cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH-A-103-07: A Pan-Sharpening Approach to Multiresolution Image Fusion for Hybrid Counting/integrating CT

Purpose: We investigate the application of a pan‐sharpening algorithm to a hybrid CT dataset containing low‐resolution, photon‐counting data and high‐resolution, integrating data to generate images that inherit both the resolution properties of the integrating detector and the spectral information of the photon‐counting detector.Methods and Materials: Our 2D simulation studies include a realistic x‐ray tube spectrum, a photon‐counting detector with 5 energy bins, and an energy‐integrating detector. We used several material‐specific, ellipse‐based phantoms to generate datasets with both detectors, reconstructing panchromatic 512x512 images from the integrating data and multispectral 128×128×5 images from the photon‐counting data. We also separately reconstructed 512×512×5 images from the photon‐counting data, which we regarded as the ground truth. We used a pan‐sharpening algorithm from the remote‐sensing field, which contains 5 tunable parameters that control the balance between resolution recovery and spectral distortion. The optimization‐based algorithm seeks a high‐resolution image that has the spatial detail of the panchromatic image and the spectral characteristics of the multispectral images. The parameters were selected to minimize the mean‐squared error between the pan‐sharpened images and the ground truth. Results: The pan‐sharpened images appear to have recovered nearly all of the detail of the panchromatic image without severe spectral distortion. There is some visible distortion near edges of high‐contrast objects, such as bone. Using pan‐sharpened and ground‐truth images from two of the energy bins of the photon counting detector, we looked at the angular separation of calcium and iodine which agreed to within 0.2 degrees (6%). Conclusions: Our preliminary studies suggest a possible solution to the count‐rate limitations of photon‐counting detectors. Using a high‐resolution image, acquired by a conventional detector as a prior, one may be able to acquire low‐resolution photon‐counting data and then recover spectral images that possess both good spatial resolution and the desired spectral information. This work was supported by Toshiba Medical Systems.
A study of the electron transfer and oxygen binding reactions of myoglobin

Abstract Quasi-reversible electron transfer kinetics are reported for sperm whale myoglobin reacting at tin-doped indium oxide electrodes. This reaction was studied by three different electrochemical methods; cyclic voltammetry (CV), single potential step chronoabsorptometry (SPS/CA) and derivative cyclic voltabsorptometry (DCVA). Kinetic parameters were determined from experiments which followed the purification of the protein, the pretreatment of the electrode surface and the removal of dioxygen from the sample solution. A formal heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant, k0'. of 2.6 (±0.5) × 10−5 cm s−1 and a transfer coefficient, α, of 0.48 (±0.05) were obtained using SPS/CA. These results are shown to correlate well with those obtained using a second spectroelectrochemical method, DCVA. Anodic and cathodic responses for the heterogeneous electron transfer of myoglobin can be observed using cyclic voltammetry, but these responses are not as reproducible as those that are obtained using the optical methods described here. The advantages of these optical methods over those of cyclic voltammetry are clear from this study.
Thermal Pressures in the Plane and Halo of our Galaxy

The thermal pressure of gas in the Galaxy is relatively small compared to the total pressure, but the values and dispersions of this pressure in different phases of the medium can yield important diagnostics of turbulent and explosive processes, as well as the exchange of matter between the disk and halo. Diverse methods of measuring this pressure allow us probe conditions in cool, neutral clouds, the warm, ionized medium, and the hot gas in the halo, all of which are summarized here.
Ancestry, ancestry-informative markers, asthma, and the quest for personalized medicine

Conventional wisdom regarding the ultimate utility of human genome discoveries in common complex diseases such as asthma is that with the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that track with specific clinical traits, genetic profiling for personalized medicine will eventually be realized and lead to improvements in the prognosis and prediction of disease in the clinical setting. Acknowledging that few such discoveries have resulted in reliably predictive tests thus far, beyond some of the Mendelian disorders (ie, Huntington disease and phenylketonuria) and perhaps a handful of common diseases (ie, hypertriglyceridemia and age-related macular degeneration), genome-based prediction of common diseases like asthma is nevertheless anticipated in the long-term. The tremendous investment committed to the field of asthma genetics over the past 2 decades, spanning from the early linkage and candidate gene studies in the early 1990s and into the 21st century to the dozen or so asthma genome-wide association studies performed in just the past few years, is testimony to our confidence in the ‘‘gene hunters.’’ It is well established and has been demonstrated year after year in survey after survey that asthmatic subjects of African descent have greater asthmamorbidity andmortality than white subjects, but the extent to which genetic variation contributes to these profound racial and ethnic disparities has not been so clear. Reports of increases in the prevalence and severity of asthma according to African ancestry outside of the United States further support a role for a genetic contribution that is dictated, at least in part, by one’s biogeography. Although race and ethnicity are undeniably social constructs reflective of an individual’s self-ascribed sociocultural, psychological, behavioral, and biological identity, the striking racial and ethnic disparities in disease prevalence and severity for common complex disorders, such as asthma, cannot be explained entirely by ‘‘nongenetic’’ factors. Indeed, however one chooses (or chooses not) to define the biological construct of race, in the case of asthma, substantial variation in frequencies of high-risk genetic variants according to ancestry has been well established. This has been of special interest in the field of pharmacogenetics, in which genetic variation in response to treatment according to self-reported race/ethnicity is suspected.
Least information document representation for automated text classification

