cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The perceived effects of marijuana on spinal cord injured males.

A RECENT, informal, confidential survey was taken on the Spinal Cord Injury ward of the Miami V.A. Hospital concerning the effects of marijuana on pain and spasticity in spinal cord injured males. Ten patients who admitted that they had used marijuana after they had been injured were asked how the drug affected burning, phantom pain, muscle spasms, bladder spasms, urinary retention, head­ ache pain and pleasant sensations. The following table indicates the number of patients in each category with the column labelled 'Distract' indicating that the drug did not decrease the pain but helped the patient pay less attention to it and the column labelled 'Not applicable' indicating that the patient did not experience the sensation in the non-drug state.
Über die Spritzentladung an in der Entladung gebildeten schlechtleitenden Schichten auf erwärmtem Glas

Erhitzte, ebene Glaskathoden werden durch Glimmentladung in Luft, H2 und Hg-Dampf formiert. Die auf der Glasoberflache entstehenden schlechtleitenden Schichten werden untersucht. Bei genugend tiefer Temperatur (= geringem elektrolytischen Leitvermogen) last sich an Schichten von mehreren μ Dicke eine schone Spritzentladung erzeugen, die in Abhangigkeit von Schichtdicke, Temperatur und Stromstarke untersucht wird. Mit wachsender Schicht, abnehmender Temperatur oder zunehmendem Strom geht die gewohnliche Glimmentladung kontinuierlich in die Spritzentladung uber, wobei der Hittorfsche Dunkelraum allmahlich zusammenschrumpft und die Farbe des Glimmlichtes in Luft und H2 allmahlich rot wird (leuchtend rot bzw. fahl rotlich). Es scheint so, als ob der masgebliche Parameter die an der Schicht liegende Spannung ware. Die fur die Spritzentladung notige Feldstarke liegt in der Grosenordnung von 5 · 106 Volt/cm. Der Einflus von Raumladungen innerhalb der Schicht wird gezeigt. Obwohl die Spritzentladung bei tiefen Drucken vollig ruhig und homogen aussieht, entstehen dabei in der Schicht zahllose (bis zu 10000/mm2 und mehr) kleine Durchschlage; im Anfangsstadium der Spritzentladung lassen sie sich nicht nachweisen, sind aber vielleicht nur zu klein. An sich noch zu dunne Schichten geben dennoch eine Spritzentladung, wenn sie zuvor als Anode der Entladung benutzt werden, wodurch ihre Oberflache mit Na bedeckt wird.
An implicit, transonic, full-potential code for cascade flow on H-grid topology

A transonic, full-potential code is developed for computing the flow through two-dimensional cascades using an H-type grid topology that employs an implicit approximate-factorization scheme. The body-conforming H-grid is generated numerically by solving Poisson's equation. The flow-solution algorithm at the coordinate mapping singularity associated with this grid is investigated using two different types of finite-difference schemes. The grid-geometry effect on these schemes is also studied by noting free-stream capturing properties. It is found that by implementing a consistent spatial differencing scheme, the mapping singularities can be resolved numerically, and the grid-geometry-induced error minimized. The code is verified by computing model cascade flow problems.
Modeling Operational Modes of a Bipolar Vacuum Microelectronic Device

Vacuum microelectronic devices (VMDs) designed for bipolar charge operation hold great promise for applications in radiation-intensive and high-temperature environments. This novel class of devices was first realized in a microelectromechanical platform leveraging integrated carbon nanotube field emitters and an addressable pentode structure for controlling electron-impact dynamics in Ar ambients. That proof of concept demands the development of basic numerical models to aid device optimization. We address this need in the form of a two-fluid model of carrier transport dynamics in a bipolar VMD (BVMD). The fluid model captures the behavior of operational modes demonstrated in previously reported devices. Moreover, this approach promises insight into potentially unforeseen pressure and frequency dependences of the BVMD platform.
Inheritance of a mutant histocompatibility gene and a new mammary tumor virus genome in the B6.KH-84 mouse strain

The potential association between integration or deletion of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) retroviral sequences and the appearance of non-H-2 histocompatibility (H) antigen mutations was investigated. Genomic blots from inbred strains carrying 22 loss, gain-loss, and gain mutations on the BALB/c and C57BL/6 backgrounds were hybridized with probes homologous to the long terminal repeat (LTR) and envelope (env) regions of MMTV. Twenty-one mutants were identical in restriction patterns to the respective background strains with all tested restriction enzymes and both probes. However, genomic blots of one gain mutant, B6.C-KH-84, exhibited restriction fragments which were not exhibited by either of the parental strains, C57BL/6 or BALB/c. An additional 5.5 kb Eco RI fragment was observed with the env probe and additional 9.2 kb and 5.5 kb fragments were observed with the LTR probe. These observations were substantiated by hybridization of these two probes with genomic blots generated with additional restriction enzymes. Assuming that the new provirus contains a single, internal Eco RI site as has been observed for other MMTV proviral sequences, it is presumed that the new provirus includes both 5′ and 3′ LTRs in addition to the env region. Based on the unique sizes of the observed restriction fragments relative to other identified MMTV proviral sequences, this provirus has been designated Mtv-22. The potential role of Mtv-22 in the genesis of the gained histocompatibility antigen in B6.C-KH-84 is discussed.
Anatomy of a software engineering project

