cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of cold autologous blood cardioplegia on superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels of infant immature myocardium

Objective To investigate the effect of cold autologous blood cardioplegia and HTK solution on changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in infant coronary sinus vein blood,which underwent ventricular septal defect suture in extracorporeal circulation,in order to reveal their protective effect of autologous cold blood cardioplegia on immature myocardium.Methods Sixty cases with ventricular septal defect,aged less 1-year-old,were randomly divided into experimental group (n =30) and control group(n =30).Autologous cold blood cardioplegia was obtained on aortic blood before aortic root draw in extracorporeal circulation with K + concentration of 20 mmol/L and 4 ℃ temperature.The experimental group was used cold autologous blood cardioplegia as arresting and protecting cardioplegia,while the control group used HTK solution.Blood sample from coronary sinus and vein was obtained at immediately before aortic cross-clamping,1 minute and 15 minutes after aortic cross-opening.SOD and MMP-2 levels were determined by enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA).Results The levels of SOD and MMP-2 levels within the group,between the groups and interaction were significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).After aortic cross-opening,the level of SOD and MMP-2 of the experimental group and the control group were increased (P ＜ 0.05).Before aortic cross-clamping,The activity of SOD in experiment was(85.37 ± 16.82) mU/L,as same as that in the control group((91.51 ± 15.02) mU/L,P ＞ 0.05).The MMP-2 concentration was in experiment group was (362.29 ±29.52) μg/L,as same as that in the control group((372.32 ± 31.42) μg/L,P ＞ 0.05).At 1 minute after aortic cross-opening,there were significant differences regarding of SOD and MMP-2 levels between the both groups(SOD ∶ (106.97 ± 17.46) mU/L vs.(98.74 12.54) mU/L,P ＜ 0.05 ; MMP-2 ∶ (439.48 ± 51.62) μg/L vs.(465.49 ±48.83) μg/L,P ＜0.05) ;The same trend was seen at 15 minutes after aortic cross-opening in two groups in terms of SOD and MMP-2 level (SOD:(104.03 ± 12.63) mU/L vs.(97.94 10.87) mU/L,P ＜0.05; MMP-2:(390.16 ±45.63) μg/L vs.(425.21 ±48.24) μg/L,P ＜0.05).Compare to group B,arrhythmia incidence(x2 =8.223,P ＜ 0.05) and positive inotropic drug dependent degree was lower in group A (x2 =4.022,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The cold autologous blood cardioplegia could promote the release of SOD in immature myocardium and reduce the production of MMP-2,which has endogenous protective effect for the infant Imature myocardium. Key words: Cold; blood; cardioplegia; Autologous; blood; Immature; myocardium; Superoxide; dismutase; Matrix; metalloproteinase-2
A Cross-sectional Review of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department Chairs and Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE Departmental leadership, namely the chair and program director, are sought after positions among academic cardiothoracic surgeons. However, the path to achieving these positions remains unclear. This study sought to characterize the demographics, educational pathways, and career trajectories of current cardiothoracic academic leaders in the United States. METHODS A comprehensive list of ACGME accredited thoracic surgery residency and fellowship programs was obtained. Department chairs and program directors were identified for each program from May to June 2019. For each surgeon, demographic data, education, and training institutions were identified. Information was obtained primarily using institutional based websites. RESULTS A total of 72 department chairs or division chiefs and 77 program directors were identified. A minority of chairs and program directors were female (4.2%, 10.4%) or had PhD degrees (4.2%, 6.5%). A large number of surgeons trained in the North East region (35%), with Brigham and Women's hospital being the most common training institution (8%). Few chairs (31%) and program directors (39%) hold leadership positions at the institution at which they trained, however a larger proportion (52.8%, 58.4%) remain or return to the same region. Finally, 34.7% of chairs and 32.5% of program directors had some institutional exposure to where they currently practice, through medical school or training. CONCLUSION Cardiothoracic department chairs and program directors represent an important group of surgical leaders within our evolving field. As we better understand this group of surgeon-leaders, young trainees and junior faculty that aspire for leadership positions may have a clearer idea of the path to these positions.
Role of Jagged1-mediated Notch Signaling Activation in the Differentiation and Stratification of the Human Limbal Epithelium

The Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in proliferation and differentiation. We investigated the effect of Jagged 1 (Jag1)-mediated Notch signaling activation in the human limbal stem/progenitor cell (LSC) population and the stratification of the limbal epithelium in vitro. After Notch signaling activation, there was a reduction in the amount of the stem/progenitor cell population, epithelial stratification, and expression of proliferation markers. There was also an increase of the corneal epithelial differentiation. In the presence of Jag1, asymmetric divisions were decreased, and the expression pattern of the polarity protein Par3, normally present at the apical-lateral membrane of basal cells, was dispersed in the cells. We propose a mechanism in which Notch activation by Jag1 decreases p63 expression at the basal layer, which in turn reduces stratification by decreasing the number of asymmetric divisions and increases differentiation.
Acute high-intensity interval training improves motor skill acquisition.

