cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of retention in methadone maintenance treatment differ by gender

Aims: Retention in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for at least one year has been associated with positive outcomes. Predictors of retention in MMT have traditionally collapsed across gender. This study hypothesizes that predictors of retention will differ between men and women, and aims to determine which factors best predict retention for each gender. Methods: Data were collected from the files of 290 patients (173 M, 117 F) admitted to MMT at an outpatient clinic in Detroit between 2002 and 2007. The modal participant was a 50-year old African American (84.8%) male (59.7%). Results: Although 35.3% of men and 44.4% of women remained in treatment for over a year, gender did not significantly predict treatment retention (X2(1) =2.47, p= .12). In the overall sample, Kendall correlations (dfs =282) revealed that presenting a urine sample positive for opiates, cocaine, or THC metabolites (rs = .29, .29, .24, respectively, all ps < .001) during the first month of treatment, having a DSM-IV diagnosis of cocaine dependence (r= .24, p<001), a non-drug Axis I diagnosis (r= .12, p= .05), or a history of emotional abuse (r= .12, p= .05) was associated with retention of less than one year. Stepwise logistic regression computed for each gender with years of opioid use entered in step 1 and the variables above entered in step 2 indicated that for males, significant predictors of retention for less than a year were: presenting a urine sample that was positive for opioids (OR=6.6) or THC metabolites (OR=4.9), having a diagnosis of cocaine dependence (OR=2.7), or a non-drug Axis I diagnosis (OR=2.1). For females, significant predictors were: presenting a urine sample positive for cocaine (OR=3.6) or THC metabolites (OR=4.9), and having a history of emotional abuse (OR=2.4). Conclusions: These findings indicate that predictors of retention in MMT differ between males and females. Future studies on MMT outcomes should consider the unique pathways by which females and males adhere to, and benefit from, MMT. Financial support: Joe Young, Sr./Helene Lycacki Funds (State of Michigan).
ApoE4 trapping by the low density lipoprotein receptor

Abstract Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) is critical for plasma lipoprotein clearance and a decreased LDLr expression has been thought to explain the increased plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk in humans with apolipoprotein (apo) E4. However, in mice expressing human apoE4 instead of their mouse counterpart, increased LDLr expression caused accumulation of cholesterol-rich apoE-poor chylomicron remnants, and resulted in significant atherosclerosis. The production rates of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were unchanged, as was the clearance rate of exogenously given apoE-deficient remnants. These data suggest an enhanced conversion of nascent lipoprotein particles to cholesterol-rich remnants that are poorly cleared. We hypothesize that the negative effects from increased LDLr are due to the high binding affinity of apoE4 for the receptor which reduces the availability of apoE4 for transfer to triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), thereby inhibiting their rapid internalization.
Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in children

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) is an extracorporeal technique for the treatment of hypervolemia and electrolyte disturbances in the critically ill patient with oligoanuria. The patient's cardiac output provides the blood flow through the circuit; no pumps are necessary. A range of hemofilters is now available extending the applicability of CAVH to the pediatric population, including premature newborns. In this report the treatment of 15 neonates and 8 older children is described. Fluid overload was reduced in all cases. Reflecting the very grave clinical conditions of these patients, 15 of the 23 treated children ultimately died. Due to failure to control uremia, four patients required treatment with dialysis. CAVH was found to be generally safe and effective even in the hemodynamically unstable critically ill child.
Certification by the American Board of Surgery among US Medical School Graduates

Background We sought to identify variables associated with American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)–member board certification and lack thereof among US medical graduates who planned at medical school graduation to become certified in surgery and entered graduate medical education in general surgery. Study Design Deidentified, individualized records updated through March 2009 for all 1993−2000 US medical school matriculants who graduated by 2002, intended to become certified in surgery, and entered general surgery training were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify variables associated with graduates' board certification status, including American Board of Surgery (ABS)–board certified (BC), other ABMS-member–BC (other-BC) and non-BC. Results Of 3,373 graduates included in the study sample, 2,036 (60.4 %) were ABS-BC, 342 (10.1 %) were other-BC, and 995 (29.5 %) were non-BC. Graduates who were women, older than 26 years old at graduation, and initially failed US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge were more likely, and graduates who rated the quality of their surgery clerkship in medical school more highly were less likely, to be other-BC vs ABS-BC. Graduates who were women, under-represented minority race/ethnicity, Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity, older than 28 years old at graduation, initially failed US Medical Licensing Examination Step l, initially failed or received low passing scores on US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and graduated in more recent years were more likely to be non-BC vs ABS-BC. Conclusions Demographic and professional development variables were associated with ABMS-member BC status among US medical graduates who had intended at medical school graduation to become certified in surgery.
Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy: The determination of trace impurities in uranium hexafluoride

Abstract An analytical method has been developed for the determination of trace impurities in high-purity uranium hexafluoride using liquid-liquid extraction of the uranium from the trace impurities followed by analysis with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Detection limits, accuracy, and precision data are presented.
Remarkable optical and magnetic properties of ultra-thin europium oxysulfide nanorods

Ultra-thin europium oxysulfide nanorods were synthesized through a facile colloidal method. In addition to their size-dependent optical properties, surprising magnetic properties were observed for the first time. The nanorods were readily assembled into uniform films by electrophoretic deposition. This research opens up the opportunity for lanthanide compound nanomaterials to be efficiently synthesized and assembled.
Supporting Vocationally Oriented Learning in the High School Years: Rationale, Tasks, Challenges.

