cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abundance and activity of vinyl chloride (VC)-oxidizing bacteria in a dilute groundwater VC plume biostimulated with oxygen and ethene

Clean-up of vinyl chloride (VC)-contaminated groundwater could be enhanced by stimulating aerobic VC-oxidizing bacterial populations (e.g., methanotrophs) with amendments such as molecular oxygen. In addition, ethene gas injection could further stimulate a different group of aerobic ethene- and VC-oxidizing bacteria called “etheneotrophs.” We estimated the abundance and activity of these different VC-oxidizing bacteria in portions of a dilute groundwater VC plume subjected to oxygen and ethene biostimulation. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, amplified from community DNA extracted from five groundwater monitoring wells, revealed that Proteobacteria dominated the microbial community. Among the Proteobacteria, methanotroph relative abundance was 6.00 % (well RB52I), 2.81 % (well RB46D), 56.3 % (well RB58I), 23.8 % (well RB63I), and 2.57 % (well RB64I). Reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to determined methanotroph and etheneotroph functional gene expression from selected monitoring wells. Resulting transcript per gene ratios for methanotroph functional genes (pmoA and mmoX) were 0.013 (RB46D), 0.017 (RB63I), 0.112 (RB64I), and 0.004 (RB46D), 0.239 (RB63I), and 0.199 (RB64I), respectively. Transcript per gene ratios for etheneotroph functional genes (etnC and etnE) were 0.37 (RB46D), 0.81 (RB63I), 5.85 (RB64I), and 0.38 (RB46D), 0.67 (RB63I), and 2.28 (RB64I), respectively. When considered along with geochemical and contaminant data from these wells, our RT-qPCR results suggest that methanotrophs and etheneotrophs were participating in VC cometabolism. We conclude that these molecular diagnostic techniques could be helpful to site managers interested in documenting the effectiveness of VC bioremediation strategies.
Cystic fibrosis salt/fluid controversy: in the thick of it.

A new study shows that a mouse model of cystic fibrosis has lower levels of liquid on the surface of its airway epithelium which suggests that thickened airway secretions might have a role in the disease process and that rehydrating the airways might be of benefit to patients.
Inhibition of in vitro and in vivo brown fat differentiation program by myostatin

Obesity arises mainly due to the imbalance between energy storage and its expenditure. Metabolically active brown adipose tissue (BAT) has recently been detected in humans and has been proposed as a new target for anti-obesity therapy because of its unique capacity to regulate energy expenditure. Myostatin (Mst), a negative regulator of muscle mass, has been identified as a potential target to regulate overall body composition. While the beneficial effects of Mst inhibition on muscle mass are well known, its role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, and energy expenditure is not very clear. We tested the effects of Mst inhibition on the gene regulatory networks that control BAT differentiation using both in vivo and in vitro model systems. PRDM16 and UCP1, two key regulators of brown fat differentiation were significantly up regulated in levator-ani (LA) and gastrocnemius (Gastroc) muscles as well as in epididymal (Epi) and subcutaneous (SC) fat pads isolated from Mst knock out (Mst KO) male mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Using mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEFs) primary cultures obtained from Mst KO group compared to the WT group undergoing adipogenic differentiation, we also demonstrate a significant increase in select genes and proteins that improve lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. Furthermore, treatment of Mst KO MEFs with recombinant Mst protein significantly inhibited the gene expression levels of UCP1, PRDM16, PGC1-α/β as well as BMP7. Future studies to extend these findings and explore the therapeutic potential of Mst inhibition on metabolic disorders are warranted.
Once again: The structure of the narrative of Solomon's reign

Scholars have proposed two primary structures for 1 Kgs 3.1-11.13: on the one hand, a bipartite structure of two parallel stories (chs. 3-8; 9-11); and on the other, a concentric/chiastic structure which focuses on the building and dedication of the Temple in chs. 6-8. A review of linguistic (verbal) evidence supports the position that the fundamental structure is one of two parallel stories. Further examination, however, suggests that key observations associated with the proposal of a concentric/chiastic structure may be synthesized with the notion of parallel stories. Such an understanding enriches our appreciation of the text, by revealing a web of connections in the narrative, suggesting a tightly woven and sophisticated account.
Results of positive cross-match transplantation in African American renal transplant recipients.

