cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal separation of rhabdom shrinkage and MVB formation in the light-adapting crayfish retina

By using experimental light regimes, it is possible to alter independently the timing of both multivesicular body (MVB) production and decreases in rhabdom diameter. As a result, two distinct phases of MVB synthesis are revealed, neither of which appears temporally linked to rhabdom shrinkage. This supports the idea that MVB production and diminishing rhabdoms are not causally related in the manner predicted by the lysosome-related-body (LRB) hypothesis of rhabdom cycling. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship is found between midday rhabdom enlargement and a decrease in the fractional volume of MVBs.
Fractional quantum Hall effect in the second Landau level: The importance of inter-composite-fermion interaction

Exact diagonalization of a two-dimensional electron gas in a strong magnetic field in the disk geometry shows that there exists a filling-factor range in the second Landau level where the states significantly differ from those in the lowest Landau level. We show that the difference arises because the interaction between composite fermions is not negligible in higher Landau levels, as indicated by a substantial mixing between composite-fermion Landau-like levels, or $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ levels. We find that the exact ground state is well reproduced by composite-fermion theory with $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-level mixing incorporated at the lowest level of approximation. Using the same variational approach in the spherical geometry we estimate the excitation gap at filling $1∕3$ in the second Landau level (which corresponds to $7∕3$ of experiment).
Immunization Registries in the EMR Era

Background : The CDC established a national objective to create population-based tracking of immunizations through regional and statewide registries nearly 2 decades ago, and these registries have increased coverage rates and reduced duplicate immunizations. With increased adoption of commercial electronic medical records (EMR), some institutions have used unidirectional links to send immunization data to designated registries. However, access to these registries within a vendor EMR has not been previously reported. Purpose : To develop a visually integrated interface between an EMR and a statewide immunization registry at a previously non-reporting hospital, and to assess subsequent changes in provider use and satisfaction. Methods : A group of healthcare providers were surveyed before and after implementation of the new interface. The surveys addressed access of the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), and satisfaction with the availability of immunization information. Information Technology (IT) teams developed a “smart-link” within the electronic patient chart that provides a single-click interface for visual integration of data within the CAIR database. Results: Use of the tool has increased in the months since its initiation, and over 20,000 new immunizations have been exported successfully to CAIR since the hospital began sharing data with the registry. Survey data suggest that providers find this tool improves workflow and overall satisfaction with availability of immunization data. (p=0.009). Conclusions: Visual integration of external registries into a vendor EMR system is feasible and improves provider satisfaction and registry reporting.
Students' interpretation of the importance and difficulty of concepts in signals and systems

Two ongoing challenges facing instructors when designing courses are (1) do students identify/understand important concepts in the course, and (2) what makes concepts difficult for students to understand? In particular, do students see the relationship between the procedures taught and the fundamental concepts they support? In this study, we use interviews with 39 undergraduate engineering students to address these questions in the context of a sophomore-level continuous-time signals and systems course. Each student interviewed was asked which concept in the course was most difficult, which was most important, and why. Student responses regarding the concepts and the reasons were qualitatively analyzed, and a codebook was developed. The results of the coding provide broad insight into what factors make a particular concept difficult and/or important from the student perspective. We conjecture that general elements drawn from the results obtained here can be applied beyond signals and systems and across the engineering curriculum.
Effects of cold exposure on urinary catecholamines in arctic lemmings.

Abstract 1. 1. The time course and per cent increase in urinary norepinephrine excretion in Arctic lemmings with cold exposure resembles temperate mammals. 2. 2. The pattern of epinephrine excretion with cold exposure was different for both lemming species and different from other mammals. The brown lemming maintained an elevated level of excretion in the cold, but the varying lemming showed only a transient peak on day 1. 3. 3. The urinary catecholamine excretion levels in lemmings are much higher than values reported for other small mammals. This may be associated with the behavioral hyperactivity of the lemmings.
TCAS surveillance algorithm modifications for reduced channel utilization

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a collision avoidance system mandated on board all large transport aircraft world-wide. The system uses beacon interrogations to determine the relative positions of nearby aircraft. TCAS shares communications channels with several other air traffic control surveillance systems such as ground-based secondary surveillance radars and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). As a result of several systems operating on the same frequencies, restrictions are imposed on TCAS to limit interference with the other surveillance systems. Potential improvements to the surveillance algorithms that limit channel interference are investigated.
Fusing of immunoscintigraphy SPECT with CT or MRI for improved multimodality image interpretation