This article highlights the limitations of our current educational system in terms of vocational learning and highlights the role that vocational learning can play in supporting youth development and improving youth outcomes. It discusses the role that nonschool settings can play in supporting vocational learning and suggests strategies to improve our in-school and out-of-school systems to build a more coherent whole that promotes youth development across various settings.
Special Losses in Rotors of Electronically Commutated Brushless DC Motors Induced by Non-Uniformly Rotating Armature MMFS

This paper analyzes special eddy current losses induced in the rotor of an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor powered from a d.c. source, on account of the non-uniform rotation of the stator field. Formulas are established for the losses induced by the tangential component of the stator magnetic field. These formulas are applied to a specific motor design where the magnet retainment was accomplished by means of a metallic nonmagnetic stainless steel sleeve surrounding the rotor structure. The resulting losses are given with consequent conclusions.
Antigens and Allergic Asthma

There are few reliable epidemiologic data on the overall frequency and importance of allergy. We describe a practical method for quantifying the concentration of both amorphous and morphologically defined antigens in the air. A high volume air sampler is used to collect airborne particles and has a facility to separate samples into different particle sizes. Samples are tested for allergenic activity by radioallergosorbent test inhibition assay. Preliminary findings from studies of community wide, amorphous and common household allergens are reported.
New Face-To-Face Metallocene Triads

The ferrocene compound 1-cyclopentadienyl-8-ferrocenylnaphthalene (5) is readily available from 1,8-diiodonaphthalene and is shown to serve as a useful precursor to stacked trinuclear complexes of general structure 1. Two new complexes of this type, an Fe−Co+−Fe (1b) and an Fe−Ti(Cl2)-Fe (1c) triad, in addition to the Fe−Fe−Fe triad (1a) previously prepared, are reported. The crystal structure of 1c has been determined. Individual molecules are shown to adopt chiral conformations in the racemic crystal. Molecular distortions (Cp ring twisting and splaying), which are associated with electronic charge on the Cp rings, are found to be considerably greater in 1c than in 1a.
Representation of the face and intraoral structures in area 3b of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) somatosensory cortex, with special reference to the ipsilateral representation

Studies of the representation of the trigeminal nerve in the thalamus and cerebral cortex of mammals have revealed representations of both contra- and ipsilateral intraoral structures. However, the relative extent of both representations is subject to considerable species variation. The present study employed microelectrode mapping and anatomical tracing to investigate the location and extent of the ipsilateral representation in area 3b of the somatosensory cortex of squirrel monkeys. A small region, approximately 2 mm2, was found to be responsive to stimulation of ipsilateral intraoral structures. This region was located on the anteromedial border of area 3b, surrounded by the representation of the contralateral roof of the mouth. This region corresponded to areas of intense anterograde labeling following injections placed in the ventromedial portion of the ventral posterior medial nucleus of the thalamus at the only sites where neural responses could be elicited by stimulation of ipsilateral intraoral structures. The amount of thalamus and cortex given over to the ipsilateral representation in the squirrel monkey is small compared with that of the macaque monkey. This difference may be related to the lack of cheek pouches in the squirrel monkey, and therefore a different strategy for eating. The representation of the contralateral lower lip in area 3b was split by the representation of the contralateral upper lip. This split representation is in agreement with previous studies of the trigeminal representation in area 3b of the macaque monkey and may be a general feature of the representation of the trigeminal nerve in area 3b of primate cerebral cortex. x 1995 Wile!-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: thalamus, ventral posterior medial nucleus, trigeminal, facial sensation, mouth
No room for loners

Animal Societies: Theories and Facts. Edited by Yosiaki Ito Jerram L. Brown Jiro Kikkawa. Japan Scientific Societies Press, 2–10 Hongo, 6-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan: 1987. Pp. 291. ¥8,200.
Subjective, behavioral and physiological responses to intravenous meperidine in healthy volunteers

Meperidine is a mu opiate agonist that is frequently used to treat pain. We examined in healthy volunteers (N=10) the effects of intravenous meperidine (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) on mood and psychomotor performance. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design was used in which subjects were injected with meperidine or saline in a double-blind fashion. Subjects completed several subjective effects questionnaires commonly used in abuse liability testing studies before drug injection and at periodic intervals for up to 5 h after drug injection. Subjects also completed several psychomotor tests. Meperidine produced a constellation of subjective effects in a dose-related fashion, including increases in ratings of “sedated,” “coasting or spaced out” and “feel drug effect” ratings. Many of the drug's subjective effects persisted up to 4 or 5 h after administration of the 1.0 mg/kg dose. Drug liking ratings assessed on a visual analog scale were increased after meperidine injection in about half of the subjects (P=0.09). Eye-hand coordination was affected slightly by meperidine but other indices of psychomotor functioning were unaffected. Miosis increased in a dose-related fashion. Other physiological parameters, such as vital signs, were not affected by meperidine. We conclude that meperidine in healthy volunteers has robust and long-lasting effects on mood, but may have weaker effects on psychomotor performance.
Illusory Correlations in Patient Stereotyping

