cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the Low Molecular Weight Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase by Phosphorylation at Tyrosines 131 and 132

Activation of resting T lymphocytes is initiated by rapid but transient tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of cellular proteins. Several protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases are known to be important for this response. Here we report that normal T lymphocytes express the B isoform of low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase B (LMPTP-B). The cDNA was cloned from Jurkat T cells, and an antiserum was raised against it. LMPTP immunoprecipitated from resting Jurkat T cells was found to be tyrosine phosphorylated. On stimulation of the cells through their T cell antigen receptor, the phosphotyrosine content of LMPTP-B declined rapidly. In co-transfected COS cells, Lck and Fyn caused phosphorylation of LMPTP, whereas Csk, Zap, and Jak2 did not. Most of the phosphate was located at Tyr-131, and some was also located at Tyr-132. Incubation of wild-type LMPTP with Lck and adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) caused a 2-fold increase in the activity of LMPTP. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Tyr-131 is important for the catalytic activity of LMPTP, and that thiophosphorylation of Tyr-131, and to a lesser degree Tyr-132, is responsible for the activation.
Effect of a new non-cleavable substrate analog on wild-type and serine mutants in the signature sequence of adenylosuccinate lyase of Bacillus subtilis and Homo sapiens.

Adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL) catalyzes two β-elimination reactions in purine biosynthesis, leading to the question of whether the two substrates occupy the same or different active sites. Kinetic studies of Bacillus subtilis and human ASL with a new substrate analog, adenosine phosphonobutyric acid, 2′(3′), 5′-diphosphate (APBADP), show that it acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to either substrate (KI ∼ 0.1 μM), indicating that the two substrates occupy the same active site. Binding studies show that both the B. subtilis and human ASLs bind up to 4 mol of APBADP per mole of enzyme tetramer and that both enzymes exhibit cooperativity: negative for B. subtilis ASL and positive for human ASL. Mutant B. subtilis ASLs, with replacements for residues previously identified as critical for catalysis, bind the substrate analog similarly to wild-type ASL. Two serines in a flexible loop of ASL have been proposed to play roles in catalysis because they are close to the substrate in the crystal structure of Escherichia coli ASL. We have now mutated the corresponding serines to alanines in B. subtilis and human ASL to evaluate their involvement in enzyme function. Kinetic data reveal that human Ser289 and B. subtilis Ser262 and Ser263 are essential for catalysis, while the ability of these Ser mutants to bind APBADP suggests that they do not contribute to substrate affinity. Although these serines are not visible in the crystal structure of human adenylosuccinate lyase complexed with substrate or products (PDB #2VD6), they may be interacting with the active sites.
Building Bridges: Community Involvement in Drug and HIV Research Among Minority Populations

SUMMARY This paper describes community involvement in substance abuse and HIV research. The paper is based on 6 years of research among female prostitutes and drug users in two major metropolitan areas in the United States. The central focus of the paper is on the notion of community involvement and the dynamics involved in research that assume a close collaboration with communities. This is particularly important when studying hard-to-reach populations such as drug users and prostitutes. Based on the previous research, a model of community development was developed that includes: (1) a community identification stage; (2) the establishment of a community advisory board; and (3) the inclusion of community consultants as research staff. In addition, the findings include a discussion of the main advantages and disadvantages of community involvement in research. Specific attention is paid to issues unique to research that use a qualitative methodology.
The Influence of Social Presence and Teaching Presence on the Quality of Online Critical Inquiry.

THIS STUDY EXPLORED the use of Garrison, Anderson, and Archer's (2000) version of Dewey's (1933) practical inquiry model for assessing the influence of social presence and teaching presence on the quality of critical inquiry experienced by online learners. Students (N=33) enrolled in an online version of a graduate-level, educational statistics course were randomly assigned to either a control, social presence, or social presence combined with teaching presence experimental discussion group. Results showed that the social presence combined with teaching presence group posted significantly more responses at the highest levels of cognitive presence than either the control or the social presence discussion groups.
Residual plots in up to four dimensions

Abstract We discuss the use of selected modern graphical methods for enhancing the use of residual and added variable plots to assess the adequacy of a linear regression model. Emphasis is placed on rotation in up to four dimensions. It is shown that three- and four-dimensional residual plots can be an effective supplement to standard two-dimensional diagnostic plotting. Situations in which the standard plot of residuals versus fitted values can be expected to diagnose model deficiency are studied as well.
A Validation Testsuite for OpenACC 1.0

