cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digesting Crow: Reading and Teaching Ngugi's Wizard of the Crow

gugi's narrative magnum opus, Wizard of the Crow (2006), is pedagogically difficult to manage in an undergraduate African literature survey or "Third World" novel survey course, or a class that focuses on the postco- lonial narrative. Tipping the scales at 2.35 pounds (1068 grams), and running to 766 pages, the best way to introduce Ngugi's heavy-weight picaresque Rabelaisian novel to undergraduates is through judicious reductions and editorial emenda- tions. To digest Crow requires tolerance for high-calorie narrative. Especially this is true for undergraduate readers who are not familiar with Ngugi's menu of political corruption and turmoil agitated by African tyrants who are comically grotesque. To make the Wizard work its narrative magic, an anthology approach is needed to serve up selections from the novel that are palpably Ngugi (his themes and style) and palatable for narrative novices. While Wizard of the Crow is about corrup- tion and tyranny in Kenya, the novel's lessons and satire apply to many African countries. Because the majority of the students in my classes confess they have watched movies such as Blood Diamond and Hotel Rwanda, they have had a visual and visceral introduction to human tragedy in various African countries about which they know little. Thus it is important that the instructor make judicious editorial cuts in order to make Ngugi's novel interesting and instructive. My pedagogical intent was to invigorate Ngugi's Wizard by excerpting it without completely eviscerating the themes of political corruption and dictatorial high handedness. I aimed at an excision that would not remove Ngugi's narrative intent to satirize the African politics and the tyrants who propel the tragic com- edies of ineptitude that play out in many countries on the African continent. This sort of careful reduction of the novel is necessary even though American under- graduate readers really need full exposure to the historical and cultural complexi- ties that Ngugi portrays in Wizard. The average undergraduate junior or senior I encounter in a world literature survey class will have little knowledge of African political cultures other than what they might learn from extremely violent films about Africa, or from following various Hollywood and other popular culture celebrities who have adopted African children, established African schools, con- tributed to AIDS relief, and reveled in their global goodness on various talk shows. Most of my students are middle-class American Midwesterners who have regional
Hyperfocal Cryotherapy of Multiple Molluscum contagiosum Lesions in Patients with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Background: Patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome are at risk for the development of multiple lesions of Molluscum contagiosum on the eyelids. In this setting, traditional methods of treatment frequently are ineffective and pose risks to the patient as well as to the treating physician. Methods: A technique was developed that combined lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthesia with hyperfocal cryotherapy. Twelve patients with multiple M. contagiosum lesions of the eyelids were treated. Initially, two methods were used: one application for 30 seconds or two applications for 20 seconds. Results: Lesions treated with two 20-second applications regressed. Most of those lesions treated for 30 seconds regressed. No scarring, lash complications, ptosis, or damage to the underlying cornea or deeper ocular structures was observed in any patient. Conclusions: Hyperfocal cryotherapy is an effective therapy for multiple M. contagiosum lesions of the periorbital region, posing minimal risk to the patient and physician. It is particularly useful in patients who are positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, who frequently have multiple lesions, are likely to have recurrent disease, and who pose risks of disease transmission to the medical personnel caring for them.
Air temperature and radiation depressions associated with a snow cover

Abstract An analysis of air temperature and radiation regimes an days with and without a snow cover at the St. Paul, Minnesota, climatological observatory was made based on a 16 December-15 March 23-yr temperature record and a solar and longwave radiation record for 11 of those 23 years. In addition, an overlapping 41-yr temperature record of the Minneapolis-St. Paul National Weather Service Station (MSP) was analyzed for corroboration of the St. Paul temperature results. It was found that both the average maximum and average minimum air temperatures for winter days with a 10-cm or greater snow cover were 8.4°C lower than on the snow-free days. For days with intermediate-depth snow (>0 and <10 cm deep) the depressions of the maximum and minimum temperatures averaged about 2°C less. The temperature depressions at MSP were about 2°C less than at St. Paul for both snow-cover depths, a difference believed to be due to the more urban surroundings at MSP. A difference in the depression of the winter month tempe...
LP-G: Late-News Poster: Hybrid Switching Mode for Wide-Viewing-Angle TFT-LCDs

This paper reports on a hybrid switching(HS) mode for achieving wide viewing angle TFT-LCDs. In the newly developed HS mode, pixel electrodes are designed to apply electric field both in the vertical and horizontal direction, which is effective for high display performance as well as wide viewing angle. We have developed high performance 14.1 inch TFT-LCD monitor using HS method.
Central Nervous System Serotonin and Norepinephrine Localization in Emotional and Non-Emotional Strains in Mice

Central Nervous System Serotonin and Norepinephrine Localization in Emotional and Non-Emotional Strains in Mice
Narp and NP1 Form Heterocomplexes that Function in Developmental and Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity

