cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, biological activity., and metabolism of 22,23-3H vitamin D4.

Abstract The preparation of 22,23- 3 H-vitamin D 4 (specific activity = 100,000 dpm/0.025 μg has been described, its biopotency in rats established, and its metabolism in rats studied as compared with 1, 2- 3 H-vitamin D 3 . The highest concentrations of 3 H from a 0.25-μg intravenous dose of 3 H-vitamin D 4 were found in bone cells and intestinal mucosa. Liver initially (within 1 hour) accumulated much of the radioactivity but released it again quite rapidly. Other tissues attained a maximum of radioactivity at about 4 hours after dosage and declined slowly thereafter. The radioactivity from 22,23- 3 H-vitamin D 4 in the tissues declined more rapidly than that from 1,2- 3 H-vitamin D 3 but increased more rapidly in the intestinal contents and feces, which suggests that vitamin D 4 or a metabolite thereof is excreted more rapidly than vitamin D 3 and thereby renders it ineffective earlier.
Crossed cerebro-cerebellar diaschisis in a patient with MELAS with aphasia but without hemiparesis

We describe a 25 year old woman diagnosed with MELAS during an acute stroke-like episode. Global aphasia, migraine-like headaches and hemi-anopsia were her main clinical features. MR imaging revealed extensive cortical and subcortical left hemispheric signal abnormalities. [Tc-99m]ECD SPECT scanning revealed crossed cerebrocerebellar diaschisis. Aphasia in the absence of gross hemi-paresis can be related to cross-cerebellar diaschisis in MELAS.
Feasibility study of repeated harvesting of menthol from biologically viable Mentha x piperata using ultrasonic extraction

To potentially replace the conventional destructive extraction process, we have shown the feasibility of devising a novel technique that uses ultrasound to nonlethally and repeatedly extract menthol from biologically viable peppermint plants (Mentha x piperita). Our results show that plants ultrasonicated for 1 h at 22 degrees C in a standard 40 kHz ultrasonic bath could release approximately 17.8 microg of menthol per gram of leaf tissue (2% of total product). The amount of menthol release increases with the time of treatment and is greatly affected by the temperature of the ultrasonic bath water. An increase from 2% to 12% of total product was observed when the temperature was increased from 22 degrees C to 39 degrees C. When the temperature effects were isolated, the mechanism of the product release was found to be that of cavitation. The treated plants remained viable and were ready for the subsequent ultrasound extraction after approximately 4 days of recuperation. However, the amount of product released is reduced in subsequent extractions. Scanning electron micrographs indicate that there are two mechanisms involved in extraction: (1) the diffusion of product through the cuticle of peppermint glandular trichomes and (2) the exudation of the product from broken and damaged trichomes. This study has shown the possibility of using an on-line ultrasonic, nondestructive extraction method to continuously release intracellular plant metabolites from the plants while maintaining the plant's viability.
Primary intracranial dural-based synovial sarcoma with an unusual SYT fluorescence in situ hybridization pattern : Case report

The authors present the case of an elderly man with a primary dural-based intracranial synovial sarcoma. Histological and immunohistochemical profiles of the lesion were diagnostic for a synovial sarcoma, and molecular studies using fluorescence in situ hybridization were compatible with a synovial sarcoma. A wide array of spindle cell neoplasms has been described as originating in the dura. To the authors' knowledge, however, this is only the second primary durabased intracranial synovial sarcoma ever reported, emphasizing the importance of a broad differential diagnosis when encountering spindle cell lesions of the meninges.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-IgG Fusion Protein for Targeted Drug Delivery across the Human Blood−Brain Barrier

The tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor (TNFR) extracellular domain (ECD) is a decoy receptor that could be developed as a neurotherapeutic for stroke, brain injury, or chronic neurodegeneration. However, the TNFR ECD is a large molecule therapeutic that does not cross the blood−brain barrier (BBB). Human TNFR ECD was re-engineered by fusion of the receptor protein to the carboxyl terminus of the chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein is bifunctional, and binds both the HIR, to trigger receptor-mediated transport across the BBB, and TNFα, to sequester this cytotoxic cytokine. COS cells were dual transfected with the heavy chain (HC) and light chain fusion protein expression plasmids, and the HC of the fusion protein was immunoreactive with antibodies to both human IgG and TNFR. The HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein bound to the extracellular domain of the HIR with an affinity comparable to the HIRMAb, and bound TNFα with a KD of 0.34 ± 0.17 nM. Bot...
Comparison of AOAC Method and Fluorogenic (MUG) Assay for Enumerating Escherichia coli in Foods

The fluorogenic 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronide (MUG) test for identifying and enumerating Escherichia coli was compared with the standard most probable number method described in the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Pecan nutmeats, frozen headless shrimp, and chicken pot pies were seeded with high, medium, and low numbers of viable E. coli organisms ranging from 15 to 500 CFU/g. Twelve replicate units of each food at each seeding level were analyzed by both methods. A statistical evaluation indicated that the MUG method yielded significantly (α= 0.05) higher recovery in three of nine comparisons. The MUG method ranged from 22% lower to 92% higher than the AOAC geometric mean. The MUG method has the potential for reducing analytical time, labor, and media usage.
Developing Competent Civil Engineering Writers