Directive-based programming models provide high-level of abstraction thus hiding complex low-level details of the underlying hardware from the programmer. One such model is OpenACC that is also a portable programming model allowing programmers to write applications that offload portions of work from a host CPU to an attached accelerator (GPU or a similar device). The model is gaining popularity and being used for accelerating many types of applications, ranging from molecular dynamics codes to particle physics models. It is critical to evaluate the correctness of the OpenACC implementations and determine its conformance to the specification. In this paper, we present a robust and scalable testing infrastructure that serves this purpose. We worked very closely with three main vendors that offer compiler support for OpenACC and assisted them in identifying and resolving compiler bugs helping them improve the quality of their compilers. The testsuite also aims to identify and resolve ambiguities within the OpenACC specification. This testsuite has been integrated into the harness infrastructure of the TITAN machine at Oak Ridge National Lab and is being used for production. The testsuite consists of test cases for all the directives and clauses of OpenACC, both for C and Fortran languages. The testsuite discussed in this paper focuses on the OpenACC 1.0 feature set. The framework of the testsuite is robust enough to create test cases for 2.0 and future releases. This work is in progress.
Long-term clinical outcome after endovascular treatment in patients with intermittent claudication due to iliofemoral artery disease.

Background: The natural history of patients with intermittent claudication (IC) has been reported, but little is known about that of claudicant patients after endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods and Results: A total of 271 consecutive patients (mean age, 68±6 years, 82% men) with IC were treated with EVT for a de novo iliofemoral lesion. Primary patency was defined as treated vessel without re-stenosis and repeat revascularization. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) included death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Median follow-up interval was 11.7±2.9 years. During the follow-up period, 132 patients died (cardiovascular death; 66%). Major amputation was performed in 4 patients. Primary patency rate was 82%, 79%, and 78% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Freedom from all-cause death (MACE) was 73% (69%), 58% (49%), and 43% (34%) at 5, 10 and 15 years. On multivariate Cox regression, Trans-Atlantic Inter-society Consensus grade C/D, and involvement of femoropopliteal lesion were independent predictors of primary patency. Independent predictors for overall survival were age, left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%), coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and below-the-knee disease. Conclusions: Regardless of good clinical patency of treated vessel in patients with IC, survival was poor. Independent predictors were different between long-term patency and late mortality. (Circ J 2010; 74: 1689 - 1695)
Resveratrol regulates autophagy signaling in chronically ischemic myocardium.

Objective Autophagy is a cellular process by which damaged components are removed. Although autophagy can result in cell death, when optimally regulated, it might be cardioprotective. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol also believed to be cardioprotective. Using a clinically relevant swine model of metabolic syndrome, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on autophagy in the chronically ischemic myocardium. Methods Yorkshire swine were fed a regular diet (n = 7), a high cholesterol diet (n = 7), or a high cholesterol diet with supplemental resveratrol (n = 6). After 4 weeks, an ameroid constrictor was surgically placed on the left circumflex artery to induce chronic myocardial ischemia. The diets were continued another 7 weeks, and then the ischemic and nonischemic myocardium were harvested for protein analysis. Results In the ischemic myocardium, a high cholesterol diet partly attenuated the autophagy, as determined by an increase in phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) and a decrease in p70 S6 kinase (P70S6K), lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP)-2, and autophagy-related gene 12-5 conjugate (ATG 12-5; P P P Conclusions In the chronically ischemic myocardium, resveratrol partly reversed the effects of a high cholesterol diet on autophagy. This might be a mechanism by which resveratrol exerts its cardioprotective effects.
Identifying promotional appeals for targeting potential volunteers: an exploratory study on volunteering motives among retirees

This paper examines whether older adult volunteers share similar or diverse motives for volunteering. Previous research has often treated senior citizen volunteers as a homogenous group that is significantly different from other cohorts. This paper argues that the senior citizen segment is far from homogeneous in its motives for, and behaviour towards, volunteering, which may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of recruitment and promotional campaigns. An exploratory study was conducted and, as expected, interviewees identified a variety of benefits sought from volunteering. There was considerable variability in the importance of these benefits among respondents, suggesting that further clustering would be useful. Implications for recruitment and promotional campaigns are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications
Adolescent exposure to nicotine alters the aversive effects of cocaine in adult rats.

Abstract Nicotine is one of the most commonly used drugs in adolescence and has been shown to alter the rewarding effects of cocaine when administered in adulthood. Although the abuse potential of a drug has been suggested to be a balance between its rewarding and aversive effects, the long-term effects of nicotine on the aversive properties of other drugs had not been studied. To that end, in the present study rats exposed to nicotine (0.4 mg/kg) during adolescence (postnatal days 35–44) were tested for the acquisition and extinction of a cocaine-induced conditioned taste aversion (10, 18 or 32 mg/kg) in adulthood. Conditioning consisted of four saccharin–drug pairings followed by six extinction trials. Although cocaine-induced aversions at all doses, no effect of nicotine preexposure was seen during acquisition. During extinction, the nicotine-preexposed groups conditioned with 10 and 18 mg/kg cocaine displayed a decreased rate of extinction compared to their respective controls. These results suggest that while adolescent nicotine exposure does not appear to directly alter the aversive properties of cocaine it may affect other processes related to the response to drugs given in adulthood.
A spectrometer for studies of diffuse emission in the 900-1200 A band