Background It is well established that acute exercise improves cognitive function. However, less is known about the effects of exercise on motor skill acquisition. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on motor skill acquisition. Methods Sixty individuals (27 males, 33 females) between 18 and 40 years of age participated in two testing sessions separated by one week. During visit 1, participants performed one block of a continuous tracking, force control task to establish baseline ability. Participants were then randomized to either an aerobic-only HIIT group (HIIT-A), an aerobic/resistance HIIT group (HIIT-AR), or a resting control group. Both exercise groups performed a 20-minute, digital versatile disc (DVD)-delivered HIIT exercise protocol during visit 2. Following exercise or rest, all participants performed five blocks of the same force control task to assess skill acquisition. Results On visit 2, the HIIT-A group had a significantly lower total performance error (E) compared to the control group (P 0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that acute HIIT-A improves motor skill acquisition compared to rest. Furthermore, improvements in acquisition appeared to be a result of improved spatial accuracy. Therefore, performing HIIT-A prior to practicing a motor task may help reduce total error during the motor skill acquisition phase.
Washington View: Schools that stayed open: Lessons from St. Charles Parish

Maria Ferguson talks with Ken Oertling, superintendent of the Saint Charles Parish Public Schools in Louisiana, to learn more about how the school opened its doors to in-person learning in fall 202...
Prevalence and Correlates of Syringe Disposal Box Use in a Philadelphia Neighborhood with High Levels of Public Drug Injection.

Background: Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA) is facing an unprecedented public health crisis due to fentanyl use. To combat drug-related litter, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health install...
Populist masculinities and transnational feminism: thoughts after Chernobyl

Transnational feminist media studies has a prominent role to play in tackling the normativization of binary gender and sexuality templates that lend coherence to the Global Right’s epistemological ...
Diel light cycles affect phytoplankton competition in the global ocean

Light, essential for photosynthesis, is present in two periodic cycles in nature: seasonal and diel. Although seasonality of light is typically resolved in ocean ecosystem and biogeochemistry models because of its significance for seasonal succession and biogeography of phytoplankton, the diel light cycle is generally not resolved. Here we use a three-dimensional global ocean model and compare high temporal resolution simulations with and without diel light cycles. The model simulates 15 phytoplankton types of different cell size, encompassing two broad ecological strategies: small cells with high nutrient affinity (gleaners) and larger cells with high maximal growth rate (opportunists). Both are grazed by zooplankton and limited by nitrogen, phosphorus and iron. Simulations show that diel cycles of light induce diel cycles in phytoplankton populations and limiting nutrients in the global ocean. Diel nutrient cycles are associated with higher concentration of limiting nutrients by up to 200% at low latitudes (-40{degrees} to 40{degrees}), a process that increases opportunists biomass by up to 50%. Size classes with the highest maximal growth rates from both gleaner and opportunist groups are favored the most by diel light cycles. This mechanism weakens as latitude increases because the effects of the seasonal cycle dominate over those of the diel cycle. The present work shows that resource competition under diel light cycles has a significant impact on phytoplankton biogeography, indicating the necessity of resolving diel processes in global ocean models.
Complex left Caputo fractional inequalities

Here we present several complex left Caputo type fractional inequalities of well known kinds, such as of Ostrowski, Poincare, Sobolev, Opial and Hilbert-Pachpatte.
Extracurricular Opportunities Available to Students Attending Schools Located in Poverty Areas.

Public high school principals (n = 130) participated in a study comparing extracurricular activities available at high schools located in poverty areas with extracurricular activities available at ...
The Trepobatinae (Heteroptera: Gerridae) of New Guinea and surrounding regions, with a review of the world fauna. Part 1. Tribe Metrobatini

The small waterstriders of the subfamily Trepobatinae have radiated extensively on New Guinea and surrounding archipelagos. The present contribution is the first in a series of reports dealing with this endemic fauna, and presents a revised tribal level classification for the Trepobatinae, with the following new tribes proposed: Metrobatini, type genus Metrobates Uhler; Naboandelini, type genus Naboandelus Distant; Stenobatini, type genus Stenobates Esaki; Trepobatini, type genus Trepobates Uhler. A key to the tribes is provided, followed by a taxonomic treatment of the new tribe Metrobatini and its constituent genera. The following new taxa are proposed within Metrobatini: Andersenella gen. n., monobasic, type species Andersenella binotata sp. n.; Metrobatoides gen. n., monobasic, type species Metrobatoides genitalis sp. n.; Ciliometra gen. n., including type species Ciliometra kiunga sp. n., plus Ciliometra femorata sp. n. and Ciliometra sepik sp. n.; Iobates gen. n., including type species Metrobatopsis affinis Esaki (as Iobates affinis, comb. n.), plus Iobates salaw ati sp. n. and Iobates somare sp. n.; Stygiobates gen. n., including type species Stygiobates iriana sp. n., plus Stygiobates morotai sp. n.; Metrobatopsis insularis sp. n., Metrobatopsis mussau sp. n., Metrobatopsis lannae sp. n. and Metrobatopsis browni sp. n. in the previously described genus Metrobatopsis Esaki. The genus Metrobatopsis and previously included species Metrobatopsis flavonotatus Esaki and Metrobatopsis solomonensis Hungerford & Matsuda are redescribed. Habitat and distributional notes are given for all the above taxa, accompanied by figures of key characters and distribution maps.
ANALYSIS OF CIRCULAR FOOTINGS ON LAYERED SOILS

