel homophilic cell adhesion molecule. When the nonadhesive Drosophila S2 cells are transfected with the fasciclin I cDNA, they form aggregates that are blocked by antisera against fasciclin I. When cells expressing fasciclin I are mixed with cells expressing fasciclin III, another Drosophila homophilic adhesion molecule, the mixture sorts into aggregates homogeneous for either fasciclin I- or fasciclin III-expressing cells. The ability of these two novel adhesion molecules to mediate cell sorting in vitro suggests that they might play a similar role during neuronal development.
Accurate small-spot luminance measurements

Abstract It has been reported recently that conventional methods for measuring the contrast ratio of display devices using small dark spots can provide inaccurate data if flare in lenses and other optical components is not taken into account. In this paper, we describe a method for reliable measurements of small-spot contrast ratios based on a collimated probe specially designed and constructed to minimize the signal contamination to less than 10 −4 of the bright field. We show that this method can be used to measure the luminance of small circular targets to characterize the veiling glare of cathode-ray tubes. We compare ring response functions obtained for monochrome and color monitors and explain the differences between them in terms of the relative weight of the electron back-scattering and optical components of veiling glare. The method is also useful for characterizing crosstalk in large size active-matrix liquid crystal displays, by measuring luminance changes in small square targets due to variations in the background intensity. Our results suggest that even for medium size arrays, a difference of 1% can be found in the luminance of the small target due to changes in the background luminance.
X-Ray and Optical Observations of the Pulsar NP 0532 in the Crab Nebula

Pulsar NP 0532 in Crab Nebula observed by rocket and telescope showing strong pulsed X ray signal
On the discontinuous precipitation reaction and solute redistribution in a Cu-15%Ni-8%Sn alloy

Abstract Optical and transmission electron microscopy studies have been undertaken in order to clarify some morphological aspects of the discontinuous precipitation (DP) reaction in a Cu-15Ni-8Sn (wt.%) alloy in the temperature range 800–950 K. The DP reaction proceeds in the ternary Cu–Ni–Sn system relatively fast (in binary Cu–Ni alloy is not present) with typical morphological features like change of growth direction, appearance and disappearance of solute-rich γ lamellae. A fine continuous precipitation of single Ni and Sn-rich phase was also evidenced within the solute-depleted α lamellae. An energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed the level of partitioning of the alloying elements. Most of the Ni and Sn is located in the γ lamellae. However, the formula of the γ lamellae is still close to (Cu3Sn), which indicates that some Cu atoms are replaced by Ni.
Principles of Collaboration in School-University Partnerships.

* If it is true that all understanding can be rendered as a story, then this story begins with Mary, Jackie, and Barbara, three fourth-grade teachers who have been teachers and touchstones for us since 1990 (Clarke, Davis, Rhodes, & Baker, 1996, 1997; Davis, Clarke, & Rhodes, 1994). These three remarkable teachers consistently achieve success with lowincome, urban minority students under difficult circumstances using dramatically different methods and materials. Mary, who believes that all troubles can be solved by reading and writing, is the epitome of a whole language, process-oriented teacher. Jackie, a bilingual teacher raised in Chicago, uses technology and street smarts in requiring that her students not back down from the realities that assail them. Barbara, calm and confident in her use of choral drill and leveled reading groups, seems to have stepped out of an episode of Leave it to Beaver. Initially, our fascination with them began as a variation on Stevick's riddle:
An investigation of list equivalency of the northwestern university auditory test no. 6 in interrupted broadband noise.

