cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the Culturally Diverse Classroom: Intellectual Challenges and Opportunities of Teaching in the American University.

University education in the United States has become an increasingly global environment. In the classrooms of a modern university students and teachers from literally all corners of the world come together and reshape the face of higher education. Without a doubt the multicultural classroom of the 21st century necessitates fresh pedagogical approaches to university instruction that questions both established student and teacher models. This article then addresses intercultural relationships within a multicultural university classroom setting and the resulting changes for the conceptualization of student and teacher roles. While the essay raises interdisciplinary and multicultural issues we wish to encourage international and American readers alike to ponder fresh questions about the transnational learning environment of the modern university and consider how teaching in this ever evolving atmosphere forces us to question ourselves. Finally, this essay is guided by the conviction that a culturally diverse ...
EXPERIENCE AND SELECTION BEHAVIOR IN THE FOOD HABITS OF PEROMYSCUS: USE OF OLFACTION

Feeding behavior in young and adult Peromyscus maniculalus and P. lcucopus was studied by examining the extent to which food habit could be modified by prior experience and by decribing the pattern of feeding behavior used by the mice in a three-choice situation. Modifiability of food preferences was investigated by providing mice with specific food-cue experience and testing their subsequent preferences. The food preferences of young and adult P. leucopus and young P. m. baiudi were significantly affected by the food-cue conditioning and the effect persisted for at least 30 days. Adult P. m. bairdi food preferences were not affected by the prior experience. Automatic monitoring devices were used to describe the patterning of feeding behavior with three choices present. Analyses showed that; (1) young mice were less flexible initially than adult mice; (2) adult P. leucopus switched feeding sites more frequently than any other group; and (3) young P. m. bairdi avoided a novel food-cue stimulus whereas the other test groups ate readily from this source. The principal conclusion was that P. leucopus exhibited more flexibility in feeding behavior than P. m. bairdi. Food habits and flexibility of feeding behavior were discussed in relation to the habitat distributions of these two species of mice.
SU-FF-T-223: Evaluation of Dosimetric Properties of 6 & 10 MV Photon Beams From a Liner Accelerator with No Flattening Filter

Purpose: To study the dosimetric properties of an IMRT treatment beam after removing the flattening filter. Our goal is to show that more efficient IMRT treatments can be performed on a standard IMRT‐capable linac after the flattening filter has been removed. Method and Materials: Measurements and Monte Carlo simulations were performed of 6 and 10 MV photon beams from an Elekta SL‐25. Comparisons of the properties of these beams were made, with and without the flattening filter. %dd curves, beam profiles and photon fluence spectra were the primary method of comparing the beams. A study using the LATCH option in BEAMnrc was also performed to determine the original of scatteredphotons that contribute to the dose outside of the treatment field. Results: Dose outside the treatment field was found to be reduced by up to 5.8%, depending on the field size.Photon fluence on the central axis of the 6 and 10 MV beams increased by a factor of 2.35 and 4.18. Conclusion: Our Monte Carlo study showed that by removing the flattening filter the amount of laterally scatteredphotons from the jaws and MLC's was reduced leading to lower photon fluencies outside of the treatment field. It is hypothesized that inverse treatments plans created using these filter‐free beams would lead to a higher degree of conformation of the dose to the target. The increase in photon fluence that is induced by removal of the flattening filter is predicted to lead to shorter treatment times.
Endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella osloensis

Purpose: To report the clinical presentation, antibiotic sensitivities, and treatment outcomes of endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella osloensis. Methods: Case series: retrospective review of the medical records of all patients treated for endophthalmitis at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 2000. Results: During the study interval, 757 eyes were treated for endophthalmitis. Moraxella osloensis was isolated from three eyes of two patients (3/757, or 0.39%). In all three eyes, the endophthalmitis was delayed-onset and bleb-associated; Moraxella osloensis was isolated on chocolate agar and 5% sheep's blood agar using a RapNH commercial Kit (by Remel) through an automated system (Vitek). Like most gram-negative organisms, Moraxella was sensitive to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and the aminoglycosides. Although vision at presentation was poor, both patients regained baseline vision after treatment with pars plana vitrectomy and injection of intravitreal antibiotics. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella osloensis. Unlike most series of delayed-onset, bleb-associated endophthalmitis the visual prognosis following treatment for endophthalmitis caused by Moraxella osloensis appears to be generally favorable.
The structure of thianthrenium biscarbethoxymethylide and the corresponding sulfoxide

Thianthrene reacts with one equivalent of diethyl diazomalonate to form the monosulfonium ylide thianthrenium biscarbethoxymethylide. Single crystal X-ray and 13C-nmr establish the conformation as pseudoequatorial (e') in both the solid state and solution. The angle of fold between aryl rings is 135.7°, the nearlyplanar malonylide fragment bisecting this angle. The carbonyl oxygen of the endo carbethoxy group is anti to the nonbonding electron pair on sulfur. The methylide carbon resonates at 50 ppm. The aromatic solvent induced shift (ASIS) technique indicates that thianthrene Soxide also is e'.
Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in cutaneous lesions of erythema multiforme

