cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteomics and the Kidney: An Evolution

Proteomics is a relatively new fixture in the toolbox used to study the kidney. It is a scant 13 years since the term proteomics first was applied to the study of proteins on a global scale. 1 The term proteomics entered the renal lexicon in a prescient article authored by Mark Knepper in which he noted the potential of the approach to help understand the kidney. 2 Since that time the use of proteomic techniques in kidney research has increased dramatically. Initial studies leaned heavily on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis methods for protein separation and quantitation, whereas protein identification was performed primarily with peptide mass fingerprinting techniques. 3 These approaches were useful, but had limited sensitivity and allowed characterization of only several hundred protein forms in a single experiment. Recent advances in protein separation and mass spectrometry have resulted in the implementation of so-called shotgun proteomic techniques capable of characterizing several thousand proteins in a single analysis. 4 As new and more powerful methods have become available, we have seen a shift to the study of human specimens and the beginnings of clinical proteomics in nephrology. 5,6 This issue of Seminars in Nephrology reflects that evolution. The first series of articles summarizes new approaches to proteomic methodology in the kidney and urine. Included in this section are 3 emerging techniques: metabolomics, imaging mass spectrometry, and differential calorimetry, which are powerful complements to standard proteomic methods. In the second section, we summarize developments in the specific areas of pediatric disease, diabetic nephropathy, and acute kidney injury. Ultimately, we hope these articles provide valuable information about current and developing proteomic tools and how they provide new insights into renal disease.
A Linear Model of Stationary Elevator Traveling and Compensation Cables

Based on a recent asymptotic analysis of a nonlinear model of elevator traveling and compensation cables, a computationally efficient, linear model is developed for calculating the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and dynamic responses of stationary elevator traveling and compensation cables. The linear cable model consists of two vertical cable segments connected by a half circular loop at the bottom. The two vertical cable segments are modeled as a string with a variable tension due to the weight of the cable. The horizontal displacements of the cable segments consist of boundary induced displacements and internal displacements, where the boundary induced displacements are interpolated from the displacements of the two ends of the cable segments, and the internal displacements satisfy the corresponding homogeneous boundary conditions of the cable segments. The horizontal displacement of the lower loop is interpolated from those of the two lower ends of the two cable segments, and the bending stiffness of the lower loop is represented by a spring with a constant stiffness, which can be calculated from the nonlinear model. Given a car position, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an elevator traveling or compensation cable are calculated using the linear model and compared with those from the nonlinear model. The calculated natural frequencies are also compared with those from a full-scale experiment. In addition, the dynamic responses of a cable under a boundary excitation are calculated and compared with those from the nonlinear model. There is a good agreement between the predictions from the linear and nonlinear models and between the measured natural frequencies from a full-scale experiment and the corresponding calculated ones.© 2011 ASME
Development of an smFRET Assay to Monitor Spliceosome Activation in Budding Yeast

The addition of the U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP to the spliceosome instigates many changes to create a catalytically active spliceosome. Specifically the U6 internal stem-loop (ISL), structurally reminiscent of catalytic domain V of self-splicing group II introns, must form. U6 arrives at pre-mRNA stably base-paired with U4 in the tri-snRNP. The U4/U6 interaction sequesters the U6 ISL, blocking premature activity. Unwinding, regulated by proteins Brr2 and Prp8, allows for mutually exclusive U2/U6 interactions required for catalysis to form. This ensures assembly is highly coordinated while allowing for the careful regulation required for fidelity. Because most splicing studies use crude extracts, wherein multiple reversible steps in spliceosome assembly proceed asynchronously, fundamental details of the kinetics and conformational rearrangements undergone by U6 during activation are unknown.Single-molecule FRET provides a method to monitor dynamics and conformation without isolating or synchronizing reaction intermediates. I am currently developing an smFRET assay to monitor U6 ISL formation as a readout for U4/U6 unwinding in spliceosome activation. I have created a dual-fluorophore labeled U6 RNA construct that enables me to discern whether the U6 ISL is formed or sequestered by U4. This construct is incorporated into U6 snRNPs and is functional in in vitro splicing assays. To facilitate imaging, I have optimized a protocol to isolate tri-snRNPs. Once optimization of this assay is complete, I will determine the kinetics and molecular mechanism of how Brr2 unwinds U4/U6.
Learning from Service-Learning

Service-learning has the potential to change student attitudes toward a course and a subject. With this goal in mind, I have used service-learning in several courses, from introductory mathematics courses to courses for math majors, for several semesters. This article gives details on these projects as well as some ideas to extend these projects to other situations. Furthermore, some dos and don'ts for service-learning are discussed.
Hydrothermal growth of calcium hydroxyapatite single crystals

