cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual and Proprioceptive Changes during Visual Exposure to a Tilted Line

The decrease in apparent tilt of a physically tilted line has been ascribed by Gibson to a change in the visual modality ( 1 ) . Here such effects are ascribed to change in a reference system for pc thus, changes will occur in both perceived orientation of the tilted visual object and of the longitudinal body axis. Accordingly, the main experimental variable here was exposure of S in a dark room to a luminous line tilted 20" right. S was seated in a chair with head immobilized in the median plane. Two dependent variables were used: perceived visual object orienration, as measured by adjustment of a luminous line so that it appeared verrical; and perceived longitudinal body axis orientation, as measured by adjustment of a luminous line so that it appeared parallel to S's longitudinal body axis. Both tasks were performed before and after exposure to the tilted line. Three independent groups, 16 Ss in each, were used for 2-, 5-, and 10-min. exposure periods. Within each group, half the Ss were tested on body orientation first and the remainder were tested on object orienration first. Before exposure, a line and the body axis, both physically verrical, were perceived as verrical. During exposure Ss reported they saw the tilted line "straighten;" and eirher they "felt" their bodies tilted or "wanted to" tilt their bodies in the direction of the tilted line. Compared to before, following exposure to the line tilted right there were significanr changes. A physically vertical line was perceived as tilted left (mean adjusrmenr for line to be seen as verrical, pooled exposure groups, was 0.83" right of physical verrical) and the physically vertical body axis was perceived as tilted righr (mean adjustment for line to be seen parallel to longitudinal body axis, pooled exposure groups, was 1.98" right of physical body axis). The findings show that, while S is vertical, during exposure to a visual object tilted righr, there are changes toward alignment in perceived orientation of the visual object tilted right and the verrical body axis, viz., they appear rotated toward each other. The findings su-eest that the tendency toward movemenr, occurring during exposure to the tilted visual object, plays a role in the observed perceptual changes.
Heat Transfer Through Sweat Cooled Porous Tubes

Several studies of various factors involved in the process of sweat cooling are described in this paper. The heat transfer problem was investigated and the results were interpreted on the basis of a simplified Rannie equat ion. It was found that the experimental results agree relatively well w i th th is equation. However, for both hydrogen and nitrogen cooling gases, the experimental values of the characteristic temperature ratio were systematical ly lower than those deduced from the equation. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed in the paper. In the sweat cooling process t h e m o s t important property of the cooling gas is i ts specific heat . The thermal conductivity and the viscosity of the coolant seem to be of secondary importance. The physical properties of the porous wall do not enter into the analytical s tudy, and i t has been found experimentally tha t the thermal conductivity of the porous meta l has only a minor effect on the heat transfer in a sweat cooled tube . The results have been interpreted also by considering a conventional heat transfer coefficient. It is shown experimentally tha t the heat transfer between the m a i n stream and the wall is independent of the rate of coolant flow. A study of the pressure drop in an isothermal porous wall cylinder is discussed, and the experimental results are shown to agree wi th a theoretically deduced curve.
Multi-variant program execution for vulnerability detection and analysis

Software vulnerabilities continue to be a major threat. Although significant advances have been made to reduce such vulnerabilities, there are still vulnerabilities that have eluded these techniques, and unfortunately the attackers have also become more sophisticated, employing more devious methods. Moreover, a huge amount of new code is written every year, so that even though the error rate may be decreasing, the overall number of vulnerabilities is still increasing. For example, the number of buffer errors listed in the National Vulnerabilities Database increased from 398 in 2007 to 563 in the year 2008 [7].
Bi-caval dual lumen venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and high-frequency percussive ventilatory support for postintubation tracheal injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Bi-caval dual lumen venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) as a nonoperative approach to postintubation tracheal injury has not been described. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who sustained a postintubation tracheal injury, developed acute respiratory distress syndrome from aspiration and viral pneumonitis, and was supported on bi-caval dual lumen VV-ECMO for 16 days until the trachea healed without surgical repair. Before ECMO decannulation, high-frequency percussive ventilation using a volumetric diffusive respiration ventilator was used for lung recruitment and airway clearance without disruption of the healed trachea. The use of ECMO to allow for lower mean airway pressure during initial healing and high-frequency percussive ventilation for lung recruitment and secretion clearance is a promising strategy to allow nonoperative tracheal injury repair in critically ill patients with multiple comorbidities.
Mozzarella Cheese: Impact of Rod:Coccus Ratio on Composition, Proteolysis, and Functional Properties