A rich assortment of emission processes from the interstellar medium should generate complex spectra in the 900-1200-A regime. However, the detection of these lines is a difficult instrumental task since geocoronal and interplanetary airglow lines form an unwanted background requiring rejection by at least six orders of magnitudes. The design and performance are described of an imaging spectrometer. This spectrometer is designed for 2.5-A spectral resolution, low instrumental scattering, and a high sensitivity to diffuse emission.
Notes on the uniformity of commercial foils

Abstract The uniformity of the thickness of thin foils has been measured for aluminium, mylar, nickel, and silver. No non-uniformities could be detected in the mylar or nickel foils (
Cessation of antibiotics regardless of ANC is safe in children with febrile neutropenia. A preliminary prospective trial

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stopping antibiotic treatment regardless of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) or signs of impending neutrophil recovery in children with febrile neutropenia (FN) and no identifiable infectious source. Patients and methods Thirty-two consecutive cases of FN without identifiable source were prospectively evaluated. Patients were examined, cultured, and initially treated with ceftazidime +/- vancomycin. Antibiotics were discontinued and patients discharged regardless of ANC (WBC/microliter x [% segs + bands]) once all the following criteria were met: afebrile > or = 24 h; cultures negative at 48 h; thermometer and telephone available at home. Prompt notification of fever (T > 38.3 degrees C) and readmission were required. Results Median ANC was 60/microliters on admission and 160/microliters at discharge. Median length of treatment was 3 days. Four patients were readmitted for FN, and two patients were readmitted afebrile for cultures which became positive after discharge. None of the 32 cases suffered apparent complications from early discharge. Conclusion Results of this preliminary trial suggest that cessation of antibiotics regardless of ANC is safe in cases of FN without identifiable source, provided that marrow is not infiltrated and that recurrent fever receives prompt antibiotic retreatment.
Soap-based detergent formulations: XXIII. Synthesis of p-sulfobenzyl ammonium inner salts and structural correlation with analogous amphoterics

Two series of p-sulfobenzyl ammonium inner salts, RN+(CH3)2CH2C6H4SO 3 − and RCONH(CH2)3N+−(CH3)2CH2C6H4SO 3 − , where R is a straight chain alkyl group, were prepared by sulfonation of the corresponding quaternary ammonium chlorides. Although both series have excellent lime soap dispersion properties, the former series gave optimum detergency at considerably shorter alkyl chain length than the latter serires. The detergency, lime soap dispersion ability, and solubility of these compounds were compared with those of structurally analogous aliphatic sulfobetaines. Structural variations, such as length and nature of the bridge between the cationic and anionic groups, length of the lipophilic chain, and insertion of an amidopropyl group into the lipophilic portion of the molecule, significantly altered the detergency and solubility but not the lime soap dispersing ability of the amphoterics.
The use of distraction osteogenesis to treat hemifacial microsomia: A clinical report

Distraction osteogenesis is a method of forming bone through osteotomy and sequential stretching of the healing callus. This process is accomplished with the aid of a distraction device, which is secured with screws placed directly into bone for a predetermined length of time. This clinical report describes the use of distraction osteogenesis to treat mandibular asymmetry in a patient with Goldenhar's syndrome, a form of hemifacial microsomia. After treatment, the patient had a more rounded facial contour and corrected occlusal plane.
Laboratory studies on the coprecipitation of phosphate with calcium carbonate in the Salton Sea, California

The Salton Sea is a hypereutrophic, saline lake in the desert of southern California. Like many lakes, the primary productivity of the Sea is limited by phosphorus. However, unlike most lakes, the release of P from the sediments is not controlled by the reductive dissolution of Fe(III)-oxide minerals. Most of the iron in the sediments of the Salton Sea is present as Fe(II)-sulfides and silicates. Rather, the sediments are dominated by calcite which is actively precipitating due to alkalinity production via sulfate reduction reactions. We hypothesized that calcite could be an important sink for phosphorus released from the decomposing organic matter. In this work we evaluated the potential for phosphate to coprecipitate with calcite formed in simulated Salton Sea sediment pore water. At calcite precipitation levels and P concentrations typical for the Salton Sea pore water, coprecipitation of P removed 82–100% of the dissolved phosphorus. The amount of P incorporated into the calcite was independent of temperature. The results of this work indicate that the internal loading of P within the Salton Sea is being controlled by calcite precipitation. Management of external P loading should have an immediate impact on reducing algae blooms in the Salton Sea.
Identification of a second-site suppressor mutation of the GTPase defect associated with McCune – Albright syndrome: A model using the yeast heterotrimeric G protein, GPA1

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) causes a variety of bone and endocrine abnormalities due to the post-zygotic mutation of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G-protein Gsalpha. This mutation causes signal-independent activity of the G-protein in the affected cells. We report the development of a system to study the effects of MAS mutations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, wherein activation of the yeast G-protein pathway results in growth arrest in a genetically recessive fashion. We introduced the MAS mutation into the analogous site in the yeast Galpha gene, GPA1 and randomly mutated the gene to produce intragenic suppressors. Yeast with normal and mutated G-protein genes were induced to lose the normal gene, and mutations able to intragenically suppress the constitutive activity of the MAS mutation were identified based on their ability to form colonies. We report one mutation in GPA1, also in the active site, that is an intragenic suppressor of the MAS defect.
Experimental catalepsy: influences of cholinergic transmission in restraint-induced catalepsy.