We propose the Least Information theory (LIT) to quantify meaning of information in probability distributions and derive a new document representation model for text classification. By extending Shannon entropy to accommodate a non-linear relation between information and uncertainty, LIT offers an information-centric approach to weight terms based on probability distributions in documents vs. in the collection. We develop two term weight quantities in the document classification context: 1) LI Binary (LIB) which quantifies (least) information due to the observation of a term's (binary) occurrence in a document; and 2) LI Frequency (LIF) which measures information for the observation of a randomly picked term from the document. Both quantities are computed given term distributions in the document collection as prior knowledge and can be used separately or combined to represent documents for text classification. We conduct classification experiments on three benchmark collections, in which the proposed methods show strong performances compared to classic TF*IDF. Particularly, the LIB*LIF weighting scheme, which combines LIB and LIF, outperforms TF*IDF in several experimental settings. Despite its similarity to TF*IDF, the formulation of LIB*LIF is very different and offers a new way of thinking for modeling information processes beyond classification.
THERMOGRAPHICAL QUANTIFICATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF GROUP-HOUSED YOUNG PIGS

Young pigs 4 to 7 wk old (7~15 kg) were exposed to 20 factorial combinations of five air temperatures (20, 24, 28, 32, and 36°C) and four air velocities (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m/s). Infrared imaging (0.06°C sensitivity) was used to simultaneously quantify postural pattern and surface temperature (T s ) of the pigs. Three postural indexes were evaluated for expressing thermal comfort level of the pigs: (1) ratio of occupied floor area (A f ) to the total surface area of the pigs— index I f ; (2) ratio of A f to its maximum possible value—index I m ; and (3) A f per 100 kg body mass—index A f(100) . The pigs shared common thresholds of postural indexes I f = 0.20~0.24 and I m = 0.75~0.84 and T s of 34.5~36.3°C for the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). In comparison, index A f(100) of TNZ was greatly dependent on pig age or size. The numerical indexes (I f and I m ) provide objective, quantitative assessment of thermal comfort of the pigs. Functional relationships were established between I m and T s . Moreover, I m was used to quantify the effects of air velocity on the effective environmental temperature of the pigs at cool to warm ambient temperatures.
A 24-year-old man with diplopia and frontal headache.

Six weeks prior to admission, diplopia and frontal headache developed in a 24year-old man with no significant medical history. He also complained of slight tin&us in the left ear at night, decreased appetite, and an 8-lb weight loss over the previous week. On examination papilledema was noted, greater on the left than the right. Extraocular movements were intact. The neurological examination was otherwise unremarkable. Results of routine laboratory tests on admission were normal. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain at an outside institution revealed a mass in the right lateral ventricle. Oral treatment with dexamethasone (Decadron) was begun, and the patient was admitted to University Hospital, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. After cerebral angiography, the patient underwent a right frontal craniotomy and resection of the mass.
Methods for Digital Particle Image Sizing (DPIS): Comparisons and improvements

Abstract This paper explores the accuracy of particle image sizing using direct processing of digitally recorded images. Traditional methods for particle image sizing were considered and, four new algorithms were developed to deliver improved accuracy and robustness. Statistical error analysis was performed using Monte Carlo simulations in order to quantify the dependence of these methods on noise, discretization, and particle size distribution. The performance of these methods were compared against Phase Doppler Analyzer measurements of spray atomization. We introduce a novel two-dimensional four-point Gaussian estimator and an alternative Gaussian estimator based on a local least squares (LLS) fit. These methods were further advanced to account for pixel discretization effects using integral formulations (continuous methods). All new methods were compared against conventional pixel counting and the established three-point Gaussian estimator. The new methods significantly reduced the total error in the diameter estimation compared to the three-point Gaussian estimator and pixel counting. The least squares Gaussian estimator and its continuous version demonstrated almost identical results and superior performance for diameters over 4 pixels. For smaller diameters, the continuous four-point Gaussian estimator delivered the highest accuracy. For uniform particle size distribution between 2–14 pixels image diameter, the least squares estimators delivered error less than 5% with respect to the true diameter for 80% of the particles. The remaining methods demonstrated error of 5% (or better) for less than 60% of the particles. Validation in an experiment of high-pressure spray atomization showed that the Gaussian local least squares methods and the continuous four-point method delivered similar particle size distribution compared to PDA. The particle mean diameter estimated by the two methods differed only by 3% and 6% respectively with respect to the PDA measurements. The novel particle image sizing schemes developed here can deliver accurate, robust, and computationally efficient apparent diameter measurement, thus providing a viable, simple and inexpensive solution for performing sizing on conventional particle image velocimetry images. This capability enables simultaneous measurements of both velocity and particle size for a wide range of multi-phase flows.
Differential effects of a high-carbohydrate diet on the behavior of male and female rats.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that a high-carbohydrate diet can result in an increased level of brain serotonin. The link between this diet and behavior, however, has not been demonstrated. We now report that female rats raised on a high-carbohydrate diet have lower activity scores and disrupted avoidance performance in comparison with controls, but heart rate and body weight do not differ. Males appear not to be affected by this dietary manipulation.
High resolution observations of the 6300 Å oxygen line in the day airglow

