cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of Bovine Semen. IX. Glutamic-Oxaloacetic and Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase Activities

Summary Assays on 63 samples of bovine semen gave an average of 623±48 units of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GO-T) and 15±1 units of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GP-T) per milliliter of seminal plasma. Statistically significant correlations of .849 for GO-T and .409 for GP-T were observed between seminal plasma transaminase activity and numbers of spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. When spermatozoa were freed of seminal plasma and the GO-T and GP-T activities in seminal plasma and cells compared, more activity was associated with the cells than with seminal plasma. With seminal plasma-free cells, GO-T per milligram of dry weight was similar to that reported in several bovine tissues, but lower than the activity in heart, liver, and skeletal muscle.
Development of striatal dopaminergic function. II: Dopaminergic regulation of transcription of the immediate early gene zif268 and of D1 (D1a) and D2 (D2a) receptors during pre- and postnatal development

We investigated cocaine- and apomorphine-mediated induction of the zinc finger immediate early gene (IEG), zif268, during striatal ontogeny. Acute cocaine or apomorphine treatment increased striatal zif268 mRNA on embryonic day 20 (E20), postnatal day 5 (P5), and in adults, but not on E15, with developmentally distinct anatomical profiles. SCH23390 pretreatment completely attenuated zif268 gene expression at all ages, but eticlopride treatment of E20 and P5 rats prior to cocaine enhanced zif268 expression beyond that observed with cocaine alone. In adults, eticlopride pretreatment partially attenuated the cocaine-mediated increase in zif268 expression. E20 and P5 D2 receptors appear to be negatively coupled to zif268 expression; whereas the adult D2 receptor, like the D1 receptor, appears to stimulate zif268 expression. Acute cocaine increased D1 but not D2 receptor mRNA levels within 24 h but had no effect on D1 or D2 receptor binding. By late embryonic development, some striatal neurons possess DA receptors coupled to IEG (zif268) activation. Postnatally, D1 receptor activation consistently increases zif268 transcription, but the coupling of D2 receptors to zif268 changes from decidedly negative at an early postnatal age to slightly positive in adults. These results are consistent with a role for DA in regulating striatal neuronal differentiation and development.
Space Telescope Optics

The paper reviews the optical technology that has been developed over the last decade for the Space Telescope. The optical design of the telescope, the optical performance control system, and the anticipated optical performance are all presented. Consideration is also given to the initial complement of focal plane instruments.
The Ferrier Lecture, 1992. Seeing Depth with Two Eyes: Stereopsis

The primate's two eyes both point forward, and are a few centimetres apart. The task of extracting depth from two slightly dissimilar two-dimensional retinal images falls on the central nervous system. The mechanism is so effective that a good observer can detect, by stereopsis alone, depth differences of as small as 10 $\mu $m at a distance of 25 cm. Psychophysical and neurophysiological studies have begun to unravel the neural circuits in the brain which process the retinal signals to yield stereoscopic information.
Cholera enterotoxin stimulation of cAMP in cultured adrenal tumor cells

Abstract Cholera enterotoxin (CT) increased the concentration of adenosine 3′-5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in monolayer cultures of adrenal tumor cells after a 60 min lag phase in contrast to the rapid effect of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). The change in intracellular cAMP was accompanied by the release of steroids into the culture medium and a reversible alteration of monolayer morphology.
Predicting Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Fall History Is as Accurate as More Complex Measures

Background. Many people with MS fall, but the best method for identifying those at increased fall risk is not known. Objective. To compare how accurately fall history, questionnaires, and physical tests predict future falls and injurious falls in people with MS. Methods. 52 people with MS were asked if they had fallen in the past 2 months and the past year. Subjects were also assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence, Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 questionnaires, the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and computerized dynamic posturography and recorded their falls daily for the following 6 months with calendars. The ability of baseline assessments to predict future falls was compared using receiver operator curves and logistic regression. Results. All tests individually provided similar fall prediction (area under the curve (AUC) 0.60–0.75). A fall in the past year was the best predictor of falls (AUC 0.75, sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.56) or injurious falls (AUC 0.69, sensitivity 0.96, specificity 0.41) in the following 6 months. Conclusion. Simply asking people with MS if they have fallen in the past year predicts future falls and injurious falls as well as more complex, expensive, or time-consuming approaches.
Laser scattering in a hanging drop vapor diffusion apparatus for protein crystal growth in a microgravity environment

One type of hardware used to grow protein crystals in the microgravity environment aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle is a hanging drop vapor diffusion apparatus (HDVDA). In order to optimize crystal growth conditions, dynamic control of the HDVDA is desirable. A critical component in the dynamically controlled system is a detector for protein nucleation. We have constructed a laser scattering detector for the HDVDA capable of detecting the nucleation stage. The detector was successfully tested for several scatterers differing in size using dynamic light scattering techniques. In addition, the ability to detect protein nucleation using the HDVDA was demonstrated for lysozyme.
Adjustment for the competitive risk of culling in financial evaluation of health programs