The equivalency of Lists 1 to 4 of the Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 (NU-6; T. W. Tillman & R. Carhart, 1966) was investigated in interrupted broadband noise. Forty-eight young adults...
Beam-Like Major Compliant Joint Methodology for Automotive Body Structures

One of major difficulties in developing and employing a concept model of a vehicle is to develop a simple and accurate model of joints. A vehicle joint is a subassembly formed by several members that intersect together. It is a thin-walled structure formed by overlapping metal sheets fastened by spot welds. The study of the joints has been important, because they can deform locally. This flexibility can affect noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of a vehicle plus other structural performance characteristics under different loading conditions. The main difference between various kinds of concept models is the representation of body joints. Joints are important components of the auto body because they affect significantly, and in some cases, they even dominate, the static and dynamic behavior of a model. This paper introduces a new beam-like major compliant joint methodology. Joints are simulated with different parametric representations that present the major differences among various concept models. The development procedure of the beam-like major compliant joint is explained and the benefits of using this representation are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Opioid Dose Titration for Severe Cancer Pain: A Systematic Evidence-Based Review

Dosing strategies to achieve rapid analgesia in patients with severe or crescendo cancer pain are important. A systematic review of research trials for treatment of severe or crescendo cancer pain was conducted; nine studies were identified. Eight trials were prospective; two were randomized between different dosing strategies. Dosing frequency predicted onset to analgesia regardless of baseline opioid dose. None of the trials were associated with evidence of respiratory depression. The studies all suffered significant methodological problems limiting broad conclusions. Until better data exist, opioid dose titration for severe/crescendo pain will be guided by expert opinion and experience.
Element-Specific Beam Dynamics Formulations: Coordinate Choices, Boundary Conditions, and Strain Approximations

A previously published, but unproven, hypothesis explaining a known deficiency in the predictive capability of an element-specific beam dynamic formulation is investigated. The hypothesis, comprising a modification of theformulation, is found to be incorrect. An alternative modification of the formulation is examined to determine whether it can overcome the known predictive shortcoming. As part of that examination, errors were found in previously published equations of motion for a simple two-degree-of-freedom model. Corrected equations of motion have been developed and are presented. Whereas the alternative modification significantly changed the predicted solution to the critical test case, it did not remove the predictive shortcoming. The combined studies of the previously published hypothesis and the alternative modification provide a greater understanding of the interrelationships between coordinate systems, boundary conditions, and strain approximations for two types of element-specific beam dynamic formulations. In particular, the findings lead to the conclusion that non-Cartesian degree-of-freedom descriptions are clearly superior to Cartesian ones for these element-specific beam formulations. In addition, the investigation demonstrates the utility of simple discrete models to gain insight into the more complex continuous models.
A study of the climatic regimes of the Pleistocene using a stochastic resonance model

A global energy balance model employing the stochastic resonance mechanism, previously used to explain the climatic variability of the late Pleistocene, has now been extended to account for the climatic variations over the full Pleistocene. The possibility that extremely long-term changes (of the order of millions of years) in the boundary conditions of the climate system have altered the response of the Pleistocene climate to the external orbital forcing has been investigated. It is shown that, by slowly changing the only free parameter of the model, the system can undergo a pitchfork bifurcation. The bifurcation point separates a linear regime (identified with the early Pleistocene climate) from a strongly nonlinear regime (the late Pleistocene) where the stochastic resonance mechanism produces rapid and symmetric transitions between the two stable steady states of the system. The main differences in the dynamic features of the two regimes are the change in amplitude of the oscillations, the relative importance of the stochastic forcing, the change in shape of the probability distribution, and the corresponding change in the power centered around the 100000 year cycle: in qualitative agreement with the observed geological record. With the introduction of the external orbital forcing, now spectrally complete and included without requiring any additional hypothesis, the model reproduces the previous results, namely the good correlation with the isotopic record, the appearance of the dominant spectral peaks, as well as the “redness” of the power spectrum. In particular, it is shown that the orbital forcing in eccentricity acts as a pacemaker of the major glacial cycles of the late Pleistocene through the mechanism of stochastic resonance. A stochastic sensitivity analysis is then applied to validate the significance of the results and to investigate the predictability of the climate system over the time-scales of the orbital cycles.
The color purple: milestones in photochemistry.

