cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low bone mineral density and nutritional vitamin D deficiency in pediatric renal transplant recipients: Assessment of risk factors and response to oral vitamin D therapy.

Sgambat K, Tuchman S, Ryan L, Wood R, Moudgil A. Low bone mineral density and nutritional vitamin D deficiency in pediatric renal transplant recipients: Assessment of risk factors and response to oral vitamin D therapy. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 790–797. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: VitD deficiency and bone disease are common after Tx. Prevalence and risk factors for low VitD and BMD and response to VitD therapy were investigated in pediatric renal Tx recipients. 25-hydroxy VitD levels of 71 Tx were compared to 54 healthy AA children. DXA of 44 Tx were compared to 47 AA controls. Of Tx, 59% were AA. Majority (59.1%) of Tx were VitD deficient (23.9%) or insufficient (35.2%). Prevalence of low VitD levels was double in AA (73.9%) vs. non-AA Tx (37.7%), (p = 0.003). Low VitD among Tx was associated with AA ethnicity (p < 0.01), winter (p < 0.05), older age (p < 0.05), males (p < 0.05) and time <6 months post Tx (p < 0.05). Tx with low VitD were treated with oral ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol (23 each); 13% treated with ergocalciferol vs. 82.6% treated with cholecalciferol achieved repletion (p < 0.0001). Of 36 Tx with whole body DXA, 19.5% had BMD (z < −1) after height adjustment. AA Tx had 3.4-fold higher risk of low BMD vs. controls (p < 0.05). Low VitD and BMD are prevalent in children after renal Tx. Better repletion of VitD is achieved with cholecalciferol.
CPD: Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis in Adults: Part I. Evaluation.

Acute rhinosinusitis is one of the most common conditions that physicians treat in ambulatory practice. Although often caused by viruses, it sometimes is caused by bacteria, a condition that is called acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. The signs and symptoms of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and prolonged viral upper respiratory infection are similar, which makes accurate clinical diagnosis difficult. South African Family Practice Vol. 47(6) 2005: 22-27
Experiences with sickle hemoglobin testing in the Texas Newborn Screening Program.

Since Nov 1, 1983, we have tested more than 1 million infants for sickling hemoglobinopathies. The laboratory procedures used for analysis of the filter paper blood spots include a combination of cellulose acetate and citrate agar electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing offers an alternative screening procedure. Satisfactory interpretations of electrophoretic patterns are generally acceptable on specimens analyzed within five days of collection. Specimen age does not seem to be as critical a factor with isoelectric focusing. Consumable supply costs are slightly more with isoelectric focusing protocol (approximately $0.50 v $0.25), however, and the technical complexity and time involved are also somewhat higher. We have found the incidences to be as expected. Annual births in Texas number approximately 42,000 blacks, more than 90,000 Hispanics, and more than 175,000 whites. The newborn screening program is detecting approximately 100 cases of sickle cell anemia, 40 cases of SC disease, and 4,200 sickle hemoglobin carriers annually. Although the morbidity and mortality data demonstrating the effectiveness of this program will take some time to accumulate, support for its continuation from the physician community and the general public appears widespread. Follow-up of disease conditions is an integral part of the protocol, and the involvement and recommendations of an advisory committee, including qualified pediatric hematologists, have proven extremely beneficial. Both educational literature and treatment protocols have been addressed by the department and its advisers. Although the program still lacks a strong genetic counseling effort, and there are considerable communication and transportation problems associated with the state9s geography, the Texas Department of Health remains dedicated to improving the public health of infants throughout the state with its quality newborn screening program.
The Chemical Composition of Leaf Oils of Juniperus excelsa M.-Bieb.

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of the leaf oils of Juniperus excelsa obtained from trees growing in northern Greece and Kew gardens have been compared. The leaf oil from native (Greek) J. excelsa is dominated by cedrol (28.1%), α-pinene (22.5%) and limonene (22.7%), with moderate amounts of δ-3-carene (2.3%), myrcene (1.9%) and two unidentified constituents. The oil from the cultivated juniper at Kew is also dominated by cedrol (40.0%) and α- pinene (46.2%), whereas limonene is small (1.3%). Sixty three of the 67 constituents have been identified.
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis, a single institute experience: pathologic findings and clinical correlations