This paper discusses a complete software development project carried out in a one quarter undergraduate software engineering course. The project was the design and implementation of a complete system by 25 students. They worked in smaller groups on four functionally separate subsystems that were successfully integrated into a complete system. This was accomplished by using five advanced students to manage the groups, real users to criticize each step of the process, and UNIX tools to implement the subsystems. This paper describes the project, presents the methodologies used, and discusses both the positive and negative aspects of this course. It concludes by presenting a set of recommendations based on our experience with this project.
Environmental modulation of amphetamine-induced c-fos expression in D1 versus D2 striatal neurons

We have reported previously that exposure to environmental novelty enhances the behavioral activating effects of amphetamine and its ability to induce the immediate early gene c-fos in the striatum and in other brain regions. In the present study, we used double in situ hybridization histochemistry to study the effect of amphetamine and/or novelty on c-fos expression in two populations of striatal neurons that preferentially express either D1 or D2 dopamine receptor mRNA. When given intraperitoneally to rats in their home cage, amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) increased c-fos expression only in D1 neurons. In contrast, when the same dose of amphetamine was administered to rats in a novel environment, c-fos was increased in both D1 and D2 neurons. We conclude that the neural populations engaged by amphetamine vary as a function of the circumstances surrounding its administration.
A Small Oxygenator for Use with an Organ Perfusion System

An oxygenator which consists of three side-by-side silicone rubber tubes contained in coiled glass tubing is described for use with a small organ perfusion system. The oxygenator has good permeability characteristics for both O 2 and CO 2 with rates of gas transfer which can be varied over a wide range. There was a linear increase in O 2 transfer with increasing perfusate blood-flow rates tested up to 76 ml/min. This represented an O 2 -transfer increment of 0.026-ml O 2 /ml flow. The t m=1/2 for 14 CO 2 washout was 8.5 min at a flow rate of 76 ml/min.
Free fatty acid metabolism during fenofibrate treatment of the metabolic syndrome

Objective Our objective was to determine whether fenofibrate modifies the metabolism of nonesterified (free) fatty acids as a component of its triglyceride-lowering action in male patients with the metabolic syndrome. Design In a placebo-controlled trial lasting 16 weeks, patients were randomly assigned to fenofibrate (200 mg/d) or placebo for 8 weeks. They were then crossed over to placebo or treatment with fenofibrate for another 8 weeks. Methods Thirteen adult men had clinical characteristics of the metabolic syndrome that included atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, elevated fasting glucose levels, or central obesity or a combination of these. They had measurements of plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, postheparin lipase activities, and fasting concentrations and turnover rates of nonesterified fatty acids, as well as oral glucose tolerance testing with insulin and nonesterified fatty acid measurements. Levels of apolipoprotein C-II, C-III, and B were also measured, along with levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in lipoprotein species. Results Fenofibrate therapy did not change plasma concentrations and turnover rates of nonesterified fatty acids. For fasting nonesterified fatty acids, the values (mean ± SD) for placebo versus fenofibrate were 446 ± 31 μmol/L versus 493 ± 71 μmol/L, respectively (not significant); nonesterified fatty acid turnover rates were 336 ± 36 μmol/min versus 334 ± 42 μmol/min for placebo versus fenofibrate, respectively. Moreover, no changes were noted in fasting or postprandial levels of plasma glucose and insulin. Despite this lack of change, fenofibrate therapy reduced the plasma levels of triglyceride by 30% (305 ± 143 mg/dL versus 206 ± 90 mg/dL for placebo versus fenofibrate, respectively; P < .045), with a similar reduction in cholesterol levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Large low-density lipoprotein species were increased and small low-density lipoprotein species were decreased by fenofibrate therapy. Levels of apolipoprotein C-III were reduced significantly (P < .03), as were ratios of postheparin hepatic lipase to lipoprotein lipase (P < .05). Conclusion Fenofibrate therapy markedly reduced plasma triglyceride levels. However, it did not lower concentrations or turnover rates of nonesterified fatty acids, nor did it change glucose or insulin responses to an oral glucose challenge. These findings indicate that fenofibrate modifies fatty acid metabolism either in the liver or in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins but not in adipose tissue. Multiple mechanisms are likely involved as a consequence of the action of fenofibrate to activate peroxisomal-proliferator–activated receptor α. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 74, 236–244; doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(03)00170-X
Failure of hyperoxic gas to alter the arterial lactate anaerobic threshold

