cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transgene expression in Schistosoma mansoni: introduction of RNA into schistosomula by electroporation.

Abstract Despite their significance in human and veterinary medicine, and the ability to maintain the parasites in the mouse, relatively little functional detail is available regarding the biology of schistosomes. This deficit is due largely to the lack of well-developed molecular tools for manipulating gene expression in these parasites. Here, we describe an electroporation protocol that provides a routine approach for efficiently introducing nucleic acids into schistosomes. Using luciferase-encoding RNA for electroporation, and luciferase activity as a read-out, we established 400 μg/ml of RNA, and a 20 ms pulse at 125 V using a square wave electroporation generator to be optimal for electroporating schistosomes. Under these conditions schistosomula from 1 hr to 18 hr old could be successfully electroporated, the majority of parasites within a population expressed the introduced RNA, and acute mortality was negligible. Electroporation, as described here, makes possible experimental studies using transiently expressed constitutively active and/or dominant negative mutant proteins, etc. In addition, the finding that electroporation can be used to introduce RNA into schistosomula raises the possibility of using this approach to introduce either DNA constructs or dsRNA sequences, both of which might be expected to have longer-term, ideally inheritable, effects.
COX‐2 inhibits Fas‐mediated apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Fas expression has been shown to negatively regulate the progression of cholangiocarcinoma cells in xenografts. However, many human cholangiocarcinomas express Fas, suggesting these cancers have developed mechanisms to inhibit Fas-mediated apoptosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which generates prostanoids, is expressed by many cholangiocarcinomas. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether COX-2 expression inhibits death receptor--mediated apoptosis in KMBC cells, a cholangiocarcinoma cell line. These cells express messenger RNA for the death receptors Fas, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1), death receptor 4 (DR4), and DR5. Agonists for these death receptors, CH-11, TNF-alpha, and TRAIL all induced apoptosis. However, COX-2, whether induced by proinflammatory cytokines or transient transfection, only significantly inhibited Fas-mediated apoptosis. The COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 restored Fas-mediated apoptosis in COX-2 transfected cells. Prostaglandin E2 reduced apoptosis and mitochondrial depolarization after treatment with the Fas agonist CH-11. Of a variety of antiapoptotic proteins examined, COX-2/prostaglandin E2 only increased expression of Mcl-1, an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family. In conclusion, these data suggest that prostanoid generation by COX-2 specifically inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis, likely by up-regulating Mcl-1 expression. Pharmacologic inhibition of COX-2 may be useful in augmenting Fas-mediated apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells.
Hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in murine muscle.

We investigated hematopoietic capabilities of murine skeletal muscle using methylcellulose culture and transplantation into lethally irradiated mice. Muscle mononuclear cells (MNC) contained colony-forming cells and long-term engrafting cells. Studies using chimeric mice indicated a bone marrow origin of the hematopoietic cells in the muscle. We then separated muscle MNC by FACS sorting into Ly-5-positive cells and Ly-5-negative cells and analyzed their hematopoietic capability in vitro and in vivo. The hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells were present only in the Ly-5-positive fraction.
Cuban Studies Since the Revolution

In recent years, few countries have generated so much debate and controversy as Cuba. Since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, discussions have been characterized by polemics. A comprehensive discourse on the epistemology of Cuban studies, this work evaluates the key areas of inquiry and research in the field, documenting the unresolved issues and offering points of departure for future study of Cuba. Leading Cuban specialists address the disciplines of political science, international relations, economics, literature, history and sociology. While the authors represent multiple vantage points, they share a sense of the need to re-evaluate their approaches to the sociopolitical reality of the island.
Oral synechiae — unusual initial asymptomatic presentation of four cases

Oral Synechiae are rare congenital anomalies found in several syndromes that have as a component a cleft palate deformity. This anomaly is usually recognized at birth secondary to airway and nutrition compromise. Four cases of oral syngnathia which were initially asymptomatic are presented. The variations in clinical presentation as well as timing of treatment options are discussed.
The SIRT2 Deacetylase Regulates Autoacetylation of p300

Autoacetylation of the p300 histone acetyltransferase controls the transition between VP16-mediated chromatin acetylation and preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly. Currently, it is unknown if and how autoacetylated p300 is deacetylated. We found that the NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT2 deacetylates p300 in vitro and in cells. SIRT2 deacetylates lysine residues in the catalytic domain of p300 and restores binding of p300 to the PIC. RNAi-mediated depletion or chemical inhibition of SIRT2 in cells results in accumulation of acetylated p300. The altered ac-p300/p300 ratio in SIRT2-depleted cells results in decreased p300 recruitment to an integrated VP16-responsive gene and inhibition of transcription. We conclude that p300 undergoes a dynamic cycle of autoacetylation and deacetylation.
Investigations of Polyester Fiber Process/Structure/Property Relationships Part I

Polyester structure and properties are examined as a function of spinning and texturing processes. Spun fiber tensile and shrinkage properties are related to amorphous orientation and crystallinity...
Culture media variation as related to in vitro aging of human fibroblasts: II. Effects on nucleolar number/cell, volume/nucleolus and total nucleolar volume/cell.

