cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates that grow optimally with glucose as the sole carbon source

A population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured for approximately 450 generations in the presence of high glucose to select for genetic variants that grew optimally under these conditions. Using the parental strain BY4741 as the starting population, an evolved culture was obtained after aerobic growth in a high glucose medium for approximately 450 generations. After the evolution period, three single colony isolates were selected for analysis. Next-generation Ion Torrent sequencing was used to evaluate genetic changes. Greater than 100 deletion/insertion changes were found with approximately half of these effecting genes. Additionally, over 180 SNPs were identified with more than one-quarter of these resulting in a nonsynonymous mutation. Affymetrix DNA microarrays and RNseq analysis were used to determine differences in gene expression in the evolved strains compared to the parental strain. It was established that approximately 900 genes demonstrated significantly altered expression in the evolved strains relative to the parental strain. Many of these genes showed similar alterations in their expression in all three evolved strains. Interestingly, genes with altered expression in the three evolved strains included genes with a role in oxidative metabolism. Overall these results are consistent with the physiological observations of optimal growth with glucose as the carbon source. Namely, the decreased ethanol production suggest that the underlying metabolism switched from fermentation to respiration during the selection for optimal growth on glucose.
The DNA Binding Protein Rfg1 Is a Repressor of Filamentation in Candida albicans

We have identified a repressor of hyphal growth in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The gene was originally cloned in an attempt to characterize the homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rox1, a repressor of hypoxic genes. Rox1 is an HMG-domain, DNA binding protein with a repression domain that recruits the Tup1/Ssn6 general repression complex to achieve repression. The C. albicans clone also encoded an HMG protein that was capable of repression of a hypoxic gene in a S. cerevisiae rox1 deletion strain. Gel retardation experiments using the purified HMG domain of this protein demonstrated that it was capable of binding specifically to a S. cerevisiae hypoxic operator DNA sequence. These data seemed to indicate that this gene encoded a hypoxic repressor. However, surprisingly, when a homozygous deletion was generated in C. albicans, the cells became constitutive for hyphal growth. This phenotype was rescued by the reintroduction of the wild-type gene on a plasmid, proving that the hyphal growth phenotype was due to the deletion and not a secondary mutation. Furthermore, oxygen repression of the hypoxic HEM13 gene was not affected by the deletion nor was this putative ROX1 gene regulated positively by oxygen as is the case for the S. cerevisiae gene. All these data indicate that this gene, now designated RFG1 for Repressor of Filamentous Growth, is a repressor of genes required for hyphal growth and not a hypoxic repressor.
Spectrochemical Analysis of Liquids Using the Laser Spark

A laser-generated spark was used to analyze liquids spectroscopically for elemental constituents. The spark was produced directly in liquids by a focused laser pulse of 15 ns duration and an energy of about 45 mJ/pulse. The size, temperature, and electron density of the spark are reported. Emissions from once-ionized and neutral atoms and simple molecules were observed. Limits of detection for Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, B, and Al in aqueous solutions were established with the use of a 10 Hz repetitive single spark (RSS). Most of these elements were only detectable at levels above 1 μg/mL, although the detection limit for Li was 0.006 μg/mL. The relative standard deviation for replicate sample analysis was 4-8%. The detectability of some species was enhanced with the use of a 10 Hz repetitive spark pair (RSP): a pair of sparks separated in time by about 18 μs. The detection limits for B/H2O with the RSP and the RSS were 80 and 1200 μg/mL, respectively. Species were also detected in organic solvents and in flowing samples. The laser spark method of liquid analysis would be useful in situations requiring noninvasive monitoring of species at high or moderate concentrations.
Bio-based approaches to inorganic material synthesis

Nature is an exquisite designer of inorganic materials using biomolecules as templates. Diatoms create intricate silica wall structures with fine features using the protein family of silaffins as templates. Marine sponges create silica spicules also using proteins, termed silicateins. In recent years, our group and others have used biomolecules as templates for the deposition of inorganic materials. In contrast with the traditional materials science approach, which requires high heat, extreme pH and non-aqueous solutions, the bio-based approaches allow the reactions to proceed usually at near ambient conditions. Additionally, the biological templates allow for the control of the inorganic nanoparticle morphology. The use of peptides and biomolecules for templating and assembling inorganics will be discussed here.
Controlling sequential machines with disturbances

The problem of controlling a sequential machine under the influence of disturbances is considered. A methodology is developed for the design of controllers which guarantee that the effect of a "small" disturbance on the performance of the controlled machine remains "small". The methodology is based on a theory of fraction representations of sequential machines, reminiscent of the general theory of fraction representations of nonlinear systems. This paper is an extended summary of Hammer (1996).
Psalms, Philippians 2:6-11, and the Origins of Christology