Proficiency in written communication has become increasingly important for civil engineers. Employers, accreditation, and licensing organizations often criticize engineering curricula for the incompetency and poor writing skills of graduates. Recognizing this, an individualized writing instruction program was made available to a group of engineering students enrolled in a laboratory class. They were challenged to assess, address, and improve their writing skills by focusing on the abstract, discussion, and conclusion sections of the weekly laboratory reports. Evaluation of the program was then conducted in two ways. First, students were given an attitude survey at the beginning and end of the program to assess pre‐and postprogram attitudes about writing. Second, an independent panel of three technical writers rated preprogram and postprogram laboratory reports, assessing the quality of the student's writing skills. The results of the research confirmed that individualized writing instruction significantly...
Gas-phase quenching of excitations as a probe of dynamics in porous silicas.

The quenching of an electronically excited adsorbed molecule by gas-phase quenchers within the pore network of several porous silicas has been studied. It is proposed that the early-time quenching rate should scale with the mean pore size, ${R}_{p}$, for gas pressures in the Knudsen regime. We have experimentally observed such scaling in what we believe is the first study of these quenching reactions in a homologous series of morphologically similar porous silicas.
Studies on endoplasmic reticulum--Golgi complex cycling pathway in herpes simplex virus-infected and brefeldin A-treated human fibroblast cells.

Abstract Brefeldin A (BFA), a fungal metabolite, significantly inhibited the release of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from infected human fibroblast cells. Electron micrographs of HSV-1-infected and BFA-treated human cells demonstrated the presence of enveloped particles trapped between outer and inner nuclear membranes. Analyses of viral glycoproteins B, C, and D (gB, gC, and gD) showed faster migrating, immature forms in BFA-treated cells when compared to the mature glycoproteins, as observed in the untreated control cells. The shift in mobilities of the glycoproteins in BFA-treated cells apparently was due to the disassembly of the Golgi complex when evaluated by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The immature forms of gB, gC, and gD could not be detected on the surface of BFA-treated human fibroblast cells. Removal of BFA resulted in a reorganization of the Golgi complex and formation of fully glycosylated gB, gC, and gD. Moreover, the HSV-1 particles released from the treated cells after the removal of BFA completely restored the infectivity of the viral particles. Our results indicate that human fibroblast cells have an endoplasmic reticulum—Golgi cycling pathway.
Another way to calculate the Lamb shift in two-electron systems

We present a calculation of the two-electron Bethe logarithm, the main part of the theoretical expression for the Lamb shift of the atomic ground state. The basic method uses Hylleraas pseudostates to approximate the intermediate states in the slowly convergent sum defining the quantity of interest. Three tricks improve the convergence in our method. First, we choose the nonlinear parameters of the pseudostates by a variational method. Second, we extend the energy sum analytically, beyond the last pseudoenergy. Finally, we extrapolate the result using a physically reasonable parameter as the independent variable. The extrapolation proves to be remarkably linear. Results are given for helium and several two-electron ions and compared with previous calculations. The hydrogen system is also considered.
An analysis of the prospects for digital close-range photogrammetry

In this short paper an analysis is performed of the prospects for digital close-range photogrammetry with respect to current and future applications and equipment. While much progress has been made in the past decade, an expansion of photogrammetric methods is likely in the future to feed the rising demand for high-precision three-dimensional measurement.
Compositional effects on the crystallization kinetics of nickel titanium thin films

The crystallization and phase transformations of amorphous NiTi thin films were studied using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These films were sputter-deposited onto micromachined silicon-nitride membranes and subjected to heating and cooling conditions. The microstructural evolution was monitored and recorded. Kinetic parameters such as the nucleation rate, growth rate, and area-fraction transformed were independently determined by noting the number of grains per frame and their change in size. Using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov analysis, fitted kinetic parameters were determined and found to be consistent with TEM observations. To explore the compositional sensitivity of crystallization, samples near-equiatomic and slightly Ti-rich were studied with these methods. TEM micrographs show that equiatomic films exhibit polymorphic crystallization while samples that are slightly off-stoichiometry showed more complicated behavior.
Statistical error in isothermal titration calorimetry: Variance function estimation from generalized least squares

Abstract The method of generalized least squares (GLS) is used to assess the variance function for isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) data collected for the 1:1 complexation of Ba2+ with 18-crown-6 ether. In the GLS method, the least squares (LS) residuals from the data fit are themselves fitted to a variance function, with iterative adjustment of the weighting function in the data analysis to produce consistency. The data are treated in a pooled fashion, providing 321 fitted residuals from 35 data sets in the final analysis. Heteroscedasticity (nonconstant variance) is clearly indicated. Data error terms proportional to qi and qi/v are well defined statistically, where qi is the heat from the ith injection of titrant and v is the injected volume. The statistical significance of the variance function parameters is confirmed through Monte Carlo calculations that mimic the actual data set. For the data in question, which fall mostly in the range of qi = 100–2000 μcal, the contributions to the data variance from the terms in q i 2 typically exceed the background constant term for qi > 300 μcal and v
Kinetic studies of human erythrocyte membrane resealing