Abstract The impact of the rod:coccus ratio on chemical composition, proteolysis, and functional properties of Mozzarella during storage was determined. Three vats of cheese were made in 1 d using three rod:coccus ratios (9:1, 5:5, and 1:9). Cheese making was replicated on 3 different d using a 3×3 Latin square design. Changes in titratable acidity and pH during cheese making were slower with the 9:1 rod:coccus ratio. The viable count of both microorganisms increased during cheese making, but cocci were the dominant organism in the curd at milling, regardless of the initial rod:coccus ratio. Cocci remained viable during stretching at 57°C and during storage at 4°C. The rod:coccus ratio did not affect the initial composition of cheese. However, proteolysis of cheese, especially development of N that is soluble in 12% TCA, was faster with 9:1 rod:coccus ratio during storage. Hardness and cohesiveness of unmelted cheese, meltability, and free oil formation were unaffected, but springiness and apparent viscosity were lower with the 9:1 rod:coccus ratio. The amount of inoculation may have more impact on the functional properties of Mozzarella cheese than the rod:coccus ratio.
Reframing Information System Design as Learning Across Communities of Practice

This article frames the requirements definition phase of systems design as a problem of knowledge transfer and learning between two communities of practice: IS designers and system users. The theoretical basis for the proposed approach is Wengerâ€™s (1998) framework for social learning, which involves three dimensions: alignment, imagination, and engagement. The article treats the requirements definition task in systems design as a set of activities involving mutual learning and knowledge transfer between two communities of practice (CoP) along these three dimensions. In taking this approach, the article maps the results of past research on the systems design process onto this CoP framework and illustrates that the proposed framework encompasses the same activities used by traditional methods of requirements definition. However, this approach focuses attention on the learning that must take place between the two CoPs and thereby helps resolve some of the inherent shortcomings of prior efforts and approaches. The framework provides both a more encompassing conceptual lens for research on improving the requirements definition task and practical guidance for managers who are charged with a systems design project.
Prediction of adsorption equilibrium using a modified D–R equation: pure organic compounds on BPL carbon

A method for predicting adsorption equilibrium using a modified Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) equation is presented in this paper. We focus on adsorption of pure organic compounds on BPL-activated carbon. We introduce a new variable kv, a volume adjusting coefficient, and simply use Vb, the constant molar volume of the adsorbate at its normal boiling temperature, instead of Vm, the temperature-dependent molar volume of the adsorbate at the adsorption temperature. The model parameters in the modified D–R equation for an adsorbate are predicted from Vb. Overall, the modified D–R equation gives more accurate results than the traditional one.
Minimal mesh repair for apical and anterior prolapse: initial anatomical and subjective outcomes.

Here we describe anatomic and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of an anterior and apical compartment prolapse repair involving a reduced mesh implant size and apex-only fixation. One hundred and fifteen patients undergoing the repair at a single urogynecology center were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and inpatient chart reviews. A horizontal incision eliminated overlap with the mesh, and each sacrospinous ligament was approached anteriorly by blunt dissection. Recurrence was defined as apical (C), or anterior (Aa or Ba) ≥0, and secondary analyses were performed using POP-Q ≥ −1 as the anatomic threshold. Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaires (SSQ) and a dyspareunia symptom scale were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Fifty-three women with uterus in situ demonstrated a combined anterior–apical recurrence rate of 1.89 %, including no anterior (Ba ≥ −1) and one apical (C ≥ −1) recurrence. Forty-seven women undergoing repair for vault prolapse had recurrence rates ranging from 0 % in those with prior hysterectomy to 4.2 % in those undergoing concurrent hysterectomy. The rate of mesh exposure was 3/115 (2.6 %), including two in women with concurrent hysterectomy. Self-reported dyspareunia was more common preoperatively (13.4 %) than postoperatively (9.3 %). PFDI scores improved in all domains, and 93 % completing the SSQ reported they were satisfied and would choose the surgery again. This technique resulted in successful outcomes within both anterior and apical compartments with a low rate of mesh complication, and no cases required mesh removal or hospital readmission. High rates of satisfaction and improved condition-specific QOL were observed.
NEW COMBINATIONS IN HAWAIIAN CHAMAESYCE (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Chamaesyce is accepted at the genus level for the Hawaiian taxa. The following new combinations are made:C. celastroides var.laehiensis, C. celastroides var.tomentella, C. rockii var.grandifolia, C. skottsbergii var.vaccinioides, andC. sparsiflora.
Maize, food insecurity, and the field of performance in southern Zambia

This paper explores the interrelationship between maize farming, the discourse of modernity, and the performance of a modern farmer in southern Zambia. The post-colonial Zambian government discursively constructed maize as a vehicle for expanding economic modernization into rural Zambia and undoing the colonial government’s urban modernization bias. The pressures of neo-liberal reform have changed this discursive construction in ways that constitute maize as an obstacle to sustained food security in southern Zambia. Despite this discursive change, maize continues to occupy a central position in the farming systems of the region. I argue that the continued prevalence of maize in southern Zambia can be understood as a performance that allows farmers to maintain their identities as modern rural subjects. The paper concludes with the policy implications of the field of performance on two contemporary debates in Zambian food security: the use of GMO crops and the promotion of cassava as a drought tolerant alternative to maize.
Reply: Lymphomagenesis and female-specific lethality in p53 -deficient mice occur independently of E2f1

