cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from natural and urban environments.

Characterization of 80 Listeria monocytogenes isolates from urban and natural environments differentiated 7 and 26 EcoRI ribotypes, respectively. Whereas the majority of isolates from the natural environment represented L. monocytogenes lineage II (12 of 13 isolates), urban isolates grouped evenly into lineages I and II (32 and 33 isolates, respectively) and included two lineage III isolates. Multilocus sequence typing of all natural isolates and a randomly selected subset of 30 urban isolates showed a higher overall diversity (Simpson index of discrimination [D] of 0.987 and 0.920, respectively) than did EcoRI ribotyping (D = 0.872 and 0.911, respectively). Combined analysis with ribotype and lineage data for 414 isolates from farm sources, 165 isolates from foods and food-processing environments, and 342 human clinical isolates revealed that lineage I was significantly more common among human (P < 0.0001) isolates, whereas lineage II was more common among isolates from the natural environment, farms, an...
Correlation of clinical findings with quinacrine-banded chromosomes in 90 adults with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: an eight-year study (1970-1977).

Abstract We observed chromosome-banding abnormalities in leukemic cells of 46 of 90 (51 per cent) adults with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia at initial hospital admission. The difference in survival between 37 treated patients with an initially normal karyotype (10 months) and 43 with an initially abnormal karyotype (four months) was significant (P<0.01). When patients were classified as having acute myelogenous leukemia or acute myelomonocytic leukemia, this difference in survival was even more pronounced. Of 16 treated patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and a normal karyotype, 11 (69 per cent) had a complete remission and a median survival of 13 months. Of eight patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in whom only abnormal metaphases were observed, none had a complete remission, and the median survival was only two months (P approximately 0.05). Remission rate and median survival were not significantly different in patients with acute myelomonocytic leukemia grouped according to initial karyotypes...
Strange and charm quarks in hadrons

Hadron productions in hard and soft processes are reviewed in the framework of partons, valons and the recombination model. Kaon structure is examined by analyzing the K+p → KnX data; strange and non‐strange quark distributions in a kaon are determined. Charm production is then discussed. It is shown that data on Λ+c and D production in hadronic collisions can be understood in the valon model for low pT reactions.
Bayesian Defect Signal Analysis

We develop a Bayesian framework for estimating defect signals from noisy measurements. We propose a parametric model for the shape of the defect region and assume that the defect signal within this region is random with unknown mean and variance. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms are derived for simulating from the posterior distributions of the model parameters and defect signals. These algorithms are utilized to identify potential defect regions and estimate their size and reflectivity. We specialize the proposed framework to elliptical defect shape and Gaussian signal and noise models and apply it to experimental ultrasonic C‐scan data from an inspection of a cylindrical titanium billet.
Ligands Derived from Tetrathiafulvalene: Building Blocks for Multifunctional Materials

The last decade has witnessed many advances in the coordination chemistry of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). Various ligands, in which a metal-binding functionality is attached to the TTF unit, have been synthesized and used for the preparation of metal complexes. This Perspective summarizes the main types of TTF-containing ligands and their metal complexes and outlines the potential for the use of these building blocks in the design and assembly of multifunctional molecular materials.
Interspecific variation in thermal denaturation of proteins in the congeneric musselsMytilus trossulus andM. galloprovincialis: evidence from the heat-shock response and protein ubiquitination

Individuals of two species of blue mussels,Mytilus trossulus (Gould, 1850) andM. galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819), that have different latitudinal distributions, were collected from two locations on the Pacific coast of the USA where their distributions do not overlap. To determine if the congeners were differentially sensitive to thermal stress, we first held individuals of each species at 13°C for 8 wk and then examined three biochemical indices of thermal damage to cellular proteins: relative levels of the stress protein hsp 70, quantities of ubiquitin conjugates and the induction of stress-protein synthesis. The results provide evidence that the northern species,M. trossulus, was more thermally sensitive than the southern species,M. galloprovincialis. Relative levels of hsp 70 and amounts of ubiquitin conjugates were higher in gill tissue fromM. trossulus than in gill fromM. galloprovincialis, which suggests thatM. trossulus was more susceptible to reversible and irreversible protein damage, respectively, thanM. galloprovincialis. In addition, the patterns of stress-protein expression as measured by in vitro radiolabeling experiments using isolated gill tissue, were significantly different, as follows: (1) the threshold induction temperatures for hsp 70 synthesis were 23 and 25°C forM. trossulus andM. galloprovincialis, respectively; (2) the overall intensity of synthesis and induction was greater inM. galloprovincialis than inM. trossulus, particularly at the higher incubation temperatures of 28 and 30°C; (3)M. galloprovincialis expressed a 30 kdalton, stress protein that was not induced in the northern species,M. trossulus. Thus, after an 8 wk exposure to a common temperature, the twoedulis-like mussel congeners appeared to be physiologically distinct with respect to thermal damage to proteins. Due to the energetic cost that is probably associated with environmentally-induced protein damage and maintaining pools of stress proteins, differential organismal thermotolerances and protein stabilites may contribute to setting species distribution-limits. Our data support conclusions of other workers thatM. trossulus is a more cold-adapted species thanM. galloprovincialis.
The Structure of Nucleotidylated Histidine-166 of Galactose-1-phosphate Uridylyltransferase Provides Insight into Phosphoryl Group Transfer†,‡

Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase catalyzes the reaction of UDP-glucose with galactose 1-phosphate to form UDP-galactose and glucose 1-phosphate during normal cellular metabolism. The reaction proceeds through a double displacement mechanism characterized by the formation of a stable nucleotidylated histidine intermediate. This paper describes the preparation of the uridylyl-enzyme complex on the crystalline enzyme from Escherichia coli and its subsequent structure determination by X-ray crystallography. The refined structure has an R-factor of 19.6% (data between 65 and 1.86 A resolution) and reveals modest conformational changes at the active site compared to the inactive UMP/UDP-enzyme complex reported previously [Wedekind, J. E., Frey, P. A., & Rayment, I. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 11049−11061]. In particular, positions of the respective UMP α-phosphoryl groups differ by ∼4 A. Well-defined electron density for the nucleotidylated imidazole supports the existence of a covalent bond between Ne2 of...
Removal of Refractory Organics by Aeration. VI. Solvent Sublation of Alkyl Phthalates

Abstract The solvent sublation of diethyl, di-n-butyl, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates in a batch-type laboratory scale apparatus is reported. Removals of all three are accelerated by added NaCl and markedly decreased by ethanol. The rate of removal of diethyl phthalate is much slower than the rates of removal of di-n-butyl and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates.
Delaying feedback promotes transfer of knowledge despite student preferences to receive feedback immediately

Abstract Educators and researchers who study human learning often assume that feedback is most effective when given immediately. However, a growing body of research has challenged this assumption by demonstrating that delaying feedback can facilitate learning. Advocates for immediate feedback have questioned the generalizability of this finding, suggesting that such effects only occur in highly controlled laboratory settings. We report a pair of experiments in which the timing of feedback was manipulated in an upper-level college engineering course. Students practiced applying their knowledge of complex engineering concepts on weekly homework assignments, and then received feedback either immediately after the assignment deadline or 1 week later. When students received delayed feedback, they performed better on subsequent course exams that contained new problems about the same concepts. Although delayed feedback produced superior transfer of knowledge, students reported that they benefited most from immediate feedback, revealing a metacognitive disconnect between actual and perceived effectiveness.
Micromechanical prediction of the compressive failure of ice: model development

Abstract A micromechanica model of the brittle compressive fracture of polycrystalline ice is presented in this paper. The model is appropriate for describing ice behavior in the ductile-to-brittle transition domain between −10 and −50°C. It is based on a statistical description of the ice microstructure, which contains crystals of random sizes and orientations and a random distribution of grain boundary crack precursors. The analysis takes into account microstructural stresses originating from the elastic anisotropy of the constituent crystals. A Coulombic friction model describes the frictional sliding of the precursors, which nucleate into cracks if a fracture criterion is satisfied. Crack-crack interactions, taking into account their arbitrary orientations, locations and sizes, are considered in the analysis, and brittle failure is predicted on the basis of a mode I fracture criterion. The interacting model is used to study the dependence of the failure stresses on the ice microstructure, temperature, rate of loading, mean grain size, and lateral confinement. Furthermore, microstructurally dependent expressions are developed for the elastic compliance of cracked ice, which is used to predict the deformation behavior prior to failure. The micromechanical predictions are also analyzed with the aim of providing insights for the formulation of phenomenological damage and failure theories.
A simple geometric method for the thermodynamics of metastable chemical vapor deposition

Abstract A geometrical method for the thermodynamics of metastable phase formation by CVD has been presented. It allows a simple, two dimensional representation of binary alloy formation from multicomponent gases.
The variation of the yield stress of Ti alloys with strain rate at high temperatures

