cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnesium homeostasis and alcohol consumption

Clinical and experimental evidence indicates alcohol consumption as one of the major causes of magnesium loss from several tissues. As a result of this loss, serum magnesium tends to decrease while urinary magnesium excretion increases 2-3 fold. Experimental data confirm that chronic consumption of 6% ethanol in the Lieber De-Carli diet for 3 weeks results in a marked decrease in total tissue magnesium content in rats. This decrease affects brain, liver and all skeletal muscle, including heart, to a varying extent. While a full picture of the implications of magnesium loss in these tissues is still lacking, it is becoming progressively clear that magnesium loss affects energy production, protein synthesis, cell cycle, and specific functions in the various organs affected. In addition, as magnesium regulated cytokine production and secretion, especially in macrophages and leukocytes, a major role of magnesium deficiency in alcohol-induced inflammatory processes can be envisioned. Considering all these various aspects together, it becomes apparent that magnesium loss may represent a predisposing factor to the onset of alcohol-induced pathologies including brain stroke, sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. The present review will attempt to clarify some of the mechanisms by which ethanol impairs magnesium transport and homeostasis in brain, brain vasculature, skeletal muscle, heart and liver cells, as a first step towards more mechanistic studies aimed at relating magnesium loss with the incurrence of short- and long-term ethanol-induced complications in these organs.
Sensitivity of estuarine phytoplankton to hexavalent chromium

Abstract Experiments were conducted in which we tested the effects of hexavalent chromium on both natural assemblages of phytoplankton and cultures of Thalassiosira pseudonana clone 3H. Water was collected from various locations in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, with salinities ranging from 32·5‰ to 0·03‰. A variety of nutrient regimes were tested by adding major nutrients and micro-nutrients, and/or stripping micro-nutrients with activated carbon. In one high salinity experiment, chromium was stimulatory, as were micro-nutrient additions. In other high and medium salinity experiments, chromium was neither stimulatory nor inhibitory, at levels up to 1·9 μ mole l −1 Cr. There was, however, slight inhibition of growth at 19·0 μ mole l −1 Cr, due specifically to inhibition of Skeletonema costatum . In our freshwater experiments, chromium was very inhibitory at 1·9 μ mole l −1 Cr, and slightly inhibitory at 0·19 μ mole l −1 Cr. Species inhibited by chromium were Surirella ovata, Detonula confervacea , and Cyclotella sp. Experiments were conducted with T. pseudonana grown over a wide range of salinities. Chromium was found to be very inhibitory in freshwater and became progressively less toxic as the salinity increased. Most inhibition was neutralized by a salinity of 2·1‰.
Structural alterations of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene in human gliomas

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is amplified in 40% of malignant gliomas, and the amplified genes are frequently rearranged. We have characterized the genetic alterations associated with these rearrangements in five malignant gliomas. In one tumor the rearrangement resulted in the deletion of most of the extracytoplasmic domain of the receptor, resulting in a hybrid mRNA between new sequences and the truncated EGFR sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence of the protein from this tumor was remarkably similar to that described for several viral erbB oncogenes. Four other tumors were noted to have internal deletions of the EGFR gene. These rearrangements brought about in-frame deletions affecting either of two cysteine-rich domains in the extracytoplasmic portion of the molecule. The clonal nature of these alterations, and the fact that identical alterations were seen in more than one tumor, suggests a role for these mutant receptor proteins in tumorigenesis. Further, these studies document the existence of tumor-specific cell surface molecules resulting from somatic mutation.
Migration, citizenship, and the problem of moral hazard