PURPOSE Oxygen-enriched gases enable patients and healthy individuals to exercise submaximally with reduced lactate concentration, lower minute ventilation (VE), and less subjective stress compared to normoxia. These findings suggest that hyperoxia may raise the lactate accumulation threshold, also known as the anaerobic threshold (AT). METHODS This study measured the anaerobic threshold by gas exchange (Gx-AT) and arterial lactate (Lac-AT) methods in normoxia (FIO2 = 0.209) and the Lac-AT in hyperoxia (FIO2 = 0.40). Eight healthy males (age = 30.6 +/- 3.5 years; weight = 73.4 +/- 5.2 kg; VO2max = 41.3 +/- 6.6 mL/kg/min) worked incrementally (25 Watts [W] x 2 minutes) on a cycle ergometer with the legs on three occasions: once in normoxia, twice in hyperoxia. The latter situation enabled a reliability analysis of hyperoxic anaerobic threshold by arterial lactate methods that yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.94 and nonsignificant paired t-ratio. Gas exchange and arterial lactate methods of detecting the anaerobic threshold in normoxia yielded nearly identical VO2 (21.8 +/- 5.4 mL/kg/min vs 21.5 +/- 5.5 mL/kg/min) with an r of 0.98. RESULTS Contrary to the study's hypothesis, the normoxic Lac-AT (134.4 +/- 35.2 W), expressed in power output at which the lactate threshold occurred, was not significantly different with hyperoxic gas (128.1 +/- 32.7 W). Furthermore, arterial lactate concentration at the breakpoint in normoxia (1.74 +/- 0.50 mmol.l-1) was not significantly affected by hyperoxia (1.68 +/- 1.03 mmol.l-1) nor was it different between the two hyperoxic tests. No significant differences in VE, HR, or CO2-ventilation equivalent at Lac-AT were found between the two FIO2 conditions. CONCLUSIONS The elevation of estimated PaO2 to 200 mm Hg does not alter the Lac-AT, compared to the normoxic condition, nor does it affect the arterial lactate concentration at its systematic break point in incremental cycling. Lac-AT is a reliable measurement and it can be estimated accurately using the VE/VO2 in conjunction with VE/VCO2.
Design, fabrication, and automated testing of 32-channel integrated MSM/MESFET optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) receiver arrays

The success of OEICs lies in the ability to fabricate complex electro-optic circuits with high yield and manufacturability. This paper reports on the design, fabrication, and testing of a high yield, 32 channel, fiber optic receiver array. The potential cost savings of the OEIC approach are discussed.
Prolactin regulation of casein gene expression: possible mediators.

The role of polyamines and cyclic nucleotides as possible mediators of PRL action on casein gene expression has been studied in mammary gland organ culture. The concentration of casein mRNA in insulin and hydrocortiso,ne-treated cultures was decreased upon the addition of spermidine (0.5 mm), whereas when added with insulin alone this polyamine maintained casein mRNA levels similar to those observed in the insulin and hydrocortisone control. The addition of an inhibitor of spermidine synthesis (methylglyoxal bis guanylhydrazone) with PRL decreased the level of casein mRNA, but this effect could not be reversed by the simultaneous addition of spermidine. cGMP, whether in combination with spermidine or alone, when added with insulin and hydrocortisone resulted in a 1.3- to 2.3-fold elevation of casein mRNA levels. This approximate 2- fold response was specific for cGMP and could not be duplicated by butyric acid, GMP, 8-Br-GMP, cAMP, cCMP, or cUMP. This was in contrast to the 6- to 22-fold induction usually...
Fisher information and crop model parameters

Probability and logistic functions have proven quite useful in our work on mathematical models of crop growth and yields over the last fifteen years. Articles have been written in which the models have been applied to different crops on a variety of soils at various locations around the world, and for which model parameters have been evaluated. At first glance this work appears to be an attempt to model the plant system. However, upon further examination it becomes clear that what is being modeled is information about the system and not the physical system directly. In this article we examine the models in the framework of Fisher information and identify the key parameters for the probability and logistic models.
A min-time analysis of three trajectories with curvature and nonholonomic constraints using a parallel parking criterion

This paper presents a comparison of three s-shaped curves for parallel parking a car subject to nonholonomic constraints. The comparison is based on the rate at which the car approaches the curb (the parking criterion). The curves (two circular arcs, a cosine curve and a quintic) are shown to accommodate an initial and final position, but only the quintic accommodates initial and final curvature. The time penalty in straightening out the wheels at the maneuver end-points (or midpoint) causes the other curves to be suboptimal. Representative examples of the curves are shown. Also illustrated is the effect of the turning radius of the car on the time required to park it.
Behavioral responses of juvenile weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) to diel-cycling hypoxia: swimming speed, angular correlation, expected displacement, and effects of hypoxia acclimation

Areas of low flushing and high nutrient loading in shallow estuaries are susceptible to diel-cycling hypoxia and also represent important nursery habitat for juvenile estuary-dependent fishes. Swimming speed, angular correlation, and expected displacement were measured in juvenile weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in response to diel-cycling hypoxia (cycling between 7.0 and 0.4 mg O2·L–1). Saturation-acclimated (7.0 mg O2·L–1) weakfish exhibited an active response by increasing swimming speed (to a maximum at 2.8 mg O2·L–1) and angular correlation (to a maximum at 1.4 mg O2·L–1) as dissolved oxygen (DO) decreased, after which weakfish exhibited a passive response and both swimming speed and angular correlation decreased by ~50% and 70%, respectively, at 0.4 mg O2·L–1. Weakfish acclimated to hypoxia (cycling between 2.0 and 11.0 mg O2·L–1 for 10 days) did not vary swimming speed during decreasing DO or DO recovery (increasing DO) and had an overall swimming speed 46% lower than saturation-acclimated weakfish at...
Annual phytoplankton cycle of the Cape Fear River estuary, North Carolina