The association between erythema multiforme (EM) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection has long been appreciated, although the exact role which HSV may play in the pathogenesis of this herpes-associated EM (HAEM), is unknown. Previous studies have suggested, but not definitively demonstrated, the presence of HSV in lesions of HAEM. The presence of HSV would support the hypothesis that an immune-mediated response directed against HSV-specific antigens in the skin is central to lesion development in HAEM. The purpose of this study was to examine lesions of EM for the presence of HSV DNA by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, in situ hybridization using an HSV-specific RNA probe was performed to further localize the HSV nucleic acids within the skin. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of cutaneous lesions of HAEM and also from EM for which no precipitating factor could be documented, otherwise known as idiopathic EM (IPEM). DNA from lesions of bullous pemphigoid served as a negative control. Using PCR to specifically amplify HSV suquences which might be present, and then performing Southern analysis, we demonstrated HSV DNA in9/13 HAEM and 6/9 IPEM biopsies. No HSV was detected in six lesions of bullous pemphigoid. In situ hybridization of three cutaneous HAEM lesions using an 35S-labeled HSV-specific RNA probe localized the HSV nucleic acids predominantly to the epidermis. Three biopsies of chronic dermatitis used as negative controls, did not demonstrate this specific hybridization. These finding confirm the presence of HSV in lesions of HAEM and are consistent with the concept of an HSV-specific immune-mediated pathogenesis for this disease. In addition, most cases of IPEM appear to be herpes associated despite the absence of clinically apparent HSV infection.
Fluorescent probes for asymmetric lipid bilayers: Synthesis and properties in phosphatidyl choline liposomes and erythrocyte membranes

We have synthesized three sets of fluorescent probes which we believe will be useful in studies of asymmetric membranes and have studied their interactions with model lipid bilayers and erythrocyte membranes. The probes were designed to partition preferentially into one face of a lipid bilayer with asymmetrically disposed phospholipids and to report lipid transitions in that monolayer.
A robust optimization approach to volunteer management in humanitarian crises

Abstract In the aftermath of a disaster, humanitarian organizations quickly assemble a workforce that can immediately serve a community׳s needs. However, these needs change over time, and the volunteer base (and their skill sets) also changes over time. In this paper, we develop a flexible optimization framework to dynamically allocate volunteers in order to minimize the cumulative unmet demand and maximize volunteers׳ preference. We use a robust optimization approach to handle the uncertainty in task demands because in the scenarios of interest it is unlikely that demand distributions are available for decision makers. We consider maximizing volunteers׳ preference by introducing a constraint into the model which enables decision makers to derive Pareto optimality and allocation decisions for any degree of conservativeness. Our numerical results show that volunteer managers should consider matching volunteers to their task assignment preferences up to a critical percentage, above which needs fulfillment decrease quickly due to overly strict adherence to volunteer task assignment preferences. Moreover, one can estimate the complete price of volunteers׳ preference by a difference between the objective function when the matching threshold is 1 and 0. Our sensitivity analyses shed light on the effect of conservativeness in the objective function and allocation decisions as well as the model׳s tractability.
Uterine Relaxant Properties of Viburnum

MANY drugs used by North American Indians are known to have been incorporated into therapeutics as practised by the physicians of frontier America. One result of this was the number of native plant drugs which appeared in the nineteenth century editions of the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Our interest in the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products and in the investigation of the efficacy of these, mostly discarded, plant remedies has directed our attention to the genus Viburnum. Several species have been mentioned repeatedly as uterine relaxants and general antispasmodics. Those most commonly cited are V. opulus (Cramp Bark) and V. prunifolium (Black Haw) which are still listed in the United States Dispensatory1. These varieties have also been the subject of some attempts at fractionation2–14, but there has been much controversy about the real effects of drugs prepared from these plants. For a number of reasons15, it is currently thought that no evidence exists which confirms their reputed biological activity.
A POSTERIORI ERROR ESTIMATION FOR THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD-OF-LINES SOLUTION OF PARABOLIC PROBLEMS

Babuska and Yu constructed a posteriori estimates for finite element discretization errors of linear elliptic problems utilizing a dichotomy principal stating that the errors of odd-order approximations arise near element edges as mesh spacing decreases while those of even-order approximations arise in element interiors. We construct similar a posteriori estimates for the spatial errors of finite element method-of-lines solutions of linear parabolic partial differential equations on square-element meshes. Error estimates computed in this manner are proven to be asymptotically correct; thus, they converge in strain energy under mesh refinement at the same rate as the actual errors.
Education in High Performance Computing via the WWW: Designing and Using Technical Materials Effectively