The stress-deformation and the bearing capacity analyses of a circular footing resting on and below the surface of layered cohesive soils are performed numerically and experimentally. The numerical results are obtained by employing the finite element method of analysis. The constitutive model for the soil behavior is derived from the nonlinear stress-strain curves from triaxial tests under various confining pressures. The numerical results are compared with those from model plate-loading tests on single- and two-layer cohesive soil systems. The bearing capacities from the finite element analysis are also comared with the computed values on the basis of conventional methods in soil mechanics. Good agreement is obtained between the comparisons.
How might CAFTA change macroeconomic fluctuations in Central America

Abstract This paper examines the potential impact of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) on macroeconomic fluctuations in Central America in light of Mexico's NAFTA experience. CAFTA and NAFTA share a number of common characteristics as both agreements envisage comprehensive tariff reductions, cover a broad spectrum of sectors, and include provisions about settlement of disputes. NAFTA helped spur a dramatic increase in trade and financial flows between the member countries and was associated with significant changes in the Mexican business cycles. The findings in this paper suggest that CAFTA could also result in similar effects. In particular, CAFTA could boost trade and financial flows between the United States and the Central American countries. The agreement also could play a major role in reducing the volatility of business cycle fluctuations in the region and could lead to an increase in the degree of co-movement of business cycles in the Central American economies and the United States.
The Emerging Era of Novel Tropical Forests

In 1966 Eugene P. Odum delivered a speech before the Ecological Society of America that transformed the way ecologists looked at succession. His comparison of mature and successional systems lead ecologists to place secondary forests in an inferior position relative to mature ones to the point that today, prominent tropical biologists argue for and against the conservation value of secondary forests. Nevertheless, we live in the era of secondary forests that is rapidly giving way to a new era of novel tropical forests. Research in Puerto Rico documents the emergence of novel forests, which are different in terms of species composition, dominance, and relative importance of species from forests that were present before the island was deforested. These novel forests emerged without assistance. They are a natural response to the new environmental conditions created by human activity. Natural processes have remixed or reassembled native and introduced plant and animal species into novel communities adapted to anthropogenic environmental conditions. Novel forests are expected to protect soils, cycle nutrients, support wildlife, store carbon, maintain watershed functions, and mitigate species extinctions. The dawn of the age of tropical novel forests is upon us and must not be ignored.
Alpha thalassemia minor trait accompanied by clinical oral signs: Report of a case

Alpha thalassemia minor trait is but one of numerous hemoglobinopathies. In this condition, it is generally conceded that there are no clinical symptoms. A case is reported in which all the laboratory criteria for the presence of this disease were found, accompanied by clinical signs of pronounced anterior maxillary protrusion, severe generalized alveolar bone loss, and an area of radiodensity resembling that found in infarcted bone in other hemoglobinopathies.
Pastwatch: a distributed version control system

Pastwatch is a version control system that acts like a traditional client-server system when users are connected to the network; users can see each other's changes immediately after the changes are committed. When a user is not connected, Pastwatch also allows users to read revisions from the repository, commit new revisions and share modifications directly between users, all without access to the central repository. In contrast, most existing version control systems require connectivity to a centralized server in order to read or update the repository. Each Pastwatch user's host keeps its own writable replica of the repository, including historical revisions. Users can synchronize their local replicas with each other or with one or more servers. Synchronization must handle inconsistency between replicas because users may commit concurrent and conflicting changes to their local replicas. Pastwatch represents its repository as a "revtree" data structure which tracks the relationships among these conflicting changes, including any reconciliation. The revtree also ensures that the replicas eventually converge to identical images after sufficient synchronization. We have implemented Pastwatch and evaluate it in a setting distributed over North America. We have been using it actively for more than a year. We show that the system is scalable beyond 190 users per project and that commit and update operations only take 2-4 seconds. Currently, five users and six different projects regularly use the system; they find that the system is easy to use and that the system's replication has masked several network and storage failures.
Capacity of recurrent networks

