cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management considerations for treating vesicoureteral reflux in children with solitary kidneys

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the management approach for vesicoureteral reflux (reflux) into a solitary kidney. Methods. Outcomes of all children with solitary kidneys and reflux managed between 1981 and 1996 were reviewed. Solitary kidneys were documented by nuclear renography and ultrasonography; reflux was graded after cystography. Management consisted of observation and antimicrobial prophylaxis or surgery by ureteroneocystostomy or subureteric injection of polytetrafluoroethylene (STING). Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 14 years and included serial cystography, sonography, and serum creatinine measurement. Results. Twenty-one patients with a median follow-up of 26 months were identified. Etiologies included contralateral renal agenesis (14 children), multicystic dysplastic kidney (5 children), or nonfunctioning ureteropelvic junction obstruction (2 children). Low-grade (I to II) reflux was identified in 6 children, and high grade (III to V) was identified in 15. Reflux resolved in 20 patients. Five children with low-grade reflux were managed without surgery and demonstrated reflux resolution after a mean of 20.5 months. Renal function deteriorated in only 1 child. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 13 children with grades III to V reflux, and STING was performed in 1 child with grade II reflux. Every surgical patient maintained stable renal function and was infection-free during a mean follow-up of 56 months. Management by observation in 2 children with grades IV to V reflux resulted in spontaneous resolution in one and stable grade IV in the other. Conclusions. Reflux into the solitary functioning kidney may be managed by the same strategies used to manage unilateral reflux in children with two normally functioning kidneys: low-grade reflux by observation/chemoprophylaxis until spontaneous resolution occurs, and higher grades by surgery to protect renal function; however, chemoprophylaxis and serial imaging may be used until well-defined indications for surgery are satisfied. Renal function should be monitored diligently.
Reconnaissance of the Indian Ocean equatorial undercurrent near Addu Atoll

Abstract In February–March, 1972, eight current and temperature profiles to 300 m were made at stations bracketing Addu Atoll in the Maldives, using the method of Duing and Johnson (1972). The profiles give evidence of the Equatorial Undercurrent, as expected at this time of year, and further show that distortions of the flow due to the atoll occur only near-shore, in agreement with observations and calculations of Hendry and Wunsch (1973). It thus appears that an on-going program of repeated stations, 10–20 nautical miles offshore from Addu, aimed at providing information about long-period variability of the undercurrent, will yield results reasonably representative of open-ocean conditions in this region.
The Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics Scale: A Construct Validity Study.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate evidence of the validity of Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics Scale (SATS) scores and their relationship with scores from two other measures of attitudes toward statistics, the Attitude Toward Statistics Scale (ATS) and the Statistics Attitude Survey. The pre- and postcourse responses of 342 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in inferential statistics courses at a large midwestern university were analyzed. Internal consistency reliability estimates were greater than .90 for total scores and greater than .70 for subscale scores for all instruments. Regression analyses confirmed the importance of SATS subscale scores over and above demographic variables in a theoretical model predicting statistics course achievement. Factor analyses suggested that both the ATS and the SATS have two domains, which is contrary to the four-factor solution proposed by the developers of the SATS.
Kinetic-energy functionals via Padé approximations.

A representation of the kinetic-energy functional as the product of a homogeneous-gas functional and a Pad\'e approximation in the density gradient is developed and shown to describe accurately the kinetic energy of atomic systems.
Sub-millimeter laser ranging results using a pseudo-random code modulation

A laser beam with a pseudo random bit stream pattern amplitude modulation is retro reflected off a target to produce a real time ranging signal using a cross correlation technique. The measured resolution of the system was 0.2 mm with an absolute accuracy of ± 2 mm over 2 m. The use of a modulated retro reflector allows a communications signal to be added to the ranging capability.
Consistency of pituitary-adrenocortical function across multiple psychiatric hospitalizations

The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was done in 53 psychiatric patients during at least two separate hospital admissions. The agreement between DST results on both admissions exceeded chance expectations: 69.8% of all patients and 72.3% of those with major depression had consistent DST results.
The motor cortex: a network tuned to 7-14 Hz.

The neocortex or six layer cortex consists of at least 52 cytoarchitectonically distinct areas in humans, and similar areas can be distinguished in rodents. Each of these areas has a defining set of extrinsic connections, identifiable functional roles, a distinct laminar arrangement, etc. Thus, neocortex is extensively subdivided into areas of anatomical and functional specialization, but less is known about the specialization of cellular and network physiology across areas. The motor cortex appears to have a distinct propensity to oscillate in the 7–14 Hz frequency range. Augmenting responses, normal mu and beta oscillations, and abnormal oscillations or after discharges caused by enhancing excitation or suppressing inhibition are all expressed around this frequency range. The substrate for this activity may be an excitatory network that is unique to the motor cortex or that is more strongly suppressed in other areas, such as somatosensory cortex. Interestingly, augmenting responses are dependent on behavioral state. They are abolished during behavioral arousal. Here, I briefly review this evidence.
Preoperative prediction of complete resection in pancreatic cancer.

