cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serial scanning with technetium pyrophosphate ( 99m Tc-PYP) in advanced ATTR cardiac amyloidosis.

Background Development of noninvasive imaging modalities to quantify amyloid burden over time is an unmet clinical need. Technetium pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy is a simple and widely available radiotracer useful to differentiate transthyretin from light-chain amyloidosis in patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis. We examined the utility of serial 99mTc-PYP scanning to quantify amyloid burden over time in TTR cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA).
Spontaneous closure of a traumatic ventricular septal defect following a penetrating injury.

Abstract A ventricular septal defect acquired from a penetrating injury to the membranous septum closed spontaneously, as documented by repeat cardiac catheterization. The patient was asymptomatic from the time the lesion was discovered until the present. We advise observation of these lesions for a period of time, provided that no evidence of cardiac decompensation or pulmonary hypertension is noted as determined by hemodynamic studies and clinical observation. Cardiac catheterization is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, measure the magnitude of the shunt, and rule out associated intracardiac injuries. We believe the lesion should be closed on an elective basis, regardless of the absence of symptoms, if after a reasonable time there is no evidence that the ventricular septal defect is closing and a significant shunt is demonstrated.
Mast cell-mediated colonic immune function and its inhibition by dietary aspirin in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.

Because of the integrated nature of cellular elements in the gut wall, an understanding of the local mucosal immune system and its adaptive capacity should provide more insight into diseases of the co
Integral representation and embedding of weak Markov systems

On etend les resultats de R. Zielke concernant la representation integrale d'une classe de systemes de Markov faibles. On utilise une propriete de plongement
Angiotensin II Stimulates Transcription of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Role of Nuclear Factor-κB

Increased expression of the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) is associated with proliferation and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In cultured VSMCs, we reported that angiotensin II (Ang II) increases transcription and expression of IGF-IR. Now, we show that mesenteric arteries of rats infused with Ang II develop thickening and increased IGF-IR expression. To determine how Ang II transcriptionally regulates IGF-IR expression in VSMCs, we generated 5′-end deletions of the IGF-IR promoter and measured Ang II-induced promoter-luciferase activity in VSMCs. Activities from these promoter sequences suggested that the Ang II-responsive region is located between −270 and −135 of the IGF-IR promoter. Using a DNase I foot printing analysis, we identified two putative nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-like sequences located in the same region of the IGF-IR promoter. When we mutated either of these NF-κB-like sites, Ang II-induced IGF-IR promoter activity decreased sharply. Electrophoretic mobility gel shift, anti-p5...
Non-viral gene delivery systems

Non-viral gene delivery systems have the potential to create viable pharmaceuticals from nucleic acids. These DNA delivery systems contain lipids and/or cationic polymers. In order for these systems to be developed into commercial products, several barriers must be overcome. These include obstacles in manufacturing, formulation and stability. In vivo, problems of extracellular non-specific interactions and intracellular trafficking to the nucleus are also encountered. Recent progress has been made in overcoming these issues.
Dynacortin facilitates polarization of chemotaxing cells

Background: Cell shape changes during cytokinesis and chemotaxis require regulation of the actin cytoskeletal network. Dynacortin, an actin cross-linking protein, localizes to the cell cortex and contributes to cortical resistance, thereby helping to define the cell shape changes of cytokinesis. Dynacortin also becomes highly enriched in cortical protrusions, which are sites of new actin assembly. Results: We studied the effect of dynacortin on cell motility during chemotaxis and on actin dynamics in vivo and in vitro. Dynacortin enriches with the actin, particularly at the leading edge of chemotaxing cells. Cells devoid of dynacortin do not become as polarized as wild-type control cells but move with similar velocities as wild-type cells. In particular, they send out multiple pseudopods that radiate at a broader distribution of angles relative to the chemoattractant gradient. Wild-type cells typically only send out one pseudopod at a time that does not diverge much from 0° on average relative to the gradient. Though dynacortin-deficient cells show normal bulk (whole-cell) actin assembly upon chemoattractant stimulation, dynacortin can promote actin assembly in vitro. By fluorescence spectroscopy, co-sedimentation and transmission electron microscopy, dynacortin acts as an actin scaffolder in which it assembles actin monomers into polymers with a stoichiometry of 1 Dyn 2 :1 actin under salt conditions that disfavor polymer assembly. Conclusion: Dynacortin contributes to cell polarization during chemotaxis. By cross-linking and possibly stabilizing actin polymers, dynacortin also contributes to cortical viscoelasticity, which may be critical for establishing cell polarity. Though not essential for directional sensing or motility, dynacortin is required to establish cell polarity, the third core feature of chemotaxis.
Racial Differences in Plasma Endothelin-1 Concentrations in Individuals With Essential Hypertension