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare angiocentric and angiodestructive EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. It is hypothesized that these patients have dysregulated immune surveillance of EBV. We reviewed the biopsies of 55 patients with LYG who were referred for a prospective trial at the NCI (1995–2010) and evaluated the histologic, immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization, and molecular findings of these biopsies in conjunction with clinical information. Grading of the lesions was based on morphologic features and the number of EBV-positive B cells. The median age was 46 years (M:F 2.2:1). Clinically, all patients had lung involvement (100%) with the next most common site being the central nervous system (38%). No patient had nodal or bone marrow disease. All patients had past EBV exposure by serology but with a low median EBV viral load. We reviewed 122 biopsies; the most common site was lung (73%) followed by skin/subcutaneous tissue (17%); other sites included kidney, nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, conjunctiva, liver, and adrenal gland. Histologically the lesions showed angiocentricity, were rich in T cells, had large atypical B cells, and were positive for EBV. Grading was performed predominantly on the lung biopsy at diagnosis; they were distributed as follows: LYG grade 1 (30%), grade 2 (22%), and grade 3 (48%). Necrosis was seen in all grades with a greater degree in high-grade lesions. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies were performed and a higher percentage of clonal rearrangements were seen in LYG grade 2 (50%) and grade 3 (69%) as compared to grade 1 (8%). LYG is a distinct entity that can usually be differentiated from other EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders based on the combination of clinical presentation, histology, and EBV studies. Grading of these lesions is important because it dictates the treatment choice.
Utilizing reflection in projects for increased metacognition and enhanced learning

Active and project-based learning (PBL) strategies provide a great means for students to enhance their learning and further develop critical engineering skills. In order to guide students to a higher level of learning, a critical reflection process has been incorporated into upper level and graduate civil engineering classes that utilize PBL. This paper presents a model for classroom practice for enhancing student skill development through critical reflection as part of PBL that is based on existing theory on learning.
Formations and Formalisms: Charles Tilly and the Paradox of the Actor

Charles Tilly (1929–2008) was a pioneer in joining sociology and history. Throughout his career, he was especially concerned with the ways in which ordinary people made political claims, and how this was shaped by transformations in the state and in capitalism. Most often seen as a structuralist, Tilly was nevertheless deeply concerned with how to understand actors. This article traces Tilly's work from early research on French contention through his later, synthetic work on mechanisms and regimes to show how Tilly's understanding of actors, agency, culture, and social construction developed. Further, we show how this development went hand in hand with Tilly's development of distinctive methodological approaches to historical and sociological data.
Dimensional and Cross‐Cutting Assessment in the DSM‐5

A significant proposed change to the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that will significantly affect the way counselors diagnose mental disorders is the addition of dimensional assessments to the categorical diagnoses. The author reviews the current DSM's (4th ed., text rev.; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) categorical classification system, describes the proposed dimensional and cross-cutting assessments, and provides implications about clinical utility and user acceptability of a dimensional diagnostic approach.
Quantitation of human immunoglobulin G and albumin in electroimmunodiffusion gels containing ionic and nonionic detergents

Quantitation of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin by agarose electroimmunodiffusion is influenced by the incorporation of ionic and nonionic detergents in the gel. The highest concentrations of each detergent at which human IgG and albumin determinations could be performed without perturbing the quantitations were 4% Triton X-100, 4% Tween 80, 1% NP-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate (SDOC), 0.5% Zwittergent, and 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and mixtures of Triton X-100, SDOC, and SDS. These detergent combinations all resulted in greater perturbations of albumin quantitation than of IgG. Immunoprecipitation of human IgG was quantitated in the absence and presence of Triton X-100, Zwittergent, and SDS. SDS was shown to cause nonspecific precipitation, whereas below 1% Triton X-100 or 0.5% Zwittergent no effects upon the immunoprecipitations were observed.
Neuropoietin attenuates adipogenesis and induces insulin resistance in adipocytes

Recent findings have implicated gp130 receptor ligands, particularly ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), as potential anti-obesity therapeutics. Neuropoietin (NP) is a recently discovered cytokine in the gp130 family that shares functional and structural features with CNTF and signals via the CNTF receptor tripartite complex comprised of CNTFRα, LIF receptor, and gp130. NP plays a role in the development of the nervous system, but the effects of NP on adipocytes have not been previously examined. Because CNTF exerts anti-obesogenic effects in adipocytes and NP shares the same receptor complex, we investigated the effects of NP on adipocyte development and insulin action. Using cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we observed that NP has the ability to block adipogenesis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We also observed that cultured adipocytes, as well as murine adipose tissue, are highly responsive to acute NP treatment. Rodents injected with NP had a substantial increase in STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK 1 and 2 activation. We also observed the induction of SOCS-3 mRNA in 3T3-L1 adipocytes following NP treatment. Unlike CNTF, our studies have revealed that NP also substantially attenuates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, NP blocks insulin action in adipose tissue in vivo. These observations are supported by data demonstrating that NP impairs insulin signaling via decreased activation of both IRS-1 and Akt. In summary, we have observed that both adipocytes in vitro and in vivo are highly responsive to NP, and this cytokine has the ability to affect insulin signaling in fat cells. These novel observations suggest that NP, unlike CNTF, may not be a viable obesity therapeutic.
Factors regulating the production of vasopressin-associated human neurophysin by small-cell carcinoma of the lung: evaluation by computer-enhanced quantitative immunocytochemistry.