The Cornell Theory Center (CTC), a national center for high-performance computing, has been designing and delivering education programs on high-performance computing in traditional workshops for over ten years. With the advent and growth of the World Wide Web, we have been able to expand our training efforts to a distance education format, including online lectures and exercises, communication with CTC consultants and other participants, and logins on CTC's world-class IBM RS/6000 SP. This description includes workshop design, technical content covered, design of the modules, and participants' responses.
Broad-range linear calibration in high-performance size-exclusion chromatography using column packings with bimodal pores

Summary The linear size-separation range for size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) (gel permeation chromatography) is greatly extended by optimizing the pore-size distribution and the internal pore volume of particles in the columns. This approach permits easier, more accurate computation of molecular weights by the “single broad standard” method, which assumes a linear calibration graph. Linearities of 4–5 decades of molecular weight have been demonstrated, in comparison to the 2.5–3 decades of linearity obtained with conventional column arrangements. The new concept is to couple SEC columns containing only two discrete pore sizes, (bimodal), having about one decase difference in pore size and approximately equal pore volumes for the two pore sizes. This is in sharp contrast to the widely accepted approach of connecting several columns containing several packing materials of slightly different pore sizes and pore volumes. The desired pore sizes of this bimodal distribution are arranged so that the linear portion of the individual column molecular weight calibration graphs is substantially non-overlapping, and the pore volume of each mode is such that the linear portions of the calibration graphs are essentially parallel. The theoretical support and quantitative optimization guidelines for the bimodal approach of practical column selection are provided. The wide-linear molecular weight calibration also has been demonstrated with columns of new 10-μm single bimodal pore-size silica particles with narrow pore-size distributions. The use of a single packing material for SEC greatly simplifies column inventory and improves convenience, while maintaining the high chromatographic resolution and accurate molecular weight measurements associated with high-performance SEC.
Hypopyon uveitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Purpose To report a case of hypopyon uveitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Estimating the length of a compact function from a noisy measurement of the modulus of its Fourier transform

Consider f, zero outside an interval of length L, and its Fourier transform F. It is known that, if arg F is unknown, L can be found from (a) the Fourier transform of |F|2 or (b) the Fourier transform of |F| exp(jϕ), where ϕ = Hilbert transfrom of In|F|. It appears that method (b) may be superior if |F| is measured in the presence of noise.
Inaccuracy of Noninvasive Estimates of VD/VT in Clinical Exercise Testing

To evaluate the accuracy of noninvasive estimates of VD/VT in clinical exercise testing, we compared measurements of standard VD/VT with estimates based either on end-tidal CO2 (VD/VTET) or a published estimate of arterial PCO2 (VD/VTest) at peak exercise in 68 patients. Using regression analysis, we identified highly significant differences (p
Particle Sampling Bias Introduced By Anisokinetic Sampling and Deposition Within the Sampling Line

Particle sampling errors from several sources were studied with monodisperse aerosol particles. The sources of errors investigated were the influence of the inlet probe diameter on isokinetic samples, the turbulent deposition of particles in straight tubes and one-elbow configuration, and non-isokinetic flow through the sampling probe. The sampling errors were shown to be significant for particles as small as 1 micron in some cases. A particularly significant observation was that non-uniform concentration in the conduit sampled can cause serious errors. Some studies of the particle concentration profiles in a three-inch tube showed that particles in many cases are concentrated in a narrow annulus near the wall, making representative sampling nearly impossible for these cases. The research emphasizes the need for a thorough knowledge of many particle interactions with the air system to be sampled and with the sampling arrangement chosen.
Optical Thin Films with Very Low Refractive Index and Their Application in Photonics Devices

The refractive index contrast in dielectric multilayer structures, optical resonators and photonic crystals is an important figure of merit, which creates a strong demand for high quality thin films with a very low refractive index. SiO2 nano-rod layers with low refractive indicesn = 1.08, the lowest ever reported in thin-film materials, is grown by oblique-angle e-beam deposition of SiO2 with vapor incident angle 85 degree. Scanning electron micrographs reveal a highly porous columnar structure of the low-refractive-index (low-n) film. The gap between the SiO2 nano-rods is ≤50 nm, i.e. much smaller than the wavelength of visible light, and thus sufficiently small to make scattering very small. Optical micrographs of the low-n film deposited on a Si substrate reveal a uniform specular film with no apparent scattering. The unprecedented low index of the SiO2 nano-rod layer is confirmed by both ellipsometry measurements and thin film interference measurements. A single-pair distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) employing the SiO2 nano-rod layer is demonstrated to have enhanced reflectivity, showing the great potential of low-n films for applications in photonic structures and devices.
Control of the mesoporous structure of dye-sensitized solar cells with electrospray deposition

