cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ketoconazole on the polymorphic 4‐hydroxylations of S‐ mephenytoin and debrisoquine.

Studies were undertaken in 12 normal, male subjects to determine whether a metabolic interaction occurs between ketoconazole and mephenytoin. A single dose (400 mg) of ketoconazole produced a reduction in the 0-8 h urinary R/S ratio of mephenytoin following oral administration (100 mg) of racemic drug and after 28 daily doses the median value was further reduced to 42.9% of its baseline value. Within 7 days following discontinuation of ketoconazole the enantiomeric ratio had returned to its pre-study value. These findings are consistent with ketoconazole being a potent in vivo inhibitor of mephenytoin's 4-hydroxylation and confirm the ability of such an interaction to be predicted by in vitro studies with human liver microsomes. By contrast, ketoconazole had a much smaller effect on the 0-8 h urinary metabolic ratio of debrisoquine, indicating that ketoconazole has a selective inhibitory effect on different forms of cytochrome P-450.
Chlorpyrifos targets developing glia: effects on glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Abstract The organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF), is a developmental neurotoxicant. In cell cultures, CPF affects gliotypic cells to a greater extent than neuronotypic cells, suggesting that glial development is a specific target. We administered CPF to developing rats and examined the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocytic marker. Prenatal CPF exposure (gestational days 17–20) elicited an increase in GFAP levels in fetal brain, but the effect was seen only at high doses that elicited maternal and fetal systemic toxicity. Early postnatal (PN) CPF treatment (PN1–4) elicited effects only in the cerebellum of male rats; GFAP was suppressed initially (PN5) and showed a rebound elevation (PN10) before returning to normal values by PN30. In contrast, when we administered CPF during the peak of gliogenesis and glial cell differentiation (PN11–14), GFAP was initially decreased across all brain regions and in both sexes; in males, subsequent elevations were seen on PN30, with the largest effect in the striatum; females also showed an increase in striatal GFAP. Our results indicate that CPF disrupts the pattern of glial development in vivo, with the maximum effect corresponding to the peak period of gliogenesis and glial cell differentiation. As glia are responsible for axonal guidance, synaptogenesis and neuronal nutrition, glial targeting suggests that these late-occurring developmental processes are vulnerable to CPF, extending the critical period for susceptibility into stages of synaptic plasticity, myelination, and architectural modeling of the developing brain.
Rupture of Flexor Tendons to the Little Finger Due to Bony Irregularities in the Carpal Tunnel

Rupture of a finger flexor tendon occurs most commonly in the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. We have treated two patients who suffered rupture of the flexor tendons to the little finger due to bony irregularities in the carpal tunnel unrelated to rheumatoid disease. Each irregularity was removed and the rough surface covered with a portion of the flexor retinaculum. This resurfacing affords protection against recurrent abrasion and rupture. Tendon function was restored by suturing the ruptured profundus tendon to the adjacent intact profundus tendon of the ring finger. Satisfactory function of the little finger was achieved in both patients. Neither patient has experienced recurrent rupture.
The vagaries of sex bias: Conditions regulating the undervaluation, equivaluation, and overvaluation of female job applicants☆

Abstract The present study sought to identify the conditions under which women are undervalued, equally valued, and overvalued relative to men when seeking nontraditional jobs. An experiment was conducted in which 241 college students reviewed the work sample of a male or female applicant for a job that was either extremely male or moderately male in sextype. In addition, the applicant was depicted as either unequivocally high in performance ability or no information about his/her performance ability was provided. As expected, results indicated that unless information of high-performance ability was provided, women's competence and likely career success were undervalued relative to men's. Also as predicted, when given high-ability information, women seeking the moderately sextyped job or the extremely sextyped job were equally valued or overvalued, respectively. Gender-related work effectiveness characterizations closely paralleled these evaluations, lending support to the idea that sex stereotypes and the cognitive distortion they promote mediate not only gender consistent but also gender contrast biases in the evaluation of women. Implications of these results, both conceptual and practical, are discussed.
Mood and smoking behavior: The role of expectancy accessibility and gender

Little is known about overall or gender-specific factors that may influence the relationship between negative affect and smoking behavior such as smoking expectancies. This paper presents a secondary analysis from a laboratory studying gender differences in smoking behavior following a musical mood induction [Weinberger, A.H., & McKee, S.A., 2012, Gender differences in smoking following an implicit mood induction. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 14(5), 621–625]. The current analyses examine the role of expectancies (endorsement and accessibility) in the relationship of gender, affect, and smoking. Ninety adult smokers (50% female) were randomly assigned to a negative mood induction, positive mood induction, or neutral condition while completing a single laboratory session. Expectancy endorsement, expectancy accessibility, affect, and smoking topography were assessed following the mood induction. Female smokers with faster accessibility of negative reinforcement expectancies smoked more cigarettes, had longer puff durations, and had shorter inter-puff intervals. Women with faster expectancy accessibility were also more likely to endorse negative reinforcement smoking expectancies. This study was the first to demonstrate links among gender, mood, and accessibility of smoking-related beliefs. Information about the role of expectancy accessibility in smoking behavior can lead to both a better understanding of gender-specific mechanisms of smoking behavior and new directions for smoking treatment development.
Legionella pneumophila virulence conserved after multiple single-colony passage on agar

