cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokine-induced myeloid differentiation is dependent on activation of the MEK/ERK pathway.

The intracellular signaling pathways that mediate cytokine-induced granulocytic and monocytic differentiation are incompletely understood. In this study, we examined the importance of the MEK/ERK signal transduction pathway in granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced granulocytic differentiation of murine 32Dcl3 cells, and in interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced monocytic differentiation of murine M1 cells. Induction of granulocytic differentiation with G-CSF, or monocytic differentiation with IL-6, led to rapid and sustained activation of the MEK-1/-2 and ERK-1/-2 enzymes. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway by pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor U0126 dramatically attenuated G-CSF-induced granulocytic differentiation and IL-6-induced monocytic differentiation. Inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling also significantly reduced cytokine-induced DNA binding activities of STAT3 and PU.1, transcription factors that have been implicated in myeloid differentiation. Additionally, interleukin-3, which inhibits G-CSF-induced differentiation of 32Dcl3 cells, also inhibited the ability of G-CSF to stimulate prolonged MEK/ERK activation. Thus, the opposing actions of different hematopoietic cytokines on myeloid progenitors may be mediated at the level of MEK/ERK activation. Taken together, these studies demonstrate an important requirement for MEK/ERK activation during cytokine-induced granulocytic and monocytic differentiation.
Treatment of interpersonal deficits for head-trauma patients in inpatient rehabilitation settings

Abstract Deficits in interpersonal behavior are common after closed-head injury and frequently are a major source of disability. Although modest success in treating interpersonal deficits during the postacute phase of rehabilitation has been noted, few attempts to treat interpersonal deficits during inpatient rehabilitation have been reported. Problems with interpersonal behavior can be the result of neurological injury, emotional reaction to injury, premorbid personality, or some combination of these factors. Treatment begins with accurate assessment of the source of the aberrant interpersonal behavior. Because of differences in stage of recovery, patient abilities, and treatment setting, assessment and treatment methods will vary from methods used in the postacute phase of rehabilitation. Interpersonal deficits can be treated in the context of group-therapeutic activities, in one-to-one contacts with therapists, and during unstructured time on the ward. Accurate feedback regarding inappropriate interper...
Psychiatric aspects of Klinefelter's Syndrome

Klinefelter's Syndrome was first described in 1942. However, many of the psychiatric, developmental, and neurologic manifestations were not recognized until much later. The present paper reviews the literature pertaining to these aspects of Klinefelter's Syndrome. The etiology, incidence, and prevalence of this syndrome are also discussed. The importance of early detection and therapeutic intervention to minimize psychiatric morbidity is discussed.
Exploring Divisibility and Summability of 'Photon' Wave Packets in Nonlinear Optical Phenomena

Formulations for second and higher harmonic frequency up and down conversions, as well as multi photon processes directly assume summability and divisibility of photons. Quantum mechanical (QM) interpretations are completely congruent with these assumptions. However, for linear optical phenomena (interference, diffraction, refraction, material dispersion, spectral dispersion, etc.), we have a profound dichotomy. Most optical engineers innovate and analyze all optical instruments by propagating pure classical electromagnetic (EM) fields using Maxwell s equations and gives only lip-service to the concept "indivisible light quanta". Further, irrespective of linearity or nonlinearity of the phenomena, the final results are always registered through some photo-electric or photo-chemical effects. This is mathematically well modeled by a quadratic action (energy absorption) relation. Since QM does not preclude divisibility or summability of photons in nonlinear & multi-photon effects, it cannot have any foundational reason against these same possibilities in linear optical phenomena. It implies that we must carefully revisit the fundamental roots behind all light-matter interaction processes and understand the common origin of "graininess" and "discreteness" of light energy.
Incidental Teaching of Age-Appropriate Social Phrases to Children with Autism:

Successful inclusion is facilitated when children with autism fit in and interact in meaningful ways with their typical peers. However, deficits in conversational language likely limit the social a...
Scattering anisotropy as an imaging contrast for tissue organization in mesoscopic imaging

We report the utilization of tissue scattering anisotropy as an intrinsic imaging contrast. This could potentially be used to probe tissue architecture and organization for mesoscopic (between microscopic and macroscopic) imaging settings.
Emulation of Conduction System Functions in the Hearts of Early Mammalian Embryos

