cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addition of veratryl alcohol oxidase activity to manganese peroxidase by site-directed mutagenesis.

Manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase are ligninolytic heme-containing enzymes secreted by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Despite structural similarity, these peroxidases oxidize different substrates. Veratryl alcohol is a typical substrate for lignin peroxidase, while manganese peroxidase oxidizes chelated Mn2+. By a single mutation, S168W, we have added veratryl alcohol oxidase activity to recombinant manganese peroxidase expressed in Escherichia coli. The kcat for veratryl alcohol oxidation was 11 s-1, Km for veratryl alcohol approximately 0.49 mM, and Km for hydrogen peroxide approximately 25 microM at pH 2.3. The Km for veratryl alcohol was higher and Km for hydrogen peroxide was lower for this manganese peroxidase mutant compared to two recombinant lignin peroxidase isoenzymes. The mutant retained full manganese peroxidase activity and the kcat was approximately 2.6 x 10(2) s-1 at pH 4.3. Consistent with relative activities with respect to these substrates, Mn2+ strongly inhibited veratryl alcohol oxidation. The single productive mutation in manganese peroxidase suggested that this surface tryptophan residue (W171) in lignin peroxidase is involved in catalysis.
Alternaria alternata Flower Blight of Zinnia acerosa in Texas

Zinnia acerosa (D.C.) Gray, is a Southwest native flowering plant frequently observed in the Trans-Pecos desert and desert grasslands of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. The plant is valued for producing an abundance of distinctive 2.0 cm diameter white flowers on greenish and sparsely leaved stems. Selections of Z. acerosa from West Texas are under evaluation as a water conserving plant species for use in arid landscapes of the Southwest. During April through June, Z. acerosa plants in TAMU, Dallas field plots were observed with small, brown flower spots that enlarged to include whole petals, causing conspicuous flower blighting. Microscopic examination of lesions from infected flower blossoms demonstrated the presence of short beaked, cylindrical spores near the smaller lesions on flower petals. Isolations from symptomatic flower petals consistently yielded cultures of an Alternaria sp. with long chains of conidia. Typical conidia contained 3 to 5 transverse walls and 1 to 2 longitudinal walls and measur...
An automatic impact-based delamination detection system for concrete bridge decks

Abstract Delamination of concrete bridge decks is a commonly observed distress in corrosive environments. In traditional acoustic inspection methods, delamination is assessed by the “hollowness” of the sound created by impacting the bridge deck with a hammer or bar or by dragging a chain. The signals from such sounding methods are often contaminated by ambient traffic noise and delamination detection is highly subjective. In the proposed method, a modified version of independent component analysis (ICA) is used to filter the traffic noise. To eliminate subjectivity, mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) are used as features for delamination detection and the delamination is detected by a radial basis function (RBF) neural network. Results from both laboratory and field data suggest that the proposed method is noise robust and has satisfactory performance. The method can also detect the debonding of repair patches and concrete delamination below the repair patches. The algorithms were incorporated into an automatic impact-based delamination detection (AIDD) system for field application.
The roles of free radicals in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The mutations of the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) gene observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients suggest that free radicals play a role in this fatal disease. Free radicals trigger oxidative damage to proteins, membrane lipids, and DNA, thereby destroying neurons. Mutations of the SOD gene may reduce its superoxide dismutase activity, thereby elevating free radical levels. In addition, the mutant SOD protein may function as a peroxidase to oxidize cellular components, and it may also react with peroxynitrite—a product of the reaction between superoxide and nitric oxide—to ultimately form nitrate proteins. The selective degeneration of motor neurons in ALS may be caused by the high level of Cu,Zn-SOD present in and the large number of glutamatergic synapses projecting to these neurons. Free radical-triggered and age-accumulated oxidation may modify the program controlling motor neuron death, thereby initiating apoptosis of motor neurons in young adults.
A programmable relay and amplifier I/O interface for the PDP-8/E computer

Use of the Digital Equipment Corporation DR8 digital input/output buffer for the PDP-8/E computer is common. However, by itself the DR8 has inadequate output-driving capability for even the smallest laboratory device. A flexible low-cost control network designed to enable a DR8 interface to control any of 12 pico-reed relays for output driving or 8 programmable amplifiers for auditory signal presentation is described.
Electron-impact ionization of argon using the R-matrix with a pseudo-states method