Multiple passage ofLegionella pneumophila on either supplemented Mueller-Hinton or charcoal yeast extract agar by the conventional batch passing technique results in loss of virulence. In this studyL. pneumophila virulence was maintained after multiple passage on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE α) agar by a single-colony transfer technique. Virulence was determined by assessing the growth ofL. pneumophila for thioglycolate-induced susceptible A/J mouse macrophages in vitro and infectivity for susceptible A/J mice in vivo. Passage of the virulentL. pneumophila, 30 times on BCYE α agar by the single-colony transfer procedure still resulted in virulence, as compared with the nonpassaged parental bacteria, both in vitro and in vivo. Lethality for susceptible, A/J mice by systemic infection was comparable for the 30th colony-passaged bacteria and the parentalL. pneumophila. These results show that theL. pneumophila phenotype associated with intracellular growth in macrophages or infectivity for susceptible mice is stable following passage by the single-colony transfer procedure on BCYE α agar.
Conditioned seizures susceptibility in the hamster induced by prior auditory exposure

Nachweis audiosensibilisierter Anfalle beim HamsterMesocricetus auratus nach Konditionierung auf akustischen Reiz.
Supply chain focus dependent sensitivity of the point of product differentiation

Customer preferences for variety in the product(s) with improved customer service and lower prices are forcing the supply chains to overhaul the current practices from design to operational level. Postponement or delayed differentiation of the products is one such strategy, primarily deployed in mass customisation settings. Life cycles are shrinking not only for individual products but for product families as well. In this context, supply chain responsiveness becomes one of the crucial factors that need to be effectively managed to succeed in the present day competitive markets. Our model, that considers inventory costs and the supply chain responsiveness costs would aid a supply chain manager to make informed decisions with regard to the ideal location for the point of differentiation (POD), while striking the right balance between holding costs and the supply chain responsiveness costs. We also make use of a dimensionless parameter called the ‘coefficient of inverse responsiveness’ that not only facilit...
Effects of Ozone and Oxygen on the Degradation of Carotenoids in an Aqueous Model System

The effects of ozone and oxygen on the degradation of carotenoids in an aqueous model system were studied. All-trans β-carotene, 9-cis β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were adsorbed onto a C18 solid phase and exposed to a continuous flow of water saturated with oxygen or ozone at 30 °C. Carotenoids were analyzed using HPLC with a C30 column and a photodiode array detector. Approximately 90% of all-trans β-carotene, 9-cis β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin were lost after exposure to ozone for 7 h. A similar loss of lycopene occurred in only 1 h. When exposed to oxygen, all carotenoids, except β-cryptoxanthin, degraded at lower rates. The degradation of all the carotenoids followed zero-order reaction kinetics with the following relative rates: lycopene > β-cryptoxanthin > all-trans β-carotene > 9-cis β-carotene. The major degradation products of β-carotene were tentatively identified on the basis of their elution on the HPLC column, UV−Vis spectra, and electrospray LC−MS. Predominant isomers of β-c...
Role of Gαq and phospholipase C‐β2 in human platelets activation by thrombin receptors PAR1 and PAR4: studies in human platelets deficient in Gαq and phospholipase C‐β2

Thrombin responses in human platelets are mediated by the protease-activated receptors (PAR), PAR1 and PAR4. The signalling pathways mediating PAR activation have not been fully delineated for human platelets. We assessed cytoplasmic Ca2+ mobilization in response to activation with thrombin and PAR1 (SFLLRN) and PAR4 (GYPGKF) peptides in two patients whose platelets were deficient in two major signalling proteins, Galphaq or phospholipase (PLC)-beta2. In normal platelets, thrombin induced a biphasic Ca2+ response with a rapid rise to a peak followed by a sustained elevation in Ca2+. The peak Ca2+ rise was impaired in both patients at lower thrombin concentrations. At higher concentrations, it was decreased in PLC-beta2-deficient platelets; the sustained Ca2+ elevation observed in normal and Galphaq-deficient platelets was reduced in PLC-beta2-deficient platelets. The response to SFLLRN was decreased in both patients at lower concentrations. The peak Ca2+ in response to GYPGKF was reduced in both patients; the sustained Ca2+ increase was markedly decreased in PLC-beta2-deficient platelets. These studies provide evidence that, in human platelets, both Galphaq and PLC-beta2 play a major role in responses to PAR1 and PAR4 activation, and that PLC-beta2 is required for the sustained Ca2+ rise upon thrombin activation.
Going Global in Early Childhood Education