Abstract This report is concerned with the valuation of animal-health programs where cost and economic benefits are realized over time. Standard financial valuation formulae are presented to account for the risk-free time value (opportunity value) of future cash flows. These standard formulae are transformed to consider survivability of an investment in the herd environment. The resulting valuation formulae use estimates of the instantaneous culling rate to adjust the discount factor to incorporate risk of investment loss (animal culling). The formulae are simple to implement in the field and require data that are commonly available through most herd-health monitoring programs.
Neutrophilic infiltration in alcoholic hepatitis.

Leukocyte infiltration in the liver is one of the most important features of alcoholic liver disease. However, in alcoholic hepatitis, the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in liver injury still remains to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the migration of PMNs and their presence in the liver during alcoholic hepatitis have not been fully investigated. Up-regulation of chemokine secretion and adhesion molecule expression on effector cells (i.e., PMNs) and target cells (i.e., hepatocytes) are important factors in neutrophilic infiltration of the liver. The CXC chemokines--that is, interleukin (IL)-8 (in human beings), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) (in rats), and KC (in mice)--are proneutrophilic agents. They are up-regulated during chronic--that is, several years of--alcohol use in human beings and in up to 30 weeks in experimental models of ethanol intoxication in mice and rats. Up-regulation of these chemokines in the circulation and tissues is also associated with enhanced neutrophilic infiltration in the liver. In the rat, the up-regulation of CXC chemokine production is time dependent. For example, after 16 weeks of feeding, up-regulation of CXC chemokine is observed, whereas after 32 weeks, CC chemokines are enhanced. Concomitantly, selective migration of PMNs and mononuclear cells is observed. In another model, in which both CXC and CC chemokines were enhanced after chronic ethanol use for 12 weeks in mice, neutrophilic and mononuclear/lymphocytic infiltrations were also seen. This model correlates closely with alcoholic hepatitis in human beings, characterized by increased IL-8, RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) and profound increases in neutrophils and lymphocytes in the liver.
Acute exercise stress activates Nrf2/ARE signaling and promotes antioxidant mechanisms in the myocardium

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial hypertrophy and infarction. Although impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms has been thought to provoke oxidative stress-induced myocardial dysfunction, it has been difficult to clearly demonstrate. Nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox-sensitive, basic leucine zipper protein that regulates the transcription of several antioxidant genes. We previously reported that sustained activation of Nrf2 upregulates transcription of a number of endogenous antioxidants in the heart. Here, we show that acute exercise stress (AES) results in activation of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling and subsequent enhancement of antioxidant defense pathways in wild-type (WT) mouse hearts, while oxidative stress, along with blunted defense mechanisms, was observed in Nrf2−/− mice. We also find that AES is associated with increased trans-activation of ARE-containing genes in exercised animals when compared to age-matched sedentary WT mice. However, enhanced oxidative stress in response to AES was observed in Nrf2−/− mice due to lower basal expression and marked attenuation of the transcriptional induction of several antioxidant genes. Thus, AES induces ROS and promotes Nrf2 function, but disruption of Nrf2 increases susceptibility of the myocardium to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest the basis for a nonpharmacological approach to activate Nrf2/ARE signaling, which might be a potential therapeutic target to protect the heart from oxidative stress-induced cardiovascular complications.
The Key Is in the Keyword: L2 Vocabulary Learning Methods with Beginning Learners of Spanish.

This study investigates the effectiveness of three methods of learning vocabulary among 778 beginning second language (L2) learners. Rote memorization consists of memorizing the first language (L1) translation of a new L2 word by rehearsal. Semantic mapping displays L1 words conceptually related to the L2 word in a diagram. The keyword method involves associating the novel L2 word with an L1 keyword that is acoustically or orthographically similar, and then connecting the L1 keyword with the L1 translation of the L2 word. The results reveal that vocabulary learning techniques requiring deeper processing through form and meaning associations (i.e., the keyword method) yield the best retention. In addition, rote memorization of L1–L2 equivalents is more effective than creating multiple meaning associations (i.e., semantic mapping). We suggest that using the keyword method with phonological keywords and direct L1 keyword-translation links in the classroom leads to better L2 vocabulary learning at early stages of acquisition.
Reduction of ringing and blurring artifacts in fast spin‐echo imaging