Narp is a neuronal immediate early gene that plays a role in excitatory synaptogenesis. Here, we report that native Narp in brain is part of a pentraxin complex that includes NP1. These proteins are covalently linked by disulfide bonds into highly organized complexes, and their relative ratio in the complex is dynamically dependent upon the neuron's activity history and developmental stage. Complex formation is dependent on their distinct N-terminal coiled-coil domains, while their closely homologous C-terminal pentraxin domains mediate association with AMPA-type glutamate receptors. Narp is substantially more effective in assays of cell surface cluster formation, coclustering of AMPA receptors, and excitatory synaptogenesis, yet their combined expression results in supraadditive effects. These studies support a model in which Narp can regulate the latent synaptogenic activity of NP1 by forming mixed pentraxin assemblies. This mechanism appears to contribute to both activity-independent and activity-dependent excitatory synaptogenesis.
The use of Roentgenstereofluorogrammetry to predict the 3-D spatial coordinates of points in low speed events.

Abstract Imaging technologies such as cine-radiography, cine-MRI, and X-ray stereo photogrammetry have become popular diagnostic tools in biomechanical studies of musculoskeletal systems. However, their widespread use for research purposes has been restricted due to their high cost and somewhat limited availability. In an attempt to develop a reliable low cost system, a dual-fluoroscopic system capable of tracking the 3-D spatial motion of discrete landmark points in real time was developed. A simple methodology was developed to convert the analog fluoroscopic images to digital files for post-processing. A custom computer code based on the principles of X-ray stereo photogrammetry was also developed to predict 3-D coordinates from the 2-D images from the individual flouroscopes. The goal of the current study was to assess the accuracy and resolution of this system by using it to predict the motion of a test point following a known curvilinear trajectory. Our system predicted the time-varying motion and path of the test point within 0.25%. However, the current system is limited to studying low speed events only (max event frequency of 3 Hz) due to the limited sampling frequency of the A/D conversion employed here.
N‐myconcogene expression in histopathologically unrelated bilateral pediatric renal tumors

Renal tumors of childhood occasionally exhibit histopathologic and clinical features that preclude accurate diagnosis. Molecular and cell culture techniques may be helpful in better characterizing these cases. This approach was used to examine unusual bilateral renal tumors from a young boy. The left kidney tumor was an undifferentiated neoplasm with light microscopic features suggestive of both Wilms' tumor and neuroblastoma, and the right kidney tumor was identified as multilocular cystic nephroma (MLCN). In vitro tissue culture of tumor cells and hybridization experiments with an N-myc oncogene DNA probe contributed to a revised diagnosis of intrarenal neuroblastoma of the left kidney. A cell line established from the left tumor exhibited neurite outgrowth and was positive for neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin. N-myc was greater than ten-fold amplified in chromosomal DNA from the left kidney tumor. Measurement of N-myc RNA expression enabled distinction between benign and malignant tumor tissue. The detection of N-myc gene amplification predicted a poor prognosis which was confirmed by the patient's subsequent clinical course.
Top Management Team Coordination Needs and the CEO Pay Gap: A Competitive Test of Economic and Behavioral Views

The need for coordinated decision making bears on the pay gap between a firm's CEO and its other top executives. A behavioral view suggests that because more equal pay promotes collaboration, greater coordination needs encourage smaller pay gaps, and the combination of greater needs and smaller gaps enhances firm performance. An economic view implies the opposite because larger gaps create tournament-like incentives that address monitoring problems associated with joint decisions. We found that although economic theory was a better predictor of the size of CEO pay gaps, there was a balance between the economic and behavioral views as predictors of firm performance.
A study of pyramidal cell axon collaterals in intact and partially isolated adult cerebral cortex.

Abstract A quantitative study was made of pyramidal cell axon collaterals in Golgi impregnated adult cat cerebral cortex. Cellular samples were obtained from 3 groups, intact, undercut and long-term electrically stimulated undercut cortex. Undercut tissue had cells with significantly fewer axon collaterals and fewer branches than did intact. Long-term electrically stimulated undercut tissue contained neurons which were not different from intact in these two measures. There was, therefore, a preservation of axonal morphology in stimulated undercut, adult cortex. Results do not support a theory of axonal proliferation to explain supersensitivity in partially isolated mature cortex. The preservation of axonal components and the preservation of dendritic spines, previously reported, indicates the prevention of some degenerative changes in certain cortical neurons brought about by long-term electrical stimulation.
Computational Studies of Halonium Ions of Cyclohexene and Cyclopentene