Background Accurate preoperative staging is essential in pancreatic cancer to select the 15% of patients who can benefit from surgery and avoid surgery in the 85% with advanced disease. With improvements in computed tomography (CT) scanning, the value of routine laparoscopy for preoperative staging of pancreatic cancer has been questioned because it changes the preoperative plan in less than 20% of unselected cases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our experience with preoperative staging in 88 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer. All patients had preoperative CT scans, and selective criteria were used to determine which patients would also undergo preoperative staging laparoscopy. Patients were categorized preoperatively as resectable or not resectable (locally advanced or metastatic). Medical records, operative, and pathology reports were reviewed to determine the accuracy of preoperative predictions. Results Thirty patients were deemed resectable based on CT alone and 27 (90%) were resected (25 R0, 2 R1). Two (7%) had metastatic disease discovered at laparotomy and one (3%) had a R2 resection. Only 19 patients (39%) of 49 patients deemed resectable by CT met our selective criteria for preoperative staging laparoscopy. Laparoscopy changed the treatment plan in 11 (58%) of these patients. Eight were still deemed resectable after staging laparoscopy and 7 (88%) were resected (6 R0, 1 R1). One patient (12%) had metastatic disease diagnosed at laparotomy. If selective staging laparoscopy were eliminated from our algorithm, 49 patients would have been deemed potentially resectable based on CT alone, 34 (69%) would have been found to be resectable at laparotomy (31 R0, 3 R1), and 15 (31%) would have been found to be unresectable at laparotomy (positive predictive value of 69%). The addition of selective staging laparoscopy avoided unnecessary laparotomy in 11 patients and increased the positive predictive value to (34/38) 89%. Conclusion Selective use of laparoscopy increases the positive predictive value of preoperative staging in pancreatic cancer and avoids unnecessary laparoscopy in the majority of patients.
Twenty years of work-related injury and illness among union carpenters in Washington State.

Background Individuals who work in the construction industry are at high risk of occupational injury. Robust surveillance systems are needed to monitor the experiences of these workers over time. Methods We updated important surveillance data for a unique occupational cohort of union construction workers to provide information on long-term trends in their reported work-related injuries and conditions. Combining administrative data sources, we identified a dynamic cohort of union carpenters who worked in Washington State from 1989 through 2008, their hours worked by month, and their workers' compensation claims. Incidence rates of reported work-related injuries and illnesses were examined. Poisson regression was used to assess risk by categories of age, gender, time in the union, and calendar time contrasting medical only and paid lost time claims. Results Over the 20-year study period, 24,830 carpenters worked 192.4 million work hours. Work-related injuries resulting in medical care or paid lost time (PLT) from work occurred at a rate of 24.3 per 200,000 hr worked (95% CI: 23.5–25.0). Medical only claims declined 62% and PLT claims declined 77%; more substantive declines were seen for injuries resulting from being struck and falls to a lower level than from overexertion with lifting. Differences in risk based on union tenure and age diminished over time as well. Conclusions Significant declines in rates of reported work-related injuries and illnesses were observed over the 20-year period among these union carpenters. Greater declines were observed among workers with less union tenure and for claims resulting in PLT. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:381–388, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circadian periodicities of serum androgens, progesterone, gonadotropins and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in male rats: the effects of hypothalamic deafferentation, castration and adrenalectomy.

Serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), progesterone (P), LH, FSH and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) levels and the LHRH content in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA) were estimated during a 24-h period. Circadian rhythms, temporally unrelated to each other, were evident in serum FSH and LHRH and the MBH LHRH content; serum LH fluctuated randomly. In addition, serum T and DHT demonstrated a parallel circadian pattern while serum T and P appeared inversely related. Serum P rhythm persisted in long-term castrate males. Without adversely affecting serum LH, anterior hypothalamic deafferentation abolished both serum T and P rhythms, whereas adrenalectomy obliterated only the serum T periodicity. These studies show that the POAMBH complex and the adrenals play important roles in the circadian regulation of testicular secretions.
Redox Kinetics in Monolayers on Electrodes: Electron Transfer Is Sluggish for Ferrocene Groups Buried within the Monolayer Interior†

A study was undertaken of the redox chemistry of ferrocene groups in alkanethiolate-based monolayer films on gold electrodes. The monolayers are structured so as to position the ferrocene groups within the interior portion of the monolayer. The study focused on the difference in the redox thermodynamics (oxidation−reduction potential) and kinetics (standard electron-transfer rate constant) for ferrocene groups at the monolayer−solution interface and those in the monolayer interior. Ferrocene groups that were buried in the monolayer interior exhibited oxidation−reduction potentials that were strongly shifted to positive potentials relative to the potentials found for similar monolayers in which the ferrocene groups are exposed to electrolyte solution, in agreement with prior work on similar systems. The principal new finding from this study is that the redox kinetics associated with ferrocene oxidation/reduction were much more sluggish when the ferrocene groups were buried within the monolayer interior whe...
Synthesis, Structures, and Kinetics and Mechanism of Decomposition of Terminal Metal Azide Complexes: Isolated Intermediates in the Formation of Imidometal Complexes from Organic Azides