Positive cross-match (PXM) renal transplantation has been utilized to address the issue of the increasing demand for transplantation with the shortage of suitable organs. Our primary objective was to analyze the outcomes of African American (AA) PXM renal transplant recipients utilizing AA negative cross-match (NXM) renal transplant recipients as a comparator group. This was a retrospective study consisting of all PXM patients who underwent a desensitization protocol and all AA NXM transplant recipients at the University of Illinois at Chicago from July 2001 to March 2007. We found that AA PXM recipients had significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 year than AA NXM (46.2 vs. 60.6, p = 0.007). AA PXM who experienced acute rejection within the first year were more likely to have an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year compared to their NXM counterparts (45.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.034). Positive cross-match renal transplantation in AA seems to be associated with a high degree of AR and severe renal compromise at 1 year. Larger studies are needed to determine if protocols that are associated with good short-term outcomes in non-AA need to be modified for the AA population.
Introduction to Fisher Information: Its Origin, Uses, and Predictions

This is a book on new approaches to the exploratory analysis of an unknown system. The approaches are based upon uses of Fisher information and, in particular, on a unified approach to science called EPI (extreme physical information). Both theory and applications are given. The scope of systems that can be so analyzed is quite broad, in fact encompassing all statistically based phenomena. The new approaches grow out of analyzing how these systems convey Fisher information to an observer. The result is a novel program of exploratory data analysis (EDA), whose inputs are real or gedanken data, and whose outputs are the natural laws governing the systems. Examples are the Schrodinger wave equation and the quarter-power laws of biology.
Introducing Faculty to Microcomputers.

(1983). Introducing Faculty to Microcomputers. Health Education: Vol. 14, No. 6, pp. 13-14.
Improvements in immunoprecipitation of specific messenger RNA. Isolation of highly purified conalbumin mRNA in high yield.

We have described previously procedures for the isolation of specific mRNA employing immunoprecipitation of polysomes. In spite of our success with ovalbumin mRNA in the chicken oviduct, we have had considerable difficulties in applying these same published techniques to the immunopurification of conalbumin mRNA, despite the fact that the chicken oviduct synthesizes up to 10% of protein as conalbumin. Here we describe a number of modifications and refinements which have proved essential in obtaining intact conalbumin mRNA in high purity and high yields. These refinements include: (a) improved purification of conalbumin in order to remove contaminating proteins that result in impure antibodies; (b) improved isolation of specific conalbumin antibody in high yields; (c) improved methods for reducing contamination by non-specific polysomes; (d) improved techniques for isolation of RNA from immunoprecipitates resulting in less degradation and higher recovery of conalbumin mRNA; (e) improved techniques for efficient translation of conalbumin mRNA involving treatment of the RNA with methylmercury prior to translation. We conclude that problems involved in the immunoprecipitation of different mRNAs may differ, and that various refinements in techniques may be required for obtaining highly purified preparations of intact mRNA in high yields.
Immunization requirements for childcare programs. Are they enough

Abstract Background School immunization legislation has resulted in high vaccination coverage rates and low rates of vaccine-preventable disease among school children. Similar legislation has been directed toward children in licensed and regulated childcare programs. The purpose of this investigation was to compare immunization coverage among children in and not in childcare. Methods For 18 months during 2001 and 2002, the National Immunization Survey (NIS), a random-digit-dialing telephone survey, collected information on children aged 19 through 35 months, including data on enrollment in childcare. Data were analyzed retrospectively to determine coverage at 24 months and at the time of the survey. Children were considered up-to-date if they had received all recommended immunizations for their age. Results Of the eligible NIS respondents, about 41% had a child in childcare at the time of or before the survey. Retrospective analysis of children at 24 months showed no significant differences in coverage between those in and not in childcare (73.1% vs 71.9%). Likewise, analysis of coverage at the time of the survey revealed no significant differences (76.4% vs 72.6%). Conclusions Immunization legislation and regulations have been successful in increasing coverage rates in the school population. Similar legislation for childcare facilities appears not to have been as effective. Given these findings, it seems that new strategies are needed to increase coverage in preschool children.
Reflections on being a scholar and a writer

This response to Aaron Sachs, ‘Letters to a tenured historian’, reflects on professional historians and creative forms of history writing.
Lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (CRd) for light-chain amyloidosis: long-term results from a phase 2 trial

Light-chain (AL) amyloidosis remains incurable despite recent therapeutic advances. Given the activity of the lenalidomide-alkylating agent combination in myeloma, we designed this phase 2 trial of lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in AL amyloidosis. Thirty-five patients, including 24 previously untreated, were enrolled. Nearly one-half of the patients had cardiac stage III disease and 28% had ≥ 3 organs involved. The overall hematologic response (≥ partial response [PR]) rate was 60%, including 40% with very-good partial response or better. Using serum-free light chain for assessing response, 77% of patients had a hematologic response. Organ responses were seen in 29% of patients and were limited to those with a hematologic response. The median hematologic progression-free survival was 28.3 months, and the median overall survival was 37.8 months. Hematologic toxicity was the predominant adverse event, followed by fatigue, edema, and gastrointestinal symptoms. A grade 3 or higher toxicity occurred in 26 patients (74%) including ≥ grade 3 hematologic toxicity in 16 patients (46%) and ≥ grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity in 25 patients (71%). Seven patients (20%) died on study, primarily because of advanced disease. Lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (CRd) is an effective combination for treatment of AL amyloidosis and leads to durable hematologic responses as well as organ responses with manageable toxicity. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00564889).
Kinetic and morphometric responses of heterogeneous populations of NMU-induced rat mammary tumor cells to hormone and antipolyamine therapy in vivo.