Two experiments document one basis of patient stereotyping: the relative frequency of people's contact with medical patients. Experiment 1 demonstrated that illusory correlations formed based on the infrequency of target patients and their non-cooperative behaviors. Participants read about two groups of patients with two similar diseases (labelled A and B). One group appeared less often than the other and performed fewer non-cooperative behaviors; however, the proportion of non-cooperative and cooperative behaviors was the same for both groups. Participants overestimated the number of non-cooperative behaviors performed by the infrequently appearing group, evaluated the group negatively and believed that these patients would be unlikely to cooperate in the future. Experiment 2 attempted to address the relationship between illusory correlations and memory for the infrequent group's non-cooperative behaviors. Implications for how people perceive medical non-adherence in patients with stigmatized medical conditions were discussed.
A new criterion for end-conduction effects in hot-wire anemometry

The effect of end conduction on constant temperature hot-wire anemometry was studied. A new parameter, , is proposed to describe the significance of end conduction more comprehensively than the commonly used length-to-diameter ratio l/d, in that it allows for material property variations, resistance ratio and Reynolds number effects. Numerical and experimental data are used to show that Γ improves the correlation of the attenuation of measured turbulence fluctuations, and it is found that Γ > 14 is required to avoid such effects.
The crystallography of stress corrosion cracking in face centered cubic single crystals

The crystallography of transgranular stress corrosion cracking was studied for single crystals of α-brass (tested in 14 N NH3), copper (tested in 1 M NaNO2), and 304L austenitic stainless steel (tested in boiling 45 wt% MgCl2). All fracture surfaces had characteristic flat parallel facets separated by crystallographic and/or fan-shaped steps. In α-brass and copper the facets consisted of {110} planes with the crystallographic steps following {111} planes. In 304L austenitic stainless steel cracking occurred primarily on the {100}, but secondary cracking on {110} was also found. Very smooth crystallographic-like steps were observed, generally following {100} planes. It is concluded that stress corrosion cracking in all systems tested occurred by cleavage. It is suggested that the stress corrosion cracks propagate on the lowest surface energy planes.
Mass transfer in nitric acid absorption

The mechanism and rate limitations in aqueous nitrogen oxides absorption are reviewed and data available on chemical kinetics for performance predictions are discussed. Application of a rate relationship to characterize interphase mass transfer for the primary reactant N2O4 is shown, with mass transfer coefficients derived from plant-scale data. Correlations for these coefficients as functions of acid strength and temperature for both bubble cap and sieve plate designs are presented.
Immune abnormalities associated with chronic TCDD exposure in Rhesus

Abstract 29 adult Rhesus and 18 offspring were exposed to relatively low doses of TCDD. There were no clinically significant abnormalities in the immune response of surviving adults. Offspring had increased responses to antigen which correlated with TCDD tissue levels.
Absolute oscillator strengths for some resonance multiplets of Ca I,II, Mg I,II, B I, and Al I

Ca, Mg, B and Al prominent resonance transitions radiative lifetimes and absolute oscillator strengths
Alternative dispute resolution in the criminal justice process

By now, “Alternative Dispute Resolution"‐ or “ADR"‐ is fairly well documented in professional and academic writings. ADR has been a popular innovation insofar as the civil justice process is concerned; however, it is less in use in the criminal justice process. What follows is a survey of the criminal justice literature which has examined some forms of ADR in our American criminal justice process. This article considers what has been happening over the last two decades. After focusing upon a definition of “Alternative Dispute Resolution” and upon some of the more popular forms ADR takes, it acknowledges the roots of ADR in civil litigation and it recognizes the “community justice” phenomenon of the late 1970s and 1980s. It evinces the fact that both practitioners and scholars were taking notice of Alternative Dispute Resolution, discussing the work by Garofalo and Connelly as a prime example. It points to instances in which ADR has been a special‐issue topic, as well as the subject of evaluation and analy...
Genetic factors and colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi Jews