Reply: Lymphomagenesis and female-specific lethality in p53 -deficient mice occur independently of E2f1
Phosphorylation of the alternative mRNA splicing factor 45 (SPF45) by Clk1 regulates its splice site utilization, cell migration and invasion

Alternative mRNA splicing is a mechanism to regulate protein isoform expression and is regulated by alternative splicing factors. The alternative splicing factor 45 (SPF45) is overexpressed in cancer, although few biological effects of SPF45 are known, and few splicing targets have been identified. We previously showed that Extracellular Regulated Kinase 2 (ERK2) phosphorylation of SPF45 regulates cell proliferation and adhesion to fibronectin. In this work, we show that Cdc2-like kinase 1 (Clk1) phosphorylates SPF45 on eight serine residues. Clk1 expression enhanced, whereas Clk1 inhibition reduced, SPF45-induced exon 6 exclusion from Fas mRNA. Mutational analysis of the Clk1 phosphorylation sites on SPF45 showed both positive and negative regulation of splicing, with a net effect of inhibiting SPF45-induced exon 6 exclusion, correlating with reduced Fas mRNA binding. However, Clk1 enhanced SPF45 protein expression, but not mRNA expression, whereas inhibition of Clk1 increased SPF45 degradation through a proteasome-dependent pathway. Overexpression of SPF45 or a phospho-mimetic mutant, but not a phospho-inhibitory mutant, stimulated ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion, correlating with increased fibronectin expression, ERK activation and enhanced splicing and phosphorylation of full-length cortactin. Our results demonstrate for the first time that SPF45 overexpression enhances cell migration and invasion, dependent on biochemical regulation by Clk1.
On the solutions of Eringen's micropolar plate equations and of other approximate equations

Abstract This paper presents some results on the solutions of Eringen's micropolar plate equations and of other approximate micropolar plate equations. In all the cases, the original coupled governing equations for the displacements and micro-rotations of micropolar plates have been reduced to the uncoupled equations of the same order for the new displacement functions. These solutions will be useful in solving the boundary problems encountered in theory of micropolar plates.
Mosaic triple trisomy in amniocytes from a phenotypically and karyotypically normal fetus

We report the detection of a mosaic triple trisomy, 46, XY/49, XY, + 13, +20, +21, in two amniotic fluid specimens obtained from a pregnancy that yielded a normal infant. Traditional cytogenetic methods failed to detect the abnormal cell lineage in fetal blood, foreskin, amnion, umbilical cord, and three different biopsies of the chorion. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization study of cells from a buccal smear showed no evidence of cells with three copies of chromosome 20.
AN ATTEMPT TO TRANSFER A POSITION DISCRIMINATION HABIT VIA RNA EXTRACTS

RNA extracted from trained and untrained (control) rats did not demonstrate statistically significant transfer of learning effects when injected intraperitoneally into naive recipient rats. Since the direction of the results consistently favored the “trained RNA extract” recipient, it is suggested that future investigation of biochemical transfer utilize more rigorous training for donor animals and larger RNA dosage levels for injections of recipient animals.
Substrate-selective induction of rabbit hepatic UDP-glucuronyltransferases by ethanol and other xenobiotics

Abstract Male New Zeland white rabbits were treated with various inducers of hepatic metabolism enzymes to characterize the induction of UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UDP-GT) enzymes. Rabbits were pretreated with phenobarbital, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 3-methylcholanthrene, β-naphthoflavone, Aroclor 1254, ethanol, trans -stilbene oxide, pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile, or clofibric acid. Hepatic microsomes from treated and control animals were incubated with the GT 1 -type substrates, p -nitrophenol and 1-naphthol; the GT 2 -type substrate, morphine; and the steroid substrate, estrone. Compared to the rat, the rabbit was particularly resistant to UDP-GT induction. Ethanol was the most potent inducer for both GT 1 and GT 2 activities, but it failed to induce steroid (estrone, estradiol, and testosterone) UDP-GT activities. Ethanol pretreatment increased oxazepam-GT but it decreased bilirubin-GT activity. 3-Methylcholanthrene (3MC) and β-nphthoflavone (BNF) are the prototypic GT 1 inducers in the rat, but 3MC caused no induction of GT 1 activity and BNF caused induction of both GT 1 and GT 2 activities in the rabbit. None of the xenobiotic pretreatments increased the hepatic microsomal glucuronidation of estrone. These results demonstrate that the induction of UDP-GT activities, and the use of this phenomenon to classify UDP-GT forms, is somewhat species-specific and cannot necessarily be extrapolated from rats to other species. In addition, the substrate selectivity of ethanol-induced microsomal UDP-GT was established.
Investigating combinatorial approaches in virtual screening on human inducible 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB3): a case study for small molecule kinases.