A computational study of a variety of C2H4X+, C5H8X+ (cyclopentyl), and C6H10X+ (cyclohexyl) species, where X is F (for C2H4X+ and C6H10X+), Cl (for C2H4X+ and C6H10X+), and Br (for C2H4X+, C5H8X+, and C6H10X+), has been carried out. The C2H4X+ system has been reexamined to assess the computational level necessary to achieve reasonable energy comparisons for the larger cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl cations. Both basis set and correlation studies indicate that a good representation of the energetic differences depends more on the quality of the basis set. Thus, studies of the larger cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl cations at the equivalent of MP2/6-311G(d,p)//MP2/6-31G(d) were sufficient to obtain relative energies for the lowest energy of these species: the 1-bromocyclopentylium, 1-halocyclohexylium, 1,2-bromo-bridged cyclopentyl, 1,3-bromo-bridged cyclopentyl, 1,2-halo-bridged cyclohexyl cations, and 1,4-halo-bridged cyclohexyl cations. Calculations at this level show that the bridged 1,2-bromocyclopentyl catio...
Knowledge and Reasoning for MEP Coordination

The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems is a major challenge for complex buildings and industrial plants. The process involves locating equipment and routing connecting elements for each building system. This multidiscipline effort is time-consuming and expensive and requires knowledge regarding each system over the project life cycle. Current practice requires representatives from each MEP trade to work together to identify and resolve interferences. Effective MEP coordination requires recalling and integrating knowledge regarding design, construction, operations, and maintenance of each MEP system. Currently, designers and constructors use tailored CAD systems to design and fabricate MEP systems, but no knowledge-based computer technology exists to assist in the multidiscipline MEP coordination effort. The paper describes results from a research project to capture knowledge related to design criteria, construction, operations, and maintenance of MEP systems and apply this knowledge in a computer tool that can assist designers and builders in resolving coordination problems for multiple MEP systems.
Delayed-onset muscular soreness and plasma CPK and LDH activities after downhill running

We tested the hypothesis that running down an incline, during which muscles primarily perform eccentric contractions, causes greater delayed-onset muscle soreness and greater increases in plasma enzyme activities than does running on the level, during which muscles perform similar amounts of concentric and eccentric contractions. Subjective sensations of muscular soreness and plasma activities of CPK and LDH were assessed in seven subjects at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after 45 min of running (one time on the level and a second time down a 10% incline). Following downhill running (57% of VO2max), significant delayed-onset soreness was experienced in gluteal, quadricep, anterior leg, and posterior leg muscles, and plasma CPK (but not LDH) activity was significantly increased (351% at 24 h). In contrast, following level running (78% of VO2max), no statistically significant soreness occurred in any muscle group, and plasma CPK and LDH activities were not elevated. Thus, our results generally support the hypothesis. Secondarily, we investigated whether delayed-onset soreness with downhill running is accompanied by increases in peripheral white blood cell counts suggestive of inflammation. No such association was observed. We suggest that both delayed-onset muscular soreness and plasma enzyme activities are affected by structural changes in muscle tissue resulting from eccentric contractions.
Feast and famine? Local television news workers expand the offerings but say they are hungry for quality journalism

By the nature of the work, television news workers face a time famine: too much to do in too little time. The famine has been compounded in recent years as local newsrooms produce content for two-screen and three-screen audiences. Chaos theory says that even during chaotic times there are constants, such as deadlines and breaking news obligations. This study of 877 broadcast journalists examines their perceptions of work quality in light of organizational support, job satisfaction, work overload and autonomy. Results indicate that organizational support, job satisfaction and autonomy are significant, positive predictors of work quality. Additionally, 81% of news workers said they work differently from a few years ago, with social media/online obligations and doing-more-with-less consuming much of their time. In the meantime, diminished quality is a rising concern.
Cloning of the O-acetylserine lyase gene from the ruminal bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium HD4

The gene coding for O-acetylserine lyase (OASL) was cloned from a Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 Lambda ZAP II genomic library by degenerative probe hybridization and complementation. Sequence analysis revealed a 933 bp ORF with a G + C content of 53%. The ORF had significant homology with enzymes involved in cysteine biosynthesis. A CuraBLASTN homology search showed that the ORF shared 59% nucleotide identity with the cysK of Bacillus subtilis. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited high (>70%) similarity with the CysK of B. subtilis and other cysteine synthesis proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae, and Spinacia oleracea. Further analysis predicted that the gene product was a member of the pyridoxal phosphate enzyme family and of cytoplasmic origin. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the S. ruminantium gene product with the OASLa isoform of B. subtilis and the OASLb isoforms of Streptococcus suis, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni. The OASL of S. ruminantium HD4 was also able to complement the cysM cysK double mutations in Escherichia coli NK3 and allow for growth on minimal media that contained either sulfate or thiosulfate as the sole source of sulfur. These results suggest that the gene functions as a cysM in S. ruminantium HD4. In conclusion, this research describes the cloning and expression of an O-acetylserine lyase gene from the predominant ruminal anaerobe S. ruminantium HD4. To our knowledge, this is the first report characterizing genes involved in sulfur metabolism from the genus Selenomonas.
Structural Origins of Chiral Second-Order Optical Nonlinearity in Collagen: Amide I Band

