cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell cycle regulated interaction of a yeast Hippo kinase and its activator MO25/Hym1.

Hippo pathways are ancient signaling systems that contribute to cell growth and proliferation in a wide diversity of eukaryotes, and have emerged as a conserved regulator of organ size control in metazoans. In budding yeast, a Hippo signaling pathway called the Regulation of Ace2 and Morphogenesis (RAM) network promotes polarized cell growth and the final event in the separation of mother and daughter cells. A crucial regulatory input for RAM network control of cell separation is phosphorylation of a conserved hydrophobic motif (HM) site on the NDR/LATS family kinase Cbk1. Here we provide the first direct evidence that the Hippo-like kinase Kic1 in fact phosphorylates the HM site of Cbk1, and show that Kic1 is allosterically activated by Hym1, a highly conserved protein related to mammalian MO25. Using the structure of mammalian MO25 in complex with the Kic1-related pseudokinase STRAD, we identified conserved residues on Kic1 that are required for interaction with Hym1. We find that Kic1 and Hym1 protein levels remain constant throughout the cell cycle but the proteins’ association is regulated, with maximal interaction coinciding with peak Cbk1 HM site phosphorylation. We show that this association is necessary but not sufficient for this phosphorylation, suggesting another level of regulation is required to promote the complex to act upon its substrates. This work presents a previously undiscovered cell cycle regulated interaction between a Hippo kinase and a broadly conserved allosteric activator. Because of the conserved nature of this pathway in higher eukaryotes, this work may also provide insight into the modularity of Hippo signaling pathways.
Properties of data flow frameworks: a unified model

A comprehensive overview of data flow frameworks and their characterizing properties is presented, to clarify property definitions and demonstrate their interrelation. Properties ensuring the existence of a solution are differentiated from those guaranteeing particular convergence behavior for specific solution procedures. Examples illustrate the orthogonality of these precision and convergence properties. In addition, several data flow problems are categorized with respect to these properties.
Exact Theory of Solitary Waves in a Stratified Fluid with Surface Tension. Part II. Oscillatory Case

Abstract In this paper we study two-dimensional waves of permanent type in a stratified fluid with free surface in the presence of surface tension over a flat horizontal bottom. For a rather arbitrary equilibrium state of density stratification and horizontal velocity shear we prove that the exact governing equations possess a solution which consists of an approximate solitary wave solution and a small oscillatory part, if the linearized governing equations have one positive eigenvalue only. The amplitude of the oscillation at infinity can be either of the order smaller than any positive power of a small parameter ϵ > 0 or of the order of a fixed positive power of ϵ. Furthermore, we are also able to deal with the case of two positive eigenvalues and prove that there exist two solutions, each of which consists of an approximate solitary wave solution plus an oscillatory part with a different period and an amplitude of the order of a fixed positive power of ϵ.
Pain catastrophizing in children with chronic pain and their parents: proposed clinical reference points and reexamination of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale measure.

Abstract The current study aimed to validate the child and parent pain catastrophizing scale in a large chronic pain sample and to identify child pain catastrophizing clinical reference points. Patients and parents ( n = 697) evaluated at a pediatric pain program completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, child (PCS-C) and parent (PCS-P) reports, along with additional measures of psychological functioning. The measure’s psychometric properties were examined, as were relations across demographic, pain, and psychological characteristics and pain catastrophizing. Clinical reference points were identified for the PCS-C from differences in pain catastrophizing across levels of disability, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Overall, we did not find support for the hypothesized 3-dimension structure, and we recommend potentially removing items 7 and 8 for both the PCS-P and PCS-C as a result of floor/ceiling effects. The 11-item PCS-C is most parsimonious as a unitary construct, while the 11-item PCS-P comprises 2 factors. Although parent catastrophizing was significantly associated with child outcomes after controlling for pain level, it was no longer significant when accounting for child catastrophizing. When comparing PCS-C scores based on child outcomes, significant differences emerged for low, moderate, and high catastrophizing levels. It appears that the influence of parent catastrophizing on outcomes can be explained through its impact on child catastrophizing levels. PCS-C reference points derived from this large sample can aid clinicians in assessment and treatment planning, in turn increasing the utility of the PCS-C for both clinical and research purposes.
Incorporating Incretin-Based Therapies Into Clinical Practice: Differences Between Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults worldwide. In addition to risks of microvascular disease, patients with type 2 DM often have multiple risk factors of macrovascular disease; for example, approximately 90% of patients with type 2 DM are overweight/obese. Type 2 DM is a complex disease that involves a variety of pathophysiologic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, increased hepatic glucose production, and abnormalities in the secretion of hormones, such as insulin, glucagon, amylin, and incretins. Incretins are gut-derived peptides with a variety of glucoregulatory functions. Incretin dysfunction can be treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (eg, exenatide and liraglutide) or inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) (eg, sitagliptin and saxagliptin), the enzyme that degrades GLP-1. The GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors both elevate GLP-1 activity and substantially improve glycemic control. The GLP-1 receptor agonists are more effective in lowering blood glucose and result in substantial weight loss, whereas therapy with DPP-4 inhibitors lowers blood glucose levels to a lesser degree, and they are weight neutral. Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists has demonstrated durable glycemic control and improvement in multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. In addition, unlike insulin or sulfonylureas, treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor has not been associated with substantial hypoglycemia. These factors should be considered when selecting monotherapy or elements of combination therapy for patients with type 2 DM who are overweight/obese, for patients who have experienced hypoglycemia with other agents, and when achieving glycemic targets is difficult.
Modification of electroplax excitability by veratridine.

