cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Translation and Interpretation Issues in the Story of the African Royal Official (“Ethiopian Eunuch”) in Acts 8:26–40: The Hebrew Bible (LXX) Background

This article investigates the OT/Hebrew Bible background of both the designation Ethiopia and the translation and interpretation of eὐνοῦχος, and designation of “Ethiopian” in Acts 8:26-40. The jumping point is Prof Adamo’s own brief chapter that engages the issue. Going further than Adam’s brief article does, the argument seeks to establish the royal background of the Ethiopian official and challenges the use of the term ‘eunuch’ in translation, as it tends to misrepresent the identity of the official. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2021/v34n2a10
Hadronic structure on the light-front II: QCD strings, Wilson lines and potentials.

This is the second paper on hadronic wave functions in the light front formulation. We first consider only confinement effects, using the classical Nambu-Gotto string with massive end points in the light cone gauge. We derive the light-front Hamiltonian and show how to solve it, using an expansion in suitable basis functions. We next discuss the correlators of Wilson lines on the light front, leading to an effective Hamiltonian that includes spin effects. At the end, we consider a separate problem of instanton-induced interactions, at the origin of the pion as a massless Goldstone mode on the light front.
Quantitative mapping of amplicon structure by array CGH identifies CYP24 as a candidate oncogene.

We show here that quantitative measurement of DNA copy number across amplified regions using array comparative genomic hybridization1,2,3,4 (CGH) may facilitate oncogene identification by providing precise information on the locations of both amplicon boundaries and amplification maxima. Using this analytical capability, we resolved two regions of amplification within an approximately 2-Mb region of recurrent aberration at 20q13.2 in breast cancer. The putative oncogene ZNF217 (ref. 5) mapped to one peak, and CYP24 (encoding vitamin D 24 hydroxylase), whose overexpression is likely to lead to abrogation of growth control mediated by vitamin D (ref. 6), mapped to the other.
Steroid excretion patterns in postmenopausal women with benign and neoplastic endometrium

Abstract Urinary steroid metabolite patterns were evaluated in patients with postmenopausal bleeding. There was no difference in the patterns exhibited by normal postmenopausal women and women who had postmenopausal bleeding of benign etiology. Subnormal excretion levels of androsterone were demonstrated in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. The excretion of etiocholanolone was decreased in patients with endometrial hyperplasia. Calculation of a discriminant function 80-80 (17-hydroxycorticosteroids, milligrams per 24 hr.) plus micrograms of androsterone revealed positive values for the control and benign postmenopausal bleeding groups and negative values for the hyperplasia and cancer groups. These observations are similar to those previously reported in breast cancer and suggest an alteration in androgen metabolism. Further studies of androgen kinetics and interconversion of the androgens to the estrogens are indicated in patients with endometrial cancer and its precursor states to clarify the possible mechanisms responsible for this abnormality in androgen metabolism.
Assessment of left ventricular contractile state by preload-adjusted maximal power using echocardiographic automated border detection.

Abstract Objectives. We sought to assess the ability of preload-adjusted maximal power measured by echocardiographic automated border detection (ABD) to quantify left ventricular (LV) contractility by determining the effects of alterations in preload, afterload and contractile state. Background. Preload-adjusted maximal power can reflect LV contractile state relatively independent of changes in loading conditions. Methods. Eight anesthetized dogs had placement of aortic electromagnetic flow probes, LV and arterial pressure catheters and inferior vena caval (IVC) occluders; four had placement of thoracic aortic balloon occluders. Echocardiographic ABD measures of cross-sectional area were used as a surrogate for LV volume, and flow was estimated as the first derivative of area with respect to time. Power was calculated as the product of flow and pressure. Results. Preload independence during vena caval occlusions was achieved by preload adjustment (÷[end-diastolic area]3/2). Afterload independence was demonstrated by preload-adjusted maximal power being unaffected by acute increases in LV systolic pressure induced by aortic occlusion. ABD preload-adjusted maximal power reflected changes in contractile state: increasing with dobutamine infusion from 36 ± 14 to 70 ± 15 mW/cm4(p Conclusions. Preload-adjusted maximal power using echocardiographic ABD can predict LV contractile state relatively independent of loading conditions and has potential for clinical application.
Conditions for the electrostatic production of a jet of insulating liquid

Calculations of the growth rate of the capillary instability of a thin jet are presented. For a given jet radius and surface charge density, calculations show that when the axial electric field reaches a certain value, the growth rate of the instability drops dramatically. For large enough axial fields, the interaction of the field and the charge acts to stabilize the jet, whereas for lower fields the free charge forces are destabilizing. This required electric field is larger for smaller jet radii. For each value of jet radius and charge density there is an optimum electric field for stability. >
Autoimmune hepatitis: 50 Years of (slow) progress.