The conduction system functions of atrioventricular sequential contractions, atrioventricular delay, and coordination of ventricular contraction were examined in rat embryos at the earliest functional stage of cardiac development (before cardiac looping, n = 6) and shortly after looping (n = 15). Atrioventricular sequential contractions were observed in all embryos, and contractions appeared to originate in the left sinus horn. Atrioventricular delay was present in both prelooped (132 +/- 32 ms) and looped (141 +/- 15 ms) hearts. Before looping, contractions traveled from proximal ventricle to bulbus cordis, a distance of 253 +/- 27 microns, in 72 +/- 22 ms. After looping, contractions crossed an increased intraventricular distance (520 +/- 28 microns, p less than 0.005) in substantially less time (16 +/- 7 ms, p less than 0.005). Sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal functions are emulated in both prelooped and looped hearts of early mammalian embryos, and His-Purkinje system function is emulated in looped hearts.
Social, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To investigate the hypothesis that children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) would have more social and emotional problems than case–control classmates. Methods Using a case–control design, children with JRA (n = 74), ages 8–14, were compared with case–control classmates (n = 74). Peer relationships, emotional well-being, and behavior, based on peer-, teacher-, parent-, and self-report scores on common measures, were compared using analysis of variance. Results Relative to case–control classmates, children with JRA were similar on all measures of social functioning and behavior. Mothers reported more internalizing symptoms in the child with JRA, but child self reports and father reports showed no differences. Scores on all standardized measures were in the normal range for both the JRA and the case–control groups. Conclusion Children with JRA were remarkably similar to case–control children on measures of social functioning, emotional well-being, and behavior. These findings are not supportive of disability/stress models of chronic illness in childhood and suggest considerable psychological hardiness among children with JRA.
The influence and effects of gender and status on university instructor affinity‐seeking behavior

This study examined the influence of gender and status on perceptions of affinity‐seeking strategies used by university instructors and on perceptions of student learning. Types of affinity‐seeking strategies used by graduate teaching assistants were significantly different than those used by professors. No significant difference was found between affinity‐seeking strategy use based on instructor gender. Positive correlations were found between affinity‐seeking strategies use and 1) student affinity toward instructor, 2) student affective learning, and 3) student self‐perceived cognitive learning.
Correlations between adenine nucleotide levels and the velocities of rate-determining steps in the glycolysis and respiration of intact Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

Summary Changes were measured in the rates of respiration and in the levels of glycolytic intermediates during the first 4 min after addition of 0.77 mM glucose to respiring suspensions of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in 54 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.3) at 30°. The measured glycolytic products fully accounted for the glucose utilized. The respiratory rate was proportional to the ADP concentration. After 10 sec, the rate of the terminal segment of glycolysis was proportional to the ADP:ATP ratio, whereas the rate of the initial segment was proportional to the square of the ADP ATP ratio. A rapid nonglycolytic oxidation of glycolytically generated NADH occurred during the first 15 sec but not thereafter. Discrepancies in the lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) and α -glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) substrate ratios suggested an activation of a-glycerophosphate oxidase (EC 1.1.2.1) during glycolysis. At a period when glucose utilization had momentarily ceased, the theoretical rates of glycolytic and respiratory ATP synthesis were both substantial and nearly equal, indicating that mitochondrial trapping of ATP was not responsible for this phenomenon. Control of the initial steps of glycolysis is attributed to ADP activation of phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11) and limitation of hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) by product inhibition.
Early time implosion symmetry from two-axis shock-timing measurements on indirect drive NIF experiments

An innovative technique has been developed and used to measure the shock propagation speed along two orthogonal axes in an inertial confinement fusion indirect drive implosion target. This development builds on an existing target and diagnostic platform for measuring the shock propagation along a single axis. A 0.4 mm square aluminum mirror is installed in the ablator capsule which adds a second orthogonal view of the x-ray-driven shock speeds. The new technique adds capability for symmetry control along two directions of the shocks launched in the ablator by the laser-generated hohlraum x-ray flux. Laser power adjustments in four different azimuthal cones based on the results of this measurement can reduce time-dependent symmetry swings during the implosion. Analysis of a large data set provides experimental sensitivities of the shock parameters to the overall laser delivery and in some cases shows the effects of laser asymmetries on the pole and equator shock measurements.
Microsurgical approaches to the perimesencephalic cisterns and related segments of the posterior cerebral artery: comparison using a novel application of image guidance.