The present experiments were designed to evaluatein vivo the differential sensitivity of tumor cell subpopulations to hormone and polyamine manipulations using the hormone-responsive N-nitrosomethyl-urea (NMU)-induced rat mammary tumor. NMU tumor bearing rats were randomly assigned to control, ovariectomy, α-difluoromethyl-ornithine (DFMO) administration (an inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis), or combination treatment, and were sacrificed on day 2, 4, or 7. The proportion of different cells was estimated by morphometric analysis and their replicative activities by [3H]-thymidine autoradiography.
Performance of a Ferroelectric Tunable Pre-Select Filter/Low Noise Amplifier Hybrid Circuit

In this paper we discuss the performance of a proof-of-concept of a tunable band pass filter (BPF)/Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) hybrid circuit for a possible gain-compensated down-converter targeted for the next generation of K-band satellite communication systems. Electrical tunability of the filter is obtained through the nonlinear electric field dependence of the relative dielectric constant of a ferroelectric thin-film such as strontium titanate (SrTiO3) or barium strontium titanate (BaxSr1−xTiO3). Experimental results show that the BPFs are tunable by more than 5%, with a bipolar biasing scheme employed. The BPF/LNA tunable hybrid circuit was used to study the effect of tuning on the hybrid circuit’s performance especially on the amplifier’s noise-figure and the gain.
Genetic transformation between strains of Listeria monocytogenes

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for lethal meningitis outbreaks derived from foods. Genetic transformation of antibiotic resistance was readily achieved between strains of the organism when recipient cells were first treated with lysozyme before being placed in contact with transforming DNA. Recipient cells not treated with lysozyme failed to undergo transformation. Exogenous DNase completely inactivated the transforming system. The establishment of a transformation system for this organism should facilitate genetic studies on antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.
"Why Are You Doing This?" Questions on Purpose, Structure, and Outcomes in Participatory Action Research Engaging Youth and Teacher Candidates.

Our article is based on a study of our integration of social foundations coursework with filmmaking and participatory action research, bringing teacher candidates and middle and high school students together. The project was carried out in partnership between an urban university and two nearby public schools within a Midwestern city known for high child poverty rates and weak academic outcomes. The project sought to stretch the imagination of teacher candidates in areas related to school reform and to provide opportunities for the youth in terms of inquiry and activism concerning their schools and neighborhoods. The article discusses the direction of the project over the semester and the challenges encountered in carrying out this work. Study findings suggest that the students valued the use of film and learning of research skills, as well as the coming together each week. Technology glitches precluded a final film product, compromising the extent to which project goals concerning activism in the area of ...
Anterosuperior instability and the rotator interval

Abstract An improved understanding of the anatomy of the anterosuperior quadrant of the shoulder and the contributions that these structures make to shoulder stability along with the advances in shoulder arthroscopy have allowed for the recognition and delineation of a number of pathologic conditions. Traumatic avulsion of the superior and/or the middle glenohumeral ligaments can and do occur in the clinical setting, and these capsulolabral disruptions respond very effectively to arthroscopic reconstruction when nonsurgical measures have failed. Another important structure found in the anterosuperior quadrant of the shoulder includes the rotator interval capsule, which has been shown to contribute significantly to stability of the shoulder in both mechanical and clinical studies. Arthroscopic plication of the rotator interval capsule is effective in stabilizing selected cases of shoulder instability and in supplementing other arthroscopic stabilization procedures. This article describes the clinical and arthroscopic findings found with anterosuperior quadrant pathology and provides insights into differentiating pathology from normal variant anatomy. Surgical techniques involved in superior and middle glenohumeral ligament reconstruction as well as arthroscopic rotator interval plication are also described in detail.
Semiclassical theory of spin-orbit coupling

Newly developed methods for finding the semiclassical or WKB eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for vector wave fields are applied to spinning particles moving in central potentials subject to spin-orbit forces. The new methods are like the familiar Bohr-Sommerfeld or Einstein-Brillouin-Keller quantization methods for scalar wave fields, but involve additional issues relating to Berry's phase, gauge structures, and monopolelike singularities. All these extra issues occur in the asymptotics of spin-orbit coupling. The role of angular momentum and conservation laws is particularly interesting, due to the role played by gauge fields in the classical-quantum correspondence. The work presented is a contribution to ongoing semiclassical studies of shell structure in nuclei and other fermion systems such as metal clusters, as well as an example of the general methods of semiclassical vector wave quantization.
Low loss HEMA/EMA copolymer waveguides with a range of wetting and optical properties