Abstract The relative effect of five commonly used culture media (MEM, BME, McCoy's 5A, M199 and HMEM) on the average nucleolar number/cell, the average volume/ nucleolus and the total nucleolar volume/cell was examined during in vitro senescence of WI-38 human fetal fibroblasts. Statistical analyses show that cells aging in MEM show a higher number of nucleoli/cell than that of cells aging in any other medium. For cells aging in the other four media, there are no significant differences in the average number of nucleoli/cell. Linear regression analysis shows that in all cases there is a linear decrease in the average number of nucleoli/cell as a function of PDL. Statistical analyses show that the average volume/nucleolus is significantly greater for cells aging in M199 than in any other medium. Cells aging in HMEM show smaller average nucleolar volume than cells aging in M199, but display larger volumes than that of cells aged in BME, McCoy's 5A, or MEM. Cells aging in BME and McCoy's 5A media show no significant difference among each other in terms of average nucleolar volume, but a difference in this parameter is noted in cells aging in BME and MEM. A linear regression analysis shows that the average volume/nucleolus increases linearly as a function of age for cells grown in all five media. Analysis of the total nucleolar volume/cell in the five media shows that cells aging in M199 and HMEM are not significantly different from each other in terms of this variable, but show significantly larger volumes than those of cells aging in BME, McCoy's 5A and MEM. Cells aging in BME, McCoy's 5A and MEM display no significant difference with regard to this parameter. Linear regression analysis shows a positive linear relationship between the PDL and the total nucleolar volume/cell. The relative effects of all five media are not the same on the three cellular variables studied during in vitro aging of WI-38 cells. We, therefore, suggest that one should note this medium differential in order to allow meaningful comparison of results on possible changes in various morphological parameters during in vitro senescence of diploid human fibroblasts.
The reaction of financial markets to changes in FDIC policies on bank failures

The decade of the eighties was the most turbulent era for commercial banks since the Great Depression. Various bank-related events contributed to this agitation including deregulation, astronomical interest rates, massive bailouts, and great uncertainty. In this study the researchers examine the effects of these events on the cost of the leading source of funds for the banking industry during this period—purchased funds. The results indicate the pricing structure of the federal funds market reacts more to changes in Federal Reserve policy regarding monetary growth and economic stabilization activity than to particular bank problems.
JÜRGEN HABERMAS AND THE RATIONALIZATION OF COMMUNICATIVE INTERACTION

This paper analyzes J. Habermas's theory of “universal pragmatics” and examines the extent to which Habermas's ideal speech community is predicted upon a specific type of relationship between the individual and society. The ability of the theory of universal pragmatics to overcome the form of domination institutionalized by modern societies is questioned, and the argument is made that Habermas's radical program of emancipation is vitiated (1) by Habermas's conflation of “transcendental” and “situationally engaged” enlightenment and (2) by Habermas's inability to reintegrate practical-emancipatory and technical forms of reason. Habermas's idea of “communicative competence” replicates, rather than displaces, the “modern” solution to the problem of the relationship between the individual and society.
The Culture of Giving: Informal Support and Gift-Exchange in Early Modern England

Ilana Krausman Ben-Amos, The Culture of Giving: Informal Support and Gift-Exchange in Early Modern England (2008), xi + 426 (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge and New York, £55.00/$99.00). Char...
CULTIVATION OF THE VIRUS OF GRASSERIE IN SILKWORM TISSUE CULTURES

A medium has been developed in which certain cells from the gonads of female silkworms multiply and live for periods of 2 to 3 weeks. In such tissue cultures, strains of silkworm grasserie virus were maintained in successive passages up to the number of ten. The virus multiplied greatly and typical polyhedral bodies formed in the cells of infected cultures.
Theorizing in Social Psychology1

The perpetual crisis in social psychology has several facets: the unstable balance between the social and the psychological in social psychology; the conflict between the abstract and the concrete; and the chronic gap between our aspirations and our capabilities with regard to solving social problems. A perspective for theorizing is presented which is oriented toward making social psychology more relevant to specific individuals in particular situations. The author's recent theorizing on distributive justice is summarized. It is concerned with specifying the conditions under which a given value--"equity," "equality," or "need" will be the value underlying a group's system of distributive justice.
Characterization of the steric defense of the HIV-1 gp41 N-trimer region