Objective To describe the exposure obtained through six approaches to the perimesencephalic cisterns with an emphasis on exposure of the posterior cerebral artery and its branches. Methods Dissections in 12 hemispheres exposed the crural, ambient, and quadrigeminal cisterns and related segments of the posterior cerebral artery. A Stealth Image Guidance workstation (Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies, Louisville, CO) was used to compare the approaches. Results The transsylvian approach exposed the interpeduncular and crural cisterns. The subtemporal approach exposed the interpeduncular and crural cisterns as well as the lower half of the ambient cistern. Temporal lobe retraction and the position of the vein of Labbe limited exposure of the quadrigeminal cistern. Occipital transtentorial and infratentorial supracerebellar approaches exposed the quadrigeminal and lower two-thirds of the ambient cistern. Transchoroidal approaches exposed the posterior third of the crural cistern, the upper two-thirds of the ambient cistern, and the proximal quadrigeminal cistern. Transchoroidal approaches exposed the posterior portion of the P2 segment (P2p) in 9 of 10 hemispheres and were the only approaches that exposed the lateral posterior choroidal arteries and the plexal segment of the anterior choroidal artery. Occipital transtentorial and infratentorial supracerebellar approaches provided access to the P3 segment in all cases and exposed the P2p segment in 4 of 10 hemispheres. The subtemporal approach provided access to the cisternal and crural segments of the anterior choroidal and medial posterior choroidal arteries and exposed the P2p segment in 3 of 10 hemispheres. Conclusion Surgical approaches to lesions of the perimesencephalic cisterns must be tailored to the site of the pathological findings. The most challenging area to expose is the upper half of the ambient cistern, particularly the P2p segment of the posterior cerebral artery.
Cradle-to-grave simulation-based design incorporating multiscale microstructure-property modeling: Reinvigorating design with science

We propose a new paradigm for design that incorporates scientifically oriented research directly and feasibly into engineering design practice. The goal is to use this simulation-based tool earlier in design to achieve more optimized components and systems. The method to accomplish this bridge of science and engineering is by using thermodynamically constrained internal state variables that are physically based upon microstructure-property relations. When the microstructure-property relations are included in the internal state variable rate equations, history effects can be captured. Hence, the cradle-to-grave notion arises. The method to help determine the appropriate microstructure-property relations for the internal state variables is through a multiscale modeling methodology which includes experimentation. As such, scientifically oriented research occurs in the multiscale methodology, and the engineering design practice employs the cradle-to-grave internal state variable model. An example of the multiscale methodology is presented in terms of a cast A356 aluminum alloy used in automotive design, and an example of the cradle-to-grave simulation based design is presented in terms of a stamped product used in a crash scenario.
What does the ‘Lilliput Effect’ mean?

Abstract The ‘Lilliput Effect’ represents a pronounced reduction in the size of the biota associated with the aftermath of mass extinctions. Although there is empirical evidence that suggests that it may be a common pattern during the recoveries from various mass extinction events, it remains to be analyzed in more detail to understand how pervasive the trend is from temporal, spatial, and taxonomic perspectives. The ‘Lilliput Effect’ could represent dynamics associated with or important diversions from a variety of biologic ‘rules’, such as Cope's and Bergmann's, governing size changes. Furthermore, there are a variety of possible patterns that could produce the ‘Lilliput Effect’ including: 1) the survival of small taxa; 2) the dwarfing of larger lineages; and 3) the evolutionary miniaturization from larger ancestral stocks. Finally, an interdisciplinary approach, involving stratigraphy, phylogenetics, and sclerochronology, is necessary to better understand the ecologic and evolutionary underpinnings of the ‘effect’. This approach needs to be more uniformly applied to different extinctions and taxonomic groups, allowing a more effective comparison and resulting in a more holistic perspective on the ‘Lilliput Effect’.
Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Review of the Evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline

This evidence review assesses the benefits and harms of diverse nonpharmacologic treatments for acute or chronic low back pain with or without leg pain. Therapies with good evidence of moderate eff...
The Axial Oxygen Atom and Superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7.

Changes in the copper K-edge x-ray absorption spectrum of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} across the critical temperature indicate that, accompanying the superconducting transition, the mean square relative displacement of some fraction of the Cu2-O4 bonds becomes smaller or more harmonic (or both), that there may be a slight increase in the associated Cu1-O4 distance, and that electronic states involving these atom pairs become more atomic-like. If there is an association between the superconductivity and this lattice instability, then the bridging axial oxygen is of central importance in determining the high transition temperature of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7}. Because this structural perturbation will affect the dynamic polarizability of the copper oxygen sublattice, it is consistent with an excitonic pairing mechanism in these materials. 36 refs., 4 figs.
Engineered point spread functions for 3D parallel particle tracking of optically trapped particles

We integrate a holographic optical tweezer system with a double-helix point spread function imaging for high precision three-dimensional (3D) multi-particle tracking. We perform precise quantitative estimates of the 3D forces in an optical trap.
Vigilance during play in squirrel monkeys.