Earlier this year, the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, a venerable institution that was later incorporated into the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, celebrated its 150th anniversary. Asked to deliver a lecture to the distinguished group of physicians and scientists that had assembled to celebrate this historic event, I was struck by the fact that in 1858, when the Infirmary opened its doors to the public, absolutely nothing was known about any aspect of the visual process. There were, to be sure, significant advances in ocular surgery, a growing number of medical treatments for eye disease, and vastly improved recognition of retinal disorders due in no small measure to the arrival two years earlier of Helmholtz’s ophthalmoscope. But knowledge of how the visual signal was generated had not progressed much further than that shown in Descartes’ fanciful cartoon (Fig. 1). The situation changed dramatically some twenty years later, when Franz Boll, a German physiologist working in Rome, removed the retina from the eye of a dark-adapted frog, and reported the color changes he observed as the tissue was exposed to light. Boll had witnessed the light-
Bail system development study

Abstract This systems analysis of the judicial and bail processes of two, large, Ohio jurisdictions provides an empirical data base for the courts to utilize in designing, implementing, and evaluating new or modified bail and court procedures.
Toward standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration: an international study

BACKGROUND: An international multicenter study, involving six sites in North America and six sites in Europe, was undertaken to assess the performance of standardized methods for the enumeration of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood over the dynamic range from 200 cells per μL to zero. Two commercially available techniques were studied, a flow cytometry method and a microvolume fluorimetry method. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Coded samples were centrally prepared and sent to test sites by overnight mail. Samples included internal replicates, linear dilutions, and specimens at the lower limit of detection. In addition, commercially available reagent positive control cells were sent to a subset of laboratories. RESULTS: Over the sample range studied, the intersite precision among different laboratories was good with coefficients of variation ranging from 14 percent to 24 percent for microvolume fluorimetry and from 20 percent to 31 percent for flow cytometry. Intrasite precision ranged from 7 percent to 21 percent. Test linearity was excellent with sites demonstrating a mean r2 = 0.992 for microvolume fluorimetry and r2 = 0.984 for flow cytometry. The lower limit of detection was 5 CD34+ cells per μL for both commercial assays. Over the range of 5 to 50 CD34+ cells per μL, the microvolume fluorimetry assay reported slightly higher values than the flow cytometry assay. Preliminary analysis of reagent positive control cells showed very good precision and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Standardization of CD34+ cells enumeration is improving and commercially available assays provide accurate and precise methods. More investigation of reagent positive control cells is warranted.
Simultaneous imaging of multiple focal planes using a two-photon scanning microscope

Despite all the advances in nonlinear microscopy, all existing instruments are constrained to obtain images of one focal plane at a time. In this Letter we demonstrate a two-photon absorption fluorescence scanning microscope capable of imaging two focal planes simultaneously. This is accomplished by temporally demultiplexing the signal coming from two focal volumes at different sample depths. The scheme can be extended to three or more focal planes.
Influence of particle size on regional lung deposition - What evidence is there?

The understanding of deposition of particles in the respiratory tract is of great value to risk assessment of inhalation toxicology and to improve efficiency in drug delivery of inhalation therapies. There are three main basic mechanisms of particle deposition based primarily on particle size: inertial impaction, sedimentation and diffusion. The regional deposition in the lungs can be evaluated in regards to the aerodynamic particle size, in which particle density plays a significant role. In this review paper, we first introduce the available imaging techniques to confirm regional deposition of particles in the human respiratory tract, such as planar scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). These technologies have widely advanced and consequently benefited the understanding of deposition pattern, although there is a lack of lung dosimetry techniques to evaluate the deposition of nanoparticles. Subsequently, we present a comprehensive review summarizing the evidence available in the literature that confirms the deposition of smaller particles in the smaller airways as opposed to the larger airways.
FIN 46(R) Info: Not useful!

In response to the abuse of accounting standards by Enron, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46(R) (FIN 46(R)) to bring certain off-balance-sheet debts back on companies' financial statements. But in a survey, the authors found that chief financial officers and controllers doubted the usefulness of information they provided in response to FIN 46(R). What's more, FIN 46(R) didn't substantially affect the financial statements of most of the companies studied that were involved in variable interest entities (VIEs). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and magnetic properties of some AgF+ Salts