The molecular basis of nonlinear optical (NLO) chiral effects in the amide I region of type I collagen was investigated using sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy; chiral and achiral tensor elements were separated using different input/output beam polarization conditions. Spectra were obtained from native rat tail tendon (RTT) collagen and from cholesteric liquid crystal-like (LC) type I collagen films. Although RTT and LC collagen both possess long-range order, LC collagen lacks the complex hierarchical organization of RTT collagen. Their spectra were compared to assess the role of such organization in NLO chirality. No significant differences were observed between RTT and LC with respect to chiral or achiral spectra. These findings suggest that amide I NLO chiral effects in type I collagen assemblies arise predominantly from the chiral organization of amide chromophores within individual collagen molecules, rather than from supramolecular structures. The study suggests that sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy may be uniquely valuable in exploring fundamental aspects of chiral nonlinearity in complex macromolecular structures.
Atypical glial cells in demyelinated and hypomyelinated mouse brains.

Bis-cyclohexanone oxalyldihydrazone (cuprizone) was administered to young adult mice in order to investigate the hypothesis that the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors or precursors, or of immature oligodendrocytes, might be interrupted during cuprizone intoxication. Vibratome sections were prepared from brains from control mice, mice that were fed cuprizone for 27 days and mice that were fed cuprizone for 25 days, followed by normal diet for 2 days, and the sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies: MAbO4, which is directed against galactocerebroside sulfate (sulfatide); and RMAb, which is directed against galactocerebroside (GC). Process-bearing RMAb+/O4- cells were abundant in the brains of mice that had consumed cuprizone for 27 days, and the numbers of O4-positive cells were subnormal. Two days after refeeding the normal diet the RMAb+/O4- structures were less abundant and O4-positive cells more numerous. Moreover, the numbers of O4-positive cells were only approximately 20% of normal in the brains of hypomyelinating jimpy mutant mice, while the numbers of RMAb-positive cells were approximately 80% of normal, and the processes of the latter were associated with axons. It is suggested that RMAb+/O4- cells in the affected brains may be process-bearing oligodendrocyte precursors containing unsulfated GC or a toxic galactolipid.
Microphase formation at a 2D solid-gas phase transition.

Density modulated micro-separated phases (microphases) occur at 2D liquid interfaces in the form of alternating regions of high and low density domains. Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) images demonstrate the existence of microphases in cluster, stripe, and mosaic morphologies at the buried interface between hexane and water with fluoro-alkanol surfactant dissolved in the bulk hexane. At high temperature, the surfactant assembles at the interface in a 2D gaseous state. As the system is cooled additional surfactants condense onto the interface, which undergoes a 2D gas–solid phase transition. Microphase structure is observed within a few degrees of this transition in the form of clusters and labyrinthine stripes. Microphases have been observed previously in a number of other systems; nevertheless, we demonstrate that adsorption transitions at the liquid–liquid interface provide a convenient way to observe a full sequence of temperature-dependent 2D phases, from gas to cluster to stripe to mosaic to inverted stripe phases, as well as coexistence between some of these microphases. Cracking and fracture of the clusters reveal that they are a solid microphase. Theories of microphases often predict a single length scale for cluster and stripe phases as a result of the competition between an attractive and a repulsive interaction. Our observation that two characteristic length scales are required to describe clusters whose diameter is much larger than the stripe period, combined with the solid nature of the clusters, suggests that a long-range elastic interaction is relevant. These results complement earlier X-ray measurements on the same system.
Effect of morphine sulfate on adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities in rat corpus striatum.

Abstract The effect of morphine sulfate (MS) on adenylate cyclase (AC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities in the rat striatum was investigated. MS produced a dose-dependent increase in basal AC activity and did not alter sodium fluoride-induced stimulation both in vivo (7.5–30 mg/kg, 1 hr pretreatment, i.p.) and in vitro (1–100μM). in vitro , when submaximal effective concentrations of dopamine and MS were combined, there was an additive effect. However, administration of MS in vivo did not alter dopamine-induced stimulation of AC activity. MS, in vitro and in vivo inhibited PDE activity in a dose-dependent manner only with the high substrate concentration (3.3 × 10 −3 M cyclic AMP). Preliminary results from this study indicate that morphine affects the cyclic AMP system.
Monitoring quality in Medicaid managed care: accomplishments and challenges at the year 2000.