Veratridine influences membrane-potential changes arising both from the action potential and from the application of external cholinergic agonists in the isolated monocellular electroplax preparation. The action potential shows a long depolarizing after-potential in the presence of veratridine. The effects of various pharmacological agents and of external ion changes on this after-potential are similar to those reported for other nerve and muscle fibers and are consistent with the view that veratridine acts chiefly to increase the Na+ conductance. Membrane depolarizations by cholinergic agonists are inhibited by veratridine at pH 7 but strikingly amplified at pH 9. The former effect appears to involve interaction with the cholinergic receptor at the surface of the membrane, while the latter potentiation parallels the increase in the spike after-potential at pH 9 and presumably arises from a Na+ conductance increase. Veratridine appears to interact with the component involved in the Na+ conductance in the interior membrane phase. The possible localization of this component in both the conducting and synaptic membrane is discussed.
Metabolic fractionation, storage and display of carotenoid pigments by flamingoes.

Abstract 1. 1. Captive specimens of the brilliantly coloured American or West Indian flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber, and its paler South American relative, Phoenicopterus chilensis, gradually lose the red pigmentation of the exposed skin, and of the feathers through moulting, unless fed a diet rich in carotenoids. 2. 2. Analyses of the brightly coloured feathers, exposed leg-skin, egg-yolk, blood plasma and various internal organs from captive flocks have revealed rich stores of carotenoids, including prominently canthaxanthin and varying amounts of astaxanthin in some sites, and numerous other apparently oxidized members not yet completely characterized. 3. 3. Astaxanthin, present in adult feathers of P. ruber and in the exposed leg-skin of both species (as an ester in P. chilensis), was not detected in the plasma or in any internal organs or tissues examined, save for suspected traces in but one of several blood-filled shafts of young pin-feathers examined chemically directly after plucking from living adult P. ruber. The small, rare species, Phoenicoparrus jamesi, deposits both canthaxanthin and astaxanthin in its feathers. 4. 4. The pale and always largely fluid faeces, taken from the intestines of freshly dead adult P. ruber and P. chilensis specimens, yielded no carotenoids, or at times only bare traces of yellow pigment, to extracting solvents. 5. 5. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from P. ruber's gut exhibited dehydrogenase activity on numerous pure substrates, and altered astacene chemically. 6. 6. Representative concentrations of total carotenoids, in mg per 100 g dry weight, were found to be approximately as follows, in four prominent depots Tarsal skin 270: Feathers 32: Blood plasma 5: Yolk 4. 7. 7. Newly hatched, white or greyish-downed chicks were without detectable carotenoids in any tissue examined. Their short, oedematous legs show bright pink to red colours from the presence of haemoglobin beneath the thin, naked skin. However, in about 8 days, as a chick prepares to leave its nest, wherein it earlier received intermittent shading by a hovering parent or by sitting on its legs, to migrate into regions of exposure to full sunlight, this skin turns black with melanin deposits. Red carotenoids are later deposited in new feathers and in the naked leg-skin, gradually replacing melanin in the latter as the young birdd grows toward adulthood.
Reducing Levels of Elementary School Violence with Peer Mediation

The effectiveness of an existing peer mediation program in a diverse, suburban elementary school was examined. Peer mediation was available to all students (N = 825). Three-year longitudinal data showed significant reductions in the school's out-of-school suspensions after implementation of the peer mediation program. Mediation training also resulted in significant mediator knowledge gains pertaining to conflict, conflict resolution, and mediation, which was maintained at 3-month follow-up. All mediation sessions (N = 34) were successful in resolving conflict, and mediators as well as participants viewed the peer mediation program as valuable.
Eosinophilic alveolitis in acute respiratory failure: A clinical marker for a non-infectious etiology