It is shown that one can assign n arbitrarily linearly independent target outputs as fixed points for a recurrent network and that this assignment is independent of the dynamics of the system. The recurrent network has a capacity of at least n, which is the size of the net. The numerical complexity for obtaining the weights is discussed. >
The photosynthetic apparatus of Euglena gracilis: I. Adaptation to population density change

Abstract When Euglena gracilis is grown in batch culture, the chlorophyll content per cell increases in parallel with the population density; whereas, the protein content per cell remains constant. The quantitative relationships between the chlorophyll concentration, the level of some typical chloroplast components, and the photoactivities of chloroplast preparations were investigated. Chlorophyll formation is in concert with the synthesis of other lipidic components of the lamellae; in particular, the monogalactosyldiglycerides remain in a constant 2:1 molar ratio with chlorophyll. Plastoquinone A content increases in a parallel fashion, while total carotenoid exhibits a less marked increase. A different behavior is observed with some photosynthetic proteins: ferredoxin, cytochrome-552 and ferredoxin-NADP reductase remain constant and independent of chlorophyll concentration. On the contrary, the particulate b-type cytochrome, cytochrome-559, increases similarly to chlorophyll. Photoactivites were tested with isolated chloroplasts prepared from cells containing different amounts of chlorophyll. The rates of the Hill activities with ferricyanide, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, or NADP as acceptor and NADP photoreduction, with DCIP and ascorbate, were found to increase with increasing chlorophyll concentration. On a cell basis, the photoreactions related to Photosystem II increased in a more pronounced fashion than chlorophyll. The P700 signal of isolated chloroplasts also increased, but to less marked extent than chlorophyll. The possible existence in vivo of control mechanisms to regulate independently the biosynthesis and the assemblage of Photosystem I and Photosystem II is considered.
Exposure to inhaled atmospheric particulate matter enhances autoimmunity. (BA6P.125)

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and autoimmune disease. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed, including our research showing PM exposure in vitro can enhance Th17 differentiation in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent manner. The current study sought to determine the impact of PM exposure in vivo on immunity outside of the lung. In the 1 st experiment, male B6 mice (n = 4 per group) were treated every 3 days with either vehicle or 800ug of SRM1949b, a representative sample of urban dust particles, in 20ul PBS i.n. for a total of 5 doses. One day after the last dose, splenocytes were cultured for 4 days with anti-CD3 and cytokines were measured. Treatment with PM increased IL-17A 3-fold but had no impact on IFNγ expression. In the 2 nd experiment, female B6 mice (n = 4 per group) were treated every 3 days with vehicle or PM for a total of 9 doses. On the day of the 5 th dose, a standard EAE protocol commenced. Clinical scoring using a 5-point scale began on d7 and ended on d21. All mice in both groups displayed EAE symptoms. Mice treated with PM had significantly higher mean peak score (3.5 + 0.3 vs 2.5 + 0.3 for PBS), trended toward having a higher mean clinical score and had earlier onset of disease. Together, these data suggest that inhaled PM exposure can impact immune responses beyond the lung, and support a mechanism where inhaled pollution aggravates autoimmunity.
Lentiviral-based BMP4 in vivo gene transfer strategy increases pull-out tensile strength without an improvement in the osteointegration of the tendon graft in a rat model of biceps tenodesis.

Background The present study aimed to develop a rat model of biceps tenodesis and to assess the feasibility of a lentiviral (LV)-based bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4 in vivo gene transfer strategy for healing of biceps tenodesis. Methods A rat model of biceps tenodesis was developed with an interference-fit open surgical technique. A LV vector expressing a BMP4 gene or β-galactosidase (β-gal) control gene was applied to the bone tunnel and the tendon graft before its insertion into the bone tunnel. Osteointegration was assessed by histology and pull-out tensile strength was measured by a biomechanical test suitable for small rat biceps tendon grafts. Results Neo-chondrogenesis was seen at the tendon–bone interface of LV-BMP4-treated but not control rats. The LV-BMP4-treated rats showed 32% (p < 0.05) more newly-formed trabecular bone at the tendon–bone junction than the LV-β-gal-treated controls after 3 weeks. However, the sites of neo-chondrogenesis and new bone formation in the LV-BMP4-treated tenodesis were highly spotty. Although the LV-BMP4 strategy did not promote bony integration of the tendon graft, it yielded a 29.5 ± 11.8% (p = 0.066) increase in improvement the pull-out strength of rat biceps tendons compared to the LV-β-gal treatment after 5 weeks. Conclusions Although the LV-BMP4 in vivo gene transfer strategy did not enhance osteointegration of the tendon graft, it yielded a marked improvement in the return of the pull-out strength of the tendon graft. This presumably was largely a result of the bone formation effect of BMP4 that traps or anchors the tendon graft onto the bony tunnel. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Facial asymmetry in frequency domain: the phase connection