Students of early Christianity recognized long ago that the canonical psalms of the Jewish Bible provided a framework of meaning in which the followers of Jesus could make sense of his crucifixion. This novel hermeneutic is evident in the allusions to the Psalms in the passion narrative of the Gospel according to Mark. It appears also in the Markan Jesus's explanation of the need for the Son of Man to suffer. Most students of the New Testament today understand Philippians 2:6-11 as a pre-Pauline hymn that was composed for early Christian worship. More recent studies suggest that it is exalted prose rather than poetry. The hypothesis of this article is that Paul composed it, either for worship or for the purposes of the argument of his letter to the Philippians. In doing so, he adapted a common social practice of the local culture. The "theologos" was an official in the organized worship of an ancient deity whose duty it was to compose brief speeches, sometimes in prose, sometimes in poetry, in honor of the deity. The organized worship of the emperor included such officials. Paul acted as a "theologos" in writing a brief speech in exalted prose honoring Jesus Christ, whom he had taught the Philippians to honor instead of the emperor.
Strange mesons and kaon-to-pion transition form factors from holography

We present a calculation of the K{sub l3} transition form factors using the AdS/QCD correspondence. We also solidify and extend our ability to calculate quantities in the flavor-broken versions of AdS/QCD. The normalization of the form factors is a crucial ingredient for extracting |V{sub us}| from data, and the results obtained here agree well with results from chiral perturbation theory and lattice gauge theory. The slopes and curvature of the form factors agree well with the data, and with what results are available from other methods of calculation.
Understanding environmental and fishing–related concerns of Red River anglers in Louisiana

The purposes of this study are to understand environmental and fishing–related concerns and to identify homogenous groups of Red River anglers using data collected from the 2004 Louisiana Fishing Survey. Eight statements describing environmental and fishing–related concerns were condensed into two attitudinal dimensions: Surroundings and Catch. The K–means cluster analysis was performed with a three–cluster solution: Harvest concerns, Atmosphere concerns, and General concerns groups. Results of this study can be used to frame scenarios for recreational fisheries management purposes in Louisiana Red River area.
Local cross-correlation model of stereo correspondence

As the disparity gradient of a stimulus increases, human observers’ ability to solve the correspondence problem and thereby estimate the disparities becomes poorer. It finally fails altogether when a critical gradient - the disparity-gradient limit (Burt & Julesz, 1980)- is reached. We investigated the cause of the disparity-gradient limit. As part of this work, we developed a local cross-correlator similar to ones proposed in the computer vision literature and similar to the disparity-energy model of neurons in area V1. Like humans, the cross-correlator exhibits poorer performance as the disparity gradient increases. We also conducted a psychophysical experiment in which observers were presented sawtooth waveforms defined by disparity. They made spatial phase discriminations. We presented different corrugation spatial frequencies and amplitudes, and measured observers’ ability to discriminate the two phases. Coherence thresholds (the proportion of signal dots at threshold relative to the total number of dots in the stimulus) were well predicted by the disparity gradient and not by either the spatial frequency or amplitude of the corrugation waveform. Thus, human observers and a local cross-correlator exhibit similar behavior, which suggests that humans use such an algorithm to estimate disparity. As a consequence, disparity estimation is done with local estimates of constant disparity (piecewise frontal), which places a constraint on the highest possible stereo resolution.
Electronic structure of Q-A in reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. I. Electron paramagnetic resonance in single crystals

The magnitude and orientation of the electronic g-tensor of the primary electron acceptor quinone radical anion, Q-A, has been determined in single crystals of zinc-substituted reaction centers of Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26 at 275 K and at 80 K. To obtain high spectral resolution, EPR experiments were performed at 35 GHz and the native ubiquinone-10 (UQ10) in the reaction center was replaced by fully deuterated UQ10. The principal values and the direction cosines of the g-tensor axes with respect to the crystal axes a, b, c were determined. Freezing of the single crystals resulted in only minor changes in magnitude and orientation of the g-tensor. The orientation of Q-A as determined by the g-tensor axes deviates only by a few degrees (< or = 8 degrees) from the orientation of the neutral QA obtained from an average of four different x-ray structures of Rb. sphaeroides reaction centers. This deviation lies within the accuracy of the x-ray structure determinations. The g-tensor values measured in single crystals agree well with those in frozen solutions. Variations in g-values between Q-A, Q-B, and UQ10 radical ion in frozen solutions were observed and attributed to different environments.
Enamel Thickness and Dietary Adaptation among Extant Primates and Chiropterans

Among fossil primates, thick enamel has been interpreted as an adaptation to hard-object feeding. However, correlations between thickness of enamel and diet have not been investigated rigorously among extant taxa. Thickness of enamel was compared within and between congeneric pairs that feed on hard and soft objects from two primate and three chiropteran families. Within each pair, the hard-object feeder exhibits relatively thicker enamel than its congener that feeds on softer items. However, there is overlap in both types of feeders, and the hypothesis that a specific value of enamel thickness be used to separate hard- and soft-object feeders is rejected. Dietary inferences based on thickness of enamel should be made only within an appropriate taxonomic context.
Migration and control of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) along highway corridors