This study extended investigation on the elevated-temperature yield-strength dependence of beta-phase titanium alloys on strain rate and temperature. Yield stresses were found to increase substantially with increasing strain rate at elevated temperatures due to the high strain-rate sensitivity of titanium at high temperatures. Above 1000 °C, the strain-rate sensitivities were found to increase substantially with increasing temperature and/or decreasing strain rate. The six alloys examined were TIMETAL 21S, Ti-15-3, Ti-6-4, Ti-13-11-3, Beta C, and Beta III. There was particular interest in determining the strain-rate sensitivity of these alloys through strain-rate change tests above 1000 °C. The yield stresses of all the titanium alloys at temperatures above 1093 °C were less than 1% of their ambient temperature values. Strain hardening was negligible in the alloys tested at these high temperatures. Extended tensile ductilities of 100 to 200% were observed due to the pronounced strain-rate sensitivity. The rate controlling mechanism for plasticity, based on activation energy and the strain-rate sensitivity measurements, is discussed.
Classification of Product Requirements Based on Product Environment

Effective management of product requirements is critical for designers to deliver a quality design solution in a reasonable range of cost and time. The management depends on a well-defined classification and a flexible representation of product requirements. This article proposes two classification criteria in terms of different partitions of product environment based on a formal structure of product requirements. The first criterion classifies the product requirements by partitioning product environment in terms of the product life cycle whereas the second classifies them by partitioning the product environment into natural, built, and human environments. A case study is used to show the feasibility of this approach. This research is the core of a web-based distributed product management system.
Steering trajectories of rolling cells by 2D asymmetric receptor patterning

We demonstrate a simple method to make highresolution P-selectin patterns based on microcontact printing for controlling cell rolling. SEM characterization revealed well-defined patterns that could direct the trajectories of rolling HL60 cells along the edges. Cell tracking revealed that velocities of rolling cells were higher at the edges as compared to plain P-selectin regions, with a maximum at an edge angle of 20o. The distance traveled by the HL60 cells along the edges decreased with increasing edge angles. These substrates may be used to tune cell adhesion and control the transport of the cells for separation and analysis.
Bayesian Joint Analysis of Gene Expression Data and Gene Functional Annotations

Identifying which genes and which gene sets are differentially expressed (DE) under two experimental conditions are both key questions in microarray analysis. Although closely related and seemingly similar, they cannot replace each other, due to their own importance and merits in scientific discoveries. Existing approaches have been developed to address only one of the two questions. Further, most of the methods for detecting DE genes purely rely on gene expression analysis, without using the information about gene functional grouping. Methods for detecting altered gene sets often use a two-step procedure, of which the first step conducts differential expression analysis using expression data only, and the second step takes results from the first step and tries to examine whether each predefined gene set is overrepresented by DE genes through some testing procedure. Such a sequential manner in analysis might cause information loss by just focusing on summary results without using the entire expression data in the second step. Here, we propose a Bayesian joint modeling approach to address the two key questions in parallel, which incorporates the information of functional annotations into expression data analysis and meanwhile infer the enrichment of functional groups. Simulation results and analysis of experimental data obtained for E. coli show improved statistical power of our integrated approach in both identifying DE genes and altered gene sets, when compared to conventional methods.
Results of long-term home nursing: The influence of disability☆

Abstract An experimental, controlled study of the effect of home nursing on patients discharged from a chronic disease rehabilitation hospital has demonstrated that, over a 2-yr period, mildly or moderately disabled patients benefit in terms of physical and mental function and by avoiding admission to nursing homes. Severely disabled patients, on the other hand, do not show results, but are influenced to make greater use of other health services.
Barrier to Methyl Internal Rotation of 1-Methylvinoxy Radical in the X̃(2A‘ ‘) and B̃(2A‘ ‘) States: Experiment and Theory†

The jet-cooled laser induced fluorescence spectrum of the {tilde B} {yields} {tilde X} electronic transition of the 1-methylvinoxy radical is assigned, including both hot and cold bands. The barrier to methyl internal rotation in both {tilde X} and {tilde B} states is determined by fitting pure torsional transitions to a one-dimensional hindered-rotor model. The resulting 3-fold torsional barrier parameters are V{sub 3}' = -740 {+-} 30 cm{sup -1} for the {tilde B} state (minimum-energy conformation with one methyl CH bond cis to the frame CO bond) and V{sub 3}' = +130 {+-} 30 cm{sup -1} for the {tilde X} state (methyl CH bond trans to CO). The intensity pattern clearly indicates a change in the preferred methyl conformation upon excitation, while ab initio calculations provide the absolute conformations in each state. A variety of ab initio methods including CASSCF, multireference Cl, and coupled-cluster techniques were applied to both the {tilde X} and the {tilde B} states of 1-methylvinoxy. Only the largest coupled-cluster calculations yield a {tilde B}-state barrier in good quantitative agreement with experiment. In unsubstituted vinoxy, a {tilde B}-state geometry adjusted earlier to fit experimental rotational constants is evidently in error.
Holographic technique for simultaneous measurement of displacement and tilt.