Monthly phytoplankton samples were taken in the lower Cape Fear River estuary at three stations from the estuary mouth to 8 km upriver. Surface salinity ranged from 16 to 35‰ near the estuary mouth and from 2 to 26 ‰ 8 km upriver, and surface water temperatures ranged from 4.5 C in January to 30.0 C in July. A total of 203 species were observed in the estuary, consisting of 134 diatoms, 25 chlorophytes, 15 dinoflagellates, 9 cryptomonads, 9 cyanophytes, 3 chrysophytes, 3 xanthophytes, 2 haptophytes, 2 loricate flagellates, and 1 euglenoid flagellate.
IN VITRO FUSION OF ENDOCYTIC VESICLES : EFFECTS OF REAGENTS THAT ALTER ENDOSOMAL PH

Ricin, a plant toxin that binds to galactose-terminated glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface, is internalized into endosomes before reaching the cytosol where it exerts its toxic activity. Fusion of early endosomes containing ricin or transferrin was demonstrated by using postnuclear supernatant fractions from K-562 cells. For both ligands, fusion depended on time, temperature, and ATP and was blocked by preincubation with N-ethylmaleimide. Some reagents that increase endosomal pH, the ionophores monensin and nigericin and the weak base chloroquine, stimulated the rate of fusion. However, bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar H+-ATPases, did not alter the rate of fusion. Moreover, it reduced or eliminated stimulation caused by monensin, nigericin, or chloroquine. Thus, the increased rate of fusion did not correlate with the higher lumenal pH of the endosome. The results suggest instead that fusion was stimulated by reagents that promoted accumulation of cations within the vesicles. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.11
Hypertensive kidney disease in African Americans

SUMMARY: End-stage renal disease is a significant public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The magnitude and pattern of renal disease varies between countries. This variability could probably be explained by the racial and ethnic composition. The United States is a typical example, showing significant racial and ethnic differences in the magnitude and pattern of renal disease. African Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders are disproportionately afflicted with end-stage kidney failure (ESRD), compared with Caucasians and Asians. Whereas diabetes mellitus, primarily type 2, is the predominant cause of renal disease (and ESRD) in the US, and prominently in Native Americans, hypertensive kidney disease is the most prevalent cause of ESRD in African Americans. Some of the suggested reasons for the increased incidence and prevalence of hypertensive kidney disease in African Americans include the higher prevalence and severity of hypertension, especially in the early years of life, lower socio-economic status leading to inadequate health care, a greater propensity towards developing intrinsic renal vascular disease, a greater tendency towards developing target organ damage at ‘normal’ blood pressure levels, and the use of drugs that are less renoprotective to treat their blood pressure.
Field evaluation of starter N and delayed inoculation of Lespedeza cuneata grown in minesoil

A field study was conducted on freshly reclaimed surface-mined area to determine response of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata [Dumont] G. Don.) to delayed rhizobial inoculation. Soybeans (Glycine max L.) were used as a control legume. Plots were inoculated with spray applications of rhizobial suspensions at seeding, cotyledon stage or second trifoliate leaf stage, or not inoculated. Starter N at 0, 10 or 20 kg ha−1 was applied preplant in a factorial arrangement with inoculation timings.G. max. was grown for 92 days andL. cuneata for 121 days. Starter N increased plant growth and total shoot N in both species. However, % shoot N was found to increase only inL. cuneata. Delaying inoculation had no significant effect upon total shoot N or % shoot N accumulation inL. cuneata. Inoculation ofG. max at planting produced greater plant growth and N accumulation than delayed inoculation treatments. Application of inoculum as a surface spray appeared to be an effective method for delayed inoculation as evidenced by nodule formation. Lack of increased plant growth, regardless of time of inoculation, suggests that delayed inoculation does not improve establishment and growth ofL. cuneata in minesoil.
EFFECT OF WATER SPRAY LOG STORAGE ON SOUTHERN PINE VENEER DRYING

A reduced temperature drying schedule was investigated as a means of improving grade recovery of structural veneer cut from water stored southern pine logs. Fresh cut, one year old, and three year old logs were evaluated. In total, close to one thousand sheets of veneer were evaluated. Reducing the temperature in the last zone of the veneer dryer from 193 to 177°C substantially decreased incidence of grade-reducing splits. Moisture content average and distribution were not effected. Water sorption tests showed favorable results from the one year old material that was dried at the reduced temperature schedule. Relatively high thickness variation of veneer cut from water stored logs had no apparent affect on final moisture content average or distribution. Reducing the zone three temperature by 16°C increased the total veneer drying times by 13 and 19%, respectively, for the three year old and one year old material.
Envisioning the future of wildlife in a changing climate: Collaborative learning for adaptation planning