During viral entry, HIV gp41 adopts a transient conformation called the “prehairpin intermediate” in which a highly conserved therapeutic target, the N-trimer, is exposed. Despite extensive discovery efforts, potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies that target the N-trimer are elusive. We previously demonstrated the N-trimer is protected by a steric block that prevents large proteins, such as antibodies, from accessing it. Here we further characterize the steric block and identify its source. To study the N-trimer steric accessibility, we produced two sets of C-peptide inhibitors (a potent inhibitor targeting the N-trimer) fused to cargo proteins of increasing size facing either the virus or cell side of the prehairpin intermediate. Both bulky inhibitor sets show a steric block, but the effect is more pronounced with virus-side cargo. Additionally, both sets maintain their potencies in a modified entry assay that removes possible sources of target cell steric hindrance. These results implicate a viral source, likely gp120, as the primary component of the steric block. In addition, we studied the steric accessibility of the “pocket” region of the N-trimer, a highly attractive drug and vaccine target. We demonstrated a pocket-specific antibody, D5, is more potent as an scFv than as a full-length IgG, suggesting the N-trimer steric restriction extends to the pocket. This characterization will facilitate the design of sterically restricted antigens that mimic the steric environment of the N-trimer in the prehairpin intermediate and are capable of inducing potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies that circumvent the N-trimer steric block.
A gated integrator for Ge(Li) detectors

Abstract It is shown that losses due to high counting rates in a Ge(Li) or other semiconductor detector system may be reduced by a factor of 2 or 3 with tolerable degradation in resolution and that delay line pulse shaping is promising for such detectors.
Nitroglycerinâis it good for more than hearts? Bacher H, Mischinger H-J, Werkgartner G, et al. Local Nitroglycerin for Treatment of Anal Fissures: An Alternative to Lateral Sphincterotomy Dis Colon Rectum 1997;40:840â5

Abstract Nitric oxide is an important neurotransmitter mediating internal and sphincter relaxation. In a prospective, randomized study, the authors treated 35 patients with acute and chronic anal fissures using topical application to the anus and into the anal canal three times daily. Group A included 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute (12 patients) and chronic (eight patients) anal fissures who received nitroglycerin (0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment). Group B consisted of 15 patients (10 acute and five chronic fissures) who received anesthetic gel (lignocaine). Manometry was performed before and on days 14 and 28 in the course of therapy. In 60% of Group A cases, 11 acute (91.6%) and one chronic (12.5%) anal fissures healed within 14 days. In contrast, among Group B, no healing was observed. The healing rate after one month was 80% (11 acute and five chronic) in Group A, which was superior to a 40% healing rate in Group B (five acute and one chronic). At manometry, maximum resting pressures decreased from a mean of 110 to 87 cm H2O, and squeeze pressures decreased from 177.8 to 157.9 cm H2O. Except for mild headaches (20%), no side effects were reported. The authors conclude that topical application of nitroglycerin represents a new, easily handled, and effective alternative for treatment of anal fissures.
Nano-particle transistors and energy-level spectroscopy in metals

Abstract We report the fabrication of single-electron tunneling transistors consisting of a single nm-scale aluminum particle connected via tunnel junctions to two leads and capacitively coupled to a third gate electrode. We have used these devices to measure the spectra of discrete electronic quantum energy levels in the particle while tuning the number of electrons it contains.
Upregulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Oncogenic Signal Pathways Preceding Tumor Formation in a Murine Model of T-Cell Lymphoma in Skin

The tumor microenvironment, including its inflammatory components, regulates tumor progression. Herein, we explore the relationship between inflammation and the progression of T-cell lymphoma in the cutaneous microenvironment. Injection of MBL2 murine T lymphoma cells into ear skin of C57BL/6 and immunodeficient SCID/Beige mice resulted in tumor formation in only the latter group. However, induction of skin inflammation by one topical application of DNFB following MBL2 inoculation in C57BL/6 mice resulted in progressive high-grade lymphoma. The DNFB-regulated tumor formation was blocked by early, but not late, application of a potent topical corticosteroid. At 2 days after implantation, a 10-fold decrease in MBL2 cell apoptosis was detected in DNFB-treated ears compared with vehicle control. After DNFB treatment, Gr-1high neutrophils and F4/80+ macrophages constituted the majority of tumor-infiltrating CD45+ leukocytes. Depletion of macrophages by clodronate-containing liposomes blocked the tumor-promoting effect of DNFB. Transcriptional profiling of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after DNFB treatment revealed robust changes in genes that are important in chemotaxis, proliferation, and apoptosis. Activation of oncogenic signal pathways, including NF-κB, was also detected. This work provides insights into the cellular and molecular pathways that mediate lymphoma progression and may have applicability to human cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
Spectroscopy and photometry of IGM's diffuse radiation (SPIDR): a NASA small explorer mission

The SPIDR mission is designed to test predictions of cosmological models of the structure of the universe. In addition, SPIDR will provide new information about hot gas in a variety of Galactic environments. These diagnostics will bo obtained through spectral imaging of selected astrophysical fields in the 100 - 160 nm band. In this paper we will provide an overview of the SPIDR mission and its observational approach.
Imitation and Creativity: Beneficial Effects of Propulsion Strategies and Specificity