Abstract Following lysis in hypotonic media, human erythrocyte membranes will spontaneously reseal and regain their original low permeability for polar solutes. It is generally accepted that resealing will only occur when the membranes are heated above a critical temperature, and that the membrane lesions are stable under cold conditions. Contrary to these prevailing notions, a detailed investigation of the temperature dependence of resealing kinetics over the temperature range 0–22°C revealed that resealing occurs at measurable rates at temperatures as low as 0°C, even in buffers of low ionic strength. At all temperatures studied, initial resealing rates were approximately first-order, and Arrhenius plots of these rates revealed a sharp, singular discontinuity at approx. 7°C.
Solvent effect on CO oxidation as a novel diagnosing tool to pin down low-coverage CO at the liquid-solid interface: An in situ infrared study.

In situ probing of liquid–solid interfaces is important for understanding heterogeneous liquid-phase catalysis and other interfacial phenomena, but the spectroscopic interference from the bulk is often a problem. Some organics may have infrared features overlapping the adsorbed CO peaks, making the determination of adsorbed CO difficult. In this study, CCl4-flushing was used as a novel diagnosing tool to pin down the low-coverage CO derived from decarbonylation of organics. This diagnosing tool was designed based on our in situ reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy results reported here that there is a marked solvent effect (water > ethanol > methanol > cyclohexane > benzene ∼ carbon tetrachloride) on CO oxidation at the liquid–solid interface. Possible reasons for that solvent effect were discussed.
An improved model for professional conferences and workshops

A cooperative learning method designed to increase learning and other benefits to participants is presented. Small group problem-solving from case studies or story narratives provides a way to overcome the limitations of conventional lecture presentations. An example that used a case study in small groups during a breakout session at a scientific conference to improve skills in intervention design and research evaluation is described.
Cluster self-assembly of centered cubes of copper(I) with dialkyldithiophosphate ligands. X-ray structures of [Cu8(DDP)6(μ8-X)]PF6 (DDP = S2P(OiPr)2; X = Cl or Br) and their relationship to oxide and sulfide centered zinc(II) dialkyldithiophosphates, [Zn4(DDP)6(μ4-S or O)]

Abstract A high purity synthesis of chloride-{Cu8[S2P(OiPr)2]6(μ8-Cl)}[PF6] (1) and bromide-{Cu8[S2P(OiPr)2]6(μ8-Br)}[PF6] (2) centered Cu8 cubic clusters has been achieved through the reaction of [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 and NH4[S2P(OiPr)2] in the presence of [BzEt3N]X (X = Cl or Br) in THF upon addition of an appropriate oxidant. The nearly perfect Cu8 cube encapsulates the closed shell ions Cl− or Br−. The six diisopropyl dithiophosphate ligands bridge across each face of the Cu8 cube to form a nearly regular icosahedron of S atoms about the centered Cu8 cube. The eight Cu(I) atoms are located at the cube corners with an average Cu–Cu distance of 3.113(2) and 3.167(1) A (1 and 2, respectively). The average Cu–S distance is 2.282(2) A in 1 and 2.295(3) A in 2. There appears to be a direct structural relationship between these centered cubal structures and the tetranuclear zinc(II) oxide and sulfide centered dialkyldithiophosphates, [Zn4(DDP)6(μ4-S or O)] which have the classic “basic” beryllium acetate geometry. The structural relationship to the hexanuclear clusters Cu6[S2P(OR)2]6, R = ethyl or n-butyl, also are described.
Unstable BGK Solitary Waves and Collisionless Shocks

Consider a collisionless relativistic neutral plasma. We generalize the Penrose condition for linearized instability to the relativistic case. Then we consider a general one-dimensional equilibrium (a BGK wave) that is a collisionless shock or a solitary wave. The electric potential undergoes a transition from one constant to another as $x$ runs from −∞ to +∞. We prove that if one of these constants satisfies the relativistic version of the Penrose condition, then the BGK wave is nonlinearly unstable. We also prove that the periodic relativistic BGK waves of small amplitude are nonlinearly unstable.
Consider benign Müllerian papilloma: a rare cause of vaginal bleeding in children.

Vaginal bleeding in young girls is a distressing symptom. Due to the potential for malignancy, thorough investigation is needed. Though rare, Mullerian papillomas are a benign cause of such symptoms. We report the case of a 2-year-old female who presented with acute onset of vaginal bleeding. She had another episode of bleeding during admission and was taken to the operating room for vaginoscopy under general anesthesia. A single friable lesion with active bleeding was visualized near the anterior vagina or cervix, which was biopsied. Histopathologic examination demonstrated characteristic features of benign Mullerian papilloma of infancy. Mullerian papillomas require examination under anesthesia and vaginoscopy with biopsies for efficient and accurate diagnosis. Treatment consists of complete local excision. Local recurrences are not uncommon, though prognosis for primary or recurrent disease is excellent.
The isolation of a tryptophan-activating enzyme from pancreas.