Electron-impact ionization cross sections for argon are calculated using both non-perturbative R-matrix with pseudo-states (RMPS) and perturbative distorted-wave methods. At twice the ionization potential, the 3p6 1S ground-term cross section from a distorted-wave calculation is found to be a factor of 4 above crossed-beams experimental measurements, while with the inclusion of term-dependent continuum effects in the distorted-wave method, the perturbative cross section still remains almost a factor of 2 above experiment. In the case of ionization from the metastable 3p54s 3P term, the distorted-wave ionization cross section is also higher than the experimental cross section. On the other hand, the ground-term cross section determined from a non-perturbative RMPS calculation that includes 27 LS spectroscopic terms and another 282 LS pseudo-state terms to represent the high Rydberg states, and the target continuum is found to be in excellent agreement with experimental measurements, while the RMPS result is below the experimental cross section for ionization from the metastable term. We conclude that both continuum term dependence and interchannel coupling effects, which are included in the RMPS method, are important for ionization from the ground term, and interchannel coupling is also significant for ionization from the metastable term.
Symptoms and functional performance in Korean immigrants with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Objectives People with chronic obstructive lung diseases often experience a variety of symptoms. Few studies, however, have described these symptoms in detail. This study sought to examine concurrent symptoms, symptom clusters, and the effects of symptoms on functioning in Korean immigrants with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Outpatients with asthma or COPD participated in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Symptoms, dyspnea, mood, and functional performance were assessed with questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results The most frequently reported symptom was shortness of breath. Three factors emerged from 16 symptoms. Age, mean severity score of 7 symptoms, working status, level of acculturation, and level of education explained significant variance in functional performance. Conclusion The symptom cluster, consisting of 7 symptoms, showed the greatest effect on levels of functioning, which emphasizes the importance of assessment for coexisting symptoms in populations with these diseases.
Beyond Star Flashes: The Elements of Web 2.0 style

Abstract In his “Web 2.0 How-to Design Guide,” Ben Hunt identifies the stylistic elements shared by Web 2.0 sites, including “star flashes,” circular badges reminiscent of sale price stickers. However, Hunt's approach to style is limited to cataloging surface features. A site designed using his guide would certainly look like Flickr, YouTube, or LibraryThing but might not employ the approach or functionality of those sites. While composition teachers can and should embrace Web 2.0, we must do so critically, by considering what Francis-Noel Thomas and Mark Turner would call the “conceptual stand” of Web 2.0, its fundamentals of writer, reader, thought, language, and their relationships. This approach to style recognizes that separating style and substance, however convenient, is misleading. In this essay, I map the conceptual stand of Web 2.0, providing a structure for critically evaluating sites that claim the “2.0” moniker. Given these elements of Web 2.0 style, composition teachers can better understand, employ, and engage Web 2.0 in teaching and scholarship.
The bioavailability of oral penicillin V. A comparative study of the absorption of different salts of penicillin V in children.

Different salts of penicillin V (pc-V): potassium pc-V (Calciopen and Kavepenin), calcium pc-V (Penicals) and benzathine pc-V (Meropenin) were given to 37 children (age 2 months to 4 years) with upper respiratory infections. The gastro-intestinal absorption of the drug given in a mixture was followed for three hours after administration by determination of the serum levels from capillary samples. Administration of the mixtures containing the potassium pc-V resulted in a more rapid absorption and in significantly higher plasma concentrations at 30 min than did administration of the preparations containing the calcium and benzathine salts. In four children with coeliac disease, verified by intestinal biopsy, the absorption of potassium pc-V (Calciopen) was compared with that of calcium pc-V (Penicals). A decreased absorption was found and this was most pronounced when the calcium salt was given.
Integrated Planning for School and Community

The Operations Research/Education Laboratory (OR/Ed. lab) at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education, North Carolina State University, has a long history of providing school systems with data-driven solutions for school population forecasting, school attendance studies, and determination of new school locations. These planning processes, known as Integrated Planning for School and Community (IPSAC), provide school districts with mathematically optimal solutions that minimize transportation distance. The OR/Ed. lab works closely with school districts in politically and emotionally charged environments involving school locations and attendance district changes. The success of IPSAC lies in its approach to enumerate school planning needs and school population growth impression through the use of data. Furthermore, through the operations research optimization techniques, favorable solutions are achieved to satisfy the constraints, needs, and policies of the school district. Recent national studies in active school travel have reported that distance to school and built environment have a significant influence on how children travel to school. These research findings prompted the OR/Ed. lab to investigate ways to enhance IPSAC so that school districts may obtain solutions to include multimode school transportation as one of their considerations. This paper describes the IPSAC process, challenges faced by school districts, and areas in which the integration between school planning and transportation planning deserve explorations.
Exposing the Thyroid to Radiation: A Review of Its Current Extent, Risks, and Implications

Radiation exposure of the thyroid at a young age is a recognized risk factor for the development of differentiated thyroid cancer lasting for four decades and probably for a lifetime after exposure. Medical radiation exposure, however, occurs frequently, including among the pediatric population, which is especially sensitive to the effects of radiation. In the past, the treatment of benign medical conditions with external radiation represented the most significant thyroid radiation exposures. Today, diagnostic medical radiation represents the largest source of man-made radiation exposure. Radiation exposure related to the use of computerized tomography is rising exponentially, particularly in the pediatric population. There is direct epidemiological evidence of a small but significant increased risk of cancer at radiation doses equivalent to computerized tomography doses used today. Paralleling the increasing use of medical radiation is an increase in the incidence of papillary thyroid cancer. At present, it is unclear how much of this increase is related to increased detection of subclinical disease from the increased utilization of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration, how much is due to a true increase in thyroid cancer, and how much, if any, can be ascribed to medical radiation exposure. Fortunately, the amount of radiation exposure from medical sources can be reduced. In this article we review the sources of thyroid radiation exposure, radiation risks to the thyroid gland, strategies for reducing radiation exposure to the thyroid, and ways that endocrinologists can participate in this effort. Finally, we provide some suggestions for future research directions.
Quantum monte carlo study of heats of formation and bond dissociation energies of small hydrocarbons

A quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) benchmark study of heats of formation at 298 K and bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of 22 small hydrocarbons is reported. Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) results, obtained using a simple product trial wavefunctions consisting of a single determinant and correlation function, are compared to experiment and to other theory including a version of complete basis set theory (CBS-Q) and density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional. For heats of formation, the findings are a mean absolute deviation from experiment of 1.2 kcal/mol for CBS-Q, 2.0 kcal/mol for B3LYP, and 2.2 kcal/mol for DMC. The mean absolute deviation of 31 BDEs is 2.0 kcal/mol for CBS-Q, 4.2 kcal/mol for B3LYP, and 2.5 kcal/mol for DMC. These findings are for 17 BDEs of closed-shell molecules that have mean absolute deviations from experiment of 1.7 kcal/mol (CBS-Q), 4.0 kcal/mol (B3LYP), and 2.2 kcal/mol (DMC). The corresponding results for the 14 BDEs of open-shell molecules studied are 2.4 kcal/mol (CBS-Q), 4.3 kcal/mol (B3LYP), and 2.9 kcal/mol (DMC). The DMC results provide a baseline from which improvement using multideterminant trial functions can be measured. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 583–592, 2005
Deficits in shock-induced freezing and naltrexone enhancement of freezing in Fawn Hooded rats

When a rat is returned to a context associated with mild electric foot shock (1 mA/0.75 s), the environmental cues elicit a species-specific defensive behavior termed freezing. Genetically divergent strains of rats given identical shock conditioning differ in the degree of freezing observed. The acquisition of freezing appears to be mediated, at least in part, by endogenous opioids since the duration that a rat spends freezing is increased by pretreatment prior to training with naltrexone (NTX), an opioid receptor antagonist. The objective of the present studies was to compare the shock-induced freezing and its enhancement with NTX in two unique strains of rats, viz., N/Nih and Fawn Hooded (FH), with that seen in the more commonly employed Sprague-Dawley strain (SPD). Age-matched female rats from these three strains were observed for freezing after shock conditioning. Separate groups of rats from each strain were treated with NTX (7.0 mg/kg) prior to shock. Vehicle (VEH; 0.9% saline)-treated SPD and N/Nih rats were observed freezing for approximately 30% of the testing duration, whereas FH rats froze for only 15% of the test duration. NTX-treated SPD and N/Nih rats displayed an equivalent 130% increase in freezing in comparison to their respective saline controls. Freezing in NTX treated FH rats did not differ from VEH. Collectively, these results suggest that the level of freezing and NTX enhancement of freezing in the N/Nih rat strain are equivalent to SPD. In comparison, FH rats show deficits in freezing and are insensitive to NTX enhancement of freezing.
Reverse supply chain plan for remanufacturing commercial returns

The flow of commercial returns, products returned by customers for any reason within 90 days of sale, is a significant concern for many manufacturers. The total value of these returns is estimated at about $100 billion a year in the USA. In order to reduce their negative impacts on the environment and prevent high disposal costs, these returned products need to be properly handled, processed, and, if applicable, remanufactured, recycled, or reused. However, since the primary focus of most manufacturers is the forward supply chain, a large proportion of the returned products’ value is lost. Two key decision policies affecting the performance of such systems are the target quality for components used in the primary product and duration of the time returned products are accumulated before they are remanufactured. High targeted quality increases the production cost but cuts on product return rate. Long accumulation time, on the other hand, increases production lot sizes for remanufacturing that results lower remanufacturing costs per unit product. When there is a market for remanufactured products the tradeoff between profit from selling primary products and that of remanufactured units may justify targeting a lower than perfect quality and still maximize the total profit. And this could be achieved without negative effects on environment. In this work, a model for a forward/reverse supply chain is developed to satisfy a fixed demand with a combination of new and remanufactured products. The objective is to maximize the total profit as a function of two above decision factors. The application of the proposed model has been demonstrated by several numerical examples.
The life-cycle squeeze: The interaction of men's occupational and family life cycles.