Correlation of PET or SPECT functional with CT or MRI anatomic transaxial images often enhances the information available on these studies. Careful registra­tion of images from two types of studies may be used to identify a structure containing to a PET or SPECT abnormality or to evaluate the functional or metabolic characteristics of an abnormal or normal structure. CTSPECT or PET image registration has been applied to brain imaging for metabolic and cerebral perfusion studies [1–3], more recently, to Ga-67 imaging of the chest [4], as well as to CT-SPECT correlation in cancer patients undergoing immunoscintigraphy [5–7]. We have applied an image registration technique to correlate CT or MRI of the abdomen and chest with SPECT images obtained after the administration of tumor-directed radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. Correlation of PET or SPECT functional with CT or MRI anatomic transaxial images often enhances the information available on these studies. Careful registration of images from two types of studies may be used to identify a structure containing to a PET or SPECT abnormality or to evaluate the functional or metabolic characteristics of an attempt to improve our interpretation of these imaging studies.
Release of angiotensin I-converting enzyme by endothelial cells in vitro

Bovine fetal aortic endothelial cells cultured in serum-containing medium accumulate angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and also release it into the culture medium. Following subcultivation of a confluent culture using trypsin-EDTA, cellular ACE activity falls 50% within 8 h, but no ACE activity is detected in the medium, suggesting intracellular loss of the enzyme activity. ACE activity reappears in both the cell lysate and culture medium after the culture becomes confluent. The rate of accumulation of ACE activity released into the medium is always greater than that for cellular activity. For example, 21 days following subcultivation 80-85% of the total culture activity is detected in the medium. Both cellular and medium-associated ACE decrease proportionately as the culture progresses through its in vitro lifespan.
Myocardial protection with monophosphoryl lipid-A against aortic cross clamping-induced global stunning.

Abstract Background . Monophosphoryl lipid-A (MLA) has a late window (24 hours) of cardioprotection against acute myocardial infarction. It is not known whether MLA, administered, 24 hours before surgery, attenuates intraoperative ventricular dysfunction "stunning" associated with aortic cross-clamping and reperfusion during elective cardiac surgery. We determined the dose-response relationship between MLA and ventricular function in a canine model of global myocardial stunning in the absence of necrosis. The role of expression of inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70i) was also investigated. Methods . Mongrel dogs (n = 32) were intravenously injected with either a vehicle solution or 3, 5, 10, 35 ug/kg MLA. Twenty four hours later, dogs were anesthetized and instrumented, in situ, to monitor the left ventricular performance (the slope of regression between stroke-work and end diastolic length). Tissue samples were obtained to determine HSP70i using immunoblot analysis. After a period of equilibration on cardiopulmonary bypass, the aortic cross-clamp was applied at normothermia for 30 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. ATP and catabolites were determined in transmural myocardial biopsies. Triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to determine myocardial necrosis. Results . MLA treatment did not alter myocardial contractility or ATP metabolism. Global ischemia resulted in about 50% depletion of ATP and remained depressed during reperfusion in all groups. MLA-treated hearts had improved functional recovery in a dose dependent-manner. Significant recovery was observed at the highest dose (35 ug/kg) compared to the control group. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated significant increase in HSP 70i in the MLA-treated hearts. Conclusions . MLA exhibits a delayed (24 hours) window of protection against myocardial stunning associated with aortic cross-clamping. HSP70i expression may play a role in MLA-mediated cardioprotection.
Performing an additional decubitus series at CT colonography

Purpose To determine the rate and associated factors for acquiring a decubitus series at CT colonography (CTC), in addition to the standard supine and prone series.
Naegleria fowleri: Fine structural localization of acid phosphatase and heme proteins

Abstract Cytochemical assays, utilizing acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) and auto-oxidized 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB), were carried out on in vivo trophozoites in order to identify the extent to which lysosomes and heme proteins contribute to the cytoarchitecture of Naegleria fowleri . A full spectrum of lysosomal activity is present. Hydrolytic enzymes may be utilized extracellularly to enhance the amoebic phagocytic capacity. Intracellularly, a multivesicular organelle appears to function as a processing center which may sequester and concentrate materials. DAB analyses reveal that heme proteins constitute major structural elements in the N. fowleri cell. Strongly positive electron-dense globular bodies appear to be cytoplasmic storage sites for lysosomal hydrolases and/or catalase. It is proposed that N. fowleri actively utilize host erythrocytes as their major source of nutriment. These data suggest that this pathogen's rapid invasive behavior is the physiologic result of the overwhelming availability of erythrocytes in the host inflammatory reaction, and the combined mechanisms of enhanced extracellular destruction with subsequent phagocytosis.
A new CDM-based approach to structural deterioration