Real-time holographic interferometry performed with two very thin, parallel, closely spaced object illumination beams can be used to produce a time-varying irradiance which, when incident on a photodetector, gives a signal whose analysis indicates both the normal displacement and tilt at a point on the object surface. The signal also contains information about in-plane translation which can be utilized in some cases.
Solvent considerations in fungicidal testing.

In vitro methods of fungicidal testing involving dermatophytic organisms have varied widely, and the accumulation of comparative data is sometimes difficult. The solvent plays an important part in any test procedure, and a screening of several common solvents indicates the relative nontoxicity of the glycols, in particular, polyethylene glycol 400. Comparative fungicidal data is presented on a number of phenolic chemicals using 95 per cent ethanol and 60 per cent polyethylene glycol 400 as solvents and the mycelial disk technique of fungicidal evaluation.
Mindful multitasking: The relationship between mindful flexibility and media multitasking

With the insatiable demand for and corresponding burgeoning of electronic devices enabling individuals to accomplish many things simultaneously, effective multitasking may be a necessity in today's world. The present study was concerned with the improvement of media multitasking by increasing mindful flexibility through a state mindfulness induction (Langer, 1989). Seventy-five participants were randomized into one of three state mindfulness induction groups (High Mindful, Low Mindful, No Treatment). Multitasking performance was assessed via a dual-task paradigm that involved composing an essay on a computer and solving anagrams sent via a browser-based chat program. Results revealed that higher trait mindfulness was related to greater tolerance of ambiguity, a greater tendency to adopt a Heuristic than Algorithmic thinking style, greater complexity in thinking style, greater positive affect, and less negative affect. Although the state mindfulness inductions did not differentially affect multitasking performance across the three groups, trait mindfulness predicted the performance of individuals in the No Treatment group. Overall, the study suggested that younger individuals and individuals who have a dispositional tendency to remain implicitly or explicitly aware of multiple perspectives of a situation are better at media multitasking.
Comparing dynamic crack initiation and crack arrest

Abstract The temperature dependences of dynamic crack initiation and crack-arrest toughnesses are compared and found to differ significantly. It is suggested that the reason for this difference arises from the differences in crack morphology associated with the two phenomena.
Evaluation of Counselor Effectiveness

This literature review summarizes research in the general area of the evaluation of counselor effectiveness. Research into the role of the counselor continues, and is typically done in reference to a specific setting. The state of the art is such, however, that the evaluation of the counseling process continues to focus primarily on the presence or absence of the core facilitative conditions; program evaluation, conversely, is becoming more sophisticated. Counselor educators have focused on means of presenting counseling experiences and of providing feedback regarding trainee performance and evaluating that performance; much of this work has been directed toward the counseling practicum. The implications of the movement toward certification or licensure are discussed with reference to both practitioners and counselor educators.
Whistleblowing and corruption control: The GE case

This paper focuses on the use of the amended False Claims Act to counter defense contract fraud against the U.S. government. The case deals with the scheme of a former Israeli Air Force General and a GE marketing specialist to divert funds, provided by the U.S. to Israel, for unauthorized and private usage, and with the actions of the GE whistleblower, Chester L. Walsh, in bringing suit against GE under FCA. The paper analyzes poses the ethical problem of providing an economic bounty for the whistleblower even while acknowledging the effectiveness of this practice in countering fraud.
Scattering Properties of Concentric Soot–Water Spheres for Visible and Infrared Light

Based on the theory by Aden and Kerker, computations of the scattering and absorption properties for concentric spherical water and soot particles have been performed for visible and infrared wavelengths. The complex dielectric constant for the kernel was assumed to be frequency independent; for the water shell it was assumed to be constant over the visible range only. Computations were performed for size parameter values up to 250. Results indicate that, for compound particles with a nucleus smaller than about one-tenth of the total diameter of the particle, the optical properties are almost completely determined by the outer shell.
A study of juvenile rat spinal cord injury

Greater than 5% of all spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the US occur in people younger than 16, although a minority, children will require extended attention during their lifetime. While facing increased mortality in the initial 24 h after trauma, children with incomplete injuries seem to have a greater capacity for recovery of function compared to adults suggesting that there is a difference in injury tolerance in the young over the adult. Knowledge of the factors involved in this difference would not only increase understanding of SCI, but also potentiate new avenues for SCI treatment. Yet there has not been a model for the study of youth SCI. For these reasons, we developed a model of SCI in juvenile rats equivalent to an adult injury of 25 g cm force (GCF). To do so, we recorded spinal cord masses of Sprague–Dawley rats at 21, 30, 45, and 60 days of age, compared them to adult cord masses, and assembled a conversion factor that provides youth injuries comparable to adult. To investigate the pathophysiology in juvenile SCI, two cord segments, 1 cm long, were removed from animals 24 h following injury. One segment was centered at the impact site, the other immediately caudal. After homogenization, the samples were assayed by Western blot analysis for calpain content and degradation of 68K Neuro-Filament Protein (68K NFP), a neuronal structural protein. mCalpain expression, a neutral protease previously implicated in secondary SCI, was reduced in juvenile animals relative to adult cohorts. The degradation of 68K NFP was also found to be reduced in juvenile animals. From these analyses, it seems plausible that calpain expression and pathogenic activity is abated in the setting of young rat SCI. Acknowledgements: Supported by grants from NIH-NINDS.
3.1.2 Exploring Resilience Measurement Methodologies