New salts of the one-dimensional chain-cation (Ag−F)nn+ have been prepared, the structural and magnetic properties of which indicate that they are metallic. A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of AgFBF4 has established a linear cationic chain, the two Ag−F interatomic distances, at 296 K, being 2.002(3) and 2.009(3) A. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on the poweder from 6 to 280 K show an approximately temperature-independent paramagnetism (χM∼180×10−6 emu mole−1) with no evidence of a Peierls transition in that range. Although the previously known salt, AgFAsF6, has a kinked cationic chain (with, at 166 K, Ag−F−Ag=143.1(1)o, F−Ag−F=175.8(1)o, Ag−F=1.994(2) and 2.001(2) A), it also exhibits temperature-independent paramagnetism from 280 down to 63 K, but a sharp drop in susceptibility below that temperature may signify a Peierls transition. AgFAuF6, which is probably isostructural with AgFAsF6, is similar to it magnetically. The salt AgFAuF4 probably contains a linear cationic chain, since it is isostructural with CuFAuF4, but the salt Ag(AuF4)2, like its relative Ag(AgF4)2, is a magnetically dilute paramagnet, the magnetic susceptibility of which departs very little from the Curie law between 6 and 280 K.
A High-Order Immersed-Boundary Method for Complex/Moving Boundaries

In this study, we intend to develop a high-order numerical approach using the immersed-boundary method to solve problems with complex and moving boundaries such as biological locomotion (animal swimming and flying) and biomedical flow systems. The basic idea is to use the compact finite-difference scheme to resolve the flow field and a higher-order forcing scheme to treat the immersed boundaries. In this work, the one-dimensional formulation of the numerical approach is presented and is tested extensively for its convergence. Such tests are necessary before more complicated tests in 2D/3D. An overall third-order accuracy is achieved as desired. Extension to higher dimensions is ongoing.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura : A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

With the discovery of the ultra-large von Willebrand factor (vWF) in the plasma of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients and the pivotal role played by the ADAMTS13 metalloproteinase, many new challenges are facing both the researcher and the clinician for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. As a result of these new discoveries, the range of disorders manifesting with many of the clinical features of the disease can now be reclassified into the idiopathic TTP, congenital TTP, and non-idiopathic TTP, based on the level of ADAMTS13 activity. The latter group includes drug-associated TTP. In this article, the background of the pathogenesis, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are reviewed. An emerging concept of the pathogenesis of TTP is presented. The merits of various diagnostic procedures including the assay of the ADAMTS13 activity and the immunoglobulin G inhibitory antibodies are discussed. Regarding the therapeutic aspect, although plasma exchange remains the mainstay, the question of addition of immunosuppressive agents comes up, especially in those patients who are refractory to plasma exchange and those that repeatedly relapse. A call for clinical trials to address the question of efficacy of various agents is made.
Sulforaphane suppressed LPS-induced inflammation in mouse peritoneal macrophages through Nrf2 dependent pathway

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate that is present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Previous studies have shown that SFN is effective in preventing carcinogenesis induced by carcinogens in rodents, which is related in part to its potent anti-inflammation properties. In the present study, we compared the anti-inflammatory effect of SFN on LPS-stimulated inflammation in primary peritoneal macrophages derived from Nrf2 (+/+) and Nrf2 (-/-) mice. Pretreatment of SFN in Nrf2 (+/+) primary peritoneal macrophages potently inhibited LPS-stimulated mRNA expression, protein expression and production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, COX-2 and iNOS. HO-1 expression was significantly augmented in LPS-stimulated Nrf2 (+/+) primary peritoneal macrophages by SFN. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory effect was attenuated in Nrf2 (-/-) primary peritoneal macrophages. We concluded that SFN exerts its anti-inflammatory activity mainly via activation of Nrf2 in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Star Formation and Metal Production as a Function of Redshift: The Role of the Multi-Phase ISM