Abstract Expression of the vasopressin gene appears to be a property common to all small-cell lung tumours. For some cultures of small-cell lung carcinoma (SCCL), Northern and Western Blot analyses have revealed that expression of this gene and its protein products are regulated by cAMP and glucocorticoids. In this study, these evaluations have been extended by examining the production of vasopressin-associated human neurophysin (VP-HNP) by computer-enhanced quantitative immunocytochemistry in a classical cell-line (H69) of SCCL, and defining the amount of protein in cells by area of positive staining above an arbitrarily set threshold. Intracellular cAMP was raised by incubating cells with either 8,Br-cAMP (0.5 mM) and IBMX (0.5 mM), or with forskolin (25 μM) and IBMX (0.5 mM). Both of these treatments caused a significant increase in the amount of positive VP-HNP immunoreactivity in the cells, an increase that was further enhanced by simultaneous administration of dexamethasone (0.1 μM). Addition of dexamethasone alone, however, caused a significant decrease in VP-HNP levels. Results confirm earlier findings from Western Blot analysis revealing the influence these agents have on production of vasopressin gene-related proteins by H69 cells, and indicate that computer-enhanced quantitative immunocytochemistry can be effectively used to provide a suitable index of this production.
Durability of repaired pacemaker leads in the pediatric population.

Lead failure is a common complication of pacemaker placement in the pediatric population and is often due to insulation breaks or lead fracture. Usually these leads are replaced with new leads. This study describes the surgical technique of lead repair and investigates the longevity of such repairs. Retrospective review of lead repairs performed in the pediatric population (<21 years old) between December 1995 and December 2008. Operative records, pre-operative interrogation data, and most recent follow-up data were reviewed. Twenty-one lead repairs were performed on 17 patients. Sixteen were ventricular leads and five were atrial leads. There were 14 insulation defect repairs, six new lead tip splicings, and one lead extender splicing. The repaired leads were followed for a mean time of 3.6 ± 3.0 years (range, 0.3–10.6 years). The freedom from repaired lead failure by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was 89% at 5 years and 22% at 10 years. One atrial lead and two ventricular leads have been replaced since the repairs. One atrial lead has had a repeat insulation break repair since the initial repair. One of the five atrial leads had an elevated threshold at follow-up. Five of 16 ventricular leads had elevated thresholds at follow-up. All leads had normal impedance at follow-up. The option of pacemaker lead repair, if surgically feasible, offers an alternative to lead replacement in the pediatric population and may extend the longevity of pacemaker leads in this population.
Technique and results of "higher-dose" infusion.

We experimented with thrombolytic technique in an attempt to maximize therapeutic outcome, selecting urokinase because of its proven safety and efficacy in clinical investigation. An initially “high-dose” regimen, starting at 4,000 U/min and decreasing to 1,000 U/min after restoration of antegrade blood flow, generally establishes lysis within 3–4 h—even after acute embolic or thrombolytic occlusion. It can also be used effectively and safely as a therapeutic trial. “High-dose” urokinase compares favorably with “low-dose” streptokinase and shows a lower incidence of bleeding and allergic complications.
Regional anaesthetic technique and the incidence of tourniquet pain.

The influence of regional anaesthetic technique on the incidence of lower extremity tourniquet pain was evaluated. We studied 60 patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures of the lower extremity with the use of a pneumatic tourniquet and anticipated inflation of 60 min or longer. Three different anaesthetic techniques were selected by random card draw: spinal anaesthesia (SAB) with plain 0.5% bupivacaine (15 mg) and 0.2 mg epinephrine added, lumbar epidural anaesthesia (EA) with 2% mepivacaine and 1:200,000 epinephrine added, and epidural anaesthesia (AEA) with the same solution alkalinized with bicarbonate. Onset and level of sensory blockade were determined by loss of painful sensation to pinprick. The incidence of tourniquet pain was determined at 15-min intervals or by patient complaint, by an observer unaware of group. Time to onset of pain, amount of treatment (iv fentanyl), and sensory level at the time of pain were determined. The SAB was compared with EA and AEA, and EA was compared with AEA. The SAB group was older. The sensory level achieved and duration of tourniquet inflation did not differ among groups. The incidence of tourniquet pain was lower with SAB than with EA and lower with AEA than with EA. There was no difference between SAB and AEA. This study demonstrated a lower incidence of tourniquet pain with spinal anaesthesia than with epidural anaesthesia to the same sensory level. However, this advantage is eliminated if the epidural anaesthetic was performed with an alkalinized local anaesthetic.
Mössbauer analysis of the acceptor site for the donated electrons in Fe Cl 3 -intercalated graphite compounds