Abstract Structural deterioration often occurs without visible manifestation. Continuum damage mechanics (CDM) enables one to predict the state of damage in such situations and to estimate residual strength⧹service life of an existing structure. The accumulation of damage is modeled as a dissipative process that is governed by the laws of thermodynamics. The rate of dissipation in a deformable system, R, depends on the work done on the system and the evolution of the Helmholtz free energy, Ψ. Under certain thermodynamical conditions, the first variation of Ψ vanishes, and partial differential equations for damage growth in R prior to damage localization are obtained. This approach obviates the need of introducing arbitrary dissipation potential functions with undetermined constants in the damage growth equations. All solutions use only readily available material parameters. Assuming that damage occurs isotropically under uniaxial loading, closed-form solutions are obtained for ductile damage as a function of plastic strain, for creep damage as a function of time and for fatigue damage as function of number of cycles. The models are validated with published laboratory data.
Stochastic Image Algebra For Multisensor Fusion And Spatial Reasoning: A Neural Approach

Due to the incomplete and partial nature of information in the computer vision, multisensor fusion and spatial reasoning problem domains, the image algebra is extended to a stochastic image algebra and a stochastic world model. These stochastic models provide a systematic approach to the parallel or neural network implementation of algorithms in computer vision, multisensor fusion and spatial reasoning.
Subdivision-based multilevel methods for large scale engineering simulation of thin shells

This paper presents a multilevel algorithm to accelerate the numerical solution of thin shell finite element problems de-scribed by subdivision surfaces. Subdivision surfaces have become a widely used geometric representation for general curved three dimensional boundary models and thin shells as they provide a compact and robust framework for mod-eling 3D geometry. More recently, the shape functions used in the subdivision surfaces framework have been proposed as candidates for use as finite element basis functions in the analysis and simulation of the mechanical deformation of thin shell structures. When coupled with standard solvers, however, such simulations do not scale well. Run time costs associated with high-resolution simulations (105 degrees of freedom or more) become prohibitive. The main contribution of the paper is to show that the subdivision framework can be used for accelerating such sim-ulations. Specifically the subdivision matrix is used as the intergrid information transfer operator in a multilevel pre-conditioner. The method described in the paper allows the practical simulation or a broad range of problems. Included examples show that the run time of the algorithm presented scales nearly linearly in time with problem size.
The Enterprise AID Methodology: Application

Enterprise AID - assessment, improvement, and design - is a methodology for the design and deployment of performance measurement systems (PMSs) able to address specific problems of specific enterprises pursuing any or all of enterprise assessment, improvement, or design. It features two successive phases respectively invoking its design and deployment capabilities, and it represents designers’ inductively generated response to what they perceive as a gap between capabilities needed to support contemporary enterprises and those offered by contemporary PMSs. This paper describes a prototype application of the methodology centered on a university research center and presents generalized lessons learned from that effort, including the importance of consensus on problem statement definition, recognition of the need to realistically limit the number of measures within a PMS, and others.
Forskolin: A Promising New Adjunct to Intracavernous Pharmacotherapy

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the utility of forskolin as a potentially novel intracavernous therapy.Materials and Methods: Forskolin- and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-induced intracorporal pressure changes were evaluated in vivo by cavernosometry performed on 2 male mongrel dogs, while systemic pressure changes were simultaneously monitored. Forskolin- and PGE1-induced intracellular cAMP accumulation was measured in vitro on homogeneous explant cultures of canine corporal smooth muscle cells.Results: Forskolin and PGE1 elicited concentration-dependent increases in cAMP accumulation in cultured canine corporal smooth muscle cells. Forskolin and PGE1 also elicited concentration-dependent increases in both the magnitude and duration of intracorporal pressure, up to a maximum of 80 to 90 percent of mean arterial pressure. Furthermore, the presence of threshold concentrations of forskolin was shown to significantly augment the activity of PGE1 both in vitro (increased cAMP) and in vivo (increased pressure). Moreove...
A system of photometry and colorimetry based on cone excitations

A system of photometry and colorimetry is proposed that is based upon cone action spectra. Instead of X, Y, Z tristimulus values, the new system divides the visual stimulus into L, M, and S components, which are related to the relative excitation levels of the three classes of human cone photoreceptors (long-wavelength-sensitive L, middle-wavelength-sensitive M, and short-wavelength-sensitive S). On the assumption that luminance is proportional to L + M, with S cones making no contribution to it, a chromaticity diagram results in which the relation between chromaticity coordinates and cone excitations is transparent, rather than inadvertently obscured as in the CIE system.
The Introduction of Religious Charter Schools: A Cultural Movement in the Private School Sector

