cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Highly Reliable Single-Phase AC to Three-Phase AC Converter With a Small Link Capacitor

Single-phase ac to three-phase ac converters are needed in numerous applications, including motor drives used for residential applications. These converters, however, suffer from an inherent problem of mismatch between instantaneous input and output powers. Specifically, the instantaneous input power has a dc component along with an alternating component with double-line frequency, while the three-phase instantaneous output power is only dc. Conventional single-phase ac to three-phase ac converters use large electrolytic capacitors to handle this mismatch of power. However, these electrolytic capacitors may have high failure rates, which contribute to reduced lifetime of the converters. Moreover, these capacitors can be bulky and heavy. This article introduces a new single-phase ac to three-phase ac converter that uses a small film capacitor instead of large electrolytic capacitors. Despite using a small film capacitor, the double-line frequency harmonic does not appear at the input or output currents/voltages. The principles of the operation of the proposed topology are presented in this article, and its performance is evaluated through both simulations and experiments.
Insulin Restriction, Emotion Dysregulation, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescents with Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Insulin restriction occurs when an individual takes less insulin than recommended and is a serious concern for those with diabetes. General insulin restriction (IR) and insulin restriction for weight control (IRWC) have not been clearly distinguished in the literature, creating inconsistencies and limited understanding of factors that underlie this behavior. We examined whether these are distinct, and how emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms relate to both forms of insulin restriction during late adolescence. METHODS As part of a larger study, late adolescents (ages 17-18) with type 1 diabetes (N = 236) completed measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale [CES-D]), facets of Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), diabetes self-management behaviors, insulin restriction, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). RESULTS IR and IRWC were not significantly associated with each other. IR was associated with self-management behaviors but not HbA1c, whereas the opposite was true for IRWC. All DERS subscales (M = 10.60-16.73) and CES-D (M = 16.56) were correlated with greater IRWC; CES-D and all but one DERS subscale were correlated with IR. Covariation with CES-D explained associations between DERS and IRWC. CES-D moderated associations with IR, indicating most subscales of the DERS were associated with IR only when CES-D was higher. CONCLUSION Emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms are important correlates of the dangerous behavior of insulin restriction, but function differently when insulin is restricted specifically for weight control versus nonspecified reasons. Future research to understand these underlying processes will be necessary to develop emotion-based theory and evidence-based interventions for this dangerous behavior.
National Awards and Female Emergency Physicians in the United States: Is the "Recognition Gap" Closing?

Abstract Background Gender inequities in recognition, compensation, promotion, and leadership roles exist in emergency medicine. Formal recognition in the workplace and opportunities for advancement are vulnerable to bias. Objective To examine the gender distribution of national awards in emergency medicine, to analyze whether there is a gap, and to highlight notable trends. Methods Recipients of the major award categories between 2001 and 2020 were examined for the 3 main national emergency medicine organizations. The gender distribution of award winners by year was compared with the gender distribution of female faculty in emergency medicine departments using data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and a chi-squared analysis. Results The gender gap in award winners has decreased over time, but men are still disproportionately given national awards over women. In all 3 organizations, women represented a smaller proportion of award winners than men when compared with the national proportion of women in academic emergency medicine. Advocacy awards were the one category where women were more likely to be recognized. Women were notably least likely to receive clinical and leadership awards. Conclusions The gender gap in emergency medicine awards has narrowed in the last 20 years but still exists. This discrepancy is an example of how bias can compound over time to generate gaps in recognition, career advancement, and promotion. The pipeline to award nominations should be addressed at the individual, departmental, awards committee, and organizational levels. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
An early signaling GARP transcription factor regulates the entry point for differentiation in Giardia

Transcriptional regulation of differentiation is critical for parasitic pathogens to adapt to environmental changes and regulate transmission. How early signaling transcription factors (TFs) activate signal transduction to initiate encystation remains an open question in Giardia lamblia. Here, we screened putative early signaling TFs with both a newly developed CasRX-mediated knockdown system and an established CRISPRi system to identify early signaling TFs that regulate encystation. We identified an early response TF, GARP4 that regulates Cyst Wall Protein (CWP) levels during encystation. Depletion of GARP4 increases cyst production. Interestingly, cyst viability and CWP1 trafficking are not altered in GARP4 knockdowns, suggesting GARP4 regulates the restriction point controlling the portion of cells that terminally differentiate into cysts. Consistent with previous studies, we find that stimulation of encystation shifts the distribution of cells to the G2/M phase and these cells exhibits higher levels of CWP1. Key to this increase of CWP1 in G2/M cells is activation of MYB2, a TF previously linked to the early phase of encystation in Giardia. Remarkably, activated GARP4 only exhibits in G1/S cells, suggesting it has a role in preventing encystation until G2/M. Furthermore, we demonstrate that depletion of GARP4 activates MYB2 and upregulates encystation while overexpression of GARP4 represses MYB2 and downregulates encystation. Our findings provide the first molecular mechanism underlying the restriction point regulating differentiation during early signaling of encystation in Giardia lamblia, which is a critical factor for optimizing parasite transmission.
Are Auditors' Going-Concern Evaluations More Useful after SOX?