Recently it has been shown that electrons donated by the graphite host to the Fe${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ intercalate freeze onto selected ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ ions to change them into ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ ions at low temperatures. We find that this process occurs continuously beginning at approximately 100 K. Two possible explanations of the data are presented. We examine the possibility that the number of donated electrons which are associated with selected iron sites is temperature dependent, and that a free-bound transition occurs as the temperature is lowered. We also discuss an alternative explanation first suggested by Hohlwein et al. in terms of a temperature-dependent hopping rate for the electrons which becomes slow compared with the nuclear Larmor frequency at low temperatures. Although our fits to the experimental spectra appear to favor the first explanation, we find that the second one cannot be ruled out on the basis of M\"ossbauer spectroscopy alone. Finally, we also discuss the sample dependence of the number of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ sites observed at low temperatures. Our findings support the suggestion of Wertheim et al. that chlorine atoms surrounding iron vacancies when present in sufficient numbers in the intercalate may act as the primary acceptor site for the electrons donated by the graphite to the intercalate.
Induction of polyploidization in leukemic cell lines and primary bone marrow by Src kinase inhibitor SU6656

Megakaryocytes (MKs) undergo successive rounds of endomitosis during differentiation, resulting in polyploidy (typically, 16-64N). Previous studies have demonstrated that this occurs through an interruption of normal cell cycle progression during anaphase. However, the molecular mechanism(s) controlling this unique process is undefined. In the present report, we examine the effect of an Src kinase inhibitor, SU6656, on thrombopoietin (TPO)-induced growth and differentiation. Remarkably, when SU6656 (2.5 μM) was added to a megakaryocytic cell line, UT-7/TPO, the cells ceased cell division but continued to accumulate DNA by endomitosis. During this interval, CD41 and CD61 expression on the cell surface increased. Similar effects on polyploidization and MK differentiation were seen with expanded primary MKs, bone marrow from 2 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, and other cell lines with MK potential. Our data suggest that SU6656 might be useful as a differentiation-inducing agent for MKs and is an important tool for understanding the molecular basis of MK endomitosis.
Do Child Molesters Have Aberrant Perceptions of Adult Female Facial Attractiveness?1

The multiple fitness model (Cunningham, 1986) suggests that attractive adult faces combine youthful neonate features with indications of sexual maturity. But a question can be raised whether the multiple fitness model applies to child molesters. In contrast to prior studies that examined child molesters’ attraction to children, we examined child molesters’ perceptions of adult women. Incarcerated child molesters (N= 68) rated the attractiveness of photographs of 24 adult women. Their ratings were compared with ratings made by 30 heterosexual college men. The 2 groups displayed remarkably similar judgments (r= .91). Child molesters were not more attracted to neonate features compared to other men, nor were they more repelled by maturity features. Like the college men, the child molesters were attracted to faces with large eyes and high cheekbones. Because the multiple fitness model applied to child molesters, differences between the sexual behavior of child molesters and other men do not seem to be attributable to differences in their perceptions of potential adult female partners’ faces.
Acetylation of cellulose using recyclable polymeric catalysts

The esterification of cellulose with acetyl chloride in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone proceeded smoothly using crosslinked polyvinylpyridine (C-PVP) as catalysts. The structures of the cellulose acetates were confirmed by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR analyses. The molecular weights were determined by GPC, and the thermal properties were characterized with DSC and TGA. The effects of reaction conditions on yields and degree of substitutions were evaluated in detail. C-PVP was recycled by a simple alkali treatment, and the recycled C-PVP could be readily reused as catalysts in cellulose acetylations without adverse effects on the reactions. The influences of C-PVP on the structures of cellulose acetate samples were further discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3288–3296, 2006
Measuring Particle Transverse Velocity Using an LDA

Discussion des principaux problemes rencontres dans les mesures de vitesse transversale par anemometrie laser Doppler: alignement du systeme optique, correction des erreurs systematiques, annulation des erreurs dues aux signaux incomplets et collecte de suffisamment de signaux
Glove Size and Material Effects on Task Performance

Two experiments were conducted to measure the effect of glove size and material on task performance. The first experiment tested the glove size and material effects on a maximum torque exertion task while the second experiment tested the glove size and material effect on a small parts assembly task. The results of the first experiment showed that for the maximum exertion task, the glove size had no significant effect while the glove material did have a significant effect. For the assembly task the results indicated that glove size and material combination may be important to performance.
Vapor pressures of sulfonylurea herbicides.

Vapor pressure values for agricultural chemicals are necessary for estimating volatilization and dissipation through transport in the vapor phase. The low vapor pressures of the sulfonylurea herbicides have presented significant challenges in vapor pressure determination. We have used the Knudsen gas effusion method at elevated temperatures and extrapolated to 25 °C. Along with the Knudsen method, computer calculations using the Grain equation were also used to estimate vapor pressure. The gas saturation method with quantitation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) provided an upper limit that confirmed the low vapor pressures obtained using Knudsen gas effusion and computer calculations. We report the best available experimental results for the vapor pressures of sulfonylurea herbicides. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of click duration on the latency of the early evoked response

The effect of click duration on the latency of waves I, III, and V was investigated by testing 20 normal-hearing subjects at 60 dB HL using electric pulses of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µs. Alternat...
The neuronal Kv4 channel complex.