Homopolymers and copolymers of optical grade hydroxyethyl methacryiate (HEMA) and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) were synthesized with bulk copolymer compositions of 0, 10, 43, 75, 86, 89, and 100 mol % HEMA. Attenuated total reflection IR (ATR-IR) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies showed an unhydrated surface composition that varied insignificantly from the bulk. Polymer surface wettability, percent swelling of the copolymers in water, and the bulk refractive index increased with increasing HEMA content. High-quality thin-film integrated optical waveguides (IOW) were spun cast from copolymer solutions with propagation losses of < 1 dB/cm. Waveguide refractive indices determined from coupling angle measurements agreed closely with the bulk measurements. These results show that HEMA/EMA copolymers that form transparent films produce polymer IOWs with a range of bulk swellabilities, surface wettabilities, and optical densities. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of spontaneous mutations within the long-range limb-specific Sonic hedgehog enhancer (ZRS) that alter Sonic hedgehog expression in the chicken limb mutants oligozeugodactyly and silkie breed

The evolutionarily conserved, non-coding ~800-base-pair (bp) zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) regulatory sequence (ZRS) controls Shh expression in the posterior limb. We report that the chicken mutant oligozeugodactyly (ozd), which lacks limb Shh expression, has a large deletion within the ZRS. Furthermore, the preaxial polydactylous, Silkie Breed chicken, which develops ectopic anterior limb Shh expression, has a single bp change within the ZRS. Using an in vivo reporter assay to examine enhancer function in the chick limb, we demonstrate that the wild-type ZRS drives β-galactosidase reporter expression in the ZPA of both wild-type and ozd limbs. The Silkie ZRS drives β-galactosidase in both posterior and anterior Shh domains in wild-type limb buds. These results support the hypothesis that the ZRS integrates positive and negative prepatterned regulatory inputs in the chicken model system and demonstrate the utility of the chicken limb as an efficient genetic system for gene regulatory studies.
Repair of Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency Using an Autologous Monocusp

Abstract A 31/2-year-old boy experienced right ventricular failure approximately two years after an operation for critical pulmonic stenosis. Severe pulmonary and tricuspid valvular insufficiency was documented echocardiographically and at cardiac catheterization. Treatment consisted of a tricuspid valve annuloplasty and creation of an autologous monocusp valve using the anterior wall of the pulmonary artery. The procedure was well tolerated, and early competence of the pulmonary valve was shown intraoperatively by pressure recordings and postoperatively by Doppler echocardiography. However, at recatheterization one year later, there was no evidence that the monocusp valve was functioning. This experience does not support the prior successful application of this technique in animals.
Covariant second quantization of superstrings.

Becchi-Rouet-Stora invariance is used to second quantize the free superstring covariantly in the Neveu-Schwarz-Ramond formalism. The massless sector is shown to be the gauge-fixed supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. A method to find a gauge-covariant local formulation is also discussed.
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity within Macroaggregates Modified by Tillage

Greater knowledge of intraaggregate porosity modifications by tillage conveys new information for identifying additional hydrologic, ion retention, and aggregate stability responses to specific management practices. Macroaggregates, 2 to 4, 4 to 6.3, and 6.3 to 9.5 mm across, were separated into multiple concentric layers and their porosities were determined. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K{sub s}) of multiple aggregate fractions from two soil types subjected to conventional tillage (CT), no tillage (NT), and native forest (NF) soils were measured individually to identify the effects of tillage on aggregate structure, porosity, and K{sub s}. Intraaggregate porosities were the highest in NF aggregates. Greater porosities were identified in exterior layers of soil aggregates from all treatments. Lowest intraaggregate porosities were observed in the central regions of CT aggregates. Soil aggregates, 6.3 to 9.5 mm across, had the greatest total porosities, averaging 37.5% for both soil types. Long-term CT reduced intraaggregate porosities and K, within macroaggregates, of the same size fraction, from both the Hoytville silty clay loam and Wooster silt loam soil types. Values for K, of NF aggregates, 5.0 x 10{sup -5} cm s{sup -1}, were reduced 50-fold by long-term CT treatments of the Hoytville series. The K, values through Wooster aggregates frommore » NF, 16.0 x 10{sup -5} cm s{sup -1}, were reduced 80-fold by long-term CT treatments. The K{sub s} values through NF and NT aggregates were positively correlated with their intraaggregate porosities (R{sup 2} = 0.84 for NF and R{sup 2} = 0.45 for NT at P < 0.005). Additional studies are needed to identify rates at which pore geometries within macroaggregates are degraded by CT or improved by NT.« less
Trace Metal Associations in Urban Airborne Particulates.