Facial asymmetry has now been established as a useful biometric for human identification in the presence of expression variations ([1]). The current paper investigates an alternative representation of asymmetry in the frequency domain framework, and its significance in identification tasks in terms of the phase component of the frequency spectrum of an image. The importance of the latter in face reconstruction is well-known in the engineering literature ([2]) and this establishes a firm ground for the success of asymmetry as a potentially useful biometric. We also point out some useful implications of this connection and dual representation. Moreover, the frequency domain features are shown to be more robust to intra-personal distortions than the corresponding spatial measures and yield error rates as low as 4% on a dataset with images showing extreme expression variations.
A broad-based laboratory for power electronics and electric machines

A new-generation laboratory for electric power and power electronics is described. The laboratory design and workstations are discussed. Examples of experiments are presented. Blue box experimental modules which support a full range of power conversion experiment are discussed. The laboratory provides safe, modern, concept-intensive study of power electronics and machines. Experience with the facility to date has been excellent, with very positive reactions from students. >
3.6 A 10Gb/s hybrid ADC-based receiver with embedded 3-tap analog FFE and dynamically-enabled digital equalization in 65nm CMOS

ADC-based receivers are currently being proposed in high-speed serial link applications to enable flexible, complex, and robust digital equalization in order to support operation over high loss channels [1-3]. However, the power dissipation of the ADC, as well as the digital equalization that follows, is a major concern for wireline receiver applications [3]. In this work, a hybrid ADC-based receiver architecture is presented that introduces innovations in both the ADC and the digital equalizer design. First, an analog 3-tap feed-forward equalizer (FFE) is efficiently embedded into a 6b time-interleaved SAR ADC, allowing for reductions in both ADC resolution and digital equalizer complexity. Second, significant power reduction is achieved by detecting reliable symbols at the ADC output and dynamically enabling/disabling the digital equalizer.
Monoclonal antibodies to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 that are type-specific by virus neutralization and immunofluorescence

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against the Mirandola strain of canine adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) and the Manhattan strain of canine adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2). The monoclonal antibodies were used in vitro in virus neutralization (VN) assays and in indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests to examine several strains of each virus type. Out of 36 monoclonal antibodies produced against the Mirandola strain, 18 were type-specific for CAV-1 by IFA and 13 of those neutralized the virus in vitro. The other 18 antibodies bound both CAV-1 and CAV-2 by IFA; however, 7 of those specifically neutralized only CAV-1. The 160 monoclonal antibodies made against the Manhattan strain of CAV-2 yielded 77 type-specific antibodies by IFA, of which 39 neutralized only CAV-2 in vitro. The remaining 83 antibodies recognized both CAV-1 and CAV-2 by IFA, with 3 of those neutralizing both viral types. The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was performed on a selected monoclonal antibody from each specificity group. Although Type 1 CAV could be readily differentiated from Type 2 CAV by using type-specific monoclonal antibodies in the IFA or VN tests, strains within each type could not be differentiated. This is the first report of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for a mammalian adenovirus.
Evolution of complex life cycles of amphibians: bridging the gap between metapopulation dynamics and life history evolution

Current evolutionary models for amphibian life cycles reflect tradeoffs in size-specific growth and mortality rates between the aquatic and terrestrial stages. A limitation of these models is that they do not incorporate evolutionary phenomena that are associated with metapopulation structure. In this work I address components of the evolution of complex life cycles (CLCs) that are tied to the metapopulation dynamics of amphibians that use seasonal wetlands that vary in hydroperiod. In particular, I describe how selection for the minimum length of the larval period affects metapopulation viability and the selection/migration equilibrium. Selection to increase the minimum length of the larval period functionally reduces the number of viable breeding sites on the landscape, increases the average distance between neighboring sites, and increases the risk of metapopulation extinction. Within a metapopulation, asymmetric gene flow between populations that are adapted to different hydroperiods tends to swamp local selection for long larval periods at sites with long hydroperiods. The evolutionary stability of CLCs of many species with metapopulation structure may reflect the fact that extremely small metamorphs cannot survive on land, while lineages with long larval periods incur a high risk of metapopulation extinction. I encourage theorists to more carefully consider how life history traits and metapopulation viability are related for these and other taxa.
Localization of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiaceae) in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae)

ABSTRACT ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ is a pathogen of solanaceous crops (Solanales: Solanaceae) that causes zebra chip disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and plant dieback in tomato (S. lycopersicum L.) and pepper (Capsicum spp.). This pathogen is vectored by the potato/ tomato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), but little is known about the interactions between B. cockerelli and ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum.’ Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to assess the incidence of ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum’ in the hemolymph, bacteriomes, alimentary canals, and salivary glands of B. cockerelli. Liberibacter was observed in 66% of alimentary canals, 39% of salivary glands, and 40% of bacteriomes dissected from adult psyllids. Compared with adults, the organs of fifth instars appeared less likely to harbor Liberibacter, which was observed in 52% of alimentary canals, 10% of salivary glands, and 6% of bacteriomes dissected from the nymphs. Results of real-time...
Nitric oxide: a prostaglandin H synthase 1 and 2 reducing cosubstrate that does not stimulate cyclooxygenase activity or prostaglandin H synthase expression in murine macrophages.