The need to foster a global understanding of humanistic and ecological values and skills is increasingly becoming evident in early childhood education. This article closely examines some of the concepts of global education, namely “perspective consciousness, cross-cultural awareness, state-of-the-planet awareness, system connectedness, awareness and utilization of technology, and options for participation.” It discusses ways to teach children global skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for developing an understanding of global citizenship—both at school and at home. The article highlights the benefits of global education to educators in general and also to members of the greater community, encouraging exposure to the concept at early stages of learning.
Indo-1 measurements of intracellular free calcium in the hippocampal slice: complications of labile NADH fluorescence

The use of the fluorescent calcium indicator, Indo-1, was evaluated for measuring changes in intracellular free calcium during electrical stimulation and anoxia in hippocampal slices. Fluorescence was measured from slices illuminated with brief (3 ns) light pulses (337 nm wavelength) from a nitrogen laser. This method of illumination produced more intense fluorescence than illumination with light from filtered xenon or mercury arc lamps, and prevented loss of electrical excitability encountered following continuous UV illumination. Background fluorescence in control slices (without Indo-1) was considerable, often approaching 50% of that obtainable after dye loading. A more serious concern, however, was that a large fraction (approximately 10%) of the background fluorescence was labile to both electrical stimulation and anoxia. This fluorescence results from changes in the reduction/oxidation (redox) state of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which fluoresces in its reduced (NADH) but not oxidized (NAD+) form. Qualitative changes in free calcium could be measured by first determining the ratio of change in NADH fluorescence at 405 and 485 nm (the wavelengths of light used to measure calcium with Indo-1) prior to dye loading. Any arbitrary baseline could be selected as long as the ratio for the baseline at 405 and 485 nm was identical to that determined for labile NADH. By application of this compensation procedure, it was determined that intracellular calcium rose abruptly during the onset of anoxia and again during the spreading depression-like loss of ion homeostasis which inevitably occurred during anoxia in these slices. However, quantitation of changes in intracellular free calcium concentration during anoxia is not yet possible, since the contribution of labile NADH fluorescence cannot be subtracted reliably from the total fluorescence signal.
In vivo fluorescence imaging of atherosclerotic plaques with activatable cell-penetrating peptides targeting thrombin activity.

Thrombin and other coagulation enzymes have been shown to be important during atherosclerotic disease development. Study of these proteases is currently limited because of lack of robust molecular imaging agents for imaging protease activity in vivo. Activatable cell penetrating peptides (ACPPs) have been used to monitor MMP activity in tumors and, in principle, can be modified to detect other proteases. We have developed a probe that incorporates the peptide sequence DPRSFL from the proteinase activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) into an ACPP and shown that it is preferentially cleaved by purified thrombin. Active thrombin in serum cleaves DPRSFL–ACPP with >90% inhibition by lepirudin or argatroban. The DPRSFL–ACPP cleavage product accumulated in advanced atherosclerotic lesions in living mice, with 85% reduction in retention upon pre-injection of mice with hirudin. Uptake of the ACPP cleavage product was highest in plaques with histological features associated with more severe disease. Freshly resected human atheromas bathed in DPRSFL–ACPP retained 63% greater cleavage product compared to control ACPP. In conclusion, DPRSFL–ACPP can be used to study thrombin activity in coagulation and atherosclerosis with good spatial and temporal resolution. Thrombin-sensitive ACPPs may be developed into probes for early detection and intraoperative imaging of high risk atherosclerotic plaques.
Hic-5 Mediates TGFβ–Induced Adhesion in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by a Nox4-Dependent Mechanism