Prior studies examining imitation of exemplar solutions have produced a mixed pattern of findings with some studies indicating that exemplar imitation contributes to creative problem-solving and other studies indicating that it may inhibit creative problem-solving. In the present effort, it is argued that the effects of exemplar imitation on creative problem-solving depend on the strategies people use when working with exemplars. In the present study, people were asked to provide advertising campaigns in response to a marketing problem. Prior to starting work on this problem, manipulations were made in exemplar content. Imitation strategies used in problem-solving, for example, forward incrementation, and redefinition, were assessed. It was found that imitation strategies were strongly related to the production of higher quality, more original, and more elegant advertising campaigns. Moreover, use of these strategies was facilitated when more specific information was presented in exemplar solutions. The implications of these findings for understanding the role of imitation in creative problem-solving are discussed.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Solid-Supported Organotrifluoroborates in Suzuki Cross-Coupling

Solid-supported organotrifluoroborates were prepared in high yields by ion exchange with Amberlyst resins. The reactivity of solid supported aryltrifluoroborates was evaluated in Suzuki–Miyaura couplings with numerous aryl bromide partners. Electron-rich and -poor substituents were tolerated on both substrates, providing yields up to 90%. Examples of alkyl-, alkenyl-, alkynyl-, and heteroaryltrifluoborates were also successfully cross-coupled to aryl halides.
Behavioral ecology of Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) and M. aberrans (Townsend), tachinid parasitoids of the Colorado potato beetle

The behavior ofMyiopharus doryphorae andM. aberrans, North American tachinid parasitoids of the Colorado potato beetle, was recorded under field and laboratory conditions throughout three growing seasons in western Massachusetts. Eight common behaviors associated with resting, searching, feeding, and larviposition were distinguished, which together accounted for nearly all daytime activity of the females of both tachinids. Several of these behaviors, and in particular larviposition, were closely related to temperature but differed between species. A sequence of five defensive behaviors by the different larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle prevented larviposition in 49% of resisted attempts and perhaps one-fourth of total larviposition attempts byMyiopharus species, yet both parasitoids were highly successful in allocating their progeny during most of the summer. Second- and third-instar beetle larvae were least effective in resisting larviposition. Females of bothMyiopharus species actively guarded recently parasitized hosts from otherMyiopharus females for a period of several minutes after larviposition during the last month of the growing season when second- and third-instar Colorado potato beetle larvae were most scarce. Laboratory studies based on the field observation that femaleM. aberrans doggedly pursued circum-diapausing adult beetles led to the first recorded account ofM. aberrans larvipositing in adult hosts. Flies gained access to a beetle’s vulnerable abdominal dorsum at the instant it lifted its elytra to initiate flight. The late-season switch ofM. aberrans to adult Colorado potato beetles contributed to a seasonal sequence of larviposition-related behaviors concordant with prevailing host densities, which should lend complementarity toM. doryphorae andM. aberrans as biological controls of pest populations.
Cloning and functional characterization of allelic variation in the porcine prolactin receptor

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) regulates various functions in pigs including reproduction, mammary development and lactation. We used 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′-RACE) to clone three full-length alleles of the porcine PRL receptor (pPRLR) from Landrace (alleles LR2 and LR4) and Yucatan miniature (MP) pigs, corresponding to the A and B alleles previously reported to be associated with reproductive traits. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, all three pPRLRs transduced differentiation signals to a β-casein promoter with the same effectiveness, where human growth hormone (hGH) and porcine PRL (pPRL) were more effective ligands than ovine PRL (oPRL). The pPRLR had a lower binding affinity for oPRL than pPRL while binding affinity for hGH was not different between the three pPRLR variants. The pPRLRs primarily localized to the cytoplasm with perinuclear concentration. In conclusion, we have cloned three allelic variants of the pPRLR and have functionally characterized these as different from the hPRLR. However, our data do not support the proposal that allelic variation of the pPRLR confers functional differences in vivo .
Modern Portfolio Theory and the prudent hermaphrodite

Summary Employment of Markowitz's Modern Portfolio Theory, economic models designed to predict the effect of variance and covariance on optimal investment allocation, may explain a wide variety of anomalies in reproductive biology. Natural selection appears to favor genetic diversity among offspring to a greater extent than is predicted by current theory. Consideration of the possible increase in fitness by reducing the covariance among offspring may help explain a variety of phenomena from multiple mating to the evolution of recombination (i.e., overcoming “the cost of meiosis”). Modern Portfolio Theory also make novel predictions as to when hermaphrodites should prefer the male vs. female role, i.e., engage in egg- vs. sperm-trading. It predicts that the sexual role with the lower variance in reproductive success will be preferred in hermaphrodites. This contradicts Bateman's principle that the male role is usually preferred due to energetic considerations but is consistent with Gillespie's principle. T...
Picture Archiving and Communication System and its Impact on Image Viewing in Physical Therapy Practice