The first textbook on autoimmune diseases was published 50 years ago in 1963 by Ian R. Mackay and F. Macfarlane Burnet, about a decade after the concept of immunologic tolerance had been established. It was entitled “Autoimmune Diseases: Pathogenesis, Chemistry and Therapy (1).” Interestingly, it was published as part of a series called “Living Chemistry”. In this seminal work there were 13 chapters, of the approximately 30 known autoimmune diseases, including what was called “Active chronic and lupoid hepatitis”, now known as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). There are now more than 100 well-defined autoimmune diseases and within that group, the liver, essential to normal immune tolerance, can itself become a victim of an autoimmune attack, in such diseases as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), AIH, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis and conditions with overlapping features within this spectrum, referred to as overlap or variant syndromes (2, 3).
PolyFrag: a vector-based program for computing landscape metrics

Landscape fragmentation is important in investigating changing biodiversity patterns. Several current software programs calculate landscape fragmentation metrics. The most prevalent of these programs are only compatible with raster-format land cover maps. However, with advancing classification techniques, vector-format maps are becoming more popular. The new program PolyFrag computes fragmentation metrics for vector-based maps, is flexible and comprehensive, and outputs metrics similar to those of the widely used raster-based programs, like FRAGSTATS. PolyFrag is written in Python, used as a tool in ArcGIS, and allows for several fragmented and fragmenter land cover classes, as well as different edge widths between interacting classes.
Brittle cracks induced in AlSi wire by the ultrasonic bonding tool

It is postulated that the low wire bond pull strengths are the result of fatigue at the die heel due to the interaction of bending of the wire during looping and of high-frequency, low-amplitude ultrasonic vibration during first and second bonding. An electronic camera showed that considerable 60 kHz vibration is present at the die heel during first and second bonding. This is the same frequency as the vibration of the ultrasonic tool and is well above the resonant frequency (10-15 kHz) of the wires. This vibration exercises the first bond area and can create the possibility of embrittlement, leading to hidden heel cracks. It is suggested that the 60 kHz energy transmitted from the ultrasonics bond to the die heel makes a major contribution. It produces the requisite vertical wire flexure to account for most of the brittle fracture and for the formation of the hinge always found in the SEM (scanning electron microscope) photographs. It is concluded that die heel damage is induced by ultrasonic bonding to a varying degree in every wire, and that any crack on the bottom of a first bond heel is a potential reliability problem. >
The Palo Verde reactor neutrino oscillation experiment

Abstract Our collaboration is operating a segmented scintillation detector, containing 11.3 tons of 0.1% Gd loaded liquid scintillator, at 750, 888 and 889 m distance from three nuclear power reactors. Goal of the experiment is to search for neutrino oscillations in disappearance mode. The anti-neutrino capture on the proton serves as detection reaction. The experiment is expected to reach a sensitivity of Δm 2 > 1.3 · 10 −3 eV 2 and sin 2 2Θ > 0.1. Our range of sensitivity is tuned to test the ν μ ↔ ν e solution of the atmospheric neutrino anomaly as reported by the Kamiokande experiment. Assembly of the detector in an underground lab, with 32 mw.e. effective overburden, is completed. Since June 1998 we are taking data a full reactor power. Detector design and performance are discussed.
Managing Individual Performance in Work Groups

This research was driven by the question, “In empowered work groups, who should be responsible for determining disciplinary actions in response to group member poor performance: the formal manager, a single group member, or the group as a whole?” Results in a study of 231 group members representing 41 groups from four diverse organizations showed that the severity of disciplinary actions made by formal managers is equivalent to actions taken by groups through consensus decision-making. Selecting one member of the group, however, to handle a poorly performing member resulted in relatively lenient disciplinary actions. Consistent with this finding, the attitude survey results revealed that individual group members are reluctant to assume responsibility for disciplining a poorly performing group member. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Role of continuing education in dental obsolescence

Maintenance and extension of professional skills and theoretical understanding demand organized continuing education throughout professional life. Systematic reorganization within professional schools, associations, and government agencies can make continuing education an integral part of the profession of dentistry.
Moisture and drying resistance of a nanointerphase reinforced cement

The moisture and drying resistance of a novel cement based nanocomposite, polymer intercalated/exfoliated (PIE) cement, is analyzed. The effects of the post-processing treatment procedure and the nanofiller content are discussed. The experimental results indicate that the flexure strength of the PIE cement is higher than that of ordinary Portland cements by more than an order of magnitude, and is quite insensitive to the humidity level.
Upper bounds on the number of columns in supersaturated designs