Abstract Ground based high resolution (R ∼ 120,000) spectra of the zenith day sky near 6300 A were obtained with a PEPSIOS. When compared with the solar spectrum taken with the same spectrometer, the 6300.3 A line of atomic oxygen was clearly present in emission. The apparent emission rate averaged 6 to 8 kR for solar zenith angles of 50 to 60 deg and decreased smoothly to about 1 kR as the solar zenith angle increased to 95 deg. The average emission line is somewhat different in width than the thermal line width expected with the Jacchia (1971) model for a 250 km altitude.
A brief taxonomy of intrusion detection strategies

This paper provide a brief taxonomy and literature review regarding intrusion detection. It highlights the two main methods of classifying intrusion detection systems: network-based v. host-based and anomaly detection v. signature/misuse detection. An extensive bibliography is provided as a starting point for research in the field of intrusion detection.
THEORETICAL MODELS OF THE D-REGION.

Abstract Much progress has been made in recent years in the development of theoretical models of minor neutral constituents, which include the effects of transport. Important sources of ion-pair production continue to be photoionization of O2 and N2 by X-rays, photoionization of NO by Lyman alpha, and ionization of O2 and N2 by galactic cosmic rays. Photoionization of O2(1Δ) by solar UV is less important than thought originally. Ironically, the positive-ion chemistry in the disturbed high-latitude D-region appears to be understood better than that in the undisturbed D-region. Tentative positive-ion and negative-ion models of the undisturbed, mid-latitude D-region exist, but there are several problems. Also, attempts have been made to model D-region ionization for the sunrise transition. It is concluded that the true ambient composition and concentration of minor neutral constituents and positive and negative ions must be accurately measured before meaningful theoretical model studies can proceed.
Three to tango: MUC1 as a ligand for both E-selectin and ICAM-1 in the breast cancer metastatic cascade

Cancer cell tethering and rolling on the vascular wall is facilitated by various selectin: glycoprotein interactions which lead to eventual extravasation and metastases. The aberrantly underglycosylated mucin MUC1 has been shown to both abundantly express selectin binding moieties (sialyl Lewis x and a) and to consistently expose its core epitope. Flow cytometry was used to determine MUC1 expression on ZR-75-1 and MCF7 cells, while immunofluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the aberrant form of MUC1 and MUC1:ICAM-1 interactions. Each cell line was then perfused through combined E-selectin and ICAM-1 coated microtubes, as a model of the microvascular endothelium. ZR-75-1 and MCF7 were found to express abundant and low levels of underglycosylated MUC1, respectively. The rolling/adhesion profiles showed that ZR-75-1 cells, when compared to MCF7 cells, interact with E-selectin more efficiently resulting in sufficiently slow rolling velocities to form MUC1:ICAM-1 interactions thereby facilitating firm adhesion. The purpose and novelty of this work is the demonstration of the synergistic adhesion capabilities of MUC1 in the metastatic adhesion cascade, where the observed differential adhesion is consistent with the relative metastatic potential of the ZR-75-1 (highly metastatic) and MCF7 (weakly metastatic) cell lines.
Importance of long-range interactions in chemical reactions at cold and ultracold temperatures

We review the recent progress achieved in the theoretical description of chemical reactions at low temperatures. In particular, we discuss the crucial role played by the van der Waals interaction potential in quantum-mechanical scattering calculations of atom–diatom collisions in the cold and ultracold regimes, where abstraction reactions proceed by tunnelling. The importance of zero-energy resonances in enhancing the reactivity in the zero-temperature limit is assessed. The impact of Feshbach resonances associated with the decay of metastable states of van der Waals complexes on reactive scattering is addressed through a series of examples. Finally, we discuss the sensitivity of the reaction dynamics to the topology of the van der Waals well. Contents PAGE 1. Introduction 284 2. Atom–diatom quantum scattering at low temperatures 286 2.1 Theoretical method286 2.2 Properties of low-temperature scattering287 3. Reactive scattering at low energies 288 4. Sensitivity of the reaction dynamics to details ...
Luminescence studies of the thermal dehydration of europium trifluoride

