cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Participation of the Fas-Signaling System in the Initiation of Germ Cell Apoptosis in Young Rat Testes after Exposure to Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate

The Fas-signaling system is composed of the interacting proteins Fas (CD95/APO-1) and Fas ligand (FasL, CD95L, APO-1L) and is proposed to act in the testis as a paracrine signaling mechanism by which FasL-expressing Sertoli cells initiate apoptosis of Fas-bearing germ cells. Here we describe alterations in the expression of Fas and FasL in the testis after the intimate physical association between Sertoli cells and germ cells is disrupted by exposure to the Sertoli cell toxicant mono-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). Young, 28-day-old Fisher rats were treated with MEHP (2 g/kg po) and killed 0, 3, 6, and 12 h after exposure. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase in the numbers of Fas-positive germ cells as well as increases in the expression of Sertoli cell FasL. Western blot analysis demonstrated a time-dependent increase in the production of the soluble form of FasL after MEHP exposure and suggests that it may participate in triggering apoptosis in germ cells that have lost their intimate association with the Sertoli cells. Measurement of Fas in cytosolic and membrane fractions of testis homogenates by Western blot analysis revealed a significant shift of Fas expression into the membrane fraction after MEHP exposure. Taken together, these observations indicate that the Fas-mediated paracrine signaling mechanism participates in triggering apoptosis of germ cells despite the loss of their close physical association with Sertoli cells. A working model is presented to explain the involvement of the Fas-system in stimulating germ cell apoptosis after MEHP exposure.
LIGHT DISTRIBUTION, TRANSFER AND UTILIZATION IN THE MARINE RED ALGA PORPHYRA PERFORATA FROM PHOTOACOUSTIC ENERGY-STORAGE MEASUREMENTS

Abstract Light energy utilization in Porphyra perforata was monitored by the photoacoustic method in different conditions of illumination. Auxiliary chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were made to estimate the fraction of open photosystem II (PS II) reaction centers. These measurements allowed a consistent quantitation of excitation distribution and transfer from PS II to PS I under the physiological conditions used. Maximum energy storage was obtained with modulated light absorbed almost exclusively by the phycobilins (light 2). Modulated light absorbed by chlorophyll a (light I) gave much smaller energy storage (about 1 3 of the maximum), which could be enhanced to the maximum by addition of background light 2. Addition of increasing intensities of background light 1 to modulated light 2 did not initially induce any effect and then decreased the energy storage to about half of the maximum. From the above results and with simple mathematical modelling, numbers were obtained for light distribution and energy transfer parameters. From the enhancement saturation curves of the effect of background light 2 on the energy storage in modulated light 1 we conclude that in state 1 light 2 is exclusively absorbed in PS II and that there is no energy transfer to PS I from open PS II reaction centers. From the value of the energy storage for light 2 in state 1 and the degree of openness of PS II reaction centers it is possible to conclude that energy transfer to PS I occurs from closed PS II reaction centers with a probability approaching 1. In state 2 light 2 is distributed more evenly (approximately in a ratio PS II PS I of 0.55:0.45) either by energy transfer via PS II from open PS II reaction centers, or by direct interactions of the phycobilins and PS I. Comparison of the maximum fluorescence values in the two states favors the second possibility. Energy transfer from PS II units with closed reaction centers occurs again in state 2 with a probability approaching 1. Comparison of energy utilization and oxygen evolution in light 1 relative to light 2 and the inhibitory effect of DCMU, which is complete in light 2 but only partial in light 1, suggests the existence of two types of PS I units: one type is engaged in electron transfer from PS II and the other type specializes in cyclic electron flow. The above quantitative analysis allows to estimate the ratio of the two types of PS I unit to be roughly about 0.3:0.7, respectively.
Prostaglandin F2 alpha stimulates transforming growth factor-alpha expression in adipocyte precursors

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) are potent inhibitors of adipocyte differentiation. We demonstrate here that TGF alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) is expressed in freshly isolated fat pads and in primary culture of adipocyte precursors cultivated in defined medium before and after differentiation. We show that PGF2 alpha stimulated TGF alpha mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. PGF2 alpha also stimulated TGF alpha production in the culture medium of adipocyte precursors in primary culture. PGF2 alpha stimulated TGF alpha mRNA expression in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 alpha, which also inhibited adipose differentiation, stimulated TGF alpha mRNA expression similarly to PGF2 alpha, whereas other PGs had no effect on TGF alpha mRNA expression. The time-course experiment indicates that the stimulation of TGF alpha mRNA expression by PGF2 alpha is observed within 6 h of exposure to PGF2 alpha and is inhibited by treat...
Cure Cycle Effect on Composite Structures Manufactured by Resin Transfer Molding