This paper is concerned with analyzing one structural source of pressure for wives to contribute to family income. This is the “life-cycle squeeze”—the situation where a man’s resources are inadequate to meet the needs engendered by the number and ages of his children. Studies of how economic needs vary by family life-cycle stage indicate that one high point of need occurs when men are in their forties and early fifties. However, 1960 Census data on earnings patterns by age indicate that in only relatively high-level professional, managerial and sales occupations do average earnings peak at the same time family income needs are peaking. For most blue-collar and many medium- and low-level white collar occupations, median earnings are highest for younger men, and men at an age when family costs are at their maximum are earning somewhat less, on the average. As a consequence, the families of such men run the risk of a deterioration in their level of living unless an additional income is brought into the household.
Identification of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) RAPD markers diagnostic of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood) resistance

DNA markers linked to a root-knot nematode resistance gene derived from wild peanut species have been identified. The wild diploid peanut accessions K9484 (Arachis batizocoi Krapov. & W. C. Gregory), GKP10017, (A. cardenasii Krapov & W. C. Gregory), and GKP10602 (A. diogoi Hoehne) possess genes for ressitance to Meloidogyne arenaria. These three accessions and A. hypogaea cv. Florunner were crossed to generate the hybrid resistant breeding line TxAg-7. This line was used as donor parent to develop a BC4F2 population segregating for resistance. Three RAPD markers associated with nematode resistance were identified in this population by bulked segregant analysis. Linkage was confirmed by screening 21 segregatingh BC4F2 and 63 BC5F2 single plants. Recombination between marker RKN410 and resistance, and between marker RKN440 and resistance, was estimated to be 5.4±1.9% and 5.8±2.1%, respectively, on a per-generation basis. These two markers identified a resistance gene derived from either A. cardenasii or A. diogoi, and were closely linked to each other. Recombination between a third marker, RKN229, inherited from A. cardenasii or A. diogoi, and resistance was 9.0±3.2% per generation. Markers RKN410 and RKN229 appeared to be linked genetically and flank the same resistance gene. All markers were confirmed by hybridization of cloned or gel-purified marker DNA to blots of PCR-amplified DNA. Pooled data on the segregation of BC5F2 plants was consistent with the presence of one resistance gene in the advanced breeding lines. Different distributions of resistance in the BC5F2 progeny and TxAG-7 suggest the presence of additional resistance genes in TxAG-7.
Frequency response characteristics of electroreceptors in the weakly electric fish,Gymnotus carapo

Frequency response characteristics of phasic electroreceptors in the weakly electric pulse fish,Gymnotus carapo, were related to the character of a receptor signal (RS) recorded externally over the receptor pore. Receptors that were equally sensitive to a broad range of frequencies produced RS's of a single hump, whereas sharply tuned receptors produced oscillatory RS's (Fig. 4A). Furthermore, the frequency of the recorded oscillation provided a reliable estimate of the receptor's best frequency (Fig. 4B). The two major classes of electroreceptors, burst duration coders and pulse markers, could not be distinguished on the basis of best frequency (BF), Q5, or threshold at BF (Fig. 1A-C). These parameters were widely distributed in both classes. Pulse markers, however, never responded to a pulse stimulus with more than one spike and tended to have shorter latencies than burst duration coders (Fig. 2). Power spectra were calculated for local EOD waveforms recorded with three different electrode configurations (Figs. 6B, 7A-J). The local spectral peak power measured transepidermally in the rostral half of the body was 540±52 Hz, whereas the spectral peak power of the H-T waveform was 1127±90 Hz. Electroreceptors were not sharply tuned to the fish's own EOD, but showed a decrease in median BF from the rostral region where it was 950 Hz to the middle region where it was 350 Hz (Fig. 8A-D).
Microstructurally-based analysis and computational modeling of shock consolidation

Les processus microstructuraux les plus importants dans la consolidation par ondes de choc sont identifies et illustres pour un alliage a base de nickel et une ceramique (SiC). Les phenomenes suivants ont etes observes: vorticite, fusion des regions entre les poudres, et formation de vides. Plusieurs mecanismes de dissipation sont analyses: deformation plastique, frottement interparticulaire, energie microcinetique, et creation de defauts (dislocations et lacunes). Une equation analytique est developee pour l'energie necessaire pour consolider une poudre en fonction de la contrainte d'ecoulement, taille de poudre, porosite, et temperature, pour une epaisseur donnee de la region de fusion sur la surface des poudres
Platelet antibody detection in pediatric Immune thrombocytopenic purpura : Evaluation of three screening methods

Background and objectives: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder. two forms of which occur in children. The detection of circulating platelet antibodies is helpful in diagnosis. Materials and methods: We evaluated three different immunological methods for detecting platelet antibodies in the serum of children with ITP. These were: a solid-phase red-cell adherence test (SPRCA an enzyme immunoassay (ElA), and an immunofluorescence test ( PSIF). Results: The sensitive its of the methods in detecting IgG antibodies ranged from 28.1 (ElA) to 39.4% (SPRCA). We also looked for IgM antibodies by PSIF. thus raising the sensitivity of this test from 32.0) to 40.0%. A combination of two tests (SPRCA and ElA) allowed us to detect 61.8% positive samples. By doing all three tests, we obtained 71.3% positive samples. Finally, we reached 71.5% by adding PSIF for IgM. We found a higher frequency of circulating antibodies in both acute and chronic ITP at onset than in clinical remission. There were a few positive sera in chronic ITP, but not in the acute form in remission. Conclusion: The individual tests each have a relatively low sensitivity, but the combination of all three increases the diagnostic effectiveness. The finding of platelet antibodies during remission may predict evoluation toward a systemic autoimmune state.
Metastatic Potential of the Small Renal Mass: Why Can’t We Agree?