The new paradigm, known as “resilience engineering”, emphasizes the importance of measuring resilience and suggests the development of methodologies to analyze and prepare to improve the resilience of systems. In this paper we review existing resilience measurement methodologies, and provide a detailed discussion on the resilience measurement methodologies, challenges, and further implications. We define system's resilience as the capacity to decrease vulnerability, the ability to change and adapt, and the ability to recover quickly from disruption. Using this definition, we identify metrics which evaluate, more specifically: (1) a system's capability to decrease its level of vulnerability to expected and unexpected events, (2) its ability to change itself and adapt to changing environment; (3) its ability to recover in the least possible time in case of a disruptive event. Based on the discussed enterprise resilience metrics, we use several examples and evaluate a set of illustrative responses to common disruptions.
Cultural and institutional restrictions on dying styles in a technological society.

Abstract The startling medical advances of this century have created unparalleled opportunities for ill and suffering people, but these same forces have combined to make the experience of dying a terrifying, fearful, lonely vigil for many. Devoid of traditional myths, rituals, and family support, many patients now die in sterile institutional settings often appearing as mere appendages to life-supporting machines. This shift from the moral to the technical order manifests itself in doctors' fascination with gadgets, the emphasis upon parts of the body, and a concomitant blurring of distinctions concerning death, personhood, and individual rights. The patient is reduced to a secondary role in his or her own death, thus engendering a widespread desire for a sudden death. In light of these circumstances, health care personnel need to create circumstances that would give people more opportunities to die in styles commensurate with their life styles. Society must seriously study the implications of the unthink...
Evidence for Highly Selective Neuronal Tuning to Whole Words in the “Visual Word Form Area”

Summary Theories of reading have posited the existence of a neural representation coding for whole real words (i.e., an orthographic lexicon), but experimental support for such a representation has proved elusive. Using fMRI rapid adaptation techniques, we provide evidence that the human left ventral occipitotemporal cortex (specifically the "visual word form area," VWFA) contains a representation based on neurons highly selective for individual real words, in contrast to current theories that posit a sublexical representation in the VWFA.
Establishing Primary Adult Fibroblast Cultures From Rodents

The importance of using primary cells, rather than cancer cell lines, for biological studies is becoming widely recognized. Primary cells are preferred in studies of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and DNA repair, as cancer cells carry mutations in genes involved in these processes. Primary cells cannot be cultured indefinitely due to the onset of replicative senescence or aneuploidization. Hence, new cultures need to be established regularly. The procedure for isolation of rodent embryonic fibroblasts is well established, but isolating adult fibroblast cultures often presents a challenge. Adult rodent fibroblasts isolated from mouse models of human disease may be a preferred control when comparing them to fibroblasts from human patients. Furthermore, adult fibroblasts are the only available material when working with wild rodents where pregnant females cannot be easily obtained. Here we provide a protocol for isolation and culture of adult fibroblasts from rodent skin and lungs. We used this procedure successfully to isolate fibroblasts from over twenty rodent species from laboratory mice and rats to wild rodents such as beaver, porcupine, and squirrel.
From slide sets to sound bites: teaching and learning pathology in the digital age.

Abstract Educational evolution is particularly important in pathology, particularly cytopathology, due to the vast amounts of independent learning required to master this field. In this study, learning challenges faced by pathology residents were addressed through a variety of educational modalities including 24 short (∼10 minute) online tutorials (dubbed "Sound Bites") covering selected topics in cytopathology as well as other areas of anatomic and clinical pathology. Additionally, residents were provided with an annotated glass slide set covering pediatric pathology with an associated multiple choice self-assessment as well as multiheaded microscope slide review sessions. Use of these modalities was tracked and residents surveyed about their experiences using them. All 20 residents (100%) reported using Sound Bites either from work computers, home computers, or mobile devices. Residents reported that easy accessibility, brevity, and opportunities for self-assessment were important variables contributing to this use, and that Sound Bite use would make them more likely to benefit from in-person teaching through lectures and/or slide sessions. Within 12 months of the release of the first Sound Bite, individual Sound Bites were accessed a total of 1169 times (mean: 49 times per Sound Bite). In contrast, slide sets were only accessed about once a month and were only employed by 30% of residents (6 of 20) for independent study; only 20% (4 of 20) completed the accompanying multiple choice self-assessment. All residents attended multiheaded microscope slide review sessions. Whereas traditional educational methods remain valuable tools in pathology education, these data suggest that short, web-based tutorials represent a valuable adjuvant teaching tool.
Fragmentation of pine flatwood and marsh communities converted for ranching and citrus