An experimental investigation was conducted of the effect of curing cycle on the development of material properties, residual strains and stresses in composite parts during the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The material investigated consisted of AS4 carbon fibers as the preform anda three-part epoxy system. Unidirectional and crossply carbon/epoxy laminates were prepared by the RTM process in aluminum molds. Several different curing cycles were designed by changing the peak cure temperature andheat up rate basedon a cure kinetic model. Strains were measured in the composite laminates during curing using embedded fiber optic strain sensors andelectrical resistance strain gages. It was foundthat significant strain was developed by interference between composite and mold during cure, resulting in constraint-induced strain. The magnitude of residual stresses was also assessedby measuring the warpage curvature of asymmetric cross ply laminates. The data showed that the residual stress was significantly...
Jacob Mendez DaCost a: Medical teacher, clinician, and clinical investigator

J. M. DaCosta, a scholarly, well-trained and observant clinician, was recognized during his lifetime as a well-known authority on physical diagnosis and had an unexcelled reputation as a clinical teacher. Chairman of Medicine at the Jefferson Medical College for 19 years, president of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in 1884 and again in 1895, he was one of the original members of the Association of American Physicians and its president in 1897. Earlier in his career, his extensive Civil War study of "a form of cardiac malady common among soldiers . . . the study of which is equally interesting to the civil practitioner" was described in his 1871 paper "On Irritable Heart; A Clinical Study of a Form of Functional Cardiac Disorder and Its Consequences." Soon labeled DaCosta's syndrome, the irritable heart lineage can be traced through the soldier's heart, the effort syndrome, and neurocirculatory asthenia in World War I, anxiety neurosis in World War II, and the mitral valve prolapse syndrome in the second half of the 20th century.
Solidarity with respect to small changes in preferences in public good economies with single-peaked preferences

Abstract We study the problem of choosing a point on an interval when agents have single-peaked preferences. Our primary concern is solidarity: When the environment changes, agents should gain or lose together. “Welfare dominance under preference replacement” requires this conclusion when the preferences of one agent change. Instead of requiring solidarity for all possible changes in preferences, we introduce a parameterized solidarity property, “ ϵ - welfare dominance ”, which requires the conclusion of welfare dominance only for arbitrarily small changes in preferences. In this model, welfare dominance and efficiency characterize a class of “target” rules, each of which selects the efficient point nearest to its target (Thomson, 1993). Although our property is weaker than and distinct from welfare dominance, it also characterizes the target rules when combined with efficiency.
Effects of the AMPA Receptor Antagonist NBQX on Outcome of Newborn Pigs After Asphyxic Cardiac Arrest

In neonates, asphyxia is a common cause of neuronal injury and often results in seizures. The authors evaluated whether blockade of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors during asphyxia and early recovery with 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo-(F)-quinoxaline (NBQX) ameliorates neurologic deficit and histopathology in 1-week-old piglets. Anesthetized piglets were exposed to a sequence of 30 minutes of hypoxia, 5 minutes of room air ventilation, 7 minutes of airway occlusion, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Vehicle or NBQX was administered intravenously before asphyxia (30 mg/kg) and during the first 4 hours of recovery (15 mg/kg/h). Neuropathologic findings were evaluated at 96 hours of recovery by light microscopic and cytochrome oxidase histochemical study. Cardiac arrest occurred at 5 to 6 minutes of airway occlusion, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation restored spontaneous circulation independent of treatment modalities in about 2 to 3 minutes. Neurologic deficit over the 96-hour recovery period was not ameliorated by NBQX. Seizure activity began after 24 to 48 hours in 7 of 10 animals with vehicle and in 9 of 10 of animals with NBQX. In each group, four animals died in status epilepticus. Neuropathologic outcomes were not improved by NBQX. The density of remaining viable neurons was decreased in parietal cortex and putamen by NBQX treatment. Metabolic defects in cytochrome oxidase activity were worsened by NBQX treatment. Seizure activity during recovery was associated with reduced neuronal viability in neocortex and striatum in piglets from both groups that survived for 96 hours. This neonatal model of asphyxic cardiac arrest and resuscitation generates neurologic deficits, clinical seizure activity, and selective damage in regions of basal ganglia and sensorimotor cortex. In contrast to other studies in mature brain, AMPA receptor blockade with NBQX failed to protect against neurologic damage in the immature piglet and worsened postasphyxic histopathologic outcome in neocortex and putamen.
Residents contributing to inpatient quality: Blending learning and improvement