To meet nanofabrication requirements, such as control of structure and scalability, we investigated an electrospray-based method to manufacture photoanodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Charged droplets are generated, carrying TiO2 nanoparticles, and deposited using an electric field. We show how morphology, structure and performance of resulting films can be controlled by varying: (a) nanoparticle loading in the slurry and, consequently, the size of the nanoparticle clusters, (b) droplet evaporation rate before impact on the substrate and, consequently, contact of the clusters, and (c) film density. We demonstrate examples in which the film structure affects device performance. Generally, electrosprayed DSSCs have higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor as compared to standards based on spincoating, whereas the latter exhibit higher short-circuit current density. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy helped rationalize these findings in terms of larger recombination resistance and lower chemical capacitance of the electrosprayed cells. Performance merits of the two approaches can be combined synergistically into a bilayer structure of highest efficiency, with densely packed spincoated particles at the bottom of the deposit, where light absorption is critical, and a more loosely packed electrosprayed layer on top, which is advantageous for hole transport in the electrolyte and as a back-scattering layer.
Low-dead-time delay-line read-out for position-sensitive proportional counters☆

Abstract A method is presented for circumventing the long dead times (25 μs) which usually accompany the read-out of helical proportional chambers and other position-sensitive detectors with delay-line read-out.
Selective cleavage of basement membranes at the aminopeptide linkages of cysteine residues. Isolation of a non-disulfide crosslinkage region in bovine anterior lens capsule

Summary A method for the selective proteolytic cleavage of proteins at cysteine residues has been adapted for the study of the molecular organization of basement membranes. This procedure has permitted the isolation and characterization of a unique region in the anterior lens capsules consisting of a number of polypeptide chains derived from collagen and non-collagen components joined to one another through covalent, non-disulfide cross-linkages. Cysteine residues of basement membrane collagen are located near the amino terminal region of the α-chain.
Parenting Style and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms, Smoking, and Academic Achievement: Ethnic, Gender, and SES Differences

This paper examines whether the relationship between parenting style and adolescent depressive symptoms, smoking, and academic grades varies according to ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Four parenting styles are distinguished, based on patterns of parent-adolescent decision making: autocratic (parents decide), authoritative (joint process but parents decide), permissive (joint process but adolescent decides), and unengaged (adolescent decides). The sample included 3993 15-year-old White, Hispanic, African-American, and Asian adolescents. Results are generally consistent with previous findings: adolescents with authoritative parents had the best outcomes and those with unengaged parents were least well adjusted, while the permissive and the autocratic styles produced intermediate results. For the most part, this pattern held across ethnic and sociodemographic subgroups. There was one exception, suggesting that the relationship between parenting styles, especially the unengaged style, and depressive symptoms may vary according to gender and ethnicity. More research is needed to replicate and explain this pattern in terms of ecological factors, cultural norms, and socialization goals and practices.
Amino acid content of guinea pig perilymph collected under conditions of quiet or sound stimulation

Abstract With the cochlear aqueducts blocked, guinea pig cochleas were perfused with artificial perilymph. The collected perfusates were treated with 5-(dimethylamino)-l-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (dansyl-Cl). The derivatized constituents were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using fluorometric detection. The concentration of none of the compounds measured, including the putative transmitters glutamate and aspartate, was found to increase in the perfusate in response to sound stimulation. These results do not support the suggestion that one of these compounds might be the primary afferent transmitter of audition.
The Cartilage Matrix Protein Subdomain of Type VII Collagen Is Pathogenic for Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an acquired bullous disease of the skin characterized by IgG autoantibodies against type VII (anchoring fibril) collagen. We previously defined four immunodominant antigenic epitopes within the noncollagenous 1 (NC1) domain of type VII collagen. In this study, we produced an additional recombinant fusion protein from the NC1 domain corresponding to the N-terminal 227 amino acids (residues 1 to 227), which contains homology with cartilage matrix protein (CMP). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis, we tested sera from EBA patients (n = 32), bullous systemic lupus erythematosus patients (n = 3), bullous pemphigoid patients (n = 15), and normal humans (n = 12). Twenty-six of 32 EBA sera and two of three bullous systemic lupus erythematosus sera reacted with the CMP domain, whereas none of the control sera did. Affinity-purified anti-CMP EBA antibodies injected into hairless mice produced the clinical, histological, immunological, and ultrastructural features of EBA. F(ab′)2 fragments generated from anti-CMP EBA autoantibodies did not induce disease. Our studies provide the first evidence that EBA autoantibodies to the CMP subdomain of NC1 are pathogenic and induce blister formation. This is the first antigenic epitope on type VII collagen demonstrated to be a pathogenic target for EBA autoantibodies.
Persistent organic pollutants in the dusts that settled across lower Manhattan after September 11, 2001.