Abstract The particle-free supernatant of pancreas homogenate contains enzymes that catalyze the ATP-linked amino acid activation by way of pyrophosphate elimination. A great variety of amino acids are activated and the extracts are particularly rich in tryptophan-activating enzyme. This enzyme was isolated and a fraction was obtained which contained approximately 70–80% enzyme protein, as judged from ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic data. Enzyme activity is measured by tryptophan-specific hydroxamate formation and may also be tested for by tryptophan-linked ATP pyrophosphate exchange. The only amino acid showing a comparable affinity with the nearly pure enzyme is tryptazan which, at saturation levels, is approximately half as active as tryptophan in the hydroxamate reaction.
Computing weight 2 modular forms of level p 2

For a prime p we describe an algorithm for computing the Brandt matrices giving the action of the Hecke operators on the space V of modular forms of weight 2 and level p 2 . For p ≡ 3 mod 4 we define a special Hecke stable subspace Vo of V which contains the space of modular forms with CM by the ring of integers of Q(√-p) and we describe the calculation of the corresponding Brandt matrices.
Sensing and decision-making components of the signal-regularity effect in vigilance performance

A signal-detection-theory analysis was used to assess the sensing and decision-making components of the signal-regularity effect in vigilance performance—enhanced efficiency when critical signals for detection appear in a temporally regular as opposed to a temporally irregular manner. The signal regularity effect was found to be rooted in perceptual sensitivity and was unrelated to response bias. This finding was robust; it occurred with both a simultaneous (comparative judgment) and a successive (absolute judgment) vigilance task. Implications for an expectancy model of the signal-regularity effect are discussed.
Teacher-Child Dyadic Interactions: A New Method of Classroom Observation.

Abstract A new classroom observation system is discussed. The system is designed for studying the dyadic interaction between the classroom teacher and each individual child in the class. The paper explicates the rationale underlying the coding system, describes the classroom interaction variables subsumed within it, and discusses the special research and consultative advantages offered by this system.
Chronic nonspecific lung disease and alcohol consumption

Abstract The relationship of the symptoms and signs of chronic nonspecific lung disease and alcohol consumption was studied in a group of 763 male workers aged 20–59, mean age 37 years. The effects of concurrent smoking habit and age were also considered. The results obtained indicate that in addition to being associated with the use of tobacco and age, respiratory symptoms and ventilatory impairment are also related to alcohol consumption. This is particularly true for the syndrome of chronic bronchitis.
Multivalent sialyl-LeX: potent inhibitors of E-selectin-mediated cell adhesion; reagent for staining activated endothelial cells.

Abstract Free, monovalent, SLeX (Neu5Ac alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)-GlcNAc), SLn (Neu5Ac alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc) and corresponding BSA-conjugated forms--displaying different ratios of SLeX and SLn to protein--were tested for their ability to inhibit binding of HL-60 cells to immobilized E-selectin. Free SLeX and conjugated SLeX-BSA inhibited cell binding in a dose-dependent manner. SLn and SLn-BSA did not inhibit binding. SLeX16BSA (16 mol tetrasaccharide/mol BSA) and monovalent SLeX inhibited cell binding with measured inhibitory concentrations (IC50S) of 1 microM and 1 mM, respectively, demonstrating a three-order-of-magnitude enhancement of inhibitory activity with the multivalent form of SLeX. A SLex7BSA conjugate was 10-fold less potent than those with 11 or 16 mol SLeX/mol BSA. An assay which measured neutrophil rolling on interleukin (IL)-1 beta-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed 50% reduction in the number of rolling neutrophils in the presence of 1 microM SLeX16BSA, whereas the level of free, monovalent SLeX oligosaccharide required to produce the same effect was approximately 0.3 mM. SLeX-BSA was found to be an excellent reagent for staining endothelial cells expressing E-selectin. Biotinylated SLeX-BSA in conjunction with Texas red avidin-stained lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated HUVECs, and co-incubation of activated cells with anti-E-selectin, specifically blocked staining. The distribution of E-selectin, as determined by binding of SLeX-BSA, was virtually identical with that obtained by binding of anti-E-selectin antibody.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Assessing motivations to engage in intentional condomless anal intercourse in HIV risk contexts ("bareback sex") among men who have sex with men.