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement (QI) initiatives reduce medical errors and are an important aspect of resident physician training. Many institutions have limited funding and few QI experts, making it essential to develop effective programs that require only modest resources. We describe a resident-led, hospitalist-facilitated limited root cause analysis (RCA) QI program developed to meet training needs and institutional constraints. METHODS: We initiated a monthly quality improvement conference (QIC) at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, New York. Before each conference, a third-year resident investigated a patient care issue and completed a limited RCA. At the QIC, the findings were presented to the Internal Medicine residents, followed by a chief resident and hospitalist-facilitated group discussion. All proposed interventions were recorded, and selected interventions were later implemented. The success of these interventions in achieving permanent system-wide change or resident behavior change was tracked. Residents' views on the conferences were solicited via an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty conferences were held over the first 22 months of the program. Twenty-five (54%) of the 46 suggested interventions were initiated. Eighteen (72%) attempted interventions resulted in system-wide change or resident behavior change. Fifty-three residents evaluated the quality of the conferences. The majority believed the conferences were high quality (98%) and led to patient care improvements (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Resident-led modified RCAs are an effective method of integrating QI efforts into resident training. As front line providers, residents are uniquely positioned to identify and implement system changes that benefit patients. Conferences were implemented without overburdening facilitators or participants. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Insulin‐secreting β‐cells possess specific receptors for interleukin‐1β

Abstract The effect of the cytokine interleukin-1β on the insulin secretory responsiveness of single β-cells (HIT-T15) was investigated. In the short-term, IL-1β induced a dosage-dependent stimulation of insulin release. In contrast, in the long-term, IL-1β, inhibited both basal and secretagogue-stimulated insulin secretion. We also demonstrate the simultaneous presence of specific high and low affinity binding sites for IL-1β on β-cells. IL-1β, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes, may therefore mediate its opposing effects on β-cells through a specific plasma membrane receptor.
A history of hot dry rock geothermal energy systems

Abstract This is a short history, so far as it can now be assembled, of early speculations and observations concerning the existence and origin of natural heat in the earth's crust; of some of the many methods proposed to extract and use it; and of recent investigations designed to develop and demonstrate such methods. It is probably only the preface to a much longer history—still to be written—of mankind's beneficial use of this, one of earth's oldest, most plentiful, most widespread and secure energy sources.
The economic impact of tourism at the port of Miami

Abstract The total disaggregated economic impact that cruise industry tourism has on Dade County is examined in economic terms using a regional input-output model developmen by the Regional Science Research Institute. The analysis indicates that cruise industry tourism at the Port of Miami had a total economic impact on Dade County of $546 million in 1982. The total direct, indirect and induced number of jobs generated by the cruise industry and cruise passengers is 21,627. Wages totalling $271 million were paid in 1982 in Dade County as a result of the total impact of the cruise industry. Finally, the model revealed that cruise industry tourism contributed $264 million to the county's Gross Regional Product in 1982
Psychosocial aspects of substance abuse by clients with severe mental illness.

As the literature on co-occurring substance abuse in persons with severe mental illnesses has evolved, emphasis on biologic and pharmacologic factors has diverted attention from important psychosocial issues. The authors review recent research showing that a) psychosocial risk factors may explain co
Nuclear factor kappa B pathway associated biomarkers in AIDS defining malignancies

The nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway is essential for many human cancers. Therapeutics such as bortezomib (Velcade™) that interfere with NFκB signaling are of great clinical interest. NFκB signaling, however, is multifaceted and variable among tissues, developmental and disease entities. Hence, targeted biomarkers of NFκB pathways are of prime importance for clinical research. We developed a novel real-time qPCR-based NFκB array. Only mechanistically validated NFκB targets were included. We then used random-forest classification to define individual genes and gene combinations within the NFκB pathways that define viral lymphoma subclasses as well as Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Few NFκB targets emerged that were universally present in all tumor types tested, underscoring the need for additional tumor-type specific biomarker discovery. (i) We uncovered tissue of origin-specific tumor markers, specifically CD69, CSF-1 and complement factor B (C1QBP) for primary effusion lymphoma (PEL); IL1-beta, cyclinD3 and CD48 for KS. We found that IL12, jun-B, msx-1 and thrombospondin 2 were associated with EBV co-infection in PEL. (ii) We defined the NFκB signature of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive AIDS-associated Burkitt lymphoma (BL). This signature identified CCR5 as the key marker. (iii) This signature differed from EBV negative BL consistent with the idea that EBV not only activates NFκB activity but that this virus also reprograms NFκB signaling toward different targets.
Differential effects of canopy trimming and litter deposition on litterfall and nutrient dynamics in a wet subtropical forest

Abstract Humid tropical forests have the highest rates of litterfall production globally, which fuels rapid nutrient recycling and high net ecosystem production. Severe storm events significantly alter patterns in litterfall mass and nutrient dynamics through a combination of canopy disturbance and litter deposition. In this study, we used a large-scale long-term manipulation experiment to explore the separate and combined effects of canopy trimming and litter deposition on litterfall rates and litter nutrient concentrations and content. The deposition of fine litter associated with the treatments was equivalent to more than two times the annual fine litterfall mass and nutrient content in control plots. Results showed that canopy trimming was the primary driver of changes in litterfall and associated nutrient cycling. Canopy trimming reduced litterfall mass by 14 Mg ha−1 over the 2.5 year post-trim period. Nutrient concentrations increased in some litter fractions following trimming, likely due to a combination of changes in the species and fractional composition of litterfall, and increased nutrient uptake from reduced competition for nutrients. Declines in litterfall mass, however, led to large reductions in litterfall nutrient content with a loss of 143 ± 22 kg N ha−1 and 7 ± 0.2 kg P ha−1 over the 2.5 year post-trim period. There were no significant effects of litter deposition on litterfall rates or nutrient content, contrary to results from some fertilizer experiments. Our results suggest that large pulsed inputs of nutrients associated with tropical storms are unlikely to increase litterfall production, and that canopy disturbance has large and lasting effects on carbon and nutrient cycling.
Useful technique for long-term urinary drainage by inlying ureteral stent six-year experience