The explosion and collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) was a catastrophic event that produced an aerosol impacting many workers, residents, and commuters during the first few days after September 11, 2001. During the initial days that followed, 14 bulk samples of the settled dust were collected at locations surrounding the epicenter of the disaster, including one indoor location. Some samples were analyzed for many potential hazards, including inorganic and organic constituents as well as morphology. The results of the analyses for persistent organic pollutants are described herein, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and select organochlorine pesticides on settled dust samples. The ∑86-PCBs comprising less than 0.001% by mass of the bulk in the three bulk samples analyzed indicated that PCBs were of limited significance in the total settled dust across lower Manhattan. Likewise, organochlorine pesticides, including chlordanes, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, 4,4‘-DDE...
Extended floating spherical Gaussian basis sets for Molecules. FSGO basis for use in advanced correlated calculations of electronic structures

Abstract The transformation of occupied and excited SCF orbitals expressed in Cartesian Gaussian form to a smaller, simpler set of floating spherical Gaussians is described. Illustrative applications at the correlated coupled-cluster level are presented for Lill and H 2 O.
Science to Practice: Can T1ρ Imaging Be Used to Diagnose and Assess the Severity of Hepatic Fibrosis?

By performing MR T1ρ imaging at 3 T, Wang et al showed that the relaxation parameter, T1ρ, became prolonged after bile duct ligation-induced liver injury in an animal model and that the T1ρ value increased with the severity of liver fibrosis.
In-line image projection accelerates task performance in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Abstract Background In laparoscopy, the monitor usually is placed at or above eye level across from the operating surgeon. Position of the endoscopic image at hand level has been shown in a laboratory model to facilitate task performance. The authors tested the hypothesis that in-line image projection reduced operating time for a standardized procedure. Methods Children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were assigned randomly according to video image position: (1) at the top of the laparoscopy tower in front of the surgeon ("overhead") or (2) on a screen placed on the patient's abdomen ("in-line"). Operating time was recorded for each operation, and patients were stratified according to severity of appendicitis and training level of the operating surgeon. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t, χ 2 tests, and analysis of variance with post-hoc Fisher test ( P Results One hundred eight children, aged 2 to 17 years, underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy during a 26-month period. Fifty-four were assigned to the in-line projection screen and 54 to the overhead monitor. Operating time was significantly shorter ( P = .013) when in-line projection was used (46.8 ± 10.2 v. 52.2 ± 15.1 minutes with overhead monitor). By analysis of variance (ANOVA) the only factors that significantly affected operating time were use of in-line projection ( P = .030), severity of appendicitis ( P = .002), and training level of the operating surgeon ( P = .047). Conclusions Placing the endoscopic image in the same field as the surgeon's hands decreases operating time by 10%, even for procedures that, like appendectomy, do not require complex suturing skills. This decrease in operating time occurs independently of the surgeon's level of proficiency or the degree of difficulty of the operation.
The relationship between aortoiliac hemodynamics and femoral pulsatility index.

Abstract The relationship between systolic pressure and Doppler ultrasonic velocity waveform characteristics, both monitored at the common femoral artery, was investigated in 35 limbs of patients with arterial occlusive disease of varying severity and location. Intraarterial femoral systolic pressure, expressed as a ratio of the brachial systolic pressure, was measured at rest (F/Brest) and during postocclusive reactive hyperemia (F/Bhyp). Resting femoral Doppler audio signals were displayed on a fast Fourier audiofrequency spectrum analyzer. Velocity waveforms were described numerically by calculation of pulsatility index (PI), defined as the ratio of maximum waveform frequency excursion to mean forward frequency. F/Brest values ranged from 0.71 to 1.29. Although there was a direct relationship between PI and the extremes of F/Brest, the fit of the regression line to the observed data was poor (r2 = 0.38) because PI varied widely in association with values of F/Brest > 0.9. However, PI correlated well (r2 = 0.73, P
Molecular Biology of Colorectal Cancer: New Targets

Colorectal cancer is an ideal model in which to study malignant progression from the molecular-genetic perspective because different stages of the same malignancy coexist within each patient. Approximately 75% of colorectal cancer cases are sporadic and the remaining are familial disease, yet genetic mutations that have been identified account for only 5% to 6% of inherited cases. The two major pathways by which mutational changes leading to colorectal cancer occur are chromosomal instability and microsatellite instability. This article discusses genes and signaling pathways involved in development of inherited disease, as well as the association of some of these pathways with sporadic cases. Furthermore, therapies targeting active pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis, including the vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, have shown promising results in clinical trials are now included in standard recommended treatment.
A fluorescence method for measurement of glucose transport in kidney cells.