Abstract Calcium hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, single crystals 7 × 3 × 3 mm in size have been grown hydrothermally. The experimental conditions for material transport, nucleation and growth have been determined. At pressures of 45 000 to 60 000 psi hydroxyapatite is found to exhibit retrograde solubility in water between 300 and 670 °C. For an autoclave operating under these conditions the hydroxyapatite powder is dissolved at the colder region of a sealed gold tube and recrystallized at the hotter region. The nutrient must have a stoichiometry close to the theoretical composition to avoid the occurence of undesired nonapatitic crystal phases. Good growth rates have been achieved for temperatures at the growth zone ranging from 390 to 470 °C. Chemical analyses indicate that the crystals are stoichiometric.
The demand for child health services in the Philippines

Abstract Little research has focused on the factors affecting use of components of primary health care services, particularly in developing countries. This study examines the patterns of usage of child health care provided for preschoolers by modern public, modern private and traditional health practitioners as well as by self treatment. A simultaneous logit framework is used to study the determinants of choice among these four child health service alternatives. The analysis is based on the Bicol Multipurpose Survey, conducted in one of the poorest regions of the Philippines as a multivisit household and community survey of 1906 households and 100 communities, representative of the three major provinces in this region.
Ontogeny of cellular immunity: development in rat thymocytes of mixed lymphocyte reactivity to allogeneic and xenogeneic cells.

Abstract The one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction of rat thymocytes to allogeneic cells was studied, using ACT and Fischer rat strains. Mitomycin-treated thymocytes or thymocytes from F 1 -hybrid rats were used as the stimulating cells. The reactivity of neonatal rat thymus cells was somewhat lower than that of adult rat thymocytes, but was nevertheless quite significant. No reactivity could be determined in neonatal rat thymocytes to mitomycintreated xenogeneic (mouse) cells, although thymocytes from 7-day-old rats reacted equally well to allogeneic and xenogeneic cells. Graft-versus-host reactivity of both rat and mouse thymus cells was also determined. It was found that neonatal and adult rat thymocytes, as well as adult mouse thymocytes, could induce splenomegaly in neonatal mice, but not in neonatal rats. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of recent theories linking reactivity to histocompatibility antigens to antibody formation.
Coupled Atmospheric Fire Modeling Employing the Method of Averages

A conservative forward-in-time numerical technique to improve the efficiency of a fully compressible wildfire model is presented. The technique is based on a method of averaging (MOA), which allows the costly advective terms based on a synchronous advection algorithm (e.g., the monotonicity of scalar fields is preserved) to be computed on a time step several times larger than would be dictated by the speed of the fastest waves. The MOA technique is explicit and does not require the use of either direct or iterative solvers to invert a matrix; instead the governing equations are solved to first order within an inner loop in which time-averaged quantities are obtained for use in a more costly outer loop. A linearized stability analysis of the entire scheme, including the interaction of gravity wave propagation and material motion, is presented and numerical stability for a wide range of physical and numerical parameters is demonstrated. Convergence studies are used to verify that the overall method maintains second-order accuracy. A model to simulate the propagation of the firefront in wildfires is described, and several calculations are provided to illustrate the application and advantages of the MOA in a problem that includes many complex physical processes.
Doctoring III: Innovations in Education in the Clinical Years.

ABSTRACTAlthough there has been growing recognition of the important role of generalist physicians in the United States, there has been insufficient discusion of who the generalists are and how their role is defined. Traditionally, generalists have been defined by their specialty, with physicians in
SU-E-T-587: Monte Carlo Versus Ray-Tracing for Treatment Planning Involving CNS Tumors On the MultiPlan System for CyberKnife Radiosurgery

Purpose: MultiPlan, the treatment planning system for the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery system offers two approaches to dose computation, namely Ray-Tracing (RT), the default technique and Monte Carlo (MC), an option. RT is deterministic, however it accounts for primary heterogeneity only. MC on the other hand has an uncertainty associated with the calculation results. The advantage is that in addition, it accounts for heterogeneity effects on the scattered dose. Not all sites will benefit from MC. The goal of this work was to focus on central nervous system (CNS) tumors and compare dosimetrically, treatment plans computed with RT versus MC. Methods: Treatment plans were computed using both RT and MC for sites covering (a) the brain (b) C-spine (c) upper T-spine (d) lower T-spine (e) L-spine and (f) sacrum. RT was first used to compute clinically valid treatment plans. Then the same treatment parameters, monitor units, beam weights, etc., were used in the MC algorithm to compute the dose distribution. The plans were then compared for tumor coverage to illustrate the difference if any. All MC calculations were performed at a 1% uncertainty. Results: Using the RT technique, the tumor coverage for the brain, C-spine (C3–C7), upper T-spine (T4–T6), lower T-spinemore » (T10), Lspine (L2) and sacrum were 96.8%, 93.1%, 97.2%, 87.3%, 91.1%, and 95.3%. The corresponding tumor coverage based on the MC approach was 98.2%, 95.3%, 87.55%, 88.2%, 92.5%, and 95.3%. It should be noted that the acceptable planning target coverage for our clinical practice is >95%. The coverage can be compromised for spine tumors to spare normal tissues such as the spinal cord. Conclusion: For treatment planning involving the CNS, RT and MC appear to be similar for most sites but for the T-spine area where most of the beams traverse lung tissue. In this case, MC is highly recommended.« less
Who’s got the Upper Hand? Hand Holding Behaviors Among Romantic Couples and Families