The vastmajority of renalmasses are nowdiagnosed at a low clinical stage and present patients and clinicians with the daunting challenge of multiple treatment options. This is especially true in the elderly and in medically complex patients, patients who prefer to avoid potentially morbid surgical treatment. Small renal masses (SRMs) can be approached with nephron-sparing surgery, radical nephrectomy, tumor ablation, or active surveillance depending on tumor features, patient characteristics, and patient preferences. To clarify the most appropriate treatment options and recommendations, patients and providers must weigh the patient’s projected longevity, the threat posed by the cancer to shorten this longevity, the effectiveness of available treatments, and the associated morbidity of the treatment choices. For an accurate discussion with our patients, it is vital that we correctly understand the threat of SRMs. When evaluating renal mass patients in clinic, the decision to perform surgery, both partial and radical nephrectomy, or to undergo a period of active surveillance is heavily dependent on tumor size. It has been observed that presenting tumor size represents a significant predictor of synchronous and asynchronousmetastases [1–3]. During surveillance, SRMs have demonstrated rates of growth between 2 and 3 mm/yr, and 30% of the SRMs demonstrated no growth over a 3-yr observational period [4]. The ability to determinemalignancy based on growth rates over time is debatable [4,5]. Thus presenting tumor size and subsequent growth rate are of the utmost importance in the discussion of treatment options, especially concerning management that optimizes nephron sparing at presentation or future intervention. In addition, patients require counseling with regard to metastatic potential at tumor presentation and
Role of elastic compatibility in martensitic texture evolution

Abstract We employ the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) method to analyze the time evolution of strain fields in a model for materials with martensitic phase transformations. The free energy functional is expressed in terms of the components of the strain tensor, and its functional derivatives with respect to these components give their rate of change. However, the components of the strain tensor are not independent fields; rather, they are related by the Saint-Venant compatibility condition. This condition imposes constraints on the variations of the strain tensor components needed to obtain the equations of motion. Incorporating these constraints in the TDGL procedure introduces extra terms that effectively act as long-range, anisotropic elastic interactions. The latter govern the types of elastic textures that may emerge during a martensitic transformation. The results from the numerical solution of these evolution equations exhibit fine and coarse tweed, twinning, and tip-splitting.
Self-reference effect and the group-reference effect in the recall of shared and unshared information in nominal groups and interacting groups

We investigated how variables that have been studied at the individual level may apply at the group level. Specifically, we examined how the self-reference effect (SRE) and the group-reference effect (GRE) impacted total information recall by examining the difference between interacting groups and nominal groups. Additionally, we also examined how the SRE and GRE might impact upon the recall of shared and unshared information by comparing nominal and interacting groups. Results were supportive for the SRE affecting the total recall of information as well as the recall of shared and unshared information. However, the impact of the GRE on group recall was mixed. Theoretical and applied implications are considered.
Resection of postchemotherapy residual masses and limited retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patients with metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

Background. Adjunctive retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND) plays an important role in the management of patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). Currently, a bilateral RPLND is recommended for residual disease after chemotherapy. Methods. The authors systematically have removed all residual masses and used intraoperative frozen section analysis to dictate the extent of surgery in the patients with NSGCT. If frozen section revealed necrosis, then a limited RPLND was performed; otherwise, a bilateral RPLND was attempted. Results. Forty patients with metastatic NSGCT were studied. Of the 40 patients, 21 had necrosis identified in frozen section analysis of the residual mass(es), with 18 (85.7%) confirmed in permanent section. Two patients had microscopic viable germ cell tumor, and one had microscopic teratoma in the residual mass with the remaining RPLND specimen tumor-free. Overall, 18 of 45 patients (45%) had necrosis, 17 (42.5%) had teratoma, and 5(12.5%) had viable germ cell tumor, identified in permanent section analysis. The median follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24-60 months). Of the 40 patients, 8 (20%) experienced recurrences, although none were in the retroperitoneum; 5 were chest recurrences (4 germ cell, 1 teratoma), 2 were retrocrural recurrences (teratomas), and 1 recurrence was with liver metastasis. Of the tumors of the 21 patients with frozen section analysis showing necrosis who underwent resection of residual mass(es) and limited RPLND, 3 (14.3%) experienced recurrences; 2 had germ cell tumors in the chest, and 1 had liver metastasis. The remaining 18 (85.7%) patients had no evidence of disease, with a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 24-60 months). Conclusions. These results suggest that in patients with metastatic NSGCT of the testis, postchemotherapy resection of all retroperitoneal masses followed by limited RPLND if frozen section analysis shows only necrosis is a safe alternative to a difficult, potentially morbid bilateral dissection.
Failure of N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine to reduce myocardial infarction after 3 days of reperfusion in rabbits.