Abstract Background: Diabetes may alter renal glucose reabsorption by sodium (Na+)-dependent glucose transporters (SGLTs). Radiolabeled substrates are commonly used for in vitro measurements of SGLT activity in kidney cells. We optimized a method to measure glucose uptake using a fluorescent substrate, 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG). Methods: Uptake buffers for 2-NBDG were the same as for 14C-labeled α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside ([14C]AMG). Cell lysis buffer was optimized for fluorescence of 2-NBDG and Hoechst DNA stain. Uptake was performed on cultures of primary mouse kidney cells (PMKCs), the LLC-PK1 proximal tubule cell line, or COS-7 cells transiently overexpressing mouse SGLT1 or SGLT2 by incubating cells at 37°C in buffer containing 50–200 μM 2-NBDG. Microscopy was performed to visualize uptake in intact cells, while a fluorescence microplate reader was used to measure intracellular concentration of 2-NBDG ([2-NBDG]i) in cell homogenates. Results: Fluorescent c...
Micro-compression testing of fcc metals: A selected overview of experiments and simulations

Micro-compression tests allow for the direct measurement of stress-strain behavior in volumes of material that have microscale dimensions. Initial studies worldwide have focused on the exploration of size-scale effects, where sample dimensions at the micrometer-and sub-micrometer scale can dramatically affect the fundamental processes of plastic deformation. Importantly, this scale of test volume can be directly modeled using state-of-the-art discrete dislocation simulations, the results of which have been essential to understanding the changes that can occur to dislocation mechanisms within small volumes. This combination of miniaturized testing and modeling that closely mimics these experiments provides a new pathway to characterize plastic fl ow on a highly localized basis.
An overview of Ross Prentice's contributions to statistical science.

Ross Prentice’s work has had the most profound impact on the theory and practice of statistics. His research interests range from survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, epidemiologic designs and analysis, to genomic studies. His contributions are so broad and so deep that it would be impossible to provide a comprehensive review in any limited amount of space. In this commentary, I will attempt to give a brief tour of some of his statistical work, focusing on ten of my favorite papers of his. I will describe the main ideas in those papers and their influence on the directions of statistical research and on the designs and analysis of medical studies. I will mention a few stories along the way.
Cardiac hyaluronidase activity of chick embryos at the time of endocardial cushion formation

Abstract Endogenous cardiac hyaluronidase activity of early developing embryonic hearts was examined qualitatively and semiquantitatively at the time when mesenchymal cushion cells begin to migrate into cardiac jelly to form endocardial cushion tissue. Although the extract of five hearts from stage 17 to 18 embryos showed extensive hyaluronidase activity, isolated cushion tissue from nine hearts of similar stages did not show any noticeable activity within the limit of the sensitivity of the present technique. Moreover, the extract of 24 pairs of isolated atrio-ventricular cushions from stages 21 to 23 hearts revealed only a trace of hyaluronidase activity. Hyaluronidase activity was observed in the homogenized ventricular apices from similar hearts. The ventricular apex is primarily myocardium and does not contain cushion tissue. These results suggest that the observed high endogenous cardiac hyaluronidase activity is primarily myocardial in origin. Therefore, the appearance of high enzyme activity may not be functionally associated with the proliferation and migration of cushion cells but possibly with morphogenetic process of the myocardial wall.
Matchings and radon transforms in lattices. I. Consistent lattices

An element in a lattice is join-irreducible if x=a∨b implies x=a or x=b. A meet-irreducible is a join-irreducible in the order dual. A lattice is consistent if for every element x and every join-irreducible j, the element x∨j is a join-irreducible in the upper interval [x, i]. We prove that in a finite consistent lattice, the incidence matrix of meet-irreducibles versus join-irreducibles has rank the number of join-irreducibles. Since modular lattices and their order duals are consistent, this settles a conjecture of Rival on matchings in modular lattices.
The control of a stirred tank reactor with hysteresis in the control element - I Phase space analysis

Abstract The controlability of the stirred tank was discussed in 1958 by Amundson and Aris, but in an experimental confirmation of their model Ramirez and Turner (1969) encountered hysteresis in the control loop. The present study seeks to analyse this theoretically, first showing how hysteresis must be described, seeing some of the features that arise for linear systems and then applying it to the proportional control of an initially unstable steady state of the stirred tank reactor. Though the system can be stabilized a limit cycle may persist even at the greatest amplications. This paper describes the phase space description of the evolution of control: a sequal will be concerned with the use of the describing function.
Ultrasonic-assisted fabrication of highly dispersed copper/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanowires

Highly dispersed copper/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanowires have been fabricated using ultrasonic-assisted electroless copper plating. The structures of the Cu/MWCNT nanowires were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The study clearly demonstrates the advantages of the ultrasonic technique on electroless copper plating on MWCNT, including an enhanced electroless copper deposition rate, improved interfacial bonding as well as preventing Cu/MWCNT nanowires from aggregating.
ANTHROSOLS AND HUMAN CARRYING CAPACITY IN AMAZONIA