Abstract Several recent reports have investigated the possibility that nitric oxide (NO) can regulate prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) activity. The potential significance of NO regulation of PHS is considerable, when one considers the numerous important biological processes that are influenced by PHS. In this study, we used microsomal and purified PHS to investigate the direct effect of NO and NO-generating compounds on PHS catalytic activity. We found that NO neither significantly inhibited nor enhanced prostaglandin (PG) formation, despite the fact that NO stimulated PHS peroxidase activity. We also investigated the effect of NO and NO generators on PHS product, protein, and mRNA levels in the RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. We found that NO or NO generators had little or no effect on PG formation, PHS expression, or PHS mRNA expression in unstimulated RAW264.7 cells. The same results were obtained with macrophages that were stimulated by 18 h pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide, a known inducer of PHS-2 in macrophages. These data clearly indicate that NO acts as a cosubstrate for PHS peroxidase. However, NO does not enhance or inhibit either cycloxygenase activity or expression of PHS in the model systems used in this study.
Multidisciplinary perspective on adaptive sensor array processing

The authors introduce a multidisciplinary perspective on adaptive sensor array processing. The uses of adaptive sensor array processing for the applications of radar detection using space-time adaptive processing, partially adaptive radar detection, multispectral infra-red imaging, optical moving target detection and synthetic aperture radar automatic target detection and recognition are presented.
Staff Perceptions of Research in the Context of Specific Strategies for Collaboration with Head Start Programs.

Abstract This study focused on the strategies researchers used to build and maintain partnerships with three Head Start programs in the southeastern United States and the attitudes of the staff of these programs toward research partnership. In order to explore the relationship between staff attitudes toward research partnership, job satisfaction, and perceptions of the Head Start program’s policies and procedures, teachers and teacher aides were surveyed using the Job Satisfaction Scale, the Policy and Program Management Inventory, and a researcher-developed instrument about their attitudes toward the research partnership. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that staff support for this research partnership was high and broad-based within the three Head Start partner programs, demonstrating evidence for the effectiveness of the suggested strategies.
A NEW POTENTIAL FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF INTERMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS FOR RIGID BIAXIAL MOLECULES

Abstract We propose a five-parameter potential describing the intermolecular van der Waals interaction of rigid biaxial molecules. The energy anisotropy of the potential is calculated analytically from the shape anisotropy assuming a Gaussian density profile. The calculated potential is successfully fitted to realistic molecular mechanics data for the family of polyphenyls and bimethyl-polyphenyls.
Central limit theorems for C(S)-valued random variables

Abstract Let C(S) be the space of real-valued continuous functions on a compact metric space S. Let {Xn, n ⩾ 1} be a sequence of independent identically distributed C(S)-valued random variables with mean zero and suptϵs E[X12(t)] = 1. We show that the measures induced by ( X 1 + ··· + X n ) n − 1 2 converge weakly to a Gaussian measure on C(S) under different conditions on X1, one of which consolidates and extends results of Strassen and Dudley, Gine, and Dudley. Our method of proof is different from the methods employed by these authors.
School Practicum Supervision: Encouraging A Successful Experience and A Positive Attitude

Public school practicum is an extraordinary experience for graduate students. Regardless of where students see themselves working after graduation, there is much to be learned about children in the...
Bounds for best response functions in binary games

Abstract This paper studies the identification of best response functions in binary games without making strong parametric assumptions about the payoffs. The best response function gives the utility maximizing response to a decision of the other players. This is analogous to the response function in the treatment–response literature, taking the decision of the other players as the treatment, except that the best response function has additional structure implied by the associated utility maximization problem. Further, the relationship between the data and the best response function is not the same as the relationship between the data and the response function in the treatment–response literature. We focus especially on the case of a complete information entry game with two firms. We also discuss the case of an entry game with many firms, non-entry games, and incomplete information. Our analysis of the entry game is based on the observation of realized entry decisions, which we then link to the best response functions under various assumptions including those concerning the level of rationality of the firms, including the assumption of Nash equilibrium play, the symmetry of the payoffs between firms, and whether mixed strategies are admitted.
The density of organic and volatile and non-volatile inorganic components of bone†