Bankruptcy risk is a crucial factor in auditors’ decisions whether or not to modify their audit opinion based on the going-concern assumption. SOX required more extensive audit procedures than those required before its passage. More extensive audit procedures should result in more meaningful audit reports. This study examines whether the auditors’ going-concern opinion provides more useful incremental information after SOX than before SOX in distinguishing between distressed companies that become bankrupt in the next year and those that do not. We find that an audit opinion variable adds more useful information to bankruptcy prediction models after SOX than before SOX. Our findings provide evidence that financial statement users have derived benefits from the costly procedures required under SOX.
Large amplitude waves in a collision-free plasma

We consider an infinite expanse of low density, fully ionized plasma, magnetically inmobilized in a constant and uniform field of magnetic induction. In the absence of collisions we assume that the ion and electron motions take place in planes perpendicular to the magnetic field. We then transform to a «shock» frame of reference moving at constant speed at right angles to the magnetic field, and then we search for the class of non-trivial, time-independent, one-dimensional, self-consistent solutions of the Maxwellian set and of the equations of motion of the charged particles; that is, we study the propagation of transverse pulses and waves whose characteristic length is much smaller than the collision mean free path. Upon making appropriate simplifications, we are led to a system of equations in which collisions are neglected, charge neutrality is assumed, and both ions and electrons behave like two-dimensional fluids obeying isentropic relations withγ=2 and exhibiting rigorously isotropic pressure tensors. With these simplifications and assumptions, the system of equations can be solved completely by a simple numerical quadrature. Both symmetric pulses and periodic waves are obtained, with characteristic lengths of the order of the plasma «skin depth», or mean gyromagnetic radius for particles traveling with the Alfven speed. In this paper, Part I, we describe the solitary pulses, which are the only solutions satisfying the conditions of the undisturbed plasma ahead of the wave train. Two basic parameters are required for a complete specification of the problem: the Alfven Mach numberα, which gives a measure of the speed of propagation, and the ratioβ of the total plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure, which specifies the initial state of the plasma. It is shown that, for givenβ, stationary solutions exist only for a limited range of speedsα.
Differential expression of slow and fast skeletal muscle troponin C. Slow skeletal muscle troponin C is expressed in human fibroblasts.

Abstract We have isolated and sequenced the cDNAs for human slow and fast skeletal muscle troponin C (TnC). Each cDNA is encoded by one of the two TnC genes in the human genome. The fast skeletal muscle TnC gene appears to be expressed exclusively in skeletal muscle. Only the slow TnC gene is expressed in human cardiac ventricle. The slow skeletal TnC gene is also expressed in skeletal muscle and, surprisingly, in several human fibroblast cell lines. Thus, at least one of the three proteins of the troponin complex appears to be expressed in non-muscle cells of higher vertebrates. The relative steady-state amounts of the slow and fast skeletal TnC mRNAs in various adult and embryonic striated muscles are similar to the expected amounts of the corresponding protein, suggesting that the expression of TnC genes is controlled predominantly by the production or accumulation of mRNA rather than by translational or post-translational mechanisms.
Propagation of nonlinear reactive contaminants in porous media

[1] A study on the effect of nonlinear reactions on the space and time distribution of contaminant plumes governed by the advective-dispersive equation in porous media was conducted. Several models of nonlinear reactions were considered: the irreversible nonlinear first-order kinetic sorption model, the nonlinear Freundlich sorption isotherm model, the nonlinear Langmuir sorption isotherm model, and the reversible nonlinear kinetic sorption model. Each of these models was coupled with the advective-dispersive equation with dimensionless concentration and an approximate analytical series solutions was obtained. Comparison between linear and nonlinear plumes indicated that nonlinear reactions may have a significant effect on the shape and spatial distribution of a contaminant at a given time and in certain cases may explain quantitatively the occurrence of scaled (e.g., concentration change while preserving shape), retarded, and nonsymmetric plumes as well as the presence of back tails and sharp front ends usually observed in the field. By adopting a nonlinear model of contaminant migration a more realistic representation of contaminant propagation is possible than that obtained with a linear model.
Application of mHealth to improve service delivery and health outcomes: Opportunities and challenges

The use of mobile technologies for health related activities (mHealth) is a new but rapidly progressing activity with global penetration. However, few programs have been implemented at scale. The objective of this paper is to review the background and evidence on mHealth, particularly with respect to the benefits and challenges of scale-up. A comprehensive review of literature on mHealth, aspects of eHealth and the related regulatory environment was undertaken in August 2014. mHealth innovations vary broadly in purpose, delivery channel and target population. As a result of its broad applicability and geographic reach, the benefits of successfully, safely and widely implemented mHealth are numerous and promising. However, these benefits can only be realized if the associated risks are minimized and the barriers are purposefully overcome. Government stewardship and leadership is crucial in overcoming these barriers and scaling up mHealth.
The mechanism of the reaction CH(X 2Π) + N2 (X 1Σ+g) → HCN (X 1Σ+) + N (4S).