Abstract Endoscopically placed inlying ureteral stents have proved useful in the conservative management of patients with ureteral obstruction, urinary fistula, and malignancy and have obviated the need for operative intervention. In high-risk symptomatic patients with widespread malignancy, internal urinary diversion offers the opportunity for an improved quality of life without the surgical risk or potential morbidity of supravesical diversion. Potential candidates for this simple, safe, and effective technique include: those with postsurgical obstruction and/or fistula, retroperitoneal fibrosis, metastatic carcinoma, congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction, as well as those with reversible obstruction from lymphoma and carcinoma of the prostate who are undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The focus of this report is on the technique we have found successful in providing us with stents that fit our individual patients. Readily available fabricated graduated ureteral catheter can be cut and shaped to particular measurements unlike prefabricated catheters. Minimal preparation time is demanded, and there is no need for extensive stocking of various catheter sixes.
Comparing estimators of gross change derived from complete coverage mapping versus statistical sampling of remotely sensed data

Area of gross change in land cover can be derived from a complete coverage land cover change map of a region of interest or estimated from a statistical sample of the region. Sampling may produce significant cost savings and more timely results because change is determined over a smaller total area than required by complete coverage mapping. Mean square error (MSE) defined in the context of a survey sampling measurement model is used to compare gross change estimators obtained from the two approaches. Measurement error bias attributable to error in classifying land cover change may occur with either the sampling or complete coverage mapping approach. An additional contribution to MSE attributable to sampling variability exists for the sampling-based estimator, but not the complete coverage estimator. If this sampling variability is small, the classification error bias of the sampling approach need not be reduced very far relative to the classification error bias of complete coverage to achieve similar MSE. Data from several published change accuracy error matrices are used to provide MSE comparisons for specific applications.
Tracheal-vascular and vascular-pleural electrical potentials in the rat lung.

Abstract The trachea, pulmonary artery, and left atrium were cannulated, and the isolated lungs floated, trachea oriented downward, on a layer of paraffin oil in an incubated chamber at 37 °C. With the trachea partially filled with fluid to establish electrical continuity, the electrical potential of the tracheal fluid, and of the pleural surface were measured with respect to the fluid in the vascular bed. With phosphate-buffered Ringer solution in the trachea, in the vascular bed and on the pleural surface, the tracheal vascular potential, and the vascular-pleural potential, were found to be on the order of — 12 and — 5 mV, respectively. These potentials were greatly reduced or abolished by low temperature, lack of oxygen, cyanide, and ouabain, suggesting that they were generated by an energy-dependent transport of ions. When isotonic sodium chloride solution was used in place of Ringer solution, potentials similar to the above were obtained. However, when choline was substituted for sodium, or sulfate was substituted for chloride, the vascular-pleural potential was abolished. This suggests that both sodium and chloride ion are necessary for the genesis of the vascular-pleural potential. In the intact rat the tracheal-vascular potential (measured between the inside of the trachea and the blood in the carotid artery) was on the order of — 7 mV; with the chest open the vascular-pleural potential (measured between the blood in the carotid artery and the pleural surface of the lungs) was on the order of -4mV.
Near-Fatal Angioedema Compromising the Airway in a Patient Following Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Formulary Substitution

We present an unusual case of life-threatening angioedema (AE) with airway compromise that occurred after a formulary substitution of one angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) for another. AE is a known side effect of ACEI therapy. We report a rare case in which a patient who had tolerated years of therapy with enalapril, developed life-threatening AE shortly after being switched to another ACEI: ramipril. AE is of particular importance in airway management as it may present at any point in the emergency ward or hospital stay and it may rapidly become life-threatening if it involves airway compromise. Patient was an 81-year-old female with a past history including peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Patient was in the status of post femoral artery endarterectomy which subsequently became infected and required an incision and drainage, and subsequent flap closure. The patient was extubated post-operatively. The two main etiologies of AE are mast cell-mediated or kinin-related, although there are less frequent types as well. About 0.1-2.2% of patients treated with ACEI develop recurrent AE, often facial or lip swelling or edema of the tongue and/or larynx. The degree of swelling can be severe: cases of death by asphyxiation following closure of the upper airways have been reported. The interval between starting the ACEI and the appearance of the first AE can be months or even several years, so that making the linkage between the AE and the triggering ACEIs is sometimes unrecognized or recognized late. Because of the very common use of ACEIs, cases of AE are not rare. AE is a medical emergency and requires close monitoring as is routinely provided in an intensive care unit. It is important for practitioners to recognize that AE patients likely have altered airway anatomy and will be difficult intubations. It is crucial to then choose to not sedate or induce unconsciousness prior to securing the airway in these patients. Anticipating difficulty in one’s ability to readily secure an airway requires the presence of experienced airway professionals and the ready availability of specialized equipment. J Med Cases. 2015;6(1):24-26 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2019w
Subproblem optimization by gene correlation with singular value decomposition