The east-west density gradient and the pattern and mode of migration of the wetland exotic, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.), were assessed in a survey of populations along the New York State Thruway from Albany to Buffalo to determine if the highway corridor contributed to the spread of this species. During the peak flowering season of late July to early August, individual colonies of purple loosestrife were identified and categorized into three size classes in parallel belt transects consisting of the median strip and highway rights-of-way on the north and south sides of the road. Data were also collected on the presence of colonies adjacent to the corridor and on highway drainage patterns. Although a distinct east-west density gradient existed in the corridor, it corresponded to the gradient on adjacent lands and was greatly influenced by a major infestation at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The disturbed highway corridor served as a migration route for purple loosestrife, but topographic features dictated that this migration was a short-distance rather than long-distance process. Ditch and culvert drainage patterns increased the ability of purple loosestrife to migrate to new wetland sites. Management strategies proposed to reduce the spread of this wetland threat include minimizing disturbance, pulling by hand, spraying with glyphosate, disking, and mowing.
Richt Equation Arithmetic Used on Mixed Filter of Monitored Slope Deformation Data

Assuming the noise from the composition of the white noise and non - white energy limited noise. H filter considers the worst condition of limited energy noise, but the influence of white noise was ignored. At the noise signal and the system norm based on the analysis, using the hybrid filter optimization index J as the optimization goal, and its physical meaning is given. Considering the merit and defect of the H2 and H filter scheme, the filter by Riccati equation solution was established. A simulation example was shown at last. Key words: Mixed filter; Slope deformation monitoring ; Filtering estimation error; Riccati equation
Social Work Research on Minorities: Toward a Comparative Approach

Abstract This paper proposes a comparative approach to social work research on minorities, building on recent advances in theory, research methods, and substantive knowledge. Examples are drawn from past and current studies on families. The author concludes that the pillars of a comparative approach to social work research on minorities are a sound theoretical conceptualization and an adherence to the canons of scientific methods in empirical observations. Weaknesses in previous research are critically analyzed, and the most urgent tasks for the development of a comparative approach are identified.
The structure of a CREB bZIP.somatostatin CRE complex reveals the basis for selective dimerization and divalent cation-enhanced DNA binding.

The cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is central to second messenger regulated transcription. To elucidate the structural mechanisms of DNA binding and selective dimerization of CREB, we determined to 3.0 A resolution, the structure of the CREB bZIP (residues 283-341) bound to a 21-base pair deoxynucleotide that encompasses the canonical 8-base pair somatostatin cAMP response element (SSCRE). The CREB dimer is stabilized in part by ionic interactions from Arg(314) to Glu(319') and Glu(328) to Lys(333') as well as a hydrogen bond network that links the carboxamide side chains of Gln(322')-Asn(321)-Asn(321')-Gln(322). Critical to family selective dimerization are intersubunit hydrogen bonds between basic region residue Tyr(307) and leucine zipper residue Glu(312), which are conserved in all CREB/CREM/ATF-1 family members. Strikingly, the structure reveals a hexahydrated Mg(2+) ion bound in the cavity between the basic region and SSCRE that makes a water-mediated DNA contact. DNA binding studies demonstrate that Mg(2+) ions enhance CREB bZIP:SSCRE binding by more than 25-fold and suggest a possible physiological role for this ion in somatostatin cAMP response element and potentially other CRE-mediated gene expression.
Corneal Astigmatism after Penetrating Keratoplasty: The Role of Suture Technique

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to contrast two techniques of suturing in penetrating keratoplasty (PK) surgery: double running 10-0 and 11-0 sutures (DR), and a combination of 12 interrupted 10-0 sutures with a single running 11-0 suture (IR), followed by selective suture removal. The primary outcome evaluated in the 60 patients within each group was keratometric astigmatism. A decreasing trend in astigmatism over postoperative year 1 was observed only in the IR group (from 4.00 diopters [D] at 3 months to 2.50 D at 12 months). The difference in median astigmatism at 1 year (IR, 2.50 D; DR, 4.00 D) approached statistical significance (P = 0.06, Mann-Whitney U test). Both groups showed comparable steepening of almost 1 D during postoperative year 1. Assessment of the rate of visual rehabilitation was limited by a greater proportion of IR patients showing cystoid macular edema (CME) after surgery. These results, while favorable toward the IR/selective suture removal technique, must be substantiated by a final assessment after all sutures have been removed.
Using the cognitive walkthrough in iterative design