ABSTRACT The occurrence of numerous areas of black soil associated with potsherds in Amazonia has stirred controversy on the origins of the soil type and its significance in terms of precontact aboriginal population densities in the region. The theories on the origin of black earth are reviewed and it is argued that it is anthropogenic. An analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the soil type, based on widespread sampling, supports the anthropogenic argument. The abundance and depth of black earth sites indicates that Indian populations were dense and in many cases sedentary before the arrival of Europeans, even in interfluve areas.
Gap-dependent optical coupling of single "bowtie" nanoantennas in the visible

We have fabricated isolated, nanometer-sized "bowtie" metallic antennas and measured their resonant visible scattering spectra. Strong coupling is observed and is dependent on bowtie gap size, which can be qualitatively explained with multiple dipole interactions
New Results in Automatic Focusing and a New Method for Combining Focus and Stereo

This paper presents an improved technique for obtaining depth from focus and a new method for combining the results of stereo and focus to reduce the number of stereo matching errors. Potential sources of error in applying the focusing algorithm are identified by examining the local gray level variance of the image. Some regions are eliminated from further consideration, while in other areas the size, shape and orientation of the windows used in estimating focus quality are selected based on analysis of the local image content. Using this approach, depth values from focus may be obtained in more regions of the image than are obtained using earlier methods. The results of focus may then be incorporated directly into a stereo matching algorithm called LMA. Essentially, focus is used to add support to candidate stereo matches that are consistent with its results. This simple combination technique is shown to resolve the ambiguities of periodic regions in matching and to filter out incorrect matches, especially when a wide range of depth values is possible.
Quantum yield studies of disilane photodissociation at 193 nm by infrared diode laser spectroscopy

Abstract Quantum yields for the loss of disilane and the formation of silane in the 193 nm photodissociation of disilane have been measured using time-resolved infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy under single excimer laser pulse conditions at total pressures of 5 to 10 Torr in helium buffer gas. The total quantum yield for loss of disilane is 0.7±0.1 while the quantum yield for formation of silane is only 0.10±0.03. The results suggest that numerous photodissociation pathways as well as non-photodissociative relaxation pathways exist for disilane excited near its electronic absorption threshold.
Neural transplantation of human neuroteratocarcinoma (hNT) neurons into ischemic rats. A quantitative dose–response analysis of cell survival and behavioral recovery

Transplantation of fetal neuronal tissue has been used successfully to ameliorate symptoms of neurodegenerative disease in animals and humans. This technique has recently been extended as an experimental treatment for ischemic brain damage. However, due to ethical issues with the use of fetal cells for the treatment of any human disease, there has been a concerted effort to find alternative graft sources for neural transplantation. The human neuroteratocarcinoma neuron cell is derived from an embryonal teratocarcinoma cell line that can be differentiated into post-mitotic neurons. Neural transplantation of human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons has recently been shown to produce behavioral amelioration of symptoms in rats with ischemia-induced injury. The present study was undertaken to: (i) determine the minimum effective number of transplanted human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons required for amelioration of ischemia-induced behavioral dysfunction; and (ii) quantify the survival of human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons in vivo. Transplants of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160×103 human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons were made into rats that sustained ischemic damage. Animals that received 40, 80 or 160×103 human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in performance of both the passive avoidance and elevated body swing tests. At the conclusion of behavioral testing, human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons were identified in paraffin sections with human neural cell adhesion molecule MOC-1 and human neurofilament antibodies. Transplants of 80 or 160×103 human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons demonstrated a 12–15% survival of human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons in the graft, while transplants of 40×103 human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons demonstrated a 5% survival. Transplantation of human neuroteratocarcinoma neurons ameliorated behavioral deficits produced by ischemic damage. The human neuroteratocarcinoma neuron, additionally, showed greater survival than that reported for fetal cells when transplanted into the brain. Therefore, this readily available cell may prove to be an excellent candidate for the treatment of ischemic damage in human patients.
A gravimetric Kjeldahl—precautions and improved procedures