A simple method was devised to reduce ringing and blurring artifacts caused by discontinuous T2 weighting of k-space data in fast spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The method demodulates the weighting function along the phase-encoding direction by using multiple T2 values derived from a set of non-phase-encoded echoes obtained from an extra excitation. The performance of this method was evaluated by computer simulations and experiments, which confirmed its capability of effectively reducing or, in some cases, even completely removing the ringing and blurring artifacts. The results also show that the proposed method produces better results than other artifact reduction methods. The method is particularly useful at high magnetic field strengths (7.1-9.4 T) and with strong gradients (> 20 G/cm) used in MR microscopy, in which the apparent T2 values are short for most tissues. The authors expect that the proposed method will find useful applications in various fast spin-echo pulse sequences.
Recycled Sandalistas: From Revolution to Resorts in the New Nicaragua

In the post-Sandinista period, Nicaragua has adjusted to the new terms of a neoliberal economy by turning to tourism development as a leading industry. As the nation is refashioned as a safe and desirable tourist destination, efforts have been made to conceal evidence of the recent revolutionary past that might discourage visitors from traveling to the country. Nevertheless, there are indications that selected images and memories of revolution are making a reappearance and may prove marketable for tourism. This article argues that the twin projects of neoliberalism and nationalism may be served by this seemingly contradictory process. The Nicaraguan case offers an example of how the past figures in the remaking of postrevolutionary nations for tourism in the era of globalization.
An alternative to open incision and drainage for community-acquired soft tissue abscesses in children

Abstract Background The continually rising incidence of soft tissue abscesses in children has prompted us to seek an alternative to the traditional open incision and drainage (ID 134 of them underwent open I&D, whereas 85 were treated with subcutaneous drains. The demographics, anatomical location of the abscesses, and bacteriology were comparable between the 2 groups. There were equal number of patients in each group who presented with fever initially. Of those treated with open I&D, 4 had metachronous recurring abscesses within the same anatomical region and 1 patient required an additional procedure because of incomplete drainage. There were no recurrences or incomplete drainages in the subcutaneous drain group. The cosmetic appearance of the healed wound from subcutaneous drain placement during the immediate follow-up period is better than that of an open I&D. Conclusions Placement of a subcutaneous drain for community-acquired soft tissue abscesses in children is a safe and equally effective alternative to the traditional I&D.
Satan's playground: mobsters and movie stars at America's greatest gaming resort

Satan's playground: mobsters and movie stars at America's greatest gaming resort, by Paul. J. Vanderwood, Durham and London, Duke University Press, 2010, 408 pp., US$89.94 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-82...
Entropy bottlenecks in ion–molecule reactions

The significance of entropy bottlenecks in dissociation and recombination pathways in the prototype ionic system CH3 + CH3(+) has been investigated. Ion-molecule systems are shown to react through an entirely different dynamics than neutral systems, due to intrinsic differences in the shapes of the relevant potential surfaces. Consequences with regard to the interpretation of experimental rate parameters in the ion-molecule area are discussed.
Domain Contributions to Signaling Specificity Differences Between Ras-Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor (Ras-GRF) 1 and Ras-GRF2

Ras-GRF1 (GRF1) and Ras-GRF2 (GRF2) constitute a family of similar calcium sensors that regulate synaptic plasticity. They are both guanine exchange factors that contain a very similar set of functional domains, including N-terminal pleckstrin homology, coiled-coil, and calmodulin-binding IQ domains and C-terminal Dbl homology Rac-activating domains, Ras-exchange motifs, and CDC25 Ras-activating domains. Nevertheless, they regulate different forms of synaptic plasticity. Although both GRF proteins transduce calcium signals emanating from NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, GRF1 promotes LTD, whereas GRF2 promotes θ-burst stimulation-induced LTP (TBS-LTP). GRF1 can also mediate high frequency stimulation-induced LTP (HFS-LTP) in mice over 2-months of age, which involves calcium-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors. To add to our understanding of how proteins with similar domains can have different functions, WT and various chimeras between GRF1 and GRF2 proteins were tested for their abilities to reconstitute defective LTP and/or LTD in the CA1 hippocampus of Grf1/Grf2 double knock-out mice. These studies revealed a critical role for the GRF2 CDC25 domain in the induction of TBS-LTP by GRF proteins. In contrast, the N-terminal pleckstrin homology and/or coiled-coil domains of GRF1 are key to the induction of HFS-LTP by GRF proteins. Finally, the IQ motif of GRF1 determines whether a GRF protein can induce LTD. Overall, these findings show that for the three forms of synaptic plasticity that are regulated by GRF proteins in the CA1 hippocampus, specificity is encoded in only one or two domains, and a different set of domains for each form of synaptic plasticity.
On the bases of two subtypes of development dyslexia