Imaging plays an increasing role in physical therapy (PT) practice. We sought to determine if picture archiving and communication system (PACS) deployment would increase the proportion of imaging studies viewed by physical therapists (PTs) at the point of care and to assess PTs' perception of the value of access to imaging information. The study was performed in a 720-bed urban teaching hospital where an average of 2,000 rehabilitation visits per month are performed by 12 PTs. We compared the proportion of imaging studies viewed by PTs before and after PACS implementation. We surveyed PTs to assess their perception on the value of access to imaging studies. Film library records pre-PACS and web server audit trail post-PACS implementation were reviewed to measure access. Chi-square was used to compare proportions and trends. During the 3-month period before PACS usage, PTs viewed 1% (6/505) of imaging studies, citing time as the primary barrier. Post-PACS, the proportion of imaging studies viewed rose from 28% (95/344, second month) to 84% (163/192, fifth month) (p < 0.0001, chi-square). Most PTs believed that access to imaging studies has high value and has a positive impact on clinical practice. Physical therapists rarely viewed imaging studies before PACS due to time barriers. They viewed more imaging studies (84%) post-PACS and felt that access to imaging studies has a positive impact on clinical practice. Further studies are needed to assess whether PACS enhances PTs' clinical decision making and improves patient outcomes.
Rydberg states in fluorinated benzenes; hexa-, penta-, and monofluorobenzene

Abstract Spectra of fluorobenzene (FB), pentafluorobenzene (PFB) and hexafluorobenzene (HFB) from 50000 to 93000 cm −1 are presented. Rydberg series converging to the first and to a higher ionization limit are found in each molecule. The orbital natures of the excited states and ions are discussed.
A Stated Preference Choice Approach to Understanding Angler Preferences for Management Options

This study investigated the choices anglers make between hypothetical fishing trips as defined by harvest regulations, fishing expectations, and trip costs and ranking the various management scenarios being considered. A fractional factorial design required generation of 80 choice sets. A conditional logit model was used to estimate the preference model. All estimated coefficients of attributes had expected signs except for the “retain more fish greater than the maximum size limit” variable. Anglers did not favor regulations allowing retention of more fish above the current bag limit. The status quo scenario (with most conservative harvest restrictions) was least preferred, as expected. The most liberal harvest restriction scenario was most preferred. When angler expectations were changed, anglers wanted more stringent management that closely resembled the status quo option. Anglers were willing to relax certain rules and seemed to be choosing conservation of fishery resources over exploitation. Funding s...
Quick incidental learning (QUIL) of words by school-age children with and without SLI

This study examined Quick Incidental Learning (QUIL) of novel vocabulary by two groups of school-age children, those who were developing language normally and those who demonstrated a specific lang...
Programming style: an example

The relationship of programming style and ‘‘quality of software’’ is discussed. The quality of software is defined not only in objective terms, such as whether or not the answers are correct and the speed with which they are produced, but also in more subjective terms such as maintainability and readabilty. Examples in FORTRAN and C illustrate how stylistic features can improve software quality.
Pilot Study: Evaluation of the Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling on Muscle Metabolism in Nonambulatory People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objective To investigate the changes in muscle oxygen consumption (m V ˙ O 2 ) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) after 4 weeks of training with functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling in nonambulatory people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design Four-week before-after trial to assess changes in m V ˙ O 2 after an FES cycling intervention. Setting Rehabilitation hospital. Participants People (N=8; 7 men, 1 women) from a volunteer/referred sample with moderate to severe MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score>6.0). Intervention Participants cycled 30 minutes per session, 3d/wk for 4 weeks or a total of 12 sessions. Main Outcome Measures m V ˙ O 2 of the right vastus lateralis muscle was measured with NIRS before and within 1 week after the intervention. Six bouts of 15-second electrical stimulation increasing from 2 to 7Hz were used to activate the muscle. m V ˙ O 2 was assessed by analyzing the slope of the NIRS oxygen signal during a 10-second arterial occlusion after each electrical stimulation bout. Results Significant FES training by electrical stimulation frequency level interaction was observed ( P =.031), with an average increase in m V ˙ O 2 of 47% across frequencies with a main effect of training ( P =.047). Conclusions FES cycling for 4 weeks improved m V ˙ O 2 , suggesting that FES cycling is a potential therapy for improving muscle health in people with MS who are nonambulatory.
907-Plow - Anchorage's approach to real-time snowplow tracking

We present a novel approach to tracking heavy machinery used as snowplows for the improvement of commuter safety. We have developed hardware designed for universal installation in snowplows that relay location and plow position data without human interaction over a cellular network to the real-time traffic simulator FreeSim [1–3]. FreeSim analyzes the data and overlays it onto Google Maps [4] by color-coded lines displaying the time elapsed since the roadway was last plowed. The plow position is determined utilizing magnetic fields between the plow blade and a stationary mount on the snowplow. By publicly displaying this information we aim to educate the end user with the current reported road conditions.
Nutrient Interception by a Riparian Forest Receiving Inputs from Adjacent Cropland