Treatment of Cp2Ta(CH3)(PMe3) (Cp = η5-C5H5) with aryl azides ArN3 (Ar = C6H5, p-CF3C6H4, p-NMe2C6H4) affords rare examples of terminal phenylazido complexes Cp2Ta(CH3)(N3Ar) and free phosphine in ...
SU‐FF‐T‐168: Randomized Prescription Dose IMRT Inverse Planning

Purpose: To incorporate patient‐specific spatially‐dependent prescription dose selection and optimization into IMRT inverse treatment planning. To improve the quality of planning using customized variable prescription. Method and Materials: The standard prescription dose—100% of the dose to 100% of the target volume and 0% to the rest of structures—is not achievable in practice. A more realistic prescription dose distribution would be a voxel specific prescription which can be automatically tuned during optimization procedure. One of the ways to realize that in practice is to think about prescription as it were a random variable with some restrictions on its probability distribution function (PDF) which plays the role of a preference function guiding optimization process. We demonstrate that, under the assumption that the prescription dose obeys a normal distribution, IMRT planning with random prescription can be formulated as a quadratic problem. Results: Clinical prostate and head and neck cases were studied to test this method. We compare treatment plans generated using this method to standard prescription plans for the same sets of importance factors. Depending on model parameter values improved plans were generated using the randomized prescription. Larger improvements were observed for the prostate case which may indicate that our technique works the best when the target is closely surrounded by organs at risk. Conclusions: We demonstrated how IMRTtreatment planning can be improved via considering customized prescription dose.
Nuclear and mitotically enhanced epitope.

Salt-extracted proteins of taxol-stabilized microtubules from Chinese hamster ovary cells arrested at mitosis were used to immunize mice for hybridoma production. From a group of related monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), one, C9, recognized an epitope on antigens localized by immunofluorescence microscopy to interphase centrosomes and nuclei. The availability of the nuclear antigen was cell cycle-dependent; however, permeabilization of cells before fixation revealed that the antigen was present throughout the cell cycle. The nuclear antigen was exposed during prophase and was released from the nucleus upon nuclear envelope breakdown filling the cytoplasm of the mitotic cell. Antigenic material re-accumulated at daughter nuclei and was concealed during Gl phase. Detergent extraction of the cytoplasmic antigen from mitotic cells enabled localization of antigens to centrosomes, kinetochores, and the furrowing region/midbody. Immunoblot analysis of cells of a variety of species of origin identified an approximate 250 kD polypeptide as corresponding to the nuclear antigen, whereas polypeptides of 107/117 kD as well as approximately 250 kD accounted for the mitotic cytoplasmic antigens. No polypeptides could be associated with antigens at centrosomes, kinetochores, or midbodies. This MAb joins the antibody preparations previously reported that describe nuclear antigens, or epitopes on antigens, enhanced at mitosis.
Effects of PuPiliary Constriction on Automated Perimetry in Normal Eyes

The authors studied the effects of pupillary constriction (pilocarpine 2%) on automated static threshold perimetry in 20 normal subjects using the Humphrey Field Analyzer 30-2 and STATPAC programs. The mean defect (MD) worsened by an average of 0.67 decibels (dB) (standard deviation, 0.67 dB) in constricted fields compared with baseline visual fields (P less than or equal to 0.001). Independent comparisons of the unweighted means of threshold values for the central 30 degrees, 24 degrees, and 10 degrees were also done and showed significant reductions in sensitivity after constriction (P less than or equal to 0.001). These findings indicate that changes in pupillary diameter may produce significant declines in threshold sensitivities and support the importance of consistent pupillary diameters on serial automated visual field examinations.
Estimation of state and system parameters

Abstract A simple method of two parameters estimation in linear or nonlinear first order differential equation is presented. The procedure consists in reducing the problem to an initial value problem which is solved with speed and accuracy on the computer.
Re-examination of the evidence for low-dimensional, nonlinear structure in the human electroencephalogram.