The hand holding behavior of romantic couples and family dyads (n=886) in public locations around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was observed. Over 90 % of males in heterosexual romantic couples, parents in parent child pairs, and older siblings in child sibling pairs tended to place their hand on top when holding hands, displaying what we consider social dominance. Women holding hands with men in romantic relationships placed their hand under their partner's hand, and women switched to have their hand on top when holding hands with a child. Results are discussed in relation to social dominance theory and social role theory, along with implications for equality among the sexes.
Pest status of the green cloverworm on lima beans in Delaware.

In 1968 and 1969 Field tests were conducted in an attempt to establish the economic threshold level of Plathypena scabra (F.) on lima beans. Allowing for test and certain natural mortality, the addition of up to 4 larvae per plant per week had no significant effect on yields in either early- or late-planted lima beans. In addition, artificial small-pod removal had no significant effect on yields except in 1 test where 25% of these pods were routinely removed. The general equilibrium position of this species for the years 1964 through 1969 was 9 larvae per sample or 0.05 larvae per plant. It seems unlikely in any given year that the green cloverworm can significantly lower lima bean yields in this region.
12-step self-help group participation as a predictor of marijuana abstinence

This study examined the associations between 12-step self-help group participation following substance abuse treatment and abstinence from marijuana use at 1-, 2-, and 5-years post-treatment. These associations were examined among 1288 male patients of the Department of Veterans Affairs who used marijuana within the 3 months prior to admission to treatment and discontinued use at treatment discharge. Consistent with expectation, 12-step self-help group attendance during the 3 months prior to each follow-up was significantly related to corresponding rates of abstinence at each follow-up time point. Additionally, 12-step self-help group attendance predicted more distal marijuana abstinence and recent attendance added to the prediction. Subsidiary analyses indicated that self-help attendance was important both for the maintenance of marijuana abstinence and for the re-initiation of abstinence after a relapse. Results are discussed in relation to better understanding the role of 12-step self-help group attend...
Pricing assets with stochastic cash-flow growth

We model the time series behavior of dividend growth rates, as well as the profitability rate, with a variety of autoregressive moving-average processes, and use the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) to derive the appropriate discount rate. One of the most important implications of this research is that the rate of return beta changes with the time to maturity of the expected cash flow, and the degree of mean reversion displayed by the growth rate. We explore the consequences of this observation for three different strands of the literature. The first is for the value premium anomaly, the second for stock valuation and learning about long-run profitability, and the third is for the St. Petersburg paradox. One of the most surprising results is that the CAPM implies a higher rate of return beta for value stocks than growth stocks. Therefore, value stocks must have higher expected returns, and this is what is required theoretically in order to explain the well-known value premium anomaly.
Hugoniot equation of state of twelve rocks

Shock-wave data have been obtained for the following rocks: one albitite, one anorthosite, two bronzitites, two diabases, two dunites, two eclogites, one granite, and one Jadeite. The experimental pressure range is from slightly over 0.1 to about 1.0 Mb. There is evidence that all rocks investigated exhibit a phase change. It is estimated that the transformations occur at about 0.1 Mb for the low-density rocks and between 0.3 and 0.6 Mb for the high-density rocks. A single-shock Hugoniot consistent with the data has been determined for the high-pressure modification of some of these rocks. These equations of state are compared with similar equations of state derived from geophysical data for the earth. This comparison supports the model of a mantle composed of high-pressure modifications of these basic rocks with an iron content lying somewhere between that of Twin Sisters dunite and Hortonolite dunite. Other thermodynamic quantities have been calculated based on estimates of the specific heat and the Gruneisen parameter.
Virtual Retrofit Model for aging commercial buildings in a smart grid environment