Abstract The thermal dehydration of hydrated europium trifluoride has been followed by high-resolution luminescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. For EuF3 precipitated by aqueous HF, it was determined that the bound water of hydration actually existed in two forms, which were removable at low (100–250°C) and high (350–550°C) temperatures. Calcination of this material at still higher temperatures produced anhydrous EuF3 contaminated by EuOF. Precipitation of EuF3 by NH4F resulted in the occlusion of variable amounts of ammonium fluoride, but in these materials only the low-temperature water was contained. Extensive ethanol washing of the NH4F-precipitated EuF3 led to removal of the ammonium fluoride, but this hydrated material was not found to contain the high-temperature water. Neither material prepared by NH4F precipitation exhibited any tendency towards EuOF formation. It would thus appear that the EuOF compound is formed only during the loss of the high-temperature water, and if this water is not present in the sample then one may form anhydrous EuF3 free from EuOF contamination.
Guest Editor's Introduction to the Special Issue

Welcome to the first issue of what will be an annual event—a special edition of the Community College Journal of Research and Practice devoted to research of use to the community college practition...
Micturition Symptoms and Unstable Bladder Activity in Girls with Primary Vesicoureteric Reflux

A series of 37 girls with primary vesicoureteric reflux of grade II and greater severity underwent urodynamic investigations. Twenty-eight (75%) were found to have unstable bladder activity. Disordered micturition patterns were common and persisted after urinary tract infections had been eradicated. Twenty-six girls had urgency of micturition and 19 urge incontinence occurring once per week or more. The correlation between these symptoms and unstable bladder activity was significant (P less than 0.01), but there was no correlation between bladder instability and the incidence of renal scarring.
The computation of magnetic effects of field-aligned magnetospheric currents

Abstract A general method of computing ground level magnetic effects due to large-scale three-dimensional current systems external to the Earth's surface is developed. This method is particularly suitable for field-aligned magnetospheric currents which have their source in the ionospheric dynamo region. The method has been applied successfully elsewhere ( Schieldge et al., 1973) to the problem of antisymmetric Sq variations.
Evaluations of threshold and curvature mixed layer depths by various mixing schemes in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract Predictive ability of five different embedded turbulent mixing models that range from second-order turbulent closure to bulk mixing parameterization is examined in the Mediterranean Sea. Each is embedded in the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). Mixed layer depth (MLD), which is one of the most important upper ocean variables, is used to evaluate the treatment of turbulent processes in each model run. In addition to overall spatial and temporal variability, analyses of MLD are presented using an extensive set (3976) of temperature and salinity profiles from various data sources during 2003–2006. Results obtained from simulations (with no data assimilation and relaxation only to salinity) for the five mixing models are compared with observed MLDs obtained from in situ temperature and salinity profile observations. To ensure the robustness of the validation statistics MLD is computed using both curvature and threshold based methodologies. Results indicate that while all mixing schemes represent the MLD well, the bulk mixing models have substantial accuracy deficiencies relative to the higher order mixing models. The modeled MLDs are slightly deeper than observed MLDs with the mean bias error ∼10 m for the higher order mixing models while the bulk mixing model bias error is 15 m or more. The RMS error for the higher order mixing models is ∼40 m while it is ∼50 m for the bulk mixing models. The bulk mixing models had substantially larger errors particularly for the curvature MLD definition.
Gastric electrical stimulation is associated with improvements in pancreatic function when measured by pancreatic exocrine output and meal stimulated pancreatic polypeptide

Gastric electrical stimulation is associated with improvements in pancreatic function when measured by pancreatic exocrine output and meal stimulated pancreatic polypeptide
Waterproof cast liners in paediatric forearm fractures: a randomized trial

Abstract Purpose Waterproof casts have been shown to provide adequate support and immobilization in fractures. This study evaluated two waterproof cast liners, namely, Wet or Dry® and Delta Dry®, in terms of ease of application/removal, durability, longevity, and patient satisfaction using patient- and technician-reported outcome measures. Methods A total of 105 children were enrolled in a randomized trial and received a below-elbow synthetic cast with either of the two cast liners. Results The two groups were comparable with regards to age, gender, side of cast, and hand dominance. Assessment was carried out at application and removal. In the patient-reported outcomes, the Wet or Dry® group was rated significantly better in the odor and water resistance categories. In the technician-reported application and removal outcome measures, the Delta Dry® group was rated significantly higher. Conclusions The use of waterproof cast liners appears to be safe in children with forearm fractures, with some difference...
Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of ecosystem respiration along an Oregon conifer transect: preliminary observations based on small-flask sampling.