Several ways of using singular value decomposition (SVD), a linear algebra technique typically used for information retrieval, to decompose problems into subproblems are investigated in the genetic algorithm setting. Empirical evidence, concerning document comparison, indicates that using SVD results both in a savings in storage space and an improvement in information retrieval. Combining theoretical results and algorithms discovered by others, several problems are identified that the SVD can be used with to determine a substructure. Subproblems are discovered by projecting vectors representing the genes of highly fit individuals into a new low-dimensional space, obtained by truncating the SVD of a strategically chosen gene x individual matrix. Techniques are proposed and evaluated that use the subproblems identified by SVD to influence the evolution of the genetic algorithm. By restricting the locus of optimization to the substructure of highly fit individuals, the performance of the genetic algorithm was improved. Performance was also improved by using SVD to genetically engineer individuals out of the subproblems.
Molecular origins and evolution of immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes of jawed vertebrate

Cartilaginous fish are the most ancient extant jawed vertebrates possessing bona fide immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor molecules. The study of these animals is critical for understanding the origins of the vertebrate immune system. Here, Samuel Schluter, Ralph Bernstein and John Marchalonis review the latest data concerning heavy-chain variable genes and associated isotypes in these animals, and propose a model for the early origins of Igs.
Monitoring of HIFU thermal damage using integrated photoacoustic imaging and high intensity focused ultrasound technique

In this study, we applied an integrated photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system to noninvasively monitor the thermal damage due to HIFU ablation in vivo. A single-element, spherically focused ultrasonic transducer, with a central frequency of 5MHz, was used to generate a HIFU area in soft tissue. Photoacoustic signals were detected by the same ultrasonic transducer before and after HIFU treatments using different wavelengths. The feasibility of combined contrast imaging and treatment of solid tumor in vivo by the integrated PAI and HIFU system was also studied. Gold nanorods were used to enhance PAI during the imaging of a CT26 tumor, which was subcutaneously inoculated on the hip of a BALB/c mouse. Subsequently, the CT26 tumor was ablated by HIFU with the guidance of photoacoustic images. Our results suggested that the tumor was clearly visible on photoacoustic images after the injection of gold nanorods and was ablated by HIFU. In conclusion, PAI may potentially be used for monitoring HIFU thermal lesions with possible diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors.
Writing Ethnographic Narratives

This essay examines narrative choices in experimental (interpretive) and traditional (analytical) ethnographies. The material covered includes probability in quantitative and qualitative research; ethnographic narratives as ways of knowing and telling about the world; perspective as a consequence of both narrative stance and narrative voice; and the economics of producing interpretations and analyses in academic prose. Underlying the argument is the assumption that decisions ethnographers make about what to tell and how to tell it are influenced by to whom they plan to tell it and under what circumstances. Hence the ethnographer's narrative dilemma glosses over the epistomological crisis that authorship raises for the social sciences, namely, whether the researcher or the research method is telling the story.
The Concept of Competence: Its Use Edmund C. Short and Misuse in Education

Few terms have been as misused and as overused as has "competence." The language of educators is filled with refer ences to the need to enhance teacher competence or to assure teacher compe tency. ...
Fracture critical inspection team of the State of California Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation for the State of California (Caltrans) abides by the regulations of the Federal Highway Administration's National Bridge Inspection Standards section 650.305 that states that bridges are to be inspected at regular intervals not to exceed two years. The Division of Structures, Office of Structures Maintenance and Investigations is responsible for the inspection of approximately 26,000 bridges in California. Approximately 3,100 of these are steel bridges and of these, 1,000 have fracture critical members. Fracture critical members are tension members of a bridge whose failure will probably cause a portion of, or the entire bridge, to collapse. In 1980, the Division of Structures established a category 'A' inspection program which identified what fracture critical features were on the steel structures. All of the 'ingredients' are present for steel structures to develop cracks. The age of the structures has increased along with the average daily truck traffic and their loads. The material properties required in the 1950s and 1960s did not have requirements for fracture toughness. Proper welding procedures/quality remain a challenge to achieve today, and those structures that are 30 to 40 years old were not immune to this problem. Caltrans has 12 districts in the state with at least two area bridge maintenance engineers (ABME) per districts. Caltrans requires that the ABME be a licensed civil engineer. The ABME faces a heavy responsibility when inspecting fracture critical members. The ABME is not trained in different methods of nondestructive evaluation (NDE), which is not unusual for an engineer graduating from a four-year engineering curriculum. Beginning in 1985, the Welding and Metals Technology Branch of the Transportation Laboratory assisted the Division of Structures in the inspection of these fracture critical features using NDE methods. As of 1990, the Welding and Metals Technology Branch's Fracture Critical Inspection Team accompanies AMBEs on their scheduled category 'A' inspections.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adenocarcinoma in a 40-Year-Old Colonic Interposition Treated With Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy and Esophagogastric Anastomosis