This paper reviews the major developments during the late 1990s in quality monitoring for Medicaid managed care and offers an assessment of major challenges faced at the year 2000. We highlight the dramatic increase in activities to ensure and improve quality in Medicaid managed care. Prior to these developments, little was known about the actual level of quality of care. Thus, a major accomplishment of the late 1990s is that we now know more about quality, through some key indicators, and that states and plans have implemented activities and structures designed to improve quality. Despite this achievement, there is still a critical gap in our understanding about which activities and structures effectively improve the health of beneficiaries. There are also three operational challenges. First, as state quality assurance and improvement systems become increasingly comprehensive, states are challenged to keep them well coordinated and well targeted to key issues. Second, the dynamics of both plan turnover and enrollment—including steep drops in Medicaid enrollment—present a challenge for measuring and improving quality. A third challenge is to ensure that quality assurance and improvement programs work for enrollees with special health care needs. Finally, devoting sufficient resources to quality monitoring and improvement is a challenge for both states and plans since managed care programs are expected to save money as well as improve quality.
Extinction selectivity and ecology in planktonic foraminifera

Abstract Planktonic foraminifera have radiated three times since the mid-Cretaceous and independently evolved similar morphological groups and patterns of species longevity in each diversification. All morphological groups include substantial numbers of short-ranging species, but only some groups include large numbers of long-ranging taxa. The long ranges of these ‘extinction-resistant’ taxa are unlikely to be due to systematic differences in geographic range, body size, or taxonomic practice. Instead, life history traits such as trophic ecology and factors influencing population structure are closely correlated with species longevity during each of the radiations. Generation time and reproductive output are correlated with longevity in living species but the significance of these factors for extinct taxa is unknown. Other variables such as depth distribution are inversely correlated with longevity in Neogene and Cretaceous biotas, but not in Paleogene foraminifera. Perhaps the ability to use a wide variety of food types and maintenance of large populations contribute to extinction resistance. It is possible that these traits are correlated with life in geologically persistent watermasses. Indeed, long-ranging species are concentrated in geologically old, stable environments in the oligotrophic gyres and waters below the thermocline. In contrast, species that live in ephemeral boundary layers are frequently short-ranging. It may be the stability and trophic conditions in water-masses have been the ultimate arbitrators of species longevity.
Two routes to formaldehyde from formic acid on TiO2(001) surfaces

Two routes were observed for formaldehyde formation from formic acid on TiO2(001) single crystal surfaces. The first, on reduced surfaces, involves the reduction of formic acid to formaldehyde accompanied by the oxidation of surface Ti cations. Surface oxidation was evident from the increase in the portion of the Ti (2p32) signal corresponding to Ti4+ and the decrease in that corresponding to Tix+(0<x<4) in XPS. XPS after formic acid adsorption on both reduced and oxidized TiO2 surfaces showed the presence of formate species having a C(1s) binding energy of 289.3 eV; these species are formed by dissociative adsorption of formic acid at room temperature. A second route for formaldehyde formation, operative on fully surfaces, involves bimolecular coupling of two formates. This reaction occurs only on the reconstructed, fully oxidized surface; the {114}-faceted TiO2(001) structure (obtained by annealing at 900 K or above), as previously reported by Kim and Barteau [Langmuir 6 (1990) 1485].
CRITICAL INLET PRESSURE FOR SEPARATION IN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY.

The concept of the critical inlet pressure, pc, the lowest possible pressure for achieving a given separation, is discussed. The theoretical approach to this parameter starts with the basic flow equation for an ideal gas in a packed column. The integrated flow equation and an expression for the plate height are then used to formulate the number of plates in the column. The maximum value of this must be greater than the minimum needed to separate a given pair. This criterion is used to formulate an expression for the critical pressure. Several alternate equations are given and a numerical example is presented.
Phase diagrams of electric-field-induced aggregation in conducting colloidal suspensions

To develop a theory for electric-field-driven phase transitions in concentrated suspensions, we extended our microscopic theory [Phys. Rev. E 52, 1669, (1995); 54, 5428, (1996)] beyond the dilute regime. Based on the model of the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization of colloids, our theory overcomes the limitations of Brillouin's formula for the electric energy of conducting materials which is applicable only for negligibly small energy dissipation and slow time variations of the field. We found that the phase diagrams of "the particle concentration vs the electric field strength" for colloids are similar to the phase diagrams for the first-order phase separation in quenched conventional binary systems with a high-temperature miscibility gap. This explains why a variety of colloids exhibit similar field-induced aggregation patterns. Our theory provides a reasonable interpretation of the available experimental data on field-induced aggregation phenomena in electrorheological fluids and aqueous suspensions, whereas currently used theoretical models are in variance with many of the data. The theoretical results enable one to trace how the variations of the electrical properties of the constituent materials influence the topology of the suspension phase diagram and to evaluate the effects of the field strength and frequency on the particle aggregation.
Stablity upon storage, analysis and purification of 14C‐ and 3H‐labeled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and their metabolites

The studies on the stability, analysis and purification of several 14C- and 3H-labeled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo[a]-pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, and dibenz[a,c]anthracene and their metabolites such as dihydrodiols, phenols, and tetrahydrodiol epoxides are reported.
Denitrification Hotspots and N20 Flux in Fluvial Systems