Isotope ratio analyses of atmospheric CO(2) at natural abundance have significant potential for contributing to our understanding of photosynthetic and respiration processes in forest ecosystems. Recent advances in isotope ratio mass spectrometry allow for rapid, on-line analysis of small volumes of CO(2) in air, and open new research opportunities at the ecophysiological, whole-organism, and atmospheric levels. Among the immediate applications are the carbon and oxygen isotope ratio analyses of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air. Routine analysis of carbon dioxide in air volumes of approximately 50-300 ml is accomplished by linking a commercially available, trace gas condenser and gas chromatograph to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer operated in continuous-flow mode. Samples collected in the field are stored in either gas-tight syringes or 100-ml flasks. The small sample volume required makes it possible to subsample the air in flasks for CO(2) and then to sample the remaining air volume for the analysis of the isotopic composition of either methane or nitrous oxide. Reliable delta(13)C and delta(18)O values can be obtained from samples collected and stored for 1-3 days. Longer-term storage, on the order of weeks, is possible for delta(13)C measurements without drift in the isotope ratio signal, and should also be possible for delta(18)O measurements. When linked with an infrared gas analyzer, pump and flask sampling system, it is feasible to sample CO(2) extensively in remote forest locations. The air-sampling system was used to measure the isotope ratios of atmospheric CO(2) and to conduct a regression analysis of the relationship between these two parameters. From the regression, we calculated the delta(13)C of ecosystem respiration of four coniferous ecosystems along a precipitation gradient in central Oregon. The ecosystems along the coast-to-interior Oregon (OTTER) gradient are dominated by spruce-hemlock forests at the wet, coastal sites (> 200 cm precipitation annually) to juniper woodlands (20 cm precipitation) at the interior, dry end of the transect. The delta(13)C values of ecosystem respiration along this transect differed by only 1.3 per thousand (range of -25.2 to -23.9 per thousand ) during August at the peak of the summer drought. Following autumn rains in September, the delta(13)C of ecosystem respiration in the four stands decreased; overall the difference in the carbon isotope ratio of ecosystem respiration among sites increased to 3.9 per thousand (-26.8 to -22.9 per thousand ).
Overcoming retinoic acid-resistance of mammary carcinomas by diverting retinoic acid from PPARβ/δ to RAR

Retinoic acid (RA) displays potent anticarcinogenic activities that are mediated by the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs). However, use of RA in oncology is limited by RA resistance acquired during carcinogenesis. Moreover, in some cancers, RA facilitates rather than inhibits growth. A clue to this paradoxical behavior was recently suggested by the findings that RA also activates PPARβ/δ, a receptor involved in mitogenic and anti-apoptotic activities. The observations that partitioning of RA between its two receptors is regulated by two intracellular lipid-binding proteins—CRABP-II, which targets RA to RAR, and FABP5, which delivers it to PPARβ/δ—further suggest that RA resistance may stem from the deregulation of the binding proteins, resulting in activation of PPARβ/δ rather than RAR. Here, we show that, in the RA-resistant mouse model of breast cancer MMTV-neu, RA indeed activates the nonclassical RA receptor PPARβ/δ. This behavior was traced to an aberrantly high intratumor FABP5/CRABP-II ratio. Decreasing this ratio in mammary tissue diverted RA from PPARβ/δ to RAR and suppressed tumor growth. The data demonstrate the existence of a mechanism that underlies RA resistance in tumors, indicate that CRABP-II functions as a tumor suppressor, and suggest that the inhibition of FABP5 may comprise a therapeutic strategy for overcoming RA resistance in some tumors.
Combinations of Stressors in Midlife: Examining Role and Domain Stressors Using Regression Trees and Random Forests

Objectives Global perceptions of stress (GPS) have major implications for mental and physical health, and stress in midlife may influence adaptation in later life. Thus, it is important to determine the unique and interactive effects of diverse influences of role stress (at work or in personal relationships), loneliness, life events, time pressure, caregiving, finances, discrimination, and neighborhood circumstances on these GPS. Method Exploratory regression trees and random forests were used to examine complex interactions among myriad events and chronic stressors in middle-aged participants' (N = 410; mean age = 52.12) GPS. Results Different role and domain stressors were influential at high and low levels of loneliness. Varied combinations of these stressors resulting in similar levels of perceived stress are also outlined as examples of equifinality. Loneliness emerged as an important predictor across trees. Discussion Exploring multiple stressors simultaneously provides insights into the diversity of stressor combinations across individuals--even those with similar levels of global perceived stress--and answers theoretical mandates to better understand the influence of stress by sampling from many domain and role stressors. Further, the unique influences of each predictor relative to the others inform theory and applied work. Finally, examples of equifinality and multifinality call for targeted interventions.
Experiments on the dynamic response of a flexible strip to moving loads