Abstract The spin-forbidden reaction CH(X 2Π) + N2(X 1Σ+g) → HCN (X 1Σ+) + N(4S) involves a doublet → quartet intersystem crossing. It has been postulated that although the probability for a single pass intersystem crossing is small the existence of a bound intermediate on the lowest doublet potential energy surface increases the overall transition probability by enabling multiple crossings of the doublet—quartet surface intersection. This work considers this proposition, using large scale ((3.2 − 3.8) × 106 term), multireference configuration interaction wavefunctions. Two local minima on the lowest doublet potential energy surface are reported, a datively bonded structure N2 → CH, and a C2v structure, with HC along the perpendicular bisector of the N2 bond, which resembles the recently reported geometrical arrangement at the transition state for this reaction, the minimum energy point on doublet—quartet intersection surface. These results enable a clear conceptual picture for the mechanism of this reaction to be presented.
Total liberation: the power and promise of animal rights and the radical earth movement, by David Naguib Pellow, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2014, xxii + 314 pp., index, $22.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-8166-8777-0

Well known for his environmental justice scholarship, David Pellow here extends sociological inquiry into the realm of socioecological inequality, challenging the humanist boundaries of intersectio...
The Impact of Exposure to Interpersonal Violence on Gender Differences in Adolescent-Onset Major Depression: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)

BACKGROUND: Beginning in adolescence, females are at significantly higher risk for depression than males. Despite substantial efforts, gaps remain in our understanding of this disparity. This study tested whether gender differences in adolescent-onset depression arise because of female's greater exposure or sensitivity to violence. METHODS: Data came from 5,692 participants in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Trained interviewers collected data about major depression and participants' exposure to four types of interpersonal violence (physical abuse, sexual assault, rape, and witnessing violence) using a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. We used discrete time survival analysis to investigate gender differences in the risk of adolescent onset depression. RESULTS: Of the entire sample, 5.7% met DSM-IV criteria for depression by age 18; 5.8% of the sample reported being physically abused, 11.7% sexually assaulted, 8.5% raped, and 13.2% witnessed violence by age 18. Females had 1.51 times higher odds of depression by age 18 than males. Exposure to all types of violence was associated with an increased odds of depression in both the past year and the years following exposure. Adjusting for exposure to violence partially attenuated the association between gender and depression, especially for sexual assault (odds ratio [OR] attenuated = 1.28; 15.23%) and rape (OR attenuated = 1.32; 12.59%). There was no evidence that females were more vulnerable to the effects of violence than males. DISCUSSION: Gender differences in depression are partly explained by females' higher likelihood of experiencing interpersonal violence. Reducing exposure to sexual assault and rape could therefore mitigate gender differences in depression. Language: en
A comparative study of the iron-clearing properties of desferrithiocin analogues with desferrioxamine B in a Cebus monkey model

A comparative study of the iron-clearing properties of subcutaneously administered desferrioxamine B (DFO) with those of orally administered desferrithiocin sodium salt (1), desmethyl desferrithiocin (2), desazadesmethyl desferrithiocin sodium salt (3), desazadesmethyl desferrithiocin pivaloyloxymethyl ester (4), and desazadesmethyl-5,5-dimethyl desferrithiocin (5) in an iron-loaded Cebus monkey model and a non-iron overloaded bile duct-cannulated rat model is presented. All six drugs, which performed well in rodent studies, demonstrated increased efficiency in the Cebus monkey model. When administered to rodents at a daily dosage of 384 mumol/kg over a period of 10 days, drug 1 demonstrated severe renal toxicity. whereas drugs 3, 4, and 5 exhibited severe gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Under the same experimental protocol, drug 2 did not show significant toxic side effects. In addition, to further evaluate the iron-clearing properties of analogue 2, a dose-response study was performed in the primates that showed that iron excretion increased in a dose-dependent fashion.
The Spatial Ecology of Power: Long-Distance Trade and State Formation in Northeast Africa