The primary goal of the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) is to make a formal user interface evaluation method accessible to individuals who are directly involved in the design process of a new system, but do not necessarily have expertise in UI issues. As such the CW needs to be easy to understand and apply. It was originally developed to evaluate the usability of 'walk-up-and-use' interfaces, such as ATM's (Lewis, Polson, Wharton, and Rieman, 1990, and Polson, Lewis, Rieman, and Wharton, in press). The CW was used to evaluate the user interface of an existing support system for sales representatives (REPS), which is a fairly complex system that provides access to various databases and a limited editing capability. Its interface consists of a multitude of different screens, each only used for a few basic functions. Therefore this evaluation of REPS with the help of the Cognitive Walkthrough was seen as a reasonable test of the breadth of the Cognitive Walkthrough's applicability. The poster describes the effectiveness of the method and the effort needed to use it.
The natural history of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Accurate prenatal diagnosis of complex anatomic connections and associated anomalies has only been possible recently with the use of ultrasonography, echocardiography, and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To assess the impact of improved antenatal diagnosis in the management and outcome of conjoined twins, the authors reviewed their experience with 14 cases. Methods: A retrospective review of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins referred to our institution from 1996 to present was conducted. Results: In 14 sets of conjoined twins, there were 10 thoracoomphalopagus, 2 dicephalus tribrachius dipus, 1 ischiopagus, and 1 ischioomphalopagus. The earliest age at diagnosis was 9 weeks' gestation (range, 9 to 29; mean, 20). Prenatal imaging with ultrasonography, echocardiography, and ultrafast fetal MRI accurately defined the shared anatomy in all cases. Associated anomalies included cardiac malformations (11 of 14), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (4 of 14), abdominal wall defects (2 of 14), and imperforate anus (2 of 14). Three sets of twins underwent therapeutic abortion, 1 set of twins died in utero, and 10 were delivered via cesarean section at a mean gestational age of 34 weeks. There were 5 individual survivors in the series after separation (18%). In one case, in which a twin with a normal heart perfused the cotwin with a rudimentary heart, the ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure (EXIT) was utilized because of concern that the normal twin would suffer immediate cardiac decompensation at birth. This EXIT-to-separation strategy allowed prompt control of the airway and circulation before clamping the umbilical cord and optimized control over a potentially emergent situation, leading to survival of the normal cotwin. In 2 sets of twins in which each twin had a normal heart, tissue expanders were inserted before separation. Conclusions: Advances in prenatal diagnosis allow detailed, accurate evaluations of conjoined twins. Careful prenatal studies may uncover cases in which emergent separation at birth is lifesaving.
Development and Evaluation of Diabetes Continuing Education Courses for Health Professionals: A Synthesis of Eight Years of Experience:

Fifteen continuing education courses in diabetes care attended by 943 health professionals were evaluated and synthesized using meta-analytic techniques. Objective and subjective evalu ation results were used to monitor and improve the quality of the programs. Participants' knowl edge of diabetes care issues improved an average of 36 percentile points (P<.001), providing objective evidence of the positive impact of the courses. Favorable ratings by participants of the usefulness of the course content in meeting their own learning needs provided subjec tive evidence of the value of the courses. A follow-up survey of participants six months later indicated that more than 80 % were successful in changing the educational and psychosocial aspects of their health care practices as a result of course attendance. Many reported increased understanding of the psychosocial aspects of diabetes and compliance problems, greater confidence in their dietary recom mendations and patient education skills, and increased personal satisfaction from their diabetes patient care.
Pupal period and adult size in Drosophila melanogaster: a cautionary tale of contrasting correlations between two sexually dimorphic traits.

Sexual dimorphism (SD) is widespread, reflecting a resolution of genetic conflicts arising from sex-specific differences in selection. However, genetic correlations among traits may constrain the evolution of SD. Drosophila melanogaster exhibits SD for pupal period (males longer) and adult weight (females heavier). This negative inter-sex covariance between the traits contrasts with a significant intra-sex positive genetic correlation (rg = 0.95) estimated using lines selected for fast larval development. Path analysis indicated that within sexes the selection regime indirectly reduced adult weight which in turn reduced pupal period. A hypothesis is proposed for the evolution of SD whereby the trait ‘pupal period’ is divided into ‘intrinsic’ (correlated with body size) and ‘ecological’ (uncorrelated with body size) components, and (the larger) females eclose earlier than males size via a shortening of the ecological component, thus achieving the advantage of provisioning eggs prior to sexual maturity. This hypothesis avoids invoking successful ‘incompatible antagonistic selection’.
A simplified method for isocratic HPLC analysis of polyamines

A simple technique is described for the separation and analysis of polyamines in tissues and body fluids, utilizing precolumn clean-up on disposable CM-cellulose columns, followed by an automatable HPLC procedure. Complete separation and analysis takes 12-15 min per sample with sensitivity in the pmole range.
Biosynthetic Pathway of Diepoxy Bicyclic FA from Linoleic Acid by Clavibacter sp. ALA2