Colon interposition for benign stricture is associated with significant perioperative complications that carry high morbidity and mortality, but long-term sequelae such as further strictures and colonic redundancy are often well-tolerated. These benign complications are frequently described in literature, but adenocarcinoma in the colonic graft is a rare complication. We describe a 60-year-old man with a history of benign esophageal stricture who was treated with colon interposition 40 years ago and presented with dysphagia secondary to stage 1 colon graft adenocarcinoma. He was successfully treated with an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and primary esophagogastric anastomosis.
Gossypolone suppresses progesterone synthesis in bovine luteal cells

Gossypolone, a proposed major metabolite of gossypol, was synthesized and investigated for its effect on progesterone synthesis in cultured bovine luteal cells. Gossypolone inhibited human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)-stimulated progesterone secretion, reduced substrate-enhanced conversions of 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnenolone and of pregnenolone to progesterone in a dose-dependent fashion. These findings indicate that gossypolone inhibits not only 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) activity, as gossypol does, but also side-chain cleavage enzyme complex (cytochrome P450scc) activity. However, the two compounds appear to have a similar potency in inhibiting progesterone secretion. Both gossypolone and gossypol (8.5 microM) induced morphological changes in cellular organelles.
Gas-phase atom—radical kinetics of N and O atom reactions with CF and CF 2 radicals

Abstract Rate constants for the reactions of N and O with CF and CF 2 radicals have been measured in a gas-flow system with photoionization mass spectrometry detection. CF( X 2 Π 1 2 3 2 ) and CF 2 ( X 1 A 1 ) radicals were produced in a radiofrequency discharge of CFBr 3 and CF 2 Br 2 , respectively. Atomic reactants were produced from the corresponding elemental gases in a microwave discharge. The pressure was 1.7 Torr. The rate constants for fluorocarbon radical decay under pseudo-first-order conditions at 293 K in units of cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 are (3.4 ± 0.5) × 10 −12 for CF+N; (7.2 ± 1.0) × 10 −12 for CF 2 + N; (1.2 ± 0.2) × 10 −11 for CF+O; and (2.0 ± 0.4) × 10 −11 for CF 2 +O.
Mutually Exclusive Splicing of the Insect Dscam Pre-mRNA Directed by Competing Intronic RNA Secondary Structures

Drosophila Dscam encodes 38,016 distinct axon guidance receptors through the mutually exclusive alternative splicing of 95 variable exons. Importantly, known mechanisms that ensure the mutually exclusive splicing of pairs of exons cannot explain this phenomenon in Dscam. I have identified two classes of conserved elements in the Dscam exon 6 cluster, which contains 48 alternative exons—the docking site, located in the intron downstream of constitutive exon 5, and the selector sequences, which are located upstream of each exon 6 variant. Strikingly, each selector sequence is complementary to a portion of the docking site, and this pairing juxtaposes one, and only one, alternative exon to the upstream constitutive exon. The mutually exclusive nature of the docking site:selector sequence interactions suggests that the formation of these competing RNA structures is a central component of the mechanism guaranteeing that only one exon 6 variant is included in each Dscam mRNA.
Mammary Carcinogenesis Is Preceded by Altered Epithelial Cell Turnover in Transforming Growth Factor-α and c-myc Transgenic Mice

Identification of biomarkers that indicate an increased risk of breast cancer or that can be used as surrogates for evaluating treatment efficacy is paramount to successful disease prevention and intervention. An ideal biomarker would be identifiable before lesion development. To test the hypothesis that changes in cell turnover precede mammary carcinogenesis, we evaluated epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis in mammary glands from transgenic mice engineered to develop mammary cancer due to expression in mammary epithelia of transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) or c-myc. In transgenic glands, before lesion development, epithelial cell turnover was enhanced overall compared with nontransgenic glands, indicating that aberrant cell turnover in normal epithelia may contribute to tumorigenesis. In addition, in tumor-containing glands, proliferation in normal epithelia was higher than in tumor-free transgenic glands, suggesting these cell populations influence one another. Finally, although c-myc glands displayed a uniformly high epithelial cell turnover regardless of age, cell turnover was reduced with aging in nontransgenic and TGF-α mice, indicating that some growth and death regulatory mechanisms remain intact in TGF-α epithelia. These observations support the evaluation of cell turnover as a biomarker of cancer risk and indicator of prevention/treatment efficacy in preclinical models and warrant validation in human breast cancer.
The central California Current transition zone: A broad region exhibiting evidence for iron limitation