Recent literature on international migration focuses on the benefits it confers on migrants in the form of better opportunities and living conditions, as well as on households receiving remittance. Although legal migrants in OECD countries often enjoy more rights than they would at home, this paper also looks at some of the negative aspects for sending countries. The paper uses two cases, the Philippines and Morocco, countries that have elaborated large-scale and successful policies to facilitate the export of labor and the flow of remittances. Despite decades of massive migration abroad, Morocco still has surprisingly poor social indicators, whereas the Philippines, despite much higher social indicators, has significant levels of poverty. Despite the long-term use of this development tool, migration, while opening up opportunities for people who leave home, maybe less positive for those who remain behind. Citing the views of migration experts as well as local voices, this paper examines some downsides of...
Problems with intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring interpretation and patient management

Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring was introduced over 3 decades ago into clinical use and patient management. It continues to be the predominant method for intrapartum fetal surveillance despite questions about its efficacy and outcomes associated with its use. Currently, there appears to be a consensus regarding the reassuring value of a normal reactive pattern without decelerations. Patterns containing absent variability associated with persistent late decelerations, severe variable decelerations, and prolonged decelerations are generally believed to be ominous and may correlate with hypoxia of such severity that fetal central nervous system (CNS) damage may already have occurred. The clinician, however, is faced with FHR patterns between these extremes, and there appears to be a lack of consensus about their management. Furthermore, there is recent evidence that a fetal inflammatory response may lead to CNS damage, and the FHR patterns associated with this condition are not yet understood nor are there any intervention strategies that have been shown to benefit such fetuses. This article is an attempt to illustrate these situations and offer an approach useful to the clinician faced with such FHR patterns.
Electrooxidation of coal slurries on different electrode materials

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of coal–water slurries was examined with various noble metal electrodes (i.e. Pt, Pt–Rh, Pt–Ru, Pt–Ir and plated Pt on Ti foil) using potentiostatic techniques. It was found that there was no significant difference in the performance of the electrodes in the electrooxidation of coal; except for Pt–Ir, which out performed the other electrode materials. The effect of adding iron(III) and iron(II) on the electrooxidation of coal was also tested. It was found that the presence of iron(III) and iron(II) in the coal slurry significantly increased the average current densities developed in the coal electrolytic cell. The electrolysis of pure graphite was tested and compared to the electrolysis of coal to determine if any components or impurities present in the coal affected the electrooxidation of coal. It was also found that the iridium content in the electrode affects the electrochemical performance of the coal. The maximum faradaic efficiency found for the electrooxidation of coal on a Pt–Ir (80:20) electrode was 24% for CO 2 generation with an energy consumption of 21 W h g −1 of hydrogen produced.
Gender influences outcomes in trauma patients with elevated systolic blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: This analysis explored the association between gender and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in trauma patients and then established how gender influenced outcomes in those with elevated SBP. METHODS: Demographics and outcomes were compared using the Los Angeles County Trauma System Database and multivariable modeling determined predictors for SBP, pneumonia, and mortality. RESULTS: Age and male sex were significant predictors for increased SBP, whereas the Injury Severity Score (ISS) 16 was a significant predictor for decreased SBP. In both male and female TBI patients, SBP 160 mmHg was associated with increased pneumonia (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.74, P .002 and AOR 2.37, P .046, respectively), whereas SBP 160 mmHg was a predictor for mortality only among male TBI patients (AOR 1.48, P .03). In non-TBI patients, SBP 160 mmHg was not a predictor for pneumonia or mortality in either sex. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective review of trauma registry data, men presented with higher SBP. In patients with TBI, regardless of gender, increased SBP was associated with increased pneumonia, and in men with TBI increased SBP was associated with increased mortality. The cause and relevance of these epidemiological findings require further investigation. Crown Copyright © 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents: Part XXIII — Summary-Judgment Motions Continued

This article, the 28th in a series on drafting litigation documents in New York, continues with summary judgment motions.
Warped by the field: the gravity of the margins on West Forty-Sixth Street

Reflecting on a recently completed ethnographic research project, I try to understand how things that may seem marginal to my central question nonetheless remain active within my arguments in unanticipated ways. I begin with an overview of my original research aims and activities before presenting eight marginal examples from fieldwork. I conclude with a meditation on the epistemic force that the marginal must be understood to exert on projects of knowledge production.
Mechanism(s) by which activation of protein kinase C is coupled to prostacyclin synthesis in granulosa cells.