Abstract We have re-examined single channel EEG data obtained from normal human subjects. In the original analysis, calculation of the correlation dimension with the Grassberger-Procaccia algorithm produced results consistent with an interpretation of low-dimensional behavior. The re-examination suggests that the previous indication of low-dimensional structure was an artifact of autocorrelation in the oversampled signal. Calculations with a variant of the Grassberger-Procaccia algorithm modified to be less sensitive to autocorrelations, and comparison with linear gaussian surrogate data, indicate that these data may be more appropriately modeled by linearly filtered noise. Discriminant analysis further indicates that the correlation dimension is a poor discriminator for distinguishing between EEGs recorded at rest and during periods of cognitive activity. It remains possible that the application of other nonlinear measures or the examination of multichannel EEG data may resolve structures not found in these calculations.
The Phe105 Loop of Alix Bro1 Domain Plays a Key Role in HIV-1 Release

Summary Alix and cellular paralogs HD-PTP and Brox contain N-terminal Bro1 domains that bind ESCRT-III CHMP4. In contrast to HD-PTP and Brox, expression of the Bro1 domain of Alix alleviates HIV-1 release defects that result from interrupted access to ESCRT. In an attempt to elucidate this functional discrepancy, we solved the crystal structures of the Bro1 domains of HD-PTP and Brox. They revealed typical "boomerang" folds they share with the Bro1 Alix domain. However, they each contain unique structural features that may be relevant to their specific function(s). In particular, phenylalanine residue in position 105 (Phe105) of Alix belongs to a long loop that is unique to its Bro1 domain. Concurrently, mutation of Phe105 and surrounding residues at the tip of the loop compromise the function of Alix in HIV-1 budding without affecting its interactions with Gag or CHMP4. These studies identify a new functional determinant in the Bro1 domain of Alix.
A project on nymphaeid-dominated systems

In the present paper the general line of the research project on nymphaeid-dominated systems of the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology (Catholic University, Nijmegen) is explained and a list of publications is given. In the nymphaeid system 16 structural elements could be distinguished which are spatially distributed over 15 compartments. As the nymphaeid system is very complex compared with other macrophyte-dominated systems, a team is working now on the project. The author is much indebted to other members of the nymphaeid team for their critical remarks.
Is vitamin C an effective antihypertensive supplement? A review and analysis of the literature.

Objective Hypertension is a common condition with high mortality from associated diseases. Epidemiological evidence suggests that a dietary deficiency of vitamin C may be a risk factor for hypertension. However the literature on vitamin C interventional trials appears divided on the efficacy of vitamin C utilization clinically.
Cataloging at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Library

SUMMARY The paper deals with the cataloging operations at the University of Massachusetts Library that take place in three departments in the Collection Management Cluster. Recent changes in cataloging routines came as a result of new technology, as well as the manner in which cataloging staff are utilized. Also noted are the cooperative efforts in which the library is involved and the possible future in cataloging electronic materials.
Does a single meal affect female reproductive output in the sexually cannibalistic praying mantid Iris oratoria

Summary 1. One explanation of the evolution of sexual cannibalism, the female’s consumption of a male during or following courtship or copulation, is that this behaviour increases the female’s fitness. This study tests the assumption that a single meal increases female reproductive output significantly in the sexually cannibalistic praying mantid Iris oratoria L. 2. In 38 mating trials, seven of the females cannibalised the males. In order to augment the number of females that fed, an additional nine females were each fed one cricket nymph at the end of the mating trial. 3. Three measures of female reproductive output – the occurrence of oviposition, the mass of the first ootheca, and the number of eggs in the first ootheca – increased significantly with female feeding condition, which was a reflection of food consumed before the mating trial. Females that copulated later in the season tended to lay lighter oothecae. 4. The females’ consumption of a meal during the mating trial, either a conspecific male or a cricket, did not influence any measure of reproductive output significantly, although possible effects upon subsequent oothecae cannot be ruled out. 5. If, as the present study suggests, a single meal provides a negligible or delayed benefit to female reproductive output, the evolution of sexual cannibalism might lie in alternative explanations, which include possible fitness benefits to cannibalistic females in the nymphal stage or possible paternity benefits to the cannibalised males.
Can a Theory of Voluntariness Be A Priori and Value-Free?

Voluntariness has been the stepchild of the doctrine of informed consent. Of the three elements of the doctrine—information, competence, and voluntariness (Berg et al. 2001)—courts and researchers ...
Effect of increased inoculum of Salmonella typhi on MIC of azithromycin and resultant growth characteristics

This study was designed to investigate the effect of an increased inoculum on the MIC of azithromycin for Salmonella typhi. Growth curves of nine strains were obtained in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth containing azithromycin at concentrations of 0-32 mg/L, and comparisons made between inoculation with large inocula, estimated as 10(7) cfu/mL, and with small inocula of c. 10(3) cfu/mL. Turbidity developed only with large inocula after 4-8 h in the presence of 8 or 16 mg/L of azithromycin, thus correlating with microscopic appearance of elongated, curved and widened bacteria. Bacteria that had survived exposure to 16 mg/L for 48 h showed low-grade resistance in comparison with those not exposed to antibiotic. Thus, the mechanism of the inoculum effect was expressed as an enlarging bacterial mass during bacteriostasis, with survival of bacterial populations with low-grade resistance of about two-fold increase in MIC.
Estimating the average junction temperature of AlGaInP LED arrays by spectral analysis