Experimental findings are reported on the dynamic response of a flexible strip to moving loads traveling at an obtique angle to its edges. The strip is wrapped under tension around a pair of supporting pressurized cylinder halves. The moving loads are applied to the flexible strip at the gap between the two cylinder halves. A capacitance displacement transducer measures the dynamic response of the strip, which is shown in isometric perspective for various boundary conditions. It is shown that waves on the strip created by the moving loads can be eliminated by providing a hydrodynamic air film support to the flexible strip in the vicinity of the moving loads. Experiments demonstrate that response to the loads along the edges of the strip differs from that near its center, which is to be expected because of the reflection of flexural waves from the boundaries of the strip.
Cloning companion animals is wrong

(2002). Cloning Companion Animals Is Wrong. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 233-238.
Differentiation-dependent regulation of intestinal vitamin B2 uptake: studies utilizing human-derived intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and native rat intestine

Intestinal epithelial cells undergo differentiation as they move from the crypt to the villi, a process that is associated with up- and downregulation in expression of a variety of genes, including...
Librarian Faculty Status: What Does It Mean in Academia?

Although much has been written over the years about whether or not professional academic librarians should have faculty status, there has been far less in the literature concerning the ambiguity of faculty status. In this paper, faculty status is defined according to the American College and Research Libraries' "Standards for faculty status for college and university librarians". Various studies and situations are examined in order to cover the spectrum of faculty status that exists in academic libraries in the United States, however this is not meant to be conclusive, but point out that there is no definition consistently applied. Faculty status is more of a continuum for librarians rather than a dichotomy, a matter of degree rather than a simple yes or no. Ramifications for the different "flavors" of faculty status are discussed as well as for non-faculty professional statuses, when appropriate. This paper is intended to assist new academic librarians in making appropriate choices in their careers as professionals as well as clarify the definition of faculty status for the profession at large.
Identification and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen)

Despite recognition of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), as one of the most economically important and destructive termite species in the USA, both its population and colony breeding structure genetically remain unclear. Here, we present primer sequences and initial characterization for 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. In a sample of 30 individuals, representing six geographically distinct locations collected in California, USA, three to 15 alleles were detected segregating per locus. Within a single population observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.050 to 0.866.
Oxygen sensitive afferent information arising from the first gill arch of yellowfin tuna.

Single nerve fiber discharge was recorded from O2 sensitive receptors in the first gill arch of the yellowfin tune, Thunnus albacares, in vitro. These receptors were innervated by the vagus nerve and increased their discharge in response to decreasing perfusion rate, decreasing perfusion PO2 and, in most fibers, to decreasing external PO2. Fibers responding to environmental hypoxia exhibited an exponential increase in discharge to decreasing external PO2 with a sensitivity similar to that exhibited by cat carotid body chemoreceptors. Indirect evidences suggests that these receptors are located near the gill vasculature and are more sensitive to changes in arterial PO2 than water PO2. Their response characteristics and hypoxic sensitivity strongly implicate them as the afferent limb in the cardiac responses and perhaps also the ventilatory responses exhibited by tuna to environmental hypoxia.
A Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis LuxR regulates cell envelope and virulence

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis adapts to the environment via the regulation of genes affecting its envelope's composition. Bacteria grown in milk (in vivo conditions) presented differences in the cell wall-associated lipids and in the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism (FadE8, FadE6 and MAP1420) and host cell invasion (MAP1203, LprL). A different lipid profile was also observed in the envelope of intracellular bacteria after 1 h of infection. Intracellular bacteria showed up-regulation of a LuxR regulator which controls the envelope's composition by up-regulation of FadE8, MAP1420, MAP1203 and LprL and by down-regulation of pks12, mmpL2 and MAP2594. A LuxR-overexpressing strain with a lipid-deficient envelope phenotype, infected epithelial cells more efficiently than the wild-type bacteria; however, it was not more resistant than the wild-type strain to the action of bactericidal proteins. Here we show that LuxR regulates virulence determinants and is involved in mycobacteria adaptation to the host.
Postmodernism and Immune Selfhood

Two research traditions in immunology, supposedly centered on the same issue of immune identification, have followed different theoretical goals and originated from competing philosophical foundations. These may be labelled modernist and postmodernist, respectively, thereby applying cultural and philosophical categories to immunology in order to articulate potential scientific resonances with the broader culture. To accept that exercise an important caveat is imposed, namely, this translation is most appropriately discussed at the level of metaphor. In other words, I will structure my treatment of these issues as expressed in the metaphorical language of the discipline, and thus the bulk of this discussion will focus on how the language and modeling of the science draws from the culture-at-large. Scientists seek images from their everyday lives to describe phenomena that may be poorly articulated in their technical discourse; such is the utility and importance of metaphors generally, and thus it is not surprising that we might discern echoes of a postmodernist sentiment in the metaphors borrowed from post-World War II culture. I will also discuss, to a more limited extent, how postmodernists have sought support for their own ideological arguments in immunology. This last topic serves only to illustrate the bidirectionality of scientific discourse with the society in which it is embedded.
Plasma volumes, blood volumes, and plasma protein concentrations after moderate haemodilution with fluosol-DA or normal saline in the rat.