A variety of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Vona) tissues were analyzed with three tube diffusion Kjeldahl procedures yielding quantitative recovery of N in 2 days, 1 day, and 18 h employing gravimetric detection. Recoveries of wheat N by the gravimetric Kjeldahl procedures averaged 2.01% higher than by steam distillation and standard acid titration. Absolute gravimetric determinations on 3-mg N standards yielded N recoveries of 99.86%, 99.69%, and 98.46% for 2-day, 18-h, and 1-day diffusion respectively, whereas steam distillation of 1-mg N standards yielded an average recovery of 97.69%. The gravimetric Kjeldahl procedures are preferably applied to samples containing at least 3 mg N.
Continental-scale assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Aim Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) has the largest natural distribution of any tree native to North America. The primary objectives of this study were to characterize range-wide genetic diversity and genetic structuring in quaking aspen, and to assess the influence of glacial history and rear-edge dynamics. Location North America. Methods Using a sample set representing the full longitudinal and latitudinal extent of the species’ distribution, we examined geographical patterns of genetic diversity and structuring using 8 nuclear microsatellite loci in 794 individuals from 30 sampling sites. Results Two major genetic clusters were identified across the range: a south-western cluster and a northern cluster. The south-western cluster, which included two subclusters, was bounded approximately by the Continental Divide to the east and the southern extent of the ice sheet at the Last Glacial Maximum to the north. Subclusters were not detected in the northern cluster, despite its continent-wide distribution. Genetic distance was significantly correlated with geographical distance in the south-western but not the northern cluster, and allelic richness was significantly lower in south-western sampling sites compared with northern sampling sites. Population structuring was low overall, but elevated in the south-western cluster. Main conclusions Aspen populations in the south-western portion of the range are consistent with expectations for a historically stable edge, with low within-population diversity, significant geographical population structuring, and little evidence of northward expansion. Structuring within the south-western cluster may result from distinct gene pools separated during the Pleistocene and reunited following glacial retreat, similar to patterns found in other forest tree species in the western USA. In aspen, populations in the south-western portion of the species range are thought to be at particularly high risk of mortality with climate change. Our findings suggest that these same populations may be disproportionately valuable in terms of both evolutionary potential and conservation value.
The Intersection of Facebook and Structural Family Therapy Volume 1

Facebook has quickly been made into a household name with more than 700 million users worldwide (Carpenter, 2011). With the popularity of Facebook continuously growing, it is important to analyze the influence of Facebook on relationships. This article examines the intersection of Facebook and family therapy. More specifically, Facebook is viewed through the lens of structural family therapy. Key concepts in structural family therapy are provided along with a case vignette to demonstrate how Facebook can be used as a tool to help heal struggling relationships. Suggestions for future recommendations related to treatment and research are discussed.
Larval development of the crab Cancer magister in temperature regimes simulating outer-coast and inland-water habitats

Postlarval megalopae of the Dungeness crabCancer magister inhabiting offshore coastal waters along the west toast of North America are larger and settle earlier than do those occupying the inland waters of the Puget Sound basin (Washington, USA, and British Columbia, Canada). The Puget Sound habitat is characterized by low initial temperatures that steadily increase during the course of zoeal development, while offshore temperatures are more moderate and stable. Larvae were raised in the laboratory from hatching to megalopa in three temperature treatments: (1) constant 10 °C (CO), (2) a regime that temporally simulated temperatures found off the central California coast during the larval season (CA); and (3) a regime simulating temperatures found within the Puget Sound basin (PS). Zoeal duration was 44% longer in the PS treatment than in the other two, at least partially accounting for observed differentes between outer-toast and inland-water settlement times. Although differentes were measured in megalopal weights and carapace lengths among treatments, results do not explain differences in megalopal size observed between outer-toast and inland-water individuals. Survival to megalopa was highest in the PS treatment, with the difference due to significantly lower mortality than in CO and CA treatments during the terminal zoeal stage. Daily instantaneous mortality rates were lower in the PS than in CO or CA treatments, indicating Chat extended larval duration will not necessarily result in reduced settlement success.
Helix 8 and the i3 loop of the muscarinic M3 receptor are crucial sites for its regulation by the Gβ5-RGS7 complex

The muscarinic M3 receptor (M3R) is a Gq-coupled receptor and is known to interact with many intracellular regulatory proteins. One of these molecules is Gβ5-RGS7, the permanently associated heterodimer of G protein β-subunit Gβ5 and RGS7, a regulator of G protein signaling. Gβ5-RGS7 can attenuate M3R-stimulated release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores or enhance the influx of Ca(2+) across the plasma membrane. Here we show that deletion of amino acids 304-345 from the central portion of the i3 loop renders M3R insensitive to regulation by Gβ5-RGS7. In addition to the i3 loop, interaction of M3R with Gβ5-RGS7 requires helix 8. According to circular dichroism spectroscopy, the peptide corresponding to amino acids 548-567 in the C-terminus of M3R assumes an α-helical conformation. Substitution of Thr553 and Leu558 with Pro residues disrupts this α-helix and abolished binding to Gβ5-RGS7. Introduction of the double Pro substitution into full-length M3R (M3R(TP/LP)) prevents trafficking of the receptor to the cell surface. Using atropine or other antagonists as pharmacologic chaperones, we were able to increase the level of surface expression of the TP/LP mutant to levels comparable to that of wild-type M3R. However, M3R-stimulated calcium signaling is still severely compromised. These results show that the interaction of M3R with Gβ5-RGS7 requires helix 8 and the central portion of the i3 loop.