We consider two-level designs in this paper, with the two levels denoted by + 1 and -1. The run size n of a supersaturated design does not exceed its number of columns, or factors, m, that is n < m. In a screening experiment, although a large number of factors are studied, the number of active factors is usually very small. This assumption of effect sparsity (Box & Meyer, 1986) is the rationale for using supersaturated designs. Booth & Cox (1962) was the first paper to consider deterministic construction of supersaturated designs. Three systematic construction methods were recently proposed and discussed in Lin (1993), Wu (1993) and Tang & Wu (1997), and computer generation of supersaturated designs was considered by Lin (1995), Nguyen (1996) and Li & Wu (1997). Since n < m, supersaturated designs cannot be made orthogonal. It is therefore desirable to have supersaturated designs which are as close to orthogonal as possible. The most commonly used measure of non-orthogonality among the columns of a supersaturated design is
The role of pollutant accumulation in determining the use of stormwater ponds by amphibians

Urbanization often results in the creation of habitats such as stormwater management ponds. Although stormwater ponds are designed to retain runoff and associated pollutants, they are frequently colonized by wildlife including pond-breeding amphibians. Understanding of the ecological function of these created habitats is limited. This study investigated the role of pollutants in shaping use of stormwater ponds by amphibians. A survey of 68 stormwater ponds in Baltimore County, Maryland, and statistical modeling found wood frogs (Rana [= Lithobates] sylvatica) were more likely to breed in ponds with longer hydroperiods and Cl− concentrations below approximately 250 mg/L. American toad (Bufo [= Anaxyrus] americanus) use of ponds was primarily influenced by hydroperiod; toads were more likely to use longer hydroperiod ponds. To confirm use was a result of toxicity and differential sensitivity among species, wood frog and American toad embryos and larvae were exposed to sediment from six stormwater ponds spanning the range of pollutant conditions documented in the field. Survival of wood frogs through metamorphosis was related to metal and salt levels of pond sediments, but survival of American toads was not. In agreement with the field study, no wood frog larvae survived to metamorphosis when Cl− levels were above 260 mg/L. The results suggest that pollutants that accumulate in stormwater ponds, specifically road deicing salts, are acting as local filters capable of creating unique assemblages of anuran larvae in urban areas.
Effect of temperature on nursery and compensatory growth of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis reared in a super-intensive biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on the nursery phase and compensatory growth of pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, reared in a biofloc technology (BFT) system. The 30-day nursery phase trial was conducted at 21 °C, 24 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C and 33 °C. At the end of the nursery phase, the shrimp were acclimated at 30 °C (±1 °C) and restocked at 100 juveniles/m2 to check the compensatory growth during 15 days, with the following treatments: 21 °C (30 °C), 24 °C (30 °C), 27 °C (30 °C), 30 °C (30 °C) and 33 °C (30 °C), in which the first numbers correspond to temperature used in the nursery study and the 30 °C is the temperature used in the compensatory growth study. The mean final weight significantly increased with temperature at the end of the nursery phase (p < 0.05): 0.10 g (21 °C); 0.18 g (24 °C); 0.27 g (27 °C); 0.34 g (30 °C) and 0.49 g (33 °C). However, survival rates were significantly higher at the lower temperatures (81%, 80% and 80% for 21 °C, 24 °C and 27 °C, respectively) than at the high temperatures (65% for 30 °C and 26% for 33 °C). At the end of the second trial, the 21 °C (30 °C) treatment showed the highest specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the other treatments. This result demonstrates that shrimp in the 21 °C (30 °C) treatment compensated its low growth throughout the nursery phase. Thus, the nursery phase of F. brasiliensis at high stocking density in BFT systems should be conducted at approximately 27 °C. However, this phase can also be carried out at lower temperatures, which can ensure high survival and compensatory growth when the temperature is increased.
Further comments on negative solvent pressure in osmosis

A previously proposed gedanken experiment on osmotic pressure and flow is supplemented to illustrate the circumstances in which equilibrium is achieved. The concept that solvent pressure can be negative and can be described as a partial pressure is thus given additional credence.
DNA degradation by ionizing radiation in Bacillus subtilis. Synergistic effect of actinomycin D

DNA degradation by ionizing radiation in Bacillus subtilis related to synergistic effect of actinomycin D
Goal orientation towards teaching (GOTT) scale

Goal orientation theory has been widely investigated and found to affect many motivation and behavior variables in relation to student learning and work performance. However, unlike the motivational construct of self-efficacy, researchers have yet to investigate whether this theory can be applied to the field of teaching and contribute to the explanation for trends in instructional behavior and motives. The purpose of the present study was to develop an instrument to begin the exploration of teachers’ goal orientation towards teaching. From a three-phase research design consisting of scale development, score validation, and convergent/discriminant validation, results provided support for the development of, and validity of scores on, a Goal Orientation towards Teaching (GOTT) Scale. Although further validation is needed, future researchers and practitioners can use the GOTT scale to investigate how teachers’ goal orientation towards teaching can impact student learning, teaching effectiveness, pedagogical...
Two antigenically distinct forms of β-1,3-glucanase in sea urchin embryonic development