The observed increased incidence of colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi Jews compared to other populations is unexplained but likely has a genetic component. The I1307K APC polymorphism/mutation is carried by 6--8% of Ashkenazim and increases the risk of colorectal cancer 1.5–2 fold. There are few differences between the phenotype of colorectal cancer in I1307K carriers and sporadic cases. It is estimated that the mutation accounts for 6% of cases of colorectal cancer in Jews of Eastern European heritage. It should not be the subject of mass screening in Ashkenazi Jews, although it may be important in cases of familial colorectal cancer. Even rarer is the 1906G→C MSH2 mutation carried by less than 1% of Ashkenazim, but as with other HNPCC mutations likely associated with a high risk of malignancy. Mutations at 15q13–14 are associated with the colorectal adenoma and carcinoma syndrome (CRAC) described in Ashkenazi families. The prevalence of the mutation is not known, nor its significance as a cause of colorectal cancer. Despite the paucity of genetic explanations for the high risk of colorectal cancer in Ashkenazim, that risk warrants aggressive colorectal cancer screening and particular attention to family history of malignancy in all Jews of Ashkenazi descent.
Advanced glycation endproduct changes to Bruch's membrane promotes lipoprotein retention by lipoprotein lipase.

Lipoprotein particles accumulate in Bruch's membrane before the development of basal deposits and drusen, two histopathologic lesions that define age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We therefore, sought to determine which molecules could participate in lipoprotein retention. Wild-type or lipoprotein lipase–deficient mice were injected with low-dose d-galactose or PBS subcutaneously for 8 weeks to induce advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation. Some mice were also injected with the AGE breaker phenacylphiazolium bromide and d-galactose. Rhodamine-labeled low-density lipoproteins were injected into mice, and the fluorescence was measured up to 72 hours later. AGEs, proteoglycans, and other lipid-retaining molecules were evaluated by IHC. Lipoprotein lipase distribution was assessed in AMD samples by IHC. d-galactose–treated mice retained lipoproteins in the retinal pigment epithelial and Bruch's membrane to a greater extent than either PBS- or phenacylphiazolium bromide/d-galactose–treated mice at 24 and 72 hours after injection (P ≤ 0.04). Immunolabeling for carboxymethyllysine, biglycan, and lipoprotein lipase was found in d-galactose–treated mice only. Mice deficient for lipoprotein lipase treated with d-galactose did not retain lipoproteins to any measureable extent. Human AMD samples had lipoprotein lipase labeling within drusen, basal deposits, and the choroid. Mice treated with d-galactose to induce AGE formation in Bruch's membrane retain intravenously injected lipoproteins. Our results suggest that lipoprotein retention in Bruch's membrane is mediated by lipoprotein lipase.
Polarization of comets at small phase angles

Abstract Comets Kopff (1982k) and Tempel 2 (1982d) were observed with a photopolarimeter. The observations spanned phase angles of 10-30° for Comet Kopff and of 45° for Comet Tempel 2. The Comet Kopff observations were near the phase angle where the position angle of the polarization switches from parallel to perpendicular to the scattering plane. The polarization showed no color dependence in the V, R, and I filters. The polarization of Comet Kopff as sa function of phase angle resembles polarization curves of asteroids. The minimum polarization was -1.5±0.1%. The data from Comet Kopff and four other comets were combined in a polarization versus phase-angle diagram. The coincidence of the data was remarkable. The collection of comet data determined a crossover phase angle of 22 ± 0° and a polarimetric slope of 0.34 ± 0.01% per degree. Mie models were unable to represent the group polarization curve, even though five parameters were varied over wide ranges. Assuming that multiple scattering provides the basis for the correlations between asteroid polarization and albedo, and that the multiple scattering process dominates the scattering from comet dust, the comet polarization implies an albedo. The two parameters of the comet polarization curve imply the same low albedo.
Conduction-Polaron Paramagnetic Resonance in Hf S 2

Electron paramagnetic resonance in the layered compound Hf${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ doped with Ti is observed and attributed to weakly localized electrons associated with the three conduction-band valleys of Hf${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$.
Polymer melting: Simulation and experimental results from a single melting peak model system

Abstract Experimental polymer melting as observed in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is generally complicated by the influence of lamellar thickness distributions and/or reorganizational effects. Idealized polymer melting in the absence of such effects is critical both for a basic understanding of the DSC results and for decoupling instrumental from sample size broadening effects. A model system which does not have the mentioned complicating effects was developed, consisting of a polyethylene-indium powder mixture. The melting behavior of this model system was experimentally investigated and simulated by a “shell model” that treats melting in a DSC sample as the melting of a series of shells. All of the parameters in the model are obtained experimentally; none is adjustable. The simulation was generally quite satisfying, although a somewhat greater deviation was observed for extreme heating rates (1°C min −1 and 40°c min −1 ). In addition to the “shell model” simulation, a single Gray type melting peak was also found useful in approximating the experimental curve.
Production of sindbis, influenza, and vesicular stomatitis viruses in chicken embryo and rat embryo cell suspensions.