Abstract We examined the mechanisms by which the phospholipid-sensitive, calcium-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) regulates prostacyclin synthesis by ovarian cells. In monolayer cultures of swine granulosa cells, specific phorbol esters significantly augmented production of the stable immunoreactive metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α by 3- to 8-fold. These stimulatory actions were dose (0.03–30 ng/ml) and time (24–96 h) dependent, could be reproduced by non-diterpene activators of protein kinase C, and were corroborated by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The rank order of potency of phorbol esters was 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) > phorbol 12,13-dibenzoate > phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate > pure phorbol base. TPA enhanced de novo synthesis of prostacyclin, and synergized with the divalent cation ionophore, A23187. Although prostacyclin synthetase activity was not induced, microsomal cyclooxygenase activity was significantly increased by phorbol treatment. Moreover, TPA doubled the intracellular accumulation of free arachidonic acid. An inhibitor of phospholipase A2 (quinacrine 100 μM) impeded, whereas melittin (0.01 μM), an activator of cellular phospholipase A2, and purified bacterial phospholipase A2 (5 and 50 mU/ml) both augmented prostacyclin production. RH 59022 (30 μM), an inhibitor of diacylglyceride lipase, also suppressed prostacyclin synthesis. We conclude that the protein kinase C effector pathway is functionally coupled to de novo prostacyclin production in the swine granulosa cell. Increased eicosanoid synthesis can be accounted for by enhanced phospholipase A2 and diacylglyceride lipase-mediated availability of arachidonic acid substrate and an activated cyclooxygenase enzyme without a change in prostacyclin synthetase activity.
Studies on the dioecious tapeworm Gyrocoelia pagollae with emphasis on bionomics, oogenesis, and embryogenesis

The oogenotop was studied using certain histochemical tests and the contributions of the various parts to the egg were noted. The Mehlis gland and the uterine epithelium make large contributions to the egg. Both the inner and outer envelopes are of reduced importance. A photographic record of oogenesis is presented showing it follows previous descriptions for the Cestoda. The first cleavage is unequal. Shell granules from the oocyte are carried to the macromeres where they are used in the formation of the outer capsule. Hatching is standard for eggs with a membraneous inner capsule. Most infections are characterized by one female and one male worm. Microsporidians reduce the number of sperm produced and probably limit the production of oncospheres.
Problem on Minimum Wave Speed for a Lotka–Volterra Reaction–Diffusion Competition Model

In this paper, by the instruction of an upper and a lower solutions and with the use of monotone iteration approach we obtain the precise minimum wave speed for the Lotka–Volterra competition model under some conditions on the parameters. Our results extended the known results in literature.
Anomalous Diffusion Of Lipid Atoms And Molecules In Phospholipid Bilayers: A Combined Molecular Dynamics And Theoretical Study

Individual atoms and lipid molecules in biologically relevant phospholipid bilayers have an extremely rich dynamics that extend on a wide range of time and length scales. Computer modeling and simulations can be used effectively both to investigate the dynamics of such complex systems and to interpret the results from a variety of experimental techniques employed to probe such systems. Here we present an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, combined with theoretical modeling, to investigate the dynamics of selected lipid atoms and lipid molecules in a hydrated diyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) lipid bilayer. From the analysis of a 0.1 microsecond MD trajectory we find that the time evolution of the mean square displacement (MSD) of lipid atoms and molecules exhibits three well separated dynamical regions: (1) for short times (t < 10 fs) the motion is ballistic with a quadratic in time MSD; (2) for intermediate times (10 ps <t 30 ns) the MSD is linear in time, corresponding to ordinary Fickian diffusion. The origin of the extended anomalous, sub-diffusive region is attributed to the polymeric nature of the lipid molecules, characterized by connectivity and flexibility. We propose a memory function approach for calculating the MSD over the entire time range, from the ballistic to the Fickian diffusion regimes. The lateral self-diffusion coefficient of lipid molecules determined by employing the memory function approach is found to be in good agreement with the one calculated directly from the long time MD trajectory of the lipid bilayer. The proposed memory function approach is a useful tool for interpreting neutron scattering experiments on lipid membranes.Computer time was generously provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.
Thoracoscopic Pneumonectomy: An 11-Year Experience