Possible cholinergic mechanisms in experimental catalepsy were evaluated by using the ‘pinch-induced’ model in mice. In control, saline-injected mice, the median number of attempts needed to achieve a criterion level of catalepsy was 6. All 3 dose levels of physostigmine reduced this median to about 2 trials; neostigmine did not significantly reduce the number of trials. Opposite effects were obtained with atropine, with which all 3 doses tested increased the number of trials needed to cause catalepsy, and at the higher doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) most of the mice (80%) became insusceptible; atropine methyl bromide had no such effects. Thus, this kind of catalepsy may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms that are central and not peripheral.
Texture prediction during deep frying: A mechanistic approach

A framework for fundamental physics-based prediction of texture was developed whereby changes in Young’s modulus in potato strips during frying could be predicted by combining modulus changes with temperature and moisture with predictions of the latter from fundamental physics-based process model. Moisture and temperature dependence of Young’s modulus was obtained from experiment. Process model for frying was based on multiphase porous media based transport equations. Effective value of Young’s modulus for a potato strip was obtained from local values of modulus predicted by the model through homogenization. The predictions were validated using measured Young’s modulus during frying. Such a model-based prediction providing insight into texture development during a frying process (both as function of time as well as spatially) within the potato strip will be difficult to achieve from direct experimentation alone. Precise effects of increased sample size and reduced oil temperature in slowing down the texture development are shown. Since the model is physics-based, the prediction framework can be extended to processes other than frying, allowing fundamental-based quality prediction in general.
Transonic Dynamics Tunnel Aeroelastic Testing in Support of Aircraft Development

LTHOUGH this paper is about the NASA Langley ResearchCenter’ s Transonic Dynamics Tunnel, to a very large extentthe TDT is about aeroelasticity. To this end, an historical perspec-tive on aeroelasticity is offered asa method ofintroducing the TDTand to shed a great deal of light on the past importance and po-tential future contributions of the TDT. Aeroelasticity is a ” eld ofaeronauticsthatdealswiththeinteractionofvehiclestructuralcom-
Proximal humeral anatomy in shoulder arthroplasty: Implications for prosthetic design and surgical technique

Resurfacing arthroplasty of the glenohumeral joint has been established for several decades as a means to restore comfort and function of the shoulder for many afflictions that derange the normal anatomy. Rigorous study of shoulder anatomy in terms relevant to prosthetic geometry, however, did not begin until the 1990s. It has become apparent that normal anatomy is highly variable from individual to individual and that it is aligned somewhat differently than the early modular prosthetic devices. Multiple studies have shown that retroversion is markedly variable, not only between individuals but also between the left and right sides of the same individual, ranging from 0° to 55°. The inclination of the proximal humeral articular surface relative to the shaft (head shaft angle) is also variable, ranging from 30° to 55°. The center of rotation is variably offset in 3 dimensions. The radius of curvature ranges from 20 to 30 mm and is smaller in women than in men. The thickness of the articular surface, head height, is equally variable but shows a striking proportionality to the radius of curvature. The last decade has seen a proliferation of humeral implants aiming to serve a better understanding of shoulder anatomy and function. A modern understanding of shoulder anatomy and contemporary design features is paramount for surgeons performing shoulder arthroplasty. Head size selection is dependent on multiple factors, the most important of these, other than the patient's original head size, are the osteotomy performed by the surgeon and the inclination angle(s) of the prosthetic system. Systems with variable inclination angles instruct the surgeon to resect the humeral head along the anatomic neck as best possible and then provide either adjustable or variable prosthetic geometries to match the resultant inclination angle. Other prosthetic systems have a fixed inclination angle somewhere within the normal range and instruct the surgeon to make an osteotomy at this inclination, adjusting the fit with additional preparation of the canal and revising the osteotomy as necessary. Over the last decade, most systems have offered heads that are offset by 3 to 4 mm, allowing the surgeon to dial in the most suitable position for the head on the stem. Component design and surgical technique are inextricably intertwined. Most surgeons with experience using modern systems feel a greater sense of predictability in achieving their surgical goals when using these systems as compared with earlier ones. How these developments impact implant longevity will only be known with time and further follow-up.
Predicting the probability of contamination at groundwater based public drinking supplies

Logistic regression analysis is used to predict chemical contamination of groundwater based water supplies using site specific parameter. Predictions are evaluated for accuracy and usefulness in an expected utility sensitivity analysis, balancing the costs of monitoring too comprehensively with the risks of monitoring too infrequently. Results confirm that utility is maximized under conditions of unlimited monitoring budget when all sites are monitored. Prioritizing by population improves the selection process when the number of sites to be monitored is restricted.
Changes in cell surface glycoprotein expression during differentiation of human keratinocytes