This study examines the longue duree pattern of state formation in northeast Africa by situating its determinate dynamics within a wider constellation of social-property relations and inter-regional exchange networks. Given the social dynamics of tributary relations, increases in surplus extraction typically took the form of extensive territorial expansion rather than intensive augmentation of production, and the supply of means of coercion (weapons) and means of persuasion (luxury goods) with which to build retinues and alliances was a crucial determinant of the persistent oscillations between centralized rule and periods of pronounced regional autonomy. The sustained spatiality of power in the region was consequently shaped by the uneven and combined dynamics of production and exchange relations rather than by any simple dominance of one over the other. Within the more inclusive spatiotemporal framework adopted here, it is their historical imbrications rather than their idealized juxtapositions that calls for critical analysis and social explanation.
Bumetanide and cerebrospinal fluid acid-base variables during acute CO2 elevation.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bumetanide, an inhibitor of NaCl cotransport on cisternal cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) acid-base balance during acute respiratory acidosis (ARA). We measured blood and CSF acid-base variables in two groups (N = 7 in each) of anesthetized paralyzed and mechanically ventilated dogs with bilateral ligation of renal pedicles (to eliminate saluresis). After baseline samples were obtained (−1 h) bumetanide (0.5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously within 15 min (group 2); group 1 received equal volume of diluted saline. ARA was induced 1 h later (0 h) and was maintained for 5 h. In both groups PaCO2 was maintained between 55 to 60 mm Hg. Mean cisternal CSF PCO2 was 42.8 ± 2.6, and 43.8 ± 2.5 mm Hg, respectively in group 1 and group 2 and rose approximately 20 mm Hg during ARA. In group 1, CSF [HCO3−] was 22.0 ± 1.0, 24.8 ± 0.6, and 25.4 ± 1.6 mEq/L, respectively at 0, 2 1 2 , and 5 h ; respective values for group 2 were 22.9 ± 1.5, 24.7 ± 1.4, and 26.1 ± 1.3 mEq/L. Comparing the two groups, respective values were not significantly different from each other. Similarly, between the two groups changes in CSF [Na+  Cl−] during ARA were not significantly different from each other. Based on our results we conclude that at the dose used in the present study bumetanide does not change ionic composition and acid-base balance of cisternal CSF when compared to controls. Because changes in CSF [Na+  Cl−] during ARA were similar in both groups, any inhibition of Cl− influx into CSF by bumetanide should have been proportional to that of Na+.
A Simple Stream Monitoring Technique Based on Measurements of Semiconservative Propertiesof Water

Correlative relationships exist among conductivity, alkalinity, and hardness in streams due to natural geological and climatological controls, but the relationships among these three water-quality factors can be altered strongly by inputs of ion-rich wastewaters. The degree of alteration can be monitored conveniently by use of a simple chemical perturbation index, computed by subtracting the sum of rank pairwise correlations among the conductivity, alkalinity, and hardness (for observations on each of these variables, measured through time) from 3.0. The chemical perturbation index can be used to document or characterize spatiotemporal changes in stream water quality. This study explains the development of the index's concept and provides examples of its application in an extensive stream monitoring program used to assess ecological conditions in streams on the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation in east Tennessee, USA. The chemical perturbation index technique may be particularly useful in community-based stream monitoring programs because to its simplicity and low cost.
Expanding the paradigm of the renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin system acts systemically and locally to influence vascular tone, blood volume, myocardial contractility, thromboresistance, and tissue responses to injury. ACE inhibitors have assumed a vital role in the treatment of patients with ventricular dysfunction, including those who have sustained one or more myocardial infarctions. The greatest benefits appear over time and not unexpectedly are most pronounced in cases of moderate to severe reduction in left ventricular performance. Emerging evidence suggests that the paradigm for ACE inhibitor use will expand even further, opening new doors for patient care.
SU-C-110-04: A Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Hybrid Amplitude-Based 4DCT Sorting Algorithm: Impact on ITV Delineation

Purpose: The choice of sorting method used to genereate 4DCT image sets can affect image quality and target volume delineation. This study evaluated, in phantom and patient, the impact of a novel hybrid amplitude‐based (hAB) 4DCT sorting algorithm on the delineation of internal target volume (ITV), and results were compared with conventional phase‐based (PB) sorting .Methods: Eight phantom experiments were performed using respiratory motion platform programmed with simple ((1‐cos2), 5 second cycle) and complex (from RPM patient data) breathing curves with S‐I lung‐tumor excursion. 4DCT images were acquired, and corresponding datasets were sorted (10 phases) using both phase and hAB sorting algorithms. A retrospective study of nine early‐stage lungcancer patients were also reconstructed using both sorting algorithms, and maximum intensity projections (MIPs) were generated from each 4DCT dataset. ITVs for both phantom and patient data were auto‐contoured on each MIP. ITV volumes and centroids were compared between sorting algorithms. Results: For all phantom and patient studies, hAB produced smaller or equivalent ITVs than the PB approach. Average percent difference in delineated ITV volume was 5.2% (range: 0.0 – 13.5%) and 3.0% (range: 0.2 – 7.9%) for patient and phantom studies, respectively. For the patient study, the largest percent differences occurred when lateral or anterior‐posterior tumor motion was present. Average variation in centroid coordinates was < 1mm for all phantom and patient cases studied. The largest variation in ITV extent was expressed in the sup‐inf direction in the phantom study. Noticeable sorting artifact was observed for two phantom cases for both the hAB and PB sorted data Conclusions: This study demonstrates clinical application of a novel hAB 4DCT sorting algorithm. We have quantified the variation in ITV delineation stratified by sorting technique, and revealed situations which may increase the potential for the underestimation of full tumor volume extent encompassing motion. Conflict of Interest: Henry Ford Health Systems holds a research agreement with Philips Medical Systems
Microdrilling for fabricating micrometer-scale holes in soft matter