Abstract This study examined whether there are different subtypes of developmental dyslexia. The subjects were 51 dyslexic children (reading below the 30th percentile in isolated word recognition), 51 age-matched normal readers, and 27 younger normal readers who scored in the same range as the dyslexics on word recognition. Using methods developed by Castles and Coltheart (1993), we identified two subgroups who fit the profiles commonly termed “surface” and “phonological” dyslexia. Surface subjects were relatively poorer in reading exception words compared to nonwords; phonological dyslexics showed the opposite pattern. However, most dyslexics were impaired on reading both exception words and nonwords compared to same-aged normal readers. Whereas the surface dyslexics' performance was very similar to that of younger normal readers, the phonological dyslexics' was not. The two dyslexic groups also exhibited a double dissociation on two validation tasks: surface subjects were impaired on a task involving orthographic knowledge but not one involving phonology; phonological dyslexics showed the opposite pattern. The data support the conclusion that there are at least two subtypes of developmental dyslexia. Although these patterns have been taken as evidence for the dual-route model, we provide an alternative account of them within the Seidenberg and McClelland (1989) connectionist model. The connectionist model accounts for why dyslexics tend to be impaired on both exception words and nonwords; it also suggests that the subtypes may arise from multiple underlying deficits. We conclude that performance on exception words and nonwords is not sufficient to identify the basis of dyslexic behavior; rather, information about children's performance on other tasks, their remediation experiences, and the computational mechanisms that give rise to impairments must be taken into account as well.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein α Is a Physiological Regulator of Prolactin Gene Expression1

The sequence −101/−92 of the PRL promoter has been shown to be essential for both basal and hormone-increased PRL gene transcription. It is important to identify transcription factors that bind to this sequence if we are to understand the regulation of the PRL gene. Nuclear proteins, metabolically labeled with 35S were used in gel mobility shift experiments to examine which protein(s) binds to this region of the PRL promoter. An abundant 43-kDa protein binds to the PRL promoter at −106/−87. Two 43-kDa transcription factors were identified in cytosolic extracts of GH4 cells, CCAAT enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and cAMP response element-binding protein. Both of these bind to the PRL promoter, and both were present in GH4 cell nuclear extract, but only C/EBPα was definitively identified in complexes with PRL promoter DNA. Expression of C/EBPα increased basal PRL gene expression almost 6-fold, whereas expression of Chop10 that can act as an inhibitor of C/EBPα reduced the basal activity of the PRL promo...
Saturation of Two-Photon-Resonant Optical Processes in Cesium Vapor

We report observations of saturation of two-photon-resonant third-harmonic generation and of fluorescence following two-photon absorption in cesium vapor. Weakening dependence of these processes on fundamental power and broadening of the resonance line with increased fundamental power are both seen. It is shown that hole burning is important in a certain power range with the resonance becoming predominantly homogeneously broadened at higher power levels.
Thermogravimetric analysis of forest understory grasses

Forest understory grasses are of significance in the initiation, establishment and maintenance of fire, whether used as a management tool or when occurring as wildfire. The fundamental thermal properties of such grasses are critical to their behavior in fire situations and have been investigated in the current work by the application of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA was performed in nitrogen and air, over a range of heating rates, allowing for the determination of activation energies and temperatures associated with the degradation of hemicelluloses and cellulose. Of particular interest is the behavior of Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass) an invasive species in the southern United States, which has been found to result in elevated temperatures during fires in forested ecosystems. The results from TGA for this species are in accord with these observations from the field.
Consumer characteristics, food related attitudes and consumption of meat and meat products

Abstract Consumer respondents (203) in the metro-Atlanta statistical area answered a detailed questionnaire pertaining to their attitudes and perceptions of different food groups and food uses. Factor analyses resulted in five food attitude, two food item and three food-use appropriateness factors. The food attitude factors were “Like to Cook”, “Organizational”, “Adventurous”, “Convenience driven” and “Nutrition conscious but casual meal planner”. Food item factors were “Main dish” and “Snack”, Food-use appropriateness factors were “Social”, “Satiety” and “Casual”. A significant correlation between nutrition knowledge and nutrition concern, but not food attitude scores, was found. The “Organizational” factor correlated with the most numbers of variables and “Like to Cook” the least. Results of the respondents in this study indicate that consumers in this sample are leading mobile, dynamic and service oriented lifestyles.
Can sentinel lymph node biopsy be omitted in patients with favorable breast cancer histology

Background The widespread use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to replace axillary dissection has broadened the indications for axillary staging in breast cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated a finite risk of lymphedema and sensory morbidity associated with SLNB. We undertook this study to determine whether SLNB could be omitted in clinically node-negative patients with favorable-histology breast cancer.
The interaction of two potential fungal bioherbicides and a sub-lethal rate of glyphosate for the control of shattercane