Abstract The economic and environmental benefits of building retrofits have been acknowledged. However, there is a series of barriers that threaten to impede implementing successful retrofit projects such as: lack of funding, lack of interoperability, and unstructured decision making. This paper aims to address these barriers by providing the framework of the Virtual Retrofit Model (VRM), an affordable computational platform that supports streamlined decision making for building retrofit projects. An occupant survey was implemented to identify the primary requirements and perceptions from different types of stakeholders of the buildings. The responses were analyzed to identify the most important criteria of the future retrofit projects to focus on if it were to be renovated in the future. A case study approach was used to describe the outcomes from a year-long demonstration project that has been conducted at an aging commercial building. The research activities focused on integrating theories and technologies of Building Information Modeling (BIM), energy simulation, agent-based modeling, multi-criteria decision support system, and software application that can be employed and adopted in building retrofit projects. The software prototype is designed to connect buildings to a smart grid environment where building energy data should be shared for intelligent decision making.
A normal vote approach to electoral change: Presidential elections, 1828–1984

This article offers a macro-level approach to a core concept in the study of electroral behavior, the normal vote. The approach uses interrupted time-series analysis and focuses upon electorally homogeneous political regions within states. After developing the approach used to generate normal vote estimates, analyses using those estimates are compared with (1) parallel analyses using survey-based research, and (2) across levels of analysis (national, regional). The comparison with survey-based analyses show that the macro-level measure follows the actual vote more closely and is more sensitive to shortterm influences. Comparisons across levels of analysis demonstrate that national level analyses obscure a volatile, dynamic electorate that exists at the regional level. These findings suggest that the creative use of the macro-level measure at the regional level has the potential to contribute new and important insights into the role of citizens in American politics, and the forces that drive the behavior of the electorate. Its particular strengths lie in the study of electoral change and its ability to contribute toward a developmental perspective on American democracy.
Theoretical studies of fast H atom collisions with NO

This paper presents a detailed theoretical study of the NO vibration/rotation distributions produced in nonreactive H+NO collisions in the 1–3 eV range of relative translational energies. The collision dynamics is studied by applying the quasiclassical trajectory method to each of the four potential surfaces (1A’, 1A‘, 3A’, 3A‘) which correlate to H(2S)+NO(2Π), followed by a statistical average of the cross sections over the four surfaces. Each surface is generated by fitting a flexible empirical function (a sum of Morse functions with coordinate dependent parameters) to available ab initio and experimental data on the surfaces. The resulting vibrational distributions are in excellent agreement with measured laser induced fluorescence results at 0.95 and 2.2 eV. In addition, the average fraction of energy transferred into vibration shows the same flat dependence on translational energy in the 1–3 eV range that is seen experimentally, and which contrasts with the linear proportionality seen for the corresp...
Interleukin-6 and type I interferon-regulated genes and chemokines mark disease activity in dermatomyositis.

Objective Up-regulation of whole blood type I interferon (IFN)–driven transcripts and chemokines has been described in a number of autoimmune diseases. An IFN gene expression “signature” is a candidate biomarker in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). This study was performed to evaluate the capacity of IFN-dependent peripheral blood gene and chemokine signatures and levels of proinflammatory cytokines to serve as biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Methods Peripheral blood samples and clinical data were obtained from 56 patients with adult or juvenile DM. The type I IFN gene signature in the whole blood of patients with DM was defined by determining the expression levels of 3 IFN-regulated genes (IFIT1, G1P2, and IRF7) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Multiplexed immunoassays were used to quantify the serum levels of 4 type I IFN–regulated chemokines (IFN-inducible T cell α chemoattractant, IFNγ-inducible 10-kd protein, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], and MCP-2) and the serum levels of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results DM disease activity correlated significantly with the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.41, P = 0.007) and with the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-6 were significantly correlated with disease activity (r = 0.45, P = 0.001). In addition, correlations between the serum levels of IL-6 and both the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) and the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) were detected in patients with DM. Conclusion These results suggest that serum IL-6 production and the type I IFN gene signature are candidate biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Coregulation of the expression of IFN-driven chemokines and IL-6 suggests a novel pathogenic linkage in DM.
Structure and Transcription of Eukaryotic tRNA Genes

(1985). Structure and Transcription of Eukaryotic tRNA Gene. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 107-144.
FDT 1.0: An improved fuzzy decision tree induction tool

FDT is a scalable supervised-classification freeware software tool implementing fuzzy decision trees. It is based on an improved version of the fuzzy ID3 (FID3) algorithm. It implements four different variations of FID3, the first utilizes fuzzy information gain, the second utilizes classification ambiguity, the third utilizes a fuzzy version of Gini-index and the fourth integrates fuzzy information gain and classification ambiguity to select a test (branching) feature. FDT also implements our previously published rule-set reduction method. The tool supports two inference methods: sum-of-products (X-X-+) and max-min. In this paper we introduce FDT and review its' major features and functionalities. In addition, we show that integrating our previously published rule-set reduction approach can improve the classification accuracy and can reduce the number of rules produced of all FID3 versions.
Use of an electronic administrative database to identify older community dwelling adults at high-risk for hospitalization or emergency department visits: The elders risk assessment index