Charter schools are opening, and religious associations are also sponsoring these schools since religious groups find private school tuitions to be high and prohibitive. This study includes studies of Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy, a Minnesota Arabic charter school (Blaine and Inver Grove Heights, MN); Ben Gamla Charter School, a Florida English-Hebrew Charter School (Hollywood, FL); the Hellenic Classical Charter School, a New York City Greek Orthodox parochial school (Brooklyn, NY); and Community of Peace Academy, a Minnesota Hmong cultural charter school (St. Paul, MN). These charter schools are exemplary educational programs around the school's mission, curriculum, language courses, and extracurricular activities that are all culturally relevant to their particular culture and religion while so-far remaining legal under the Zelman decision, legalizing funding for religious school vouchers.
Association between umbilical artery cord pH, five-minute Apgar scores and neonatal outcome

A prospective study was conducted of 270 intrapartum patients admitted in labor to investigate the independent and combined relationships between umbilical arterial cord pH and Apgar scores and neonatal outcome. The results revealed that when assessed independently, a low 5-min Apgar score (less than 7) was associated with both NICU admission and neonatal sepsis. When categorized by both cord pH and 5-min Apgar, the majority of patients (75.9%) had both parameters normal, 20.7% had an abnormal pH (less than 7.20) and normal Apgar (greater than or equal to 7) and few patients had either both normal or an abnormal Apgar given a normal pH. Given a normal 5-min Apgar score, additional information about the cord pH did not enhance the predictability for either NICU admission or neonatal sepsis. Neonates with both an abnormal pH and 5-min Apgar had the highest incidence of NICU admission. For all neonates, the presence of meconium greatly increased the likelihood of being admitted to the NICU.
Abstract P3-14-12: Risk factors for local regional recurrence in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and validation of the MD Anderson prognostic index

Background: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is a primary goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer, especially with recent improvements in tumor response. Patient selection for BCS following NAC may be different than classic local regional recurrence (LRR) risk factors. Here we investigate risk factors for LRR and attempt to validate the MD Anderson Prognostic Index (MDAPI) for LRR in a single institution series. Methods: Data were analyzed for 178 consecutive patients treated at one institution who underwent NAC followed by BCS and whole breast radiotherapy between the years 1999 and 2011. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, multiple clinicopathologic factors were investigated, as well as the subgroups of the MDAPI. Chi-square tests were used to compare the LRR-free survival rates between subgroups. Results: The median follow-up was 70.33 months and the 5-year LRR-free survival was 93.18%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that clinical stage and pathologic stage were both statistically significant for LRR-free survival, while pattern of residual disease was of borderline statistical significance. The MDAPI was not significantly associated with LRR-free survival (MDAPI low 93.80%, Intermediate 88.23%, High 88.89%). Conclusion: Overall the 5-year LRR-free survival was high at 93.18%, which compares favorably to similar neoadjuvant patient cohorts who receive mastectomy instead of BCS. Our analysis indicates clinical stage and pathologic stage are significant in predicting LRR. Of the four predictive factors utilized by the MDAPI, only multifocal residual disease showed weak predictive power (p = 0.055) in our population; however, it correlated with higher LRR-free survival, the opposite of its indication in the MDAPI. The MDAPI was not useful in our patient population; the risk groups did not significantly correlate with LRR-free survival. This may be secondary to low total number of recurrence events and also the small number of patients in the MDAPI-high group (9 patients had an MDAPI score of 3, and none had a score of 4). As further data emerge regarding biology of tumors and recurrence, it may be a combination of molecular profiling and residual cancer burden that is a better predictor for LRR. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-14-12.
Sensitivity of Photosynthesis in a C4 Plant, Maize, to Heat Stress

Our objective was to determine the sensitivity of components of the photosynthetic apparatus of maize (Zea mays), a C4 plant, to high temperature stress. Net photosynthesis (Pn) was inhibited at leaf temperatures above 38°C, and the inhibition was much more severe when the temperature was increased rapidly rather than gradually. Transpiration rate increased progressively with leaf temperature, indicating that inhibition was not associated with stomatal closure. Nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching (qN) increased at leaf temperatures above 30°C, indicating increased thylakoid energization even at temperatures that did not inhibit Pn. Compared with CO2 assimilation, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was relatively insensitive to leaf temperatures up to 45°C. The activation state of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase decreased marginally at leaf temperatures above 40°C, and the activity of pyruvate phosphate dikinase was insensitive to temperature up to 45°C. The activation state of Rubisco decreased at temperatures exceeding 32.5°C, with nearly complete inactivation at 45°C. Levels of 3-phosphoglyceric acid and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate decreased and increased, respectively, as leaf temperature increased, consistent with the decrease in Rubisco activation. When leaf temperature was increased gradually, Rubisco activation acclimated in a similar manner as Pn, and acclimation was associated with the expression of a new activase polypeptide. Rates of Pn calculated solely from the kinetics of Rubisco were remarkably similar to measured rates if the calculation included adjustment for temperature effects on Rubisco activation. We conclude that inactivation of Rubisco was the primary constraint on the rate of Pn of maize leaves as leaf temperature increased above 30°C.
Pulling levers focused deterrence strategies and the prevention of gun homicide