Abstract Efforts toward improving the predictiveness in tier-based approaches to virtual screening (VS) have mainly focused on protein kinases. Despite their significance as drug targets, small molecule kinases have been rarely tested with these approaches. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of a pharmacophore screening-combined structure-based docking approach on the human inducible 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase, an emerging target for cancer chemotherapy. Six out of a total 1364 compounds from NCI’s Diversity Set II were selected as true actives via throughput screening. Using a database constructed from these compounds, five programs were tested for structure-based docking (SBD) performance, the MOE of which showed the highest enrichments and second highest screening rates. Separately, using the same database, pharmacophore screening was performed, reducing 1364 compounds to 287 with no loss in true actives, yielding an enrichment of 4.75. When SBD was retested with the pharmacophore filtered database, 4 of the 5 SBD programs showed significant improvements to enrichment rates at only 2.5% of the database, with a 7-fold decrease in an average VS time. Our results altogether suggest that combinatorial approaches of VS technologies are easily applicable to small molecule kinases and, moreover, that such methods can decrease the variability associated with single-method SBD approaches.
Cortical bone pin fixation: a preliminary report on fixation of digital arthrodeses and distal chevron first metatarsal osteotomies.

From 1998 to 1999, the senior author utilized Allofix ® cortical bone pins for primary fixation of 40 first metatarsal distal chevron osteotomies and 30 digital arthrodeses in 42 patients. Radiographs of each patient were evaluated for the presence of graft incorporation, union of the osteotomy or fusion site, and postoperative migration of the osseous segments. In 70 procedures, the average time for graft incorporation as evaluated by the absence of graft visualization on radiographs was 4 months. Complications included one case of graft displacement The results indicate that Allofix ® cortical bone pins are a reliable, safe, and effective method for the fixation of first metatarsal distal chevron osteotomies and phalangeal arthrodeses of the foot.
Separation and characterization of chloroform-soluble preasphaltenes in non-distillable coal liquids

Abstract Nitrogen compounds and hydroxy-aromatics from chloroform-soluble/toluene-insoluble preasphaltenes of a Kentucky coal-liquid sample were characterized by elemental analysis, i.r. spectroscopy and field-ionization mass spectrometry. A similar approach was used for the general characterization of the pyridine-soluble/ chloroform-insoluble preasphaltenes. A new h.p.l.c. method was applied for the separation of a nitrogencompound fraction and a hydroxy-aromatic fraction from the chlorofom-soluble/toluene-insoluble preasphaltenes. The chromatographic method was very selective in separating polar nitrogen compounds and polar hydroxy-aromatics. The separation order within a given fraction was based on increasing polarity of the compounds. Spectral results indicated that the chloroform-soluble preasphaltenes were composed of structures with molecular weights in the mass range ≈200–800 and were predominantly mono- and dihydroxy compounds. In addition, non-hydroxy compounds that contained pyrrolic functionality were present. Solubility information for the preasphaltenes in various solvents was also obtained.
Induction of CD40 on human endothelial cells by Alzheimer’s β-amyloid peptides

Growing evidence suggests that beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides play a central role in mediating vascular endothelium dysfunction, but the extent to which immune mechanisms are involved in this process remains unclear. To explore such mechanisms, we incubated cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) with freshly solublized Abeta and examined expression of a central immunoregulatory molecule, CD40, in these cells using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western immunoblotting, and Flow cytometry. Our results show that treatment of endothelial cells with Abeta1-40, Abeta1-42 or gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) results in a dose-dependent induction of endothelial CD40 expression. Furthermore, ligation of endothelial CD40 and simultaneous treatment of human endothelial cells with IFN-gamma or Abeta peptides leads to a significant release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a marker for endothelial cell activation. Since IL-1beta is an important inflammatory response mediator, these findings suggest that the functional role of Abeta-induced endothelial CD40 may be promotion of the inflammatory cascade in vascular endothelial cells.
Local Television Coverage of a Mall Shooting: Separating Facts From Fiction in Breaking News

Local TV news emphasizes the earliest stage of crimes because “breaking news” is fresh, dramatic and visual. A qualitative analysis was conducted using a comprehensive set of recordings of the first three-and-a-half hours of local television news coverage in Omaha, Nebraska. This study identified a series of ongoing issues that have important implications for newsroom decision-makers. Local television news used charged and dramatic language, such as that shooting victims were “fighting for their lives.” Reporters and news managers find themselves in the middle of a struggle between two options: remaining a distant and objective observer of events, or connecting with the emotion felt by viewers.
X-ray flat-panel imager (FPI)-based cone-beam volume CT (CBVCT) under a circle-plus-two-arc data acquisition orbit