Abstract Patterns of change are documented for pineland and marsh, two habitats that are significant for 273 of the 326 native terrestrial vertebrates within the Immokalee Rise region of Florida. Area of both habitats, average patch sizes, and association of patches with patches of the same type and different types changed dramatically from ca. 1900 to 1989. Patterns of change were slightly different from ca. 1900 to 1973 and 1973 to 1989, with more large-scale removal of patches occurring in the former time period. Fragmentation of remaining patches was greatest from 1973 to 1989. In addition to loss and fragmentation of habitat, the association of the two habitat types has been altered. Pineland and marsh have become separated from each other thereby altering, if not destroying, the important upland-wetland linkages naturally present in the region. Drawing from previous studies of species-habitat associations and fragmentation impacts on wildlife in other areas, we form some general conclusions on the implications of these changes on regional biodiversity. Species most severely impacted by the change are most likely those requiring large contiguous areas, requiring interior pineland habitat, and those that use both uplands and marsh. It is probably not a coincidence that 65% of the species rare in the region use pineland or marsh. Continued chipping away at the remaining habitat without regard for the importance of the spatial arrangement and regional context will continue to impact regional biodiversity. A regional perspective to agricultural development is needed to maintain the native biodiversity in the region. Efforts should be made to preserve the remaining large tracts of habitat and seek to restore connections between critical habitats. Maintance of biodiversity will require a regional perspective to agricultural development. Large tracts of remaining habitat must be preserved and connections between critical habitat restored.
Exercise-Induced Stridor: Diagnosis by Videolaryngoscopy during Exercise and Characterization of the "At Risk" Group

Exercise-Induced Stridor: Diagnosis by Videolaryngoscopy during Exercise and Characterization of the "At Risk" Group
Institutionalizing a global anti-corruption regime: Perverse effects on country outcomes, 1984–2012*:

A global anti-corruption movement rapidly mobilized and institutionalized during the mid-1990s. Using data for 119 countries between 1984 and 2012, I examine the effects of this movement on rated levels of perceived corruption. Results from multivariate regression analyses show that the global surge in anti-corruption organizing, monitoring, and legalization was paradoxically associated with an increase in rated levels of corruption, over and above a host of political, economic, social, and cultural factors shown in previous research to explain perceived corruption. With the international standardization, scrutinization, and stigmatization of corruption, activities once hidden from view or previously regarded as ‘standard operating procedure’ came to be denominated, detected, and decried as illegitimate. In turn, these processes gave the impression that corruption worsened, when in fact it may have remained stable or even improved. These findings lend support to institutional approaches in sociology and t...
Algorithms and Techniques for Proactive Search

While search engines have demonstrated improvements in both speed and accuracy, their response time is prohibitively long for applications that require immediate and accurate responses to search queries. Examples include identification of multimedia resources related to the subject matter of a particular class, as it is in session. This paper begins with a survey of collaborative recommendation and prediction algorithms, each of which applies a different method to predict future search engine usage based on the past history of a search engine user. To address the short- comings identified in existing techniques, we propose a proactive search approach that identifies resources likely to be of interest to the user without requiring a query. The approach is contingent on accurate determination of similarity, which we achieve with local alignment and output-based refinement of similarity neighborhoods. We demonstrate our proposed approach with trials on real-world search engine data. The results support our hypothesis that a majority of users exhibit search engine usage behavior that is predictable, allowing a proactive search engine to bypass the common query-response model and immediately deliver a list of resources of interest to the user.
Between Justice and Legality: Derrida on Decision

Recent critiques of Jacques Derrida have misunderstood his contribution to political theory and dismiss his work as apolitical or nihilistic. In contrast to this trend, I argue that Derrida’s conce...
Can Dietary Nitrates Enhance the Efficiency of Mitochondria

A decline in mitochondrial function occurs in many conditions. A report in this issue of Cell Metabolism (Larsen et al., 2011) shows that dietary inorganic nitrates enhance muscle mitochondrial efficiency. It is an attractive hypothesis that dietary changes enhance energy efficiency, but its potential application depends on long-term studies investigating net benefits versus adverse effects.
Colloid-Enhanced Desorption Of Zinc In Soil Monoliths