Abstract This study proposes a practical method to estimate the junction temperature of AlGaInP LED arrays based on the shift of the center wavelength at full width at half maximum (FWHM). For AlGaInP LEDs, the peak wavelength will shift with increases in junction temperature. The shift rate depends on the Al doping level, which means for different AlGaInP LEDs with various peak wavelengths, the shift rate of the peak wavelengths will be different. When the light output of several LEDs with different peak wavelength is mixed, the peak area of the spectrum broadens and flattens and it is difficult to accurately estimate the peak wavelength shift. The center wavelength at FWHM, however, shows good linearity with junction temperature; moreover, this linearity is much better compared with the mixed peak wavelength for the AlGaInP array.
Modulation of male mouse genital sniff, attack, and mount behaviors by urogenital substances from estrous females

The modulation of attacks, genital sniffs, and mounts in male SJL/J mice by ovarian-dependent urogenital substances in the urine voided by estrous females was examined. Urogenital substances were applied onto the external urogenital areas of ovariectomized mice. When compared with urine voided by estrous females, which stimulated genital sniffing, mounting, and reduced aggression, bladder urine was ineffective. Genital sniffing and mounting was stimulated by estradiol-17 beta, vaginal fluids, and preputial extract. Aggression was reduced by estradiol-17 beta, urethral catheterized urine, and vaginal fluids. Preputialectomy reduced, but did not eliminate, urinary stimulation of genital sniffing and mounting. Preputial extract stimulated aggression. Urogenital substances from ovariectomized females were ineffective in reducing attacks and stimulating genital sniffs and mounts. It was concluded that the ovarian-dependent chemosignals in the urine voided by estrous females are contributed by the urethra, vagina, and preputial gland, perhaps in part through the excretion of unconjugated estrogens.
Technical approaches for efficient printing of high-density microarrays and rapid, high-precision fluorescence analysis

Technical approaches for efficient printing of high-density microarrays and rapid, high-precision fluorescence analysis
Spatial release from masking improves sound pattern discrimination along a biologically relevant pulse-rate continuum in gray treefrogs.

Abstract Many frogs form large choruses during their mating season in which males produce loud advertisement calls to attract females and repel rival males. High background noise levels in these social aggregations can impair vocal perception. In humans, spatial release from masking contributes to our ability to understand speech in noisy social groups. Here, we tested the hypothesis that spatial separation between target signals and ‘chorus-shaped noise’ improves the ability of female gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) to perform a behavioral discrimination task based on perceiving differences in the pulsatile structure of advertisement calls. We used two-stimulus choice tests to measure phonotaxis (approach toward sound) in response to calls differing in pulse rate along a biologically relevant continuum between conspecific (50 pulses s−1) and heterospecific (20 pulses s−1) calls. Signals were presented in quiet, in colocated noise, and in spatially separated noise. In quiet conditions, females exhibited robust preferences for calls with relatively faster pulse rates more typical of conspecific calls. Behavioral discrimination between calls differing in pulse rate was impaired in the presence of colocated noise but similar between quiet and spatially separated noise conditions. Our results indicate that spatial release from energetic masking facilitates a biologically important temporal discrimination task in frogs. We discuss these results in light of previous work on spatial release from masking in frogs and other animals.
TLINKAGE-IMPRINT: a model-based approach to performing two-locus genetic imprinting analysis.

Objectives: Imprinting refers to the expression of only one copy of a gene pair, which is determined by the parental origin of the copy. Imprinted genes play a role in the development of several complex diseases, including cancers and mental disorders. In certain situations, two-trait-loci models are shown to be more powerful than one-trait-locus models. However, no current methods use pedigree structure efficiently and perform two-locus imprinting analyses. In this paper, we apply the Elston-Stewart algorithm to the parametric two-trait-loci imprinting model used by Strauch et al. [2000] to obtain a method for qualitative trait linkage analyses that explicitly models imprinting and can be applied to large pedigrees. Methods: We considered a parametric approach based on 4 × 4 penetrance matrix to account for imprinting and modified TLINKAGE software to implement this approach. We performed simulation studies using a small and a large pedigree under dominant and imprinted and dominant or imprinted scenarios. Furthermore, we developed a likelihood ratio-based test for imprinting that compares the logarithm of odds (LOD) score obtained using the two-locus imprinting model with that obtained using the standard two-locus model that does not allow for imprinting. Results: In simulation studies of three scenarios where the true mode of inheritance included imprinting, accurate modeling through the proposed approach yielded higher LOD scores and better recombination fraction estimates than the traditional two-locus model that does not allow for imprinting. Conclusions: This imprinting model will be useful in identifying the genes responsible for several complex disorders that are potentially caused by a combination of imprinted and non-imprinted genes.
Gastrin-Releasing Peptide1–27, Unlike Bombesin, Does Not Reduce Sham Feeding in Rats

We compared the potencies of systemic administration of bombesin (BN) and its mammalian homologue gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) to decrease sham feeding in rats. Bombesin (at doses of 8, 16 and 32 micrograms/kg, intraperitoneally) inhibited sham feeding by 37% (p < 0.001), 58% (p < 0.001) and 65% (p < 0.001), respectively, confirming previous results. Gastrin-releasing peptide (16, 32, and 64 micrograms/kg) failed to affect sham feeding. Bombesin (16 micrograms/kg) and gastrin-releasing peptide (32 micrograms/kg) inhibited real feeding by 64% (p < 0.001) and 44% (p < 0.004), respectively. Pregastric food stimulation is not sufficient for the inhibitory action of GRP.
X-ray analysis reveals conformational adaptation of the linker in functional calmodulin mutants.