Six cell surface glycoproteins defined by monoclonal antibodies were selected for study on human epidermal cells. In tests on tissue sections, three of the glycoproteins [J143 (gp140/30); T43 (gp85/36); H99 (gp38)] were expressed in the basal cell layer of the epidermis, whereas the other three glycoproteins [T179 (gp140/95); T16 (gp40/50); BT15 (gp80)] were preferentially expressed in maturing keratinocytes above the basal layer. We compared synthesis of these glycoproteins in fresh epidermis and in primary epidermal short term cultures using [35S]methionine for metabolic labeling. Synthesis of J143 was 8- to 20-fold higher and synthesis of T43 was 4- to 10-fold lower in cultured cells compared with fresh epidermis. BT15, an antigen strongly expressed on terminally differentiating keratinocytes, was synthesized at 5- to 15-fold higher levels in fresh epidermis than in cultured cells. Biosynthesis levels of H99, T179, and T16 did not change in cultured epidermal cells. Based on our findings, we propose a model of surface antigenic changes that occur during keratinocyte differentiation in vivo.
Melting of metasomatized subcontinental lithosphere: undersaturated mafic lavas from Rungwe, Tanzania

This paper uses the geochemistry of primitive mafic lavas from the Rungwe volcanic province (southwestern Tanzania) to infer the source mineralogy and melting history. Post-Miocene mafic lavas from Rungwe include alkali basalts, basanites, nephelinites and picrites with up to 18.9 wt% MgO; nephelinites (>13.5% normative nepheline) are restricted to Kiejo volcano in the southern portion of the province. Rungwe lavas differ from most Western Rift volcanics in that they are not unusually potassic (K2O/Na2O ca. 0.40). Sparsely phyric mafic lavas contain phenocrysts and xenocrysts of plagioclase (An82–90), clinopyroxene (4.5–9.5 wt% Al2O3), and olivine (Fo79–88); one basanite contains a 1 mm xenocryst of apatite included in magnesian clinopyroxene. All samples have high abundances of incompatible elements (e.g., 0.7–2.2 wt% P2O5) and are enriched in REE relative to HFSE (Hf, Zr, Ti, Y), Cs, Ba, and K. Some incompatible element ratios are constant throughout the Rungwe suite (e.g., Zr/Nb, Sr/Ce, K/Rb), but other ratios are extremely variable and exceed the range measured in global Ocean Island Basalts (OIB) (e.g., Ba/Nb, Sm/Zr, La/Nb, Pb/Ce, Nb/U). The range in degree of silica saturation, and its excellent correlation with P2O5/Al2O3, indicate that the Rungwe suite records variable degrees of melting. Variations of individual incompatible trace element abundances in nephelinite and basanite samples suggest that the source contains metasomatic amphibole, ilmenite, apatite, and zircon. The Rungwe suite is interpreted as a series of low-percentage melts of CO2-rich peridotite at pressures that span the garnet-spinel transition. A geochemical comparison of Rungwe samples to lavas from other Western Rift volcanic centers requires that the source mineralogy varies along the rift axis, although each province is underlain by metasomatized peridotite. The incompatible trace element signatures of Western Rift lavas indicate that the source area is typically homogeneous on the scale of individual volcanoes, although lavas from each volcano reflect a range in degree of melting. Significantly, volcanoes with distinct geochemistry are always separated by major rift faults, suggesting that volcanic and tectonic surface features may correspond to metasomatic provinces within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle.
Migration of Tertiary volcanism in the southwestern United States and subduction of the Mendocino fracture zone

Abstract A compilation of 417 isotopic dates on mid and late Cenozoic igneous rocks from the southwestern United States shows that volcanism migrated northward with time. The principal locus of volcanism at any given time was an east-west band that corresponded closely with the calculated position of the subducted Mendocino fracture zone (MFZ) under the North American plate. This correspondence supports the theory that volcanism was triggered by subduction of the MFZ, which was a major (1 km) north-facing topographic step in the Farallon plate. Both volcanism and the MFZ moved northward at about 3.1 cm/year. Andesites and rhyolites show close correspondence to MFZ passage, but many basalts were erupted significantly later. Cooling dates on basement rocks in southern Arizona cluster at the time the MFZ passed under that area. Earlier models proposing rapid late Tertiary steepening of the subducted Farallon plate were based on a westward sweep of volcanism. Our compilation shows no evidence for such a westward sweep.
Selection of Candida Glabrata in Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients Receiving Fluconazole

We observed an alarmingly high rate (5/16 patients; 31.3%) of orointestinal colonization with Candida glabrata--often in high numbers--in pediatric bone marrow transplant recipients receiving fluconazole as antifungal prophylaxis. This selection is probably due to the intrinsically low susceptibility of C. glabrata to fluconazole.
A Synthesis of Grade Retention Research: Looking Backward and Moving Forward