Natural resource managers are tasked with assessing the impacts of climate change on conservation targets and developing adaptation strategies to meet agency goals. The complex, transboundary nature of climate change demands the collaboration of scientists, managers, and stakeholders in this effort. To share, integrate, and apply knowledge from these diverse perspectives, we must engage in social learning. In 2009, we initiated a process to engage university researchers and agency scientists and managers in collaborative learning to assess the impacts of climate change on terrestrial fauna in the state of Wisconsin, USA. We constructed conceptual Bayesian networks to depict the influence of climate change, key biotic and abiotic factors, and existing stressors on the distribution and abundance of 3 species: greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), and Karner blue butterfly (Plebejus melissa samuelis). For each species, we completed a 2-stage expert review that elicited dialogue on information gaps, management opportunities, and research priorities. From our experience, collaborative network modeling proved to be a powerful tool to develop a common vision of the potential impacts of climate change on conservation targets. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
83: Closure of primary cesarean delivery:suture vs. staples, steroids vs. none? A prospective randomized controlled trial

NONE? A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL NORA DOYLE, CHRISTINA GREIG, TIFFANY MULLIN, PATTI JAYNE ROSS, ALAN KATZ, JOAN M. MASTROBATTISTA, Emory University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Atlanta, Georgia, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Houston, Texas OBJECTIVE: The Pfannenstiel skin incision(PSI) is most commonly used for cesarean delivery(CD). A paucity of data exists on the optimal technique for closing PSI. Our purpose was to evaluate women undergoing primary CD with PSI as to which skin closure technique (staples vs. suture) results in better cosmesis and whether subcutaneous steroid injections are beneficial. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a randomized controlled trial using a 2 2 factorial design. Eligible women were randomly assigned to one of four study groups: 1) Staple closure plus steroid injections at 2 and 6 weeks post operatively 2) Staple closure 3) Suture closure plus steroid injections at 2 and 6 weeks post op, and 4) Suture closure. Objective scar evaluation using a previously validated scar score form was performed at 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively by both obstetrician and patient. Scar evaluation included color, contour, texture, distortion; shiny vs. matte and overall impression with possible score range 5 30. Lower scores represent better cosmesis. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean physician scar scores were 9.77, 10.3, 7.75 and 9 at 2 weeks(p .19) and 10, 8.25, 8.4, and 8.5 at 6 weeks(p .17). Patient scores were 10.6,10.3,9.5,9.5 at 2 weeks and 9.8,8.75,8.8,7.4 at 6 weeks. Suture group overall(8) had better cosmesis than staples(9.1)(p .03). Physician evaluations differed significantly from patients at 2 weeks(p .02) but were similar at 6 weeks. Suture closure both with and without steroid injections was significantly better compared to staple closure(p .01). Steroid injections for patients undergoing staple closure(10) resulted in worse cosmesis compared to staple closure alone(8)(p .04). Steroid injections were well tolerated by all participants at both 2 and 6 week injections. CONCLUSION: Suture closure results in better cosmesis following PSI for primary CD. Steroid injections did not improve scars with suture closure. For those who have staple closure, steroid treatment may worsen cosmesis.
The Catalytic Mechanism of Cdc25A Phosphatase

Cdc25 phosphatases are dual specificity phosphatases that dephosphorylate and activate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), thereby effecting the progression from one phase of the cell cycle to the next. Despite its central role in the cell cycle, relatively little is known about the catalytic mechanism of Cdc25. In order to provide insights into the catalytic mechanism of Cdc25, we have performed a detailed mechanistic analysis of the catalytic domain of human Cdc25A. Our kinetic isotope effect results, Bronsted analysis, and pH dependence studies employing a range of aryl phosphates clearly indicate a dissociative transition state for the Cdc25A reaction that does not involve a general acid for the hydrolysis of substrates with low leaving group p Ka values (5.45–8.05). Interestingly, our Bronsted analysis and pH dependence studies reveal that Cdc25A employs a different mechanism for the hydrolysis of substrates with high leaving group p Ka values (8.68–9.99) that appears to require the protonation of glutamic acid 431. Mutation of glutamic acid 431 into glutamine leads to a dramatic drop in the hydrolysis rate for the high leaving group p Ka substrates and the disappearance of the basic limb of the pH rate profile for the substrate with a leaving group p Ka of 8.05, indicating that glutamic acid 431 is essential for the efficient hydrolysis of substrates with high leaving group p Ka. We suggest that hydrolysis of the high leaving group p Ka substrates proceeds through an unfavored but more catalytically active form of Cdc25A, and we propose several models illustrating this. Since the activity of Cdc25A toward small molecule substrates is several orders of magnitude lower than toward the physiological substrate, cyclin-CDK, we suggest that the cyclin-CDK is able to preferentially induce this more catalytically active form of Cdc25A for efficient phosphothreonine and phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation.
The Role of Organizational, Environmental and Human Factors in E-Learning Diffusion

Improvements in technology have led to innovations in training such as Electronic Learning (E-learning). E-learning aims to help organizations in their training initiatives by simplifying the training process and cutting cost. It also attempts to help employees in their learning processes by making learning readily accessible. Unfortunately, the diffusion of this innovation has not been as successful as was initially predicted. In this article we explore the drivers behind the diffusion of e-learning. Apart from the factors investigated by previous research, we believe that one more dimensionâ€”human factorsâ€”should be taken into account when evaluating the diffusion of a training innovation, since learners are, to a large extent, the central issue of training. In the case of e-learning we believe that motivation plays a key role in the diffusion of e-learning.
The double power law in income distribution: Explanations and evidence☆