To investigate the ability of riparian forest to intercept nutrients leaving adjacent cropland, we examined changes in the chemistry of groundwater flowing from a corn (Zea mays L.) field through a riparian forest. This study provided a comparison to previous studies of a different forest. We sampled groundwater from a transect of wells, and used a Br - tracer to confirm that groundwater moved laterally along the transect through the forest. As groundwater flowed through the forest, NO 3 - concentrations decreased from about 8 mg/L at the edge of the corn held to <0.4 mg/L halfway through the forest. Dissolved organic N and NH 4 + increased by less than 0.1 mg/L, and dissolved organic C did not change with distance [...]
Assessment of an alternative meropenem dosing strategy compared with imipenem-cilastatin or traditional meropenem dosing after cefepime failure or intolerance in adults with neutropenic fever.

Study Objective. To compare clinical outcomes of patients receiving an alternative dosage of meropenem with those of patients receiving imipenem-cilastatin or the traditional dosage of meropenem after failure of or intolerance to cefepime for treatment of febrile neutropenia. Design. Retrospective, single-center cohort study. Setting. 1250-bed urban academic medical center. Patients. One hundred twenty-seven adults with neutropenic fever who received either imipenem-cilastatin or meropenem; imipenem-cilastatin was the preferred carbapenem until September 1, 2006, after which meropenem became the formulary carbapenem. Measurements and Main Results. Of the 127 patients, 40 received imipenem-cilastatin 500 mg every 6 hours between September 1, 2005, and August 31, 2006; 87 patients received meropenem between September 1, 2006, and August 31, 2007: 29 received a traditional dosage of meropenem 1 g every 8 hours, and 58 received an alternative dosage of meropenem 500 mg every 6 hours. Primary outcomes of time to defervescence (median 3 vs 2 vs 3 days), need for additional antibiotics (20% vs 17% vs 14%), and time to receipt of additional antibiotics (median 5 vs 2 vs 1 days) were not significantly different among the imipenem-cilastatin, traditionally dosed meropenem, and alternatively dosed meropenem groups, respectively. In addition, significant differences in secondary outcomes, which were treatment duration (median 10 vs 8 vs 8 days), seizure rate (0% vs 0% vs 0%), in-hospital mortality (5% vs 7% vs 7%), and 30-day mortality (13% vs 7% vs 14%), were not identified among the three groups, respectively. Conclusion. The alternative meropenem dosage of 500 mg every 6 hours yielded similar patient outcomes, including time to defervescence, need for additional antibiotics, duration of therapy, and mortality, when compared with the traditional meropenem dosage and imipenem-cilastatin in adults with febrile neutropenia. In addition, no adverse effects on clinical outcomes were observed with the alternative dosage of meropenem.
Exceptionalism's Exceptions: The Changing American Narrative

Seven years after 9/11, the American way of life was again shaken to its foundation by the Great Recession of 2008. The logic of an unregulated market economy produced its predetermined result. The American middle class, the historic protagonist of the American narrative, became an endangered species. Against a bleak backdrop of indebtedness, unemployment, and rapid decline in traditional jobs and in the affordability of the essentials of health and education stands the stark wealth of the top 1 percent of Americans. With the vital center no longer holding and consensus fraying, 53 percent of the electorate wagered in 2008 that it could deny race by affirming its non-importance and thereby audaciously reinvigorate the exceptionalist narrative. The choice before us, however, is still much the same as that posited by W.E.B. Du Bois when he described two antithetical versions of the American narrative: one was based on “freedom, intelligence and power for all men; the other was industry for private profit di...
A chemoenzymatic approach toward the rapid and sensitive detection of O-GlcNAc posttranslational modifications.

We report a new chemoenzymatic strategy for the rapid and sensitive detection of O-GlcNAc posttranslational modifications. The approach exploits the ability of an engineered mutant of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase to selectively transfer an unnatural ketone functionality onto O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins. Once transferred, the ketone moiety serves as a versatile handle for the attachment of biotin, thereby enabling chemiluminescent detection of the modified protein. Importantly, this approach permits the rapid visualization of proteins that are at the limits of detection using traditional methods. Moreover, it bypasses the need for radioactive precursors and captures the glycosylated species without perturbing metabolic pathways. We anticipate that this general chemoenzymatic strategy will have broad application to the study of posttranslational modifications.
Clinical significance of elevated mean arterial blood pressure in second trimester and threshold increase in systolic or diastolic blood pressure during third trimester