Amidst an era emphasizing educational standards and accountability, and politicians calling for an end to social promotion, the practice of grade retention has become increasingly popular. Consistent with the political zeitgeist across the country, the California Legislature has recently approved bills directing educational professionals to establish promotion performance standards. These actions have revived many debates regarding the relative merits and limitations of grade retention and social promotion. Given the abundance of research examining the efficacy of grade retention as well as alternative prevention and intervention strategies, education professionals are encouraged to make informed decisions. School psychologists are in a unique position to play an important role in encouraging educational professionals to use interventions with demonstrated effectiveness. This synthesis of grade retention research provides a review of: (a) research examining the effects of grade retention on academic achievement, (b) research examining the effects of grade retention on socioemotional adjustment, (c) research exploring long-term outcomes associated with grade retention, (d) a conceptual framework to facilitate interpretation of the research, and (e) ideas to move forward in identifying and implementing effective alternatives to grade retention. School psychologists and other educational professionals are encouraged to incorporate the research literature when advocating for appropriate prevention and intervention services on behalf of students.
Surgical intervention for complications of transcatheter dilation procedures in congenital heart disease.

Abstract Background . Transcatheter interventions have assumed an important role in the management of many forms of congenital heart disease. While complications of transcatheter interventions are uncommon and usually minor, significant complications requiring operation do occur on occasion. The purpose of this report is to present our experiences with seven such complications, and to review the literature on this topic. Methods . Seven patients who required operation after a transcatheter dilation procedure between 1992 and 1998 are described. Three patients required retrieval of retained foreign bodies (stents or balloons), and repair of the underlying abnormality. Two patients underwent repair of fistulas between 2 great vessels, or a great vessel and a cardiac chamber. One patient required operation for a postdilation aneurysm. One patient underwent urgent repair of severe aortic regurgitation after balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Results . All patients survived and are doing well, with no further need for catheter or operative intervention, from 8 months to 6 years after operation. Additional reported complications requiring operation are discussed as well. Conclusions . Operation for complications of catheter interventions in congenital heart disease is seldom necessary. Though uncommon, a variety of such complications may occur, including vascular, valvar, intracardiac, and foreign body complications. When operation is required, results are typically very good.
Accumulation of antifungal isoflavonoids and 1a-hydroxyphaseollone, a phaseollin metabolite, in bean tissue infected with Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli

Abstract 1a-Hydroxyphaseollone, a metabolic product of phaseollin produced in vitro by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli , was isolated from bean pod “drop diffusates” and infected bean hypocotyls 24 and 48 h, respectively, after inoculation with F. solani f. sp. phaseoli . Bioassays of phaseollin and 1a-hydroxyphaseollone against eight fungal species indicated that the latter was less inhibitory, representing a detoxification product of phaseollin. The occurrence of 1a-hydroxy-phaseollone in F. solani f. sp. phaseoli -infected tissue provided evidence for an in situ interaction between phaseollin and F. solani f. sp. phaseoli . While phaseollin, phaseollinisoflavan and 2′-methoxyphaseollinisoflavan accumulated to high concentrations (as high as 5% of the dry weight) in F. solani f. sp. phaseoli -infected tissue, only trace amounts of phaseollidin occurred and no kievitone was detected. F. solani f. sp. phaseoli metabolized phaseolinsoflavan in vitro , but 2′-methoxyphaseollinisoflavan was not detected as a product. This methylated analogue of phaseollinisoflavan, also isolated from Thielaviopsis basicola -infected bean tissue, may be synthesized by the host.
Use of Time Integrals of the ECG to Solve the Inverse Problem

With the use of a bisyncytial model of the heart, it is shown that time integrals of QRS and QSR-T are related to the amplitude (A), area (?d activation time (?) the cellular action potential (AP) on the closed surface surrounding the ventricles. For the normal heart, solution of the inverse problem would give ?and?on the heart surface and, by interpolation, in the myocardium, allowing reconstruction of the AP. In the case of ischemia and infarction, ?and A?would be available which, while not defining the AP, might provide valuable information. Necrosis introduces an unknown perturbation.
A unique approach to postoperative analgesia for ambulatory surgery.

Abstract Comment by Jerry D. Vloka, MD, PhD‡ and Admir Hadzic, MD, PhD‡ Postoperative analgesia for the ambulatory surgery patient is frequently inadequate. Continuous regional analgesia improves outcome and patient satisfaction in hospitalized patients. This paper describes the successful use of continuous regional analgesia following orthopedic surgery in the ambulatory setting.
First report of Diplodia corticola causing grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cankers and trunk cankers and dieback of Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) in California.