The desorption and co-transport of metals by ex situ water dispersible soil colloids moving through macropores was evaluated in a leaching experiment utilizing Zn-saturated soil monoliths. The monoliths were created by hydraulically driving steel pipe sections (50 cm diameter 2 50 cm length) into a Loradale silt loam soil (fine, silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudolls). Each monolith was saturated in excess of the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) with ZnCl 2 , then leached at a constant flux with a suspension of water-dispersible colloids fractionated from either the Bt or O horizon of a Beasley (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Hapludalfs) or Rayne (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic, Typic Hapludults) soil, respectively. Eluents from the monoliths were collected and analysed periodically for colloid and Zn concentration in the soluble and sorbed phase. Colloid and Zn concentration in the eluents varied greatly with respect to colloid type. The Beasley colloid, which had a small particle diameter (< 800 nm) and...
A Thyroid-Specific Far-Upstream Enhancer in the Human Sodium/Iodide Symporter Gene Requires Pax-8 Binding and Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Response Element-Like Sequence Binding Proteins for Full Activity and Is Differentially Regulated in Normal and Thyroid Cancer Cells

The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene is highly expressed in the thyroid gland and is important for the diagnosis and radioiodide therapy of differentiated thyroid cancers. We investigated a human NIS (hNIS) gene 5'-far-upstream enhancer (hNUE) (-9847 to -8968). The hNUE is TSH responsive in both FRTL-5 cells and primary normal thyroid cells, but not in human papillary thyroid cancer cells (BHP cells). The hNUE enhanced expression of the basal hNIS promoter 15-fold and required both a Pax-8 binding site and a cAMP response element (CRE)-like sequence for full activity. The hNUE activated transcription in a thyroid-selective and cAMP-dependent manner, mediated by both protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent and PKA-independent pathways. Pax-8 and two CRE-like sequence binding proteins bind to the hNUE. Supershift binding assay indicated that one of the CRE-like sequence binding protein(s) was CRE-binding protein-1, activation transcription factor-1, and/or CRE modulator, and the other was an unknown factor(s) that is absent in BHP 2-7 cells. A far-upstream enhancer is important for hNIS regulation in the thyroid. Deficient CRE-like sequence binding protein(s) that bind to the hNUE in normal thyroid cells may be responsible for reduced NIS gene expression in some thyroid carcinomas.
Therapeutic strategies to correct malfunction of CFTR

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a systemic autosomal recessive inherited disorder that results from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Although the gene was cloned 11 years ago, there still is no definitive treatment to correct the functional deficit. Current treatment strategies focus on pancreatic enzyme replacement and control of pulmonary inflammation and infection. This review examines novel strategies still in preclinical development or phase 1 clinical trials. Gene therapy is an evolving area of study that offers the potential for a cure for cystic fibrosis. CF lung disease is a significant barrier to effective gene delivery and transfer, but new vectors show promise in overcoming these limitations. There are also new pharmacological therapies aimed at correcting defects in CFTR processing and function. These are tailored to the specific class of mutation but may offer therapeutic benefit to many patients. They include phenylbutyrate, flavonoids, aminoglycosides and xanthines.
The Policy On Paying For Treating Hospital-Acquired Conditions: CMS Officials Respond

Policies that decline payment in the event of hospital-acquired conditions have generated considerable public attention. Although the projected payment reductions are not large, small payment penalties have been effective in changing human behavior and ultimately in improving the hospital care experience for patients. Many state Medicaid programs and commercial payers have adopted similar policies. Medicare payment reductions for hospital-acquired conditions are only one component of several efforts to reduce their incidence. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will refine these policies as appropriate. Other CMS strategies to reduce hospital-acquired conditions include public reporting, quality improvement initiatives, value-based purchasing, quality metrics and guidelines development, and national coverage decisions.
Banking in Izmir in the early twentieth century

This is a study of the emergence and development of the modern banking sector in the Middle East in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and of the role of multinational European financial capital therein. The study focuses on the port-city of Izmir which is seen as a prime example of inter-imperialist rivalry. As the premier export market and urban centre in the Empire, the city also came to dominate commercial banking operations in the Ottoman Middle East in the period under study. As a result Izmir saw the development of a vibrant and competitive banking sector, second in importance only to that of Istanbul. The appearance of a well-capitalized banking sector, closely connected to Western credit markets, and where Western banks were dominant, was the last stone in the edifice of economic growth of Ottoman port-cities, along with Izmir, and the single key element still needed to propel them forward. For it was the estimation of Western financiers that Izmir and other regional maritime and ...
Building the glomerulus: a matricentric view.