Studies were carried out on the production of Sindbis, influenza and vesicular stomatitis viruses in suspensions of chicken embryo and rat embryo cells. The yield of Sindbis virus in chicken embryo cell suspensions was independent of the multiplicity of infection over the range 0.0001 to 0.01 although reduction in multiplicity caused a delay in virus production. With influenza virus the use of higher multiplicities gave increased virus yields possibly due to the very slow production at low multiplicities. In both monolayer and suspension cultures of chicken embryo cells addition of serum or use of media richer than minimum essential medium (Eagle) had little effect on Sindbis virus production, but if the glucose were omitted the virus yield was markedly reduced. In cell suspensions, a marked reduction in virus yield occurred if infection were delayed more than 24 hr after cell preparation whereas in monolayers the delay of infection allowed cell propagation and hence a higher yield of virus. It was also shown that vesicular stomatitis virus can be produced in chicken embryo cell suspensions, and that rat embryo primary cell suspensions can be used to prepare both Sindbis and vesicular stomatitis viruses. Sindbis virus obtained from chicken embryo cell suspensions was purified by polyethylene glycol precipitation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation and shown to contain only those proteins previously identified as viral, without any contamination from chicken cell proteins. The relative ease and economics of virus production by cell suspension and monolayer methods is compared.
Can a time-varying risk premium explain excess returns in the forward market for foreign exchange?

Abstract We investigate the existence of a time-varying risk premium in the foreign exchange market using the intertemporal asset pricing model. In this model the risk premium is due to consumption risk, which is measured by the covariance between returns and the marginal utility of money. We model this conditional covariance using Engle's (1982) ARCH model. Results are presented for three exchange rates for the 1975–1985 period. Although a time-varying risk premium is an important determinant of the expected returns, tests of IAPM restrictions show that a more flexible specification of the model is needed.
Accuracy of genomic breeding values in multibreed beef cattle populations derived from deregressed breeding values and phenotypes

Genomic selection involves the assessment of genetic merit through prediction equations that allocate genetic variation with dense marker genotypes. It has the potential to provide accurate breeding values for selection candidates at an early age and facilitate selection for expensive or difficult to measure traits. Accurate across-breed prediction would allow genomic selection to be applied on a larger scale in the beef industry, but the limited availability of large populations for the development of prediction equations has delayed researchers from providing genomic predictions that are accurate across multiple beef breeds. In this study, the accuracy of genomic predictions for 6 growth and carcass traits were derived and evaluated using 2 multibreed beef cattle populations: 3,358 crossbred cattle of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation Program (USMARC_GPE) and 1,834 high accuracy bull sires of the 2,000 Bull Project (2000_BULL) representing influential breeds in the U.S. beef cattle industry. The 2000_BULL EPD were deregressed, scaled, and weighted to adjust for between- and within-breed heterogeneous variance before use in training and validation. Molecular breeding values (MBV) trained in each multibreed population and in Angus and Hereford purebred sires of 2000_BULL were derived using the GenSel BayesCπ function (Fernando and Garrick, 2009) and cross-validated. Less than 10% of large effect loci were shared between prediction equations trained on (USMARC_GPE) relative to 2000_BULL although locus effects were moderately to highly correlated for most traits and the traits themselves were highly correlated between populations. Prediction of MBV accuracy was low and variable between populations. For growth traits, MBV accounted for up to 18% of genetic variation in a pooled, multibreed analysis and up to 28% in single breeds. For carcass traits, MBV explained up to 8% of genetic variation in a pooled, multibreed analysis and up to 42% in single breeds. Prediction equations trained in multibreed populations were more accurate for Angus and Hereford subpopulations because those were the breeds most highly represented in the training populations. Accuracies were less for prediction equations trained in a single breed due to the smaller number of records derived from a single breed in the training populations.
Fast spin-echo imaging of the knee: Factors influencing contrast

Conventional T2-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging of the knee requires a long TR. Fast spin-echo (FSE) imaging can improve acquisition efficiency severalfold by collecting multiple lines of k space for each TR. Compromises in resolution, section coverage, and contrast inevitably result. The authors examined the compromises encountered in FSE imaging of the knee and discuss the variations in image contrast and resolution due to choices of sequence parameters. For short TR/TE knee imaging, FSE does not appear to offer any advantages, since the increased collection efficiency for one section reduces the available number of sections, so that the total imaging time for a given number of sections remains constant relative to conventional spin-echo imaging. For T2-weighted images, considerable time can be saved and comparable quality images can be obtained. This saved time can be usefully spent on increasing both the resolution of the image and its signal-to-noise ratio, while still reducing total acquisition time by a factor of two. The preferred FSE T2-weighted images were acquired with a TR of 4,500 msec, TE of 120 msec, and eight echoes. The available number of sections is compromised, and the sequence remains sensitive to flow artifacts; however, the FSE sequence appears to be promising for knee imaging.
mef2ca is required in cranial neural crest to effect Endothelin1 signaling in zebrafish