Abstract Air pollution monitoring for trace elements in aerosols should seek to determine which elements are pollutants, where they go, and whether they may cause undesirable effects. Several sampling and analysis schemes and auxiliary studies, carried out within and remote from the Chicago area, are reviewed here and are evaluated for their possible inclusion into larger national air monitoring programs. Initially, an approximate elemental emissions inventory for the urban region was calculated from available published information and was used to account for contributions from major pollution sources. A multi-station study of urban and non-urban near surface air led to discovery of certain elemental correlations useful in distinguishing pollution from regional background and in tracing long distance transport of pollutants. Particle size distributions gave insights concerning types of processes at pollution sources and identification of unsuspected sources. Diurnal variations suggested meteorological fac...
Detection Probabilities for Ground-Based Breeding Waterfowl Surveys

Abstract Current methods for conducting ground-based surveys of breeding waterfowl pairs make the unlikely assumption that detection probabilities are constant and approach 100%. To test this assumption, we conducted independent double-observer pair surveys in North Dakota, USA, to evaluate sources of variation in detection probabilities for 8 common species of prairie-nesting ducks. An experienced observer had 0.911 detection probability averaged over all 8 species (range = 0.866–0.944) versus 0.790 (range = 0.537–0.890) for a novice observer. Detection probabilities also varied substantially among species, but patterns were not consistent between observers. Detection probabilities declined as number of ducks per wetland increased, presumably due to difficulty in identifying large numbers of flushing ducks. Other covariates affecting detection probabilities included size of social groups, precipitation, survey methodology (roadside vs. walk-up), cloud cover, time of day, and amount of wetland vegetation,...
Neurogenic stunned myocardium in Guillain–Barré syndrome

Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM), a syndrome of reversible left ventricular dysfunction best described after subarachnoid hemorrhage, has not been associated with peripheral neuropathy. We describe a woman with Guillain-Barre syndrome in whom a syndrome compatible with NSM developed in the setting of a physiologically documented increase in sympathetic cardiovascular tone. This case supports the presumed unifying role of excessive sympathetic nervous system activation in the pathogenesis of NSM.
A conserved hydrophobic surface of the LARG pleckstrin homology domain is critical for RhoA activation in cells

Abstract Leukemia associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (LARG) activates RhoA in response to signals received by specific classes of cell surface receptors. The catalytic core of LARG is a Dbl homology (DH) domain whose activity is modulated by an adjacent pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. In this study, we used a transcriptional assay and confocal microscopy to examine the roles of several novel structural features of the LARG DH/PH domains, including a conserved and exposed hydrophobic patch on the PH domain that mediates protein–protein interactions in crystal structures of LARG and its close homolog PDZ-RhoGEF. Mutation of the hydrophobic patch has no effect on nucleotide exchange activity in vitro, but abolished the ability of LARG to activate RhoA and to induce stress fiber formation in cultured cells. The activity of these mutants could be rescued by fusion with exogenous membrane-targeting domains. However, because membrane recruitment by activated Gα13 subunits was not sufficient to rescue activity of a hydrophobic patch mutant, the LARG PH domain cannot solely contribute to membrane targeting. Instead, it seems likely that the domain is involved in regulatory interactions with other proteins near the membrane surface. We also show that the hydrophobic patch of the PH domain is likely important for the activity of all Lbc subfamily RhoGEFs.
Do children and adolescents with ADHD respond differently to atomoxetine

ABSTRACT Objective Controversy exists over changes in tolerability and response to medications across the life span. Here the authors report data contrasting the efficacy and tolerability of atomoxetine between children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Data were analyzed for children ages 6-11 (510 atomoxetine, 341 placebo) and adolescents ages 12-17 (107 atomoxetine, 69 placebo) with DSM-IV -defined ADHD enrolled in similarly designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Efficacy measures included response rates, times to response, and mean changes from baseline to endpoint in the ADHD Rating Scale, Conners' Parent Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions. Results Adolescents had lower baseline ADHD scores compared with children. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall effects on ADHD symptoms, response rates, or time to response between age groups. Children, but not adolescents, had higher rates of somnolence and headache relative to placebo. No other clinically meaningful treatment differences were seen in adverse event rates, vital signs, weight, height, laboratory values, or ECG between children and adolescents. Conclusions Acute atomoxetine treatment appears to be equally effective and tolerated in children and adolescents. These findings suggest that pharmacological differences in tolerability or ADHD symptom response are negligible between children and adolescents.
Cone-beam local tomography image reconstruction on chords

We develop a reconstruction algorithm for local cone-beam X-ray tomography for use with generalized scanning trajectories. The algorithm is based upon an extension of a recently-developed chord-based theory for exact conebeam image reconstruction. Being chord-based, it is distinct mathematically and conceptually from conventional local tomography reconstruction algorithms. A computer-simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the algorithm, and compare its performance to an existing algorithm.
Mechanisms of orientation of polymer liquid crystals (PLCs) in external fields

We analyze existing theories of behavior of polymer liquid crystals (PLCs) in external fields such as electric or magnetic. Against this background, we recall a fairly general theory of PLCs [77] and extend it to include effects of the external fields. We consider in particular phase transitions that PLCs undergo. In some cases the changes are qualitative only. However, we also observe significant quantitative modifications of phases caused by the presence of the fields.
Traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation and cerebral emboli