Hypertension is more prevalent in blacks than whites, and the reasons for this difference remain unclear. To test whether endothelin may play a role in these racial variations, we analyzed plasma samples from black and white women and men with high blood pressure by an enzyme-linked immunoassay specific for endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, and compared them with those obtained from similar subjects with normal blood pressure. Both female and male hypertensive blacks had elevated levels of immunoreactive ET-1 (11.3 +/- 1.0 and 12.3 +/- 1.3 pmol/L, respectively) compared with values in normotensive control blacks (1.5 +/- 0.2 and 1.4 +/- 0.2 pmol/L). Corresponding values in female and male hypertensive whites were 3.8 +/- 0.6 and 3.8 +/- 0.6 pmol/L, respectively, compared with respective values of 1.4 +/- 0.1 and 2.8 +/- 0.4 pmol/L in normotensive control whites. These results indicate that plasma concentrations of immunoreactive ET-1 levels differ significantly between black and white individuals with high blood pressure. This finding may be an important factor in the etiology of racial differences in the prevalence and severity of hypertension and deserves further study [corrected].
Just the right size: cell counting in Dictyostelium

The regulation of tissue and organism size plays an essential, but poorly understood, role in multicellular development. Genes have been identified that affect body and organ size in a number of animals. Two recently identified genes, smlA and countin, are required for the proper function of a cell-counting mechanism that regulates organism size in the eukaryotic microorganism Dictyostelium discoideum. The discovery of this process now allows the study of size regulation in a simple multicellular system.
DISTRIBUTION OF SODIUM NITRITE IN ADIPOSE TISSUE DURING CURING

Nitrite reacts with adipose tissue when conditions are similar to those for meat curing. Whole adipose tissue (ground and unground) was subjected to a curing procedure, and it was established that a more homogeneous distribution of nitrite occurred in the ground adipose tissue. 80 −90% of the added nitrite was analyzable as free nitrite in cured whole adipose tissue. When Na1SNO2 was used, the recovery of 1 5 N was low and variable; the amount of 1 5 N recovered was found to be dependent on the protein content of the adipose tissue sample. When whole cured adipose tissue was separated into lipid, connective tissue and water phases, free nitrite was detected in each. The results also include analyses for nitrate which was present though in small amounts. 1 5 N from Na1 5 NO2 was bound to connective tissue and lipid in low but detectable amounts; this occurred if whole adipose tissue was treated with nitrite and then fractionated or if fractionation was accomplished prior to treatment with nitrite. Experiments on various fatty acids and glycerides showed a binding which was apparently related to the degree of unsaturation. Serious question was raised about the meaning of so-called “free” or “residual” nitrite. The importance of protein bound nitrite was emphasized, and the suggestion was made that some of the bound nitrite is released by sample preparation. The implications of this are discussed.
Zinc And Cadmium Distribution And Leaching In A Metalliferous Peat

Peat soils with a gradient of naturally high Cd and Zn (up to 190 and 70,000,mg/kg, respectively) were sampled at several depths from a wetland overlying Zn-rich dolomitic bedrock. Total concentrations of Zn, Cd and S were generally much higher in the seasonally water-saturated subsoils than at the surface. Leaching studies with intact soil columns showed the subsoils generally have a greater tendency to release Zn, Cd and S than the topsoils. Zn and Cd leaching were correlated to sulfate dissolution, with 6 successive leaching events removing up to 4% and 13% of the total Zn and S, respectively, from the most metal-rich subsoils. Relative leaching losses were less from the surface soils, not exceeding 1% and 3% of total Zn and S. Because Zn was relatively more soluble and extractable by 0.01,M CaCl2 than Cd, Zn/Cd ratios in column leachates and field-sampled groundwater were higher than the soil Zn/Cd ratios. Consequently, the potential for loss of Zn from the soil by leaching was higher than that of Cd, particularly from the subsoil. Nevertheless, some soil layers of the profile were enriched in total Zn relative to Cd, indicated by Zn/Cd ratios well above that of the Cd-rich sphalerite in the parent dolomitic rock. This enrichment may be explained by historical migration and re-immobilization of Zn as sulfides. The low solubility of Cd in the peats despite high total Cd suggests preferential immobilization of this metal by organic sulfur or sulfide.
Hiatal hernia complicated by gastric ulceration and perforation

The incidence of gastric ulcer in hiatal hernia is highest in para-esophageal hernia and in chronic incarcerated hernia in older patients. Two patients with chronic incarcerated sliding hernias complicated by unrecognized gastric ulceration and perforation are described. One patient developed a subhepatic and mediastinal abscess; the other developed a gastropleural fistula. The incidence, clinical and roentgen findings, complications, and treatment of gastric ulcers in hiatal hernia are discussed.
Hippocampal, hypothalamic and lateral geniculate activity during visual discrimination in the monkey