We present models of the cosmological star formation and metal production history of (proto-)galaxies with varying axis ratios. More massive and/or roughly spherical systems reach the threshold-metallicity for a transition to a multi-phase interstellar medium earlier than less massive, more flattened systems. Therefore, more flattened, lower-mass systems start to form stars actively at smaller redshifts. A natural explanation is found in the overall robustness of the interstellar medium against complete expulsion (blow-away) at high total masses, and in the prevention of metal enrichment in the outer regions due to axial outflow along the symmetry axis of a non-spherical proto-galaxy (blow-out). We suggest that the observed predominance of spheroidal systems observed at high redshift, e.g. in the Hubble Deep Field, is due to this effect: At z>2, roundish (proto-)galaxies with total (dark+baryonic) masses of ~10^11 M_o and/or the inner spheroidal cores of similarly massive flattened systems sustain a multi-phase interstellar medium, and therefore a high star-formation rate, whose magnitude depends on the fraction of baryonic matter in the systems. Conversely, the peak at z~1-2 in the observed cosmological metal production rate coincides with the epochs of star formation of lower mass spheroidals, as well as of massive proto-galactic disks.
Massive Pulmonary Hemorrhage Complicating Mitral Prosthetic Valve Obstruction

A case is reported of prosthetic mitral valve obstruction in a patient who had had three hospital admissions with massive hemoptysis. A diagnosis was finally made after two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler and cardiac catheterization were performed. The patient was successfully treated with re-replacement of the valve. Any new pulmonary or cardiac symptom in a patient with a prosthetic valve requires prompt evaluation and treatment. (Chest 1993; 103:1903-05)
Determination of oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid) in soil extracts using high performance liquid chromatograph

Abstract This paper describes a method for quantifying oxalate in soil HC1 extracts using reversed‐phase ion‐pairing high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 220 nm. The method was adapted from a procedure for determining urinary oxalate (6). The mobile phase was 10 percent KH2PO4 and 5 mM TBA adjusted to pH 2.0 with H3PO4. The analytical column was a totally porous, reversed‐phase silica based C‐8 column (Hibar Li‐Chrosorb™). An important step in this method was the pre‐ treatment of each soil extract with a reversed‐phase C‐18 column (SPICE™ C‐18). Sample pre‐treatment removed complex, non‐polar and low polarity compounds often present in soil extracts. The method was applied to calcareous, agricultural and organic soils materials. An oxalate accumulating fungus, Endothia Parasitica, was used as a verification of method applicability to plant‐fungal materials. Oxalate extraction was accomplished by placing 1:2 suspensions (soil: 0.1 M HCl) on a reciprocal shaker for two hours and subs...
Deprotonation energies of a model fulvic acid. I. Carboxylic acid groups

A model Suwannee fulvic acid (SFA [Leenheer, J.A., 1994. In: Baker, L.A. (Ed.), Chemistry of Dissolved Organic Matter in Rivers, Lakes and Reservoirs. Advances in Chemistry Series, vol. 237. American Chemical Society]) was energy minimized in various deprotonation states using semi-empirical methods. The structures were minimized in the isolated SFA phase and SFA with 60 water molecules to mimic the first solvation sphere. The relative energies of deprotonation were calculated at four carboxylic acid sites with Hartree–Fock (HF/6-31G(d)) and density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) methods. Comparisons were made between the theoretical methods and states of solvation. Isolated and solvated models resulted in different relative deprotonation orders. The energy changes calculated for removing a H+ from a given carboxylic acid group as a function of overall model molecule charge are large enough to explain the large variations of carboxyl group pKas in dissolved natural organic matter. Analysis of the SFA structure as a function of molecular charge is also discussed.
Performance of the 2-D Asynchronous OCDMA System with ASE Light Sources