Two patients with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation were found to have eosinophilic alveolitis on bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy studies. Neither patient had evidence of lung infection or parasitic disease and both rapidly improved following treatment with corticosteroids. Lung eosinophilia in this setting is unusual, since the stress reaction that accompanies severe illness usually causes a rapid drop in circulating eosinophil levels. Eosinophilic alveolitis in such patients may be a useful clinical marker for non-infectious acute lung injury that is responsive to corticosteroid therapy.
Brief Report: Visuo-spatial Guidance of Movement during Gesture Imitation and Mirror Drawing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Thirteen autistic and 14 typically developing children (controls) imitated hand/arm gestures and performed mirror drawing; both tasks assessed ability to reorganize the relationship between spatial goals and the motor commands needed to acquire them. During imitation, children with autism were less accurate than controls in replicating hand shape, hand orientation, and number of constituent limb movements. During shape tracing, children with autism performed accurately with direct visual feedback, but when viewing their hand in a mirror, some children with autism generated fewer errors than controls whereas others performed much worse. Large mirror drawing errors correlated with hand orientation and hand shape errors in imitation, suggesting that visuospatial information processing deficits may contribute importantly to functional motor coordination deficits in autism.
Heterodyning cavity-based microlasers to improve sensing performance

Due to their narrow linewidth lasing peaks, microlasers based on whispering gallery mode optical resonators are becoming increasingly useful in sensing applications. Changes in the microlaser’s environment cause the lasing wavelength to shift, enabling detection with high resolution. However, the performance of these devices is often limited by the optical spectrum analyzers used in the detection experiments, which lack the speed and sub-picometer resolution needed to measure small changes in the microlaser’s output. One promising approach to overcome this limitation is heterodyning the microlaser’s output. In the present work, we successfully heterodyne a microlaser sensor based on a neodymium-doped silica toroid platform pumped at 765nm. Combining the microlaser's 1064nm emission with a 1064nm reference laser produces an easily detectable low frequency beat signal. Monitoring the beat frequency on an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA) enables wavelength shifts to be detected with high speed and subpicometer resolution. As a proof of concept, temperature sensing experiments are performed by tracking the beat frequency as the microlaser is heated. To directly determine the improvement in sensitivity and in signal to noise, comparison experiments are also performed by tracking the resonant wavelength and lasing wavelength. We experimentally show that heterodyning improves the microlaser's detection limit, signal to noise, and time resolution by as much as 50-fold compared to the non-heterodyned laser approaches. Narrowing the microlaser's linewidth and reducing noise could increase this enhancement even further. Therefore, heterodyning will significantly benefit both the performance of microlaser sensors and their many applications.
The effect of crop rotation on reducing excess nitrogen fertilizer use

Abstract Among the various policy options available to reduce the excess application of nitrogen, including restricting the nitrogen fertilizer application rate and taxing nitrogen fertilizer, adoption of a soy-bean–corn rotation, while coincidentally limiting the nitrogen fertilizer application rate, will have the lowest compliance cost for a farmer. This rotation also will be the most efficient option, by maintaining a profitable level of crop production irrespective of the ratio of the nitrogen fertilizer price and the corn price. Using rotation on cropland with a high potential for leaching will have a smaller compliance cost relative to that found when the cropland has moderate leaching potential.
Measuring and Reporting Competencies.

Measuring and reporting competencies requires the implementation of new and innovative processes that often conflict with existing systems of measuring and reporting learning outcomes. Examining the ways that some institutions have addressed these issues can be a useful starting point for educators as they begin planning competency-based programs.
The intergenerational transmission of witnessing intimate partner violence.

Objective To explore the association between women's self-reports of having witnessed intimate partner violence (IPV) as a child and their children witnessing IPV. Design Retrospective cohort study. Data were collected by telephone survey from December 2003 to August 2005. Setting Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington, a health maintenance organization. Participants English-speaking women (N = 1288) aged 18 to 64 years enrolled at Group Health Cooperative for at least 3 years. Measures Abused women with children were asked about their history of having witnessed IPV as a child (1 question). Abused women were identified using 5 questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey and using 10 items from the Women's Experience With Battering Scale. Abused women were asked if their children had ever witnessed IPV. Results Adjusting for mothers' race/ethnicity and education level, children of women who had witnessed IPV during childhood had 1.29 times higher odds of witnessing IPV than children of women who did not witness IPV during childhood. Conclusion Children of women who had witnessed IPV during childhood are more likely to witness IPV than children of women who did not witness IPV.
Targeted therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: clinical trial experience and challenges in inter-trial comparisons.

AbstractThe treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was revolutionized by the introduction of the targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate. Later, to improve efficacy and tolerability, the more potent TKIs dasatinib and nilotinib were evaluated in CML. Clinicians comparing the clinical efficacy of TKIs face considerable challenges, including the variable treatment histories of patients receiving second-line therapy. The aim of this review is to highlight the pitfalls and possible solutions for comparing efficacy across disparate CML trials. Comparison of efficacy across trials is aided by careful consideration of possible confounding factors, including treatment history, definitions of imatinib intolerance or resistance, and BCR–ABL mutational status at baseline. However, methods exist to improve the comparability of data from different trials, yielding a more clinically and statistically meaningful inter-trial comparison.
THE DARK ADAPTATION OF THE EYE OF LIMULUS, AS MANIFESTED BY ITS ELECTRIC RESPONSE TO ILLUMINATION.