Abstract Two Macaca nemestrina monkeys were implanted bilaterally with bipolar electrodes in hippocampus, hypothalamus and lateral geniculate bodies. In hippocampus and lateral geniculate bodies, EEG spectral patterns over the range 4 to 24 Hz, just prior to discriminative responses, were statistically different from periods preceding stimulus onset, just after stimulus onset, and preceding spontaneous presses to response switches during the inter-trial interval. Since the motor movements in the discriminative response and the spontaneous press are the same, the EEG prior to a discriminative response reflects at least some extra-motor activity that may be related to arousal, anticipation of the response outcome or information processing. No differences between correct and incorrect responses were found.
Propagule size, dispersal ability, and seedling performance in Asclepias syriaca

Using the propagules of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) we tested the predictions that decreasing size may increase dispersal ability, but also decrease the probability of seedling success, of wind-dispersed seeds. In 1982 and 1983 we released seeds from four milkweed clones at two heights in an open field and measured their dispersal distances. In the laboratory we measured falling times in a dead air space, seed mass and area, and coma mass and length of the same seeds. The seeds were later planted in a greenhouse and germination, mortality, and seedling dry mass were recorded.Seed mass was negatively correlated with dispersal distance in 1982, but not in 1983 under highly variable wind conditions. Coma mass/seed mass ratio was positively correlated with dispersal distance in 1982. During both years seed mass and coma mass/seed mass ratio were highly significantly correlated with falling time in dead air space. However, heavy seeds had superior germination, survivorship, and seedling mass at harvest, and seeds that germinated fell faster in dead air than those that did not. We found substantial variation in seed morphology both among clones and among pods within clones. Propagule falling times in dead air and (in 1982) dispersal distances in the field also differed significantly among clones and pods. The potential therefore exists for differential dispersal and establishment of milkweed genotypes.
Routine Iron Supplementation and Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

This systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updates evidence about the benefits and harms of routine screening and supplementation for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic,...
Neutral Cyclooctasulfur as a Polydentate Ligand: Supramolecular Structures of [Rh2(O2CCF3)4]n(S8)m (n:m=1:1, 3:2)

Coordination of neutral S8 molecules by transition metal centers has been structurally confirmed for the first time. The monoadduct [Rh2 (O2 CCF3 )4 ](S8 ) is a one-dimensional polymer with an alternating chain of dirhodium(II) tetra(trifluoroacetate) and bidentate S8 rings, whereas [Rh2 (O2 CCF3 )4 ]3 (S8 )2 is a pseudo-two-dimensional ribbon in which all cyclo-S8 ligands act in a tridentate fashion.
Evaluation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems Performance With Dual Power Generation Units

This paper evaluates the economic, energetic, and environmental feasibility of using two power generation units (PGUs) to operate a combined heat and power (CHP) system. A benchmark building developed by the Department of Energy for a full-service restaurant in Chicago, IL is used to analyze the proposed configuration. This location is selected since it usually provides favorable CHP system conditions in terms of cost and emissions reduction. In this investigation, one PGU is operated at base load to satisfy part of the electricity building requirements (PGU1), while the other is used to satisfy the remaining electricity requirement operating following the electric load (PGU2). The dual-PGU configuration (D-CHP) is modeled for several different scenarios in order to determine the optimum operating range for the selected benchmark building. The dual-PGU scenario is compared with the reference building using conventional technology to determine the economical, energetic, and environmental benefits of this proposed system. This condition is also compared to a CHP system operating following the electric load (FEL) and to a base-loaded CHP system, and it provides greater savings in operating cost, primary energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions than the optimized conditions for base loading and FEL.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An analysis of life-cycle accumulation of financial assets

This paper uses data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) to estimate age profiles for financial asset accumulation. While the CEX is not designed to estimate financial wealth, it has the advantage of being available on a consistent basis since 1980. As the data set is not a panel, synthetic cohort techniques are used to analyse the dynamics of asset accumulation over the life cycle, while allowing for cohort and business cycle effects. It is shown that it is not possible to separately identify cohort and age effects in the level of financial assets. However, with the specification proposed, it is possible to identify all the parameters (except the intercept) of the age profile for the changes in financial assets. Several measures of location are analysed, and several conditioning variables considered. The results seem to indicate a decline in the rate of financial asset accumulation in the last part of the life cycle. However, because the scale of this effect is not identified, these results cannot be used to address the issue of asset decumulation by the elderly.
Mechanisms and mechanics of compressive deformation in open-cell Al foams

Abstract The paper presents the results of experimental study of compressive deformation in open-cell 6101-O aluminum alloy foams with three different pore sizes (10, 20 and 40 pores per inch or PPI). Samples of two dimensions (10 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm and 24.5 mm × 24.5 mm × 17.0 mm) were investigated. Linear elastic deformation was first observed in a small 10 PPI foam sample at small enough stress level (0.11 MPa). The onset and spread of plasticity in individual struts were studied by the observation of dislocation slip bands, which were examined during ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An in situ optical microscope, connected to a video camera, was also used to study the progressive deformation of the foam structure under compressive loading. Both plastic buckling and plastic bending of struts were observed to occur during compressive deformation of the foam blocks. However, plastic bending of struts was the dominant deformation mechanism.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Lumboperitoneal Shunt Placement for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting is considered an effective method of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Confirmation of flow out of the d...
On the Equivalence of Some Generalized Network Problems to Pure Network Problems

The purpose of this paper is to show that any generalized network problem whose matrix does not have full row rank can be transformed into an equivalent pure network problem and to give a constructive method for doing this.
Uptake and transfection with polymeric nanoparticles are dependent on polymer end-group structure, but largely independent of nanoparticle physical and chemical properties.