Abstract The enzyme β-1,3-glucanase is contained in the unfertilized eggs of most species of sea urchin. In some species, including Lytechinus variegatus , there is also substantial activity following gastrulation, and during remaining larval development. To determine if the same form of β-1,3-glucanase is present in both unfertilized eggs and after gut differentiation, an affinity purification procedure was utilized to isolate enzyme from unfertilized Lytechinus eggs. β-1,3-Glucanase is a 70,000-Da protein in this species, similar to the molecular weight of enzyme isolated from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus . Purified enzyme was used to generate an antibody that specifically recognized a 70,000-Da protein in unfertilized eggs by Western blot analysis, and stained the cortical granules of unfertilized eggs by immunofluorescence. The antibody also specifically immunoprecipitated β-1,3-glucanase activity from egg sonicates. The antibody was used to demonstrate that the form of β-1,3-glucanase present following gastrulation is antigenically distinct from the egg form. The 70,000-Da protein recognized by the antibody was no longer present by 24 hr, but embryos of this and later stages contained substantial amounts of activity, indicating the enzyme at these stages differs from the egg-specific form. In addition, the antibody was not capable of immunoprecipitating enzyme activity from pluteus sonicates. β-1,3-Glucanase has been partially purified from pluteus stage embryos, and appears to be a complex of approximately 200,000 Da. The enzyme is specific to endoderm and appears following differentiation of the gut, suggesting that it may function in larval digestion.
Free energy and kinetics of conformational transitions from Voronoi tessellated milestoning with restraining potentials.

Milestoning is a method aimed at reconstructing the statistical properties of the long-time dynamics of a system by exploiting the crossing statistics of a set of hypersurfaces, called the “milestones”, placed along the reaction coordinate [Faradjian and Elber, J. Chem. Phys. 2004, 120, 10880]. Recently, Vanden-Eijnden and Venturoli [J. Chem. Phys. 2009, 130, 194101] showed that when a complete Voronoi tessellation of the configurational space is available, milestoning can be reformulated to utilize the statistics from a series of independent simulations, each confined within a single cell via strict reflections at the boundaries. As a byproduct, this “Voronoi tessellated milestoning” method also permits to compute the free energy of the tessellation. Here, the method is extended to support the usage of differentiable restraining potentials to confine the trajectories within each cell.
Rapid induction and quantitation of morphine dependence in the rat by pellet implantation

Four schedules of subcutaneous morphine pellet implantation were developed to render rats rapidly physically dependent on morphine. The schedules included implantation of four morphine pellets over a 3-day period (schedule 1), six morphine pellets over a 3-day period (schedule 2), six pellets over a 7-day period (schedule 3), and ten pellets over a 10-day period (schedule 4). Each morphine pellet contained 75 mg of morphine base. The degree of morphine dependence was quantitated by determining the median effective dose (ED50) of naloxone required to induce the stereotyped jumping response. Hypothermia and weight loss, during abrupt and naloxone-induced withdrawal, were also measured. Rats on schedule 4 exhibited a high degree of dependence on morphine as evidenced by an extremely low naloxone ED50 for the precipitated withdrawal jumping response, whereas schedules 1 and 2 produced a low degree of dependence as shown by high naloxone ED50's. Further evidence for a high degree of physical dependence on morphine is schedule 4 rats was indicated by their greater loss in body weight and greater hypothermic response after abrupt and after naloxone precipitated withdrawal compared with these responses in the rats in the other three schedules. A correlation was found to exist between naloxone ED50 for the jumping response, body weight loss, and hypothermia observed during naloxone-induced withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats. These studies suggest that the implantation of four morphine pellets in the rat produces a mild degree of dependence and that caution should be exercised when making generalized conclusions about the biochemical correlations involved when four or less number of pellets, each containing 75 mg of morphine base, are used to induce morphine dependence in the rat.
Deletion of the N-terminus of murine map2 by gene targeting disrupts hippocampal ca1 neuron architecture and alters contextual memory.

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) is a brain specific A-kinase anchoring protein that targets the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme (PKA) to microtubules. Phosphorylation of MAP2 by different protein kinases is crucial for neuronal growth. The N-terminus of MAP2 contains the binding site for regulatory subunit II of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-RIIβ). Using homologous recombination, we created a mutant line of mice (Δ1-158) that express truncated MAP2 lacking the N-terminal peptide and the PKA binding site. Deletion of the PKA binding site from the MAP2 gene resulted in decreased efficiency of MAP2 phosphorylation. Biochemical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrate major changes in the morphology of hippocampal neurons in Δ1-158 mice. Behavioral tests indicate that Δ1-158 mice were impaired (exhibited less conditioned freezing) relative to Wild-Type (WT) controls during a test of contextual, but not during auditory cue, fear conditioning when tested at 8 weeks or 8 months of age. The Δ1-158 mice displayed a heightened sensitivity to shock at 8 weeks, but not at 8 months of age. We conclude that PKA binding to MAP2 and MAP2 phosphorylation is essential for the selective development of contextual memory.
Maximin estimation of multidimensional boundaries