— Plasma volumes, blood volumes, and plasma total protein, albumin, and bilirubin concentrations have been determined in rats for 72 h following 20 or 40 mL kg−1 haemodilution with Fluosol-DA or 0.9% Nad. Haemodilution with 20 mL kg−1 of either haemodiluent had no influence on the measured values. Plasma and blood volumes did not change after Fluosol-DA haemodilution at 40 mL kg−1, but albumin and bilirubin concentrations were decreased for 72 h. Only bilirubin concentrations were decreased for 72 h following haemodilution with 40 mL kg−1 of 0.9% NaCl. It was concluded that changes in a drug's plasma protein binding, and not the plasma or blood volume, are responsible for the reported alterations in a drug's apparent volume of distribution after haemodilution.
Comparison of PCR and culture to the indirect fluorescent-antibody test for diagnosis of Potomac horse fever.

Potomac horse fever is an acute systemic equine disease caused by Ehrlichia risticii. Currently, serologic methods are widely used to diagnose this disease. However, serologic methods cannot determine whether the horse is presently infected or has been exposed to ehrlichial antigens in the past. The purpose of the present study was to compare the sensitivities of the nested PCR and cell culture with that of the indirect fluorescent-antibody (IFA) test for the diagnosis of Potomac horse fever. Blood and fecal specimens serially collected from a pony experimentally infected with E. risticii Maryland, blood specimens serially collected from mice inoculated with E. risticii Ohio 380, and blood and/or fecal specimens collected from 27 horses which had clinical signs compatible with Potomac horse fever were examined. These horses resided in Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The IFA test titer became positive after 6 days postinoculation (p.i.) for the pony. A culture of the blood of the pony was positive for E. risticii starting on day 1 and was positive through day 28 p.i. By the nested PCR, E. risticii was detectable in the blood and feces of the pony starting on day 1 and was detectable through day 32 p.i. E. risticii was detected in the blood of subclinically infected mice by the nested PCR. Twenty-two clinical specimens were seropositive for E. risticii by the IFA test, with titers ranging from 1:20 to 1:1,280. E. risticii was cultured from 95% (20 of 21) of seropositive clinical blood specimens. E. risticii was detected in the blood by PCR in 81% (17 of 20) of the culture-positive clinical specimens. The study indicated that the nested PCR is as sensitive as culture for detecting infection with E. risticii.
Effects of travertine and flow on leaf retention in Fossil Creek, Arizona

Leaf retention is important in transferring energy from riparian trees to stream food webs. Retention increases with geomorphic complexity such as substrate coarseness, sinuosity, and the presence of debris dams. High discharge can reduce retention, particularly when streams lack physical trapping features. Travertine formations, caused by calcium carbonate deposition, can alter stream morphology. To date, however, we know of no study testing the effect of travertine on leaf retention. This study capitalized on a river restoration project in Fossil Creek, Arizona, where water was returned to the channel after a century of diversion. We examined how the fixed factors Flow (before and after restoration) and Morphology (travertine and riffle-pool sites) affected leaf retention. Leaf retention was higher in sites where travertine forms barriers across the river, relative to sites with riffle-pool morphology. Most leaves retained in travertine reaches were concentrated at the bottom of pools formed between dams. Although flow restoration did not alter retention rates across all sites, it diminished them at travertine sites, indicating an interaction between stream flow and morphology. We conclude that stream complexity and leaf retention are enhanced by travertine deposition but that high discharge can reduce the retentive capacity of in-stream structures.
Catabolism and Nitrogen Control in Escherichia coli

It would appear from these studies that nitrogen control reflects the catabolic capacity of the cell and that utilizable nitrogen sources and some carbon sources are, to some extent, in competition for this capacity. The series of catabolic events initiated by addition of D-amino acids or by growth on aldol sugars, in the presence of ammonia nitrogen in the growth medium, provide an opportunity for study of the positive aspect of nitrogen control under conditions where negative control predominates. This approach may eventually clarify the apparent interactions between the modification cascade components, PII and UT/UR, with the nitrogen regulatory gene, glnG. The utilization of nutrients by E. coli seems less a matter of energy than of expeditious use of whatever is offered in the diet. A comparison of the rate of increase of GS on cultural downshift with the rate of increase following D-glutamate addition would suggest that control by nitrogen limitation is about eight times more effective than positive activation by D-glutamate in the presence of ammonia nitrogen. This observation is consistent with the finding of an additive effect for the D-amino acids which can function as positive activators in GS regulation. It has been demonstrated for the wild-type organism that the increase in GS level generated by a mixture of D-glutamate, D-lysine, D-threonine, and glycine approximates the increase in GS level observed during step-down of the culture from an ammonia-sufficient to an ammonia-limited condition. This observation further supports the physiologic relevance of the effect of D-amino acids in nitrogen control and suggests that the apparent derepression of GS observed upon exhaustion of the ammonia nitrogen supply represents a composite of positive activation generated as alternative catabolic functions assume a greater importance. As might be expected, addition of D-glutamate to cells at the point of ammonia exhaustion had no additional positive effect. Following a downshift from glucose-ammonia-glutamine to glucose-glutamine cultural conditions, only the level of GS increases during the initial 60-minute observation period. This finding suggests that glutamine catabolism may, like D-threonine, D-lysine, and glycine, bypass the positive activation of GDH and GAT controls. The likely possibility in that the increases observed for GAT and GDH depend on D-glutamate as specific inducer. There are several instances where D-amino acids function as inducers of L-amino acid dehydrogenases and where amino acid racemase activity is directly coupled to flavoprotein dehydrogenases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Daily hassles, mother-child relationship, and behavior problems in Muslim Arab American adolescents in immigrant families.