Mef2 genes encode highly conserved transcription factors involved in somitic and cardiac mesoderm development in diverse bilaterians. Vertebrates have multiple mef2 genes. In mice, mef2c is required for heart and vascular development. We show that a zebrafish mef2c gene (mef2ca) is required in cranial neural crest (CNC) for proper head skeletal patterning. mef2ca mutants have head skeletal phenotypes resembling those seen upon partial loss-of-function of endothelin1 (edn1). Furthermore, mef2ca interacts genetically with edn1, arguing that mef2ca functions within the edn1 pathway. mef2ca is expressed in CNC and this expression does not require edn1 signaling. Mosaic analyses reveal that mef2ca is required in CNC for pharyngeal skeletal morphogenesis. Proper expression of many edn1-dependent target genes including hand2, bapx1, and gsc, depends upon mef2ca function. mef2ca plays a critical role in establishing the proper nested expression patterns of dlx genes. dlx5a and dlx6a, known Edn1 targets, are downregulated in mef2ca mutant pharyngeal arch CNC. Surprisingly, dlx4b and dlx3b are oppositely affected in mef2ca mutants. dlx4b expression is abolished while the edn1-dependent dlx3b is ectopically expressed in more dorsal CNC. Together our results support a model in which CNC cells require mef2ca downstream of edn1 signaling for proper craniofacial development.
Structural Characterization of the O-antigenic Polysaccharide of the Lipopolysaccharide from Rhizobium etli Strain CE3: A UNIQUE O-ACETYLATED GLYCAN OF DISCRETE SIZE, CONTAINING 3-O-METHYL-6-DEOXY-l-TALOSE AND 2,3,4-TRI-O-METHYL-l-FUCOSE

Abstract The O-antigenic polysaccharide of theRhizobium etli CE3 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was structurally characterized using chemical degradations (Smith degradation and β-elimination of uronosyl residues) in combination with alkylation analysis, electrospray, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and 1H COSY and TOCSY nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses of the native polysaccharide and the derived oligosaccharides. The polysaccharide was found to be a unique, relatively low molecular weight glycan having a fairly discrete size, with surprisingly little variation in the number of repeating units (degree of polymerization = 5). The polysaccharide isO-acetylated and contains a variety ofO-methylated glycosyl residues, rendering the native glycan somewhat hydrophobic. The molecular mass of the major de-O-acetylated species, including the reducing end 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo) residue, is 3330 Da. The polysaccharide is comprised of a trisaccharide repeating unit having the structure →4)-α-d-GlcpA-(1→4)-[α-3-O-Me-6-deoxy-Talp-(1→3)]-α-l-Fucp-(1→. The nonreducing end of the glycan is terminated with the capping sequence α-2,3,4-tri-O-Me-Fucp-(1→4)-α-d-GlcpA-(1→, and the reducing end of the molecule consists of the non-repeating sequence →3)-α-l-Fucp-(1→3)-β-d-Manp-(1→3)-β-QuiNAcp-(1→4)-α-Kdop-(2→, where QuiNAc is N-acetylquinovosamine (2-N-acetamido-2,6-dideoxyglucose). The reducing end Kdo residue links the O-chain polysaccharide to the core region oligosaccharide, resulting in a unique location for a Kdo residue in LPS, removed four residues distally from the lipid A moiety. Structural heterogeneity in the O-chain arises mainly from theO-acetyl and O-methyl substitution. Methylation analysis using trideuteriomethyl iodide indicates that a portion of the 2,3,4-tri-O-methylfucosyl capping residues, typically 15%, are replaced with 2-O-methyl- and/or 2,3-di-O-methylfucosyl residues. In addition, approximately 25% of the 3,4-linked branching fucosyl residues and 10% of the 3-linked fucosyl residues are 2-O-methylated. A majority of the glucuronosyl residues are methyl-esterified at C-6. These unique structural features may be significant in the infection process.
Cross section of a magma conduit system at the margin of the Colorado Plateau

We present crystallization depth vs. temperature estimates for clinopyroxene phenocrysts from the Springerville volcanic field, Arizona. These calculations reveal several intriguing patterns that have considerable implications for magma transport and genesis. First, partial crystallization occurs over a wide depth range (0–60 km), but most partial crystallization occurs between 0 and 30 km. Second, low crystallization temperatures, low-density magmas, and evolved liquid compositions derive exclusively from two depth intervals, 0–12 and 23–30 km. These intervals coincide with a density contrast in the upper crust and a rheology contrast at the base of the middle crust. They also coincide with two highly seismically reflective depth intervals. These relationships indicate that (1) the Moho is not a staging area for volcanic eruptions; (2) density contrasts in the upper crust, and a rheology contrast in the middle crust, control magma transport and liquid evolution; (3) magma conduits are probably magma mush columns, with a preponderance of sills within the 0–12 and 23–30 km intervals; and (4) seismically reflective layers are sills related to Tertiary–Holocene volcanic activity. Moreover, these sills appear to represent the principal sites of magma evolution.
STUDIES OF THE THYROID APPARATUS. XLVIII AGE, SEX, WEIGHT, AND SEASON AS LETHAL FACTORS IN CONDITIONS OF PARATHYROID AND THYROID DEFICIENCY