A number of jurisdictions have been experimenting with new problem-oriented policing frameworks to understand and respond to gun violence among gang-involved offenders. These interventions are based on the "pulling levers" deterrence strategy that focuses criminal justice and social service attention on a small number of chronically offending gang members responsible for the bulk of urban gun violence problems. Unfortunately, there is relatively little rigorous evaluation evidence on the effectiveness of these approaches to violence prevention. In Stockton, California, an interagency task force implemented a pulling levers strategy to prevent gun homicide among gang-involved offenders. A U.S. Department of Justice-sponsored impact evaluation suggests that the pulling levers strategy was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the monthly number of gun homicide incidents in Stockton. A comparative analysis of gun homicide trends in Stockton relative to other midsize California cities also supports a unique program effect associated with the pulling levers intervention.
Inhibition of alfalfa root nodule phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase through an antisense strategy impacts nitrogen fixation and plant growth

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31) plays a paramount role in nodule metabolism and several reports have shown that PEPC provides substantial carbon for N2-fixation and N assimilation. To study the short- and long-term implications of reduced nodule CO2 fixation for N2 fixation in alfalfa, PEPC enzyme expression was reduced through an antisense strategy. The full-length root nodule-enhanced PEPC cDNA in antisense orientation driven by the nodule-enhanced AAT-2 promoter was transformed into alfalfa. Out of 105 transformed plants, 14 showed reduced in vitro nodule PEPC activity. Three plants were selected for further evaluation. RNA and protein blots showed reduced PEPC transcript and protein. Nodules of these plants also displayed reducedin vivo CO2 fixation. Total nitrogenase activity as measured by H2 evolution was reduced, although there was no change in apparent nitrogenase. The nodule electron allocation coefficient of antisense plants was reduced. All antisense plants accumulated less dry matter and nitrogen in a 6-week growing period under controlled conditions. The data confirm a strong interdependence of nodule PEPC and nitrogenase activity.
Exploring the fundamental limit of CD control: a model for shot noise in lithography

We have made measurements with our Quadra raster shaped beam lithography system to evaluate the shot-noise-induced critical dimension uniformity (CDU). We found that at the isofocal dose, the shot-noise-induced CDU is directly proportional to the edge blur, and is linear with the rate of CD change with dose. Here we propose a phenomenological model which permits an experimentalist to relate the CDU to controllable lithographic parameters. The model considers both the counting statistics of the incident electrons and the noise from the electron induced chemistry. The model suggested that the shot-noise induced CDU may be minimized by reducing the beam blur, forward scattering, through the optimization of the resist smoothing distance and maximizing the number of acid molecules created in the resist by an incident electron. With the proper parameters, this model matches the experimental observations well. It also predicts the limit of the improvements and suggests guides for future resist development. Shot-noise induced line edge roughness is also discussed.
Changes in taste receptor cell [Ca2+]i modulate chorda tympani responses to salty and sour taste stimuli.

The relationship between taste receptor cell (TRC) Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and rat chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses to salty [NaCl and NaCl+benzamil (Bz)] and sour (HCl, CO2, and acetic aci...
Kikuchi ‐ Fujimoto's Disease in an American of Filipino Descent: A case report and review of the literature

Figure 2. H&E stain demonstrating patchy necrosis with polymorphous aggregates of mononuclear cells Abstract Kikuchi – Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an infrequent benign cause of cervical lymphadenopathy characterized by the pathological finding of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. We report of a young female of Filipino descent born in the US that presented with tender cervical lymphadenopathy subsequently diagnosed with KFD. With KFD predominantly documented in the pathology literature, we discuss the clinical presentation, pathology, radiological findings and differential diagnoses to aid the otolaryngologist in recognizing this rare entity
Mechanical Characterization of a Freestanding Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Membrane

The following study presents two methods established for characterizing the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel membranes. The first one, an instant deformation test with an automated machine allowed the determination of the elastic properties of the material, while the second permitted the determination of the viscoelastic properties with the use of the standard linear solid model while confirming the previously found elastic results. This is not trivial as clearly old fashioned tests such as the ASTM standard tension test where grips are used to hold the sample are not feasible to perform due to the fragile characteristics of this kind material that resemble delicate biological tissues. The results obtained are consistent with previous publications, where different methods where used, but an increase in the material strength was also found as the number of freezing/thawing cycles increased.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Forest floor community metatranscriptomes identify fungal and bacterial responses to N deposition in two maple forests