Play by young squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) may put them and other troop members at risk for predation because youngsters are noisy, separated from adults, and not vigilant when at play. In a study using separated groups of adults and 1-year-old juveniles caged outdoors, we found that adult female squirrel monkeys become more vigilant during periods of spontaneous play among juveniles. This behavioral response could be obtained with auditory cues (play vocalizations) alone. Five times as much vigilance activity was directed toward an area from which threat or disturbance was likely to come as was directed toward the juveniles themselves. These results suggest both an adaptive, compensatory increase in adult vigilance during play and a function for play vocalizations. Additional functions for play vocalizations remain to be investigated.
A resource-efficient QoS routing protocol for mobile ad hoc networks

Summary The performance of existing QoS routing protocols is often constrained with high control traffic and database maintenance overhead. We observe that by proper coupling of nodal mobility and location information, better QoS support can be achieved with reduced control traffic and database requirements. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a location-aware QoS routing protocol, called trigger-based distributed routing (TDR), for mobile ad hoc networks. In this protocol, the nodal database size is reduced by maintaining only local neighborhood information, and route maintenance control overhead is kept low by maintaining only one route at a time for a session. Distributed rerouting control and directed alternate route discovery help reduce the rerouting control overhead and perform quicker route repair. Moreover, rerouting based on signal degradation history makes it possible to minimize the in-session route failure. Our evaluation shows that the TDR protocol has significantly better QoS support and reduced overhead requirements compared to the existing QoS routing protocols in ad hoc networks. Copyright  2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Religious Socialization and Interracial Dating The Effects of Childhood Religious Salience, Practice, and Parents’ Tradition

This article examines the impact of religious socialization on Americans’ propensity to engage in interracial dating or romance. Drawing on national survey data, I fit logistic regression models to estimate the net effects of four measures of religious socialization on respondents’ likelihood of engaging in interracial romance. Findings reveal that strong bivariate associations between respondents’ level of religious salience and practice at age 12 and interracial romantic engagement become nonsignificant in the face of sociodemographic controls. However, respondents with Jewish fathers and mothers remain significantly more likely to have interracially dated than those with Protestant fathers and mothers. Moreover, region moderates the effect of childhood religious service attendance such that respondents who more frequently attended religious services at age 12 and reside in non-Western regions, and particularly within the South, are less likely to have interracially dated. Findings ultimately suggest th...
Work in progress - A continuous-learning reward model for large classes

A course management model based on rewarding continuous learning was developed and tested with a large class of engineering majors during the spring semester of 2007. The motivation for this model was to create a positive classroom environment that encouraged students to attend every class lecture and learn inside the classroom and with homework and reading assignments. A key feature of the model is quizzes during every class period. The course was divided into three blocks of five weeks plus the final exam. During each block, students earned points based on homework, short quizzes, and a block exam at the end of the five weeks. The innovation of the continuous-learning model is that students were rewarded for strong quiz performances as incentives for "keeping up" in class. If students did well on the quizzes (as expected), their quiz scores counted heavily. If not, they would have a 2nd chance at higher points because the block exam would then count more heavily. In either case, students were likely to earn a larger number of points within a block leading to a higher course grade. Results showed higher scores and exceptional student satisfaction.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for Malaria Parasite Susceptibility in the Mosquito Aedes aegypti

Susceptibility of the mosquito Aedes aegypti to the malarial parasite Plasmodium gallinaceum was investigated as a quantitative trait using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Two F2 populations of mosquitoes were independently prepared from pairwise matings between a highly susceptible and a refractory strain of A. aegypti. RFLP were tested for association with oocyst development on the mosquito midgut. Two putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified that significantly affect susceptibility. One QTL, pgs[2,LF98], is located on chromosome 2 and accounted for 65 and 49% of the observed phenotypic variance in the two populations, respectively. A second QTL, pgs[3,MalI], is located on chromosome 3 and accounted for 14 and 10% of the observed phenotypic variance in the two populations, respectively. Both QTL exhibit a partial dominance effect on susceptibility, wherein the dominance effect is derived from the refractory parent. No indication of epistasis between these QTL was detected. Evidence suggests that either a tightly linked cluster of independent genes or a single locus affecting susceptibility to various mosquito-borne parasites and pathogens has evolved near the LF98 locus; in addition to P. gallinaceum susceptibility, this general genome region has previously been implicated in susceptibility to the filarial nematode Brugia malayi and the yellow fever virus.
Seed dispersal and seedling emergence in an old field community in central New York (USA).

Seed dispersal and seedling emergence of common taxa growing in a Solidago-dominated old field in central New York (USA) were monitored from May 1982 to June 1984. Over 3.5x104 seeds per m2 were captured on seed traps in each of the two years, with peaks occuring in July (due to Hieracium) and in November (due to Solidago). About 4.0x103 seedling/m2 emerged beneath the intact community in each of the two years. Although seedlings emerged predominantly in the early spring, a secondary peak occurred in September and October when many seedlings of introduced grasses appeared. Two additional aspects of the reproductive biology of the major taxa were related to the seasonal timing of seed dispersal: As the date of peak seed dispersal (among taxa) became progressively later in the season, (1) the duration of dispersal increased from about one week to about one-half year, and (2) the delay between the peak of seed dispersal and the peak of seedling emergence increased from a few days to about one-half year.
Unsteady Flow Characteristics and Viscous Flow Losses Behind Multiple Rows of Circular Pin Fins in Coolant Channels