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the diagnostic value of an average mean arterial blood pressure in the second trimester of greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg and a threshold increase in diastolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg or in systolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 30 mm Hg, on two occasions, 6 hours apart, in predicting preeclampsia. The study population consisted of 700 young normotensive primigravid women who were evaluated prospectively during pregnancy. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were carefully measured at each prenatal visit, and the mean arterial blood pressure in the second trimester was calculated for each measurement. An average greater than 90 mm Hg was considered abnormal. One hundred thirty-seven patients had preeclampsia, for an overall incidence of 19.6%. An average greater than 90 mm Hg had a sensitivity of 8% and a positive predictive value of 23%. The respective values for a threshold increase of greater than 15 mm Hg in diastolic pressure were 39% and 32%. For a threshold increase of greater than 30 mm Hg in systolic pressure, values were 22% and 33%. The negative predictive values for all tests studied ranged between 81% and 85%. Neither a mean arterial blood pressure in the second trimester of greater than 90 mm Hg nor a threshold increase in systolic or diastolic blood pressure during the third trimester was significantly predictive of the development of preeclampsia.
The Equalizing Effect of the Internet on Access to Research Expertise in Political Science and Economics

Recent research shows that the Inter net, by sharply reducing the real costs of sharing information, has profoundly im pacted collaboration between faculty in different departments. Using information on spatial-temporal Bitnet connections, Agrawal and Goldfarb (2006) find that Intemet connectivity increased collabora tion between those connected universities by 85%. Extensively analyzing faculty productivity at the top 25 universities during the last three decades, Kim, Morse, and Zingales (2006) report that the Internet has significantly lowered department-specific research extemalities in economics and finance by giving those outside of top schools access to productive research colleagues within top schools. Concomitant with this decline in location-specific extemalities, they also report that salaries at those top universi ties have increased since the universities are less able to appropriate any rent based on research productivity created by physically being located at that univer sity. One of the reasons that physical location is less important is e-mail. Walsh and Maloney (2003), using infor mation from four fields (experimental biology, mathematics, physics, and soci ology), find that e-mail has significantly reduced coordination problems in re search collaboration. In this paper we examine the effect of the Internet on inter-department collabo ration in the fields of political science and economics. We felt justified in in cluding the economic journals in the analysis, in part, because of the high re gard that political scientists have for the top economics journals. In the most re cent rankings of journals (Garand and Giles 2003), political scientists ranked the American Economic Review and the Journal of Political Economy, both of which we use in the analysis, first and sixth in terms of the overall quality of the articles published. We are particu larly interested in the differential impact that the Internet has had on researchers outside the top-tiered departments. His torically, researchers within the top de partments had the advantage of access to a high quantity of select collaborators in the form of departmental colleagues. The Internet, however, should have dimin ished this advantage by reducing the location-specific knowledge externalities that existed across departments so that it is no longer necessary to be at a top re search lab or university department to be able to collaborate with the best intel lects in a given field. In the sections that follow we first develop a simple model of co-authorship for political science and economics re search. Our model suggests that as the Internet reduced coordination costs of working with others outside scholars' own departments, the number of inter departmental collaborations should have increased, especially among those outside the top universities. We then empirically test the predictions of the model using data from both political science and eco nomics. The empirical results provide evidence supporting our hypotheses.
Pairing-plus-quadrupole model and nuclear deformation: A look at the spin-orbit interaction

Abstract The pairing-plus-quadrupole model, realized in the framework of the Elliott SU(3) scheme, is used to study the combined effects of the quadrupole-quadrupole, pairing, and spin-orbit interactions on ground state shapes of nuclear systems. Relevant measures for nuclear deformation are reviewed. Representation mixing induced by the symmetry-breaking pairing and spin-orbit forces is shown to soften the deformation. The angular momentum dependence of the results is discussed.
Are variants in the CAPN10 gene related to risk of type 2 diabetes? A quantitative assessment of population and family-based association studies.