Development of nonviral particles for gene delivery requires a greater understanding of the properties that enable gene delivery particles to overcome the numerous barriers to intracellular DNA delivery. Linear poly(beta-amino) esters (PBAE) have shown substantial promise for gene delivery, but the mechanism behind their effectiveness is not well quantified with respect to these barriers. In this study, we synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for gene delivery an array of linear PBAEs that differed by small changes along the backbone, side chain, and end group of the polymers. We examined particle size and surface charge, polymer molecular weight, polymer degradation rate, buffering capacity, cellular uptake, transfection, and cytotoxicity of nanoparticles formulated with these polymers. Significantly, this is the first study that has quantified how small differential structural changes to polymers of this class modulate buffering capacity and polymer degradation rate and relates these findings to ge...
Gout and pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint is rarely affected by gout or pseudogout. The following article presents two case reports that demonstrate gout and pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint. The surgical treatment and diagnostic criteria for these entities are presented and discussed.
Yield and Persistence of Forage and Root-type Chicory Cultivars

A challenge in managing chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a forage is dealing with bolting of flower stalks in spring. Cultivars of chicory with reduced bolting potential, used mainly for root and sugar production (root types), are available. An experiment was conducted at Rock Springs, PA, to compare forage cultivars and European root-type cultivars of chicory for yield,bolting, and persistence under clipping. 'Grasslands Puna,' 'Lacerta,' and'Forage Feast' forage cultivars and 'Dagerrad,' 'Halle,' and 'Katrein' root-type cultivars were sown in April 1999. Plots were cut every 4 week during May to August 2000 and 2001. Dry matter (DM) yield was determined at each harvest and bolting was estimated visually. Stand densities were determined periodically from October 1999 to June 2002. The cultivars did not differ in DM yield in 2000 (average DM of 6700 lb/acre). Grasslands Puna and Lacerta yielded more DM than other cultivars in 2001. More than 80% of Lacerta and Puna plants bolted at the first harvest in both years, whereas only 30 to 40% of Forage Feast and the root cultivars bolted. There was less than 10% bolting in Forage Feast and the root-type cultivars after the first harvest in 2000 and during all harvests of 2001. Lacerta suffered a 52% loss of plants in 2000 and a cumulative loss of 90% by June 2002. In June 2002 Lacerta had 2 plants/ft², whereas the other cultivars averaged 6 plants/ft². Reduced bolting would be a useful characteristic of forage chicory cultivars provided that yield and persistence were not compromised.
Behavioral and pharmacologic approaches to problem urination in cats

Problem urination is the most frequent feline behavior problem for which veterinary consultation is sought. The first step is to differentiate between inappropriate urination and urine marking. There is an array of behavioral approaches that are particularly useful with inappropriate urination and may also be useful with urine marking. Anti-anxiety drugs may be used if behavioral approaches are not effective in treating urine marking or inappropriate urination.
The Health and Activities Limitation Index in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Utility assessment is required to estimate quality-adjusted life years, but is often avoided due to the cumbersome nature of elicitation techniques. The Health Activities and Limitations Index (HALex) offers a method of utility assessment using existing values from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and a utility algorithm to derive preferences. The authors assessed the construct validity of the HALex by comparing derived values with directly assessed HALex utilities in patients post acute myocardial infarction (AMI). OLS regression was used to model the relationship between utilities and patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment. The mean and median utility for patients (n = 160) was .57 (SD = 22) and .55 respectively, and was not statistically different from the mean [.57 (SD = .30)] and median (.58) for similar NHIS respondents (n = 46). Patients with a comorbidity index of three or less had mean utilities .13 higher than the mean utility for patients with an index of four or more. No relationship was found between patients' age, race, and income and their utilities. The HALex scoring algorithm is a promising means to obtain utilities, and provides a methodology to easily estimate utilities for patients, but is not without limitations.
Electronic Properties of Liquid Water in the Vacuum Ultraviolet

Reflectance of liquid water has been measured between 1050 and 3000 \AA{} by two methods, one with the water in an open dish in equilibrium with its vapor and one with a Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ or quartz cell. Real and imaginary parts of the index of refraction and dielectric constant, deduced from the data and Fresnel's equations, suggest an exciton transition at 8.3 eV, an interband transition at 9.6 eV, and a band gap of 9 eV.
Effect of carbohydrate counting and medical nutritional therapy on glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetic subjects: a pilot study