Although condom use is an effective barrier against HIV transmission some men who have sex with men (MSM) engage in bareback sex (unprotected anal sex in risky contexts) and increase their risk for HIV (re)infection. Understanding MSMs decision to bareback (vis-a-vis condom use) is essential to develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs for this population. An ethnically diverse sample of men who bareback (n = 120) was recruited exclusively on the Internet and stratified to include two thirds who reported both unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) and being HIV uninfected. We used exploratory factor analysis to explore the domains within the Decisional Balance to Bareback (DBB) scale and test the association between DBB and risky sexual behaviors. HIV-positive MSM (n = 31) reported higher costs/losses associated with condom use than HIV-negative men (n = 89). We found two underlying factors in the DBB scale: a Coping with Social Vulnerabilities subscale (eight items; alpha = .89) and a Pleasure and Emotional Connection subscale (five items; alpha = .92). We found a positive association between DBB (i.e. greater gains associated with bareback sex) and URAI occasions number of partners and having one or more sero-discordant partners in the past 3 months. We conclude that because MSM may avoid using condoms in order to cope with psychosocial vulnerabilities and create intimacy with other MSM this population could benefit from alternatives to condoms such as pre/post exposure prophylaxis and rectal microbicides.
Strainmeters and tiltmeters in geophysics

Several types of sensitive strainmeters and tiltmeters have been developed, and it is now becoming clear which geophysical applications are most suitable for these instruments. In general, strainmeters and tiltmeters are used for observing ground deformation at periods of minutes to days. Small-scale lateral inhomogeneities at the instrument sites distort signals by a few percent, although the effects of large structures can be calculated. In earth tide work these lateral inhomogeneities and unknown ocean loading signals prevent accurate values of the regional tide from being obtained. This limits tidal investigations to looking for temporal variations, possibly associated with pre-earthquake dilatancy, and spatial variations caused by gross elasticity contrasts in the local geological structure. Strainmeters and tiltmeters are well suited for observing long-period seismic waves, seismic slip events on faults and volcano tumescence, where small site-induced distortions in the measured signals are seldom important.
Electronic states induced by ion irradiation in a conjugated ladder polymer

Abstract Thin films of the ladder polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) were irradiated with 180 keV argon ions under high vacuum conditions. Ion-beam exposures ranging from 5 × 1013 up to 3 × 1018 ions/cm2 result in measured BBL film electrical conductivities approaching 100 S/cm. After ion irradiation and a short annealing treatment the electrical conductivity is found to be stable in air at 250 °C, changing less than 5% after several hundred hours. Optical absorption spectra measured in very thin (about 200 nm) ion-irradiated films show a pronounced absorption coefficient reduction in the BBL π-π* conjugated band transition region. In addition, increased absorption occurs at wavelengths both above and below this band transition. As the ion-beam exposure is increased further these spectral features broaden and exhibit increased absorption, extending into the near-infrared spectral range. Infrared absorption measurements indicate that structural changes begin to occur in BBL for low ion irradiation levels, although an extremely broadened infrared mode structure having characteristics reminiscent of BBL remains up to moderately high irradiation levels. These results combined with electron spin resonance data suggest that BBL films undergo heavy structural damage and atomic relaxation, along with some degree of bond reformation, causing a total loss of long-range conjugation order. The irradiation-induced damage and subsequent healing processes result in a stable structure, where electronic transport proceeds through localized midgap defect states near the Fermi level.
Colonized Teachers: Examining the Implementation of a Scripted Reading Program.

During a time of reform and accountability, school districts are closely monitoring teachers' instructional decisions, practices, and classroom environments. In this paper, we apply neocolonial theory to describe the experiences of elementary grade teachers in one California school district who are required to follow a scripted basal reading program. This framework allows us to view teachers' interactions with program mandates through a critical lens. Focusing upon district surveillance of teachers, we suggest that through the implementation of a standard curriculum the district is exercising overt control. We introduce the following three characteristics as they connect to the teachers' situation: redefined, restricted, and subsumed. These terms are then related to the theory of neocolonialism. After a brief description of teachers' reactions to the curriculum, we use the terms as embedded in the theory to describe the situation of mandates and colonization tactics used by the district.
Breeding behavior and early life history of the waccamaw killifish,Fundulus waccamensis

The territorial, courtship and spawning behavior ofFundulus waccamensis was investigated in the field and laboratory. Spawning occurs from April to August. Sexual dimorphism is manifested through dichromatism, genitalia, morphometric differences and contact structures. In nature, nuptial males vigorously defend circular territories and court entering females by circling them, sidling, ‘J’ shaping and spawning in the sand substrate. In the aquarium, males perform eight advertisement motor patterns during courtship, of which dipping and flashing are most frequent. The female is relatively inactive, performing only two basic acts. The maximum number of mature eggs per ovary is 120. Both mature egg numbers and total egg numbers are highly correlated with standard length. Recently fertilized eggs are colorless and adhesive. The newly hatched young is well developed and relatively large in size.
Sleep in mother and child dyads during treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose/objectives To compare the sleep of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during maintenance treatment with controls and to measure the effect on maternal sleep. Design Comparative, descriptive. Setting Pediatric oncology clinic and communities in Colorado. Sample 26 dyads of mothers and children with ALL and matched controls. Methods Mothers completed insomnia severity, mood, and stress questionnaires and wore a wrist actigraph, and mothers and children completed a seven-day sleep diary. Main research variables Mother and child sleep parameters (e.g., total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, awakenings); maternal insomnia severity, mood, and stress; child sleep habits. Findings Mothers of children with ALL reported greater insomnia compared to controls, which was correlated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and stress. Maternal groups did not differ on diary- and actigraph-measured sleep outcomes; both groups experienced sleep fragmentation. Children with ALL took longer to fall asleep and had more variable sleep patterns. Conclusions Actigraph and sleep diary data indicated adequate maternal sleep duration and sleep latency. Self-reported insomnia severity in mothers of children with ALL suggested sleep fragmentation that may be undetected by these measures. Implications for nursing Oncology nurses are in a unique position to identify sleep problems in mothers and children with ALL, which may lead to recommendations for improved sleep and referrals for treatment.
Verification of flux measurements made with in situ benthic chambers