On page 387, Vol. 13, No. 3, January 20, 1930, the numbers in the last column of Table 1 should be divided by 10 to give the true values of k'. In the next to the last line, under Table 1, for value of C = 0.337 read value of C = –0.337.
Structure and properties of single crystal Al2O3 implanted with chromium and zirconium

Single crystals of Al2O3 were implanted with chromium and zirconium to fluences of 1 × 1016 to 1 × 1017 ions•cm−2. Rutherford backscattering-channeling studies showed the surface layers to be damaged but crystalline with the implanted ions randomly distributed. The microhardness and indentation fracture toughness were higher for the random solutions than for conventionally formed solid solutions. Changes in structure and properties caused by annealing in air at temperatures up to 1800°C were studied.
Date Rape Prevalence Among Female High School Students in a Rural Midwestern State During 1993, 1995, and 1997

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of date rape among a statewide, random sample of female high school students. A date rape item was included on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire administered to random samples of South Dakota high school students during 1993, 1995, and 1997. The prevalence of date rape among female high school students in the three statewide samples ranged from 11.8% to 14.9%. Due to measurement limitations, these results are likely to underestimate the prevalence of date rape in the study population.
Post-War Trauma and Reconciliation in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Observations, Experiences, and Implications for Marriage and Family Therapy

The 1992-1995 war in Bosnia-Herzegovina caused much devastation in that region of the world. This article describes the themes and issues that emerged from information gained from interviews with Bosnian professionals through a project entitled “Trauma and Reconciliation in Bosnia-Herzegovina,” funded by the National Research Council. The current issues facing Bosnia include complex trauma-related and post-war issues, lack of coordination in professional services, limited outcome research and program evaluation, and the need for services for children and families. Recommendations and implications for marriage and family therapy are included. This project was funded through a grant from the National Research Council Young Investigators Program, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Characterization of activated retinal microglia following optic axotomy.

Microglia are prominently involved in neural degenerative diseases of the CNS and the retina. In this study, we determined the activation and phagocytotic function of different subtypes of retinal microglial cells at 1 week and 1 month following optic axotomy. Fluorescent DiI crystals were placed at the stumps of the cut optic nerves of Lewis rats to retrolabel retinal ganglion cells. Microglial cells were indirectly labeled as they phagocytosed the dye particles in the dying ganglion cells. OX-42, 5D4, ED1, and OX-6 antibodies were used for immunohistochemical study. The OX-42- and 5D4-positive microglial cells were increased in the inner retinal layers after optic axotomy. The increase of OX-42-positive cells was considerably greater than that of 5D4-positive cells. The 5D4-positive cells were ramified in shape, whereas OX-42-positive cells were ameboid and ovoid. Both 5D4- and OX-42-positive cells phagocytosed dying ganglion cells at 1 week and 1 month after axotomy. Scattered ameboid ED1-positive cells were detected in the normal retina and showed phagocytotic activity at 1 month after optic axotomy. The number of ED1-positive cells in the retina was unchanged after axotomy. In optic axotomy, three types of microglial cells were activated, namely, 5D4-positive ramified cells and OX-42- and ED1-positive ameboid cells. All of them exhibited the phagocytosis of dying ganglion cells. Insofar as the blood–retinal barrier presumably remained intact in optic axotomy, the OX-42- and 5D4-positive cells might derive from resident microglial cells. The ED1-positive cells, presumably recently blood-borne macrophage in the CNS, remained the same number in the axotomized retina. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Philosophy of the social sciences (Edited by Maurice Natanson)

(1965). Philosophy of the social sciences (Edited by Maurice Natanson) Inquiry: Vol. 8, No. 1-4, pp. 217-224.
Photodynamic therapy as an alternative treatment for disinfection of bacteria in oral biofilms