Objective— Focal adhesions (FAs) link the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and as such play important roles in growth, migration, and contractile properties of vascular smooth muscle cells. Recently, it has been shown that downregulation of Nox4, a transforming growth factor (TGF) β-inducible, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–producing enzyme, affects the number of FAs. However, the effectors downstream of Nox4 that mediate FA regulation are unknown. The FA resident protein H2O2-inducible clone (Hic)-5 is H2O2 and TGFβ inducible, and a binding partner of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 27. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism, by which Hic-5 and Hsp27 participate in TGFβ-induced, Nox4-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion and migration. Approach and Results— Through a combination of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, we found that TGFβ, by a Nox4-dependent mechanism, induces the expression and interaction of Hic-5 and Hsp27, which is essential for Hic-5 localization to FAs. Importantly, we found that Hic-5 expression is required for the TGFβ-mediated increase in FA number, adhesive forces and migration. Mechanistically, Nox4 downregulation impedes Smad (small body size and mothers against decapentaplegic) signaling by TGFβ, and Hsp27 and Hic-5 upregulation by TGFβ is blocked in small body size and mothers against decapentaplegic 4–deficient cells. Conclusions— Hic-5 and Hsp27 are effectors of Nox4 required for TGFβ-stimulated FA formation, adhesion strength and migration in vascular smooth muscle cell. # Significance {#article-title-38}
The responses of preschoolers with cochlear implants to musical activities: a multiple case study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the musical experiences of preschool cochlear implant users. Research objectives were to examine: (1) musical, social and emotional responses to activities; and (2) whether length of experience with the implant influenced responses. Participants were three prelingually deafened children, age 4, attending a Deaf school in the Northeastern USA. Cochlear implant experience of Child A, Child B and Child C was three years, one year and one month, respectively. Qualitative data including lesson and video transcripts and researcher field notes were coded into musical, social and emotional response categories. Data analyses revealed participants’ ample musical responses and that cochlear implant experience had an impact upon participants’ singing. Music educators must consider the individual differences of the prelingually deafened child modifying lesson design and content to meet their various needs.
Competition thresholds for the survival and growth of ponderosa pine seedlings associated with woody and herbaceous vegetation

Patterns of survival and stem-volume growth for planted seedlings of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) competing with various levels of woody and herbaceous vegetation were derived from three previous studies—one in Oregon and two in Montana. Negative hyperbolic curves of opposite concavity describe the relation between the abundance of woody or herbaceous vegetation and (1) the survival and (2) the stem volume of the pine seedlings. From these curves, two types of competition thresholds for managing forest vegetation are identified: (1) maximum-response threshold—a level of vegetation abundance where additional control measures will not yield an appreciable increase in tree performance; and (2) minimum-response threshold—a level of vegetation abundance that must be reached before additional control measures will yield an appreciable increase in tree performance. The maximum- and minimum-response thresholds for pine stem volume occurred at lower levels of vegetation abundance than those for pine survival. Thus, forest managers may need to consider ponderosa pine survival and stemvolume growth as separate objectives when managing woody and herbaceous vegetation in young plantations. Knowledge of maximum- and minimum-response thresholds also can be used to improve herbicide prescriptions.
Using XPS to Investigate Fiber/Matrix Chemical Interactions in Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced Composites

With the uses of composites expanding into areas from aerospace to recreation, different matrices are being investigated to tailor the composites to specific uses. The degree of adhesion between the fiber and matrix has been recognized to be a critical factor in determining the performance of fiber-reinforced composites. Indirect analysis of the matrix/fiber interface is possible using model compounds which represent functional groups present in the matrix system. Model compounds based on epoxy, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide and vinyl ester matrices have been investigated to characterize the chemical reactions at the fiber/matrix interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterize both the carbon-fiber surfaces and the reacted carbon-fiber surfaces The model compounds for the polyimide and polyphenylene sulfide matrices have been found to show little chemical interaction with the fiber surfaces, while chemical reactions have been observed in the vinyl ester and epoxy resin model compound/fiber interfaces.
Ketamine--its pharmacology and therapeutic uses

Ketamine—Its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses Paul white;Walter Way;anthony Trevor; Anesthesiology
Dynamic universality class of the QCD critical point

We show that the dynamic universality class of the QCD critical point is that of model H and discuss the dynamic critical exponents. We show that the baryon diffusion rate vanishes at the critical point. The dynamic critical index $z$ is close to 3.
Investigation of a Sheffield Structural Tile Floor Failure Indicates a Dangerous Design/Development Oversight

The Sheffield Brick and Tile Company produced a series of structural tile units that were used to construct floor and roof decks. The tiles were used as integral components in composite concrete, tile, and reinforcing bar deck systems. After roughly 40 years of service, the Sheffield Tile Deck System (STDS) in a school building failed. Investigation of the failure provided a clear indication that the design/development process overlooked a potentially critical feature of these systems. The investigation also revealed a mechanism whereby an STDS could provide adequate service, then fail in a rather abrupt fashion. During the investigation, reports of other STDS failures were discovered, including some referenced in Sheffield Brick and Tile Company correspondence to an owner of a STDS, suggesting he have it checked out by a qualified engineer.
Complexities of emotional responses to social and non-social affective stimuli in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Adaptive emotional responses are important in interpersonal relationships. We investigated self-reported emotional experience, physiological reactivity, and micro-facial expressivity in relation to the social nature of stimuli in individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD: Galvanic skin response (GSR) and facial electromyography (fEMG) were recorded in medicated outpatients with schizophrenia (SZ) and demograph-ically-matched healthy controls (CO) while they viewed social and non-social im-ages from the International Affective Pictures System (IAPS). Participants rated the valence and arousal, and selected a label for experienced emotions. Symp-tom severity in the SZ, and schizotypy in CO were assessed. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in their labeling of the emotions evoked by the stimuli, but individuals with schizophrenia were more positive in their va-lence ratings. Although self-reported arousal was similar in both groups, GSR was greater in schizophrenia, suggesting differential awareness or calibration of internal states. Both groups reported social images to be more arousing than non-social images but their physiological responses to nonsocial vs. social imag-es were different. Self-reported arousal to neutral social images was correlated with positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Negative symptoms in SZ and disor-ganized schizotypy in CO were associated with reduced fEMG. Greater corruga-tor fEMG activity for positive images in SZ indicates valence-incongruent facial expressions. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of emotional responses differed between the two groups. While both groups were in broad agreement in self-reported arousal and emotion labels, their GSR and fEMG correlates of emotion diverged in relation to the social nature of the stimuli and clinical measures. Importantly, these results suggest disrupted self awareness of internal states in schizophrenia and under-score the complexities of emotion processing in health and disease.
Low-Temperature Heat Capacities of Gallium, Cadmium, and Copper