Abstract Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted with the potential bioherbicides Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) and Gloeocercospora sorghi (Gs) for control of shattercane weed. Single-spray tank mixture applications containing different ratios of the two fungi resulted in additive percent weed biomass losses. Intraspecific (Cg + Cg or Gs + Gs) and interspecific (Cg + Gs or Gs + Cg) sequential applications 1- or 7-days apart indicated antagonistic interactions in percent biomass loss. Application of either fungus with, or 1–3 days prior to, a sub-lethal concentration of glyphosate resulted in an antagonistic percent biomass loss; while application of glyphosate prior to either potential bioherbicide resulted in a synergistic weed disease response. Conidia germination studies conducted both in vitro on agar plates and with leaf impression peels suggest that antagonistic interactions observed in weed disease severity are probably due to the host–pathogen response following infection.
Construction of a panel of glucose indicator proteins for continuous glucose monitoring

Abstract The development of implantable glucose sensors for use in diabetes treatment has been pursued for decades. However, enzyme-based glucose sensors often fail in vivo. In our previous work, we engineered a novel glucose indicator protein (GIP) that can sense glucose without relying on any enzymes and cofactors. Nevertheless, this GIP is unsuitable for blood glucose monitoring due to its low dissociation constant. Here, we report a novel approach to creating a new GIP that can be used to monitor blood glucose level. By disrupting pi–pi stacking around GIP's glucose binding site through site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that GIP's dissociation constant can be manipulated from 0.026 mM to 7.86 mM. This approach yielded four GIP mutants. We showed that one of the mutants can be used to detect glucose from 0 to 32 mM, while another mutant can be employed to visualize intracellular glucose (0–200 μM) within living cells through FRET imaging microscopy measurement.
Powder neutron diffraction analysis and magnetic structure of kagomé-type vanadium jarosite NaV 3 ( OD ) 6 ( SO 4 ) 2

Neutron and x-ray diffraction experiments were performed on pure, deuterated samples of the vanadium jarosite compound, ${\mathrm{NaV}}_{3}(\mathrm{OD}{)}_{6}({\mathrm{SO}}_{4}{)}_{2},$ to investigate its structure and magnetism. The crystal structure was refined using combined single-crystal x-ray and powder neutron diffraction methods. To determine the magnetic structure, neutron powder diffraction measurements were performed at 217 and 16 K. Analysis of the data reveals that the unpaired spins located on the ${\mathrm{V}}^{3+}$ ions couple ferromagnetically within the ${\mathrm{V}}_{3}(\mathrm{OD}{)}_{6}({\mathrm{SO}}_{4}{)}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ triangles of the Kagom\'e layers with the spins oriented parallel to the layers. Spins in adjacent layers order antiferromagnetically. The temperature dependence of magnetic diffraction peak intensities yields a zero-field critical transition temperature of ${T}_{c}=34.3(5)\mathrm{K}.$ The intralayer ferromagnetic interaction propagates along the Kagom\'e lattice via the \ensuremath{\pi}-symmetry orbitals of a -$[{\mathrm{V}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{OD}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{V}}^{3+}]$- pathway.
AGU and European Geosciences Union Sign Memorandum of Understanding

[1] To further our strategic goal to be a leader, collaborator, and sought after partner for scientific innovation, rigor, and interdisciplinary focus on global issues, on 5 April 2011 AGU signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the European Geosciences Union (EGU). By recognizing the “mutual interests among their members” and acknowledging that “joint activities between AGU and the EGU foster international exchange in scientific research,” the agreement is intended to help further the goals and objectives of both organizations through collaboration. Central to the MOU's success is the commitment by AGU and EGU to an exchange of information on key programs and initiatives; an expansion of membership of both organizations through possible joint programs; an exchange of information and possible joint activities concerning educational opportunities, student programs, and professional services; and an exchange of information and possible co-organization of scientific conferences.
Covering Maps over n-Cubes

A generalized n-cube, $ Q_{\alpha}^n $ is a finite undirected graph which has F n as vertex set, where F is a finite field of cardinality $ \alpha $ , and two vertices $ \xi = (x_1,\ldots,x_n), \xi' = (x'_1,\ldots,x'_n) $ are adjacent if and only if there exists an index $ 1\leq i\leq n $ such that $ x_i \neq x'_i\quad\mathrm{and}\quad x_j = x'_j\quad \mathrm{for}\quad j\neq i $ . A locally bijective graph morphism (covering map) $ \varphi :Y \rightarrow Z $ is a map such that for any Y-vertex $ y, \mathrm{res_{Star}}_y} (y) (\varphi) $ is bijective, where StarY denotes the Y-subgraph containing exactly all edges incident to y.¶In this paper we study locally bijective graph morphisms of the form $ \varphi: Q_{\alpha}^n \rightarrow Z $ . We will show that certain subgroups of $ \mathrm{Aut} Q_{\alpha}^n$ induce covering maps and prove as a corollary that there exists a covering map $ \varphi: Q_{\p}^n \rightarrow K_{1+(p-1)n} $ , n being a prime number, if and only if $ p^n\equiv 0 \quad\mathrm{mod}\quad 1+(p-1)n $ holds.
Contrasting structural styles in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks of an offscraped sequence: The Peralta accretionary prism, Hispaniola