BACKGROUND It is unclear whether thoracoscopic (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS]) pneumonectomy improves outcomes compared with open approaches. METHODS One hundred seven consecutive pneumonectomies performed at an experienced center from January 2002 to December 2012 were studied retrospectively. Forty cases were open, and 50 successful VATS and 17 conversions were combined (intent-to-treat [ITT] analysis). RESULTS The VATS cohort had more preoperative comorbidities (three vs two, P = .003), women (57% vs 30%, P = .009), and older ages (65 years vs 63 years, P = .07). Although advanced clinical stage was less for VATS (26% vs 50% stage III, P = .035), final pathologic staging was similar (25% vs 38%, P = .77). Pursuing a VATS approach yielded similar complications (two vs two, median, P = .73) with no catastrophic intraoperative events like bleeding. Successful VATS pneumonectomy rates rose from 50%-82% by the second half of the series ( P P = .03). Conversions resulted in longer ICU stays (4 days vs 2 days, P = .01). Advanced clinical stage (III-IV) ITT VATS had longer median overall survival (OS) (42 months vs 13 months, log-rank P = .042). Successful VATS cases with early pathologic stage (0-II) had a median OS of 80 vs 16 months for converted and 28 months for open (log rank = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS Attempting thoracoscopic pneumonectomy at an experienced center appears safe but does not yield the early pain/complication reductions observed for VATS lobectomy. There may be long-term pain/survival advantages for certain stages that warrant further study and refinement of this approach.
Modeling the seasonal dynamics of leaf area index based on environmental constraints to canopy development

Abstract Leaf area index (LAI) is an important variable for understanding land-surface atmosphere flux dynamics and a key biophysical variable included in terrestrial biosphere models. Because of its influence on resource cycling and atmospheric feedbacks it is necessary to have a model that can accurately predict the seasonal progression of canopy development. The goal of this study is to use a simple function to modify a prognostic phenology model, based on the influence of environmental factors on limiting foliar phenology, into a model capable of predicting the seasonal course of LAI. Model performance was assessed by comparison to a time-series of LAI measurements derived from gap fraction theory at five deciduous sites selected from the FLUXNET database. The model was assessed in terms of its ability to predict the magnitude of LAI as well as phenological transition dates. The results show a strong correlation between predicted LAI and gap fraction derived estimates ( r = 0.94, RMSE = 0.45). The accuracy of the model varied among sites at predicting transition dates but remained consistently high at predicting the continuous seasonal progression of LAI. Our results demonstrate that a simple prognostic phenology model can be rescaled to predict the seasonal course of LAI in deciduous forests.
Generation of evolutionary novelty by functional shift.

That biological features may change their function during evolution has long been recognized. Particularly, the acquisition of new functions by molecules involved in developmental pathways is suspected to cause important morphologic novelties. However, the current terminology describing functional changes during evolution (co-option or recruitment) fails to recognize important biologic distinctions between diverse evolutionary routes involving functional shifts. The main goal of our work is to stress the importance of an apparently trivial distinction: Whether or not the element that adopts a new function (anything from a morphologic structure to a protein domain) is a single or a duplicated element. We propose that natural selection must act in a radically different way, depending on the historic succession of co-option and duplication events; that is, co-option may provide the selective pressure for a subsequent gene duplication or could be a stabilizing factor that helps maintain redundancy after gene duplication. We review the evidence available on functional changes, focusing whenever possible on developmental molecules, and we propose a conceptual framework for the study of functional shifts during evolution with a level of resolution appropriate to the power of our current methodologies. BioEssays 21:432–439, 1999. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Alkaline degradation of invert sugar from molasses