Diabet. Med. 27, 477–479 (2010) Abstract Aims The effect of a balanced, carbohydrate-counting diet on glycaemic control in Type 1diabetic subjects is unclear. Our aim was to determine its effect in a small, pilot trial. Methods We randomized 256 Type 1 diabetic subjects to a Nutritional Education Programme (group A) or not (group B). Weight, body mass index, glycated haemogobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, urate, creatinine, microalbuminuria and daily insulin requirements were measured at baseline and at the end of the study (9 months). During the study, the number of hypoglycaemic events (bood glucose < 3.9 mmol/l) was also measured. Results Compared with group B, group A showed: (i) a reduction in HbA1c (group A: 7.8 ± 1.3–7.4 ± 0.9%; group B: 7.5 ± 0.8–7.5 ± 1.1%; P < 0.01); (ii) less hypoglycaemic events (4% vs. 7%; P < 0.05); (iii) a reduction in dose of rapid insulin analogues (23.5 ± 10.9 vs. 27.7 ± 17.1 IU/24 h; P = 0.03). No other between-group changes were observed. Conclusions This study shows the importance of medical nutritional therapy on glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetic subjects.
Replication initiation proteins regulate a developmental checkpoint in Bacillus subtilis

We identified a signaling pathway that prevents initiation of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis when replication initiation is impaired. We isolated mutations that allow a replication initiation mutant (dnaA) to sporulate. These mutations affect a small open reading frame, sda, that was overexpressed in replication initiation mutants and appears to be directly regulated by DnaA. Mutations in replication initiation genes inhibit the onset of sporulation by preventing activation of a transcription factor required for sporulation, Spo0A. Deletion of sda restored activation of Spo0A in replication initiation mutants. Overexpression of sda in otherwise wild-type cells inhibited activation of Spo0A and sporulation. Purified Sda inhibited a histidine kinase needed for activation of Spo0A. Our results indicate that control of sda by DnaA establishes a checkpoint that inhibits activation of Spo0A and prevents futile attempts to initiate sporulation.
The mathematical beliefs and behavior of high school students: Insights from a longitudinal study

Abstract There is a documented need for more research on the mathematical beliefs of students below college. In particular, there is a need for more studies on how the mathematical beliefs of these students impact their mathematical behavior in challenging mathematical tasks. This study examines the beliefs on mathematical learning of five high school students and the students’ mathematical behavior in a challenging probability task. The students were participants in an after-school, classroom-based, longitudinal study on students’ development of mathematical ideas funded by the United States National Science Foundation. The results show that particular educational experiences can alter results from previous studies on the mathematical beliefs and behavior of students below college, some of which have been used to justify non-reform pedagogical approaches in mathematics classrooms. Implications for classroom practice and ideas for future research are discussed.
Higher Energy Megavoltage Photon and Split Beam Technique Minimize the Testicular Dose During Radiation Prophylaxis of Heterotopic Ossification

Higher Energy Megavoltage Photon and Split Beam Technique Minimize the Testicular Dose During Radiation Prophylaxis of Heterotopic Ossification W.F. Mourad, J.K. Ma, C.C. Yang, R. He, M. Ryniak, R.A. Shourbaji, P.N. Mobit, J. Santoro, T. Nabhani, E. Katsoulakis, R. Kabarriti, A. Blakaj, S. Patel, W. Yan, D. Blakaj, M.A. Khan, S. Packianathan, R.L. Jennelle, G.V. Russell, and S. Vijayakumar; University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
Inter and Intrastrand Vibrational Coupling in DNA Studied with Heterodyned 2D-IR Spectroscopy

Heterodyned 2D-IR, frequency resolved photon echo, and pump−probe spectroscopies were collected to study the couplings and anharmonicities of cytidine and guanosine bases in DNA. Cytidine and guano...
Variation among maize inbred lines and detection of quantitative trait loci for growth at low phosphorus and responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Maize (Zea mays L.) growth at low soil P levels is affected both by inherent physiological factors as well as interactions with soil microbes. The objectives of this study were (i) to quantify differences among maize inbred lines for growth at low P and response to mycorrhizal fungi, and (ii) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these traits in a B73 x Mo17 recombinant inbred population. Shoot dry weight and root volume were measured in the greenhouse after 6 wk of growth in a factorial experiment of 28 inbred maize lines using treatments of low vs. high P and mycorrhizal vs. nonmycorrhizal treatments. Shoot dry weight for the low P treatment in the absence of mycorrhizae ranged from 0.56 to 3.15 g. Mycorrhizal responsiveness based on shoot dry weight ranged from 106 to 800%. Shoot dry weight in the low P-nonmycorrhizal treatment was highly negatively correlated with mycorrhizal responsiveness. Plants grown at high P in the presence of mycorrhizae accumulated only 88% of the biomass of plants grown at high P in the absence of mycorrhizae, indicating that mycorrhizae can reduce plant growth when not contributing to the symbiosis. Percentage of root colonization was not correlated with mycorrhizal responsiveness. B73 and Mo17 were among the extremes for growth at low P and mycorrhizal responsiveness, and a B73 X Mo17 population of 197 recombinant inbred lines was used to detect QTL for growth at low P and mycorrhizal responsiveness. Three QTL were identified which controlled growth at low P in the absence of mycorrhizae based on shoot weight and one QTL which controlled mycorrhizal responsiveness. This study indicates that there is substantial variation among maize lines for growth at low P and response to mycorrhizal fungi. This variation could be harnessed to develop cultivars for regions of the world with P deficiency and for reduced-input production systems.
Brittle cleavage of L12 trialuminides