The potential of cone beam volume CT (CBVCT) to improve the data acquisition efficiency for volume tomographic imaging is well recognized. A novel x-ray FPI based CBVCT prototype and its preliminary performance evaluation are presented in this paper. To meet the data sufficiency condition, the CBVCT prototype employs a circle-plus-two-arc orbit accomplished by a tiltable circular gantry. A cone beam filtered back-projection (CB-FBP) algorithm is derived for this data acquisition orbit, which employs a window function in the Radon domain to exclude the redundancy between the Radon information obtained from the circular cone beam (CB) data and that from the arc CB data. The number of projection images along the circular sub-orbit and each arc sub-orbit is 512 and 43, respectively. The reconstruction exactness of the prototype x-ray FPI based CBVCT system is evaluated using a disc phantom in which seven acrylic discs are stacked at fixed intervals. Images reconstructed with this algorithm show that both the contrast and geometric distortion existing in the disc phantom images reconstructed by the Feldkamp algorithm are substantially reduced. Meanwhile, the imaging performance of the prototype, such as modulation transfer function (MTF) and low contrast resolution, are quantitatively evaluated in detail through corresponding phantom studies. Furthermore, the capability of the prototype to reconstruct an ROI within a longitudinally unbounded object is verified. The results obtained from this preliminary performance evaluation encourage an expectation of medical applications of the x-ray FPI based CBVCT under the circle-plus-two-arc data acquisition, particularly the application in image-guided interventional procedures and radiotherapy where the movement of a patient table is to be avoided.
RB-02PHASE I/II CLINICAL TRIAL USING TRANS SODIUM CROCETINATE AS A RADIOSENSITIZER FOR GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Trans sodium crocetinate (TSC) was developed at UVA to increase tissue oxygenation. Since hypoxic tumors are more resistant to radiation therapy (RT), TSC was demonstrated to increase survival in a rat GBM model.TSC has been used in an open GBM clinical trial in conjunction with TMZ and RT. All patients have undergone at least one year of treatment/check-ups. METHODS: 59 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled between January 2012 and March 2013. Patients received standard of care RT and TMZ. TSC was also administered 3/week, prior to the RT sessions. The trial began with a Phase I portion to establish the safety of dosing TSC in 3 half-dose patients. Then 6 more patients received TSC for the full 6 weeks of RT. Since there were no dose-limiting toxicities, 50 more Phase II patients were enrolled at the higher dosage of TSC. Four weeks after completion of RT, patients resumed TMZ for 5 days every 4 weeks, but no further TSC was administered. The patients continued to receive bi-monthly check-ups for MRI, KPS scores and Quality of Life questions. The principal efficacy measurement is survival at 24 months as compared to a historical control (Stupp 2005). RESULTS: At a time of 12 months since the diagnosis of GBM: survival = 70% of the 56 full-dose patients are alive as compared to 61% in the Stupp 2005 trial; radiologic response shows 6 full-dose patients who began RT with partially-resected tumors now show no tumor, while another 13 show declining tumors. 7 patients who began RT following complete resections still show no detectable tumor. Thus, 46% of the patients exhibit decreased or zero tumor volumes; SAFETY: The patients tolerated the concurrent dosing of TMZ and TSC during RT extremely well. Only one patient experienced TMZ-induced thrombocytopenia.
Effect of liming on spore germination, germ tube growth and root colonization by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The effect of soil acidity on spore germination, germ tube growth and root colonization of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi was examined using a Florida Ultisol. Soil samples were treated with 0, 4, 8 and 12 meq Ca/MgCO3/100 g soil and each lime level received 0, 240, and 720 ppm P as superphosphate. Corn (Zea mays L.) was planted in the soil treatments, inoculated with eitherGlomus mosseae orGigaspora margarita spores and grown for 31 days. Acid soil inhibits mycorrhizal formation byG. mosseae through its strong fungistatic effect against the spores. The dolomitic lime increased mycorrhizal formation by both fungal species.G. margarita is much less sensitive to acidic conditions thanG. mosseae. Al ions are a very important component of the fungistatic property against the VAM symbiosis. VAM fungus adaptation may be important for plants growing on infertile acid soils if soil inoculation with these fungi is to contribute significantly to low-input technology for tropical agricultural systems.
Subjective Interpretation of Loudspeaker Frequency Response Curves in terms of Loudness

In objective measurements of the overall response of sound reproducing systems, the need is continually felt of a method of interpreting them subjectively. We have found it possible, by utilising Kingsbury's scale of loudness and his measurements at different frequencies connecting the sensation level of a pure tone with its loudness,1 to derive loudness-frequency characteristics. By way of example, in Fig. 1, is shown a typical measured acoustical response curve for a high quality loudspeaker. This type of curve can refer to the loudspeaker when supplied with constant current or when associated with its amplifier, or to the overall response characteristic corrected for different factors such as the change in the polar distribution of radiation with frequency.
The Progenitor Masses of Wolf-Rayet Stars and Luminous Blue Variables Determined from Cluster Turnoffs. II. Results from 12 Galactic Clusters and OB Associations