The wavelength-hopping/time-spreading scheme for optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA), also known as the 2-D scheme, has been studied by many researchers for more than a decade. In all of previous analyses, the light sources were modeled as perfectly incoherent, which requires infinite bandwidth, and chip-synchrony was assumed for mathematical simplicity. Therefore, it is important to study how the system actually performs with true asynchrony and practical light sources. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source is a desirable source for the incoherent OCDMA system because of its broad bandwidth, large power, and low cost. In this paper, each chip generated by the transmitter is a rectangular ASE pulse with a Gaussian-distributed electrical field. The coherence time is much smaller than the chip duration, but non-zero. Because of this partial coherence of the light source, beat noise will occur when multiple pulses are combined. In addition, interfering pulses may only partially overlap with the pulses from the desired user due to the asynchrony, which introduces more randomness into the decision statistic. Both factors are taken into account when the distribution of the decision statistic is derived mathematically. Simulations of the bit-error rate (BER) are performed, and the results show that the coherence time may be the major limiting factor on the system performance. For example, when the coherence time is only 1/100 of the chip duration, the BER is 1-4 orders of magnitude worse than that of the ideal case.
Effects of limbic lesions on behavior sequences and courtship behavior of male rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Ethologically derived techniques were used to describe and evaluate behavioral effects of lesions in the septum, amygdala, hippocampus, and midline cortex of male rats. Responses of male rats during mating tests were classified into eleven behavioral categories and pre- and postoperative scores were compared. These comparisons reveal for some groups changes in mounting scores and altered precopulatory or 'courtship' behavior. Data on lesion induced changes are presented for each behavioral measure for frequency, per cent of total activity, total time, and time/event scores. Flow diagrams are used to depict the alterations in behavior shown by animals with limbic lesions. Utilizing information analysis techniques, an increased predictability in behavioral sequences was found for animals with hippocampal, septal, and midline cortex lesions.
Lack of dread in a dreadful world: Violence, myth and the spiritual poverty of youth

Abstract This paper seeks to enhance the knowledge of those concerned with violence among youth by presenting an explanatory conceptual framework of spiritual poverty. This framework integrates transpersonal theory with psychodynamic theory to explain how modern myth has led to indifference toward violence and death. Traditional myths, presented in spoken and read word, have facilitated mythopoetic function that allows for translating violence into symbol and encouraged spiritual transcendence beyond the self. Modern myths, delivered too directly through visual media, have failed to tap into the mythopoetic function and have failed to encourage transcendence beyond the self. Thus, young people, spiritually impoverished, do not attach to others and thereby do not learn the dread of their loss that might temper the expression of violence.
Managerial actions and stock transactions during financial distress: Some empirical evidence

Should the current managers remain in control of the firm during financial distress? We address this issue by examining whether managers who take value-maximizing actions also refrain from abnormal selling of their own shares in the firm. Our empirical results show that managers in the action firms do not engage in abnormal selling even during periods of frequent earnings losses. These managers exhibit higher net purchases than the nonaction managers. Thus, trading behavior of the managers and the actions taken during poor performance both appear to be consistent with stockholder interests.
Characterization of plasma processes with optical emission spectroscopy

Real-time multi-channel Optical Emission Spectroscopy was used to record then analyze a color change in an argon plasma. It is shown to be an effective diagnostic tool with value as an on-line monitor where it can be used to call process endpoint while simultaneously testing for undesirable conditions.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Plant natural products from cultured multipotent cells

Cultured cambial meristematic cells could enable large-scale production of certain natural products.
Improving the Quality of Care via Maintenance of Certification and the Web: An Early Status Report

Few question the need for continuous professional development throughout a physician's career, but rapid changes in health care are creating demand for physicians to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes to implement quality improvement in clinical practice. The Internet and World Wide Web are technologies that have the potential to facilitate deep change in physician practice and lifelong learning. This paper describes how the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has utilized the Web and the Internet to engage physicians in the competencies of practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based practice. Specifically, we describe how the ABIM developed and implemented Web-based practice improvement modules (PIMs) to help physicians measure and improve their clinical practice.
Pro-protein convertases control the maturation and processing of the iron-regulatory protein, RGMc/hemojuvelin