Watersheds have a profound capacity to retain and remove nitrogen (N) inputs before entering coastal waters thereby minimizing eutrophication and hypoxia in estuarine waters. Research suggests that much of this N cycling occurs within aquatic ecosystems, e.g., lakes, streams and wetlands, which may become “hotspots” of nitrous oxide (N2O) production. We examined the effects of woody debris on nitrate removal and denitrification rates in streams of different N enrichment levels. Three different standardized substrates (fresh wood blocks, bundles of naturally occurring streambed wood, and clay‐fired blocks) that were expected to vary in their pool of labile carbon were incubated for 8‐10 weeks in each stream - a high nitrate agricultural stream in Pennsylvania and a low nitrate forested stream in Rhode Island. Substrates were collected and subjected to a series of lab‐based mesocosm assays in stream water amended with 15N-labeled nitrate-N. Nitrate removal rates were determined by mass balance techniques and denitrification rates were estimated by 15N gas generation over 18 hours. The 15N2:15N2O ratios were calculated and the mass of biofilm growth during in-situ incubation was obtained for all substrates.b) Wood block mesocosms had mean N removal and denitrification potential rates of 0.14 and 0.038 ug N/cm2 hr, respectively, for RI and 0.48 and 0.011 ug N/cm2 hr, respectively, for PA. Natural wood mesocosms from RI had 76% higher N removal (0.039 ug N/cm2 hr) than denitrification. The PA natural wood mesocosms had mean N removal (0.169 ug N/cm2 hr) an order of magnitude above the mean denitrification potential. Clay block mesocosms had negligible N removal and denitrification in RI. PA clay mesocosms had N removal rates of 0.2 ug N/cm2 hr and denitrification potential rates of 0.01 ug N/cm2 hr, likely due to the biofilms that had developed while incubating in the high nitrate stream. These results suggest that fresh inputs of natural woody debris may be an important nitrate sink in streams. High variability was observed and there were numerous cases of negligible N2O production at both sites. As a result, the differences in N removal and denitrification potential rates between sites were not significant. The mesocosms from the high nitrate PA stream generally released more N2O. The wood substrates in these mesocosms acted as significant N sinks, but are not necessarily hotspots for N2O generation.
Strain Softening in Rat Left Ventricular Myocardium

We investigated whether strain softening (or the Mullins effect) may explain the reduced left ventricular stiffness previously associated with the strain-history-dependent preconditioning phenomenon. Passive pressure-volume relations were measured in the isolated, arrested rat heart during LV balloon inflation and deflation cycles. With inflation to a new higher maximum pressure, the pressure-volume relation became less stiff, particularly in the low (diastolic) pressure range, without a significant change in unloaded ventricular volume. In five different loading protocols in which the maximum passive cycle pressure ranged from 10 to 120 mmHg, we measured increases at 10 mmHg in LV volume up to 350 percent of unloaded volume that depended significantly on the history (p < 0.05) and magnitude (p < 0.01) of maximum previous pressure. Although a quasi-linear viscoelastic model based on the pressure-relaxation response could produce a nonlinear pressure-volume relation with hysteresis, it was unable to show any significant change in ventricular stiffness with new maximum pressure. We incorporated a strain softening theory proposed by Johnson and Beatty (1992) into the model by modifying the elastic response with a volume-amplification factor that depended on the maximum previous pressure. This model more accurately reproduced the experimentally observed behavior. Thus, the preconditioning behavior of the myocardium is better explained by strain softening rather than viscoelasticity and may be due to damage to elastic components, rather than the effect of viscous tissue components.
Abstract IA07: Genetic predispositions to pediatric cancers

Fortunately, childhood cancer remains a rare entity in the United States, with only 13,500 new cancers diagnosed per year in patients under the age of 19 years. However, an important component of the workup for the child who presents with cancer is obtaining a detailed family history of malignancy, which may provide clues to the frequently asked question posed by parents about “How did this happen to us?” Correctly identifying families who suffer from cancer predisposition syndromes provides critically important information for affected family members with respect to future prevention and screening. In addition, certain congenital syndromes are associated with an increased risk of malignancy and the altered genes identified in these syndromes have provided important clues about the pathogenesis of human cancer and cellular functions, which have also provided opportunities to identify new therapeutic approaches. This education session will provide a broad overview of the most common familial cancer risk syndromes that practicing oncologists should be familiar with as well as the types of cancers that most frequently occur in children with common congenital syndromes. In addition, emerging targeted therapeutic options will be discussed, where relevant. Citation Format: Mignon L. Loh. Genetic predispositions to pediatric cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr IA07.
The Self as Social Construction

The paper begins with the articulation of key assumptions central to contemporary constructionist scholarship. This is followed by an analysis of the issues in the social construction of the self. To this end several major lines of inquiry along with their socio-political implications are brought into focus. Finally, an alternative to traditional conceptions of self, one that emerges distinctly from social constructionist theory is presented.
Multiple branching in glycogen and amylopectin