This article deals with a computational assessment of 3D viscous flow behind multiple rows of circular pin fins in coolant channels used in gas turbine systems. Unsteady oscillations and turbulent flow characteristics especially near the endwall surfaces generate the much needed heat transfer enhancement that is usually from the walls to the coolant fluid. The current study is about a comprehensive assessment of present day computational fluid dynamics solvers for the enhancement of wall to coolant heat transfer rates. The paper presents details regarding many flow characteristics, including particle streamlines, as well as total pressure, turbulent kinetic energy and hub heat transfer coefficient contours. The endwall fence placed upstream of the cylinder generates a measurable increase in heat transfer rates downstream of the cylinder. The paper also includes a number of suggested ways to enhance endwall heat transfer rates for use in gas turbine cooling configurations and total pressure improvements near the turbine hub endwall.
Open and Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Background Numerous series demonstrate the benefits of laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy, but fail to adjust for confounding factors. This study uses the Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare these two approaches, adjusting for baseline differences. Study Design Laparoscopic (n=358) and open (n=311) adrenalectomy data were collected at 123 Department of Veterans Affairs and 14 university hospitals from October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2004. Preoperative characteristics, operative data, and 30-day outcomes were compared using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the t -test for continuous variables. Unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed for the effect of operative approach on postoperative morbidity. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% CI were computed for this same effect, adjusting for variables that were predictive of outcomes or imbalanced at baseline. Data are reported as means ±SD, unless otherwise indicated. Results Patients undergoing open adrenalectomy were more likely to be older (57.8±11.9 years versus 53.5±13.2 years, p Conclusions Even after adjustment for confounding factors, 30-day morbidity was much higher for patients having open adrenalectomy.
First-order singular boundary value problems with p-Laplacian on time scales

The authors study the first-order singular boundary value problem One criterion is established for the existence of positive solutions. Two examples applying the result are also given. The existence result extends some recent work in the literature. Their analysis is mainly based on a nonlinear alternative of Leray–Schauder.
Eigenvalues and stable time steps for the bilinear Mindlin plate element

Eigenvalues are obtained for the 4-node Mindlin plate element with one-point quadrature. Both isotropic and some anisotropic matenals are considered, but for the latter only bounds are obtained on the eigenvalues. These eigenvalues provide stable time steps for explicit time integration algorithms.
Optimal adaptive equalization of multipath fading channels

In this paper, we investigate optimal channel equalization techniques that incorporate a priori statistical information about multipath fading channels for mobile radio. We use a transformation from a physical ray model to a discrete-time finite impulse response model, along with statistical assumptions about the ray paths, to obtain a state-space model of the time evolution of the channel impulse response. This model as used with the Kalman filter to develop optimal channel estimators. We also implemented these estimators in a blind equalization scheme, based on MAP symbol-by-symbol detector. We present simulation results that characterize the performance of the proposed channel estimator and blind equalizer. >
Analysis of metastability errors in asynchronous SAR ADCs

Previous work has provided detailed analysis of metastability errors and SMR for synchronous SAR ADC. This work extends the analysis to the Asynchronous SAR (ASAR), for which metastability errors are more difficult to understand and quantify. Since the relationship between SMR and conversion time cannot be reduced to a closed-form solution, a framework is instead provided for using numerical simulation results to determine the necessary conversion time such that metastability errors will not limit resolution. Two main contributions are made using this framework: first, the designer may determine the maximum effective sample rate for the ADC (and therefore the speed benefit over the synchronous SAR); second, it is shown that proximity detectors are not effective solutions to improving metastability performance.
Emotional Strategies of Police and Their Varying Consequences for Burnout

It has been widely noted that policing is a stressful occupation, leading to a host of adverse outcomes. Many have posited that, in part, this can be explained by the emotional demands imposed on o...
Intrafirm Trade, Bargaining Power, and Specific Investments

This paper compares the performance of standard-cost with negotiated transfer pricing under asymmetric information. Negotiated transfer pricing generally achieves higher expected contribution margins, as this method tends to be more efficient in aggregating private information into a single transfer price. Standard-cost transfer pricing confers more bargaining power to the supplier and therefore generates better incentives for this division to undertake specific investments. The opposite holds for buyer investments. If a corporate controller has disaggregated information about divisional costs and revenues, then the firm can improve upon the performance of standard-cost transfer pricing by setting a centralized transfer price equal to expected cost plus a suitably chosen mark-up.
Thinks of the Innovative Education