Abstract We consider the problem of estimating the location and size of a discontinuity in an otherwise smooth multidimensional regression function. The boundary or location of the discontinuity is assumed to be a closed curve respective surface, and we aim to estimate this closed set. Our approach utilizes the uniform convergence of multivariate kernel estimators for directional limits. Differences of such limits converge to zero under smoothness assumptions, and to the jump size along the discontinuity. This leads to the proposal of a maximin estimator, which selects the boundary for which the minimal estimated directional difference among all points belonging to this boundary is maximized. It is shown that this estimated boundary is almost surely enclosed in a sequence of shrinking neighborhoods around the true boundary, and corresponding rates of convergence are obtained.
Prognostic implications of thick (≥4-mm) melanoma in the era of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy

Background Lymphatic mapping/sentinel lymphadenectomy (LM/SL) has become a routine part of our treatment algorithm for primary melanoma, yet its role in the management of thick (≥4-mm) lesions is unknown.
The Locomotive Traction Generator Comes of Age

MORE THAN 2,100,000 horsepower of Diesel-electric locomotives was produced in the United States during 1947. These and other internal power locomotives, including steam-turbine electric and motor-generator locomotives, all incorporate d-c traction generators of specialized design. Taken together, they account for the surprising figure of 70 per cent of the total d-c generator production of the entire United States for the year.
A Reappraisal of Private Employers' Role in Providing Health Insurance

Background In 1996, according to official figures, 61 percent of Americans received health insurance through employers. However, this estimate includes persons who relied primarily on government insurance such as Medicare, workers whose employers arranged their insurance but contributed nothing toward the premiums, and government employees whose private coverage was paid for by taxpayers. Methods To estimate the number of persons whose principal health insurance was paid for in whole or in part by employers in the private sector and the number receiving government-funded insurance, we analyzed data from the March 1997 Current Population Survey. Approximately 130,000 persons representative of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population were sampled. We considered people to be covered principally by health insurance paid for by private-sector employers if they had no public insurance coverage and were covered by insurance from a nongovernmental employer who paid all or part of their premiums. Those who were co...
Evaluation of the acute phase response in cloned pigs following a lipopolysaccharide challenge.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute phase response (APR) in cloned pigs derived from two different cell lines [C1 (n = 2) and C2 (n = 7)] as compared to genetically similar non-cloned pigs (CONT; n = 11) following a lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 25 μg/kg BW) challenge. Pigs were weaned at 21 days of age and maintained in individual pens in the same room until sample collection approximately 1 week later. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for 2 h prior to and 4 h after the LPS challenge. Serum samples were analyzed for cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Average gestational length for cloned pigs, 118.8 ± 0.97 days, was longer (P 0.74). A time by group interaction (P < 0.0001) was observed for serum TNF-α such that the TNF-α response was greater in CONT pigs as compared to C2 pigs (P = 0.0002) and tended to be greater (P < 0.06) than C1 pigs. A time by group interaction (P < 0.0001) was also observed for serum IL-6 such that the serum IL-6 response was greater (P < 0.003) in CONT pigs as compared to C2 pigs and there was a trend (P = 0.10) for serum IL-6 to be greater in CONT pigs compared to the C1 pigs. These are the first results to demonstrate that cortisol and proinflammatory cytokine profiles associated with the APR of cloned pigs are altered compared to genetically similar non-cloned pigs. Our results also indicate that the cell line from which clones are derived may dictate the APR. The hormone and cytokine profiles reported herein are a significant contribution towards our understanding, and perhaps our ability to prevent or reduce the incidence of premature deaths in cloned animals and warrants further investigation of the immune system of cloned animals.
Making Home an Advantage in the Prevention of Reading Failure: Strategies for Collaborating With Parents in Urban Schools

The article emphasizes and illustrates the importance of precise, coherent, and continuous home-school communication to facilitate parental involvement useful in promoting the educational success of children in urban schools. Two sets of parents and teachers were interviewed to obtain their perspectives on how their children were performing in school. The interviews were presented as case studies highlighting the level of congruence in teacher and parent perceptions. The role of the teacher in the collaborative approach with parents is presented. The article provides strategies that teachers can employ to establish and develop effective home-school partnerships.
Effects of β-blocker therapy on ventilatory responses to exercise in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background Ventilatory efficiency is the increase in ventilation relative to carbon dioxide production during exercise. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with decreased ventilatory efficiency. β-blockers improve hemodynamics, prolong survival, and improve functional class in patients with CHF, though peak exercise performance may not improve. We hypothesized β-blockers increase ventilatory efficiency in patients with CHF. Methods and Results The study group comprised 614 subjects with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Clinical and exercise data were reviewed and recorded. For comparison, subjects were divided into those treated with β-blockers (n=195) and those not treated (n=419). Subjects on β-blockers had lower minute ventilation (12 ± 4 versus 14 ± 4 L/min, P P =.001). Ventilatory efficiency was increased in subjects treated with β-blockers at submaximal (32 ± 6 versus 34 ± 7, P =.002) and maximal (34 ± 7 versus 37 ± 10, P =.005) exercise. Differences between treatment subgroups remained significant by covariate analysis; β-blockers were also independently associated with decreased minute ventilation by multiple regression. Conclusion β-Blockers may be associated with increased ventilatory efficiency in CHF patients, which may contribute to improved functional class and quality of life.
Implementing a MIRC Query Interface for a Database Driven Teaching File