The Peralta accretionary prism of Hispaniola, which developed in the late Eocene epoch during a period of convergence or oblique convergence, constitutes an off-scraped sequence containing both siliciclastic and carbonate rocks. These different rock types responded to accretionary deformation in markedly different ways, with most strain being accommodated in the mudstone-rich siliciclastic unit. Deformation in the siliciclastic unit is concentrated in thick zones (1 to 450 m) of intense stratal disruption, which we interpret as major accretionary thrust faults. The disrupted zones are characterized by boudinaged sandstone beds, common tight to isoclinal folds, numerous thrust faults, and a pervasive scaly clay fabric in mudstone interbeds. Microstructural studies of the sand-stones indicate that deformation began when these sediments were unlithified, and it continued through complete lithification. The sandstones are characterized by a microstructural progression from possible particulate flow, to distributed cataclastic grain breakage, to grain breakage confined to zones (web structure), to discrete planes of slip. Pressure solution occurred concurrently with development of the web structure and the discrete faults. In contrast, the carbonate units are generally stratally coherent. Microfabrics in the carbonate units indicate that they were relatively well lithified during deformation, with strain being accommodated primarily by brittle faulting and pressure solution. In addition to enhanced lithification of the limestones, we suggest that the presence or absence of highly ductile mudstone interbeds represented the dominant control on the location of the stratally disrupted thrust fault zones within the accretionary prism. The presence of these mechanically weak layers in the siliciclastic unit facilitated the development of the pervasive scaly clay fabric in the stratally disrupted zones, and slip along the numerous scaly fault planes probably accommodated a large component of the total strain during accretion. The absence of such mudstone layers in the limestone outcrops resulted in more coherent behavior of these rocks during accretion.
The characterization of semiconductor materials by backscattering spectroscopy

Abstract Backscattering spectroscopy has become established as a characterization tool for semiconductor materials because it offers insight into crystalline order, the masses of impurities, the depth distribution of impurities and disorder, the stoichiometry of compound layers, and the lattice position of impurities. Quantitative results are derived from fundamental physical principals and well known parameters such that 5% accuracy is attainable without standards. In the silicon matrix, metal suicides, complex metallization schemes, implanted layers, and processed surfaces are ideal subjects for characterization by backscattering. Measurement time is consistent with process development if data reduction and presentation can keep pace. This backscattering system has been designed to achieve high throughput using computerized methods for both data acquisition and reduction. The success with the silicon matrix arises from favorable kinematics of backscattering from heavy elements in a light matrix. Application to III–V or II–VI semiconductors requires novel methods in order to overcome the less favorable kinematics.
Profound Muscle Weakness as the Presenting Feature of Disseminated Cryptococcal Infection

A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who was treated with immunosuppressive therapy for a prolonged period presented with profound muscle weakness secondary to disseminated cryptococcosis. The infection developed despite 3 months of continuous ketoconazole therapy and was not responsive to amphotericin B or flucytosine. At autopsy, Cryptococcus neoformans was present in all sampled skeletal muscles, myocardium, and muscularis propria of the gastrointestinal tract but was not identified in either the central nervous system or the lungs. A review of the English-language literature failed to identify a similar case with such profound myotropism due to Cryptococcus. This case demonstrates that cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an immunocompromised host presenting with muscle weakness.
Application of time-domain finite-volume method to antenna and array problems

A preliminary study regarding the potential of a time-domain finite-volume method to solve radiation problems has been carried out. The results of this preliminary study are very encouraging and reveal a great potential in dealing with various kinds of radiating structures. This potential in the area of printed antennas is particularly important because printed antennas often comprise multilayers of dielectric materials with nonplanar profile. Another area of application of the proposed method is computation of antenna transients and radiation due to nonsinusoidal excitations. Some sample results are presented, namely radiation contours and radiation patterns for an open-ended parallel-plate waveguide, a two-dimensional horn, and a binomial array of parallel-plate waveguides. >
S-Nitrosylation from GSNOR Deficiency Impairs DNA Repair and Promotes Hepatocarcinogenesis