Abstract Conditional on education and experience, the distribution of personal labor income appears to be double Pareto, a distribution that obeys the power law in both the upper and lower tails. In particular, the error term of the classical Mincer equation appears to be Laplace, or double exponential. This “double power law” is not rejected by goodness-of-fit tests. I compare two diffusion processes (one mean-reverting, the other unit root) with a stationary double Pareto distribution as a model of income dynamics. The data favors the mean-reverting process for modeling income dynamics over the unit root process.
Phase measurement and control of pulsed charged beams

Abstract A method and system is described that measures and controls the arrival phase of a pulsed ion beam. The repetitive beam pulse passes through and resonantly excites a high-Q structure, tuned to the beam repetition frequency or to a higher harmonic thereof. A reference signal of the same frequency is phase-flipped from −90° to +90° t a high audio rate and also coupled to the resonator. The low-level output signal, comprised of the vector sum of the beam-induced signal and the phase-flipped reference, is amplified and processed to obtain phase information. The system is usable for beams with average currents as low as a few picoamperes and can be used in the measurement and control of pulsed beam experiments involving timing, the control of beam phase for rf particle accelerators and the nondestructive measurement of beam energy.
EFFECT OF COLOSTRAL INGESTION ON IMMUNOGLOBULIN-POSITIVE CELLS IN CALVES

Abstract The importance of colostrum for passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin in calves is well established. Colostrum is thought to have additional generalized and antigen-specific immunomodulatory activities, of which the downregulation of endogenous immunoglobulin production is best documented. The objective of this study was to examine whether ingestion of colostrum altered the B cell subpopulations in the lymph nodes of newborn calves. Calves were fed one gallon of either fresh colostrum (Group A, n=5), milk replacer (Group B, n=5) or treated (frozen or irradiated) colostrum (Group D, n=4) and were euthanized at 36–48 h. An additional 5 calves (Group C, 3 newborn and 2 mid-term fetuses) did not receive any feedings; the neonatal calves were euthanized immediately following birth. Mesenteric and regional lymph nodes from all calves were analyzed by immunocytochemistry using monoclonal antibodies recognizing bovine IgA, IgG1, IgG2, and IgM. Calves from Groups B and C (colostrum deprived, neonates, and fetuses) showed a consistent pattern of IgG1 and IgG2 positive cells scattered individually and in clusters throughout lymph node cortex, paracortex, and cortico–medullary junction. In sharp contrast, no IgG1 and IgG2 positive cells were present in the lymphoid tissues of colostrum fed calves (Groups A or D). Numbers of IgM and IgA positive cells were similarly distributed in all calf groups. These findings demonstrate that colostrum feeding reduces the number of immunoglobulin positive cells in the lymphoid tissues of newborn calves in an isotype-specific manner. This results in the elimination of IgG1 and IgG2 positive cells that are present in both fetuses and newborn calves. This effect is not eliminated by freezing or irradiation, indicating that a non-cellular, cold-stable colostral factor is responsible. Systemically distributed colostral proteins such as immunoglobulin or cytokines are the most likely mediators. The significance of this phenomenon in terms of colostral modulation of calf endogenous antibody production is discussed.
Analysis of light extraction efficiency enhancement for thin-film-flip-chip InGaN quantum wells light-emitting diodes with GaN micro-domes

The enhancement of light extraction efficiency for thin-film flip-chip (TFFC) InGaN quantum wells (QWs) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with GaN micro-domes on n-GaN layer was studied. The light extraction efficiency of TFFC InGaN QWs LEDs with GaN micro-domes were calculated and compared to that of the conventional TFFC InGaN QWs LEDs with flat surface. The three dimensional finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) method was used to calculate the light extraction efficiency for the InGaN QWs LEDs emitting at 460nm and 550 nm, respectively. The effects of the GaN micro-dome feature size and the p-GaN layer thickness on the light extraction efficiency were studied systematically. Studies indicate that the p-GaN layer thickness is critical for optimizing the TFFC LED light extraction efficiency. Significant enhancement of the light extraction efficiency (2.5-2.7 times for λpeak = 460nm and 2.7-2.8 times for λpeak = 550nm) is achievable from TFFC InGaN QWs LEDs with optimized GaN micro-dome diameter and height.
Inhibition of Prostate Tumor Angiogenesis by the Tumor Suppressor CEACAM1

We have previously shown that CEACAM1, a cell-adhesion molecule, acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate carcinoma. Expression of CEACAM1 in prostate cancer cells suppresses their growth in vivo. However, CEACAM1 has no effect on the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro. This difference suggests that the antitumor effect of CEACAM1 may be due to inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, perhaps by increased secretion of antiangiogenic molecules from the cells. In this study, we have demonstrated that expression of CEACAM1 in DU145 prostate cancer cells induced the production of a factor or factors that specifically blocked the growth of endothelial but not epithelial cells. Conditioned medium from the CEACAM1-expressing cells but not control luciferase-expressing cells inhibited endothelial cell migration up a gradient of stimulatory vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro and inhibited corneal neovascularization induced by basic fibroblast growth factorin vivo. Moreover, conditioned medium from CEACAM1-expressing cells induced endothelial cell apoptosisin vitro. Only medium conditioned by CEACAM1 mutants that were able to suppress tumor growth in vivo could cause endothelial cell apoptosis. These observations suggest that CEACAM1-mediated tumor suppression in vivo is, at least in part, due to the ability of CEACAM1 to inhibit tumor angiogenesis.
Job Satisfaction and Intention to Quit Among Nursing Home Nursing Staff: Do Special Care Units Make a Difference?:

Special care units (SCUs) for nursing home residents with dementia continue to proliferate rapidly. However, the research findings on the benefits of these units for residents and staff vary. Using...
Vitamin E did not prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer in healthy women.

Source Citation Lee IM, Cook NR, Gaziano JM, et al. Vitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Women's Health Study: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2005;294...
On source-sink flows in a rotating fluid

An incompressible fluid fills a container of fixed shape and size and of uniform cross-section in the (x, y)-plane, the m rigid side walls and the two rigid end walls being in contact with the fluid. Here (x, y, z) are the Cartesian co-ordinates of a general point in the frame of reference in which the container is stationary. Fluid is withdrawn from the container at Q cm3/sec via certain permeable parts of the side walls and replaced at the same steady rate via other permeable parts of the side walls. As, by hypothesis, the vorticity of the entering and leaving fluid relative to the container is zero, the concomitant fluid motion within the container, Eulerian velocity u = −∇ϕ − ∇ × A, is irrotational when the container is stationary in an inertial frame. The present paper is concerned with the effects on u of uniform rotation of the whole system with angular velocity Ω about the z-axis when the normal component of u on the side walls is independent of z.In the simplest conceivable case, D ≡ zu − zl is infinite (but D/Q remains finite). End effects are then negligible and u is everywhere independent of z. The solenoidal component of u, − ∇ × A, corresponds to j gyres, one for each of the j irreducible sets of circuits across which the net flow of fluid does not vanish that can be drawn within the m-ply connected region bounded by the side walls. While ∇ϕ, which satisfies ∇2ϕ = 0, depends on Q but not on Ω, j and v (the coefficient of kinematic viscosity), ∇ × A depends on all these quantities but vanishes identically when jΩ = 0. When jΩ ≠ 0 but v → 0, ∇2A + 2Ω, the absolute vorticity, tends to zero everywhere except in certain singular regions near the bounding surfaces, where boundary layers form.End effects cannot be ignored when D is finite. When D is independent of x and y and equal to D0 (say) and Ω is sufficiently large for the boundary layers on the end walls to be of the Ekman type, 95% thickness δ = 3(v/Ω)½ (δ [Lt ] D0), the end effects that then arise are only confined to these boundary layers when j = 0. When j ≠ 0 boundary-layer suction influences the flow everywhere; thus ∇2A and ∇ϕ (but not ∇ × A) are reduced to zero in the main body of the fluid, the regions of non-zero ∇ϕ and ∇2A being the Ekman boundary layers on the end walls and boundary layers of another type, 95% thickness δs (typically greater than δ), on the side walls. A theoretical analysis of the structure of these boundary layers shows that non-linear effects, though unimportant in the end-wall boundary layers, can be significant and even dominant in the side-wall boundary layers. The analysis of an axisymmetric system, whose side walls are two coaxial cylinders, suggests an approximate expression for Δs. When D is not everywhere independent of x and y, non-viscous end effects arise which produce relative vorticity in the main body of the fluid even when j = 0.Experiments using a variety of source-sink distribution generally confirm the results of the theory, show that instabilities of various kinds may occur under certain circumstances, and suggest several promising lines for future work.
Nasopharyngeal Complications Following Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

This report presents our experience with nasopharyngeal complications of UPPP in 85 patients undergoing the procedure from May, 1982 to January, 1985. Three patients developed nasopharyngeal stenosis and one patient developed permanent velopharyngeal insufficiency. Surgical management in two patients with nasopharyngeal stenosis resulted in adequate nasopharyngeal airway, while one patient still has a moderate stenosis following two surgical procedures. The patient with velopharyngeal insufficiency underwent Teflon paste injection in the posterior pharyngeal wall. This resulted in complete alleviation of his nasal regurgitation.
Contrasting food web factor and body size relationships with Hg and Se concentrations in marine biota.