The heat capacities of gallium, cadmium, and copper have been measured from 0.1 or 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The experimental data for copper suggest that the measurements are accurate to within 3% at 0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and to within 1% at temperatures above 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. In the superconducting state both gallium and cadmium show the typical deviations from the BCS law of corresponding states. The nuclear quadrupole contribution to the heat capacity of gallium was observed in the normal state but not in the superconducting state. The absence of this contribution in the superconducting state state can be used to set an approximate lower limit of 60 sec for the spin-lattice relaxation time at 0.25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. For cadmium ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}=209.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, in reasonable agreement with the value calculated from the elastic constants.
Toward comprehensive and accurate simulation performance prediction of parallel file systems

We present the design and implementation of FileSim, a simulation framework with detailed models of parallel file systems, capable of reproducing the complex I/O behavior at scale. FileSim aims to support comprehensive and accurate end-to-end I/O performance prediction and evaluation of exascale high-end computing systems. To this end, FileSim provides several key features, including detailed, pluggable models of contemporary parallel file systems, the support of trace-driven simulation, and the capability of running large-scale I/O systems using parallel and distributed simulation.We conducted extensive validation and performance studies, through which we show that the simulator is capable of reproducing important I/O system behaviors comparable to those measured from the real systems. We demonstrate the capabilities of FileSim as a tool for exploring the parameter space and design alternatives of large-scale parallel file systems.
Malpighi's cortical glands.

The cover of this issue shows an illustration of “cortical glands” from Marcello Malpighi’s De Cerebri Cortice (1666). Malpighi (1628e1694) was a founder of microscopic anatomy and is most famous for his discovery of capillaries. He was Professor in Bologna for much of his life and, finally, private physician to the Pope. Malpighi was the first to examine the cerebral cortex with a microscope. He thought the cortex was made up of “minute oval glands” or “globules” and that each gland had a white “nervous” fiber or duct (H) attached to it. This reporting of seeing glands in the cerebral cortex may have been related to his having described gland like organs in the liver, spleen and kidneys (Meyer, 1971; Clarke and O’Malley, 1996). It was probably also influenced by both the Aristotelian notion of the brain as a cooling organ (Gross, 1995) and the Hippocratic description of the brain as a gland that produced phlegm (Hippocrates, 1950). Similar globules in the cortex were then described by the pioneering microscopist Anton van Leeuwenhoek and by many following anatomists (Meyer, 1971; Clarke and O’Malley, 1996). Malpighi’s cortical glands were central to the theory of the brain proposed by the mystic and polymath Emanuel Swedenborg (whose followers founded the still active Swedenborgian Church of the New Jerusalem). Swedenborg’s several treatises on the brain were based on his reading of the contemporary anatomical, physiological and clinical literature rather than any empirical work of his own (Gross, 1997). In an extraordinary anticipation of the neuron doctrine Swedenborg argued that the globules described byMalpighi or as he sometimes called them cerebellula (“little brains”), were functionally independent units, which were connected to each other by way of thread-like fibers. These fibers also ran through thewhitematter andmedulla down to the spinal cord and then by way of the peripheral nerves to various parts of
An improved technique for the preparative electrophoresis and electroelution of high molecular weight ribosomal RNA.