Anthropogenic N deposition alters patterns of C and N cycling in temperate forests, where forest floor litter decomposition is a key process mediated by a diverse community of bacteria and fungi. To track forest floor decomposer activity we generated metatranscriptomes that simultaneously surveyed the actively expressed bacterial and eukaryote genes in the forest floor, to compare the impact of N deposition on the decomposers in two natural maple forests in Michigan, USA, where replicate field plots had been amended with N for 16 years. Site and N amendment responses were compared using about 75,000 carbohydrate active enzyme transcript sequences (CAZymes) in each metatranscriptome. Parallel ribosomal RNA surveys of bacterial and fungal biomass and taxonomic composition showed no significant differences in either biomass or OTU richness between the two sites or in response to N. Site and N amendment were not significant variables defining bacterial taxonomic composition, but they were significant for fungal community composition, explaining 17 and 14% of the variability, respectively. The relative abundance of expressed bacterial and fungal CAZymes changed significantly with N amendment in one of the forests, and N-response trends were also identified in the second forest. Although the two ambient forests were similar in community biomass, taxonomic structure and active CAZyme profile, the shifts in active CAZyme profiles in response to N-amendment differed between the sites. One site responded with an over-expression of bacterial CAZymes, and the other site responded with an over-expression of both fungal and different bacterial CAZymes. Both sites showed reduced representation of fungal lignocellulose degrading enzymes in N-amendment plots. The metatranscriptome approach provided a holistic assessment of eukaryote and bacterial gene expression and is applicable to other systems where eukaryotes and bacteria interact.
MAINTENANCE AND INDUCTION OF MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION IN DISSOCIATED MAMMARY EPITHELIUM ON FLOATING COLLAGEN MEMBRANES

Dissociated normal mammary epithelial cells from prelactating mice were plated on different substrates in various medium-serum-hormone combinations to find conditions that would permit maintenance of morphological differentiation. Cells cultured on floating collagen membranes in medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone and prolactin maintain differentiation through 1 month in culture. The surface cells form a continuous epithelial pavement. Some epithelial cells below the surface layer rearrange themselves to form alveolus-like structures. Cells at both sites display surface polarization; microvilli and tight junctions are present at their medium-facing or luminal surface and a basal lamina separates the epithelial components from the gel and stromal cells. Occasinal myoepithelial cells, characterized by myofilaments and plasmalemmal vesicles, are identified at the basal surface of the secretory epithelium. In contrast, cells cultured on plastic, glass or collagen gels attached to Petri dishes form a confluent epithelial sheet showing surface polarization, but lose secretory and myoepithelial specializations. If these dedifferentiated cells are subsequently maintained on floating collagen membranes, they redifferentiate. There is little DNA synthesis in cells on collagen gels, in contrast to Petri-dish controls. Protein synthesis in cells on floating collagen membranes increases over T0 values and remains constant through 7 days in culture whereas it decreases on attached gels; however, if the gels are freed to float, protein synthesis increases sharply and parallels that seen on floating membranes.
Antagonism of PAF-induced death in mice

The ability of three platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists, BN52021, L652, 731 and 48740RP, and the leukotriene antagonist FPL55712 to block iv PAF-induced death was tested in mice. PAF-induced sudden death was been previously characterized as a model of systemic anaphylaxis and circulatory shock related its hypotensive actions. Of the drugs, BN52021 and L652, 731 provided dose-dependent protection against PAF toxicity, whereas the others had no effect. 48740RP was, however active against PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation. BN52021 was inactive in three other mouse sudden death models in which arachidonic acid, U46619 or collagen combined with epinephrine is injected iv to provoke a thrombotic/ischemic sudden death. In contrast, the TXA2 antagonist SQ29548 inhibited the acute toxicity of two of these latter challenges (arachidonic acid and thromboxane agonist U46619), but was inactive against PAF lethality. These results suggest that PAF toxicity in mice is a specific model for PAF agonism, and is not mediated by TXA2 or peptido-leukotrienes. Further, PAF-induced mortality should be a simple and useful technique for testing potential PAF antagonists for in vivo activity by various routes of administration.
Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Agonists Aerosolized by Freon Propellant on Tracheal Mucous Velocity and Cardiac Output