Repulsive guidance molecule c (RGMc or hemojuvelin), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked glycoprotein expressed in liver and striated muscle, plays a central role in systemic iron balance. Inactivating mutations in the RGMc gene cause juvenile hemochromatosis (JH), a rapidly progressing iron storage disorder with severe systemic manifestations. RGMc undergoes complex biosynthetic steps leading to membrane-bound and soluble forms of the protein, including both 50 and 40 kDa single-chain species. We now show that pro-protein convertases (PC) are responsible for conversion of 50 kDa RGMc to a 40 kDa protein with a truncated COOH-terminus. Unlike related molecules RGMa and RGMb, RGMc encodes a conserved PC recognition and cleavage site, and JH-associated RGMc frame-shift mutants undergo COOH-terminal cleavage only if this site is present. A cell-impermeable peptide PC inhibitor blocks the appearance of 40 kDa RGMc in extra-cellular fluid, as does an engineered mutation in the conserved PC recognition sequence, while the PC furin cleaves 50 kDa RGMc in vitro into a 40 kDa molecule with an intact NH2-terminus. Iron loading reduces release of RGMc from the cell membrane, and diminishes accumulation of the 40 kDa species in cell culture medium. Our results define a role for PCs in the maturation of RGMc that may have implications for the physiological actions of this critical iron-regulatory protein.
B-L nonconservation and neutron oscillation

Abstract We present a general discussion of B-L violation in an SU(5) invariant theory, for a single generation of light fermions. We realize the simplest of such mechanism through the 15 Higgs. Its consequences for neutron oscillation are discussed.
Restriction endonuclease mapping and mutagenesis of the F sex factor replication region.

The plasmids pSC138 and pML31 each contain the EcoRI-generated f5 replicator fragment of the conjugative plasmid F in addition to an EcoRI fragment encoding antibiotic resistance: ampicillin resistance derived from Staphylococcus aureus in pSC138 and kanamycin resistance from Escherichia coli in pML31. We have mapped one HindIII and two BamHI restriction sites in the f5 region of these plasmids and one HindIII site in the antibiotic resistance region of each plasmid. The HindIII site in the Km region of pML31 occurs in the kan gene whereas the HindIII site in the Ap region of pSC138 appears to occur in an area important for the regulation of β-lactamase production.
Physicochemical properties related to long-term phosphorus retention by drinking-water treatment residuals.

Drinking-water treatment residuals (WTRs) are nonhazardous materials that can be obtained free-of-charge from drinking-water treatment plants to reduce soluble phosphorus (P) concentrations in poorly P sorbing soils. Phosphorus sorption capacities of WTRs can vary 1−2 orders of magnitude, on the basis of short-term equilibration times (up to 7 d), but studies dealing with long-term (weeks to months) P retention by WTRs are lacking. Properties that most affect long-term P sorption capacities are pertinent to the efficacy of WTRs as amendments to stabilize P in soils. This research addressed the long-term (up to 80 d) P sorption/desorption characteristics and kinetics for seven WTRs, including the influence of specific surface area (SSA), porosity, and total C content on the overall magnitude of P sorption by seven WTRs. The data confirm a strong but variable affinity for P by WTRs. Aluminum-based WTRs tended to have higher P sorption capacity than Fe-based WTRs. Phosphorus sorption with time was biphasic i...
The Impact of Operating Leases on Firm Financial and Operating Risk

This study uses ex ante cost-of-equity capital measures based on accounting valuation models to assess the risk relevance of off-balance sheet operating leases. We investigate whether off-balance sheet operating leases have the same risk-relevance for explaining ex ante measures of risk as a firm’s on-balance sheet capital leases. We also investigate how investors’ risk perception of operating leases has changed in recent years when off-balance sheet transactions in general and operating leases in particular have been facing increased regulatory and investor scrutiny. This study finds that a firm’s ex ante cost-of-equity capital is positively associated with adjustments in its financial leverage (financial risk) and operating leverage (operating risk) resulting from capitalized off-balance sheet operating leases and that the positive association between the ex ante cost of capital and the impact of operating leases on a firm’s financial leverage is weaker for the operating leases compared with the capital...
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) AND INTERSTITIAL-CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE (ICSH) IN PITUITARY AND PLASMA OF INTACT AND OVARIECTOMIZED PROTEINDEFICIENT RATS12

Absence of dietary protein in female rats caused a moderate increase in hypophyseal FSH content, whether expresssed per anterior pituitary or per milligram of tissue. The ICSH content in the hypophysis was unchanged from control levels per pituitary gland, though increased per milligram of tissue. Ovariectomy of protein-deficient rats further elevated pituitary content of both gonadotrophins, FSH and ICSH, raised the circulating levels of FSH and was accompanied by typical castration changes in the hypophysis. These morphological and physiological changes show that the pituitary gland, even in the complete absence of dietary protein, retained its capacity to respond to stimulus with increased synthesis and release of gonadotrophins.
Proteolytic activity of surimi from Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) and heat-set gel texture