In a previous paper on the Magellanic Clouds, we demonstrated that coeval clusters provide a powerful tool for probing the progenitor masses of Wolf-Rayet (W-R) stars and luminous blue variables (LBVs). Here we extend this work to the higher metallicity regions of the Milky Way, studying 12 Galactic clusters. We present new spectral types for the unevolved stars and use these, plus data from the literature, to construct H-R diagrams. We find that all but two of the clusters are highly coeval, with the highest mass stars having formed over a period of less than 1 Myr. The turnoff masses show that at Milky Way metallicities some W-R stars (of early WN type) come from stars with masses as low as 20–25 M⊙. Other early-type WN stars appears to have evolved from high masses, suggesting that a large range of masses evolve through an early WN stage. On the other hand, WN7 stars are found only in clusters with very high turnoff masses, over 120 M⊙. Similarly, the LBVs are only found in clusters with the highest turnoff masses, as we found in the Magellanic Clouds, providing very strong evidence that LBVs are a normal stage in the evolution of the most massive stars. Although clusters containing WN7 stars and LBVs can be as young as 1 Myr, we argue that these objects are evolved, and that the young age simply reflects the very high masses that characterize the progenitors of such stars. In particular, we show that the LBV η Car appears to be coeval with the rest of the Trumpler 14/16 complex. Although the WC stars in the Magellanic Clouds were found in clusters with turnoff masses as low as 45 M⊙, the three Galactic WC stars in our sample are all found in clusters with high turnoff masses (>70 M⊙); whether this difference is significant or due to small number statistics remains to be seen. The bolometric corrections of Galactic W-R stars are hard to establish using the cluster turnoff method but are consistent with the "standard model" of Hillier.
The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in select sarcoma patients: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a staging technique for occult lymph node disease. SLN biopsy has been applied to select patients with sarcoma, although the clinical utility remains uncertain. Methods A PubMed/MEDLINE literature search was performed, and SLN biopsy outcomes were analyzed using a Bayesian meta-analytic approach to obtain point and interval estimates of rates of interest. Results Sixteen studies involving SLN biopsy in patients with sarcoma were identified. Of 114 patients reported, 14 patients had positive SLNs (crude estimate, 12%; meta-analysis estimate, 17%). The meta-analysis false-negative rate was 29% (95% credible interval, 5%–59%). Recurrence and death rates in the SLN-positive group were higher than in the SLN-negative group. Conclusions This investigation highlights the current role of SLN biopsy in select patients with sarcoma for tumor staging. Questions regarding the high false-negative rate and management of micrometastatic lymphatic disease in patients with sarcoma still exist.
Double trouble for grasshopper molecular systematics: intra‐individual heterogeneity of both mitochondrial 12S‐valine‐16S and nuclear internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequences in Hesperotettix viridis (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Hesperotettix viridis grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) exhibit intra-individual variation in both mitochondrial 12S-valine-16S and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences. These findings violate core assumptions underlying DNA sequence data obtained via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for use in molecular systematics investigations. Undetected intra-individual variation of this sort can confound phylogenetic analyses at a range of taxonomic levels. The use of a DNA extraction protocol designed to enrich mitochondrial DNA as well as an initial long PCR of approximately 40% of the grasshopper mitochondrial genome failed to control for the presence of paralogous mitochondrial DNA-like sequences within individuals. These findings constitute the first demonstration of intra-individual heterogeneity in mitochondrial DNA-like sequences in the grasshopper subfamily, Melanoplinae, and only the second report of intra-individual variation in nuclear ITS ribosomal DNA sequences in grasshoppers. The fact that intra-individual variation was detected in two independent DNA marker sets in the same organism strengthens the notion that the orthology of PCR-derived DNA sequences should be examined thoroughly prior to their use in molecular phylogenetic analyses or as DNA barcodes.
Dexamethasone blocks the rapid biological effects of 17β-estradiol in the rat uterus without antagonizing its global genomic actions

Estrogens and glucocorticoids have opposing effects on the female reproductive tract, but the molecular basis for this antagonism is poorly understood. We therefore examined the biological and transcriptional programs induced by estrogens and glucocorticoids in the uterus of immature female rats. Estradiol 17beta (E2) rapidly induced morphological changes reminiscent of an acute inflammatory response, including infiltration of eosinophils, edema in the stroma and myometrium, and a decrease in the height of luminal epithelial cells, whereas dexamethasone (Dex) only altered stromal cell morphology. When coadministered with E2, Dex completely blocked the proinflammatory effects of E2. Surprisingly, examination of E2 and Dex effects on gene expression using cDNA microarrays and real-time PCR revealed that these hormones had similar effects on the expression of many genes and that very few genes displayed antagonistic regulation. Together, these results indicate strong discord between the early biologic and genomic actions of estrogens and glucocorticoids and highlight a complex regulatory role for glucocorticoids and GR in the mammalian uterus.
Bilateral renal artery occlusion in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis

A patient with renal failure due to progressive systemic sclerosis showed bilateral renal artery occlusion on renal angiography. The mechanism for the involvement of the main renal arteries is unknown, but it is postulated that the involvement of the main stem renal arteries was an extension of the pre-existing occlusive process in the interlobular arteries. This was hastened by the severe reduction in renal blood flow due to the hemorrhage and sepsis complicating the course. Another possible mechanism is a reduction of the fibrinolytic activity in the region of the intimal narrowing of the renal artery, coupled with reduction of the blood flow. The kidney biopsy showed intimal thickening and almost complete occlusion of interlobar arteries. Similar changes were observed in the smaller arteries. These findings are consistent with scleroderma of the kidney.
Relationship of fluorescent intensity to ion uptake and elongation rates of soybean roots