Background and Objectives Biofilm-related diseases such as caries and periodontal disease are prevalent chronic oral infections which pose significant oral and general health risks. Biofilms are sessile communities attached to surfaces. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been demonstrated to have a significant anti-microbial effect and presents as an alternative to treating biofilm-related disease. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of porfimer sodium induced PDT to treat localized infections of Streptococcus mutans in biofilm communities. Materials and Methods Reproducible biofilms were formed by S. mutans strain ATCC 27351 growing in log phase at 37°C in Brain Heart Infusion medium, circulating through flow cells at 3 ml/minute for 36–48 hours. The photosensitizer used was porfimer sodium (Photofrin®) at 125 µg/ml with biofilm immersion times of 5 minutes and increasing energy density of post-immersion laser illumination at 630 nm (100 mW/cm2). Resulting effects on bacterial viability in the biofilms were tracked by monitoring alamarBlue® conversion. Supplementary data characterizing the biofilms before and after exposure to PDT were acquired by Multiple Attenuated Internal Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy (MAIR-IR). Results The results of this study show that PDT using porfimer sodium and 630 nm laser light was effective in significantly reducing the viability of S. mutans biofilms. Maximum effectiveness was seen when biofilms were exposed to both photosensitizer and light versus controls. Porfimer sodium incubation times as short as 5 minutes in solutions as dilute as 25 µg/ml and illuminated with as little as 30 J/cm2 resulted in significant decreases in viability of bacteria in biofilms. Optimum parameters appear to be 125 µg/ml porfimer sodium concentration and incubated for 5 minutes and 60 J/cm2 of light energy density. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that significant killing of the cariogenic organism S. mutans by the combination of a photosensitizer and the appropriate wavelength of laser light was possible even when the bacteria are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 588–596, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Five-Stage Model of Computer Technology Integration into Teacher Education Curriculum.

Three teacher education programs were studied to explore the process of integrating computer technology into the curriculum. The focus of this study was to define the stages that schools, colleges, and departments of education experienced as faculty and students moved from lower to higher levels of computer technology use and integration. Data were gathered at the participating sites from three sources: teacher education faculty members, key informants, and focus groups. In-depth interviews were conducted with the key informants and with focus groups (administrator, key informant, faculty member(s), computer technology support person, and student). The gathered data were used to answer the research question: What are the defining characteristics of the stages of development that departments of education experience as they infuse computer technology into the teacher education curriculum? The findings of this research resulted in the emergence of a Five-Stage Model for computer technology integration into teacher education programs: pre-integration, transition, development, expansion, and system-wide integration.
Surface defects on MgO thin films: Their detection using metastable impact electron spectroscopy and interaction with probe molecules

MgO thin films having different defect densities are explored in this study using metastable impact electron spectroscopy (MIES), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Surface point defects on MgO exhibit themselves in both the MIES and UPS spectra as a feature approximately 2 eV above the valance band, whereas extended defects are only observed spectroscopically as a broadening of the O 2p band. The interaction of NO and N2O with the MgO surface as a function of surface defect density is explored. Upon adsorption on MgO thin films at 100K, both NO and N2O show the development of three features which coincide with a standard gas phase N2O spectrum. The saturation coverage of N2O from NO adsorption increases with increasing defect density, indicating that defect sites are mainly responsible for N2O formation. STM images confirm the increase of thin film defect density upon thermal quenching.
Behavioral consequences of plant invasion: an invasive plant alters rodent antipredator behavior

Antipredator behavior is an important aspect of predator–prey dynamics and prey survival, and invasive species are becoming an increasing threat to ecosystems worldwide. Although these 2 concepts are frequently connected in terms of invasive predators and nao ¨ve prey, other effects of invasive species, such the creation of novel habitats by invasive plants, may also have indirect effects on animal behavior and community dynamics. We used giving-up densities to examine foraging behavior of Peromyscus leucopus in forest habitats that were invaded or uninvaded by the exotic invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii, which forms a novel shrub layer in hickory–oak forests in Missouri. We experimentally manipulated the presence or absence of an artificial cover over foraging trays and predicted that rodents would have less of a preference for artificial cover in invaded sites with high densities of invasive shrub cover. We found that the invasive shrub decreased perceived predation risk, but this effect was contingent on other environmental correlates of predation risk (i.e., clear, moonlit nights) and foraging cost (i.e., warm temperatures). Our results demonstrate that invasive plants can change animal behavior, which may benefit the invasive species by causing apparent competition and promoting further invasion. Our results have implications for further behavioral changes that could affect multiple trophic levels and suggest that plant invasions can have cryptic, interactive effects on animal behavior, aside from their commonly studied effects on other plant species. Key words: antipredator behavior, foraging, giving-up densities, invasive species, rodent. [Behav Ecol]
Role of External Prophylactic Support in Restricting Accessory Ankle Motion after Exercise

Background: To both prevent and accelerate recovery and return-to-play from ankle sprains, clinicians frequently employ the use of external prophylactic support (EPS), such as taping and bracing, to provide mechanical support to the ankle joint. While common practice clinically, research has been inconclusive in demonstrating the effectiveness of EPS in restricting accessory motion (laxity) throughout activity, as well as its efficacy in restricting laxity in patients with complaints of ankle instability, and patients with a history of ankle sprain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of EPS type (None, Tape, Brace) on ankle laxity before and after exercise in subjects with varying degrees of previous ankle injury. Methods: Ankles from 24 participants (age, 20.6 ± 1.6 years; height, 173.6 ± 8.3 cm; mass, 72.8 ± 12.2 kg) were placed into one of three groups: healthy control (CON), potential coper (COP), and functionally unstable (UNS). Ankle laxity was assessed using an ankle art...
Unilateral pulmonary oedema in dextrocardia