The calpain-10 gene (CAPN10) on chromosome 2q37.3 was the first candidate gene for type 2 diabetes (T2D) identified through a genomewide screen and positional cloning. One polymorphism (UCSNP-43: G→A) and a specific haplotype combination defined by three polymorphisms (UCSNP-43, -19, and -63) were linked to an increased risk of T2D in several populations. To quantitatively assess the collective evidence for the effects of CAPN10 on risk of T2D, we conducted a meta-analysis of both population-based and family-based association studies. We retrieved data from the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases, as well as from other relevant reports and abstracts published up to July 2003. From a total of 26 studies with primary data (21 population-based studies: 5,013 cases and 5,876 controls; 5 family-based studies: 487 parent-offspring trios), we developed a summary database that contains variables of study design, study population/ethnicity, specific polymorphisms and haplotype combinations in CAPN10, and diabetes-related metabolic phenotypes. For population-based studies, we used both fixed-effects and random-effects models to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the associations of CAPN10 genotypes with the risk of T2D. We also calculated weighted mean differences for the associations between CAPN10 and diabetes-related quantitative traits. Under either an additive or a dominant effect model, we found no statistically significant relation between CAPN10 genotypes in the UCSNP-43 locus and T2D risk. However, under a recessive model, individuals homozygous for the common G allele had a statistically significant 19% higher risk of T2D than carriers of the A allele (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07–1.33). The association between the 112/121 haplotype combination and T2D risk appeared to be overestimated by several initial small studies with positive findings (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.04–1.84). After we removed these initial studies, this association became nonsignificant (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.91–1.35). Moreover, we found no evidence for the associations between the UCSNP-43 G/G genotype and the 112/121 haplotype combination and metabolic phenotypes. Our meta-analysis of family-based studies showed only an overtransmission of the rare allele C in UCSNP-44 from heterozygous parents to their affected offspring with T2D. Our analysis indicates that inadequate statistical power, racial/ethnic differences in frequencies of alleles, haplotypes and haplotype combinations, potential gene-gene or gene-environment interactions, publication bias, and multiple hypothesis testing may contribute to the significant heterogeneity in previous studies of CAPN10 and T2D. Our findings also suggest that both large-scale, well-designed association studies and functional studies are warranted to either reliably confirm or conclusively refute the initial hypothesis regarding the role of CAPN10 in T2D risk.
1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one: A new analogue of inosine

Imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazine-4(5H)-one, which normally forms the N-6 nucleoside, can be induced to form the N-1 and N-3 nucleosides when a benzyloxymethyl substitutent is incorporated at N-5. The N-5 blocking group can be removed under mild conditions with boron trichloride.
Mouse taste preference tests: why only two bottles?

Two-bottle tests have been used extensively to measure the preference for taste and nutrient solutions but there has been little work with tests involving more than two bottles. Here, we compare the results obtained in two-bottle tests with those obtained in three- and six-bottle tests. In Experiment 1, we measured the preferences for 2 mM saccharin, 50 mM citric acid, 0.3 mM quinine hydrochloride and 75 mM NaCl displayed by 129X1/SvJ (129) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice. Mice drank more taste solution when they received two bottles providing taste solution and one providing water than when they received either a standard two-bottle test or two bottles providing water and one providing taste solution. The three-bottle tests also revealed the left spout side preferences of the 129 strain and were generally better at distinguishing between the 129 and B6 strains (i.e. were more sensitive) than were the two-bottle tests. In Experiment 2, we measured intakes and preferences in tests with six bottles, with one, two, three, four or five containing 75 mM NaCl and the rest containing water. NaCl preferences were monotonically related to the number of NaCl spouts available. A follow-up experiment found similar results whether the index of ingestion was volume intakes or licks. This argues that spillage cannot account for the effect of spout number on taste solution intake. Together, the results suggest that (i) the number of bottles of taste solution and water has a profound influence on taste solution intake and preference, and (ii) three-bottle tests may be more sensitive than two-bottle tests in many circumstances.
Comparative Issues in Mass Higher Education

The values of comparative higher education studies are evident. One national system may profitably borrow plans and solutions from another. It may create political pressure in behalf of educational objectives, for example, by comparing the proportions of students from lower income families attending universities or the percentages of gross national product spent on higher education in various countries. Moreover, a better understanding of one system may be achieved through discovering in another the forces that resist or foster innovation or explain behavior and problems in higher education. A consideration of the entry of Western European universities into mass higher education and of the American experience leads to conclusions made substantive by comparison.
Use of Sevelamer Hydrochloride as an Oxalate Binder

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that the cationic phosphate binder sevelamer hydrochloride could reduce hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate supersaturation in patients with enteric hyperoxaluria by binding fatty acids, binding phosphate and rendering calcium free to bind oxalate, and/or directly binding oxalate. A secondary objective was to assess changes in the urinary excretion of other substances associated with nephrolithiasis.Materials and Methods: Ten patients with enteric hyperoxaluria were enrolled in a nonrandomized, open label trial of sevelamer hydrochloride (3,200 mg 3 times daily for 7 days).Results: With treatment mean urinary oxalate decreased 17% (0.84 to 0.70 mmol per day) and the urinary oxalate-to-creatinine ratio decreased 11% (0.055 to 0.049 mmol/mmol, p not significant for both). Urinary calcium increased 25% (p not significant). Urinary citrate decreased 23% (p = 0.01) and urinary phosphorus decreased 44% (p = 0.0001). Mean supersaturation of calcium oxalate, brushite, hydroxyapatit...
A control strategy for tracking-interception of moving objects using wheeled mobile robots

In this paper we present a control strategy for tracking-interception of moving objects using wheeled mobile robots. This method makes use of geometric rules combined with the kinematics equations. The objective of the control strategy is to put the robot in a rendezvous course with the target. This is accomplished by keeping the robot in the line joining the target and a reference point. The control algorithm is illustrated using simulation, where two examples are considered.