Abstract A new technique for casting flat 0.5% agarose-2.4% acrylamide preparative gels is described in this communication. The casting method presented completely eliminates mechanical problems and technical complications often encountered in producing the homogeneous loading platform critical to the entrance and proper migration of RNA species on low pore composite gels. The gels formed can be used to separate milligram quantities of RNA with excellent resolution and a method for the electroelution of a specific RNA species is also presented.
Gamma/x-ray linear pushbroom stereo for 3D cargo inspection

For evaluating the contents of trucks, containers, cargo, and passenger vehicles by a non-intrusive gamma-ray or X-ray imaging system to determine the possible presence of contraband, three-dimensional (3D) measurements could provide more information than 2D measurements. In this paper, a linear pushbroom scanning model is built for such a commonly used gamma-ray or x-ray cargo inspection system. Accurate 3D measurements of the objects inside a cargo can be obtained by using two such scanning systems with different scanning angles to construct a pushbroom stereo system. A simple but robust calibration method is proposed to find the important parameters of the linear pushbroom sensors. Then, a fast and automated stereo matching algorithm based on free-form deformable registration is developed to obtain 3D measurements of the objects under inspection. A user interface is designed for 3D visualization of the objects in interests. Experimental results of sensor calibration, stereo matching, 3D measurements and visualization of a 3D cargo container and the objects inside, are presented.
Get on the exosome bus with ALIX

Exosomes have a growing inventory of functions, but the mechanism of protein sorting into exosomes has been unclear. Now, a signal sequence first described in viral budding provides just such a cargo sorting mechanism, revealing closer-than-expected parallelism between exosome biogenesis and the ESCRT-dependent endolysosomal pathway.
Function of the N-Terminal Cap of the PAS Domain in Signaling by the Aerotaxis Receptor Aer

Aer, the Escherichia coli receptor for behavioral responses to oxygen (aerotaxis), energy, and redox potential, contains a PAS sensory-input domain. Within the PAS superfamily, the N-terminal segment (N-cap) is poorly conserved and its role is not well understood. We investigated the role of the N-cap (residues 1 to 19) in the Aer PAS domain by missense and truncation mutagenesis. Aer-PAS N-cap truncations and an Aer-M21P substitution resulted in low cellular levels of the mutant proteins, suggesting that the N-terminal region was important for stabilizing the structure of the PAS domain. The junction of the N-cap and PAS core was critical for signaling in Aer. Mutations and truncations in the sequence encoding residues 15 to 21 introduced a range of phenotypes, including defects in FAD binding, constant tumbling motility, and an inverse response in which E. coli cells migrated away from oxygen concentrations to which they are normally attracted. The proximity of two N-cap regions in an Aer dimer was assessed in vivo by oxidatively cross-linking serial cysteine substitutions. Cross-linking of several cysteine replacements at 23°C was attenuated at 10°C, indicating contact was not at a stable dimer interface but required lateral mobility. We observed large multimers of Aer when we combined cross-linking of N-cap residues with a cysteine replacement that cross-links exclusively at the Aer dimer interface. This suggests that the PAS N-cap faces outwards in a dimer and that PAS-PAS contacts can occur between adjacent dimers.
Mineral Source and Transport in Waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea

Mineral particles suspended in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea were analyzed in relation to clay mineral distributions in bottom sediments, to sedimentation processes active in the region, and to the prevailing currents. Circulation in the upper layers of water flowing from the Caribbean, carrying a micaceous-rich mineral assemblage, has exercised an influence on mineral transport into the Gulf of Mexico, different from the montmorillonite-rich load delivered by the Mississippi River. Particulate matter, suspended in North Atlantic water and Amazon River discharge, enters the Caribbean through the Lesser Antilles and contributes to the detrital mineral content of Caribbean water, as does that carried by the wind.
Demonstration of Enhanced Sensitivity to CO in H2 Fuel Stream of an Electrochemical Analyzer

Low levels of carbon monoxide present in hydrogen fuels can poison polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, therefore low cost analytical methods for detecting the presence of CO are highly desirable. We have designed an analytical electrochemical analyzer to detect trace quantities of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen fuel stream. The electrochemical analyzer operates on principles similar to those observed in CO poisoning on Pt-catalyst surfaces in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The analysis cell consists of a low surface area sputtered Pt electrode, a Nafion® electrolyte, along with a high surface area Pt-Vulcan reference electrode. The analyzer is optimized as a hydrogen pumping cell, utilizing hydrogen on both electrodes to probe the presence of CO. The low surface area electrode consists of an unsupported Pt catalyst at 0.1mgPt/cm2 loading, pressed onto Nafion® 117 membranes with a high surface area Pt-Vulcan carbon loaded at 0.2mgPt/cm2. The analyzer exhibited a response to concentrations as low as 100 ppb CO at 30oC and 100% relative humidity.
Implementing and evaluating a system of generic infection precautions: Body substance isolation

Body substance isolation (BSI) is a system of infection precautions intended to reduce nosocomial transmission of infectious agents among patients and to reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other infectious agents to health care personnel. Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., was the first facility in the United States to implement the BSI system. Between 1984 and 1988 a systematic evaluation of the implementation process was conducted and the effects of BSI on appropriate glove use by hospital personnel and on the incidence of nosocomial colonization and infection by sentinel organisms was measured. Results of the evaluation showed (1) significant increments in knowledge of infection control procedures and practices as measured by comparing written examination responses before and after training sessions, (2) significant increases in appropriate glove use as determined by direct observation of hospital employees for 18 months, and (3) significant reductions in nosocomial colonization and infection caused by sentinel microorganisms during the period from 1984 to 1988.
Failure of Mammalian Prolactin to Induce Incubation Behavior in Chickens and Turkeys