The prevention of recurrent hospitalizations in the frail elderly requires the implementation of high-intensity interventions such as case management. In order to be practically and financially sustainable, these programs require a method of identifying those patients most at risk for hospitalization, and therefore most likely to benefit from an intervention. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the use of an electronic medical record to create an administrative index which is able to risk-stratify this heterogeneous population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care facility in Rochester, Minnesota. Patients included all 12,650 community-dwelling adults age 60 and older assigned to a primary care internal medicine provider on January 1, 2005. Patient risk factors over the previous two years, including demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, and hospitalizations, were evaluated for significance in a logistic regression model. The primary outcome was the total number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the subsequent two years. Risk factors were assigned a score based on their regression coefficient estimate and a total risk score created. This score was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity. The final model had an AUC of 0.678 for the primary outcome. Patients in the highest 10% of the risk group had a relative risk of 9.5 for either hospitalization or emergency room visits, and a relative risk of 13.3 for hospitalization in the subsequent two year period. It is possible to create a screening tool which identifies an elderly population at high risk for hospital and emergency room admission using clinical and administrative data readily available within an electronic medical record.
Behavioral and biochemical effects of chronic consumption of ethanol by hamsters

Male Syrian Golden-Hamsters consumed about 90% of their fluid as an ethanol-water solution when given a choice between water and ethanol-water solutions. This resulted in a daily alcohol intake of about 11 g/kg. After 53 days of alcohol ingestion there was no evidence of tolerance to the soporific effects of parenterally administered ethanol and removal of the ethanol solutions failed to produce any signs of alcohol withdrawal. However, after cessation of ethanol ingestion, the acquisition of escape responding from footshock was impaired in the alcohol group as compared to a control group. Biochemical and ultrastructural analyses demonstrated that chronic ethanol ingestion hepatic glycogen and plasma triglycerides without altering either the hepatic or plasma concentrations of phospholipids, free cholesterol or cholesterol esters. These results demonstrate that the hamster has an unusual metabolic response to ethanol. These findings are contrasted to the biochemical and behavioral effects of the drug in other species.
The Chemistry of Intercepted Clouds in Northern Arizona during the North American Monsoon Season

Cloudwater samples have been collected for the first time at a high-elevation site in the US interior Southwest. Cloud samples were collected at the summit of Mt. Elden near Flagstaff, Arizona. The samples were analyzed for pH, ionic composition, trace metals, organic carbon content, and volatile organic compounds. All of the samples showed high pH values (5.12–6.66), which appear to be the result of soil/crustal acid-neutralizing components. Ammonium and nitrate were the dominant ionic species. Organic carbon concentrations ranged from 3 to 18 mg/l. Volatile aromatic compounds (toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) were detected, although they did not contribute significantly to the dissolved organic matter (<1% of dissolved organic carbon). Still, their aqueous-phase concentrations were substantially higher than equilibrium partitioning from the gas phase would suggest. Metal concentrations were high when compared to other cloud studies in remote areas. Overall, with the exception of pH, the cloud chemistry showed marked inter-event variability. The source of the variability was investigated using NOAA HYSPLIT dispersion calculations. Like the cloud composition, the air mass back trajectories differed widely from event to event, and consistently, air masses that passed over highly urbanized areas had higher trace metal, organic, and ion concentrations than more pristine air masses.
Outcome Results From Yo Veo: A Visual Intervention for Teachers Working With Immigrant Latino/Latina Students

Objective:This study reports results from the outcome evaluation of Yo Veo, a visual intervention with schoolteachers, which structures conversations about challenges that teachers face teaching La...
Bacteria-induced static batch fungal fermentation of the diterpenoid cyathin A(3), a small-molecule inducer of nerve growth factor.

Cyathin A3, produced by the fungus Cyathus helenae, is a member of the cyathane family of diterpene natural products. While many of the cyathanes display antibacterial/antimicrobial activity or have cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, their most exciting therapeutic potential is derived from their ability to induce nerve growth factor (NGF) release from glial cells, making the cyathanes attractive lead molecules for the development of neuroprotective therapeutics to prevent/treat Alzheimer’s disease. To investigate if cyathin A3 has NGF-inducing activity, we set out to obtain it using published C. helenae bench-scale fungal fermentations. However, to overcome nonproducing fermentations, we developed an alternative, bacteria-induced static batch fermentation approach to the production of cyathin A3, as described in this report. HPLC, UV absorption spectra, and mass spectrometry identify cyathin A3 in fungal fermentations induced by the timely addition of Escherichia coli K12 or Bacillus megabacterium. Pre-filtration of the bacterial culture abolishes cyathin A3 induction, suggesting that bacteria-associated media changes or physical interaction between the fungus and bacteria underlie the induction mechanism. Through alteration of incubation conditions, including agitation, the timing of induction, and media composition, we optimized the fermentation to yield nearly 1 mg cyathin A3/ml media, a sixfold increase over previously described yields. Additionally, by comparison of fermentation profiles, we reveal that cyathin A3 biosynthesis is regulated by carbon catabolite repression. We have used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to illustrate that cyathin A3 induces NGF release from cultured glial cells, and therefore cyathin A3 warrants further examination in the development of neuroprotective therapeutics.
Molar enamel thickness in European Miocene and extant hominoidea