A 65-year-old male was hospitalized for progressive shortness of breath, orthopnoea, and haemoptysis. He is known to have situs inversus totalis and was being treated for non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, HIV, and diabetes mellitus. On examination, he was tachypnic, tachycardic, afebrile with jugular venous distension, bilateral lower extremity oedema, left lung basal crackles, and a pansystolic murmur over the cardiac apex radiating to the right axilla and S3 gallop. B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) was …
Structure and Thermoelectric Properties Correlation in half-Heusler ZrNiSn- based Bulk Nano-composite Materials by Transmission Electron Microscopy

We report the effects of HfO 2 nanoparticles as inclusion to the Zr 0.5 Hf 0.5 Ni 0.8 Pd 0.2 Sn 0.99 Sb 0.01 half-Heusler matrix on the thermoelectric properties. X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were employed for the phase identification and microstructure characterization of the composites. The transport properties are mainly discussed with regards to the microstructure details.
Chronic administration of 4-tert-octylphenol to adult male rats causes shrinkage of the testes and male accessory sex organs, disrupts spermatogenesis, and increases the incidence of sperm deformities.

The environmental toxicant 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) has been shown to exert estrogenic effects on mammalian cells in culture. Recent findings from our laboratories demonstrate clearly that OP administration disrupts reproductive hormone secretion in the adult male rat, quite likely as a result of estrogenic action. In the present study, we investigated the impact of these or other OP-induced changes on male reproductive tissues. Adult male rats were injected with OP (20 or 80 mg) or estradiol valerate (EV; 0.8 or 8 microg) s.c. in oil three times a week for either 1 or 2 mo. We found that an 80-mg dosage of OP for 2 mo or an 8-microg dosage of EV for 1 or 2 mo greatly reduced sperm numbers and adversely influenced the sizes, weights, and histological structures of the testes, epididymides, ventral prostate glands, seminal vesicles, and coagulating glands. The 80-mg dosage of OP for 1 mo reduced epididymal tubule size to a lesser extent than after 2 mo of treatment. Otherwise, treatment with 80 mg OP for 1 mo, 20 mg OP for 1 or 2 mo, or 0.8 microg EV for 1 mo had little or no effect on the histology of the tissues we examined. Additional evaluation of sperm morphology revealed marked increases in the proportions of head and tail abnormalities from animals that had received 80 mg of OP or 8 microg of EV for 1 mo and 20 mg of OP for 2 mo. The head abnormalities consisted mainly of pin heads, detached heads, and the absence of hooks, while tail abnormalities included mainly broken, coiled, and bent tails. Our results clearly demonstrate that OP can severely reduce the size and/or function of all of the male gametogenic and accessory reproductive organs studied. Moreover, the similarity of these cell and tissue changes between rats treated with OP and those treated with EV further suggests that OP may exert its action in an estrogenic-like manner.
An educational partnership in the ocean sciences: Benefits and lessons learned

For the past 15 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) have been involved in a collaborative relationship that could serve as a prototype for other institutions interested in maximizing their potential for science education based on current research programs. This article describes this relationship collaboration and its operational functioning. Despite their similar names, the two institutions have separate missions, staffs, budgets, boards of directors, and facilities. MBA is a non-profit aquarium with ∼400 paid staff members and another 800 volunteers, whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world's oceans. MBARI is a non-profit research organization with ∼200 staff members and a mission “to achieve and maintain a position as a world center for advanced research and education in ocean science and technology, and to do so through the development of better instruments, systems, and methods for scientific research in the deep waters of the ocean.”
Perceived Fairness of Yield Management

Abstract Applying yield-management principles to rate structures is complicated by what consumers perceive as unfair practices.
Emacspeak-an audio desktop

This paper describes Emacspeak, a full fledged speech interface that provides a powerful audio desktop. Emacspeak was originally designed for use by visually impaired users to gain productive access to the wealth of network computing available on the UNIX platform. However, the user interface innovations introduced by the system are more widely relevant to the larger application area of user interface design for information appliances of the future. The approach used by Emacspeak is very different from that used in traditional screen-readers. Emacspeak does not speak the screen. Instead, applications provide both visual and speech feedback, and the speech feedback is designed to be sufficient by itself. This approach reduces cognitive load on the user and is relevant to providing general spoken access to information.
Soil compaction by grazing livestock in silvopastures as evidenced by changes in soil physical properties