Abstract Exchange of solutes between the sediments and overlying water was measured in situ at two locations where the overlying waters were devoid of dissolved oxygen (Skan Bay, Alaska and the Tres Marias depression on the Mexican continental shelf). Measurements were made with a tripod capable of collecting eight sequential samples for analysis of dissolved gases and ions. The tripod also permitted tracer injection and the retrieval of sediments underlying the flux chambers. Because of the absence of oxygen, sediments from these areas did not contain benthic faunal populations, and it was possible to compare the benthic fluxes measured with the tripod with those calculated from pore water profiles. For solutes for which exchange was not limited by resistance in the diffuse sublayer (alkalinity, Si(OH) 4 + , NH 4 + , and PO 4 3- ), tje 11 tirpod-measured fluxes agreed with those calculated from pore water gradients to within 25%. Benthic boundary layer thickness within the chambers as calculated from the initial rate of radiotracer uptake (tritiated water) varied from 405 to 605 μm in stirred chambers. Measured rates of NO 3 − uptake were concordant with a boundary layer thickness of 600 μm.
Cloning and structural characterization of ECTACC, a new member of the transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) gene family: cDNA sequence and expression analysis in human microvascular endothelial cells.

Abstract Erythropoietin (Epo) transduces mitogenic and chemoattractant signals to human endothelial cells. Identifications of Epo-responsive genes are important for understanding the molecular nature of Epo signaling in endothelial cells. The effects of Epo on differential expression of various genes were examined in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) by differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the current study we obtained from Epo-treated HMVEC a cDNA fragment with characteristics of the 3′ end of mRNA. Using the cDNA fragment, we then selectively isolated a full-length clone by screening an unamplified endothelial cell cDNA library followed by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends by polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR). The nucleotide sequence of the longest cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 3311 nucleotides that encodes a protein consisting of ∼906 amino acids with a predicted MW of ∼100 kDa. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA is nearly identical to that of transforming acidic coiled coil-containing (TACC2) and anti-zuai-1 (AZU-1) cDNA clones except at the 5′- and 3′-ends. Northern blot analysis showed an increase in endothelial-TACC-related mRNA levels in Epo-treated cells in comparison to that of the control cells. Endothelial-TACC-related mRNA was highly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle tissue. Placenta and brain tissue exhibited low levels of expression of endothelial-TACC-related gene. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from somatic cell hybrids showed that endothelial-TACC-related cDNA maps to chromosome 10. Immunofluorescence microscopy and the occurrence of several putative phosphorylation and SH3 binding sites on the deduced protein suggest that endothelial-TACC-related protein may be involved in Epo signaling cascades in endothelial cells.
Selective effects of enucleation and transfer of heterologous nuclei on cytoplasmic organelles in Amoeba proteus.

SYNOPSIS. The ultrastructural changes in the cytoplasm of lethal hybrids obtained by nuclear transplantation between different strains of Amoeba proteus were compared with those of enucleated amebae. It was found that, whereas the Golgi complex and glycocalyx degenerated first in enucleated cells, mitochondria and endosymbiotes became abnormal first in the hybrids. The selective effects are attributed to the presence of nucleic acids in the mitochondria and endosymbiotes and hence to the different interactions they would have with the nuclear genome.
An anticonvulsant profile of the ketogenic diet in the rat

The present study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of a high-fat ketogenic diet (KD) in rats. Animals were maintained on one of four experimental diets: (1) calorie-restricted ketogenic (KCR); (2) calorie-restricted normal (NCR); (3) ad libitum ketogenic (KAL); or (4) ad libitum normal (NAL). The calorie-restricted diets were fed in quantities such that they were calorically equivalent. All animals began diet treatment at age P37 and each was subjected to one of five chemically-induced seizure tests: bicuculline (BIC; s.c.), picrotoxin (PIC; s.c.), kainate (KA, i.p. or s.c.) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL, i.p.), strychnine (s.c.). Bipolar epidural electrodes were implanted under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia to permit recording the spike and wave discharges (SWD) characteristic of electroencephalograms during absence seizures. Ketonemia was assayed by measuring blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) spectrophotometrically prior to induction of seizures in each experiment. Animals fed ketogenic diets (i.e. either calorie restricted or ad libitum) exhibited greater blood levels of BHB compared to control groups. Seizure results show that treatment with a KD: (1) reduced the incidence of bicuculline-induced convulsions; (2) diminished the number of picrotoxin-induced seizures (KCR group only); (3) increased latency to GBL-induced SWD and reduced both the number and duration of SWD; but (4) conferred no protection from strychnine-induced seizures; and (5) made KA-induced seizures more severe. Together these results indicate a spectrum of anticonvulsant action for the KD in rats that includes threshold seizures induced via GABA receptors (BIC, PIC, GBL) but not those induced at glycine (strychnine) or the KA-subclass of glutamate receptors. Uniquely, the KD is the only treatment described that protects against both convulsive and non-convulsive (absence) seizures in rats.
Intercomparison of four global precipitation data sets and their correlation with increased Eurasian river discharge to the Arctic Ocean