Probing the response of soft materials at small scales requires examining fundamental behaviors that are often distinct from large-scale interactions. In the development of micrometer- and nanometer-sized holes in soft materials, understanding failure modes becomes essential. We observe fracture behavior in a soft material through a novel method, which leads to the fabrication of small-scale holes in polydimethylsiloxane. We utilize an ultra-sharp tungsten needle to drill this soft elastomeric polymer; this results in controlled hole size and exhibits fracture characteristics observed in brittle materials at larger length scales. We also examine the macroscopic characteristics known to contribute to brittleness and hardness for this material’s response with respect to curing times. This understanding will contribute to many applications including the development of porous materials and DNA sequencing efforts.
COMMUTING TRANSFER MATRICES AND LINK POLYNOMIALS

Borrowing from an argument in statistical mechanics we give a machine for constructing pairs of links with the same skein polynomials. Examples are generally not mutants (Kauffman polynomials differ) and can have small crossing numbers, e.g. the coincidence V41 #41 = V89, is explained.
The dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 gene: features and networks.

The dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene has been one of the most studied and promising schizophrenia susceptibility genes since it was first reported to be associated with schizophrenia in the Irish Study of High Density Schizophrenia Families (ISHDSF). Although many studies have been performed both at the functional level and in association with psychiatric disorders, there has been no systematic review of the features of the DTNBP1 gene, protein or the relationship between function and phenotype. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified the DTNBP1 gene in 13 vertebrate species. The comparison of these genes revealed a conserved gene structure, protein-coding sequence and dysbindin domain, but a diverse noncoding sequence. The molecular evolutionary analysis suggests the DTNBP1 gene probably originated in chordates and matured in vertebrates. No signature of recent positive selection was seen in any primate lineage. The DTNBP1 gene likely has many more alternative transcripts than the current three major isoforms annotated in the NCBI database. Our examination of risk haplotypes revealed that, although the frequency of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or haplotype might be significantly different in cases from controls, difference between major geographic populations was even larger. Finally, we constructed the first DTNBP1 interactome and explored its network features. Besides the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1 and dystrophin-associated protein complex, several molecules in the DTNBP1 network likely provide insight into the role of DTNBP1 in biological systems: retinoic acid, β-estradiol, calmodulin and tumour necrosis factor. Studies of these subnetworks and pathways may provide opportunities to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of action of DTNBP1 variants.
Inapparent Infections with Influenza Viruses.

SummaryData are presented which suggests that inapparent infections with influenza viruses may occur after continued exposure for relatively long periods of time.
Social anxiety, daily moods, and alcohol use over time among heavy social drinking men

Abstract To investigate the tension reduction hypothesis of alcohol use in the natural environment and with several forms of tension, 36 heavy social drinking young men kept daily records of their drinking, anxiety, unhappiness, and anger for 3 months and for 1 month from 6 to 7 months from the start of the study. No significant correlations were found between the frequency and intensity of any of the daily moods and drinking rates or intoxication frequency, either concurrently or within a few days or weeks. Drinking was also unrelated to general trait anxiety, depression, stressful life experiences, and locus of control. However, trait social anxiety had a consistent but unexpected relationship to drinking-the less socially anxious the men were, the more they drank over time. Drinking and/or intoxication rates were also related to having more social supports and to traditionally masculine interests. The results cast doubt on the tension reduction hypothesis and suggest that having a strong social group and indifference to the social consequences of intoxication are more important predictors of heavy drinking rates in young social drinking men.
Preserved heart function and maintained response to cardiac stresses in a genetic model of cardiomyocyte-targeted deficiency of cyclooxygenase-2

Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 are rate-limiting enzymes in the formation of a wide array of bioactive lipid mediators collectively known as prostanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes). Evidence from clinical trials shows that selective inhibition of the second isoenzyme (cyclooxygenase-2, or Cox-2) is associated with increased risk for serious cardiovascular events and findings from animal-based studies have suggested protective roles of Cox-2 for the heart. To further characterize the function of Cox-2 in the heart, mice with loxP sites flanking exons 4 and 5 of Cox-2 were rendered knockout specifically in cardiac myocytes (Cox-2 CKO mice) via cre-mediated recombination. Baseline cardiac performance of CKO mice remained unchanged and closely resembled that of control mice. Furthermore, myocardial infarct size induced after in vivo ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was comparable between CKO and control mice. In addition, cardiac hypertrophy and function four weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was found to be similar between the two groups. Assessment of Cox-2 expression in purified adult cardiac cells isolated after I/R and TAC suggests that the dominant source of Cox-2 is found in the non-myocyte fraction. In conclusion, our animal-based analyses together with the cell-based observations portray a limited role of cardiomyocyte-produced Cox-2 at baseline and in the context of ischemic or hemodynamic challenge.
Broadening teachers’ perspectives on research