This paper describes the authors’ experience with integrating an existing database-driven teaching file with the RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) Medical Imaging Resource Center (MIRC). MIRC is the product of an RSNA-sponsored initiative to enable medical institutions to share their electronic medical content (images, text, and multimedia) by creating a distributed repository accessible from the Internet. An existing database-driven teaching file, developed by the authors and used extensively by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Radiology since 1998, was retrofitted to include an interface for handling broadcast queries initiated by a MIRC query service. These queries take place through the exchange of XML documents via HTTP. After all the storage services have responded, the results are collated by the query service and presented to the user. The teaching file and MIRC interface were developed using the 4th Dimension Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The integration process primarily involved mapping the “MIRCdocument” schema to the teaching file’s schema, translating the actual MIRC query into the internal query language of the database and extending the access control mechanisms of the teaching file to allow public access. A working implementation of the interface required only 3 days of development time, with refinements taking place over several months. Interface development was greatly aided by MIRC’s use of well-established Internet standards. This project has demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a MIRC interface on an existing teaching file server.
LIFE: Learning Informally From Elders

The Better Elder Services Today (BEST) Project helps frail elders maintain healthy, independent living through partnership with their formal and informal caregivers. This article reports on achieving one particular project goal: the development of community forums in which elders engaged in problem-solving with health care professionals and policy makers. The methodology involved community assessment and qualitative analysis of themes in 102 elders' responses to the question, "What has it been like for you trying to remain as independent as possible in the community?" Five predominant themes emerged: safety; problems communicating with health care providers; dissatisfaction with hospital services; complexity in access to community services; and fears about losses.
Heat transfer in micropolar boundary layer flow over a flat plate

Abstract Boundary layer solutions are presented to study the steady state heat transfer from a semi-infinite flat plate to a micropolar fluid. The boundary conditions of isothermal wall, constant surface heat flux and insulated wall with viscous dissipation effects have been treated in this paper. Numerical results for the temperature distribution and the missing wall values of the thermal functions have been given. The range of Prandtl numbers investigated was from 10 to 1000 while the dimensionless grouping of the material properties was allowed to vary over a wide range.
The ZIP7 Gene (Slc39a7) Encodes a Zinc Transporter Involved in Zinc Homeostasis of the Golgi Apparatus

It has been suggested that ZIP7 (Ke4, Slc39a7) belongs to the ZIP family of zinc transporters. Transient expression of the V5-tagged human ZIP7 fusion protein in CHO cells led to elevation of the cytoplasmic zinc level. However, the precise function of ZIP7 in cellular zinc homeostasis is not clear. Here we report that the ZIP7 gene is ubiquitously expressed in human and mouse tissues. The endogenous ZIP7 was associated with the Golgi apparatus and was capable of transporting zinc from the Golgi apparatus into the cytoplasm of the cell. Moreover, by using the yeast mutant strain Δzrt3 that was defective in release of stored zinc from vacuoles, we found that ZIP7 was able to decrease the level of accumulated zinc and in the meantime to increase the nuclear/cytoplasmic labile zinc level in the ZIP7-expressing zrt3 mutant. We showed that the protein expression of ZIP7 was repressed under zinc-rich condition, whereas there were no effects of zinc on ZIP7 gene expression and intracellular localization. Neither did zinc deficiency affect the intracellular distribution of ZIP7 in mammalian cells. Our study demonstrates that ZIP7 is a functional zinc transporter that acts by transporting zinc from the Golgi apparatus to the cytoplasm of the cell.
A comparison of the serum lipids, lipoproteins, glycoproteins, urinary 17-ketosteroids, and gonadotropins in eunuchs and control male subjects.

The proclivity of men to coronary artery disease has been recognized for almost 2 centuries. The gonadal hormones have understandably come under scrutiny in the search for the explanation of this marked sex difference in susceptibility to disease. Sex hormones are known to alter the physical state of the serum lipids. It has been suggested that eunuchs suffer a less severe form of coronary atherosclerosis than uncastrated subjects. This study compares the serum lipids and lipoproteins, as well as other serum and urinary constituents, in 24 castrated and 20 uncastrated institutionalized men.
Sentinel lymph node evaluation does not improve staging accuracy in colon cancer.

Lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) evaluation for assessing lymph node status in colorectal cancer remains controversial. Here we evaluated the sensitivity, predictive value, and accuracy of SLN evaluation for determining lymph node status in resectable colon cancer. A prospective phase 2 cohort study of SLN evaluation in colon cancer was conducted from September 1998 to April 2006. Patients underwent resection and SLN mapping with 1% isosulfan blue and m99Tc sulfur colloid injection. SLNs were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and, if findings were negative, by additional thin HE sections and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for pancytokeratin and MOC31. Overall survival for patients with IHC-positive disease was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log rank test. SLNs were identified in 119 (99%) of the 120 patients eligible for the study. Median number of SLNs identified was 4 (range, 0–13). Forty-nine patients (40%) had nodal metastases on HE. The SLN accurately identified nodal metastases in 29 (59%) of these 49 patients and was negative for metastases in 22 patients (41%). SLNs in eight patients (7%) were negative by HE but positive by IHC staining. Positive IHC status did not affect survival after a median follow-up of 33 months (P = .41). The low sensitivity and high false-negative rate of SLN evaluation does not support this technique for improving the accuracy of nodal staging for patients with colon cancer. The significance of IHC-positive SLNs remains uncertain.
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and the Amish.

Genetic studies often involve the cooperation of large numbers of affected persons and their families. The discovery of the gene that, when mutated, causes a form of dwarfism (Ellis-van Creveld syndrome) has been accelerated through a collaborative effort between geneticists and the Old Order Amish, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Arrested regeneration in the budding region of hydra as a result of abundant feeding.

Abundant feeding can cause animals that have been transected in the budding region to delay basal plate regeneration for 2 weeks to 2.5 months. These animals do not produce any buds. In the absence of food, when such animals are wounded again, their ability to regenerate basal plates within 2 days returns. On the contrary, under conditions of constant feeding, these animals do not respond to additional wounds with basal plate formation. They either remain arrested regenerates or begin bud production at the transection site. Lower halves of heavily fed animals transected in the budding region produce budsafter transection instead of head regenerates. The results are interpreted to mean that large quantities of food cause the tissue of the budding region to switch over into a ‛budding” condition which simultaneously renders it temporarily incapable of responding to a wound stimulus.
Effect of Molecular Structure on the Performance of Triarylmethane Dyes as Therapeutic Agents for Photochemical Purging of Autologous Bone Marrow Grafts from Residual Tumor Cells

Extensively conjugated cationic molecules with appropriate structural features naturally accumulate into the mitochondria of living cells, a phenomenon typically more prominent in tumor than in normal cells. Because a variety of tumor cells also retain pertinent cationic structures for longer periods of time compared with normal cells, mitochondrial targeting has been proposed as a selective therapeutic strategy of relevance for both chemotherapy and photochemotherapy of neoplastic diseases. Here we report that the triarylmethane dye crystal violet stains cell mitochondria with efficiency and selectivity, and is a promising candidate for photochemotherapy applications. Crystal violet exhibits pronounced phototoxicity toward L1210 leukemia cells but comparatively small toxic effects toward normal hematopoietic cells (murine granulocyte-macrophage progenitors, CFU-GM). On the basis of a comparative examination of chemical, photochemical, and phototoxic properties of crystal violet and other triarylmethane dyes, we have identified interdependencies between molecular structure, and selective phototoxicity toward tumor cells. These structure-activity relationships represent useful guidelines for the development of novel purging protocols to promote selective elimination of residual tumor cells from autologous bone marrow grafts with minimum toxicity to normal hematopoietic stem cells.
Optical amplifier trends for CDC node network architectures

The requirements of amplifiers for next-generation ROADM-based optical transport networks are identified and discussed. Raman/EDFA are expected to be used in place of traditional EDFA, and new classes of amplifiers will be used inside the transport nodes.
Chondroitinase treatment following spinal contusion injury increases migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), the demyelination of spared intact axons near the lesion site likely contributes to the loss of motor function. This demyelination occurs when oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are either destroyed during the initial trauma or die as a result of secondary pathology. In an attempt to remyelinate the affected axons, endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) begin to accumulate at the border of demyelination. However, the differentiation of OPCs into fully myelinating cells is limited. While the reasons for this are unknown, it is well known that the injured spinal cord is rich in inhibitory molecules that block repair. One such family of molecules is the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are known to be highly inhibitory to the process of axonal elongation. Recent in vitro findings have demonstrated that CSPGs are also highly inhibitory to OPCs, affecting both their migration and differentiation. Treatment with the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (cABC), which removes the glycosaminoglycan side chains of CSPGs, reverses the inhibitory effects of CSPGs on these cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of cABC on the migratory behavior of endogenous OPCs in vivo following a moderate spinal contusion injury. The total number of OPCs surrounding the lesion site was significantly increased after cABC treatment as compared to controls. cABC treatment also enhanced axonal sprouting, but OPC migration occurs along a different time course and appears independent of new process outgrowth. These data suggest that CSPGs in the post-injury environment inhibit the migration of OPCs, as well as axonal regeneration. Therefore, cABC treatment may not only enhance regenerative axonal sprouting, but may also enhance remyelination after SCI.
Electron and hole velocity overshoots in an Al0.3Ga0.7As-based p-i-n semiconductor nanostructure observed by subpicosecond time-resolved Raman spectroscopy