[1] Recent increases in Eurasian river discharge to the Arctic Ocean have attracted considerable scientific attention but remain poorly understood. Previous studies have examined fire frequency, permafrost thaw, and dam construction as potential mechanisms. Here we focus on precipitation as a driver, using 198 dam-free Eurasian river basins ranging from 151 to 897,000 km2. Using R-ArcticNet monthly discharge data and four observational and reanalysis precipitation products from the University of Delaware (UDel), University of Washington (UW), NCEP/NCAR (NCEP), and ECMWF (ERA-40), we (1) assess which precipitation data sets best capture spatially realistic patterns as inferred from agreement with river discharge (198 basins; 1958–1989); and (2) determine to what extent observed discharge trends follow Udel precipitation changes (66 basins; 1936–1999). Results from the precipitation intercomparison show for the 74 (of 198) basins displaying statistically significant discharge trends (24 positive, 50 negative; −74% to +89%, mean = −1%), interpolated precipitation products significantly outperform reanalysis data sets, perhaps owing to the fine-scale resolutions examined here. Agreement between discharge and precipitation is 42–86% and 42–97% for UDel and UW, respectively, but approaches zero for NCEP and ERA-40. Comparison of precipitation and discharge trends suggests that precipitation increases play a significant role in observed long-term discharge increases. For the 40 (of 66) basins displaying statistically significant trends in discharge (32 positive, 8 negative; −23% to +50%, mean = +11%), 29 display corresponding trends in precipitation with 35–62% agreement between discharge and precipitation trend. Comparison of discharge trends with basin permafrost properties indicates a possible, but not strong role for permafrost thaw in the observed increases.
Anti-Semitism in the Miracle Tales of the Virgin

Fantasy is a force in the anti-Semitic portrayals of Jews in medieval Christianity's miracle tales. Christians told these tales in order to forge a collective identity in which the Jew became the Other. This paper addresses Christian fantasies about Jews as well as the cultural and historical circumstances that made the tales popular. The three tales chosen for discussion- "The Child Slain by the Jews," The Jewish Boy," and "The Merchant's Surety"-demonstratc how anti-Semitic tales were useful in helping Christianity foster survival.
The case against the pseudoscalar nonet and SU(4) symmetry in meson spectroscopy

Abstract The standard mixing recipe for pseudoscalar nonets and SU(4) 15-plets is questioned and the necessity for more complicated mixing including radially excited configurations is demonstrated. Experimental tests for the validity of simple nonet mixing are discussed, with present evidence from sum rules in favor of an alternative description in which the η is described by conventional mixing but the η′ has additional mixing of radially excited states. Results are ambiguous because sum rules depend on additional assumptions beyond mixing like the OZI rule. More conclusive tests are suggested involving predictions for the decays of the new particles into channels containing the η and η′ which assume only simple nonet mixing and SU(3), with no further assumptions.
Spectral analysis of the spatial distribution of the earth's 15μ carbon dioxide horizon profile

Abstract An analysis was made of the spatial energy distribution in the earth's 15μ carbon dioxide horizon profile. The 600 cm −1 –725 cm −1 spectral band (13.8 μ–16.7μ) was divided into ten intervals based on the general characteristics of carbon dioxide absorbtance in this region. It is shown that the energy in each spectral interval is dependent upon the temperature-altitude structure seen and that knowledge of the integrated horizon profile over the total band is enhanced by knowledge of the spectral characteristics. A description of the method used for radiance profile calculation, the definition of the spectral weighting functions used, and two temperature-altitude profiles are shown. Using this information the temperature-altitude dependence and effects are discussed. Weighting functions for each of the ten spectral intervals for tangent heights from −30 km to +80 km are presented. These data show the effective altitude where radiant energy is emitted for each of the spectral intervals. Each of the weighting functions for each interval has peaks that correspond to a particular tangent height. For low tangent heights, these peaks are seen to occur at approximately the same altitude point. The process of utilizing a single temperature-altitude profile to calculate a radiance profile is discussed. A plot of the horizontal spaces of the energy contribution is presented which indicates that the assumption of isothermal atmospheric layers is not valid over all tangent height ranges. This is due to the horizontal earth range over which the total energy is transmitted.
Calibration for the SAGE III/EOS instruments