The need for reform in teaching K12 mathematics and science has been well established (James & Kurtz, 1985, pp. 104-114; Holmes Group Executive Board, 1986; Carnegie Task Force on Teaching, 1986). Teachers must be able to foster student interest in the nature of the scientific enterprise and an understanding of its relevance to individuals and society. Unfortunately, it is common to fred that teachers' understanding of and knowledge about the scientific enterprise and research is not adequate to accomplish this goal. Teacher educators must, then, revise existing preservice and inservice programs to address the need.
Application of genome‐wide gene expression profiling by high‐density DNA arrays to the treatment and study of inflammatory bowel disease

Identification of factors involved in the initiation, amplification, and perpetuation of the chronic immune response and the identification of markers for the characterization of patient subgroups remain critical objectives for ongoing research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Human Genome Project and the development of the expressed sequence tag (EST) clone collection and database have made possible a new revolution in gene expression analysis. Instead of measuring one or a few genes, parallel DNA microarrays are capable of simultaneously measuring expression of thousands of genes, providing a glimpse into the logic and functional grouping of gene programs encoded by our genome. Applied to clinical specimens from affected and normal individuals, this methodology has the potential to provide a new level of information about disease pathogenesis not previously possible. Two dominant platforms for the construction of high-density microarrays have emerged: cDNA arrays and GeneChips. The first involves robotic spotting of DNA molecules, often derived from EST clone collections, onto a suitable solid phase matrix such as a glass slide. The second involves direct in situ synthesis of sets of gene-specific oligonucleotides on a silicon wafer by an eloquent derivative of the photolithography process. Both cDNA and oligonucleotide arrays are interrogated by hybridization with a fluorescent-labeled cDNA or cRNA representation of the original tissue mRNA. This enables measurement of the expression levels for thousands of mucosal genes in a single experiment. These technologies have recently become less expensive and more widely accessible to all researchers. This review details the principles and methods behind DNA array technology, data analysis and mining, and potential application to research and treatment of IBD.
Future needs in agricultural meteorology: basic and applied research

Abstract Natural resource management and concerns about the quality of the water and air have provided a direct challenge for science to improve our understanding of the environment and the interactions between the practices of man and environmental quality. Challenges in agricultural meteorology research will be directed toward solving environmental and ecological problems, and will contribute toward improving production efficiency. To accomplish this challenge will require both fundamental research directed toward understanding the linkages among the soil-plant-atmosphere components and problem-oriented research to societal issues. There will be a changing paradigm from single investigator projects to an interdisciplinary, integrated research program. Linkage between research and policy decisions will be a major factor in determining the products of the research program. The research needs of several federal, state and private agencies stress the need for improved understanding of the soil-plant-atmosphere complex, and future agricultural meteorology research should be well-positioned to address these needs.
Adsorption und anodische oxydation von ameisensäure und kohlenmonoxid an platinelektroden mit und ohne schwefeladsorbat