The biosynthetic pathway of two bicyclic FA, 12∶17, 13∶17-diepoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (DEOA) and 7-hydroxy-12∶17, 13∶17-diepoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (hDEOA), by Clavibacter sp. ALA2 was investigated. When cultivated with linoleic acid as a substrate, the strain produced 12,13,17-trihydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (THOA), DEOA, and hDEOA as well as other FA. To clarify the synthetic route to these bicyclic FA, the strain was cultivated with purified THOA as a starting substrate. THOA was consumed almost completely by the strain with sequential generation of DEOA and hDEOA. Moreover, the strain produced hDEOA when cultivated with purified DEOA. Therefore, it was confirmed that THOA was a precursor of these bicyclic FA and that hDEOA was generated from DEOA. Based on our previously reported result that linoleic acid is first converted to 12,13-dihydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (DHOA) and the present results, the overall biosynthetic pathway for the diepoxy bicyclic FA from linoleic acid was postulated as: linoleic acid→DHOA→THOA→DEOA→hDEOA.
Evaporative water loss of small vertebrates, as measured with an infrared analyzer.

Evaporation is linearly and inversely related to absolute humidity at 26° to 27°C. The relative rate of loss in desert reptiles, rodents, and anurans is about 1:10:40. The maximum rate of water loss is about 2.5 and 5 times the basal rate, respectively, in pocket mice and sand lizards. The ratio of loss from lung to loss from skin is about 84:16 in kangaroo rats and 70:30 in rattlesnakes.
Allocating data to multicomputer nodes by physical optimization algorithms for loosely synchronous computations

Three optimization methods derived from natural sciences are considered for allocating data to multicomputer nodes. These are simulated annealing, genetic algorithms and neural networks. A number of design choices and the addition of preprocessing and postprocessing steps lead to versions of the algorithms which differ in solution qualities and execution times. In this paper the performances of these versions are critically evaluated and compared for test cases with different features. The performance criteria are solution quality, execution time, robustness, bias and parallelizability. Experimental results show that the physical algorithms produce better solutions than those of recursive bisection methods and that they have diverse properties. Hence, different algorithms would be suitable for different applications. For example, the annealing and genetic algorithms produce better solutions and do not show a bias towards particular problem structures, but they are slower than the neural network algorithms. Preprocessing graph contraction is one of the additional steps suggested for the physical methods. It produces a significant reduction in execution time, which is necessary for their applicability to large problems.
The use of receiver operating characteristics analysis in determining erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels in diagnosing periprosthetic infection prior to revision total hip arthroplasty

Summary Background Periprosthetic infection (PPI) is a difficult complication in total joint arthroplasty, and while erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are acute phase reactants thought to be of high predictive value for diagnosing infection, no clear cut-off values have been defined. The current study aimed to determine the cut-off values for ESR and CRP that improve clinical differentiation between aseptic failure and PPI in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Four hundred and seventy-nine patients who underwent revision THA for either aseptic mechanical failure or PPI during the period of 2000 to 2005 were included in the study. Specific exclusion criteria were applied to eliminate inflammatory or other confounding conditions. All patients underwent preoperative testing of ESR and CRP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine maximum sensitivity and specificity. Results Patients with PPI had significantly higher ESR and CRP values compared to patients undergoing revision for aseptic etiologies. An ESR threshold of 30mm/h gave a sensitivity of 94.3% and a CRP threshold of 10mg/l gave a sensitivity of 91.1%. Combining both ESR and CRP cut-offs for a positive diagnosis increased the sensitivity to 97.6%. However, when calculated by ROC analysis, the predictive cut-offs equated to 31mm/h for ESR and 20.5mg/l for CRP. Conclusions The gold standard for diagnosing PPI remains bacterial culture, but sensitivity is negatively affected by prior antibiotic exposure, strongly adherent bacteria, slow growing persisters, and biofilms. ESR and CRP are reflective of systemic changes in infection and pose an attractive, less invasive alternative with reasonable sensitivity and specificity. The current study is the first to identify ideal cut-off values for ESR and CRP in THA patients, providing an optimum balance between sensitivity and specificity based on ROC curves.
Differences in the Perceptions of Moral Intensity in the Moral Decision Process: An Empirical Examination of Accounting Students

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the impact of moral issues on the moral decision-making process within the field of accounting. In particular, the study examined differences in the perceptions of the underlying characteristics of moral issues on the specific steps of the moral decision-making process of four different accounting situations.
Processor-efficient implementation of a maximum flow algorithm

Abstract We describe two parallel implementations of the Maximum Distance Discharge algorithm for the maximum flow problems. Both implementations achieve near-optimal speedup for up to a linear number of processors. One of the implementations uses a new dynamic array data structure.
IgE and IgE autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders and their relatives.