Based on a roentgenographic analysis, the molar enamel of certain European Miocene dryopithecines is absolutely thick (r=1.03–1.30 mm in thickness); the molar enamel of certain European pliopithecines is thin (r=0.32–0.82 mm thick). The rank order for enamel thickness in extant hominoids (from thickest to thinnest) is confirmed to beHomo, Pongo, Gorilla, Pan, andHylobates. There is a great deal of enamel thickness variability within the great ape sample. Extant analogues suggest that dryopithecines were probably adapted to a frugivorous/gramnivorous dietary regimen, while pliopithecines were probably better suited to folivory.
Ontogenic Studies of Gastrointestinal Function. II. Lower Esophageal Sphincter Maturation in Neonatal Beagle Puppies

Summary: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the postnatal development of lower esophageal spincter (LES) competence in the beagle and to determine the role of gastrin in LES functional ontogeny. Eleven beagle puppies taken from two litters were studied. All puppies were allowed to suckle during the first 3 postnatal wk. In the 4th wk, all puppies were weaned, and by the 5th wk only solid chow was offered. Intraluminal manometric pressure determinations were obtained in unanesthetized, unsedated puppies using twin-lumen, 1.7 mm OD, 1 mm ID polyvinyl catheters. A 12–15 min baseline period of intraluminal pressure was monitored, after which the puppies received successive doses of 0.03, 0.1, 1.0, and 8.0 μg/kg pentagastrin (PG) SC spaced at 45-min intervals. Progressive increases in LES pressure both during basal periods and during gastric contractions and in gastric fundus (GF) pressures during gastric contractions occurred during the 1st 5 weeks of life. An increase in pressure gradient between the LES and GF during gastric contraction occurred from birth through 5 wk of age. There was no response to 0.1–8.0 μg/kg PG until postnatal days 5–6 when the LES pressure gradient in the basal state increased in response to each of these doses. There was also no significant response by the LES to PG during gastric contraction until days 11–12 when all doses of PG evoked enhancement of LES pressure. These studies suggest that an increase in LES-GF intraluminal pressure gradient develops during the initial 2 postnatal wk in this species and that this development does not involve the hormone gastrin. Later, however, the pressure gradient may depend upon both age and gastrin since a two-way analysis of variance indicated that not only is LES pressure affected by postnatal age and by PG dose, but that there is an interaction between postnatal age and PG dose which is significant. By the fifth wk, there was an apparent dose-response effect in which the lower two doses produced increased LES pressure and the larger two doses produced decreased LES pressures. Speculation: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in some infants may occur when the developmental interplay between endogenous gastrin concentration, increasing sensitivity to gastrin by LES, and sensitivity to gastrin by the muscular stomach proceeds abnormally. Alternatively, either the postnatal increase in LES muscle mass or the maturation of a neural pathway that mediates reflex contraction of the LES during gastric contraction, or both, may be delayed or abnormal in some children with GER. A fourth possible abnormality that may permit GER in still other infants is failure to generate the increasing gastric contraction rate and intraluminal pressures observed to occur in normal development, thus permitting delayed gastric emptying.
Effects of dexamethasone on erythroid colony and burst formation from human fetal liver and adult marrow.

Summary. Dexamethasone, a prototypic synthetic glucocorticoid, was added to cultures of human fetal liver and adult marrow cells to assess its effects on erythroid colony and burst formation. Dexamethasone decreased the number of fetal liver erythroid colonies and bursts formed in the presence of erythropoietin, and also decreased the number of cells per colony. The amount and type of haemoglobin produced per cell were unaffected by adding dexamethasone to the cultures. Dexamethasone inhibited the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA in fetal liver cells stimulated with erythropoietin, supporting the hypothesis that dexamethasone inhibits the proliferation but not the differentiation of fetal liver CFU-E and BFU-E. In contrast, addition of dexamethasone to adult bone marrow cultures had a variable effect on erythroid colony and burst formation.
A method for stabilizing chronic gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes.