Abstract The β-amylase limit dextrins of glycogen and amylopectin are completely debranched by joint action of isoamylase and pullulanase. Action of isoamylase alone results in incomplete debranching as a consequence of the inability of this enzyme to hydrolyze those A-chains that are two glucose units in length (half the total number of A-chains). From the reducing powers released by isoamylase acting (a) alone and (b) in conjunction with pullulanase, the relative numbers of A- (unsubstituted) and B- (substituted) chains in the β-dextrins, and therefore in the native polysaccharides themselves, can be calculated. Examination of a series of glycogens and amylopectins in this way showed that the ratio of A-chains: B-chains is markedly higher in amylopectins (1.5–2.6:1) than in glycogens (0.6–1.2:1). Glycogen typically contains A-chains and B-chains in approximately equal numbers; amylopectin typically contains approximately twice as many A-chains as B-chains. These polysaccharides therefore differ in degree of multiple branching as well as in average chain length. A consequence of these findings is that amylopectin cannot be formed in vivo by debranching of a glycogen precursor, as proposed by Erlander, since it is impossible to increase the A:B chain ratio by action of a debranching enzyme.
Editor's Introduction to Issue on Case Formulation and Therapist Responsiveness

This is the Editor's Introduction to this Issue on case formulation and therapist responsiveness.
Clearance and secretion rates of prolactin in dairy cattle in various physiological states.

SummaryBasal clearance rates (CR; ml/min/kg body wt) and secretion rates (SR; μg/hr/kg body wt) of prolactin (PRL) were calculated for Holstein cows. Among late lactating, pregnant cows (n = 8) tested in December, estimates of basal CR and SR were not different (P > 0.05) during infusion of either 4 or 8 mg PRL/cow/hr for 4 hr. In a second experiment, basal CR estimates were similar (P > 0.05) in four nonlactating and four early lactating cows but basal SR was 35% greater (P ~ 0.1) in early lactating than in nonlactating cows tested in April. In a third experiment designed to avoid possible seasonal effects, basal CR estimates of PRL were 75 and 25% greater and basal SR estimates 140 and 40% greater (P < 0.05) in early lactating and late lactating cows than in nonlactating cows, respectively. Differences in basal CR and SR of PRL among all lactating cows were correlated with mean daily milk production (r = 0.36; P < 0.05 and r = 0.52; P < 0.005, respectively) during the week prior to each experiment. We c...
TFEBulous control of traffic by mTOR.

mTOR is an important regulator of cell growth in response to nutrients and growth signals. A study published in this issue of The EMBO Journal and a recent study by Settembre et al published in Science reveal how growth signals mediated by mTOR and other protein kinases such as MAPK can converge on TFEB to modulate endosome biogenesis and trafficking.
Minding the State — or a State of Mind?: Issues in the Comparative Conceptualization of the State

In political theory the state has been enjoying a conceptual rebirth even while some of its activities have been receding. The state, however, remains conceptually ambiguous and is thus molded into many different conceptual forms. Three of those forms are discussed in this article: the decision-making state, the production state, and the intermediary state. The first relates to the organization and architecture of decisional authority; the second to the public and distributive goods supplied by the state; and the third to the interconnections between state organization and the organizations of civil society. Although the state lacks unique definition as a concept, its value lies in bringing together the most important macro-level connections of the polity, the society, and the economy that cannot otherwise be adequately analyzed in isolation from one another. In particular, the state provides a focus for the study of statecraft within a given constellation of institutional and interest formations and publ...
Optical and acoustical studies of ultrasound contrast agents

Optical and acoustical studies of ultrasound contrast agents consisting of encapsulated gas microbubbles are outlined and reviewed. Research goals include determining how the shell properties affect bubble dynamics, manipulating the transport of bubbles in blood vessels and understanding bubble destruction from the applied acoustic field. An experimental imaging system has been developed to visualize high-speed radial oscillations and destruction phenomena.
Nutrient Losses and Silage Quality as Affected by Rate of Filling and Soybran Flakes

Summary Two silos were filled rapidly and two slowly with high-moisture forage. Soybran flakes were added to one silo of each of the filling rates. Total losses of dry matter, protein, nitrogen-free-extract, and ash were lower in the rapidly filled silos. Most of these differences were accounted for by changes in invisible losses, as the seepage portion was not greatly affected. The rate of filling had little effect on crude fiber losses. Silage from the rapidly filled silos contained more lactic acid, but less acetic, propionic, and butyric scids. When soybran flakes were added, the rate of filling had little effect on pH, but without additive slow-filling increased this value. The slow rate of filling resulted in higher peak temperatures which persisted longer. Addition of the soybran flakes reduced the amounts of dry matter and protein lost by seepage but increased invisible losses. Total dry matter and nitrogen-free-extract losses were increased with the additive; whereas, the relative losses of ash and ether extract were reduced. Persistency of milk production and weight gains were excellent for all groups and no significant differences were associated with rate of filling or addition of soybran flakes. The high rate of concentrates fed, apparently, was effective in overcoming most of the detrimental effects of feeding silage from the slowly filled silos on these measures. Cows fed from the slowly filled silo without additive consumed somewhat less silage dry matter than any other group.
Rheological Property and Stress Development during Drying of Tape-Cast Ceramic Layers