Densities of the various bone fractions i.e., water, organic, volatile inorganic and ash fractions, as well as fat in the various animals have been studied. However. values reported by various workers failed to show consistency and uniformity, especially with respect to the volatile inorganic (often called “CO2 fraction”) and the ash fractions. These densities are prerequisite to the study of the volumetric composition of bone and bone marrow. In our study, the fat and organic densities found were similar to those previously reported. The volatile and non-volatile inorganic (ash) fractions, had density values of 1.684 and 3.180, respectively. The ash density was much higher than values previously reported but it verifies a theoretical value deduced by the authors from published work. Our higher ash density was due to a smaller measured volume of this fraction obtained by applying a negative pressure to remove the small entrapped air bubbles from the ash sample prior to the water displacement measurement. Because a smaller portion of the total inorganic volume was used for the ash calculation, giving it a higher density, a larger balance of the total inorganic volume was left for the volatile inorganic density calculation. This accounted for ash and volatile inorganic densities which were higher and lower, respectively, than such values previously reported. Prior to the determination of the density of the non-volatile inorganic fraction, the ashing time and temperature were studied. Curves plotted from the results of such studies were described and explained.
Choosing an optimal channel mix in multichannel environments

Abstract In the last two decades, particularly with the advent of the Internet, multichannel strategies have come to the fore in business-to-business marketing. Multichannel strategies allow firms to reach customers in multiple ways, increasing the firms' reach. In addition, multichannels allow customers to reach businesses by using their preferred channel (e.g., Internet, salesforce, or value-added reseller). The advantages of reaching increasing number of customers through multiple channels (e.g., sales, trial, profit) are partially offset by two potential negative effects of multiple channels. First, multiple channels create conflict that may dissuade some channels' members from carrying the firm's product. Second, with an increase in the number of channels carrying the product, the sales derived from each new channel drops making it difficult for a firm to recover its costs. Based on these considerations, the paper provides a framework that will allow firms to develop optimal channel mix in multichannel environments. We test the framework in the context of a software firm and provide academic and managerial implications.
FTIR Spectroscopic Investigations of the Complexation of t-Butylcyclohexano-15-Crown-5 with Divalent Transition Metal Ions

We have demonstrated the complexation of t-butylcyclohexano-15-crown-5-(tBC15C5) to manganese (II) ion when the latter is extracted into carbon tetrachloride with didodecylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (HDDNS) in the presence of tBC15C5. In this system, the weakly coordinating sulfonate anions compete ineffectively with the crown ether for complexation to the manganese (II) centre. The formation of the manganese (II)-tBC15C5 complex in the HDDNS-tBC15C5 liquid-liquid extraction system is remarkable because it is the first example of a crown ether complexing a divalent first-row transition metal ion under water-saturated conditions
A RECOMBINANT CHROMOSOME 9 DERIVED FROM A MATERNAL PARACENTRIC INVERSION: CYTOGENETICS, INTERPHASE NUCLEAR PROJECTIONS, AND IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION USING CENTROMERE AND PARACENUOMERE

A RECOMBINANT CHROMOSOME 9 DERIVED FROM A MATERNAL PARACENTRIC INVERSION: CYTOGENETICS, INTERPHASE NUCLEAR PROJECTIONS, AND IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION USING CENTROMERE AND PARACENUOMERE
Effects of nanoparticles on nanofluid droplet evaporation

Abstract Laponite, Fe2O3 and Ag nanoparticles were added to deionized water to study their effect of evaporation rates. The results show that these nanofluid droplets evaporate at different rates (as indicated by the evaporation rate constant K in the well known D2-law) from the base fluid. Different particles lead to different values of K. As the particle concentration increases due to evaporation, K values of various Ag and Fe2O3 nanofluids go through a transition from one value to another, further demonstrating the effect of increasing nanoparticle concentration. The implication for the heat of vaporization (hfg) is discussed.
Mapping leaf area index over a mixed natural forest area in the flooding season using ground-based measurements and Landsat TM imagery

Leaf area index LAI is an important structural parameter in terrestrial ecosystem modelling and management. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an investigation on using moderate-resolution satellite imagery to estimate and map LAI in mixed natural forests in southeastern USA. In this study, along with ground-measured LAI and Landsat TM imagery, the potential of Landsat 5 TM data for estimating LAI in a mixed natural forest ecosystem in southeastern USA was investigated and a modelling method for mapping LAI in a flooding season was developed. To do so, first, 70 ground-based LAI measurements were collected on 8 April 2008 and again on 1 August 2008 and 30 July 2009; TM data were calibrated to ground surface reflectance. Then univariate correlation and multivariate regression analyses were conducted between the LAI measurement and 13 spectral variables, including seven spectral vegetation indices VIs and six single TM bands. Finally, April 08 and August 08 LAI maps were made by using TM image data, a multivariate regression model and relationships between April 08 and August 08 LAI measurements. The experimental results indicate that Landsat TM imagery could be used for mapping LAI in a mixed natural forest ecosystem in southeastern USA. Furthermore, TM4 and TM3 single bands R 2 > 0.45 and the soil adjusted vegetation index, transformed soil adjusted vegetation index and non-linear vegetation index R 2 > 0.64 have produced the highest and second highest correlation with ground-measured LAI. A better modelling result R 2 = 0.78, accuracy = 73%, root mean square error RMSE = 0.66 of the 10-predictor multiple regression model was obtained for estimating and mapping April 08 LAI from TM data. With a linear model and a power model, August 08 LAI maps were successfully produced from the April 08 LAI map accuracy = 79%, RMSE = 0.57, although only 58–65% of total variance could be accounted for by the linear and non-linear models.
Bourdieu and Adorno: Converging theories of culture and inequality