The protease activity in mechanically deboned Pacific whiting flesh was reduced to 56.3% by two watenminced 3:1 (wt:wt) flesh wash exchanges and refining. Surimi (91.7% refined flesh, 4.0% sorbitol, 4.0% sucrose, and 0.3% condensed phosphate) produced very poor gels but the strength was markedly improved by the addition of egg white. Hardness increased 1.5-fold and elasticity 4.5-fold over the control with the addition of 3.0% egg white. Further improvement in gel strength was observed with the addition of 5.0% potato starch in combination with egg white. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of heat-set gels verified the action of inhibitors in egg white on residual proteases contained in whiting surimi.
Compact Plasma-Based Soft X-Ray Lasers

This paper reviews the major accomplishments in the demonstration of plasmabased soft x-ray lasers in 2009. Advances in shaping the plasma density and increasing the pump power have enabled the engineering of table-top laser systems operating at wavelengths as short as 10.9 nm and with stable and significant average power for use in applications.
Mental Health Issues in Recently Returning Women Veterans: Implications for Practice

Increasing numbers of women are found in the military, and they are now performing roles very similar to those of male service members. More returning servicewomen and veterans have been exposed to stressful and traumatic experiences, such as combat and difficult living circumstances, and military sexual trauma is common. These experiences have been found to be associated with adverse mental health outcomes, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse in particular. Comorbidity rates are also high. In addition, more veterans are returning with injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Although more women veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are seeking health services at Veterans Administration facilities, many are not. Thus, community-based social workers need to be familiar with the needs of this growing population to serve them effectively. Use of empirically supported assessment instruments and screening for military sexual trauma are recommended. Recommended interventions include the use of evidence-supported practices, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, and offering assistance to enhance social support among women veterans. Language: en
Intranuclear inclusions in a fragile X mosaic male

Lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein leads to Fragile X syndrome (FXS) while increased levels of FMR1 mRNA, as those observed in premutation carriers can lead to Fragile X- associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Until recently, FXTAS had been observed only in carriers of an FMR1 premutation (55–200 CGG repeats); however the disorder has now been described in individuals carriers of an intermediate allele (45–54 CGG repeats) as well as in a subject with a full mutation with mosaicism. Here, we report on molecular and clinical data of a male FMR1 mosaic individual with full and premutation alleles. Molecular analysis of FMR1 and FMRP expression in this subject is consistent with a FXS phenotype. We observed reduced expression of FMRP in both peripheral blood and brain leading to the FXS diagnosis. In addition, a dramatic 90% depletion of both FMR1 mRNA and FMRP levels was observed in the blood, as normally observed in FXS cases, and an even greater depletion in the brain. A clinical report of this patient, at age 71, described neurodegenerative signs of parkinsonism that were likely, in retrospect, part of a FXTAS scenario as post-mortem examination shows the presence of intranuclear inclusions, the hallmark pathology of FXTAS. The findings presented in this study indicate co-morbidity for both FXS and FXTAS in this individual carrying both full and premutation FMR1 alleles. In addition, based on symptoms and pathological and molecular evidence, this report suggests the need to redefine the diagnostic criteria of FXTAS.
A technique for measuring nonlinear bit shift

A novel method for measuring the bit position shift induced by neighboring transitions, known as nonlinear bit shift, is developed. The technique is based on special bit patterns which do not contain a specific frequency component when written without nonlinear bit shift. The presence of nonlinear bit shift will result in the appearance of this component and the amount of bit shift can be determined from its intensity. In the present work, a pattern that is insensitive to disturbances from certain unwanted effects such as the hard-transition shift, the positive-negative write current asymmetry, and the magnetoresistive head positive-negative readback asymmetry is used. Experimental results from the proposed method are in good agreement with those obtained by measuring pulse positions in the time domain. >