We report a case of traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation and late presentation with transient ischemic attacks caused by the presence of a right-to-left shunt through a small atrial septal defect.
Flavonoid frond exudates from two Jamaican ferns, Pityrogramma tartarea and P. calomelanos

Abstract Three flavonoids have been identified from the frond exudate of P. tartarea: 2′,6′-dihydroxy-4, 4′-dimethoxydihydrochalcone, kaempferol 7-methyl ether (rhamnocitrin), and apigenin 7-methyl ether (genkwanin). White-backed fronds of P. calomelanos contained 2′,6′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxydihydrochalcone.
Incorporation of steroidogenic pathways which produce cortisol and aldosterone from cholesterol into nonsteroidogenic cells.

Abstract Cortisol production from cholesterol requires the activity of four steroid hydroxylases: cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 (P-450scc), 17α-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-45017α), 21-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-450c21) and 11β-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-45011β). We have previously shown that transformed, nonsteroidogenic COS 1 cells derived from monkey kidney are a useful system for expression of various forms of cytochrome P-450. The present study shows that COS 1 cell cultures multiply transfected with six plasmids containing all four steroid hydroxylases, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase /Δ5→4-isomerase (3βHSD) and adrenodoxin produce cortisol and aldosterone when 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol is supplied to the system. When pregnenolone is used as substrate, various intermediate metabolites are detected at different time points further establishing the incorporation of complete functional steroidogenic pathways into the nonsteroidogenic cell cultures. Since the first and the last reactions in these pathways take place in the mitochondrion, the movement of various intermediate metabolites from mitochondrion to endoplasmic reticulum and back to mitchondrion occurs in and between COS 1 cells.
Amebic Parasites of Fishes

SYNOPSIS. Entamoeba molae n. sp. was found in the hindgut of Mola mola collected from the coast of southern California. The trophic stages are actively motile and contain numerous food vacuoles. The nuclear peripheral chromatin is usually conspicuous. A subperipheral crescent of granules is the most distinctive feature of the nucleus. The endosome is eccentric and often surrounded by a periendosomal ring. Measurements: cell body 16.4 × 22.9 μ nucleus 4.8 μ in diameter. Cysts were not seen. We believe that few amebas have been described from fishes because few fishes have been examined for amebas.
Dark and gray strong dispersion-managed solitons

Dark and gray solitons in communication systems with strong dispersion management (DM) are obtained. These new modes are characterized by a decaying oscillatory background. Unlike the bright DM solitons in which the oscillations are observed only on a logarithmic scale, here the oscillations are dominant on a linear scale and become very strong for moderate map strength.
A review and analysis of the state‐of‐the‐art research on productivity measurement

Productivity measurement is a required management tool in evaluating and monitoring the performance of a business operation. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the state‐of‐the‐art research on productivity measurement. The paper comprises two major sections. First, to develop some consensus about the techniques that can be employed, the theory of productivity measurement is examined and evaluated from several perspectives. Second, based on the availability of diverse techniques for measuring productivity, we analyze innovative case and field studies that demonstrate the techniques an organization can employ to measure performance adequately.
Inhibition of Dihydropteridine Reductase in Rat Striatal Synaptosomes and From Human Liver by Metabolites of Biogenic Amines

AbstractCatecholamines are potent noncompetitive inhibitors of dihydropteridine reductase in rat striatal synap tosomal preparations or purified from human liver. Their metabolities, except homovanillic acid, also inhibit the enzyme from both sources. The inhibitory potency of these compounds depends on the presence of the catechol or the 4-hydroxyphenyl structure, but may be modified by the 2-carbon side chain and its substituents. Indoleamines which have a hydroxylated aromatic nucleus (5-hydroxytryptamine and 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine) are equally inhibitory to the enzyme. These results suggest that biogenic amines themselves rather than their metabolities may serve as physiological inhibitors of dihydropteridine reductase in rat brain.
Addressing the multiplication makes bigger and division makes smaller misconceptions via prediction and clickers

This article presents a lesson that uses prediction items, clickers and visuals via PowerPoint slides to help prospective middle-school teachers address two common misconceptions: multiplication makes bigger and division makes smaller (MMB–DMS). Classroom research was conducted to explore the viability of such a lesson. Results show that the lesson was effective in creating awareness that multiplication does not always make bigger and division does not always makes smaller, uncovering students’ misconceptions, and providing opportunities for students to learn from mistakes. Students liked the activity for various reasons, such as getting to learn certain mathematical ideas, to think about the problems, to work in groups and to have fun. The lesson was implemented slightly differently in two classes. The class with an additional phase involving prediction and voting via clickers in the PowerPoint lesson showed a gain of 36 points (an effect size of 1.3 standard deviations, SDs) from the pre-test to the exi...
Nicotinic acid treatment of bovine ketosis. I. Effects on circulatory metabolites and interrelationships.