Zusammenfassung Die periodischen Strom-Spannungs-Kurven fur die Oxydation von Ameisensaure zeigen sowohl in alkalischem als auch in saurem Elektrolyten ein ausgepragtes Maximum bei 600–700 mV Bezugsspannung gegen die reversible Wasserstoffelektrode in demselben Elektrolyten; dieses Maximum ist auf die Oxydation eines Chemisorptionsproduktes zuruckzufuhren, das die starke Polarisation der Elektrode schon bei geringer Stromdichte bewirkt. Das Adsorptionsgleichgewicht stellt sich mit Ameisensaure oder Kohlenmonoxid nach 2–3 Stunden ein. Aus der potentiodynamischen Kurve der Oxydation des Chemisorptionsproduktes sowohl von Ameisensaure als auch von Kohlenmonoxid in reinem sauren Elektrolyten erkennt man: Adsorbierter Wasserstoff ist nicht mehr vorhanden; das Chemisorptionsprodukt ist bis ca. 350 mV bestandig; das Oxydationsmaximum liegt bei 70° bei 530 mV und bei 30° bei 650 mV; die Oxydation ist bei 650 mV (70°) beendet; fur die Oxydation des Chemisorptionsprodukts wird eine spezifische Ladung von 1.6 e/Pt benotigt. Das Chemisorptionsprodukt wird als Mischung aus Carboxyl- und Formaldehydradikalen angesehen. In Kaliumhydroxidlosung wird fur die Oxydation des Chemisorptionsprodukts der Ameisensaure eine spezifische Ladung von 0.4–0.5 e/Pt benotigt. Durch Bedeckung der Platinoberflache mit einer monatomaren Schwefelschicht wird die anodische Oxydation in saurem Elektrolyten bei geringer Polarisation stark beschleunigt. Das Maximum liegt bei Ameisensaure bei einem Schwefelbedekkungsgrad von ca. 35% und bei Kohlenmonoxid von 100%. Das Schwefeladsorbat ist bis zu einer Bezugsspannung von 600–700 mV bestandig. Die Menge an Chemisorptionsprodukt von Ameisensaure und Kohlenmonoxid nimmt mit steigendem Bedekkungsgrad der Platinoberflache mit Schwefelab, wobei die spezifische Ladung zunimmt. Am Schwefeladsorbat ist eine Physisorption von Wasserstoff und Kohlenmonoxid wahrscheinlich, nicht jedoch von Ameisensaure, da deren Oxydation durch ein 100%-Schwefeladsorbat vollig unterdruckt wird. Aufgrund der Bestandigkeit des Chemisorptionsproduktes ist anzunehmen, dass sich die anodische Oxydation (auch in Abwesenheit von Schwefel) bis zu einer Bezugsspannung von 350 mV im wesentlichen auf dem Chemisorbat—nicht auf der Platinoberflache—abspielt, und zwar nach einem Elektronen-Radikalmechanismus und nicht nach dem Dehydrierungs-Radikalmechanismus.
An Exploratory Study of Opinions on Clickers and Class Participation From Students of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Personal response systems, or clickers, were used in an undergraduate social work course as a way to facilitate class participation and discussion. At the end of the semester, students were asked to evaluate their experiences of using clickers. The data were organized into five themes: the clicker as a technological device, participation as a function of the clickers, quantifying participation, clickers fostered learning from others, and clickers allowed for knowledge checks. Discussion around these themes centered on how clickers can be used to facilitate Chickering and Gamson's principles for good educational practices.
Viscoplastic deformations and compressive damage in an A359/SiCp metal–matrix composite

Abstract Recent work by the authors has examined the high-strain-rate compression of a metal–matrix composite consisting of an A359 Al alloy matrix reinforced by 20 vol.% of silicon carbide particulates (SiC p ). The work-hardening that is observed in the experiments is much lower than that predicted by analytical and computational models which assume perfect particle–matrix interfaces and undamaged particles. In this work, we show that the discrepancy is a result of particle damage that develops within the A359/SiC p composite under compression . The evolution of particle damage has been characterized using quantitative microscopy, and is shown to be a function of the applied strain. A simple analytical model that incorporates evolving damage within the composite is proposed, and it is shown that the analytical predictions are consistent with the experimental observations over a wide range of strain rates.
Glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia of cirrhosis are not results of spontaneous or surgical portosystemic shunting.

Abstract To assess if spontaneous portosystemic shunting from collaterals contributes to the hyperinsulinemia of cirrhosis, 12 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis underwent a 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test 1 day before and 10 days after an elective side-to-side portacaval shunt. The glucose, insulin, and G peptide responses to oral glucose post-shunt were exaggerated but comparable to preoperative values. Compared with preoperative values, the fasting molar ratio of C peptide to insulin postoperatively had increased 40% (6.0 ± 1.2 versus 8.4 ± 0.7), indicating improved hepatic function. These results suggest that extrahepatic portosystemic shunting secondary to spontaneous splanchnic collaterals plays little or no role in the hyperinsulinemia of cirrhosis. It appears that decreased hepatic degradation of insulin in these patients is secondary to hepatocellular dysfunction rather than a result of shunting of portal blood around the liver.
Impact of risk stratification on outcome among patients with multiple myeloma receiving initial therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone

The outcome of patients with multiple myeloma is dictated primarily by cytogenetic abnormalities and proliferative capacity of plasma cells. We studied the outcome after initial therapy with lenalidomide-dexamethasone among 100 newly diagnosed patients, risk-stratified by genetic abnormalities and plasma cell labeling index. A total of 16% had high-risk multiple myeloma, defined by the presence of hypodiploidy, del(13q) by metaphase cytogenetics, del(17p), IgH translocations [t(4;14), or t(14;16)] or plasma cell labeling index more than or equal to 3%. Response rates were 81% vs 89% in the high-risk and standard-risk groups, respectively. The median progression-free survival was shorter in the high-risk group (18.5 vs 36.5 months, P < .001), but overall survival was comparable. Because of unavailability of all tests for every patient, we separately analyzed 55 stringently classified patients, and the results were similar. In conclusion, high-risk patients achieve less durable responses with lenalidomide-dexamethasone compared with standard-risk patients; no significant differences in overall survival are apparent so far. These results need confirmation in larger, prospectively designed studies.
PKD1 interacts with PKD2 through a probable coiled-coil domain