Sugar beet and sugar cane molasses have been shown to be suitable starting materials for producing de-icer preparations. The sucrose in the molasses is hydrolyzed to glucose and fructose by invertase. The reducing sugars are then degraded by NaOH, the alkali being neutralized by the sugar acids produced, resulting in an increase of the ionic strength and consequently depression of the freezing point of the resulting solution. For the preparation of de-icers, the desired freezing point depression to a temperature of less than about -20 degrees C can be achieved by adjusting the amount and concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide used. The resulting products are biodegradable and eliminate the corrosive effects associated with the use of conventional chloride salts. Degradation of invert sugar by NaOH has been achieved without an external heat source. The reaction products showed the same freezing point depression as seen in the degradation products from pure glucose.
Fast STA prediction-based gate-level timing simulation

Traditional dynamic simulation with standard delay format (SDF) back-annotation cannot be reliably performed on large designs. The large size of SDF files makes the event-driven timing simulation extremely slow as it has to process an excessive number of events. In order to accelerate gate-level timing simulation we propose an automated fast prediction-based gate-level timing simulation that combines static timing analysis (STA) at the block level with dynamic timing simulation at the I/O interfaces. We demonstrate that the proposed timing simulation can be done earlier in the design cycle in parallel with synthesis.
Cancer Surveillance and Information: Balancing Public Health with Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns (United States)

Rapid advances in informatics and communication technologies are greatly expanding the capacity for information capture and transportation. While these tools can be used for great good, they also offer new opportunities for those who seek to obtain and use information for improper purposes. While issues related to identity theft for financial gain garner the most attention, protection of privacy in public health endeavors such as cancer surveillance is also a significant concern. Some efforts to protect health-related information have had unintended consequences detrimental to health research and public health practice. Achieving a proper balance between measures to protect privacy and the ability to guard and improve public health requires careful consideration and development of appropriate policies, regulations and use of technology.
Effectiveness of an on-body lifting aid at reducing low back physical demands during an automotive assembly task: Assessment of EMG response and user acceptability

Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2008-08-18 15:55:16.757
Self-instruction versus external instruction: Individual differences and training effectiveness

The effectiveness of self-instructional and external instructional approaches to teaching math skills was examined with nonretarded first-graders and mildly mentally retarded children. In addition, the relationship between the children's math knowledge base, language proficiency, and attributional style and their performance under the two instructional conditions was assessed. The results suggested differential effects of training on the children's performance. Mentally retarded children performed with greater accuracy under the self-instruction relative to external instruction, while normal ability children did not differ in accuracy under the two instructional formats. In addition, children with a lower math knowledge base performed better under self-instruction than with external instruction. Neither language proficiency nor attributional style predicted performance accuracy. Secondary analyses of number of problems solved suggested that whereas self-instruction was more beneficial than external instruction for mentally retarded children, the opposite was true for the nonretarded children. The educational and theoretical implications of the results were discussed.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Mexican/Chicano/Hispano Workers and the North American Labor Market:: Part 2 - Dialectics of Domination and Discourses of Resistance

The Terror of the Machine: Technology, Work, Gender, and Ecology on the U.S.-Mexican Border. Devon G. Pena. Austin: CMAS Books (Center for Mexican-American Studies, University of Texas), 1997, iv. 460 pages.
A supply chain network equilibrium model

Abstract In this paper, an equilibrium model of a competitive supply chain network is developed. Such a model is sufficiently general to handle many decision-makers and their independent behaviors. The network structure of the supply chain is identified and equilibrium conditions are derived. A finite-dimensional variational inequality formulation is established. Qualitative properties of the equilibrium model and numerical examples are given.
Magnetic and Mössbauer effect studies of Mn5Si3:Fe5Si3 solid solutions