SummaryWe have investigated the possibility that immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. For this purpose, the radioallergosorbent technique was used to search for IgE autoantibodies to various thyroidal antigens and to aggregated IgG in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and their immediate relatives. Thyroidal antigens used were thyroglobulin, thyroid extract and thyroid homogenate. No definite evidence, however, was found for the presence of circulating IgE autoantibodies to these antigens.Plasma IgE concentration in the same subjects was measured with a cellulose disc radioimmunoassay method. The IgE levels of a group of Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients were found to be significantly lower than those of a control group.These studies provide little support for hypotheses of IgE participation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The immunopathologic significance, if any, of the lowering of total IgE levels in ...
What Influences Learning? A Content Analysis of Review Literature

AbstractThis paper reported a comprehensive “meta-review” and synthesis of research on variables related to learning, including both cognitive and affective schooling outcomes. A conceptual framework was developed encompassing 228 items related to school learning, organized a priori into 30 scales within six categories. Search and selection procedures yielded 179 selected handbook and annual review chapters, commissioned papers, and other authoritative reviews. Content analysis yielded over 3,700 ratings of the strength of influence of the variables on learning. The variables confirmed the primacy of student, classroom, home, and community influences on learning relative to more distal policy variables such as state and district characteristics. Additionally, the variables also highlighted the importance of metacognition, classroom management, quantity of instruction, classroom interactions and climate, and the peer group.
Engagement of the T‐cell antigen receptor by anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody causes a rapid increase in lymphocyte F‐actin

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) causes a rapid and sustained increase in the F-actin of T lymphocytes. Because the phosphatidylinositol pathway and the cytoskeleton play a role in lymphocyte activation, we examined the relationship between signal transduction and the F-actin increase in human blood T cells. Anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) initiate signals which result in activation of T lymphocytes through the T-cell receptor (TCR), involving the phosphatidylinositol pathway, activation of PKC, and increasing intracellular calcium (Cai2+). The fluorescent probe NBD-phallacidin was used to examine the conformational state of actin following stimulation of T lymphocytes with anti-CD3 mAb. Each of three different murine anti-CD3 mAbs caused rapid increases in lymphocytic F-actin content, which was enhanced by cross-linking with a goat anti-mouse IgG. A maximally effective dose of the mAb Leu 4 caused a rise in cellular F-actin of 1.8-fold at 2 minutes and a three-fold increase in Cai2+. Ionomycin, 100 nM, caused a Cai2+ rise similar in magnitude to that caused by anti-CD3 mAb but had no effect on F-actin content. Inhibitors of PKC, 1(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7), sphingosine, and sphinganine lowered the resting cellular F-actin and partially blocked the increase in F-actin caused by either anti-CD3 mAb or ionomycin; however, they had no effect on the rise in Cai2+. Cells leached of Ca2+ with EGTA and ionomycin exhibited no Cai2+ increase in response to anti-CD3 mAb or ionomycin; such cells retained the F-actin increase caused by anti-CD3 mAb. We conclude that stimulation of human T lymphocytes via the TCR causes an early rapid increase in F-actin content. Activation of PKC may play a role but the concomitant Cai2+ increase is neither sufficient nor necessary for the F-actin increase.
Continuous optimization by a variant of simulated annealing

A variant of the simulated annealing algorithm, based on the generalized method of Bohachevsky et al., is proposed for continuous optimization problems. The algorithm automatically adjusts the step sizes to reflect the local slopes and function values, and it controls the random directions to point favorably toward potential improvements. Computational results on some well known functions show substantial improvements both in solution quality and efficiency.
Hepatic peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation is regulated by liver X receptor α

Peroxisomes are the exclusive site for the beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids of more than 20 carbons in length (VLCFAs). Although the bulk of dietary long-chain fatty acids are oxidized in the mitochondria, VLCFAs cannot be catabolized in mitochondria and must be shortened first by peroxisomal beta-oxidation. The regulation of peroxisomal, mitochondrial, and microsomal fatty acid oxidation systems in liver is mediated principally by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). In this study we provide evidence that the liver X receptor (LXR) regulates the expression of the genetic program for peroxisomal beta-oxidation in liver. The genes encoding the three enzymes of the classic peroxisomal beta-oxidation cycle, acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) oxidase, enoyl-CoA hydratase/L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, are activated by the LXR ligand, T0901317. Accordingly, administration of T0901317 in mice promoted a dose-dependent and greater than 2-fold increase in the rate of peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver. The LXR effect is independent of PPARalpha, because T0901317-induced peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver of PPARalpha-null mice. Interestingly, T0901317-induced peroxisomal beta-oxidation is dependent on the LXRalpha isoform, but not the LXRbeta isoform. We propose that induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation by LXR agonists may serve as a counterregulatory mechanism for responding to the hypertriglyceridemia and liver steatosis that is promoted by potent LXR agonists in vivo; however, additional studies are warranted.
In Situ Location of the Temporal Branch of the Facial Nerve