Three trialuminide alloys, binary Al–25Sc, ternary Al–25Zr–6Fe, and quaternary Al–23Ti–6Fe–5V, all having the cubic L12 structure, were investigated. All three alloys fracture in a brittle manner (fracture toughness, 2–3 MPa m½), predominantly by transgranular cleavage. Of nineteen cleavage facets examined in binary Al3Sc, seventeen were of the {110} type and only two were of the {100} type, consistent with our earlier work which showed that the cleavage plane occurring most frequently in quaternary Al–23Ti–6Fe–5V is also {110}. The room-temperature hardnesses and yield strengths (100–200 DPH and 100–270 MPa, respectively) of all three alloys are quite low (comparable to ductile L12 alloys like Ni3Al), indicating that there is significant dislocation activity in these materials. Consistent with this, transmission electron microscopy identified several APB-coupled dislocations with b - a/2〈110〉 gliding on the {111} planes in both binary Al–25Sc and quaternary Al–23Ti–6Fe–5V. The separations between the superpartials in Al–25Sc and Al–23Ti–6Fe–5V were measured to be 3.7 and 4 nm, respectively, giving APB energies of 313 and 274 mJ/m2, respectively. Auger analyses failed to detect any impurities on the cleavage facets themselves, or on second phase particles (or other potential cleavage crack nucleation sites). It is therefore concluded that brittle fracture in these alloys is not impurity-induced. Based on all the results obtained to date we conclude that the unusual brittleness of L12 trialuminides is related to their intrinsically low cleavage strength. Possible reasons for their low cleavage strength are discussed.
Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma in Adults 35 Years of Age and Younger

Thirteen young adults (ages 21 to 35 years) with periocular basal cell carcinoma were identified out of 409 patients of all ages with basal cell carcinoma (3.2%). Factors related to patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed. Two groups of patients were identified. Most of the patients tended to be of light complexion and eye coloring without a family history of basal cell carcinoma. A second group of patients with basal cell nevus syndrome was identified. The tumors generally were single small lesions, but not nodular, usually being morpheaform in tissue structure. The tumors were present for an average of 4.3 years before diagnosis. The area of excision was 5.4 times the clinically measured size.
Host Deficiency in Caveolin-2 Inhibits Lung Carcinoma Tumor Growth by Impairing Tumor Angiogenesis

Caveolin-2 (Cav-2), a member of caveolin protein family, is largely different from better known caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and thus might play distinct functions. Here, we provide the first genetic evidence suggesting that host-expressed Cav-2 promotes subcutaneous tumor growth and tumor-induced neovascularization using two independent syngeneic mouse models. Host deficiency in Cav-2 resulted in defective and reduced growth of subcutaneously implanted Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and B16-F10 melanoma tumors, respectively. Consistent with the defective growth, LLC and B16-F10 melanoma tumors implanted into Cav-2 KO mice displayed reduced microvascular density (MVD) determined by IHC with anti-CD31 antibodies, suggesting impaired pathologic angiogenesis. Additional studies involving LLC tumors extracted from Cav-2 KO mice just 10 days after implantation determined reduced cell proliferation, massive necrotic cell death, and fibrosis. In contrast with day 10, only MVD but not cell proliferation and survival was reduced in the earliest palpable LLC tumors extracted 6 days after implantation into Cav-2 KO mice, suggesting that impaired angiogenesis is the causative factor. Mechanistically, impaired LLC tumor growth and angiogenesis in Cav-2 KO mice was associated with increased expression levels of antiangiogenic thrombospondin-1 and inhibited S1177 phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Taken together, our data suggest that host deficiency in Cav-2 impairs tumor-induced angiogenesis, leading to compromised tumor cell survival/proliferation manifested by the defective tumor growth. In conclusion, host-expressed Cav-2 may promote tumor growth via supporting tumor-induced angiogenesis. Thus, Cav-2 expressed in tumor microenvironment may potentially become a novel target for cancer therapy.
Observations of polar mesospheric clouds by the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer

[1] Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) were observed by a limb-scanning ultraviolet spectrometer on the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE). Radiance profiles at 215 and 237 nm are analyzed to determine the presence of clouds. Once detected, the altitude and brightness of a cloud relative to the background atmosphere is determined. SNOE observations provide the frequency of occurrence of PMC as a function of location and time for the years 1998 through 2003. The observations show at high latitudes a general rise in frequency of occurrence beginning approximately 3 weeks before summer solstice in both hemispheres and lasting for approximately 1 week. These rises are followed by approximately 60 days of relatively high but variable occurrence frequencies. The declines in frequency of occurrence at the ends of the seasons are generally slower and more structured then the beginning of the seasons. One of the major results from the SNOE observations is that significantly more PMCs are observed in the Northern Hemisphere than in the south, leading us to conclude that the southern polar mesosphere must be on average less saturated than the northern polar mesosphere. The SNOE observations also suggest that the frequency of occurrence of PMCs is strongly modulated by local dynamical influences. The SNOE results are in general agreement with results from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer which observed PMC with similar instrumentation in the years 1981 through 1986.
Erikson’s Schedule of Human Strengths and the Childhood Origins of the Resourceful Self

This article focuses on Erik H. Erikson’s schedule of human strengths presented in his essay, “Human Strength and the Cycle of Generations” (1964). It discusses his assignment of human strengths to the eight stages of the life cycle, his view that the word “virtue” expresses their animated and spirited quality, and his view that these strengths are integral to the epigenetic developmental process. On the basis of his understanding of the human strengths as integral to the epigenetic developmental process, it proposes that the four human strengths developed in childhood are critically important to the development of the resourceful self. The article also suggests that we gain new insights into the eight human strengths when we view them as interrelated pairs, i.e., hope/will, purpose/competence, fidelity/love and care/wisdom.
Structural Validity of the WISC-IV for Students With ADHD.

Objective: To evaluate the structural validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Method: Confirmatory factor analyses were applied to a sample of 233 student...
The selective cytotoxic effect of carotenoids and α-Tocopherol on human cancer cell lines in vitro

This study compares the toxic effects of the carotenoids, beta-carotene and canthaxanthin, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) on human tumor cells and their normal counterparts in vitro. Seven different malignant cell lines were examined: oral carcinoma (two cell lines), breast (two cell lines), lung carcinoma (two cell lines), and malignant melanoma. The in vitro cell culture assays showed a consistent morphologic change in the affected tumor cells following treatment with carotenoid or vitamin E. A rounding of the tumor cells and eventual lifting off the tissue culture plate were observed. These changes were apparent after 1 to 5 hours of treatment depending on the tumor cell line. Associated with these observable cellular changes were quantitative reductions in proliferation (3H-thymidine proliferation) and succinic dehydrogenase activity (MTT assay). In addition, there was a noticeable change in protein expression, with an increased expression of a 70-kD protein following treatment with beta-carotene. This protein was associated with tumor cells showing a decrease in proliferation (oral carcinoma, malignant melanoma) but not with normal keratinocytes or melanocytes. These studies substantiate a selective cytotoxic effect on human tumor cell growth by carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol in vitro, and may provide an explanation of the therapeutic activity of these agents and their possible use in the treatment of premalignancy or early oral carcinoma.
Leach data vs total: which is relevant for SRMs?

This paper presents an overview of the available leach data for NIST SRMs currently in distribution or to be released in the near future. These include coal fly ash, soil, sediment and sludge matrices, each leached with only one of several potential acid mixtures as specified in the Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Protocol, Method 3050, or Method 3051. These leach values are method-specific and that specificity applies individually to each of several potential leach media which may be used. Therefore leach values cannot be confirmed by the agreement of results obtained by two or more independent methods or techniques, as is NIST practice for certified values. Additionally, the certified values, which have historically been total concentration values, do not provide the necessary quality assurance for environmental studies based on leach data. The information leach values provide this level of quality control for environmental studies.
Lectin binding affinities of induced pancreatic lesions in the hamster model

We examined the binding pattern of nine lectins to N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP)-induced pancreatic lesions in Syrian hamsters. These lectins were Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Griffonia simplicifolia I (GS-I), Helix aspersa (HAA), Helix pomatia (HPA), Sophora japonica (SJA), Ricinus communis I (RCA-I), Triticum vulgaris (WGA) and Ulex europaeus I (UEA-I). All of the lectins reacted in untreated control hamsters to varying intensities with cytoplasmic components of acinar cells. GS-I, HPA, RCA-I and UEA-I bound to the basolateral surface and PNA, HAA and HPA to the luminal surface of these cells. All but GS-I, RCA-I and UEA-I stained the cytoplasm of islet cells diffusely. In untreated control hamsters, some ductal cells bound PNA, HAA and RCA-I, whereas these cells reacted negatively to the remaining six lectins. Ductular cells did not bind any of the nine lectins. Hyperplastic ductal cells in untreated hamsters were reactive with all nine lectins; however the intensity of the reactivity, cellular localization and extent differed for each lectin. In carcinogen-treated hamsters, the binding pattern of the lectins to acinar and islet cells did not differ significantly from that in untreated hamsters, whereas cells of induced ductal and ductular lesions bound each of the lectins in different patterns and intensities. The reaction of UEA-I to induced lesions was most consistent, specific and strong, thereby indicating the presence of L-fucose in glycoproteins produced by altered cells. Although the binding affinity of the lectins to induced hyperplastic lesions differed in both a quantitative and qualitative fashion, all dysplastic and malignant lesions were reactive to each lectin. This result indicates a heterogeneity in the carbohydrate structure of the glycoproteins produced by pancreatic cells during carcinogenicity.
The association between pro forma earnings and earnings management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between investor perception management through reporting aggressive pro forma (PF) earnings and earnings management through real activities or by manipulating accruals.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of PF earnings announcements over 2001‐2007 was manually collected from Lexis Nexis, consisting of 4,285 firm‐quarter observations; the aggressiveness of PF earnings reporting was measured by the difference between GAAP earnings and PF earnings.Findings – The paper finds that managers report more aggressively calculated PF earnings numbers if they do not meet their earnings targets or they have limited abilities to manage earnings. Also it was found that the gap between the value relevance of GAAP earnings and PF earnings is smaller for firms with relatively low level of discretionary accruals; this gap is decreased in the post‐Sarbanes Oxley Act period.Practical implications – This paper has implications for investors and financial anal...
Audience labor in the new media environment: A Marxian revisiting of the audience commodity