Abstract The transition zone (TZ) of the central California Current upwelling system (cCCS) is the boundary between the cold, saline, coastally upwelled water and the warm, less saline, oligotrophic waters of the offshore California Current (CC). The TZ is a broad region that regularly exhibits chlorophyll concentrations of 1–2 μg L−1 throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Surface transect and vertical profile data from three cruises (May 2010, June 1999, and August 2011) between 34 and 42°N show residual nitrate concentrations (5–15 μM) and low Fe concentrations (most NO 3 - in coastally upwelled water are transported via offshore moving filaments into the TZ. However, since some coastal upwelling regions with narrow continental shelves do not have much Fe to begin with, and since Fe is drawn down more rapidly relative to NO 3 - due to biological assimilation and scavenging, these filaments transport low concentrations of Fe relative to NO 3 - into the TZ. Weak wind curl-induced upwelling and vertical mixing in the TZ also deliver Fe and NO 3 - to the surface but at lower concentrations (and lower Fe : NO 3 - ) than from strong coastal upwelling. Mesoscale cyclonic eddies in the TZ are important to consider with respect to offshore surface nutrient delivery because there is a marked shoaling of isopycnals and the nutricline within these eddies allowing higher nutrient concentrations to be closer to the surface. Since wind curl-induced upwelling and/or vertical mixing occurs seaward of the continental shelf, there is not enough Fe delivered to the surface to accompany the NO 3 - . By using Fe : NO 3 - ratios and calculated specific growth rates for diatoms, we demonstrate that the TZ of the cCCS shows evidence for Fe limitation of diatom blooms. The TZ also appears to progress further into Fe limitation as the upwelling season progresses from spring into late summer. This study provides some of the first field data to suggest that Fe is a critical bottom up control on the ecosystem in the TZ of the cCCS.
7183 Transpapilliary drainage (tpd) for symptomatic pseudocysts (psdc).

Intro: Pancreatic PSDCs are the result of pancreatic necrosis. They may enlarge if they communicate with the main pancreatic duct. The drainage of the PSDC by stenting the main pancreatic duct is not the most common therapy utilized. We describe a prospective case series. Study: Patients (PTs) with PSDCs that were causing pain, obstruction or were suspected to be infected were offered TPD. In 30 months, 24 PTs (21:3 M:F) with symptomatic PSDC were drained by a TPD. The believed etiologies were alcohol-15, gallstones-5, lipids-1, genetic-1 and cancer-2. PT inclusion required at ERCP that some evidence for a communication be demonstrated. Cyst access was obtained by TPD technique in all PTs. Drains were custom-made wedge stents with radial holes, min. size was 8 French. Procedure antibiotics (ATB) and IV sedation were utilized but prolonged ATB only if the cultures and symptoms suggested an active infection. All patients were encouraged to utilize jejunal nutrition and not oral nutrition. The need for surgery or transgastric or percutaneous drains (PCD) indicated a treatment failure. Negative outcome measurements were stent occlusion and un-scheduled hospitalizations. Results: Initial access to the cyst cavity was obtained in 24 PTs with one (21 PTs) or a second procedure (4). Malnutrition was evident in 15 of 15 alcohol related PSDCs but only one of the other patients, yet all were asked to use jejunal feedings. 20 of 24 complied with exclusive jejunal nutrition. 3 of 15 continued to use alcohol. Infectious complications occurred in 3 with the most severe being an infection in a portal vein clot. 3 had surgery before the referral and 5 had surgery for complications (non healing fistulas to colon in 1, bile duct encasement in 3 and non-resolution of the cyst in 1). PCD was necessary in 2 and TGD in 1. Five patients relapsed with PSDC recurrence with symptoms and all were offered TPD with success. 3 of those had been treated previously with surgery. Five deaths were recorded: 2 from cancer progression, and 2 from pre-existing coronary disease, and one 2 years post treatment "in his sleep". Seven alcoholics are drinking again, 3 with heavy consumption. Conclusion: TPD can provide symptom control in the majority of patients. Malnutrition was common in the alcoholic patients. Recurrence does occur and stent therapy can be effective. Persistent bile duct encasement after 6 weeks of therapy always required surgery.
Novel bismuth and lead coordination polymers synthesized with pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylates: two single component "white" light emitting phosphors.