The innovative education is different from creating innovation.The nature of the innovative education is education itself.And that of creating innovation is scientific research.The innovative education is also different from quality education.The quality education emphasizes on cultivating "versatile persons";the innovative education is the distillation of education itself,which emphasizes on cultivating "unusual talent".The innovative education is one kind of guiding principle on education with fostering people's enterprising spirit and ability as target,and inexorable trend of the development of education.The traditional education couldn't be totally distrusted and repudiated but it will be critically carried forward and discarded by the innovative education.The innovative education needs to advocate down-to-earth style of work as well as "indulge in the wildest fantasy",and keep the general goal in sight while taking hold of the detail tasks.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Association with Class 1 Integrons in Escherichia coli Isolated from Turkey Meat Products

The objective of this study was to quantify the role of class 1 integrons in antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from turkey meat products purchased from retail outlets in the Midwestern United States. Of 242 E. coli isolates, 41.3% (102 of 242) tested positive for class 1 integrons. A significant association was shown between presence of class 1 integrons in E. coli isolates and the resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, sulfisoxazole, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Attributable risk analysis revealed that for every 100 E. coli isolates carrying class 1 integrons, resistance was demonstrated for ampicillin (22%), gentamycin (48%), streptomycin (29%), sulfisoxazole (40%), trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (7%), and tetracycline (26%). Non–integron-related antimicrobial resistance was demonstrated for ampicillin (65%), gentamycin (16.9%), streptomycin (42.1%), sulfisoxazole (35.8%), and tetracycline (49.7%). Population-attributable fraction analysis showed that c...
Chemical pathology of homocysteine. III. Cellular function and aging

The homocysteine thiolactonyl derivative, thioretinaco ozonide, is believed to function as an electron acceptor in oxygen metabolism and as the binding site for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by mitochondria, preventing damage by free radical oxidants in resting cells. During cell division, methionine is converted to homocysteine thiolactone, converting thioretinaco to thioco, increasing free radical oxidants, and oxidizing cellular glutathione and ascorbate. Homocysteic acid has growth hormone activity and releases insulin-like growth factor in hypophysectomized rats, promoting oxidation of homocysteine thiolactone to sulfated glycosaminoglycans of cartilage. The free base of homocysteine thiolactone produces keratinization, squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinogenesis in normal mouse tissues. The efficiency of homocysteine thiolactone metabolism declines with aging, explaining decreased formation of adenosyl methionine in aging and suggesting loss of thioretinaco ozonide from membranes of aging cells. The effects of aging on enzyme activity, connective tissues, lipid synthesis, auto-immune diseases, atherogenesis and carcinogenesis are related to these changes in homocysteine metabolism.
The Wittig Rearrangement

In 1942 Wittig and Lohmann described the isomerization of α-lithiated ethers (2; R = Me or CH2Ph) to skeletally rearranged lithio alkoxides (3; equation 1).1 Subsequent work by Wittig and others established that a variety of ethers undergo the Wittig rearrangement, provided the α-anion is stabilized by an aryl substituent. Of the several mechanisms proposed for this reaction a sequence involving homolysis of the anion intermediate (5), followed by recombination of the radical and radical anion fragments (equation 2) best accommodates the experimental findings.1–4
Synergistic effect of low power ultrasonication on antimicrobial activity of melittin against Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract Since antimicrobial peptides kill bacteria by pore formation in cell membranes, transient pores formed by low power ultrasonication should result in enhancement of antimicrobial activity. Because of its relatively gentle action, low intensity ultrasound is expected to have no adverse effect on food texture. Experiments were conducted for deactivation of pure culture of L. monocytogenes using a model system of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide (AMP) melittin in the absence as well as in the presence of ultrasonication. In the absence of AMP melittin, ultrasonication has very small effect on cell density upto a power level of 40 W. However, at a higher power level of 60 W, a dramatic decrease in cell density was observed which implied cell lysis. At low AMP concentration, low power ultrasonication did not improve the antimicrobial activity. At high AMP concentrations, however, AMP was found to completely inactivate L. monocytogenes. The synergistic effect of AMP with ultrasonication was found to be the maximum at AMP concentration of 0.78 μg/ml of melittin. A dramatic decrease in 2 orders of magnitude in cell density was observed for ultrasonication in the presence of 0.78 μg/ml of melittin compared to either ultrasonication alone or AMP action alone.
Distributed consensus with link failures as a structured stochastic uncertainty problem

We consider the standard distributed average consensus algorithm under the conditions of random communication link failures, for which we analyze convergence of nodes to average consensus in the mean square sense. We first recast this problem as a discrete-time linear system with multiplicative random coefficients. We then rewrite the system equations as a nominal system in feedback with diagonally structured time-varying stochastic uncertainty; a problem for which necessary and sufficient mean square stability conditions have recently been derived. We investigate the particular instance of these conditions in the case of networked consensus with random link failures. In particular, we show that for circulant graphs, mean square convergence is guaranteed for any probability of link failure other than 1. We anticipate our particular analysis techniques to be applicable to the robust performance problem as well.
Sickle Cell Disease in Childhood: From Newborn Screening Through Transition to Adult Medical Care