Crystal structures of target peptide bound Ca2+-calmodulin linker helix mutants with the helix shortened by two or three residues, or replaced by the longer troponin C central helix, show that the major calmodulin-target structure is preserved at the expense of linker conformation.
Mathematical modeling and frequency gradient analysis of cellular and vascular invasion into integra and strattice: toward optimal design of tissue regeneration scaffolds.

BACKGROUND Rapid and effective host cell invasion and vascularization is essential for durable incorporation of avascular tissue-replacement scaffolds. In this study, we sought to qualitatively and quantitatively determine which of the two commercially-available products Strattice® and Integra® facilitate more rapid cellular and vascular invasion in a murine model of graft incorporation.
Oxygenated monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons of the cortical turpentine from different Abies species

Abstract Twelve samples of cortical oleoresin from most species and varieties of North American firs have been analyzed for monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons by GLC using three different capillary columns. The analyses showed that large chemical differences exist between many species and varieties. Particularly important chemotaxonomically was the considerable difference in δ-elemene and longifolene content between Abies magnifica and A. procera , which are difficult to separate morphologically and also in farnesene, α-muurolene, α-cubebene, α-copaene and longifolene content between two varieties of A. concolor — var. concolor and var. lowiana .
Fetal breathing movements and the response to carbon dioxide in patients on methadone maintenance.

Fetal breathing movements were monitored on six methadone maintenance patients and ten healthy control patients, studied while breathing room air and while breathing a prepared gas mixture with 5% carbon dioxide, both before and 2 hours after either the usual daily dose of methadone or a diet drink. There was no difference before and after the diet drink in control patients, who showed a significant increase in the incidence of fetal breathing movements from 37.1% ± 5.9% (SEM) on room air to 69.4% ± 2.8% while breathing 5% carbon dioxide (p
Video deinterlacing with control grid interpolation

Video deinterlacing is a key technique in digital video processing, particularly with the widespread usage of LCD and plasma TVs. This paper proposes a novel spatio-temporal video deinterlacing technique that adaptively chooses between results from segment adaptive gradient angle interpolation (SAGA), vertical temporal filter (VTF) and temporal line averaging (LA). The proposed method performs better than several popular benchmarking methods in terms of both visual quality and PSNR and requires minimal computational overhead. The algorithm performs better than existing approaches on fine moving edges and semi-static regions of videos, which are recognized as particularly challenging deinterlacing cases.
Lymphocytic Enterocolitis in Patients With 'Refractory Sprue'

We describe a patient with refractory sprue with malabsorption, a flat small-bowel biopsy specimen unresponsive to a gluten-free diet, and colonic biopsy specimens consistent with lymphocytic (microscopic) colitis. To investigate further the relation between celiac disease and lymphocytic or collagenous colitis (a similar and possibly related entity), we examined colorectal and small-bowel biopsy specimens in patients indexed histologically as having celiac disease who have been seen at The Johns Hopkins Hospital since 1958. Of 135 indexed patients, 21 had colorectal biopsies. Colorectal biopsy specimens were abnormal in 7 of the 21 patients. Four patients had biopsy specimens resembling lymphocytic colitis, 2 patients had acute colitis, and another patient had both lymphocytic and acute colitis. No patients had collagenous colitis. Three of the patients with lymphocytic colitis and celiac-like changes of the small bowel never responded to a gluten-free diet and may represent a distinctive panintestinal disease for which the term "lymphocytic enterocolitis" with malabsorption is proposed.
A scanning electron microscope study of electromigration in an Al-2% Cu thin film

Electromigration in an Al-27% Cu metallization thin film deposited on a silicon transistor structure has been studied in situ using the electron beam induced current mode (EBIC) of the scanning electron microscope. In this mode electrons which are transmitted through the metallization generate a signal which depends on the thin film thickness and its mass density. During the initial stages of the electromigration experiment the copper rich precipitates on the surface coarsened. Also, there was a preferential coarsening towards the positive end. Once the negative end became depleted of these surface precipitates grain thinning occurred. Voids nucleated and grew in from the sides of the metallization in these depleted regions finally causing film failure. However almost no voids were observed at grain boundaries or triple points. The copper rich precipitates in the interior of the metal film were stationary and showed no signs of coarsening or depleting any region. These observations suggest that surface diffusion is the predominant mode of atom migration in these alloys; grain boundary diffusion has been reduced compared to pure aluminum.
Solution structure of the Bacillus subtilis T-box antiterminator RNA: seven nucleotide bulge characterized by stacking and flexibility.