Abstract Blood metabolite changes were measured in six subclinically and seven clinically ketotic cows following treatment with four 40-g doses of nicotinic acid given orally at 2-hr intervals. Subclinical ketosis was characterized by hyperketonemia, elevated nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and acetate, and depressed triglycerides, cholesterols, and phospholipids. Clinically ketotic cows displayed hypolactia, hypophagia, hypoglycemia, hyperketonemia, elevated NEFA and acetate, and depression of other lipids. Glucose and triglyceride utilization by the mammary gland was not apparently impaired during ketosis, although marked NEFA uptake may have had a sparing action on triglyceride fatty acids. Appetite returned within 18 hr after treatment. At 48 hr after treatment, NEFA and ketone bodies were further elevated and appetite was again depressed. Blood metabolites and appetite began to return to normal immediately after the rebound phase. Glucose had returned to normal by Day 7, while ketone body concentrations were normal by Day 14. By Day 21, all blood metabolites were within accepted ranges.
Microglia and inflammatory mechanisms in the clearance of amyloid β peptide

There is now abundant evidence that brain microglia, when activated, have the lineage, receptors, and synthetic capacity to participate in both potentially neurotoxic inflammatory responses and potentially beneficial phagocytic responses. Amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) forms highly insoluble, beta-pleated aggregates that are widely deposited in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) cortex and limbic system. Aggregated Abeta also activates the classical and alternative complement cascades. These properties make Abeta an excellent target for microglial phagocytosis, a view supported by multiple reports, through well established mechanisms of phagocyte clearance.
Taking Back the Standards: Equity-Minded Teachers' Responses to Accountability-Related Instructional Constraints

This article offers three case studies of teachers who have been specially prepared to serve diverse students and examines their interpretations and instantiations of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)-driven language arts reform in “underper forming” schools, largely composed of Spanish-speaking English Learners (ELs). Drawing on literature that focuses on unique barriers faced by equity-minded agents of change, teachers' experiences are examined through technical, political, and normative lenses. Findings outline teachers' efforts to “take back the standards” with a Critical Professional Practice—a stance and collection of strategies that incorporate standards-based policies with equity-oriented pedagogies. Implications for equity-minded teaching and teacher education are discussed.
The noise power spectrum of CT images

An expression for the noise power spectrum of images reconstructed by the discrete filtered backprojection algorithm has been derived. The formulation explicitly includes sampling within the projections, angular sampling, and the two-dimensional sampling implicit in the discrete representation of the image. The effects of interpolation are also considered. Noise power spectra predicted by this analysis differ from those predicted using continuous theory in two respects: they are rotationally asymmetric, and they do not approach zero at zero frequency. Both of these properties can be attributed to two-dimensional aliasing due to pixel sampling. The predictions were confirmed by measurement of noise power spectra of both simulated images and images from a commercial x-ray transmission CT scanner.
Partial differential rate equations for a bilevel absorber

The interaction of a directed beam of radiation with an absorber is described using a two-level model. Transmitted light intensities and level populations are treated as functions of temporal and spatial independent variables. The general rate equations are given as partial differential equations. Combinations of material constants are identified as scale parameters and used to express the rate equations in nondimensional form as a hyperbolic partial differential equation in canonical form. One integration yields a time-independent relationship between two transmitted beam intensities at different wavelengths. Several calibration experiments are described to evaluate material parameters.
Control strategies for tendon-driven manipulators

Two antagonist control algorithms are presented. These algorithms are used to control manipulator links antagonistically driven by two actuators via tendons. They have been simulated and experimentally shown to produce better active and passive performance for an electric test system than control algorithms developed earlier. There are two fundamental differences between the control algorithms and earlier ones. First, the new algorithms allow both positive and negative (push and pull) commands to be given to the actuators. Previous systems generated only pull commands, ensuring that tendons would not go slack and give rise to backlash and other problems. The new controllers allow push commands to the actuators, but still do not allow tendons to go slack. Second, each actuator, in addition to being fed back its respective tendon force, is fed back both positive nd negative manipulator joint torques. This feature allows both actuators to respond simultaneously to torque errors. >
Application of Self-Anchoring Scaling for Study of Teaching Effectiveness.