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with elevated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), but the role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of HCC remains unknown. We found that the abundance and activity of S -nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), a protein critical for control of protein S -nitrosylation, were significantly decreased in ~50% of patients with HCC. GSNOR-deficient mice were very susceptible to spontaneous and carcinogen-induced HCC. During inflammatory responses, the livers of GSNOR-deficient mice exhibited substantial S -nitrosylation and proteasomal degradation of the key DNA repair protein O 6 -alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase. As a result, repair of carcinogenic O 6 -alkylguanines in GSNOR-deficient mice was significantly impaired. Predisposition to HCC, S -nitrosylation and depletion of alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase, and accumulation of O 6 -alkylguanines were all abolished in mice deficient in both GSNOR and iNOS. Thus, our data suggest that GSNOR deficiency, through dysregulated S -nitrosylation, may promote HCC, possibly by inactivating a DNA repair system.
Complex networks as a unified framework for descriptive analysis and predictive modeling in climate science

The analysis of climate data has relied heavily on hypothesis-driven statistical methods, while projections of future climate are based primarily on physics-based computational models. However, in recent years a wealth of new datasets has become available. Therefore, we take a more data-centric approach and propose a unified framework for studying climate, with an aim toward characterizing observed phenomena as well as discovering new knowledge in climate science. Specifically, we posit that complex networks are well suited for both descriptive analysis and predictive modeling tasks. We show that the structural properties of ‘climate networks’ have useful interpretation within the domain. Further, we extract clusters from these networks and demonstrate their predictive power as climate indices. Our experimental results establish that the network clusters are statistically significantly better predictors than clusters derived using a more traditional clustering approach. Using complex networks as data representation thus enables the unique opportunity for descriptive and predictive modeling to inform each other. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 497–511, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stable Isotopic Labeling by Amino Acids in Cultured Primary Neurons Application to Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor-dependent Phosphotyrosine-associated Signaling

Cultured primary neurons are a well established model for the study of neuronal function in vitro. Here we demonstrated that stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) can be applied to a differentiated, non-dividing cell type such as primary neurons, and we applied this technique to assess changes in the neuronal phosphotyrosine proteome in response to stimulation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important molecule for the development and regulation of neuronal connections. We found that 13 proteins had SILAC ratios above 1.50 or below 0.67 in phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitations comparing BDNF-treated and control samples, and an additional 18 proteins had ratios above 1.25 or below 0.80. These proteins include TrkB, the receptor tyrosine kinase for BDNF, and others such as hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate and signal-transducing adaptor molecule, which are proteins known to regulate intracellular trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases. These results demonstrate that the combination of primary neuronal cell culture and SILAC can be a powerful tool for the study of the proteomes of neuronal molecular and cellular dynamics.
Social Learning for Chronic Mental Inpatients

With chronic institutionalized psychiatric patients, an intensive social learning program resulted in greater increases in adaptive functioning, reductions in bizarre behavior, less prescribed medication, and over 98 percent of patients being successfully discharged into the community. The social-learning program was more cost-effective than custodial hospital care, and nonprofessional staff were able to apply the treatment with a high degree of competence. Especially effective elements of the social-learning program included integrated procedures emphasizing the acquisition of patient skills and the reduction of bizarre, inappropriate behavior; a token economy structure; and consistent pacing and generalization training. More recent research in the area has sought to identify the remediative aspects of social-learning programs, to specify patient variables that are related to improvement in a token economy, and to offer patients more specialized interventions (e.g., social skills training) in conjunction with a standard token economy. With the demonstrated and operationalized efficacy of social-learning procedures, the rehabilitation of chronic psychiatric patients has become more feasible.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus associated with tectal gliomas.

Object Tectal gliomas are a distinct form of pediatric brainstem tumor that present in patients with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. The natural history of these lesions is often uniquely indolent. Thus, initial surgical therapies are directed at treatment of hydrocephalus, usually with ventricular shunt placement. Recently, third ventriculostomy has been used in patients with tectal gliomas, both as an initial procedure and after shunt failures. In this report the authors review their experience with the treatment of hydrocephalus in patients with tectal gliomas. Methods The authors reviewed 31 consecutive cases of tectal gliomas and compared the success rates of ventricular shunt placement with the success rates of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Shunt placement procedures were associated with a significant number of malfunctions, and most patients required shunt revisions. The ETV procedure was attempted both as an initial treatment and afte...
Programmed cell death in the developing heart: regulation by BMP4 and FGF2.