Kv4 channel complexes mediate the neuronal somatodendritic A-type K+ current (ISA), which plays pivotal roles in dendritic signal integration. These complexes are composed of pore-forming voltage-gated α-subunits (Shal/Kv4) and at least two classes of auxiliary β-subunits: KChIPs (K +-Channel-Interacting-Proteins) and DPLPs (Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-Like-Proteins). Here, we review our investigations of Kv4 gating mechanisms and functional remodeling by specific auxiliary β-subunits. Namely, we have concluded that: (1) the Kv4 channel complex employs novel alternative mechanisms of closed-state inactivation; (2) the intracellular Zn2+ site in the T1 domain undergoes a conformational change tightly coupled to voltage-dependent gating and is targeted by nitrosative modulation; and (3) discrete and specific interactions mediate the effects of KChIPs and DPLPs on activation, inactivation and permeation of Kv4 channels. These studies are shedding new light on the molecular bases of ISA function and regulation.
Prophylaxis of contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication of cardiac catheterization, reported to result in a 15% incidence of acute renal failure. Convincing evidence supports the prophylactic use of prehydration and low volumes of contrast medium. Recently, the antioxidant acetylcysteine has been shown to have a potential preventive role. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that acetylcysteine prevents CIN. Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with a serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dl were prospectively randomized to receive acetylcysteine or placebo. A total of five doses of acetylcysteine 600 mg b.i.d. or placebo was administered, commencing on the day of the procedure. All patients were prehydrated with 0.45% saline and during the catheterization a nonionic low-osmolality contrast medium was used. Serum creatinine and urea were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hr postprocedure. A total of 43 patients were studied. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics, including baseline renal function. No adverse events were experienced with acetylcysteine treatment. Serum creatinine levels at 48 and 72 hr remained largely unchanged in the acetylcysteine group but continued to rise at 48 and 72 hr in the placebo group. By 72 hr, the incidence of CIN, defined as a 25% increase in baseline creatinine, was significantly lower in the acetylcysteine arm compared to placebo (5% for acetylcysteine vs. 32% for placebo; P = 0.046). In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment undergoing cardiac catheterization, prophylactic treatment with oral acetylcysteine reduces the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2003;60:458–461. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hypothetical model of catecholamine uptake into adrenal medullary storage vesicles

Abstract Recent studies from several laboratories suggest that the uptake of catecholamines into adrenal medullary vesicles is mediated by a mobile carrier in the vesicle membrane. A transport model is proposed in which catecholamines attach to the carrier on the outside of the membrane and are detached on the inside surface by the action of ATP; probable loci of action of uptake inhibitors (reserpine and N-ethylmaleimide) are identified.
Smooth Muscle Tension Induces Invasive Remodeling of the Zebrafish Intestine

The signals that initiate cell invasion are not well understood, but there is increasing evidence that extracellular physical signals play an important role. Here we show that epithelial cell invasion in the intestine of zebrafish meltdown (mlt) mutants arises in response to unregulated contractile tone in the surrounding smooth muscle cell layer. Physical signaling in mlt drives formation of membrane protrusions within the epithelium that resemble invadopodia, matrix-degrading protrusions present in invasive cancer cells. Knockdown of Tks5, a Src substrate that is required for invadopodia formation in mammalian cells blocked formation of the protrusions and rescued invasion in mlt. Activation of Src-signaling induced invadopodia-like protrusions in wild type epithelial cells, however the cells did not migrate into the tissue stroma, thus indicating that the protrusions were required but not sufficient for invasion in this in vivo model. Transcriptional profiling experiments showed that genes responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) were upregulated in mlt larvae. ROS generators induced invadopodia-like protrusions and invasion in heterozygous mlt larvae but had no effect in wild type larvae. Co-activation of oncogenic Ras and Wnt signaling enhanced the responsiveness of mlt heterozygotes to the ROS generators. These findings present the first direct evidence that invadopodia play a role in tissue cell invasion in vivo. In addition, they identify an inducible physical signaling pathway sensitive to redox and oncogenic signaling that can drive this process.
The Student View on Effective Practices in the College Elementary and Intermediate Foreign Language Classroom