Rheological property and stress development of tape-cast ceramic layers derived from nonaqueous alumina (A12O3)-poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) suspensions were observed during drying. Casting suspensions exhibited strong shear-thinning behavior, with a low shear Newtonian plateau apparent viscosity >102 Pa.s. The apparent suspension viscosity displayed a power-law dependence on the A12O3 volume fraction during the initial stage of drying (<30% solvent loss). Stress development, measured by a cantilever deflection method, and parallel weight loss measurements were performed during the drying of tape-cast layers and pure binder coatings. Maximum drying stresses (σmax) of 1.37-0.77 MPa were observed for plasticized tapes cast at gap heights of 150-400 μm. In contrast, nonplasticized tapes of similar thickness displayed a more gradual stress increase, with σmax values approximately an order of magnitude higher than their plasticized counterparts. The stress histories of the corresponding binder coatings were quite similar to the tape-cast layers, albeit slightly lower σmax values were observed. Stresses decayed beyond σmax with a logarithmic time dependence to an almost constant value of 0.2-0.4 MPa for the plasticized tapes. Based on these observations, process methodologies have been offered to minimize stress development and retention in tape-cast ceramic layers
Jack of all trades, master of some? On the role of phenotypic plasticity in plant invasions

Invasion biologists often suggest that phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in successful plant invasions. Assuming that plasticity enhances ecological niche breadth and therefore confers a fitness advantage, recent studies have posed two main hypotheses: (1) invasive species are more plastic than non-invasive or native ones; (2) populations in the introduced range of an invasive species have evolved greater plasticity than populations in the native range. These two hypotheses largely reflect the disparate interests of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Because these sciences are typically interested in different temporal and spatial scales, we describe what is required to assess phenotypic plasticity at different levels. We explore the inevitable tradeoffs of experiments conducted at the genotype vs. species level, outline components of experimental design required to identify plasticity at different levels, and review some examples from the recent literature. Moreover, we suggest that a successful invader may benefit from plasticity as either (1) a Jack-of-all-trades, better able to maintain fitness in unfavourable environments; (2) a Master-of-some, better able to increase fitness in favourable environments; or (3) a Jack-and-master that combines some level of both abilities. This new framework can be applied when testing both ecological or evolutionary oriented hypotheses, and therefore promises to bridge the gap between the two perspectives.
Transgenic over-expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 results in age-dependent and gender-specific increases in bone strength and mineralization.

Abstract The plasminogen activation system (PAS) and its principal inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), are recognized modulators of matrix. In addition, the PAS has previously been implicated in the regulation of bone homeostasis. Our objective was to study the influence of active PAI-1 on geometric, biomechanical, and mineral characteristics of bone using transgenic mice that over-express a variant of human PAI-1 that exhibits enhanced functional stability. Femora were isolated from male and female, wildtype (WT) and transgenic (PAI-1.stab) mice at 16 and 32 weeks of age ( n = 10). Femora were imaged via DEXA for BMD and μCT for cortical mid-slice geometry. Torsional testing was employed for biomechanical properties. Mineral composition was analyzed via instrumental neutron activation analysis. Female femora were further analyzed for trabecular bone histomorphometry ( n = 11). Whole animal DEXA scans were performed on PAI-1.stab females and additional transgenic lines in which the functional domains of the PAI-1 protein were specifically disrupted. Thirty-two week female PAI-1.stab femora exhibited decreased mid-slice diameters and reduced polar moment of area compared to WT, while maintaining similar cortical bone width. Greater biomechanical strength and stiffness were demonstrated by 32 week PAI-1.stab female femora in addition to a 52% increase in BMD. PAI-1.stab trabecular bone architecture was comparable to WT. Osteoid area was decreased in PAI-1.stab mice while mineral apposition rate increased by 78% over WT. Transgenic mice expressing a reactive-site mutant form of PAI-1 showed an increase in BMD similar to PAI-1.stab, whereas transgenic mice expressing a PAI-1 with reduced affinity for vitronectin were comparable to WT. Over-expression of PAI-1 resulted in increased mineralization and biomechanical properties of mouse femora in an age-dependent and gender-specific manner. Changes in mineral preceded increases in strength/stiffness and deterred normal cross-sectional expansion of cortical bone in females. Trabecular bone was not altered in PAI-1.stab mice whereas MAR increased significantly, further supporting mineral changes as the underlying factor in strength differences. The primary influence of PAI-1 occurred during a period of basal bone remodeling, attributing a role for this system in remodeling as opposed to development. Comparison of transgenic lines indicates that PAI-1's influence on bone is dependent on its ability to bind vitronectin, and not on its proteolytic activity. The impact of PAI-1 on mouse femora supports a regulatory role of the plasminogen activation system in bone homeostasis, potentially elucidating novel targets for the treatment of bone disease.