The present study was designed to assess the effects of two β-adrenergic agonists, isoproterenol sulfate and carbuterol hydrochloride, and aerosolized Freon propellant (a mixture of Freon Π, Freon 12, and Freon 114) on tracheal mucous velocity and cardiac output in anesthetized dogs. Five groups of ten animals each received the following dosages of aerosols: Freon, 20 puffs; isoproterenol, four puffs; carbuterol, four puffs; isoproterenol, 20 puffs; and carbuterol, 20 puffs. The puff was delivered by a standard metered aerosol; each puff of isoproterenol spray contained 75 µg of isoproterenol sulfate, and each puff of carbuterol spray contained 100 Mg of carbuterol hydrochloride. Tracheal mucous velocity was not changed by receiving Freon, but administration of both isoproterenol and carbuterol caused a significant increase in this measurement, with peak increases ranging from 74 to 111 percent above control values. The duration of action for four and 20 puffs of isoproterenol and for four puffs of carbuterol was two hours. Twenty puffs of carbuterol increased tracheal mucous velocity for three hours. Administration of carbuterol effected a slightly larger increase in cardiac output than isoproterenol. The duration of action for the increased cardiac output was shorter than the duration of action for the increased tracheal mucous velocity. These studies indicate that β-adrenergic agonists may have an important role in improving mucous transport in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in whom mucociliary clearance is depressed.
VIP receptors as molecular targets of breast cancer: implications for targeted imaging and drug delivery.

Abstract Receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP-R) are overexpressed in human breast cancer. This phenomenon may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications because carrier systems loaded with imaging or therapeutic agents, and with surface ligands to VIP-R could potentially be actively targeted to breast cancer. Previously, we have prepared sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) with VIP non-covalently associated on their surface. However, these liposomes were not able to actively target to breast cancer in rats in situ, most probably due to dissociation of non-covalently associated VIP from SSL. Hence, there is a need to conjugate VIP covalently to SSL. This study aims to begin to address this issue and to test the targeting ability of VIP–SSL to n-methyl nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat breast cancer in vitro. First, VIP was conjugated to DSPE–PEG3400–NHS [1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-n-[poly(ethylene glycol)]-N-hydroxy succinamide, PEG Mw 3400] under mild conditions to obtain a predominantly 1:1 conjugate of VIP and DSPE–PEG3400 (DSPE–PEG3400–VIP), as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Next, DSPE–PEG3400–VIP was inserted into preformed fluorescent cholesterol (BODIPY-Chol) labeled SSL by incubation at 37°C. To test breast cancer targeting ability in vitro, these VIP–SSL were subsequently incubated with MNU-induced rat breast cancer tissue sections. The results showed that when compared to fluorescent SSL without VIP or non-covalently attached VIP, significantly more VIP–SSL were attached to rat breast cancer tissues indicating that SSL with covalently attached VIP can be actively targeted to rat breast cancer tissues. This targeted carrier system is currently being explored for functional imaging and targeted chemotherapy of breast cancer.
Immunohistologic diagnosis of systemic mycoses: An update

Fluorescent antibody, immunoperoxidase and gold-silver staining methods for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of systemic mycotic infections are currently performed in a few specialized laboratories. These methods have proved applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, and are reliable for identifying therein antigens of infectious dimorphic, monomorphic filamentous, and yeast-like fungal pathogens, i.e., Aspergillus spp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida spp., Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fusarium spp., Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Sporothrix schenckii. Most of the available reagents are derived from multiple adsorbed polyclonal antisera. However, problems occur in the production of uniform and standardized species- or genus- specific antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies, although promising, have to date not eliminated these problems. Immunohistologic methods will become more routinely used in clinical laboratories as these problems are resolved and more sensitive and specific reagents become commercially available.
Exposure therapy for OCD from an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework

Abstract This article addresses the use of exposure therapy for OCD as informed by an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework. The model on which ACT is based is covered, including its philosophy, basic research, targeted process of change, individual treatment components, and general manual. Specific suggestions for how to prepare, select, set up, and conclude exposure exercises from an ACT perspective are included and illustrated using the case of Monica as an example. Empirical support for this approach is briefly covered.
Terrorism and cardiovascular responses to acute stress in children

A number of studies have considered whether background stress affects cardiovascular responses to acute stress tasks. The present study considers the effect of a potent background stressor with a clear onset, namely the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Specifically, the authors investigated differences among 9.5-year-old children tested before (N = 30) and then following (N = 20) the 9/11 attacks. In addition, a majority of these children (N = 37) were retested approximately 1 year later (i.e., before and after 9/11/2002). Children tested directly following 9/11/2001 exhibited significantly greater stroke volume and cardiac output responses to acute stress tasks compared with their responses 1 year later, and this change in reactivity differed significantly from the change in reactivity exhibited by children tested before 9/11/2001 and again 1 year later. These results suggest that a potent background stressor can temporarily heighten some children's cardiovascular responses to subsequent acute stressors.
Thermoelectric devices with rotated and coaxial leg configurations: Numerical analysis of performance