Abstract Haphazard and inefficent securing of chronic gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes causes major complications due to migration of the percutaneous feeding tube, including pyloric or intestinal obstruction, obstructive jaundice, and impaired feeding. These problems associated with current anchoring techniques can be prevented by following an inexpensive, easily learned stabilization method using sterile gauze pads and tape that fixes the tube in position.
Growth Rate Inheritance in Japanese Quail 1. The Establishment of Environmental Conditions which Restrict Juvenile Growth Rate

Abstract THE exposition and complete utilization of all sources of genetic variation is a major goal of geneticists. One approach for achieving this goal includes the development of lines selected for growth performance in a variety of adverse environments followed by the testing of these lines and/or line-crosses in an optimum environment. Prior to initiating the selection studies, however, it is necessary to determine which environmental conditions produce a repeatable restriction in growth rate. A preliminary report (Marks and Lepore, 1966) indicated the ineffectiveness of crowding, limiting waterei or feeder space, and temperature stress in consistently restricting 4-week body weight in Japanese quail. Coupling these results with the inherent managerial ease of conducting dietary stress experiments prompted us to investigate using adverse nutritional environments for growth rate depression. A literature search provided many possible dietary treatments which could be used, but for theoretical reasons, thiouracil supplementation and protein deficiency were chosen . . .
Mechanism of Formation of the Major Estradiol Product Ions Following Collisional Activation of the Molecular Anion in a Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

The importance of the mass spectral product ion structure is highlighted in quantitative assays, which typically use multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), and in the discovery of novel metabolites. Estradiol is an important sex steroid whose quantitation and metabolite identification using tandem mass spectrometry has been widely employed in numerous clinical studies. Negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of estradiol (E2) results in several product ions, including the abundant m/z 183 and 169. Although m/z 183 is one of the most abundant product ions used in many quantitative assays, the structure of m/z 183 has not been rigorously examined. We suggest a structure for m/z 183 and a mechanism of formation consistent with collision induced dissociation (CID) of E2 and several stable isotopes ([D4]-E2, [(13)C6]-E2, and [D1]-E2). An additional product ion from E2, namely m/z 169, has also been examined. MS(3) experiments indicated that both m/z 183 and m/z 169 originate from only E2 [M - H](-) m/z 271. These ions, m/z 183 and m/z 169, were also present in the collision induced decomposition mass spectra of other prominent estrogens, estrone (E1) and estriol (E3), indicating that these two product ions could be used to elucidate the estrogenic origin of novel metabolites. We propose two fragmentation schemes to explain the CID data and suggest a structure of m/z 183 and m/z 169 consistent with several isotopic variants and high resolution mass spectrometric measurements.
A Traditional Analysis of the First Flush Effect for Nutrients in Stormwater Runoff from Two Small Urban Catchments

Nonpoint stormwater runoff remains a major threat to surface water quality in the USA. More effective stormwater control measures can be designed by understanding patterns in pollutant export with respect to the runoff hydrograph. In particular, nutrient concentrations in urban stormwater can cause deleterious effects in sensitive watersheds in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic USA. A year-long study captured stormwater samples from 36 storm events at two catchments (one primarily impermeable and the other substantially wooded) and analyzed for total suspended solids and various nutrient species. Using these data, the first flush effect (the assumption that the initial portion of a rainfall-runoff event is more polluted than the later portions) was evaluated based on several published methods and definitions. Based on an analysis of multiple methodologies, the ranking of first flush strength among the pollutants was total suspended solids (TSS) > ammonia (NH3) > total Kjeldahl nitrogen > NO2-NO3 > total phosphorus > orthophosphate (O-PO4). Nitrogen species generally displayed a stronger first flush than phosphorus species, with O-PO4 showing the weakest first flush effect. Various relationships ° climate, land use, and the first flush strength were also explored. Of the rainfall characteristics analyzed, total rainfall and runoff volume each inversely affected the first flush strength of TSS on the more impervious catchment. Although orthophosphate did not have a strong first flush effect, the relative first flush strength for O-PO4 increased with increasing rainfall or runoff. Land use did not influence the first flush strength of the pollutants. On average, most pollutants exhibited a slight first flush effect, but substantial pollutant loading still occurred in the latter portion of the storm’s total runoff volume. Thus, treating the majority of a storm’s total pollutant load requires capturing a commensurate fraction of runoff volume.
The p-Centre machine for regression analysis

Support vector machines (SVMs) have become one of the most powerful methods in machine learning for solving classification and regression problems. Finding the SVM solution can be regarded as estimating the centre of the largest hypersphere that can be inscribed in the set of consistent hypotheses called the version space. However, this solution can be inaccurate if the version space is asymmetric or elongated. Several approaches have been proposed to utilize other possible centres of the version space that can improve the generalization performance. Morreti in 2003 proposed an algorithm for finding the centre of a general polytope, the so called p-Centre, using weighted projections. By applying this method, Bruckner in 2001 introduced a formulation for solving binary classification problems based on an approximation of the p-Centre of the version space, the so called p-Centre machine. In this paper, we extend the work by Bruckner and propose a kernel-based algorithm for regression analysis using the p-Centre method. The concept of the p-Centre of a polytope and version space is also explained. Furthermore, the applications of the proposed method are presented. The preliminary results indicate that the p-Centre-based kernel machine for regression has promising performance compared with the SVM for regression.
Competency-Based Training in Behavioral Consultation.