The botryosphaeriaceous fungus Diplodia corticola A. J. L. Phillips, Alves & Luque was shown to be the most prevalent canker and dieback pathogen in cork oaks (Quercus suber L.) in the Iberian Peninsula causing a general decline of the trees as a consequence of canker formation in the trunks (1). In addition, D. corticola has been recently reported as a grapevine pathogen causing cankers in the vascular tissue of 1-year-old canes, spurs, and cordons in Texas (3). In 1998, Jacobs and Rehner reported one isolate of D. corticola from oak in California, but no information regarding the oak species from which the isolate was obtained and its virulence were available in the study (2). In 2009, D. corticola was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.01% tetracycline hydrochloride from symptomatic grapevine cordons and on acidified PDA from the trunk of a canyon live oak tree from Sonoma and Plumas counties, respectively. Two grapevine isolates (UCD1260So and UCD1275So) and one oak isolate (CDFA519...
Work in progress — Designing computer technology Learning modules in a 4 th grade curriculum

In the year 2000, the Virginia Department of Education created the Standards of Learning in Computer Technology and in the near future they plan on administrating a Standards of Learning exam to all students in 5th, 8th, and 12th grade. Nevertheless, no standard curriculum for technology exists in the Virginia Public Schools. While the technology mission for the local public schools is to "empower students and employees with the knowledge and skills to effectively use technology," they lack the expertise needed to incorporate computing sciences into their curricula. In the last 9 months the author, in cooperation with the local public school district, has analyzed and designed teaching modules that intertwine computer science and technology principles into the district's everyday curriculum. Some of the modules include problem solving, weather analysis, plant anatomy, probability and statistics, and characteristics of electricity.
Educated guess on graphical authentication schemes: vulnerabilities and countermeasures

This paper investigate security of graphical authentication tokens against educated guess attacks. Results of two user studies indicate that, if we use original photos as authentication tokens, the authentication tokens are vulnerable to educated guess attacks. The results also demonstrate that we can mitigate the vulnerability using distorted pictures.
Peroxisome turnover by micropexophagy: an autophagy-related process

Many organisms stringently regulate the number, volume and enzymatic content of peroxisomes (and other organelles). Understanding this regulation requires knowledge of how organelles are assembled and selectively destroyed in response to metabolic cues. In the past decade, considerable progress has been achieved in the elucidation of the roles of genes involved in peroxisome biogenesis, half of which are affected in human peroxisomal disorders. The recent discovery of intermediates and genes in peroxisome turnover by selective autophagy-related processes (pexophagy) opens the door to understanding peroxisome turnover and homeostasis. In this article, we summarize advances in the characterization of genes that are necessary for the transport and delivery of selective and nonselective cargos to the lysosome or vacuole by autophagy-related processes, with emphasis on peroxisome turnover by micropexophagy.
Renal Effects of Angiotensin II Infusions in Normotensive Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women

Normotensive pregnant women are relatively resistant to angiotensin II in that they give smaller pressor responses and show smaller reductions in urine flow and sodium and chloride excretions than do normotensive nonpregnant women. Women early in the third trimester of pregnancy are more resistant to angiotensin II than are women at term, with respect to the effect upon sodium and chloride excretions. The less pronounced renal effects of angiotensin II in pregnant women cannot be attributed merely to error caused by increase in the dead space of the urinary tract.
Validating system and software requirements: extending the Davis-Jordan requirements metamodel to the 'user's view'

The Davis-Jordan requirements metamodel (DJRM) is a model and accompanying notation which allows system and software requirements to be represented independent of the method employed to capture those requirements (A.M. Davis and K.A. Jordan, 1990). They describe a concept of requirements as a sphere (of requirements) surrounded by a Lucite box. The idea is that requirements may be viewed from a variety of perspectives (e.g. data flow diagram (DFD), object-oriented analysis (OOA), finite state machine (FSM), Statechart, etc.) represented as sides of the transparent box,but that these perspectives have common characteristics which may be represented in a metamodel. While DJRM may be an excellent vehicle for allowing requirements engineers to view requirements from a variety of perspectives, model neglects two important players in the requirements process: the user and the customer. It is proposed that a mapping is possible from the DJRM into an existing rapid prototyping tool and a pictorial system simulation tool which, when augmented by a user interface design concept layer, is capable of specifying the external behavior of an interactive system from the user's view. The level of completeness of this specification is directly dependent upon the completeness of the DJRM representation. >
FRONTOTEMPORAL AND DOPAMINERGIC CONTROL OF IDEA GENERATION AND CREATIVE DRIVE