Abstract The T-box transcription antitermination regulatory system is an important mechanism for regulation of expression of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, amino acid biosynthesis and transporter gene expression in Gram-positive bacteria. Antitermination is dependent on a complex set of interactions between uncharged tRNA and the leader region of the mRNA of the regulated gene. Here, we report the solution structure of a model RNA, based on the Bacillus subtilis tyr S antiterminator, determined to an rmsd of 3.47 A for all nine converged structures and 2.66 A for the seven structures representing the consensus family. The antiterminator is comprised of two short helices with an intervening 7 nt bulge. The bulge region of the antiterminator, which ultimately interacts with the acceptor end of tRNA, exhibits extensive stacking at the 3′ end (encompassing the highly conserved ACC residues) and is the site of a pronounced kink between the two flanking helices. The 5′ end of the bulge exhibits evidence of conformational flexibility. On the basis of the structural studies, there is no indication that the bases at the 5′ end of the bulge that ultimately base-pair with tRNA are pre-organized for binding. Instead, the data are consistent with a model in which the stacking-induced structure at the 3′ end of the bulge may facilitate the pre-selection of a set of conformations for the tRNA to sample during binding.
Anion exchange membrane soil nitrate predicts turfgrass color and yield.

Desirable nitrogen (N) management practices for turfgrass supply sufficient N for high quality turf while limiting excess soil N. Previous studies suggested the potential of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for predicting turfgrass color, quality, or yield. However, these studies suggested a wide range of critical soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3–N) values across sample dates. A field experiment, in randomized complete block design with treatments consisting of nine N application rates, was conducted on a mixed species cool-season turfgrass lawn across two growing seasons. Every 2 wk from May to October, turfgrass color was assessed with three different reflectance meters, and soil NO3–N was measured with in situ AEMs. Cate-Nelson models were developed comparing relative reflectance value and yield to AEM desorbed soil NO3–N pooled across all sample dates. These models predicted critical AEM soil NO3–N values from 0.45 to 1.4 m gc m 22 d 21 . Turf had a low probability of further positive response to AEM soil NO3–N greater than these critical values. These results suggest that soil NO3–N critical values from AEMs may be applicable across sample dates and years and may serve to guide N fertilization to limit excess soil NO3–N. A ESTHETICandfunctionalconsiderationsforturfmanagement necessitate the application of N sufficient to achieve high quality turf, whereas environmental concerns require limiting the accumulation of excess soil NO3–N, which may be lost by leaching. Nitrogen fertilizer applications to turfgrass are typically guided by predetermined schedules and rates or by improvements in visual quality. Scheduled applications and rates, however, cannot take into account plant available N added to the soil by mineralization of soil organic matter, clippings, or residual mineral N from previous applications. Scheduled applications coupled with substantial residual or mineralized soil N might cause the accumulation of excess soil N and increase the risk of substantial N leaching (Kopp and Guillard, 2005). It would be desirable, therefore, to make N application recommendations according to measured soil N. However, no soil test for N is commonly used for turfgrass in humid climates. Because some soil N fractions will be converted to NO3–N under common turfgrass growing conditions, soil NO3–N may serve as an indicator of soil N sufficiency for high turfgrass quality. Soil NH4–N is also available to turf plants. However, studies predicting corn (Zea mays L.) yield with measured soil N found little improvement in the ability to separate N responsive from N unresponsive sites when soil NH4-N and NO3–N concentrations were used, as compared with NO3–N only
Middle Grades: Misconceptions in Statistical Thinking

A sample of 134 sixth-grade students who were using the Connected Mathematics curriculum were administered an open-ended item entitled, Vet Club (Balanced Assessment, 2000). This paper explores the role of misconceptions and naive conceptions in the acquisition of statistical thinking for middle grades students. Students exhibited misconceptions and naive conceptions regarding representing data graphically, interpreting the meaning of typicality, and plotting 0 above the x-axis.
Suprabasal expression of a 64-kilodalton keratin (no. 3) in developing human corneal epithelium.

Abstract We have previously shown that a basic 64-kilodalton (no. 3 in the catalog of Moll et al.) and an acidic 55-ki-lodalton (no. 12) keratin are characteristic of suprabasal cell layers in cultured rabbit corneal epithelial colonies, and therefore may be regarded as markers for an advanced stage of corneal epithelial differentiation. Moreover, using an AE5 mouse monoclonal antibody, we showed that the 64-kilodalton keratin marker is expressed suprabasally in limbal epithelium but uniformly (basal layer included) in central corneal epithelium, suggesting that corneal basal cells are in a more differentiated state than limbal basal cells. In conjunction with previous data implicating the centripetal migration of corneal epithelial cells, our data support a model of corneal epithelial maturation in which corneal epithelial stem cells are located in the limbus, the transitional zone between the cornea and conjunctiva. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of the 64-kilodalton keratin in developing human corneal epithelium by immunohistochemical staining. At 8 weeks of gestation, the presumptive corneal epithelium is composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells with an overlying periderm; neither of these cell layers is AE5 positive. At 12–13 weeks of gestation, some superficial cells of the three- to four-layered epithelium become AE5 positive, providing the earliest sign of overt corneal epithelial differentiation. At 36 weeks, although the epithelium is morphologically mature (four to six layers), AE5 produces a suprabasal staining pattern, this being in contrast to the adult epithelium which exhibits uniform staining. Such a suprabasal AE5 staining pattern may be explained by two mechanisms which need not be mutually exclusive: a ‘hyperproliferative’ mode of corneal epithelial growth, or the influence of an immature corneal basement membrane. Additional data are required to test these hypotheses.
Virus-induced gene silencing of Arabidopsis thaliana gene homologues in wheat identifies genes conferring improved drought tolerance