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) describes a group of at least three genetically distinct disorders with almost identical clinical features that collectively affects 1:1,000 of the population. Affected individuals typically develop large cystic kidneys and approximately one half develop end-stage renal disease by their seventh decade. It has been suggested that the diseases result from defects in interactive factors involved in a common pathway. The recent discovery of the genes for the two most common forms of ADPKD has provided an opportunity to test this hypothesis. We describe a previously unrecognized coiled-coil domain within the C terminus of the PKD1 gene product, polycystin, and demonstrate that it binds specifically to the C terminus of PKD2. Homotypic interactions involving the C terminus of each are also demonstrated. We show that naturally occurring pathogenic mutations of PKD1 and PKD2 disrupt their associations. We have characterized the structural basis of their heterotypic interactions by deletional and site-specific mutagenesis. Our data suggest that PKD1 and PKD2 associate physically in vivo and may be partners of a common signalling cascade involved in tubular morphogenesis.
Duality and the Polyakov N-point Green's function

Recently Polyakov proposed an N-point Green's function G(p/sub 1/,...,p/sub N/) for closed strings. We consider the problem of finding poles in the external momenta and extracting on-shell scattering amplitudes from G. Moreover, we find that G is invariant under complex Moebius transformations, and is presumably dual.
iPod distraction: effects of portable music-player use on driver performance

Portable music players such as Apple's iPod have become ubiquitous in many environments, but one environment in particular has elicited new safety concerns and challenges -- in-vehicle use while driving. We present the first study of portable music-player interaction while driving, examining the effects of iPod interaction by drivers navigating a typical roadway in a driving simulator. Results showed that selecting media on the iPod had a significant effect on driver performance as measured by lateral deviation from lane center; the effect was comparable to previously reported effects of dialing a cellular phone. In addition, selecting media and watching videos had a significant effect on car-following speed, resulting in speed reductions that presumably compensated for impaired lateral performance. Given that iPod interaction has become increasingly common while driving, these results serve as a first step toward understanding the potential effects of portable music-player interaction on driver behavior and performance.
Epistemologies, Deafness, Learning, and Teaching

The study of Deaf epistemologies is in a nascent stage relative to, e.g., the study of feminist or African American epistemologies. It has only recently begun attracting the widespread attention it deserves. The present article addresses Deaf epistemologies as they relate to the sometimes conflicting trends in American society and education. In a relatively short period, the education of deaf students has gone from an independent enterprise under the aegis of special education to heavy influence by No Child Left Behind legislation that applies to virtually all American students. American education at one and the same time embraces and celebrates diversity, imposes uniform, rigid learning standards for all children, and mandates that all children be tested in the same way. An oxymoron exists of individualized educational planning and one-size-fits-all curricula and assessment of academic achievement. Implications for teaching and learning of deaf students are explored.
Irreversible inhibitors of adrenergic nerve terminal function

Abstract Many advances in biology have resulted from observations made after blockade of specific processes by pharmacological agents. Recently, more specific and irreversible agents have been developed that provide the investigator with selective approaches to the study of neuronal biochemistry. Arthur Cho and Glenn Takimoto summarize the modes of action of such agents that affect the adrenergic nerve terminal.
Script identification of handwritten word images

This paper describes a system for script identification of handwritten word images. The system is divided into two main phases, training and testing. The training phase performs a moment based feature extraction on the training word images and generates their corresponding feature vectors. The testing phase extracts moment features from a test word image and classifies it into one of the candidate script classes using information from the trained feature vectors. Experiments are reported on handwritten word images from three scripts: Latin, Devanagari and Arabic. Three different classifiers are evaluated over a dataset consisting of 12000 word images in training set and 7942word images in testing set. Results show significant strength in the approach with all the classifiers having a consistent accuracy of over 97%.
Improving cardiovascular recovery from stress with brief poststress exercise.

Objective: While exercising before a stressor has been shown to limit the magnitude of stress responses, we test the use of exercise as a coping mechanism after the stressor, to limit the duration of the stress response. Design: After doing difficult mental arithmetic with harassment, male and female undergraduates (N 102) either walked in place or sat still for 3 minutes, then all sat for a recovery period. Main Outcome Measures: Continuous blood pressure and heart rate monitoring was done throughout. Changes from an initial resting baseline were calculated. Results: During the manipulation, blood pressure for exercisers was higher than for controls, but soon after the tasks were completed the participants who had exercised had significantly lower systolic (SBP; M 3.5 mmHg above prestress baseline, p .01) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; M 0.3 mmHg above prestress baseline, p .001) than those who had not exercised (SBP: M 8.8 mmHg, DBP: M 4.8 mmHg). Conclusion: Although exercising when angry adds to initial cardiovascular arousal, it improves recovery afterward. We discuss possible mechanisms for this effect.