The structural integrity of the glomerular capillaries stems from the stereotyped arrangement of the three constituent cell types: Podocytes (also called visceral epithelial cells), endothelial cells, and mesangial cells. The arrangement of these cells depends in part on their interactions with
Childbearing decisions and family size among women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To estimate childbearing trends relative to age and stage of family development and to report on childbearing decisions among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Information about childbearing history and decisions was collected through structured telephone interviews with an existing cohort of married women with RA (n = 411), and was examined according to women's age at RA diagnosis and when RA was diagnosed relative to when children were born. Results Almost all women (91.2%) reported at least 1 pregnancy; the majority (85.4%) reported at least 1 live birth. The odds of any pregnancy or a live birth were not significantly different according to age at diagnosis; however, women diagnosed at age ≤18 had fewer pregnancies and fewer children. Similarly, women diagnosed with RA prior to the birth of their first child had the fewest pregnancies and children. Few women (8%) reported being advised to limit family size, although ∼20% reported that RA had affected their childbearing decisions. Being advised to limit family size was associated with fewer pregnancies and fewer children (P < 0.0001). Consideration of RA in childbearing decisions was more common among women diagnosed with RA at an early age. Women who reported that RA affected childbearing decisions were not less likely to have any pregnancy or any children, but had significantly fewer pregnancies and children. Conclusion Lower birth rates among women with RA may at least in part reflect choices by women to limit family sizes. Future research into the link between RA and fertility should take women's childbearing choices into account.
EFFECT OF VARIOUS METHODS OF STORAGE ON THE CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF LEAVES.

Problems involving the quantitative determination of the chlorophyll content of leaves have been carried out chiefly with plants grown in a greenhouse or in the immediate vicinity of a laboratory. This allows the extraction of the chloroplast pigments within a few minutes after the samples are secured and, as the chlorophyll content of the leaves is practically unaltered, the results may be taken to represent the conditions existing in the living tissue. A recent investigation by Deuber (1) shows a wide variation in the chlorophyll content of the leaves of different species, of trees. The chlorophyll determinations were all made from fresh leaves, gathered from trees growing near the laboratory. It would be desirable to have similar information regarding the leaves of trees growing in other localities where environmental conditions are different. The investigation of Sprague and Shive (9) on the relations between chloroplast pigments and the dry weights of tops in dent corn and the work of Guthrie (3) on the effect of environmental conditions on the chloroplast pigments suggest interesting and instructive problems that might be carried out with plants growing in widely separated habitats. In such cases the extraction and determination of the pigments must be made from stored or preserved leaves. As the question of storage of green tissues for later determination of chloroplast pigments has received only slight attention, it is the purpose of the present investigation to determine the effect of various methods of storage on the chlorophyll content of leaves. Procedure
Enzyme distribution in "naturally-decapitated" bull spermatozoa: acetylcholinesterase, adenylpyrophosphatase and adenosinetriphosphatase.

Naturally-decapitated spermatozoa were separated into motile flagella and head and immotile flagella by differential and density gradient centrifugation. In preparations microscopically free of cross-contamination after repeated centrifugation, the heads appeared to be enzymatically inert, while there was virtually no change in the specific activity of the immotile flagella which had been subjected to as much manipulation as the heads. The non-motile flagella had almost twice the acetylcholinesterase and about one-third the apyrase activity of the motile flagella. The flagella appear to contain a structurally-bound adenosinetriphosphatase which may be identical with the “spermosin” extracted from bull sperm.
Journal of Micro/Nano Lithography, MEMS, and MOEMS

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Journal of Micro/Nano Lithography, MEMS, and MOEMS” for JM3 Vol. 5 Issue 01
Dynamic nix-vector routing for mobile ad hoc networks

We present a new protocol for multi-hop routing in mobile ad hoc networks called dynamic nix-vector routing (DNVR). Our scheme is based on the nix-vector concept for efficient routing originally designed for wired networks. DNVR acquires a loop-free route and maintains it on a need basis as do other on-demand protocols. However, DNVR has several new features as compared to other existing reactive routing protocols which lead to more stable routes and better scalability. DNVR effectively validates the stored routes as well as efficiently senses the up-to-date network topology during a route discovery phase by sending a unicast probe packet. To accommodate networks with a high degree of mobility, the routing states are invalidated in a timely manner. DNVR adopts a conservative route discovery strategy by suppressing route requests in some cases, and thus only a few routes are maintained per destination. Moreover, it attains bandwidth efficiency by using a neighbor index and medium access control (MAC) addresses for routing purposes, which obviates the need for address resolution. We show via simulation that DNVR scales well to a large network with varying traffic load under diverse mobility scenarios. We compare DNVR to the well known dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol, which is believed to be one of the most efficient on-demand routing protocols. Simulation results reveal that DNVR is as efficient as DSR while at the same time providing higher packet delivery ratios (up to 46 % higher) and smaller delays (up to 23 % smaller) than DSR in most cases.