Abstract More efficient and durable thermoelectric devices are in high demand because of their ability to convert wasted energy into useful electrical energy. Structural integrity must be considered while developing thermoelectric devices because of its impact on power-generation and operation life-time. In this study, the effects of various leg configurations on thermo-mechanical integrity and power-generation performance of thermoelectric devices are investigated. Cylindrical four-leg devices with original-, rotated-, and coaxial-leg configurations are modeled for this purpose. Using these models, finite-element analyses are carried out under thermally steady-state and mechanically unconstrained conditions. The temperature level, the temperature distribution, the developed thermal stresses in the legs, the power output magnitudes, and the conversion efficiencies of the devices are examined individually for a defined temperature gradient. The results indicate that by using a coaxial-leg configuration, maximum thermal stresses in the legs can be reduced 10% while conversion efficiencies can be increased 7%. Models with coaxial-leg configurations also presented slightly different temperature distributions than the other configurations. The effect of rotated-leg configurations on thermal stresses and conversion efficiencies were less than 1.2% and 0.3%, respectively. This study aims to have an impact on considerations of leg configurations for the future of thermoelectric device development.
FINITELY BASED MODULAR CONGRUENCE VARIETIES ARE DISTRIBUTIVE

R. Dedekind introduced the modular law, a lattice equation true in most of the lattices associated with classical algebraic systems, see [4]. Although this law is one of the most important tools for working with these lattices, it does not fully describe the equational properties of these lattices. This was made clear in [8] where B. Jonsson and the author showed that if any modular congruence variety actually satisfies the (stronger) Arguesian law. (A congruence variety is the variety generated by all the congruence lattices of the members of a variety of algebras.) In this note we show that no finite set of lattice equations is strong enough to describe the equational properties of the lattices associated with classical algebraic systems in the following strong sense: there is no modular, nondistributive congruence variety which has a finite basis for its equational theory. This question was posed by George McNulty in the problem session on lattice theory at the Jonsson symposium. Jonsson had asked a similar question in [17]. He asked, in Problem 9.12, whether there is a nontrivial variety whose congruence variety is neither the variety of all lattices nor the variety of all distributive lattices, but which is finitely based. Some partial results on this problem had been obtained previously. Let Vn denote the class of lattices embeddable into the lattice of subgroups of an abelian group of exponent n and let V0 be those lattices embeddable into the lattice of subspaces of a rational vector space. Thus HVn is the congruence variety associated with the variety of abelian groups of exponent n. In [7] it was shown that if L is a class of lattices contained in a modular congruence variety and containing Vn for some n not a prime, then L cannot be defined by finitely many first order axioms. It was also shown that every modular, nondistributive congruence variety contains HVn for some n. Mark Haiman, in his proof that there are Arguesian lattices which are not representable as lattices of permuting equivalence relations (solving an old problem of Jonsson), shows that HVp is not finitely based for any prime p, [11] and [12].
Experimental study of static and dynamic rigidities of flexible particulate bed fixtures under external vertical and torque loads

Abstract Rigidity of particulate bed fixtures under vertical (extraction and downward) loads, both static and dynamic, was investigated experimentally using a slender rod to represent a workpiece. Rigidity under external static and dynamic torque loads was also studied experimentally. Results of rigidity are represented as a function of submergence depth, compaction pressure, and workpiece cross section. Dynamic loads were of two types—step and impact. Loads applied to the workpiece represented typical loads encountered in manufacturing operations, such as in machining, milling, drilling, routing, inspection, welding, and painting. Results show that compaction pressure and rod depth have signifacant effects on bed fixture performance. Fixture rigidity exhibits different trends with load types. Fixture rigidity is reliable and repeatable under static vertical loading; it is also somewhat linear. Under torque loads, rigidity is highly nonlinear. Fixture rigidity is highly nonlinear in the case of dynamic loads as well. Under the loading conditions outlined above, displacement of the workpiece can be maintained within acceptable tolerances even for close tolerance machining operations and tight indexing applications such as surface inspection. Results of rigidity are conservative because the type of workpiece used in the study represents the worst possible geometry for fixturing.
Short Presentations for Three-Dimensional Unitary Groups☆

Abstract We give a presentation of length O (log2|G|) for the groups G ≅ PSU3(q). This result has applications in recent algorithms to compute the structure of permutation groups and matrix groups.
Children's understanding of emotional facial expressions and verbal labels

Preschool, kindergarten, first and second-grade children were told twelve stories describing emotion-inducing events. After each story the subjects were presented either with three emotion labels (e.g., “happy,” “sad,” “surprised”) or with facial expressions of three emotions. Subjects were asked to choose the label or expression appropriate for the story's main character. Data analysis showed that children's accuracy increased with age. Performance was high on both response measures but recognition of labels exceeded that of facial expressions. Some of the six emotions studied (e.g., happiness and sadness) were recognized more easily than others (surprise, fear, and anger), with disgust being correctly identified least often.