Abstract For the entire series Mn5−xFexSi3 (x = 1, 2, 3, 3.5, and 4) with the D88 structure, Mossbauer-effect measurements show Mn and Fe atoms preferentially occupy the 6(g) and 4(d) positions, respectively, with a small amount of disorder. Compositional dependence of the hexagonal lattice parameters and their ratio, c a , correlate with these site preferences. Contrary to the findings of a previous study, these results do not suggest that this ordering varies with composition. Relative magnitudes of the magnetic moments, FeI[4(d)]:FeII[6(g)] and MnI[4(d)]:MnII[6(g)], inferred from our Mossbauer and magnetic measurements and from previously reported data, are consistent with the Pauling valences of the respective metal atoms. A qualitative discussion of bonding in these phases emphasizing the importance of metal-metal bonding is given within the framework of MO theory.
Electrical and thermal transport properties of (La,Ca)(Cr,Co)O3

Abstract DC electrical conductivity and Seebeck data as functions of temperature and oxygen activity were used to explain the electrical and thermal transport properties of (La,Ca) (Cr,Co)O3. The electrical conductivity data of La(Cr,Co)O3 suggested that it depends upon Co content. At Co concentrations less than 20 mol%, Co acted as traps for the carriers and decreased the electrical conductivity of the compositions at temperatures less than 900 °C. As the Co concentration increased to above 20 mol%, electrical conductivity increased significantly due to a connecting path of available Co sites. Additional Ca substitution for La increased the electrical conductivity in accordance with Verway's principle. Defect models derived from the electrical conductivity data were found to relate the carrier concentrations to the Ca, Co and oxygen vacancy concentrations. The measured Seebeck coefficients were found to be positive even for the most reducing conditions, indicating that (La,Ca)(Cr,Co)O3 compositions with Co ≤ 0.3 and Ca ≤ 0.3 were as stable as LaCrO3. The Heikes formula was adopted to interpret the Seebeck coefficient results. These results indicated that electrical conduction in La(Cr,Co)O3 and (La,Ca)(Cr,Co)O3 occurs via the non-adiabatic and adiabatic small polaron mechanisms, respectively.
Pair distribution function and structure factor of spherical particles

The availability of neutron spallation-source instruments that provide total scattering powder diffraction has led to an increased application of real-space structure analysis using the pair distribution function. Currently, the analytical treatment of finite size effects within pair distribution refinement procedures is limited. To that end, an envelope function is derived which transforms the pair distribution function of an infinite solid into that of a spherical particle with the same crystal structure. Distributions of particle sizes are then considered, and the associated envelope function is used to predict the particle size distribution of an experimental sample of gold nanoparticles from its pair distribution function alone. Finally, complementing the wealth of existing diffraction analysis, the peak broadening for the structure factor of spherical particles, expressed as a convolution derived from the envelope functions, is calculated exactly for all particle size distributions considered, and peak maxima, offsets, and asymmetries are discussed.
Control of qubits encoded in decoherence-free subspaces

Decoherence-free subspaces protect quantum information from the effects of noise that is correlated across the physical qubits used to implement them. Given the ability to impose suitable Hamiltonians upon such a multi-qubit system, one can also implement a set of logical gates which enables universal computation on this information without compromising this protection. Real physical systems, however, seldom come with the correct Hamiltonians built-in, let alone the ability to turn them off and on at will. In the course of our development of quantum information processing devices based on liquid-state NMR, we have found the task of operating on quantum information encoded in decoherence-free subspaces rather more challenging than is commonly assumed. This contribution presents an overview of these challenges and the methods we have developed for overcoming them in practice. These methods promise to be broadly applicable to many of the physical systems proposed for the implementation of quantum information processing devices.
Humor and its Relation to Other Personality Traits