Objective This longitudinal study examines reciprocal and dynamic relations among daily hassles, the mother-child relationship, and adolescent behavior problems and whether the relations differed by sociodemographic variables. Method Three waves of data about adolescent daily hassles, quality of the mother-child relationship, and adolescent behavior problems were collected from 454 Arab Muslim adolescents and their immigrant mothers over a 3-year period. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine reciprocal relations among the study variables. Results Relations between the mother-child relationship and adolescent behavior problems were reciprocal, with a poor mother-child relationship contributing to greater behavior problems and behavior problems contributing to a decline in the quality of the mother-child relationship. Relations involving daily hassles were unidirectional: A better mother-child relationship contributed to fewer daily hassles and behavior problems contributed to more daily hassles but daily hassles did not contribute to more behavior problems. Father's education was the only sociodemographic variable that was significant: Adolescents with more highly educated fathers had a better mother-child relationship and fewer behavioral problems. Conclusions Findings suggest that Arab American Muslim adolescents with behavior problems are differentially exposed to daily hassles but daily hassles are not the best point of intervention. Bidirectional relations between the mother-child relationship and adolescent behavior problems suggest intervening to improve the mother-child relationship and manage symptoms of adolescent behavior problems. (PsycINFO Database Record
P34 Use of prostaglandin in fetuses with arterial and/or ventricular disproportion

Background Ventricular and arterial disproportion with right sided dominance in the fetus are associated with coarctation of aorta. We present the postnatal outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with arterial and/or ventricular disproportion with emphasis on management strategy. Methods Retrospective review of fetal echocardiography reports and postnatal outcome of fetuses with arterial and/or ventricular disproportion evaluated between January 2012 and December 2014 at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. Parameters assessed were arterial disproportion, ventricular disproportion, posterior shelf and abnormal flow across the isthmus. The fetuses were categorised into the following three groups - Group A (High risk) – Delivery at unit with a tertiary neonatal centre and postnatal prostaglandin prior to echocardiogram; Group B (moderate risk) – No prostaglandin but echocardiogram prior to discharge, and Group C (low risk) – postnatal clinical assessment. Results Of the 68 fetuses with disproportion, there were 3 terminations of pregnancy, 1 intrauterine death and 2 lost to follow up. Of the remaining 62 fetuses, 38 were in Group A, 11 in Group B and 13 in group C. In Group A, 21/38(55%) had coarctation of aorta confirmed postnatally. In Group B, 1 neonate had coarctation which was identified and operated on prior to discharge. No cases of coarctation were identified in group C. Comparing the fetuses with postnatal coarctation in Group A to those that did not, fetuses with coarctation had more antenatal scans (median 3 vs. 2; p Conclusions Risk stratification was a safe and effective way of managing fetuses with antenatal disproportion. However, 45% (n = 17) of neonates started on prostaglandin did not have coarctation. Further study is required to improve the predictive accuracy of antenatal diagnosis in this difficult subset of patients.
Elucidating biological opportunities and constraints on assisted colonization

Assisted colonization is a proposed climate change adaptation strategy. Martin-Alcόn et al. (Applied Vegetation Science, this issue) report an experiment to evaluate the efficacy of assisted colonization and identify thermal distance as a critical consideration. By extension, we should consider the role that ecological distance and socio-political distance play within any plan to reduce extinction risk through assisted colonization.
Political Economy of Taxation

This review uses theories of political economy to provide an analytical history of systems of taxation, focusing on the determinants of total tax revenue, tax structure, and tax administration. We show that most premodern states extracted very little revenue and that total revenue increased substantially in the nineteenth century, and we explore the possibility that tax revenues have hit a ceiling in the developed world. Our history of tax structure begins by discussing the highly regressive premodern tax systems, turns to the causes of the rise of progressive taxation in the twentieth century, and concludes by arguing that the short era of progressive taxation may be ending. The sections on tax administration discuss the many varieties of premodern patrimonialism, the determinants of the development and diffusion of bureaucratic administration, and the difficulty of taxing wealth in the modern world.