Livestock, pasture, and timber trees are intimately interrelated in silvopastures. Most silvopasture research to date has focused on forage/animal/tree interactions, with less attention paid to animal/soil interactions in silvopastures. While a considerable body of work has been devoted to understanding the effects of livestock trampling on plants and soils in pastures, less has been done for livestock grazing in forests, and even less is available for silvopastures. Three replications of Douglas-fir forest, Douglas-fir/subclover pasture/sheep silvopasture, and subclover/sheep pasture were established in 1989 near Corvallis, Oregon USA. Pastures and silvopastures were grazed each spring during 1990–2001. These plots were sampled in 2002, after 11 years of grazing, and again in 2004 following 2 years without grazing. Soil in the silvopastures had 13% higher bulk density and 7% lower total porosity than those in adjacent forests in 2002. Most of the difference in total porosity was air-filled pores. Average water infiltration rate was 38% less in silvopastures than in forests, however total water stored in the top 6 cm of soil at field capacity was similar. Soil bulk density, total porosity, and air-filled pore space was similar for forests, pastures, and silvopastures after 2 years without livestock grazing. The infiltration rate of silvopasture soils in 2004 had increased to be similar to those of forests in 2002, however, forest soil infiltration rates also increased and continued to be higher than those of silvopastures. Plant production was not sensitive to changes in any of the soil parameters measured. Although livestock grazing did change soil infiltration rates, soil bulk density, and soil porosity, the effects were quickly reversed following cessation of grazing and had little detrimental effect on silvopasture forage or tree production.
Evolution of hadron beams under intrabeam scattering

Based on assumptions applicable to many circular accelerators, we simplify into analytical forms the growth rates of hadron beams under Coulomb intrabeam scattering (IBS). Because of the dispersion that correlates the horizontal closed orbit to the momentum, the scaling behavior of the growth rates are drastically different at energies low and high compared with the transition energy. At high energies, the rates are approximately independent of the energy. Asymptotically, the horizontal and longitudinal beam amplitudes are linearly related by the average dispersion. At low energies, the beam evolves such that the velocity distribution in the rest frame becomes isotropic in all directions. >
Safe Emergency Department Removal of a Hardened Steel Penile Constriction Ring

Background: Penile constriction devices are used for the enhancement of sexual performance. These devices have the potential to become incarcerated, leading to necrosis and amputation if not removed promptly. Objective: This article presents a step-by-step approach for the safe removal of a hardened steel penile constriction device using somewhat unorthodox tools found in a hospital. Case Report: We present a case of an incarcerated hardened steel penile constriction ring that was not able to be removed with conventional techniques. We describe a novel technique using an electric grinder and laryngoscope blade. Conclusion: The technique described in this article is a valuable and relatively safe technique for the Emergency Physician to facilitate the timely removal of a hardened steel constriction device.
The Accidental Agilists: One Team's Journey from Waterfall to Agile

This case study outlines one team's shift from the traditional waterfall methodology to an agile approach for Web and custom application development. The transformation occurred by accident over the course of a Web advising system project at The Ohio State University. Using the five stages of grieving as a metaphor, we will describe how the team moved from denial that the waterfall approach was failing to acceptance that agile practices would be the best way to deliver the mission-critical application. In the end, the entire team re-envisioned itself, transformed its business practices, and has evolved into a significantly more agile organization.
Model for the robust mechanical behavior of nacre

The inelastic deformation of nacre that leads to its structural robustness has been characterized in a recent experimental study. This article develops a model for the inelastic behavior, measured in tension, along the axis of the aragonite plates. The model is based on observations for abalone nacre that the inelasticity is associated with periodic dilatation bands. These bands contain coordinated separations at the periphery of the plates. The separations open as the material strains. The response is attributed to nanoscale asperities on the surfaces of the plates. The model calculates the stresses needed to displace the plates, resisted by elastic contacts at the asperities. The results are compared with the measured stress/strain curves.
Polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion of herpes simplex type 1 virions with the plasma membrane of cells that support endocytic entry.

Mouse B78 cells and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are important to the study of HSV-1 entry because both are resistant to infection at the level of viral entry. When provided with a gD-receptor such as nectin-1, these cells support HSV-1 entry by an endocytosis pathway. Treating some viruses bound to cells with the fusogen polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediates viral fusion with the cell surface but is insufficient to rescue viral entry. It is unclear whether PEG-mediated fusion of HSV with the plasma membrane of B78 or CHO cells results in successful entry and infection. Treating HSV-1 bound to B78 or CHO cells with PEG allowed viral entry as measured by virus-induced beta-galactosidase activity. Based on the mechanism of PEG action, we propose that entry likely proceeds by direct fusion of HSV particles with the plasma membrane. Under the conditions tested, PEG-mediated infection of CHO cells progressed to the level of HSV late gene expression, while B78 cells supported HSV DNA replication. We tested whether proteolysis or acidification of cell-bound virions could trigger HSV fusion with the plasma membrane. Under the conditions tested, mildly acidic pH of 5–6 or the protease trypsin were not capable of triggering HSV-1 fusion as compared to PEG-treated cell-bound virions. B78 cells and CHO cells, which typically endocytose HSV prior to viral penetration, are capable of supporting HSV-1 entry via direct penetration. HSV capsids delivered directly to the cytosol at the periphery of these cells complete the entry process. B78 and CHO cells may be utilized to screen for factors that trigger entry as a consequence of fusion of virions with the cell surface, and PEG treatment can provide a necessary control.
Measurements of Wavenumber-Celerity Spectrum in Plane and Axisymmetric Jets