The majority of foreign language learners on our college campuses today are those that are engaged in such study in order to fulfill an institutional requirement, a common example being successful completion of the fourth-semester course. Once the requirement has been met, formal foreign language study tends to cease. What does this particular type of foreign language student think of the foreign language-learning experience? From their point of view, what activities or strategies are seen as being effective for their teaming? This article brings to light their opinions on some learning issues, notably those of expressivity and accuracy of target-language production. The picture that emerges from the data suggests a blend of two leading considerations: using a structural approach involving corrective feedback and grammar, as well as a communicative approach where language is used for real communication purposes.
Quality‐of‐life outcomes following multiple revision endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: Although overall success rates of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) range from 76.0% to 97.5%, ongoing or recurrent symptoms may require revision surgery. Previous studies have shown that revision status is not a predictor of outcomes following ESS, but no distinction has been made between patients undergoing a single or multiple revision procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes and associated risk factors of patients undergoing primary ESS, first-revision ESS, and multiple-revision ESS (second, third, fourth, and fifth or more). Methods: Demographic and risk factor data were collected from a multi-institutional prospective cohort of 552 patients undergoing primary (n = 221) and revision (n = 331) ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Mean preoperative Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) scan scores, pre-/postoperative Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) outcomes were analyzed using chi-square testing and 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Mean preoperative RSDI and CSS measurements were similar between primary ESS and all revision groups. Significantly more primary ESS patients met rigorous criteria for a minimally important difference in QOL improvement than revision ESS patients (73.8% vs 61.6%; p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in mean QOL improvement between revision groups (all p ≥ 0.174) even when comparing patients with and without nasal polyposis (all p ≥ 0.312). Conclusion: Generally, patients undergoing primary, first-revision, and multiple-revision ESS showed postoperative improvement in QOL scores. More primary ESS patients had significant QOL improvement compared to revision ESS patients. There were no significant differences in mean QOL improvement between any of the individual revision groups. © 2012 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
The Podolinsky Myth: An Obituary Introduction to 'Human Labour and Unity of Force', by Sergei Podolinsky

The relationship between Marxism and ecology has been sullied by Martinez-Alier's influential interpretation of Engels's reaction to the agricultural energetics of Sergei Podolinsky. This introduction to the first English translation of Podolinsky's 1883 Die Neue Zeit piece evaluates Martinez-Alier's interpretation in light of the four distinct but closely related articles Podolinsky published over the years 1880–3. This evaluation also emphasises the important but previously underrated role of energy analysis in Marx's Capital. Engels's criticisms of Podolinsky are found to be quite justified from both political-economy and ecological perspectives. From the standpoint of Marx and Engels's metabolic and class-relational approach to production, Podolinsky's attempt to reduce use-value to energy is fraught with problems. Podolinsky's energy reductionism does not even come close to representing an alternative value analysis – let alone a groundbreaking perspective on ecological history – as was suggested by Martinez-Alier. Far from Marx and Engels's vision of communism as an ecologically sustainable and coevolutionary human development, Podolinsky's conception of human labor as an energy accumulation machine seems to uncritically mimic the standpoint of the capitalist interested in using nature only to extract as much energy throughput (work) as possible from the labour-power (potential work) of the worker.
Spatial discrimination performance of Drosophila melanogaster: some controlled and uncontrolled correlates.

Abstract Spatial discrimination performance of Drosophila melanogaster was facilitated by punishing the flies with electric shock upon making the incorrect response, except that flies became noticeably injured and some were killed when the shock intensity reached some unspecified value above 80 VAC. Differences in treatment (shock level) accounted for less than 25 per cent of the variance in performance. Two measures of activity and one measure of the subjects' tendency to take advantage of the positive reinforcer (negative geotaxis) were related to treatment and to performance. The only statistically significant relationship among these was the correlation between performance and one activity measure, where the least active flies exhibited the best performance.
Design and performance of a high-flux electrospray ionization source for ion soft landing

We report the design and evaluation of a new high-intensity electrospray ionization source for ion soft-landing experiments. The source incorporates a dual ion funnel, which enables operation with a higher gas load through an expanded diameter heated inlet into the additional first region of differential pumping. This capability allowed us to examine the effect of the inner diameter (ID) of the heated stainless steel inlet on the total ion current transmitted through the dual funnel interface and, more importantly, the mass-selected ion current delivered to the deposition target. The ion transmission of the dual funnel is similar to the transmission of the single funnel used in our previous soft landing studies. However, substantially higher ion currents were obtained using larger ID heated inlets and an orthogonal inlet geometry, in which the heated inlet was positioned perpendicular to the direction of ion propagation through the instrument. The highest ion currents were obtained using the orthogonal geometry and a 1.4 mm ID heated inlet. The corresponding stable deposition rate of ∼1 μg of mass-selected ions per day will facilitate future studies focused on the controlled deposition of complex molecules on substrates for studies in catalysis, energy storage, and self-assembly.
A Look Back at the Permian Reefs of West Texas and New Mexico