Recent studies have repoarted that prolonged infusion of N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG), a diffusible antioxidant, could limit infarct size in dogs. However, there are no comparable studies testing this agent in other species. We examined the efficacy of MPG in a rabbit model of infarction. Rabbit hearts were subjected to a 30-min coronary artery occlusion. Infarct size expressed as a percentage of risk zone was determined by either triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining after 3 h of reperfusion (study 1) or by histology after 72 h of reperfusion (study 2). In study 1, 37 ± 2.6 % of the risk zone infarcted in the control group. Intravenous MPG at a rate of 100 mg/kg/h starting 15 min after the onset of ischemia and continuing until 1 h after reperfusion had no effect on infarct size (35.4 ± 3.4 % infarction). However, infusion of MPG until the end of reperfusion significantly reduced infarct size as measured with TTC to 17.2 ± 2.5 % (p < 0.01 vs. control group). In study 2, 48.6 ± 4.0 % of the risk zone infarcted in the control group. In the treatment group MPG was started as above and was continued for 4 h of reperfusion followed by an intramuscular injection at the termination of the intravenous infusion. No protection was seen after 72 h of reperfusion (43.8 ± 2.1 % infarction). These findings reveal that MPG at a dose and schedule that appeared to protect the dog heart could not effect sustained protection in the rabbit heart. TTC staining revealed that MPG appeared to have preserved viability for up to 3 h of reperfusion suggesting that failure may have been due to early withdrawal of the drug. Alternatively, early TTC staining may yield spurious results under conditions in which protection is dependent upon antioxidant or free radical scavenger treatment as has previously been suggested. It is concluded that MPG as administered in the previous canine studies does not limit infarct size in all species, thus raising a concern about MPG's potential efficacy in man.
Challenges of Depression and Suicidal Ideation Associated With Aging With HIV/AIDS: Implications for Social Work

As the number of older adults with HIV/AIDS increases, new challenges are emerging that threaten their ability to age with this disease. Threats of particular concern are depression and suicidal ideation. Studies show that those aging with HIV/AIDS have a number of stressors that tax their coping mechanisms, increasing vulnerability to depression and suicidal ideation. These stressors can be categorized into three areas. First, there are psychosocial stressors that can contribute to depression. Second, there are health and biochemical stressors that can contribute to depression, as well as compromise cognitive abilities needed to adapt to such stressors. Third, cognitive stressors may create predispositions to depression. In particular, certain cognitive abilities needed to cope with depression and suicidal ideation may be compromised by aging with HIV/AIDS. A model of these stressors is provided for didactic purposes, as well as to suggest implications for social work practice and research.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Anterotemporal Lobectomy in Medically Intractable Complex Partial Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: The value of high-cost health technologies is being increasingly scrutinized by providers of health care. An understanding of the costs and outcomes of hightechnology epilepsy care is required to ensure efficient resource allocation. Methods: Decision analysis was used to estimate the cost effectiveness of anterotemporal lobectomy (ATL) as compared with standard medical management in medically-intractable epilepsy. Local (Rochester, NY, U.S.A.) cost data were applied to a model of lifetime discounted costs and outcomes of evaluation, ATL, and follow-up in a hypothetical cohort of patients. Results: Base case analysis yielded a marginal costeffectiveness ratio (MECR) of $15,58 Uquality-adjusted life year (QALY). Extensive sensitivity analyses identified extreme conditions in which evaluation for ATL was dominant (more effective and less costly) or in which it might be considered not worth the cost (MCER >$50,00O/QALY). Conclusions: Estimates of ATL cost effectiveness fall within a generally acceptable range, even when uncertainty about many model parameters is taken into account. Under assumptions based on available data in the literature, the cost effectiveness of ATL compares favorably with that of other health technologies. Prospective multicenter studies of regional cost and practice variations; long-term probabilities of year-to-year transitions between seizure outcome states and their effects on quality of life (QOL), and the effect of nonsurgical treatments on seizure control and QOL are needed to provide the critical
Effects of SNS Activation on SSRI-Induced Sexual Side Effects Differ by SSRI