Purpose The purpose of this radiologic study was to determine the precise location of the temporal branch of the facial nerve in relation to the most anterior aspect of the bony external acoustic canal without distortion of the position of the nerve by surgical manipulation or cadaveric fixation artifact. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of 30 patients with a mean age of 38 years (range, 22 to 67 years) with no history of previous surgery or trauma. Thirty axial high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging examinations at the level of the zygomatic arch were examined to determine the location of the temporal branch. The nerve was identified by following its course from the stylomastoid foramen to an area lateral to the frontozygomatic suture. Three individuals made 3 measurements of each image with digimatic calipers. The high and low values were discarded, and the remaining 3 values were analyzed. These examiners were trained in locating the nerve and bony landmarks and were tested for accuracy in measurement. No inter- or intraoperative variability was noted. Results The mean distance of the most posterior ramus of the temporal branch of the facial nerve to the most anterior aspect of the external acoustic canal was 2.12 cm ± 0.21 cm (range, 1.68 to 2.49 cm). The course of the temporal branch was easily identified, and the examiners were consistent in their measurements. In all cases examined, there was no evidence of facial trauma or other facial surgery in the patient histories. All nerves were found superficial to the zygomatic arch, just deep to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or the temporozygomatic fascia, which is the connective tissue layer just deep to the subcutaneous fat. Conclusion The temporal branch of the facial nerve is at risk for injury during a variety of facial surgical procedures because of its location. This study found the nerve to be in a slightly less vulnerable position during a preauricular approach than Al-Kayat and Bramley’s classic study (0.8-3.5 cm), and also established a narrower range of nerve position variability.
Exploiting lipid raft transport with membrane targeted nanoparticles: a strategy for cytosolic drug delivery.

Abstract The ability to specifically deliver therapeutic agents to selected cell types while minimizing systemic toxicity is a principal goal of nanoparticle-based drug delivery approaches. Numerous cellular portals exist for cargo uptake and transport, but after targeting, intact nanoparticles typically are internalized via endocytosis prior to drug release. However, in this work, we show that certain classes of nanoparticles, namely lipid-coated liquid perfluorocarbon emulsions, undergo unique interactions with cells to deliver lipophilic substances to target cells without the need for entire nanoparticle internalization. To define the delivery mechanisms, fluorescently-labeled nanoparticles complexed with αvβ3-integrin targeting ligands were incubated with αvβ3-integrin expressing cells (C32 melanoma) under selected inhibitory conditions that revealed specific nanoparticle-to-cell interactions. We observed that the predominant mechanism of lipophilic delivery entailed direct delivery of lipophilic substances to the target cell plasma membrane via lipid mixing and subsequent intracellular trafficking through lipid raft-dependent processes. We suggest that local drug delivery to selected cell types could be facilitated by employing targeted nanoparticles designed specifically to utilize alternative membrane transport mechanisms.
The Impact of Cognitive Style on User Preference Based on Usability and Aesthetics for Computer-Based Systems

Understanding target users is a crucial issue in establishing design and marketing strategies for computer-based applications. To contribute to the comprehension of target users, this study examines the effect of cognitive style (imagers vs. verbalizers) on user preference based on perceived usability and perceived aesthetics through an experiment using four simulated systems with different levels of usability and aesthetics. Forty-two imagers and 31 verbalizers participated in the experiment. The results of the analyses of variance indicated that, before actual use, the effect of the aesthetics factor on user preference was significantly different between imagers and verbalizers but that of the usability factor was not. The difference between imagers and verbalizers with respect to the effect of the aesthetics/usability factor on time performance was not sufficiently demonstrated, nor was the difference between the two cognitive styles with regard to the effect of the aesthetics/usability factor on user ...
Flexible bidentate pyridine and chiral ligands in the self-assembly of supramolecular 3-D cages.

Discrete, nanoscopic 3-D cages are prepared in high yield via coordination-driven self-assembly from a variety of building blocks, including bidentate 3-substituted pyridines, chiral, and silicon-based tripods. All are characterized by NMR (31P, 1H) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Synthesis and characterization of 4H-SiC on C-plane sapphire by C60 and Si molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract 4H-SiC (silicon carbide) films were grown on (0001) sapphire substrate at rather low temperatures(1000–1100 °C) with relative high deposition rate by using fullerene (C60) and silicon solid sources molecular beam epitaxy with substrate nitridation and aluminum nitride (AlN) buffer layer deposition prior to the SiC deposition. The effects of substrate nitridation and AlN buffer layer to the adhesion of the SiC thin films on sapphire have been studied. X-Ray diffraction, pole figure, atomic force microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence were employed for the analysis of composition, orientation of the film and surface morphology. Relative high deposition rate at ∼ 165 nm/h was achieved.
Freshwater gomphonemoid diatom phylogeny : preliminary results