The Permian reef complexes of West Texas and New Mexico are among the classic carbonate sequences in the world and have significantly influenced geologic thinking for over half a century. Study of the reefs can be subdivided into 6 broad periods. The first period involved early exploration of the region, establishment of regional stratigraphic relationships and attempts at dating stratigraphic units. The Guadalupian Fauna typifies this early period. The second period, during the 1920-30's, was a time of early petroleum exploration in the region, following on discovery of the Kendrick Field in Winkler County, Texas, and resulted in attempts to explain the complicated subsurface stratigraphy. Development of a marginal reef model and research on facies relationships between the basin and shelf resulted in refinement of stratigraphic nomenclature.The third period, here termed the King period, was a time of more intense study of the outcrops and their subsurface extensions. It was a time when facies became mor...
The Evaluation of the Cracking Susceptibility of Alloy 718 in an Acidic Solution

An austenitic iron-nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel, known as Alloy 718 (N07718), has been investigated for its corrosion resistance in an aqueous environment relevant to the sulfur-iodine (S-I) process, proposed to generate hydrogen using nuclear heat. The slow-strain-rate (SSR) testing method was used to evaluate the cracking susceptibility of this alloy at ambient and elevated temperatures. A strain rate of 3.3 × 10−6 sec−1 was used in these tests. The localized corrosion behavior of this alloy was also evaluated by the cyclic potentiodynamic polarization technique. Further, the fracture morphology of the specimens used in SSR testing was determined by scanning electron microscopy.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Malabsorption defect induced by ingestionof beta lactoglobulin

A patient with diarrhea and steatorrhea from birth whose difficulty wasdemonstrated to be related to the ingestion of beta lactoglobulin is presented. The intolerance to this milk protein disappeared after the age of 5 years.
Culturally and Geographically Relevant Performance Interventions

This article attempts to showcase how one particularly financially endowed organization is seeking to modify its instructional and organizational practice to better serve its Inupiat (Eskimo) target/client population. This is an extreme and instructive situation of socio-cultural tension that provides interesting contrasts with the issues of performance in culturally diverse corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Considering the thematic argument made in this issue that multiple levels of analysis are sometimes required in developing human performance interventions in complex socio-cultural contexts, this author observed that running a school system conceived almost entirely along Western lines while serving a predominantly non-Western population leads to some problems at the macro, meso, and micro levels. This strongly suggests that, in today's cross- and multi-cultural organizational contexts, human performance technology (HPT) analyses and interventions must unearth the rich complexity of issues embedded in our increasingly complex world or suffer the consequences of doing more harm than good.
Demonstration of a scatter correction technique in digital breast tomosynthesis

We have recently developed a method of using a distributed x-ray source array to obtain images with scatter correction for tomographic reconstruction of an object. The method consists of obtaining x-ray images of the object with and without the primary beam sampling apparatus. In this study, we report the results of applying the scatter correction method for breast tomosynthesis imaging using the carbon nanotube x-ray based stationary Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (s-DBT) system developed at UNC. The unique design of s-DBT system makes it possible to estimate the image of the scatter profile of the object with very low dose, and without significant increase in acquisition time. An anthropomorphic breast phantom was used for quantitative analysis of the change in contrast and scatter-to-primary ratio. Our results suggest that the scatter correction method is effective and can be used for enhanced contrast.
Fresh cucumber flavor in refrigerated pickles: Comparison of sensory and instrumental analysis

The ability of nonacidified, refrigerated pickled cucumbers to produce the fresh cucumber flavor impact compounds (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-nonenal declined during storage. Production of these compounds decreased as the pH of refrigerated cucumbers was reduced. Despite the fact that the concentrations of (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-nonenal generated were over 105-fold greater than the threshold levels, it was possible for a sensory panel to consistently detect differences in the intensity of fresh cucumber flavor, provided the pH difference between samples was 1 unit or greater. The presence of spices did not interfere with the ability of panelists to detect differences in fresh flavor intensity. There was a linear correlation between sensory scores and the amount of (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal produced by cucumbers equilibrated at different pH levels. Keywords: Cucumis sativus; gas chromatography; acidification; (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal; (E)-2-nonenal
On the importance of nearbed sediment flux measurements for estimating sediment transport in the surf zone

Abstract Previous sediment studies in the surf zone typically have computed suspended sediment flux profiles by pairing a single current meter measurement at an elevation of 20 cm or more with measurements of suspended sediment concentration from sensor arrays located at 4–50 cm elevation. This note reports the results of a field experiment in which small impellor current meters were paired with OBS sensors at common elevations of 4, 9 and 19 cm from the bed and across the inner surf zone to obtain concurrent velocity and concentration profiles. The objectives of this experiment were to measure suspended sediment flux profiles within 20 cm of the seabed to determine the magnitude of flux very close to the seabed in comparison to measurements at higher elevation; and to evaluate the errors associated with estimating sediment flux using current meter measurements at only one elevation compared to flux estimates based on velocity profile measurements. Results show that the total sediment flux at z = 4 cm was greater than the flux higher in the water column ( z = 9 and 19 cm) by a factor of at least 2. The flux profiles computed using a single impellor current meter at z = 19 cm and OBS sensors at z = 4, 9 and 19 cm typically were between 0.5 and 2.0 times the flux profiles computed using paired instruments. In one case the estimate of flux direction from the single current meter data predicted transport in the wrong cross shore direction. These results highlight the importance of nearbed measurements of concentration and velocity in estimating sediment transport in the surf zone.
Anticoagulants and the uptake of L-triiodothyronine by rat erythrocytes.