The contemporary dynamics of mass communication necessitate a reassessment of the received notions of audience labor. To that end this article revisits Dallas Smythe’s seminal audience commodity theory through the lens of a two-sided class analysis. A number of his key conceptualizations are critiqued including audience power, audience measurement, media content as a free lunch, audiences as a non-durable producer’s good, the disappearance of labor power, and the revisionist history of capitalist development . At each point in the critique the contributions of various political economists who have revised and extended Smythe’s work are highlighted. The critique serves to underscore the contributions and limitations of the theory as its extension into the new media landscape is reconsidered.
International irrigation development: Factors affecting project success

Abstract Irrigation development investments are designed to increase food supply and rural income and to improve the quality of life for the rural poor. Yet many irrigation projects have had poor agronomic and economic results as well as unintended and undesirable social effects. Due to inappropriate project design and a failure to fully consider sociological factors, projects are often characterized by water use inefficiency, poor maintenance, and deviance. This article identifies social factors that have facilitated project success. Cases are used to exemplify key lessons that have emerged from field experience. Emphasis is given to unintended project outcomes, farmer participation, site‐specific design, and the match of irrigation organizational design to the type of technology.
A modified three-quarter veneer crown

Abstract The preparation of a modified three-quarter veneer crown is a combination of a three-quarter crown and jacket crown preparation procedure. The preparation incorporates the retentive features of the three-quarter crown with its saving in tooth structure and the esthetics of the full jacket crown. The modified three-quarter veneer crown is used whenever a jacket crown is needed as a retainer for a bridge, or in cases where the occlusion makes it impossible to remove enough lingual enamel to allow for the proper thickness to make a jacket crown. This restoration is used also on teeth which need a jacket crown but are exceptionally thin labiolingually. It is easily adaptable for the establishment of a positive lingual rest seat on an anterior tooth for an indirect retainer of a partial denture.
When the Shoe Fits: Census Data, Oral History, and Stem Families in Southwest France

The author presents a case study of a French community "in which there exists a convenient fit between the manner in which data are organized in the national census on one hand and local notions about how families and households should be organized on the other. This means that data series from the census can in fact yield a revealing picture of patterns of change over time in...family organization....Although the French census has certainly not been designed specifically to accommodate the premises of [the towns] family organization it nonetheless happens to do so. This suggests that the census structure and family structure are sometimes related such that the one is a demonstrably satisfactory source of information about experience within the other even when each is premised on rather different ideas about family organization." (EXCERPT)
Detection of Bacillus anthracis from spores and cells by loop-mediated isothermal amplification without sample preparation.

Abstract Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a technique capable of rapidly amplifying specific nucleic acid sequences without specialized thermal cycling equipment. In addition, several detection methods that include dye fluorescence, gel electrophoresis, turbidity and colorimetric change, can be used to measure or otherwise detect target amplification. To date, publications have described the requirement for some form of sample nucleic acid extraction (boiling, lysis, DNA purification, etc.) prior to initiating a LAMP reaction. We demonstrate here, the first LAMP positive results obtained from vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus anthracis without nucleic acid extraction. Our data show that the simple addition of cells or spores to the reaction mixture, followed by heating at 63 °C is all that is required to reproducibly amplify and detect target plasmid and chromosomal DNA via colorimetric change. The use of three primer sets targeting both plasmids and the chromosome of B. anthracis allows for the rapid discrimination of non-pathogenic bacteria from pathogenic bacteria within 30 min of sampling. Our results indicate that direct testing of B. anthracis spores and cells via LAMP assay will greatly simplify and shorten the detection process by eliminating nucleic acid purification. These results may allow more rapid detection of DNA from pathogenic organisms present in field and environmental samples.