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, plays an important role in embryonic development. To provide new insights into the role of programmed cell death in cardiac development, we examined the hearts of the murine embryos from E9.5 to postnatal day 3. Using terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assays, apoptosis was detected in the endocardial cushions and myocardium from E11.5 to postnatal day 3 (P3). In the ventricular myocardium, more apoptotic cells were observed in the left than right ventricles throughout embryonic and early postnatal development. Apoptosis was also present in the trabeculae and papillary muscles of the ventricles. In the outflow tract, cell death was present in the endocardial cushions before they fuse to form the conotruncal septum (E11.5–E12.5) and reached a peak intensity when the conotruncal septum formed (E13.5). In the atrioventricular (AV) endocardial cushions, cell death was detected in the fusion seam of the cushion tissues at E12.5 and E13.5 during AV septation. When the patterns of apoptosis were compared with patterns of cell division, we found that programmed cell death occurred in the areas in the endocardial cushions and trabeculae where rates of cell proliferation were low. We also found that programmed cell death was regulated by the growth factors, BMP4 and FGF2, in vitro. BMP4 induced, whereas FGF2 inhibited, apoptosis in both endocardial cushions and ventricular myocardium. Overall, our observations show that there is apoptosis in the regions where fusion or remodeling of tissues occurs. We also show that cardiac programmed cell death can be influenced by growth factors. Dev Den;217:388–400. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dispersal ability and habitat requirements determine landscape‐level genetic patterns in desert aquatic insects

Species occupying the same geographic range can exhibit remarkably different population structures across the landscape, ranging from highly diversified to panmictic. Given limitations on collecting population-level data for large numbers of species, ecologists seek to identify proximate organismal traits—such as dispersal ability, habitat preference and life history—that are strong predictors of realized population structure. We examined how dispersal ability and habitat structure affect the regional balance of gene flow and genetic drift within three aquatic insects that represent the range of dispersal abilities and habitat requirements observed in desert stream insect communities. For each species, we tested for linear relationships between genetic distances and geographic distances using Euclidean and landscape-based metrics of resistance. We found that the moderate-disperser Mesocapnia arizonensis (Plecoptera: Capniidae) has a strong isolation-by-distance pattern, suggesting migration–drift equilibrium. By contrast, population structure in the flightless Abedus herberti (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) is influenced by genetic drift, while gene flow is the dominant force in the strong-flying Boreonectes aequinoctialis (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). The best-fitting landscape model for M. arizonensis was based on Euclidean distance. Analyses also identified a strong spatial scale-dependence, where landscape genetic methods only performed well for species that were intermediate in dispersal ability. Our results highlight the fact that when either gene flow or genetic drift dominates in shaping population structure, no detectable relationship between genetic and geographic distances is expected at certain spatial scales. This study provides insight into how gene flow and drift interact at the regional scale for these insects as well as the organisms that share similar habitats and dispersal abilities.
Membrane Phospholipid Methylation is Associated with Surfactant Secretion in Rabbit Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells

We investigated the involvement of membrane phospholipid methylation in receptor-mediated secretion of surfactant in adult rabbit type II alveolar epithelial cells (type II pneumocyte). Phospholipid methyltransferase activity was found in type II pneumocyte microsomes. Cell cultures of adult rabbit type II pneumocytes were then used to assay methyltransferase activity in the presence of the β-adrenergic agonist, terbutaline, and the methyltransferase inhibitor, 3-deazaadenosine. Terbutaline predictably stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and surfactant secretion. It was also found to stimulate incorporation of methyl groups into phosphatidylcholine and to increase β-adrenergic receptor availability as assayed by binding of dihydroalprenolol (DHA). Surfactant secretion, as well as adenylate cyclase activity, were stimulated by terbutaline and were inhibited by 3-deazaadenosine. 3-Deazaadenosine did not inhibit DHA binding. These results suggest that phospholipid methylation plays a role in stimulus-secre...
Pennsylvania sedge cover, forest management and Deer density influence tree regeneration dynamics in a northern hardwood forest

Summary Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex pensylvanica Lam.) is a native species that can form dense mats in the understory of northern hardwood forests. Resource managers suspect Pennsylvania sedge mats could limit tree regeneration, leading to changes in forest structure and composition. A number of other factors could alter the understory plant community, so any attempt to understand the effects of sedge populations should also account for these other processes. This study considered relationships between Pennsylvania sedge cover, management history, deer density and tree regeneration in a northern hardwood forest. All the factors considered had signifi cant effects on saplings, but few signifi cant relationships with tree seedlings. Stands managed using even-aged silvicultural systems had lower sapling densities for several species and species groups and lower species diversity than unharvested second-growth stands. High deer densities were associated with low levels of both sapling density and sapling species diversity. Pennsylvania sedge cover was negatively correlated with the density of secondary species and sapling species diversity in stands with moderate deer densities. Results from this study suggest a number of factors are infl uencing northern hardwood tree regeneration in these forests, and further research involving multifactor approaches is needed to clarify the mechanisms driving forest vegetation dynamics.
A Sociopolitical Eclipse: The Surrendering of Two Super Systems to Promote Equity in U.S. Education.

In this analysis, I argue that inequitable social and educational policies and practices hinder equity in the U.S. educational system. I challenge and critique the status quo, and the nation's current efforts toward educational equity. I then propose a radical shift in educational policy – a surrendering of social and political systems for the purpose of promoting equitable schooling conditions.