Rats were treated with anticoagulants, namely, Dicumarol and heparin. The influence of these on the binding of radioiodinated L-triiodothyronine by red blood cells was studied by the addition of a measured activity of the hormone to blood and determination of the percentage of the total activity bound to the erythrocytes after 2 hours’ incubation at 37 C. No statistical difference was found between the red blood cell uptakes of rats under anticoagulant treatment and those of control rats. This finding suggests that anticoagulants per se do not exert any effect on the binding of L-triiodothyronine by rat red blood cells.
Integration of Growth Factor and Nutrient Signaling: Implications for Cancer Biology

Signaling networks that promote cell growth are frequently dysregulated in cancer. One regulatory network, which converges on effectors such as 4EBP1 and S6K1, leads to growth by promoting protein synthesis. Here, we discuss how this network is regulated by both extracellular signals, such as growth factors, and intracellular signals, such as nutrients. We discuss how mutations amplifying either type of signal can lead to tumor formation. In particular, we focus on the recent discovery that a tumor suppressor complex whose function is lost in tuberous sclerosis patients regulates the nutrient signal carried by the critical signaling protein TOR to the effectors 4EBP1 and S6K1. Finally, we describe how the small molecule rapamycin, which inhibits TOR and thereby the activation of these effectors, could be useful to treat tumors that have become dependent upon this pathway for growth.
3D heat and air transport model for predicting the thermal resistances of insulated wall assemblies

A wall energy rating (WER) system has been proposed to account for simultaneous thermal conduction and air leakage heat losses through a full-scale insulated wall system. Determining WER requires performing two standard tests on a full-scale wall specimen: a thermal resistance test and an air leakage test. A 3D model representation of the wall specimen is developed to combine the results of these tests to obtain an accurate prediction of the wall thermal resistance (apparent R-value) under the influence of air leakage. Two types of wall configurations were tested and simulated. The first one was a standard 2” × 6” wood stud frame construction, made of spruce, spaced at 16” (406 mm) o/c in 2.4 m × 2.4 m full-scale wall specimens. The second wall configuration was similar to the first one except that it included through-wall penetrations. The cavities of the two types of wall configurations were filled with different types of insulation, namely glass fibre batts and two different types of open cell spray po...
Imaging in thromboembolic disease

Venous thromboembolic disease is common, but is difficult to diagnose clinically. Diagnostic imaging therefore plays a central and increasing role in its diagnosis. Many modalities are available and there are many published guidelines on how to work-up patients suspected of venous thromboembolic disease. This article summarizes the findings on the various diagnostic imaging techniques and the accuracies of the modalities available. Guidelines are provided for the work-up of patients, including special patient populations, such as intensive care patients, patients with contrast allergy or patients of childbearing age. Future perspectives on venous thromboembolism work-up and advanced diagnostic imaging are also discussed.
Optimizing fusion architectures for limited training data sets

A method is described to improve the performance of sensor fusion algorithms. Data sets available for training fusion algorithms are often smaller than described, since the sensor suite used for data acquisition is always limited by the slowest, least reliable sensor. In addition, the fusion process expands the dimension of the data, which increases the requirement for training data. By using structural risk minimization, a technique of statistical learning theory, a classifier of optimal complexity can be obtained, leading to improved performance. A technique for jointly optimizing the local decision thresholds is also described for hard- decision fusion. The procedure is demonstrated for EMI, GPR and MWIR data acquired at the US Army mine lanes at Fort AP Hill, VA, Site 71A. It is shown that fusion of features, soft decisions, and hard decisions each yield improved performance with respect to the individual sensors. Fusion decreases the overall error rate from roughly 20 percent for the best single sensor to roughly 10 percent for the best fused result.
Schizophrenia and porphobilinogen deaminase gene polymorphisms : an association study

Abstract A genetic case-control study was conducted in a group of patients with schizophrenia ( n =67; DSM-III) and psychiatrically normal controls matched for ethnicity ( n −84), living in the same geographical area. Using three different DNA polymorphisms of the gene encoding porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), a candidate gene for schizophrenia, an association with schizophrenia could not be detected. No significant associations were detected even after sub-division of the cohort by ethnicity and by gender.