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with significant sexual side effects. By definition, all SSRIs increase overall serotonin (5HT) by binding to serotonin autoreceptors (5HT(IA)); however, each SSRI has a unique portfolio of secondary binding properties to other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE). As 5HT(IA) receptors mediate NE neurotransmission, SSRIs that are highly selective for 5HT(IA) are more likely to reduce NE efficiency; however, in SSRIs that are less selective for 5HT(IA), this could be counteracted by secondary binding to NE. Norepinephrine is the major neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which has been shown to mediate genital arousal in women; thus, it is possible that increasing SNS activity in women taking SSRIs that are highly selective for 5HT(IA) may counteract sexual side effects in those women. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a reanalysis of Meston (2004)'s 8-week, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study of the effects of ephedrine (50 mg taken 1 h prior to sexual activity) on self-reported sexual functioning of women taking paroxetine (N = 5), sertraline (N = 7), or fluoxetine (N = 7). As predicted, women taking SSRIs, which are highly selective for 5HT(IA) (sertraline, paroxetine), showed improvement in sexual arousal and orgasm. By contrast, women taking SSRIs, which are less selective for 5HT(IA) relative to NE (fluoxetine), showed no change or decrease in sexual functioning. These findings have implications for treating certain SSRI-induced sexual side effects.
Fluid Management in Acute Kidney Injury

Fluid management in critical illness has undergone extensive reevaluation in the past decade. Since a significant percentage of critically ill patients develop acute kidney injury (AKI), optimal fluid management is even more paramount to prevent the ill effects of either underhydration or overhydration. The concepts of early goal-directed fluid therapy (EGDT) and conservative late fluid management permeate current clinical research, and the independent association between fluid accumulation and mortality has been repeatedly demonstrated. A number of prospective randomized trials are planned to provide an adequately powered assessment of the effect of EGDT or earlier renal replacement therapy initiation in patients with, or at risk for AKI. The aim of this analytical review is to use existing clinical and physiological studies to support a 3-phase model of fluid management in the critically ill patient with AKI.
Rapid oligonucleotide-templated fluorogenic tetrazine ligations

Template driven chemical ligation of fluorogenic probes represents a powerful method for DNA and RNA detection and imaging. Unfortunately, previous techniques have been hampered by requiring chemistry with sluggish kinetics and background side reactions. We have developed fluorescent DNA probes containing quenched fluorophore-tetrazine and methyl-cyclopropene groups that rapidly react by bioorthogonal cycloaddition in the presence of complementary DNA or RNA templates. Ligation increases fluorescence with negligible background signal in the absence of hybridization template. Reaction kinetics depend heavily on template length and linker structure. Using this technique, we demonstrate rapid discrimination between single template mismatches both in buffer and cell media. Fluorogenic bioorthogonal ligations offer a promising route towards the fast and robust fluorescent detection of specific DNA or RNA sequences.
Impact of a multiyear professional development intervention on science achievement of culturally and linguistically diverse elementary students

This study examined the impact of the 3-year implementation of a professional development intervention on science achievement of culturally and linguistically diverse elementary students. Teachers were provided with instructional units and workshops that were designed to improve teaching practices and foster positive beliefs about science and literacy with diverse student groups. The study involved third, fourth, and fifth grade students at six elementary schools in a large urban school district during the 2001 through 2004 school years. Significance tests of mean scores between pre- and posttests indicated statistically significant increases each year on all measures of science at all three grade levels. Achievement gaps among demographic subgroups sometimes narrowed among fourth grade students and remained consistent among third and fifth grade students. Item-by-item comparisons with NAEP and TIMSS samples indicated overall positive performance by students at the end of each school year. The consistent patterns of positive outcomes indicate the effectiveness of our intervention in producing achievement gains at all three grade levels while also reducing achievement gaps among demographic subgroups at the fourth grade. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 726–747, 2008
Evidence to practice commentary. New evidence in developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is frequently under-recognized (Blank, Smits-Englesman, Polatajko & Wilson, 2012), but in fact, it occurs in as many as 5–6% of children (Kadesjo & Gillber...
Shining Light on Metals in the Environment

Elucidating the speciation of heavy metals in the environment is paramount to understanding their potential mobility and bioavailability. Cutting-edge synchrotron-based techniques such as microfocused X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and microtomography have revolutionized the way metal reactions and processes in natural systems are studied. In this article, we apply these intense-light tools to decipher metal forms (species) and associations in contaminated soils and metal-hyperaccumulating plants.
Experiments with various neural architectures for handwritten character recognition

In this research we address the problem of recognition of isolated handwritten characters. Handwritten character recognition has been a topic of research for a long period of time. It has been argued that this problem is difficult to model using classical modeling techniques, and that neural networks offer a new perspective to approaching this problem. This paper outlines the experimental evidence we have compiled while investigating possible approaches to handwritten character recognition. It is the hypothesis of our approach that handwritten character recognition is a pattern recognition problem and that there exists a set of unique features in the data which can be used for classification.
BRAIN AND LIVER ANGIOTENSINOGEN MESSENGER RNA IN GENETIC HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE RATS