Abstract Three experiments on a high-broody strain of chickens that had not been selected for egg production for 50 generations and one experiment on a commercial strain of turkeys were conducted to test the effectiveness of mammalian prolactin (NIH-S10) in inducing regression of the ovary and incubation behavior. In two experiments on chickens, environmental factors known to favor the expression of broodiness were provided, and four components of nesting or incubation behavior were monitored continuously during the light period with a closed-circuit television system and timelapse videotape recorder. Although all doses of prolactin used caused regression of large ovarian follicles, none induced incubation behavior in either chickens or turkeys. Some prolactin-injected chickens occasionally displayed the covering stance of maternal behavior. An explanation for the discrepancy between these results and the results of studies conducted more than 20 years ago, in which mammalian prolactin was highly effective in inducing incubation behavior in chickens, may lie in differences in purity of the prolactin preparations used.
The Effect of Passage Topical Structure Types on ESL Reading Comprehension Difficulty.

This study investigated the effect of five types of topical structure on the item difficulty of reading comprehension questions. A topical structure includes the initial sentence element which is the initially placed discourse material in a sentence; a mood (surface structure) subject; and a topical subject which is a surface subject relating to the discourse topic of a text. The results indicated that there was a difference in the item difficulty of the questions according to the type of topical structure on which the questions were based. The questions derived from sentences in which given information occurred before new information and from sentences in which topical information occurred in subject position tended to be easier than questions derived from sentences manifesting other types of topical structure. The article concludes with a suggestion that topical structure types be included as a variable in future models of ESL reading comprehension difficulty.
A Macrophage-Based Method for the Assessment of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Activity of Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) and Application to Routine (Daily-24 h) Aerosol Monitoring Studies

Both short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution have been demonstrated to cause increases in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders. Although the specific mechanisms by which exposure to PM cause these affects are unclear, significant evidence has accumulated to suggest that PM exposure leads to increased inflammation as the result of excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in critical cell types. In order to better understand how real-world PM exposure causes adverse health effects, there is a need to efficiently integrate metrics of PM toxicity into large scale air monitoring and health effects/epidemiology studies. Here we describe a rapid, inexpensive, method that can be employed to assess the potential of sub-mg masses of PM to generate oxidative stress in alveolar macrophage cells. Importantly, the approach is compatible with routine daily PM sampling programs such as those administered by EPA (Speciation trends network (STN), IMPROVE netw...
Observation of non-Förster-type energy-transfer behavior in quantum dot-phthalocyanine conjugates.

The effect of linker chain length on the energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to silicon phthalocyanine (Pc) photodynamic therapy agents was investigated by steady-state and femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy with 500 nm light for the specific excitation of the QD energy donor. The conjugation between the QD and the Pc was achieved with linker chains varying from 4 to 9 bond lengths by incorporating 1−6 methylene groups into the axial ligand of the Pc. With increasing chain length, the energy-transfer efficiency increased, which appears to be opposed to a purely Forster-type resonance energy-transfer behavior that is commonly discussed for the energy transfer in QD conjugates. The obtained results provide strong evidence for a capping-layer-mediated energy transfer in the QD-based donor−acceptor conjugates.
Perceptual-motor performance on the Vane and Bender tests as related to two socio-economic classes and ages.

The Bender-Gestalt test, Vane Kindergarten test, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were administered to 60 middle-class and 60 lower-class male and female Caucasian children attending kindergarten, first and second grades of a public school system. Results of the comparative study confirm that perceptual and linguistic differences exist between middle-class and lower-class children, favoring middle-class children, and lend support to the usefulness of the Vane Kindergarten Test as a screening test for screening the intellectual-academic potential of young children.
Atom-Antiatom Interactions

Atom-antiatom rearrangement collisions in which the nucleus-antinucleus bound state is formed are important processes in atom-antiatom interactions. We give a general discussion of the atom-antiatom interatomic potential energy $V$ and calculate $V$ for H-$\overline{\mathrm{H}}$, $\overline{p}$-H, and $\overline{M}$-Ar where $\overline{M}$ means antimuonium (${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}$ atom). We apply the semiclassical and optical-potential methods to determine cross sections for rearrangement collisions. At low energies these collisions are the dominant processes leading to particle-antiparticle annihilation.
Rituximab induces remission of cerebral ischemia caused by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

: Objective: This report describes the experience of a case of atypical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) whose diagnosis was based on severe deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) cleaving metalloprotease ADAMTS13. Methods: The level of ADAMTS13 activity, the titer of the inhibitors of this protease and the size distribution of vWF multimers in plasma samples were analysed in a patient with recurrent episodes of dizziness and blurred vision. Results: In the absence of thrombocytopenia or microangiopathic hemolysis, diagnosis of TTP was established by demonstration of very low ADAMTS13 activity levels and the presence of inhibitors of this protease. After rituximab therapy decreased the inhibitor titer and increased the ADAMTS13 level, the patient has had no relapse of ischemic symptoms in the following 16 months. Conclusions: Acute neurological deficits may occur in TTP without concurrent thrombocytopenia or microangiopathic hemolysis. The role of rituximab for patients with TTP deserves further exploration.
Negative Temperature Derivative of Resistivity in Thin Potassium Samples: The Gurzhi Effect?