The wavenumber-convection velocity spectra W(k, U) in the near and far fields of plane and axisymmetric free air jets have been computed from digitized hot-wire data. This spectrum, which is the double Fouriertransformation of the space-time correlation R(S,T) was obtained in a 3.18 X140 cm plane jet and in a 2.54-cmdiam axisymmetric jet. For both jets the exit mean velocity Ue was 30 m/s. The reference (upstream) probe was located at x/d= 8 for the near-field data and at x/d=30 for the far-field data, d denoting the exit diameter or slit width. The spectra indicate that the jets are characterized by energetic large-scale structures not only in the near field (slightly downstream of the potential core) but also in the self-preserving region. The stream wise length scale of the most energetic eddies increases in proportion with that of the jet width. The stream wise length scale of these eddies is about 3 times the local jet width in the circular jet and 3.5 times the local jet width in the plane jet. The convection velocity U of the dominant eddies decreases from about O.SUe to Q.5Ue between the two regions in the plane jet and from about 0.73Ue to 0.25 f/^ between the two regions in the axisymmetric jet. With increasing eddy sizes, the dispersion in the convection velocity U increases as W(k,U) becomes progressively skewed towards (/values higher than the local time mean velocity U.
DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY AND CALCULATED FRAX RISK SCORES MAY UNDERESTIMATE OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURE RISK IN VITAMIN D-DEFICIENT VETERANS WITH HIV INFECTION.

Objective: We evaluated the utility of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) in assessing fracture risk in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and vitamin D deficiency. Methods: This was a retrospective study of HIV-infected patients with co-existing vitamin D deficiency at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and the 10-year fracture risk was calculated by the FRAX algorithm. Two independent radiologists reviewed lateral chest radiographs for the presence of subclinical vertebral fractures. Results: We identified 232 patients with HIV and vitamin D deficiency. Overall, 15.5% of patients met diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis on DEXA, and 58% had low BMD (T-score between −1 and −2.5). The median risk of any major osteoporotic and hip fracture by FRAX score was 1.45 and 0.10%, respectively. Subclinical vertebral fractures were detected in 46.6% of patients. Compared to those without fractures, thos...
Ablation of folliculogenesis in women by a single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist: significance of time in cycle*

Effects of single subcutaneous doses (1, 5, 20, and 100 μ g) of nafarelin, a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, on the physiologic events of the human menstrual cycle were studied in 28 normal women. Nafarelin entered the circulation rapidly after injection. Peak concentrations were observed within 1 hour, and the plasma half-life was 4 to 5 hours. Maximal concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were reached 3 to 4 hours after nafarelin administration. The magnitude of the gonadotropin responses depended both on the phase of the menstrual cycle (smallest responses during the early follicular phase) and the dose of nafarelin. Nafarelin administration during the early follicular phase delayed ovulation by 4.6 ± 1.7 (standard deviation) days and prolonged the duration of the menstrual cycle from a pretreatment length of 29.2 ± 2.1 days to 33.4 ± 4.0 days ( P
New Species of Lady Beetles in the Genera Scymnus and Mulsantina (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Five new species of Coccinellidae are described: Scymnus (Scymnus) apicanus , n. sp., and S. (S.) paracanus , n. sp., from Louisiana and Missouri; S. (Pullus) louisianae , n. sp., from Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia; S. (P.) securus , n. sp., from Louisiana and Massachusetts; and Mulsantina luteodorsa , n. sp., from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia. The male genitalia of all species are figured.
Using Music and Poetry to Manage Grief

The use of music and poetry as tools to help manage grief are presented. The value of folk music as a style of music that is particularly helpful because of the message of the songs is affirmed. Po...
Mixed Programming with CB and Matlab Realize Simulation

The Mixed Programming for ControlBuild(CB) and Matlab can take advantage of the efficiency in simulation and development.This paper focuses on discussing mixed programming between CB and Matlab.Therefore,the related protocols,implementation steps,pivotal problems in the course of programming and the corresponding strategies are presented.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of them and their application are proposed.