New two-dimensional (2D) bismuth and three-dimensional (3D) lead based coordination polymers containing pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate ligands (H2pydc) have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Bi3(μ3-O)2(pydc)2(Hpydc)(H2O)2 (1), which crystallizes in the space group P1 (a = 8.7256(5) A, b = 11.1217(7) A, c = 14.0933(9) A, α = 85.239(1)°, β = 98.582(1)°, γ = 71.106(1)°), has a 3D structure that contains Bi6O4 clusters that connect into 2D sheets via linking ligands. The sheets form a 3D supramolecular structure via hydrogen bonding along the z-axis. Pb(pydc)(H2O) (2), which crystallizes in the space group P21/c (a = 10.8343(14) A, b = 11.2099(15) A, c = 6.6573(9) A, β = 90.697(2)°), contains 1D chains of corner-sharing distorted face capped trigonal prisms that are connected into a 3D framework via the pydc ligand. In addition, the ligands are hydrogen bonded to each other. Both 1 and 2 are single component “white” light emitting phosphors and are shown to ex...
Learning from success stories: leadership structures that support dual language programs over time in New York City

Abstract This research considers the role of the principal and teachers in promoting and supporting dual language bilingual education in three established elementary school programs in New York City. Through a comparative case study in different dual language programs that have each been in existence from more than 10 years, data were collected to consider how the principal works with her staff to negotiate, envision, and support the goals of the dual language program. By examining three different programs in depth, this research identifies elements of leadership in a dual language program that transcend context while exposing the various ways that these leaders react and adapt to the individual community of their particular school. A strong mission, collaboration and shared leadership, trust, and flexibility among administration and teachers are identified as crucial factors in creating a community that is transformative and sustainable over time. In each school, a commitment to the opportunities that bi...
Effects of cholinergic drugs on growth hormone release.

Abstract Acetylcholine and the cholinergic agonists, pilocarpine and physostigmine, increased GH release in vivo . The increase in GH release by pilocarpine was reversed by concurrent administration of the cholinergic receptor blocker, atropine, whereas atropine alone did not alter serum GH concentrations. Cholinergic stimulation of GH release appears to be partially mediated through a catecholaminergic system since the response was partially inhibited by pimozide, a dopamine receptor blocker, or phentolamine, an α-adrenergic receptor blocker. The cholinergic system may function physiologically to help regulate GH release.
Gender differences in preschool children’s recall of competitive and noncompetitive computer mathematics games

This study investigated whether competitive and noncompetitive educational mathematics computer games influence four‐ to seven‐year‐old boys’ and girls’ recall of game‐playing experience. A qualitative analysis was performed to investigate what preschool children may have learned through their selective recall of game‐playing experience. A difference emerged in six‐ to seven‐year‐old boys’ and girls’ recall after playing a competitive computer mathematics game, such that boys tended to first recall the consequence of ‘winning and losing’ whereas girls of the same age focused on ‘friendship among animated characters’ in the game. Thus, the qualitative results suggest the possibility that selective attention or selective recall might be partially influenced by gender schemas. Based on the recall sequences, educational noncompetitive computer mathematics games may lead to a better learning outcome for older boys.
A thermodynamic model of friction

Abstract The interaction of two bodies is considered from a thermodynamic point of view. The bodies are assumed to interact in an open system in such a way that a non-equilibrium stationary state develops. It is shown that mechanical frictional interactions must be dissipative processes. In addition, a thermodynamic stability criterion is developed for small fluctuations about the non-equilibrium state.
Attitudes about urban nature parks: A case study of users and nonusers in Portland, Oregon

Abstract Facing shrinking budgets and increasing urban development pressures, natural resource professionals are challenged to ensure urban green spaces remain a planning priority for decision makers. Urban green spaces like nature parks contribute to quality of life by providing physical and psychological benefits, as well as ecosystem services. Urban nature parks that are responsive to public needs will be valued by the public, who will ultimately express their interests through voting. In order for management to be responsive to the public, park professionals need to understand public attitudes about urban nature spaces. This case study used an attitude model developed in social psychology to examine Portland, Oregon users’ and nonusers’ attitudes about city nature parks. Few studies have attempted to capture information from nonusers and users simultaneously. Results from our sample, obtained from a randomly distributed mailback questionnaire, revealed significant attitude differences between users and nonusers. Urban park professionals in Portland can use our results to differentially guide management and outreach for each group. Watching urban wildlife influenced nonuser attitudes, for example, so targeted outreach to nonusers might highlight this activity. Nonusers are especially important to reach given that they represent potential growth in constituency and advocacy. To ensure continued positive experiences among users, management and outreach could appeal to their biocentricism. If Portland's park professionals demonstrate that they are responding to public attitudes, Portland's citizens will feel that they matter to park managers, and can be expected to respond in kind.
David Lane and the Fourteen Words

Abstract Although a relatively obscure figure, the late David Lane had a major impact on the ideology of the global white power movement. His ‘14 words’ credo – ‘We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children’ – became a call for action for racial activists around the globe. Imprisoned for over twenty years for his involvement in a terrorist group called ‘The Order’, Lane was considered by many as the movement’s most prominent ‘POW’. His tracts on race, revolution and Norse neo‐paganism had a major influence on the extreme Right both in the Unites States and abroad.