We report experimental results on simultaneous measurement of electron as well as hole transient transport in an Al0.3Ga0.7As-based p-i-n semiconductor nanostructure by using picosecond/subpicosecond Raman spectroscopy. Electron and hole velocity overshoots are directly observed. These experimental results are discussed and explained.
Abiotic factors, competition or predation: what determines the distribution of young crayfish in a watershed?

In the headwaters of the New River in western North Carolina, the dominant crayfish species changes with increasing stream size. One transition occurs between third- and fourth-order streams. Cambarus chasmodactylus is the dominant species in third-order tributaries. Orconectes cristavarius is the dominant species in the fourth-order South Fork of the New River. While adult C. chasmodactylus are present in the South Fork, the young-of-the-year (YOY) of this species are absent despite evidence of reproduction. In this study we evaluated the factors that may be responsible for the absence of C. chasmodactylus YOY from the South Fork. A field experiment was used to evaluate the role of abiotic factors and competition with YOY O. cristavarius. There was no significant effect of either of these factors on mortality or growth of C. chasmodactylus YOY. The growth rate of O. cristavarius was 3× faster than that of C. chasmodactylus in this experiment. Since neither abiotic factors nor competition appeared responsible for the exclusion of C. chasmodactylus YOY from the South Fork we evaluated the potential importance of selective predation by rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), a fish species that is common in the South Fork but virtually absent in the tributaries. In a laboratory experiment, C. chasmodactylus YOY experienced significantly higher mortality than O. cristavarius YOY in the presence of rock bass. Field observations and a laboratory experiment suggest that the two crayfish species differ in their anti-predator behaviors. Cambarus chasmodactylus was less likely to swim when initially disturbed and swam shorter distances than O. cristavarius. The differences in escape behavior and growth rate may contribute to the differences in the vulnerability of the two species to rock bass predation. Our results suggest that intense predation pressure exerted by the rock bass may contribute to the virtual exclusion of C. chasmodactylus YOY from the fourth-order South Fork.
Retention, Excretion, and Distribution of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid and its Metabolites in the Rat

The synthesis of 2( 131 I),3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TI*BA), starting with 2-amino-3,5-diiodobenzoic acid and sodium iodide ( 131 I) is described. The rate of excretion, biological half-life, and metabolites of this compound in rats were studied. Four metabolites and TIBA were found in the urine.
Age and SPARC Change the Extracellular Matrix Composition of the Left Ventricle

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a collagen-binding matricellular protein, has been implicated in procollagen processing and deposition. The aim of this study was to investigate age- and SPARC-dependent changes in protein composition of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM). We studied 6 groups of mice (/group): young (4-5 months old), middle-aged (11-12 m.o.), and old (18–29 m.o.) C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and SPARC null. The left ventricle (LV) was decellularized to enrich for ECM proteins. Protein extracts were separated by SDS-PAGE, digested in-gel, and analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Relative quantification was performed by spectral counting, and changes in specific proteins were validated by immunoblotting. We identified 321 proteins, of which 44 proteins were extracellular proteins. Of these proteins, collagen III levels were lower in the old null mice compared to WT, suggestive of a role for SPARC in collagen deposition. Additionally, fibrillin showed a significant increase in the null middle-aged group, suggestive of increased microfibril deposition in the absence of SPARC. Collagen VI increased with age in both genotypes (>3-fold), while collagen IV showed increased age-associated levels only in the WT animals (4-fold, ). These changes may explain the previously reported age-associated increases in LV stiffness. In summary, our data suggest SPARC is a possible therapeutic target for aging induced LV dysfunction.
Goal Variability and Message Content During Relational Discussions

Discussions about relationship issues are rarely easy, and as in any important conversation, the actions of a relational partner may encourage one to change initial message intentions and behaviors during the course of an interaction. The interrelationship of communication goals and message content was examined through a sequential analysis of 10-minute conversations between 100 dating partners about a relationship problem. After completing survey measures, respondents engaged in a discussion about one partner's problematic behavior. Respondents then reviewed discussions to rate the importance of their communication goals (self-oriented, other-oriented, relational, or task) at 1-minute intervals. Objective coders assessed the grammatical focus of respondents' messages (self, relationship, partner, or task) at the same or adjoining interval. Lag sequential analyses indicated that goal importance defined self-interested or more prorelational content, providing evidence that goals are fluid and communicative...