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the name for a group of related blood disorders caused by an abnormal hemoglobin molecule that polymerizes on deoxygenation. SCD affects the entire body, and the multisystem pathophysiology begins in infancy. Thanks to prognostic and therapeutic advancements, some forms of SCD-related morbidity are decreasing, such as overt stroke. Almost all children born with SCD in developed nations now live to adulthood, and lifelong multidisciplinary care is necessary. This article provides a broad overview of SCD in childhood, from newborn screening through transition to adult medical care.
Locke on St Paul, Messianic Secrecy, and the Consummation of Faith

Although A Paraphrase and Notes on the Epistles of St Paul must surely count as one of John Locke’s major works, albeit unfinished, it has not received the attention it deserves. Locke’s motives and authorial intentions remain unclear. Little consideration has been given to how this late work relates to his earlier theological writings, in particular to The Reasonableness of Christianity, so it should come as no surprise that the question of how Locke’s thoughts about St Paul might play out in his overall intellectual programme has been largely ignored.
Transforming history into heritage: applying corporate heritage to the marketing of places

This study applies the principles of corporate heritage branding to the marketing of places to showcase how some cities, regions, and countries use their heritage to convey their modern-day relevance to key stakeholders. A two-step, mixed-method research approach is used. Results from a content analysis of print advertisements from an economic development context find evidence of four heritage-focused campaigns. Based on the content analysis, a single historically focused case study is developed using an organization responsible for one of the identified campaigns to highlight how a corporate heritage campaign is used in place branding. Additionally, a place branding framework is presented to assist academics and practitioners with the identification and study of corporate heritage branding in place branding communications.
Towards Automated Distortion and Health Correlation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Visual distortions play a crucial role in early diagnosis and timely treatment of several eye diseases such as the age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A framework to collect quantitative information about visual distortions, map them to the regions of retina where they may originate, and correlate them to retinal health information obtained using clinical tests, is described in this paper. The resulting composite retinal map can enable physicians to diagnose and treat AMD with minimal manual effort. Our results using the system in practice enabled physicians to study the correlation of distortions to retina lesions with minimal manual overheads.
Procedure-Based Medical Machines

In this chapter, we present the architectural configurations of the Internet-based medical procedure-based medical machines that scan the knowledge bases around the world to suit the medical needs of patients and the specification of the doctors. These machines and facilities initially search and analyze the established global (and standardized) medical procedures. The medical staff, doctors, and the administration, in consultations, determine the exact nature of the procedure, subprocedures, and their customization to suit the local conditions of the hospitals, availability of the equipment, and expertise of the staff.
Constraints on Fossil Fuel Use

The exponential growth of fossil fuel use over recent decades has resulted in a 4.3 percent annual increase in the carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere. The question addressed here is: When (and to what extent) will constraints limit the use of fossil fuels and the subsequent production of CO2? We discuss three types of possible constraints: resource constraints, fuel demand constraints, and environmental constraints. An analysis of the next 50 years suggests that resource constraints will not provide severe limits. The impacts of atmospheric carbon dioxide will not reach levels that cause mankind to take action soon. Fuel-demand constraints will probably limit the use of fossil fuels to levels that keep the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration below 450 ppm(v) for the next 50 years. In spite of this conclusion we see a continuing, long term problem and urge that full efforts be made to understand and continually monitor the CO2 problem and to be alert to any changes that may require action.
Monolithic Terminations for Multistrand Nb-Ti and Nb3Sn Cables

The joints between single-core conductors [1–3] and the joints between monolithic, copper-stabilized, multifilamentary Nb-Ti conductors [4–6] have been investigated. In the past at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) coils have been terminated by individually soldering each strand to a copper lug. In this investigation, techniques for making monolithic terminations of Nb-Ti and Nb3Sn multifilamentary, multistrand cables were examined.
Introduction to Electro-Weak Interactions

The 1970–1980 decade will probably be remembered in physics histories as the decade in which gauge theories emerged. In the, first years of this period, the QCD theory of strong interactions(1.1) and the SU2 × U1 theory of electroweak interactions (l·2,1·3,1·4) were extensively studied, and by the end of the decade more speculative gauge theories such as those for grand unification and for dynamical symmetry breaking came under scrutiny.(1·5)
From Experience with Waterproofing of Basement Rooms of Buildings and Structures in Moscow

Results of research on waterproofing and water-repelling materials are presented. A procedure is described for operations involving the complex sanitation and waterproofing of the walls of basement rooms, of which restoration of internal waterproofing of external walls by the injection method, surface (applied) waterproofing of internal walls, and water-repelling protection against capillary influx of water are component parts.
Ecological processes responsible for species co -occurrence patterns in two species of Plethodon salamanders