A study of the role of the thyroid apparatus in growth and development would be incomplete were there to be omitted an analysis and brief report of the indications obtained with regard to age, sex, weight, and season differences in mortality subsequent to the glandular removals. Although the number of animals available for this phase of the work is large, the multiplicity of classes into which they are distributed, as seen from table 1, makes conventional statistical analysis impossible. Nevertheless, proper and legitimate arrangements of the data bring out significant differences from which justifiable conclusions may be drawn. Before setting down the main thesis of the paper, note should be made of certain differences in reaction to the two types of glandular deficiency.
Automated segmentation of white matter lesions in 3D brain MR images, using multivariate pattern classification

This paper presents a fully automatic white matter lesion (WML) segmentation method, based on local features determined by combining multiple MR acquisition protocols, including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density (PD)-weighted and fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) scans. Support vector machines (SVMs) are used to integrate features from these 4 acquisition types, thereby identifying nonlinear imaging profiles that distinguish and classify WMLs from normal brain tissue. Validation on a population of 45 diabetes patients with diverse spatial and size distribution of WMLs shows the robustness and accuracy of the proposed segmentation method, compared to the manual segmentation results from two experienced neuroradiologists.
Is it always Alzheimer’s? Let’s talk to our patients about “cardiocerebrovascular” prevention

Unlike Alzheimer's, vascular dementia can, in part, be prevented. The preventive approach foresees treatment for high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity, and sleep apnea. Moreover, also a well-balanced diet and physical activity are cornerstones of prevention, with beneficial effects on the brain and cognition.
Moving Away From a Strict Scrutiny Standard for Affirmative Action: Implications for Public Management

This article addresses the concept of strict scrutiny, the burden of persuasion test used by the courts to determine the constitutionality of affirmative action. Through a systematic analysis of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, it illustrates that strict scrutiny has been applied in an inconsistent, arbitrary manner and, therefore, should not serve as the basis for judicial review of affirmative action programs. It shows that the rule of law established under the Civil Rights Act provides an equally if not more compelling basis for judging the legality of affirmative action programs. Relying on the legal standards advanced by the courts under civil rights statutes provides managers with greater flexibility in developing and implementing affirmative action programs. In effect, the ability of governments to promote diversity of their workforces is greatly enhanced.
Effects of Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching and Parent Responsivity Education on Dyads Involving Children With Intellectual Disabilities

This study tested the effect of a method of facilitating prelinguistic communication on parents' responsivity and children's communication and productive language development. The method involved R...
Time-resolved RNA SHAPE chemistry

Selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) chemistry yields quantitative RNA secondary and tertiary structure information at single nucleotide resolution. SHAPE takes advantage of the discovery that the nucleophilic reactivity of the ribose 2'-hydroxyl group is modulated by local nucleotide flexibility in the RNA backbone. Flexible nucleotides are reactive toward hydroxyl-selective electrophiles, whereas constrained nucleotides are unreactive. Initial versions of SHAPE chemistry, which employ isatoic anhydride derivatives that react on the minute time scale, are emerging as the ideal technology for monitoring equilibrium structures of RNA in a wide variety of biological environments. Here, we extend SHAPE chemistry to a benzoyl cyanide scaffold to make possible facile time-resolved kinetic studies of RNA in approximately 1 s snapshots. We then use SHAPE chemistry to follow the time-dependent folding of an RNase P specificity domain RNA. Tertiary interactions form in two distinct steps with local tertiary contacts forming an order of magnitude faster than long-range interactions. Rate-determining tertiary folding requires minutes despite that no non-native interactions must be disrupted to form the native structure. Instead, overall folding is limited by simultaneous formation of interactions approximately 55 A distant in the RNA. Time-resolved SHAPE holds broad potential for understanding structural biogenesis and the conformational interconversions essential to the functions of complex RNA molecules at single nucleotide resolution.
Can Concept Empiricism Forestall Eliminativism

In this commentary, I focus on Machery's criticism of Neo-Empiricism. I argue that Neo-Empiricism can survive Machery's critique, and I show that there is an empiricist strategy for forestalling eliminativism.
Acyl Chain Specificity of the Acyltransferases LpxA and LpxD and Substrate Availability Contribute to Lipid A Fatty Acid Heterogeneity in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipid A is heterogeneous with regard to the number, type, and placement of fatty acids. Analysis of lipid A by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry reveals clusters of peaks differing by 14 mass units indicative of an altered distribution of the fatty acids generating different lipid A structures. To examine whether the transfer of hydroxy fatty acids with different chain lengths could account for the clustering of lipid A structures, P. gingivalis lpxA (lpxA(Pg)) and lpxD(Pg) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli strains in which the homologous gene was mutated. Lipid A from strains expressing either of the P. gingivalis transferases was found to contain 16-carbon hydroxy fatty acids in addition to the normal E. coli 14-carbon hydroxy fatty acids, demonstrating that these acyltransferases display a relaxed acyl chain length specificity. Both LpxA and LpxD, from either E. coli or P. gingivalis, were also able to incorporate odd-chain fatty acids into lipid A when grown in the presence of 1% propionic acid. This indicates that E. coli lipid A acyltransferases do not have an absolute specificity for 14-carbon hydroxy fatty acids but can transfer fatty acids differing by one carbon unit if the fatty acid substrates are available. We conclude that the relaxed specificity of the P. gingivalis lipid A acyltransferases and the substrate availability account for the lipid A structural clusters that differ by 14 mass units observed in P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide preparations.
Fast Direct Compression of the Plane Wave Response Matrix