The theories of Pierre Bourdieu and Theodor Adorno both conceive culture as legitimating the inequalities of modern societies. But they postulate different mechanisms of legitimation. For Bourdieu, modern culture is a class culture, characterized by socially ranked symbolic differences among classes that make some seem superior to others. For Adorno, modern culture is a mass culture, characterized by a socially imposed symbolic unity that obscures class differences behind a facade of leveled democracy. In his later writings, however, Bourdieu’s theory converges with that of Adorno. He too begins to privilege the high culture of intellectuals over mass culture by employing the universal standard of autonomy from economic interests. But there remains one vital difference between these theories. Bourdieu grounds the origins of a critical, autonomous culture in specific social structures, while Adorno grounds it in technology.
Propionic-acid-terminated silicon nanoparticles : Synthesis and optical characterization

Photoinitiated hydrosilylation was used to attach acrylic acid to the surface of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles, thereby producing water-dispersible, propionic-acid-terminated particles. From transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations, the average diameters of the synthesized nanocrystals were 1.9−2.4 nm. It is likely that smaller particles (<1.5 nm) were also present but could not be imaged. As the nanocrystal size decreased, both the optical absorption edge and photoluminescence (PL) emission peak blue-shifted, whereas the photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum changed very little and showed a sharp onset indicative of direct interband absorption at Γ. After prolonged ultrasonication in water, the Si nanoparticles showed strong blue PL. This can tentatively be attributed to the formation of radiative centers related to incomplete oxidation of the nanocrystals. The silicon nanocrystals could be transferred into water or methanol by dialysis without inducing this oxidation. The PA-te...
Comparison of two reading feedback strategies in improving the oral and written language performance of children with language-learning disabilities.

Twelve school-age children with language-learning disabilities (LLD) participated in a study comparing the effects of two reading feedback strategies for improving their oral and written language p...
Critical shear stress for incipient motion of a particle on a rough bed

[1] The main objectives of the present study are to obtain improved models of hydrodynamic forces and torque on a particle sitting on a bed and to use these models for the investigation of incipient motion and resuspension of particles. The improved models for force and torque are obtained from numerical simulations of a particle sitting on a bed with a turbulent flow of logarithmic mean velocity profile approaching the particle. Since the mean turbulent velocity profile can depart from the logarithmic profile in case of macroscale rough beds or flow down steep slopes, we have also considered forces and torque on a particle due to both linear and uniform mean flow profiles. The computed drag and lift coefficients and the predicted critical shear stress for incipient particle motion and resuspension are compared against available experimental results. The improved force and torque models are also used to evaluate the effect of turbulent velocity fluctuations on the critical shear stress for incipient motion and resuspension. The present results are of direct relevance to cases where the particle is mostly exposed to the ambient flow. In cases where the particle protrusion is small and is submerged mostly within a pocket of other particles, the above formulation can be used with a redefined area of exposure and flow velocity seen by the particle. However, the drag, lift, and torque coefficients and the resisting forces will be influenced by the partial exposure and the details of pocket geometry, which require further investigation.
Effect of dietary calcium or phosphorus restriction and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D administration on rat intestinal 24-hydroxylase.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) modulates the biological effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] in tissues. The presence of 24-hydroxylase in intestinal mucosa and the mass of the intestine suggest that the intestine is a major site of catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D. How intestinal levels of 24-hydroxylase are regulated under various dietary conditions, such as calcium (Ca) or phosphorus (P) restriction, is poorly understood. In a series of trials on weanling and mature rats, the effects of dietary Ca or P restriction were compared with the effects of exogenous 1,25-(OH)2D3 administration on intestinal 24-hydroxylase activity. Exogenous administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3, by single bolus injection or constant infusion, increased intestinal 24-hydroxylase activity significantly. Dietary Ca and P restriction both resulted in increased plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations several-fold above control rat values (P less than 0.001) and to levels higher than those achieved by constant infu...
Molecular cloning of a human complementary DNA encoding an initiation factor 2-associated protein (p67).

Rat p67 is an initiation factor-2 associated protein, which plays important roles in translational regulation. A cDNA that encodes a homologue of rat p67 was isolated from a human liver cDNA library. The encoded protein contains 478 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 52 891 and an isoelectric point of 5.64. The amino acid sequence is 92% identical to that of rat p67 The corresponding mRNA has a size of ∼ 2.1 kb and is present in all tested human tissues.