In a non-model staple crop like wheat (Triticum aestivumI L.), functional validation of potential drought stress responsive genes identified in Arabidopsis could provide gene targets for breeding. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of genes of interest can overcome the inherent problems of polyploidy and limited transformation potential that hamper functional validation studies in wheat. In this study, three potential candidate genes shown to be involved in abiotic stress response pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana were selected for VIGS experiments in wheat. These include Era1 (enhanced response to abscisic acid), Cyp707a (ABA 8’-hydroxylase), and Sal1 (inositol polyphosphate 1-phosphatase). Gene homologues for these three genes were identified in wheat and cloned in the viral vector barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) in the antisense direction, followed by rub inoculation of BSMV viral RNA transcripts onto wheat plants. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that VIGS-treated wheat plants had significant reductions in target gene transcripts. When VIGS-treated plants generated for Era1 and Sal1 were subjected to limiting water conditions, they showed increased relative water content, improved water use efficiency, reduced gas exchange, and better vigour compared to water-stressed control plants inoculated with RNA from the empty viral vector (BSMV0). In comparison, the Cyp707a-silenced plants showed no improvement over BSMV0-inoculated plants under limited water condition. These results indicate that Era1 and Sal1 play important roles in conferring drought tolerance in wheat. Other traits affected by Era1 silencing were also studied. Delayed seed germination in Era1-silenced plants suggests this gene may be a useful target for developing resistance to pre-harvest sprouting.
Interactions between flow, periphyton, and nutrients in a heavily impacted urban stream: implications for stream restoration effectiveness

Abstract Urban stream restoration is a very complex task due largely to the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological stream components. Because of these interactions, restoring only a single component to a more natural state could have a negative affect on stream health. We studied pre-restoration interactions between hydrology, nutrients, and periphyton in a stream where wastewater effluent and a highly developed urban watershed dominated stream flow. Floods capable of scouring all visible periphyton from the stream were produced from rainfall events as small as 1.3 cm and created 47 periphyton biomass reset events during our 22-month study period. Despite these disturbances, periphyton biomass rapidly accumulated throughout the stream and reached nuisance levels after 5 days of growth during every season. Floods did, however, severely limit the occurrence of steady-state assemblages, which attained biomass levels 30 times the nuisance level. Although the high frequency of floods did not prevent nuisance levels of periphyton, it did allow more edible early stage periphyton assemblages to become far more common than late-stage, less edible assemblages. In the case of the stream studied, a successful restoration strategy must consider coupled processes relating to hydrology, chemistry, and biota.
Commentary on "The Healthy Brain Initiative." A community-based perspective.

t a a b C b a a h h p t m f v l S p t h d d As baby boomers age in the United States, our society is howing an ever-increasing thirst for information on how to aintain youthfulness and good health. There is a growing uest for knowledge and strategies for maintaining mental cuity. In the popular media as well as in more professionlly focused literature, there are frequent references to a ariety of interventions focusing on “maintaining your rain” (Alzheimer’s Association), “cognitive vitality” American Society on Aging), “brain fitness” [1], and memory training” [2]. Segments of the American public, articularly the better educated and more affluent, are hunry for this information and ripe for learning about and mplementing lifestyle changes to reduce their chances of cquiring debilitating brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or ascular dementia. This speaks to the timeliness of the Ceners for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Alzheimer’s ssociation Healthy Brain Initiative. Together, the CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association are xamining research evidence to support a National Public ealth Road Map to Promote and Protect Cognitive Health. he messages contained in this plan are derived from a igorous review of factors that demonstrate a positive relaionship to the maintenance of brain health. The plan seeks o translate scientific evidence into recommendations for ublic health practice and research. Thus far, a review of the vidence presented at the 2006 national research meeting hat kicked off the planning process suggests we can assert, ith some conviction, that a regular regime of physical ctivity is likely to enhance cognitive health and plasticity 3,4], and that vascular health risk factors influence cogniive health such that the reduction of risk for vascular isease [5] and stroke [6] also is likely to decrease the risk or dementia. Additional evidence is available to support ther possible contributors to cognitive health such as dia-