The relationship between the fluorescent intensity of individual soybeanGlycine max (L.) Merr.} roots or root segments and their nutrient absorption capacity or elongation rate was investigated. Data are reported for the short-term (30 sec) absorption of rubidium, phosphate, and iron by roots of soybean plants which had been cultured in a soil solution system. Results indicate that the rates of absorption of Fe, was directly related to the fluorescent intensity, with the most rapid absorption per unit of root length or surface area occuring in regions of most intense fluorescence. Elongation rate was positively correlated to the intensity of root fluorescence. These relationships should be useful for estimating root elongation rates in soil systems and for evaluating the distribution of growth rates and nutrient absorption activities within a crop root system.
Effects of long-term inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) in uninephrectomized diabetic rats.

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal hemodynamic changes in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the role of NO in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy remains controversial. Renal hemodynamic changes in experimental DM can be acutely normalized by selective inhibition of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). This observation suggests a nephroprotective potential of nNOS inhibition in DM. To explore this issue we assessed the long-term effects (12 weeks) of selective nNOS inhibition with the specific inhibitor S-methyl- l -thiocitrulline (SMTC) in uninephrectomized control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. No beneficial effects of SMTC were observed in nondiabetic controls. In contrast, SMTC delayed the development of proteinuria (32 ± 8 vs. 53 ± 9 mg/24 h, week 8, p
Functional magnetic resonance imaging in medicine and physiology

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about macroscopic structure and anatomy. Recent advances in MRI allow the noninvasive spatial evaluation of various biophysical and biochemical processes in living systems. Specifically, the motion of water can be measured in processes such as vascular flow, capillary flow, diffusion, and exchange. In addition, the concentrations of various metabolites can be determined for the assessment of regional regulation of metabolism. Examples are given that demonstrate the use of functional MRI for clinical and research purposes. This development adds a new dimension to the application of magnetic resonance to medicine and physiology.
AMINE PHASE PARTITIONING USING EMULSION LIQUID MEMBRANES

The bulk phase solute partition coefficient (K mb ) is an important parameter in the modeling studies of emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) extraction systems, since it gives the ratio of solute concentration in the membrane phase to the solute concentration in the bulk phase at equilibrium. The partitioning of aromatic amines (aniline, p-toluidine, m-toluidine. and 4-chloroaniline) in water-oil-water type ELM systems has been studied experimentally as a function of internal phase volume fraction in the emulsion. Because aqueous aromatic amine solutions (AAASs) are known to photooxidatively decompose under the effect of light, mixing, and aeration which are present in the partitioning experiments conducted in this study, the amount of decrease in the bulk phase amine concentration due to photooxidation needs to be determined. In the partitioning experiments, the equilibrium was reached in the first 5-10 minutes after the emulsion addition to the AAASs. It was found that the photooxidative decomposition of the...
Regulation of aromatase expression in the ovary and placenta: a comparison between two species☆

The conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens is catalysed by aromatase P450 (P450arom; product of the CYP19 gene). Tissue sites of expression include the gonads and brain; however, in a small subset of mammals, P450arom is also expressed in the placenta. In humans, gonadal expression employs a promoter proximal to the start site of translation, whereas expression in the placenta relies on a promoter which is distal to this site. We characterized the bovine CYP19 gene in both the ovary (OV) and placenta (PL), to determine if this method of regulation of tissue-specific expression is employed in other species. Both bovine and human species express P450arom in these tissues, however, the pattern of expression is very different. In both humans and cattle, P450arom is expressed in the granulosa cells of the ovary, however, after ovulation only the luteinized granulosa cells of the human continue to express P450arom. There is a high degree of sequence identity (>70%) shared between humans and cattle in the OV-specific 5′-flanking DNA, whereas little identity (<40%) was found between humans and cattle in the PL-specific DNA. Promoters and 5′-flanking regions of human and bovine CYP19 genes were subcloned into a luciferase (LUC) vector. Bovine PL-specific constructs transfected into JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells failed to express LUC activity. When OV-specific constructs were transfected into luteinized bovine granulosa cells, there was no change in LUC activity in cells transfected with the bovine constructs after treatment with forskolin, whereas all of the corresponding human constructs expressed LUC activity. The bovine 5′-flanking DNA lacks a cAMP-responsive element-like sequence (CLS) critical for cAMP-stimulated transcription of P450arom in the human ovary. With the absence of this CLS sequence in the bovine gene, there appears to be little enhancement of transcription by cAMP in the portion of the 5′-flanking region studied so far. When the analogous region of the bovine promoter was mutated to the human CLS, only a partial restoration of LUC activity was observed. An additional element therefore appears to be important in preventing the full expression of the bovine CYP19 gene in luteinized granulosa cells.
An empirical study of occupational stress, attitudes and health among information systems personnel