The resistivity of free-hanging K wires cooled in He gas varies anomalously with temperature when the diameter $d$ becomes comparable to the mean free path ${l}_{\mathrm{ei}}$ for scattering of electrons by impurities. Wires with $d\ensuremath{\lesssim}{l}_{\mathrm{ei}}$ display a negative $\frac{d\ensuremath{\rho}}{\mathrm{dT}}$ in the vicinity of 1 K. It is suggested that this is the first experimental evidence for an interaction between surface scattering and normal electron-electron scattering as first proposed by Gurzhi. The new data also show that previous explanations of K data of Rowlands et al. are inadequate.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical 4,4′-dialkyl-2,2′-bipyridines

Abstract Conversion of 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine to 4-hexadecyl-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine, 4-heptadecyl-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine, and 4,4′-diheptadecyl-2,2′-bipyridine by treatment with lithium diisopropylamine followed by an appropriate alkyl bromide is reported.
Tungsten and molybdenum phosphine hexahydrides: The first examples of nine coordination among mononuclear molybdenum complexes

Abstract An improved preparation and some reactions of WH 6 (PMe 2 Ph) 3 are described. This method has been extended to prepare the novel MoH 6 (PR 3 ) 3 compounds, the first mononuclear nine-coordinate molybdenum complexes.
Patient care competency in emergency medicine graduate medical education: results of a consensus group on patient care.

"Patient Care" is the first listed core competency of the six new core competencies recently formulated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and, arguably, the most important. To assist emergency medicine (EM) program directors in incorporating and assessing this competency, the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD-EM) held a consensus conference in March 2002. Definitions of this competency were generated that are specific for the training of practitioners in EM. These built upon the ACGME base definition, but include elements unique to or critically important in EM. In addition, all of the ACGME assessment tools were examined and prioritized for use in assessing the competency of EM residents in the area of patient care. Suggestions for an implementation process are also described.
Influence of some processing variables on the properties of cellulose acetate membranes I. Ultimate properties and birefringence

Abstract A time-temperature equivalence exists for the ultimate elongation and birefringence of 2.5 acetyl cellulose acetate. This equivalence can be extended below the glass transition temperature. The experimentally obtained shift factors agree with the Williams-Landel-Ferry equation over a very narrow temperature range only. An empirical method has been developed to obtain a master curve of reduced birefringence as a function of reduced elongation, independent of elongation ratio, rate and temperature of stretching.
Karyological analysis of Ctenopharyngodon idella, Aristichthys nobilis, and their F1 hybrid

Abstract Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) and Aristichthys nobilis (bighead carp) have a diploid chromosome number of 48 with no acrocentric chromosomes. The hybrid of these species is triploid with 72 chromosomes. The frequencies of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes suggest that the hybrid receives two maternal and one paternal set of chromosomes.
TRYPTOPHAN INTERFERENCE WITH IN VITRO ACTION OF THYROXINE ON KIDNEY METABOLISM1

Inhibition of the effect of thyroxine on oxygen consumption of rat kidney slices in vitro was produced by the addition of tryptophan to the incubation medium. Astudy of the effect of tryptophan metabolites and analogs showed that a blockade of at least 90% was produced by L-tryptophan, D-tryptophan, DL-tryptophan, tryptamine, kynurenine, 5-methyltryptophan, indoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan. A depression of the initial rate of oxygen consumption was produced by many of the compounds added. Little relationship was apparent between this effect and the ability of the compound to inhibit the thyroxine activity.
Emergent Literacy: A Case-Study of a Two-Year-Old.

Observations of the spontaneous behaviors and comments of one child aged 24 to 36 months pertinent to emergent literacy are reported. The child was not an early reader. The following areas were addressed: letter/numeral naming, the meaning of print, the communicative function of print, conception of meaning-units or words, language games, awareness of the sound of language, and the relationship between spoken words and specific characteristics of print. The child's responses at the age of 34 months to testing, on some of these topics, are described. Discussion treats cultural aspects, as the child was not exposed to book reading or television. An obstacle the child must overcome in order to understand print, to grasp that letters in text are sequentially ordered, is also discussed.