Abstract The design of competency-based training in behavioral consultation is described as involving the specification of objectives, training procedures, and evaluation techniques. The relationship of training and evaluation to behavioral-consultation training objectives and the benefits to a competency-based training approach are discussed.
A delivery system for the treatment of primary enuresis.

To illustrate how to deliver underutilized psychological treatments, a comprehensive, low-cost treatment for primary enuresis was developed consisting of bell-and-pad training, cleanliness training, retention control, and overlearning. Sixty primary enuretic children and their parents attended 1-hour group training sessions and implemented treatment in the home. Each case required 15 minutes of professional time, and net cost to each family was $50. Forty-eight (81%) achieved initial arrest of bedwetting and only 11 (24%) relapsed at 1-year follow-up. Significant association between relapse and prior treatment failure with imipramine was noted. The outcome was found to compare favorably with previous treatments that required more professional time.
IgG Antibodies to Double-Stranded DNA in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Sera

Antibodies to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid were studied using the kinetoplast of Crithidia luciliae. Titers were determined separately by conventional immunofluorescence and the complement fluorescent technique, and results by the two methods were compared. Complement fixing activity varied independently of antibody content in whole serum and in IgG fractions. The well established correlation of complement fixing activity of this antibody with activity of lupus nephritis appears related, therefore, to qualitative rather than solely quantitative differences. This finding has important implications for the clinical assessment of patients with lupus, and investigations on the relationship of anti-DNA antibodies to lupus nephritis.
Ten Jewish Red Army Veterans of the Great Patriotic War: In Search of the Mythical Representative Soldier’s Story

What constitutes a representative voice of soldiers at war can be a contentious issue, especially when dealing with a specifically identifiable group or subgroup. Based on interviews with veterans, this article argues that the oral testimony of Jewish soldiers in the Red Army is every bit as representative and useful as that of any other group of servicemen and servicewomen who served that army on the Eastern Front during the Second World War.
ACUTE ALCOHOL INTOXICATION POTENTIATES NEUTROPHIL-MEDIATED INTESTINAL TISSUE DAMAGE AFTER BURN INJURY

This study examined whether acute alcohol (EtOH) intoxication before burn injury potentiates postburn intestinal tissue damage and whether neutrophils have any role in the damage under those conditions. Male rats (~250 g) were gavaged with EtOH to achieve a blood EtOH level of approximately 100 mg/dL or with saline and received either approximately 12.5% or approximately 25% total body surface area (TBSA) burn or sham injury. Rats were killed at 4 or 24 h after injury, and various parameters were measured. As compared with sham animals, burn injury alone (regardless of size) resulted in a significant increase in intestinal tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO; an index of neutrophil infiltration) activity and IL-18 levels 4 h after injury. Furthermore, rats receiving 25% TBSA, but not 12.5%, burn exhibited intestine edema. The IL-18 and MPO activity were normalized at 24 h after injury in rats receiving 12.5% TBSA burn, whereas these parameters remained elevated at 24 h in rats with 25% burn. The presence of EtOH in rats at the time of burn injury exacerbated the levels of IL-18, MPO activity, and edema at 4 and 24 h after burn injury. Treatment of rats with anti–IL-18 antibodies or with anti-neutrophil antiserum prevented the increase in the above parameters after EtOH and burn injury, except that the depletion of neutrophils did not prevent the IL-18 increase. In summary, these findings suggest that acute EtOH intoxication exacerbates postburn intestinal tissue damage after burn injury, and that it is, in part, neutrophil mediated.
Reflecting on the Use of Writing to Promote Mathematical Learning: An Examination of Preservice Mathematics Teachers' Perspectives

We examine preservice mathematics teachers' conceptions of writing as a tool for learning mathematics before and after participation in and reflection on writing tasks. We describe the use of two targeted activities incorporated into a secondary methods course: writing to learn mathematics (WTLM) and reflection on that writing. Prior to participation in these activities, the preservice teachers expressed reluctance toward the use of writing in mathematics and uncertainty as to how writing could be useful in mathematics, while accepting that some possible benefits might exist for students' procedural learning. Following participation in these activities, the preservice teachers expressed a willingness to accept writing as a useful tool for supporting an expanded view of teaching and learning mathematics. Specifically, the preservice teachers considered writing as a way to build connections between mathematics and other subjects, a means to assess student understanding of mathematics, and a beneficial suppo...