A cladistic analysis of eleven freshwater gomphonemoid diatom taxa yielded three equally most parsimonious cladograms. The three cladograms suggest Gomphoneis Cleve is non-monophyletic as originally and recently circumscribed. Gomphoneis elegans and G. transsilvanica (Pant.) Krammer are more closely related to Gomphopleura Reichelt ex Tempere than to other members of the genus. Gomphoneis geitleri Kociolek and Stoermer appears to represent a monotypic lineage. Among the taxa with differentiated apical pore fields Gomphonema kaznakowi Mereschkowsky appears to be primitively astigmate.
Safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Embolization Device in 100 small intracranial aneurysms

OBJECT Flow diverters are increasingly used for treatment of intracranial aneurysms. In most series, the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) was used for the treatment of large, giant, complex, and fusiform aneurysms. Little is known about the use of the PED in small aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the PED in small aneurysms (≤ 7 mm). METHODS A total of 100 consecutive patients were treated with the PED at the authors' institution between May 2011 and September 2013. Data on procedural safety and efficacy were retrospectively collected. RESULTS The mean aneurysm size was 5.2 ± 1.5 mm. Seven patients (7%) had sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage. All except 5 aneurysms (95%) arose from the anterior circulation. The number of PEDs used was 1.2 per aneurysm. Symptomatic procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (3%): 1 distal parenchymal hemorrhage that was managed conservatively and 2 ischemic events. At the latest follow-up (mean 6.3 months), 54 (72%) aneurysms were completely occluded (100%), 10 (13%) were nearly completely occluded (≥ 90%), and 11 (15%) were incompletely occluded (< 90%). Six aneurysms (8%) required further treatment. Increasing aneurysm size (OR 3.8, 95% CI 0.99-14; p = 0.05) predicted retreatment. All patients achieved a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale Score 0-2) at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this study, treatment of small aneurysms with the PED was associated with low complication rates and high aneurysm occlusion rates. These findings suggest that the PED is a safe and effective alternative to conventional endovascular techniques for small aneurysms. Randomized trials with long-term follow-up are necessary to determine the optimal treatment that leads to the highest rate of obliteration and the best clinical outcomes.
Alternative Configurations for Sodium-Cooled Solar Thermal Power Plants

Although first generation central receiver solar power plant concepts have water-cooled receivers, sodium-cooling promises greater operating flexibility, higher efficiency and, most importantly, lower cost. This paper describes a parametric analysis performed to determine the most promising sodium-cooled plant configuration.
Phase-cycling coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using shaped femtosecond laser pulses

We demonstrate a homodyne coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) technique based on femtosecond laser pulse shaping. This technique utilizes fast phase cycling to extract nonlinear Raman signatures with a self-generated reference signal acting as a local oscillator. The local oscillator is generated at the focus and is intrinsically stable relative to the Raman signal even in highly scattering samples. We can therefore retrieve phase information from the Raman signal and can suppress the ubiquitous non-resonant background.
Computerized body tomography in breast cancer. I. Internal mammary nodes and radiation treatment planning

The internal mammary area has been reviewed on CBT scans from 46 postmastectomy patients, and chest wall thicknesses computed there from the scan. Thicknesses ranged from 10 to 43 mm and 16 to 70 mm on the operated and nonoperated sides, and were weight-related in 38 modified mastectomy patients. Direct Cobalt and 15 MeV electron portals delivered 97-98% of the dose prescribed at 3 cm to a depth of 35 mm, the maximum average thickness on the operated side, while 12 and 10 MeV electrons gave 10 and 20% less at that depth. At 70 mm, underdosage with Cobalt and 15 MeV was 22% and 72%; insignificant doses were delivered with 10 and 12 MeV electrons. Routine determination of chest wall thickness is recommended in patients planned for electron beam treatment, in obese patients, and in patients treated with tangential photon techniques, to avoid underdosage to the internal mammary area. Internal mammary nodes were not routinely visualized, but abnormalities consistent with enlarged nodes were seen in six patients and gross recurrence in another.
Effects of hydroxyurea on Crithidia fasciculata.

SYNOPSIS Hydroxyurea (HU) inhibits increase in cell number in cultures of Crithidia fasciculata. Complete inhibition is produced by 8 mM and higher concentrations. If HU is not removed, population growth resumes in 45–50 h: if HU is removed, partially synchronous growth occurs through 2 cycles. During HU inhibition, the rate of DNA synthesis is reduced to 1% of that in exponentially growing cultures; protein and RNA syntheses continue at slightly reduced rates. Mean cell size and protein and RNA contents per cell increase; rate of oxygen consumption per mg cell protein remains constant. The behavior of a culture upon addition of HU and upon its removal agrees with predictions based on the hypothesis that the only direct effect of HU is to block DNA synthesis. The synchrony produced by HU is judged satisfactory for investigations of kinetoplast and nuclear replication but not for biochemical characterization of other aspects of the cell cycle.