Marine fish and shellfish are primary sources of human exposure to mercury, a potentially toxic metal, and selenium, an essential element that may protect against mercury bioaccumulation and toxicity. Yet we lack a thorough understanding of Hg and Se patterns in common marine taxa, particularly those that are commercially important, and how food web and body size factors differ in their influence on Hg and Se patterns. We compared Hg and Se content among marine fish and invertebrate taxa collected from Long Island, NY, and examined associations between Hg, Se, body length, trophic level (measured by δ15N) and degree of pelagic feeding (measured by δ13C). Finfish, particularly shark, had high Hg content whereas bivalves generally had high Se content. Both taxonomic differences and variability were larger for Hg than Se, and Hg content explained most of the variation in Hg:Se molar ratios among taxa. Finally, Hg was more strongly associated with length and trophic level across taxa than Se, consistent with a greater degree of Hg bioaccumulation in the body over time, and biomagnification through the food web, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate distinct taxonomic and ecological Hg and Se patterns in commercially important marine biota, and these patterns have nutritional and toxicological implications for seafood-consuming wildlife and humans.
Best Practices for Young Children's Music Education: Guidance From Brain Research

This article reviews best practices for young children’s music experiences in light of developments in brain research. The first section reviews research music and brain topics including neuromyths, effect of music on structural brain changes and general intelligence, plasticity, critical and optimal periods, and at-risk student populations. The second section applies brain research to development and instructional strategies in the elementary music classroom.
A novel bistatic scattering matrix measurement technique using a monostatic radar

Presents a new technique for measuring the bistatic scattering matrix of point targets using a monostatic radar. In this technique, the complexity of the traditional bistatic measurement setup and difficulties in retaining the phase coherence between the transmitter and the receiver are circumvented completely. The bistatic measurement is performed using a wideband, polarimetric, monostatic radar in conjunction with a rotatable ground plane positioned behind the target. Assuming that the distance between the target and the ground plane is larger than the radar resolution, the desired bistatic response (image contribution) can be isolated from the unwanted backscatter. Noting that the radar operates in the backscatter mode and using the reciprocity theorem, it is shown that the measured cross-polarized responses (/spl sigma//sub vh/and /spl sigma//sub hv/) cannot be determined uniquely. To rectify this problem, additional independent measurements are required. Additional equations for characterizing the cross-polarized components are obtained by placing an anisotropic lossless slab over the perfectly conducting flat surface. The validity and accuracy of the new bistatic measurement technique is demonstrated by measuring a number of point targets with known theoretical bistatic responses. Also, a new approach for determining the effective dielectric constant of dense random media based on the new bistatic measurement technique is developed.
Immunity: Stimulation by Indigenous Gastrointestinal Microflora

The indigenous gastrointestinal microflora consists of microorganisms that normally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. The indigenous microflora primes the host immune response so that it can respond more effectively to exogenous pathogens. Keywords: GI microflora; indigenous microflora; indigenous bacteria; gastrointestinal bacteria; natural antibodies; immunostimulation by indigenous bacteria; bacterial translocation; opportunistic infections
Caenorhabditis elegans p53: Role in Apoptosis, Meiosis, and Stress Resistance

We have identified a homolog of the mammalian p53 tumor suppressor protein in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that is expressed ubiquitously in embryos. The gene encoding this protein, cep-1, promotes DNA damage-induced apoptosis and is required for normal meiotic chromosome segregation in the germ line. Moreover, although somatic apoptosis is unaffected, cep-1 mutants show hypersensitivity to hypoxia-induced lethality and decreased longevity in response to starvation-induced stress. Overexpression of CEP-1 promotes widespread caspase-independent cell death, demonstrating the critical importance of regulating p53 function at appropriate levels. These findings show that C. elegans p53 mediates multiple stress responses in the soma, and mediates apoptosis and meiotic chromosome segregation in the germ line.
A gross morphologic, histologic, hematologic, and blood chemistry study of adult and neonatal mice chronically exposed to high magnetic fields

Six sets of Charles River CD-1 mice (3 sets of adults and 3 sets of offspring: 156 mice total) were raised for varying times (360 h over 1 month to 624 h over 3 months) in a 1.89-T magnetic field. Each set was divided into 3 groups: control group raised in the animal facility (Control); control group raised in the magnet room but not in the magner (Magnet-Controls); experimental group raised in the magnet (Magnet). At the end of each predefined exposure period, the mice were euthanized and studied. Body and organ weights were lower in 3 of 6 sets in the Magnet groups when compared to Control groups, but they were not significantly different from age matched, sex matched Magnet-Controls. This seems to indicate that the decreased growth of mice was due to the laboratory envi-ronment surrounding the magnet, when compared to the animal facility environment, rather than to magnetic field effects. No consistent differences were found in gross and microscopic morphology, hematocrit and white blood cell counts, plasma creatine phosphokinase, lactie dehydrogenase, cholesterol, tricylceride, or protein concentrations in Magnet groups compared to the two control groups. © 1986 Academic Press, Inc.
Rapid Growth of Chickens Fed an Improved Semi-Synthetic Diet

ABSTRACT Chicks diets consisting only of synthetic and/or highly purified ingredients are useful in evaluation of specific dietary ingredients. Purified diets used in the past rarely supported good growth. A diet which supports extremely rapid growth would facilitate the development of assays for various essential nutrients. Larger differences in growth should be expected between negative and positive control groups, and increased requirements for specific factors might also be found under these conditions. Furthermore such a diet would be useful in measuring genetic and environmental variation in different experiments or laboratories. We have found that the diet we have developed is highly uniform and does serve as a sensitive measure of extranutritional variation, besides providing optimal growth. A known semi-synthetic diet (Ritchey et al., 1956) was modified mainly by increasing the dietary fat level and by the use of a different mineral mixture (Briggs et al., 1952). The composition of this diet . . .