The brain's renin-angiotensin system in integrally involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid/mineral metabolism. Enhanced activity of the angiotensin system in the brain has been implicated as a possible source of the hypertension and the elevated salt appetite of the spontaneously hypertensive rat, as compared with the Wistar-Kyoto rat. This study tested whether these inbred strains of hypertensive and normotensive rats differ in central or peripheral expression of the gene coding for angiotensinogen, the prohormone for the angiotensin peptides. Angiotensinogen messenger RNA was measured in the brain by in situ hybridization and in the liver by Northern blot analysis, using a synthetic oligonucleotide. There was a 28% greater expression of the angiotensinogen gene in the region of the anteroventral hypothalamus, preoptic area, and medial septum of the hypertensive strain. There were no differences between strains in liver angiotensinogen gene expression. These results are consistent with the possibility that enhanced elaboration of the angiotensin prohormone in the brain contributes, in part, to the hypertension or the elevated salt appetite of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.
Morphology and Processes Associated with the Accumulation of the Fine-Grained Sediment Deposit on the Southern New England Shelf

ABSTRACT A 13,000 km2 area of the southern New England Continental Shelf which is covered by anomalously fine-grained sediment has been surveyed by means of high-resolution, seismic-reflection and side-scan sonar techniques to map its morphology and structure, and a near-bottom instrument system contributed to understanding present activity of the deposit. Seismic-reflection profiles show that the fine-grained deposit, which is as much as 13 m thick, has accumulated during the last transgression because it rests on a reflector that is geomorphically similar to and continuous with the Holocene transgressive sand sheet still exposed on the shelf to the west. The ridge and swale topography comprising the sand sheet on the shelf off New Jersey and Long Island are relict in origin as the e same features are found buried under the fine sediment deposit. Southwestward migrating megaripples observed on the sonographs in the eastern part of the deposit are evidence that sediment is still actively accumulating in this area. In the western part of the deposit, where surface sediment is composed of silt plus clay, evidence of present sediment mobility consists of changes in the near-bottom, suspended-matter concentrations primarily associated with storms. Nantucket Shoals and Georges Bank are thought to be the sources for the fine-textured sediment. Storms and strong tidal currents in these shoal areas may still erode available fine-grained material, which then is transported westward by the mean drift to the southern New England Shelf, where a comparatively tranquil environmen permits deposition of the fine material.
Jesus On the Mount of Olives (Luke 22.39-46): Tradition and Theology

L'A. developpe la these suivante: pour rediger son recit de Jesus sur le Mont des Oliviers, Luc a utilise sa source marcienne et une autre tradition, parallele| le theme qui informe sa redaction est celui de Jesus comme Serviteur de YHWH.
Carbon dioxide exchange in a semidesert grassland through drought‐induced vegetation change

[1] Global warming may intensify the hydrological cycle and lead to increased drought severity and duration, which could alter plant community structure and subsequent ecosystem water and carbon dioxide cycling. We report on the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (NEE) of a semidesert grassland through a severe drought which drove succession from native bunchgrasses to forbs and to eventual dominance by an exotic bunchgrass. We monitored NEE and energy fluxes using eddy covariance coupled with meteorological and soil moisture variables for 6 years at a grassland site in southeastern Arizona, USA. Seasonal NEE typically showed a springtime carbon uptake after winter-spring periods of average rainfall followed by much stronger sink activity during the summer rainy season. The two severe drought years (2004 and 2005) resulted in a net release of carbon dioxide (25 g C m−2) and widespread mortality of native perennial bunchgrasses. Above average summer rains in 2006 alleviated drought conditions, resulting in a large flush of broad-leaved forbs and negative total NEE (−55 g C m−2 year−1). Starting in 2007 and continuing through 2009, the ecosystem became increasingly dominated by the exotic grass, Eragrostis lehmanniana, and was a net carbon sink (−47 to −98 g C m−2 year−1) but with distinct annual patterns in NEE. Rainfall mediated by soils was the key driver to water and carbon fluxes. Seasonal respiration and photosynthesis were strongly dependent on precipitation, but photosynthesis was more sensitive to rainfall variation. Respiration normalized by evapotranspiration showed no interannual variation, while normalized gross ecosystem production (i.e., water use efficiency) was low during drought years and then increased as the rains returned and the E. lehmanniana invasion progressed. Thus, when dry summer conditions returned in 2009, the potential for ecosystem carbon accumulation was increased and the ecosystem remained a net sink unlike similar dry years when native grasses dominated ecosystem structure.
A new constant-current technique for MOSFET parameter extraction

Abstract It is often of interest to extract MOSFET parameters such as channel mobility in situations where the source/drain resistances are not negligible and may be non-linear. We propose and demonstrate a new technique that avoids difficulties with non-linear source/drain resistance by conducting all measurements under constant drain current conditions.
Design of simulation experiments with manufacturing applications

The statistical analysis of simulation experiments is frequently honored more in the breach than in practice, yet the benefits of planning and proper design can often increase the precision of estimates and strengthen confidence in conclusions drawn. While simulation experiments are broadly similar to any statistical experiment, there are a number of differences. Manufacturing models are used to illustrate the methodology described.