This article presents a three-factor anatomical model of human idea generation and creative drive, focusing on interactions between the temporal lobes, frontal lobes, and limbic system. Evidence is drawn from functional imaging, drug studies, and lesion analysis. Temporal lobe changes, as in hypergraphia, often increase idea generation, sometimes at the expense of quality. Frontal lobe deficits may decrease idea generation, in part because of rigid judgments about an idea's worth. These phenomena are clearest in verbal creativity, and roughly parallel the pressured communication of temporal lobe epilepsy, mania, and Wernicke's aphasia-compared to the sparse speech and cognitive inflexibility of depression, Broca's aphasia, and other frontal lobe lesions. The phenomena also shape non-linguistic creativity, as in that of frontotemporal dementia. The appropriate balance between frontal and temporal activity is mediated by mutually inhibitory corticocortical interactions. Mesolimbic dopamine influences novelty seeking and creative drive. Dopamine agonists and antagonists have opposite effects on goal-directed behavior and hallucinations. Creative drive is not identical to skill-the latter depends more on neocortical association areas. However, drive correlates better with successful creative output than skill does. Traditional neuroscientific models of creativity, such as the left brain - right brain hemispheric model, emphasize skills primarily, and stress art and musical skill at the expense of language and mathematics. The three-factor model proposed here predicts findings in a broad range of normal and pathological states and can be tested in many experimental paradigms.
Mutations induced by benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene in lacI transgenic B6C3F1 mouse lung result from stable DNA adducts

Dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) are carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are each capable of forming a variety of covalent adducts with DNA. Some of the DNA adducts formed by these PAHs have been demonstrated to spontaneously depurinate, producing apurinic (AP) sites. The significance of the formation of AP sites as a key event in the production of mutations and tumours by PAHs has been a subject of ongoing investigations. Because cells have efficient and accurate mechanisms for repairing background levels of AP sites, the contribution of PAH-induced AP site mutagenesis is expected to be maximal in conditions where those induced AP sites are produced in significant excess of the endogenous AP sites. In this study, we investigated the effect of two dosing regimens on the mutagenicity of DB[a,l]P and B[a]P in vivo using the Big Blue transgenic mouse system. We compared administration of a single highly tumorigenic dose of each PAH with a fractionated delivery of the same total dose administered over 5 days, with the expectation that PAHinduced AP sites would be produced at a greater margin above background levels in animals receiving the high single dose than in the animals receiving the fractionated doses. Treatment with DB[a,l]P yielded a 2.5-fold (single dose) to 3-fold (fractionated dose) increase in mutant frequencies relative to controls. Both single-dose and fractionated dose treatment regimens with B[a]P produced about a 15-fold increase in mutant frequencies compared to controls. The mutations induced by B[a]P and DB[a,l]P correlated with the stable covalent DNA adducts produced by each. These mutation results are consistent with the previously identified stable covalent DNA adducts being the promutagenic lesions produced by these two PAHs and do not support a major role for depurinating adducts, contributing to PAH-induced mutagenesis in mouse lung in vivo.
Individual Differences in Attentional Deficits and Dopaminergic Protein Levels following Exposure to Proton Radiation

To assess the possible neurobehavioral performance risks to astronauts from living in a space radiation environment during long-duration exploration missions, the effects of head-only proton irradiation (150 MeV/n) at low levels (25–50 cGy, approximating an astronaut's exposure during a 2-year planetary mission) were examined in adult male Long-Evans rats performing an analog of the human psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). The rodent version of PVT or rPVT tracks performance variables analogous to the human PVT, including selective attention/inattention, inhibitory control (“impulsivity”) and psychomotor speed. Exposure to head-only proton radiation (25, 50, 100 or 200 cGy) disrupted rPVT performance (i.e., decreased accuracy, increased premature responding, elevated lapses in attention and slowed reaction times) over the 250 day testing period. However, the performance decrements only occurred in a subgroup of animals at each exposure level, that is, the severity of the rPVT performance deficit was unrela...
United Nations intervention and recurring conflict

The end of the cold war has signaled a dramatic increase in the number and forms of United Nations (UN) intervention into ongoing conflicts. Yet, this larger UN role has not always translated into success. Short-term failures are evident, but the long-term effects of UN efforts are not readily apparent. We explore this longer-term impact by examining the incidence of recurring conflict between state dyads following a crisis. Overall, UN intervention has proved ineffective in inhibiting, delaying, or lessening the severity of future conflicts, independent of the level of violence in the precipitating crisis, the relative capabilities of the two states, the states' history of conflict, and the form of crisis outcome; nor were UN efforts successful in deterring future conflict. These sobering results suggest that changes in long-term strategy may be in order.
The fabrication and electrochemical characterization of carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays

We report a novel approach for the fabrication of nanoelectrode arrays using vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded within a SiO2 matrix. Cyclic voltammetry and pulse voltammetry are employed to characterize the electrochemical properties of the MWCNT array. The unique graphitic structure of the novel MWCNT nanoelectrodes is compared with model systems such as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and glassy carbon electrodes. Low-density MWCNT nanoelectrode arrays display independent nanoelectrode behavior showing diffusion-limited steady-state currents in cyclic voltammetry over a wide range of scan rates. Electroactive species can be detected at concentrations as low as a few nM. In addition, ultrasensitive DNA/RNA sensors are demonstrated using the low-density MWCNT arrays with selectively functionalized oligonucleotide probes. This platform can be widely used in analytical applications as well as fundamental electrochemical studies.