A sample of 184 teachers was studied in relation to their first-person point of view of teaching effectiveness. A self-anchoring scale was employed as a measuring instrument. Results indicated that...
N,N′-Di­cyclo­hexyl-N-[(1RS,2RS,6SR)-4-(4-methoxy­phenyl)-2,6-di­methyl-3-cyclo­hexene-1-carbonyl]­urea: an unusual crystalline enantiomeric pairing

The synthesis of (1SR,2SR,5RS,6RS)-5-ethyl-4-(4-methoxy­phenyl)-2,6-di­methyl-3-cyclo­hexene­carboxyl­ic acid was accompanied by the formation of a by-product shown to differ only by the absence of the 5-ethyl group. That mixture was subjected to an enantiomer resolution process utilizing (−)-menthol and di­cyclo­hexyl­carbodi­imide (DCC), and the expected diastereomers of both compounds were formed along with their anhydrides and an unexpected, but related, compound in both cases. The unexpected compound formed from the substrate lacking the 5-ethyl group was unequiv­ocally identified by X-ray analysis as the title compound, C29H42N2O3, (I), a result that, together with the NMR spectra, similarly identified the corresponding product from the compound possessing the 5-ethyl substituent. The two enantiomers of (I) appear to be disordered and superimposed in the asymmetric unit, differing only in the position of the double bond, a rare phenomenon made possible by the unusual stereochemistry of (I).
In Situ Stress Measurements during Copper Electrodeposition on (111)-Textured Au

In situ stress measurements were made during copper electrodeposition onto (111)-textured Au from acidic sulfate electrolyte using the wafer curvature method. In the Cu underpotential deposition region, the intermediate Cu-sulfate honeycomb structure creates a surface stress that is tensile when compared to that of the sulfate-adsorbed electrode at positive potentials or the complete Cu monolayer at more negative potentials. This behavior is consistent with surface-induced charge redistribution models that appear in the literature. During the bulk deposition of Cu, there is a rapid increase in tensile stress during the first 20 nm of growth that we attribute to nuclei coalescence and grain boundary formation. The magnitude of the tensile stress as well as the film thickness at which the maximum stress occurs are both dependent upon the electrode potential due to its influence on the nucleation density. When the films are continuous, the total stress is the superposition of the coalescence-induced tensile stress and a compressive stress which we attribute to the incorporation of mobile adatoms on the surface into the grain boundaries. The tensile stress component dominates thin films deposited at high overpotential, whereas thick films deposited at low overpotential have a net compressive stress. When deposition is interrupted both tensile and compressive components of the stress relax somewhat but are quickly reestablished when deposition is resumed. The development of the growth stress that we describe here is very similar to that which has been reported for Cu deposition from the vapor phase. © 2005 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Exogenous and endogenous glycolipid antigens activate NKT cells during microbial infections

CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that express a conserved T-cell receptor and contribute to host defence against various microbial pathogens. However, their target lipid antigens have remained elusive. Here we report evidence for microbial, antigen-specific activation of NKT cells against Gram-negative, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-negative alpha-Proteobacteria such as Ehrlichia muris and Sphingomonas capsulata. We have identified glycosylceramides from the cell wall of Sphingomonas that serve as direct targets for mouse and human NKT cells, controlling both septic shock reaction and bacterial clearance in infected mice. In contrast, Gram-negative, LPS-positive Salmonella typhimurium activates NKT cells through the recognition of an endogenous lysosomal glycosphingolipid, iGb3, presented by LPS-activated dendritic cells. These findings identify two novel antigenic targets of NKT cells in antimicrobial defence, and show that glycosylceramides are an alternative to LPS for innate recognition of the Gram-negative, LPS-negative bacterial cell wall.
Transposition of Reversed Ac Element Ends Generates Novel Chimeric Genes in Maize

The maize Activator/Dissociation (Ac/Ds) elements are members of the hAT (hobo, Ac, and Tam3) superfamily of type II (DNA) transposons that transpose through a “cut-and-paste” mechanism. Previously, we reported that a pair of Ac ends in reversed orientation is capable of undergoing alternative transposition reactions that can generate large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, including deletions and inversions. We show here that rearrangements induced by reversed Ac ends transposition can join the coding and regulatory sequences of two linked paralogous genes to generate a series of chimeric genes, some of which are functional. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that alternative transposition reactions can recombine gene segments, leading to the creation of new genes.
Residential care: A study of short- and long-term educational effects

Abstract School performance and attitudes of a group of children placed in residential care were assessed during placement and for an average of four years after discharge. A comparison group of children who were not placed in the program was also followed. The residential program emphasized both behavioral and educational treatment. Group differences were tested using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). Results indicated that the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in both school performance and attitudes during placement. These differences were also maintained after discharge. It is suggested that long-term educational effects with troubled children may require an intensive intervention over an extended period of time.
From “Producing” to “Consuming” Research: Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice Into Advanced Research Courses in a Master of Social Work Program

Schools of social work have begun to explore teaching evidence-based practice (EBP) across their curriculum. Although the current literature offers ideas on how to incorporate EBP in foundation research and practice courses, the literature seems nonexistent on how to teach EBP in an advanced research sequence, which could clearly address the widespread criticism that research courses are unsuccessful in making the practice–research link more apparent. This article describes the transition of one school from a “producing research” curriculum focus to an EBP focus, which embraces consuming research. In the present article, the authors discuss the benefits and struggles associated with these two different approaches.