The calibration plan for the SAGE III instruments for maintaining instrument performance during the Earth Observing System (EOS) mission lifetime is described. The SAGE III calibration plan consists of detailed preflight and inflight calibration on the instrument performance together with the correlative measurement program to validate the data products from the inverted satellite measurements. Since the measurement technique is primarily solar/lunar occultation, the instrument will be self-calibrating by using the sun as the calibration source during the routine operation of the instrument in flight. The instrument is designed to perform radiometric calibration of throughput, spectral, and spatial response in flight during routine operation. Spectral calibration can be performed in-flight from observation of the solar Fraunhofer lines within the spectral region from 290 to 1030 nm wavelength.
The comparative amino acid sequences, substrate specificities and gene or cDNA nucleotide sequences of some prokaryote and eukaryote amidinotransferases: implications for evolution

Abstract The amino acid sequences of the amidinotransferases and the nucleotide sequences of their genes or cDNA from four Streptomyces species (seven genes) and from the kidneys of rat, pig, human and human pancreas were compared. The overall amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the prokaryotes and eukaryotes were very similar and further, three regions were identified that were highly identical. Evidence is presented that there is virtually zero chance that the overall and high identity regions of the amino acid sequence similarities and the overall nucleotide sequence similarities between Streptomyces and mammals represent random match. Both rat and lamprey amidinotransferases were able to use inosamine phosphate, the amidine group acceptor of Streptomyces . We have concluded that the structure and function of the amidinotransferases and their genes has been highly conserved through evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. The evolution has occurred with: (1) a high degree of retention of nucleotide and amino acid sequences; (2) a high degree of retention of the primitive Streptomyces guanine+cytosine (G+C) third codon position composition in certain high identity regions of the eukaryote cDNA; (3) a decrease in the specificities for the amidine group acceptors; and (4) most of the mutations silent in the regions suggested to code for active sites in the enzymes.
Tackling the Issue of High Users of Healthcare

A disproportionate amount of healthcare costs in developed nations are attributed to a small percentage of high-needs patients. New York is no exception. Addressing the needs of this subgroup of Medicaid patients was part of reforms begun in 2011 with the creation of the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT). The MRT successfully adopted 78 revisions to the Medicaid program. Some broad reforms target all Medicaid enrollees. The state also invested in two specific programs to meet the needs of high users: supportive housing and Health Homes. Close monitoring of both programs is underway and over time, will reveal the value of these two initiatives.
Descriptions of Some Immature Stages in Two Diaspis Species (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae)

First and 2nd-stage males of Diaspis echinocacti (Bouche) and D. bromeliae (Kerner) are described and illustrated, and first-stage females are characterized. The generic position of D. bromeliae is questioned. Some aspects of segmentation in the first instars of the Diaspidini are briefly discussed.
Out-of-hospital pediatric airway management in the United States

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to characterize pediatric out-of-hospital airway management interventions, success rates, and complications in the United States using the 2012 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) dataset. Methods In 2012, NEMSIS collected data from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) encounters in 40 states. We included all patients less than 18 years of age and identified all patients who had airway interventions including endotracheal intubation (ETI), bag-valve-mask ventilation (BVM), continuous positive airway pressure/bilevel positive airway pressure (CPAP/BiPAP) and alternate airways (Combitube, King LT, Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), esophageal obturator airway, and cricothyroidotomy). Success and complication rates were analyzed and compared across pediatric age groups, by race, ethnicity, clinical condition, and geographic region. Results We identified a total of 949,301 pediatric patient care events in the NEMSIS 2012 dataset. 4.5% had airway management procedures (42,936 events). Invasive airway management or ventilation (ETI, cricothyroidotomy, alternate airway, CPAP/BiPAP, BVM and other ventilation) took place in 1.5% of patient care events (14,107). Of those who had invasive airway management, 29.9% were less than 1 year of age, 58.1% were male, 42.3% were white, and 83.6% were in urban areas. ETI occurred in 3124 of patient care events (329 per 100,000; 95% CI 318–341). Overall success of ETI was 81.1% (95% CI 79.7–82.6). Lower success was noted in patients with cardiac arrest (75.5%, 95% CI 72.6–78.3) and those aged 1–12 months (72.1%, 95% CI 68.3–75.6). Conclusions Out-of-hospital pediatric advanced airway procedures were infrequently performed. Success rates are lowest in patients aged 1–12 months.
Sequential Hypothesis Testing under Stochastic Deadlines

Most models of decision-making in neuroscience assume an infinite horizon, which yields an optimal solution that integrates evidence up to a fixed decision threshold; however, under most experimental as well as naturalistic behavioral settings, the decision has to be made before some finite deadline, which is often experienced as a stochastic quantity, either due to variable external constraints or internal timing uncertainty. In this work, we formulate this problem as sequential hypothesis testing under a stochastic horizon. We use dynamic programming tools to show that, for a large class of deadline distributions, the Bayes-optimal solution requires integrating evidence up to a threshold that declines monotonically over time. We use numerical simulations to illustrate the optimal policy in the special cases of a fixed deadline and one that is drawn from a gamma distribution.