Abstract This paper investigates occupational stress, Type A behavior pattern, work attitudes, health symptoms, and health behaviors among information systems personnel. Hundreds of research studies have been conducted on the stress associated with working in various occupations. Unfortunately, information systems is one occupation that has not been included in these stress studies. The present study investigated the stress, work attitudes, and health behaviors of 446 information systems personnel employed in 18 different organizations. Type A behavior pattern was found to be a significant moderator for some of the stressor-criterion associations. The findings suggest that more managerial understanding of person-environment fit in general and the individual employee's predisposition toward the Type A behavior pattern specifically may be beneficial in attempting to initiate, nurture, and sustain a productive and healthy work atmosphere.
TNT detection using llama antibodies and a two-step competitive fluid array immunoassay

Llamas possess unique subclasses of antibodies that lack light chains, and thus are made by the pairing of two heavy chains. IgG was purified from two llamas which had been immunized with trinitrobenzene-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Conventional IgG1 and heavy chain IgG2 and IgG3 subclasses were fractionated using affinity chromatography. The effectiveness of heavy chain antibodies for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) using a competitive fluid array immunoassay was evaluated and compared to both the llama IgG1 as well as a murine monoclonal anti-TNT antibody. It was found that heavy chain antibody bound TNT with selectivity similar to conventional antibodies, yet the heavy chain antibodies possessed greater thermal stability. The titer of the heavy chain antibodies however was found to be 10-fold lower than the IgG1; thus analytical assays were best demonstrated using the llama IgG1 conventional antibody. The TNT competitive immunoassay on the Luminex fluid analyzer had a dynamic range from approximately 100 ng/mL to 10 microg/mL. Utilizing the same two-step competitive assay format the dynamic range of the monoclonal antibody was found to have a broad range (1 ng/mL to 1 microg/mL). This method was demonstrated on TNT contaminated soil extracts using both the llama IgG1 and the mouse monoclonal validating the utility of method for analysis of field samples.
Training Standardized Patients for a High-Stakes Clinical Performance Examination in the California Consortium for the Assessment of Clinical Competence

The use of standardized patients in teaching and assessment of clinical skills has become more ubiquitous in medical schools in the United States and Canada since Dr Howard Barrows introduced the first standardized patient at the University of Southern California in 1963. This increased usage is also due to the fact that the national licensing examination in the United States, includes a component to assess the clinical skills of the learners (United States Medical Licensure Examination Step 2 CS). The eight medical schools in California form a Consortium for the Assessment of Clinical Competence, which enables them to develop and implement a common clinical assessment tool, the Clinical Performance Examination (CPX), for final year medical students across the state. All medical schools in the Consortium share the same standardized patient cases and checklists. The standardization of training across the eight medical schools is presented. This paper describes the methods that have been used to train the SPs so that they can portray the gestalt of the patient, provide effective feedback, and reliably evaluate the students at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Quality assurance measures to ensure both performance and checklist accuracy are also described.
Effectiveness of recombinant desulphatohirudin in reducing restenosis after balloon angioplasty of atherosclerotic femoral arteries in rabbits.

BACKGROUNDThe effectiveness of balloon angioplasty is limited by a restenosis rate of approximately 30%. Recombinant desulphatohirudin (r-hirudin [CGP 39393]) has been found to be highly effective in preventing acute platelet-rich thrombosis after deep arterial injury as compared with heparin.METHODS AND RESULTSThis study evaluated the effect of intravenous r-hirudin, a selective inhibitor of thrombin, on restenosis after balloon angioplasty in 29 rabbits. Focal femoral atherosclerosis was induced by air desiccation endothelial injury followed by a 2% cholesterol diet for 1 month. At angioplasty (2.5-mm balloon with three 60-second, 10-atm inflations 60 seconds apart), the rabbits received heparin (150 units/kg bolus, n = 16) or r-hirudin (1 mg/kg bolus followed by infusions of 1 mg/kg for the first hour and 0.5 mg/kg for the second hour, n = 13). Angiograms performed before and after angioplasty and before death were analyzed quantitatively by a blinded observer. Rabbits were killed 2 hours (n = 14) or 2...
The elastic bulk effect of point defects in metals

Abstract The presence of point defects in a solid produces a, change in the elastic moduli arising from the altered interatomic forces. The continuum theory of this “bulk effect” is discussed in detail. A major theoretical uncertainty remains regarding the effect of shear strains on the moduli. Experimental results are reported on the bulk effect on Young's modulus for Cu and W irradiated below 15°K with 10 MeV protons. Both metals give a negative bulk effect; the fractional change in Young's modulus per atomic fraction of interstitial-vacancy pairs is estimated to be −13 ± 3 for Cu and − 13 ± 3 for W. These sizeable negative values suggest either a large negative shear strain effect as predicted by Zener or anelastic processes which are active at 4.2°K.