88 Introduction 89 Methods 92 Results 100 Discussion 104 Acknowledgements 107 Literature Cited 108 CHAPTER 6. CONCLUDING REMARKS 128 General Discussion 128 Future Research 135 Literature Cited 138 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 142
The apparent activation energy and pre-exponential kinetic factor for heterogeneous calcium carbonate nucleation on quartz

Nucleation occurs widely in materials synthesis and natural environments. However, in the nucleation rate equation, values for the apparent activation energy (Ea) and the pre-exponential kinetic factor (A) are thus far unknown because real-time nanoscale observations are difficult to perform. Here we experimentally determine Ea and A using heterogeneous calcium carbonate nucleation on quartz as a model system. Nucleation rates are measured with in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and ex situ atomic force microscopy, and the experiments are conducted with a fixed supersaturation of IAP/Ksp(calc) = 101.65 at 12, 25, and 31 °C. Ea is calculated as 45 ± 7 kJ mol−1, and A is 1012.0 ± 1.1 nuclei μm−2 min−1, or 102.9 ± 1.3 mol m−2 min−1. Increasing the temperature shortens the induction time, but does not change nucleus sizes. These parameter values are critical for predicting and controlling the nucleation of materials. Nucleation is a ubiquitous process, but key kinetic parameters governing the rate of nucleation can be difficult to measure. Here a combination of in situ GISAXS and ex situ AFM measurements allows experimental determination of the activation energy and pre-exponential kinetic factor for heterogeneous CaCO3 nucleation on quartz.
Use of Halo-Gravity Traction and a Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod for Untreated Severe Kyphoscoliosis in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

CASE We utilized a novel staged approach for an adolescent with severe kyphoscoliosis; it involved 8 weeks of initial halo-gravity traction as well as implantation and expansion (every 2 weeks) of a magnetically controlled growing rod over 6 months, followed by spinal fusion. The patient was a 13-year-old girl with an untreated idiopathic deformity (thoracic scoliosis with a curve of 145° and kyphosis with a curve of 120°). No osteotomies other than inferior facetectomies were required at the final fusion, and the final scoliosis curve was 57°, a correction of 60.7%. CONCLUSION The staged approach resulted in a straightforward, safe, gradual correction of severe kyphoscoliosis. We consider this an option for patients with scoliosis with a curve of ≥130° on initial presentation.
Carbon polyaniline capacitive deionization electrodes with stable cycle life

Abstract Electrode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI), an energy efficient method for desalination, were developed in this work. Waste-tire derived carbon (TC) coated with polyaniline was used to form a carbon polymer composite (CPC). CPC was used as an electrode in CDI configurations to determine the salt adsorption capability of the material. Chemical treatment of TC with KOH led to an enhancement in surface area to 952 m2/g and microporosity in the sub-2-nm range. This unique microstructure is considered to be beneficial for effective ion uptake in CDI applications. The capacitance of the electrodes was further enhanced through surface coating with polyaniline, resulting in a specific capacitance of 168.2 F/g. In batch cell testing with 1.2 V applied potential, the salt adsorption capacity (SAC), measured in mg of salt adsorbed per gram of active material, in a 1500–1700 ppm KCl solution was measured at 14.2 mg/g. Scale-up of the process with ionic-membrane-assisted CDI (MCDI) led to improvement in SAC at 18.9 mg/g. Further, cycling tests revealed that the electrodes had comparable or better longevity compared to other CDI materials, retaining >92.8% charging capacity after 300 cycles. High adsorption capacities for other salts such as LiCl, NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 have been found.
Hospital Stay in Synthetic Cannabinoid Users With Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Other Psychotic Disorders Compared With Cannabis Users.

Objective:The use of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) products has become popular in recent years, but data regarding their impact on hospital stays are limited. The impact of SC and cannabis use on hosp...
Evidenced-Based Practices

The treatment of ASD has been historically plagued with unsubstantiated and potentially harmful treatments. This chapter details the processes for developing evidenced-based treatments and examines their current status in the field of ASD treatment.
The use of hydrolytic enzymes and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry to analyze pyridoxal phosphate-modified peptides

Abstract A previous approach was established that allowed direct identification of pyridoxal-5ˊ-phosphate (PLP) bonding sites in proteins using mass spectrometry after tryptic proteolysis. The approach required peptide mass fingerprinting owing to suppressed amide backbone fragmentation in favor of side-chain elimination of diagnostic product ions from PLP-derivatized lysyl residues. While sufficient for purified proteins, unambiguous sequence determination is needed to assign PLP bonding sites in unknown proteins in complex mixtures. Here, we describe the use of hydrolytic enzymes and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry to elucidate the amino acid sequence and PLP bonding site in PLP-modified peptides.