It has recently been demonstrated that band-limited representations of localized solution modes provide an effective basis for accurate, compressed, direct representations of plane wave scattering from finite targets. The principle limitation of this previously reported compression strategy is the computational cost to determine the required basis of localizing modes. The present paper overcomes this limitation and outlines a fast, direct procedure for computing the response of finite targets to plane wave excitations. Numerical examples are included for TMz scattering from simple targets.
Remote right ventricular rupture after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a catastrophic complication of occult right ventricular infarction in a patient with a sternal infection.

c r w p c a a R t g A IGHT VENTRICULAR (RV) rupture after acute myocardial infarction1 or cardiac surgery2-5 has been infrequently eported. The left ventricular (LV) anterior and posterior walls re most frequently affected during cardiac rupture after myoardial infarction, but isolated rupture of the RV is unusual, ccounting for only 2% of patients who suffered this compliation.1 A small number of reports describing RV rupture in atients after cardiac surgery, most often in the presence of ediastinitis or sternal dehiscence, also have been described in he literature.2,5-7 In this report, the authors describe a case of atal RV rupture occurring 2 weeks after coronary artery bypass raft (CABG) surgery in a patient with a sternal infection.
Scale dependence in the species-richness-productivity relationship: The role of species turnover

Recent research in aquatic systems suggests that productivity-richness re- lationships change with spatial scale and that species turnover (i.e., spatial and temporal variation in species composition) plays an important role in generating this scale depen- dence. The generality of such scale dependence and the effects of variation in temporal scale remain unknown. We examined the extent to which the richness-productivity rela- tionship in terrestrial plant communities depends on spatial or temporal scale and evaluated how spatial and temporal turnover (i.e., species turnover in space and time) generates scale dependence in these relationships using data from two Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites (Jornada and Konza). We found a weak hump-shaped relationship (Jornada) and no relationship (Konza) between richness and productivity at the smallest focal scale (1 m 2 at Jornada and 50 m 2 at Konza) at each site, but strong hump-shaped relationships at the largest focal scale (49 m 2 at Jornada and 200 m 2 at Konza) for each site. Relationships between spatial turnover and productivity at each site mirrored the productivity-richness relationships that emerged at the larger spatial scale (i.e., a significant hump-shaped pattern). In contrast, temporal turnover was unrelated to productivity, and hence increasing temporal scale did not appreciably change the form of the productivity-richness relationship. Our study suggests that the way in which productivity-richness relationships change with spatial or temporal scale depends on the form and strength of the underlying relationship between species turnover and productivity. Moreover, we contend that a dominant effect of increasing productivity is the generation of dissimilarity in species composition among localities that comprise a region, rather than increasing the number of species that occur within local communities. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that cause species turnover to vary with productivity is critical to understanding scale dependence in richness-productivity rela- tionships.
Introduction to Scientific Computing: A Matrix-Vector Approach Using MATLAB

From the Publisher: FEATURES/BENEFITS NEWUpgraded to a MATLAB 5 level. NEWApproximately 60 new problems., NEWNew sections on structure arrays, cell arrays, and how to produce more informative plots (Ch. 1). NEWA brief treatment of trigonometric interpolation (Ch. 2)A follow-up FFT solution to the problem is provided in Ch. 5). NEWA brief discussion of sparse arrays (Ch. 5). Permits a limited study of sparse methods for linear equations and least squares in Chs. 6 and 7. NEWBlock matrix materialNow enriched with the use of cell arrays (Chs. 6-7). NEWOrbit problem solutionsNow make use of simple structures (Ch. 8). Simplifies the presentation. NEWMore detailed coverage of "ode23" (Ch. 9). NEWWebsiteProvides solutions to half the problems. Additional coverage of graphics. Numerical linear algebraPermeates the entire presentation, beginning in Ch. 1. (This is a get-started-with-MATLAB tutorial, but is driven by examples that set the stage for the numerical algorithms that follow.) One important theorem covered per chapter. Motivational examples and related homework problems using MATLAB. Allows users to get a personal feel for algorithm strengths and weaknesses without the distraction of debugging the syntax of a compiled higher level language. An abundance of examples, packaged in 200+ M-filesThe book revolves aroundexamples that are packaged in 200+ M-files, which, collectively, communicate all the key mathematical ideas and an appreciation for the subtleties of numerical computing. Snapshots of advanced computingIn sections that deal with parallel adaptive quadrature and parallel matrix computations. Treatment of recursion includes divided differences, adaptive approximation, quadrature, the fast Fourier transform, Strassen matrix multiplication, and the Cholesky factorization.