Resume On a fait un test ou l'on emploie un papier et un crayon, lequel indique des certaines choses sur l'humour. Le resultat obtenu par l'emploi de ce test montre que c'est le sampling et qu'on donne les resultats relatifs de quelque facteur independant. La maniere dont on place les plaisanteries dans des classifications categoriques a quelque relation avec l'intelligence et l'introversion. Les jugements qui placent les plaisanteries dans les diverses categories de l'humour indiquent de vraies differences d'execution, entre les individus, entre les divers groupes sociaux, et entre les sexes. On a trouve des differences de sexe dans le resultat total de l'humour, dans les groupements categoriques et dans les evaluations categoriques des plaisanteries.
Determination of Warfarin and Coumatetralyl in Serum by HPLC Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract A sensitive, fast, and accurate method to determine warfarin and coumatetralyl in serum by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) was developed. After warfarin and coumatetralyl in serum was extracted by ethyl acetate, a satisfactory separation was achieved on a XDB C18 column, 150 mm×2.1 mm×5 µm, by using the mobile phase consisting of acetic acid‐ammonium acetate (10 mmol/L, pH=4.5) (20%) and methanol (80%) in isocratic eluent at a constant flow rate of 0.30 mL/min. The molecular ions m/z [M‐H]− 307 and 291 were selected for the quantification in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode for warfarin and coumatetralyl, respectively. The linear range was 0.5∼100.0 µg/L for warfarin and coumatetralyl. The limit of quantification in serum was found to be 0.5 µg/L for each. The recoveries were between 91.9∼94.9% for warfarin and 90.9∼104.0% for coumatetralyl, the intra‐ and inter‐day RSDs for each were less than 10.1%. This method ca...
A Teacher's Journey in Working with English Language Learners with and without Disabilities.

This piece presents a teacher's reflections on her experiences working with Latino English language learners with and without disabilities. The author's voice narrates her journey as a teacher, researcher, and teacher educator preparing professionals to work with bilingual populations. The beliefs and factors she identifies as influencing her practice are also presented, as are the challenges she encountered in providing supports for students with limited English proficiency and identified disabilities.
Analysis of pulmonary inflammation and function in the mouse and baboon after exposure to Mycoplasma pneumoniae CARDS toxin.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae produces an ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating toxin known as the CARDS (Community Acquired Respiratory Distress Syndrome) toxin that has been shown to be cytotoxic to mammalian cells in tissue and organ culture. In this study we tested the ability of recombinant CARDS (rCARDS) toxin to elicit changes within the pulmonary compartment in both mice and baboons. Animals responded to a respiratory exposure to rCARDS toxin in a dose and activity-dependent manner by increasing the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, 1β, 6, 12, 17, TNF-α and IFN-γ. There was also a dose-dependent increase in several growth factors and chemokines following toxin exposure including KC, IL-8, RANTES, and G-CSF. Increased expression of IFN-γ was observed only in the baboon; otherwise, mice and baboons responded to CARDS toxin in a very similar manner. Introduction of rCARDS toxin to the airways of mice or baboons resulted in a cellular inflammatory response characterized by a dose-dependent early vacuolization and cytotoxicity of the bronchiolar epithelium followed by a robust peribronchial and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. In mice, rCARDS toxin caused airway hyper-reactivity two days after toxin exposure as well as prolonged airway obstruction. The changes in airway function, cytokine expression, and cellular inflammation correlate temporally and are consistent with what has been reported for M. pneumoniae infection. Altogether, these data suggest that the CARDS toxin interacts extensively with the pulmonary compartment and that the CARDS toxin is sufficient to cause prolonged inflammatory responses and airway dysfunction.
Kinetics of propagating phase transformation in compressed bismuth

We observed dynamically driven phase transitions in isentropically compressed bismuth. By changing the stress loading conditions we explored two distinct cases: one in which the experimental signature of the phase transformation corresponds to phase-boundary crossings initiated at both sample interfaces, and another in which the experimental trace is due to a single advancing transformation front in the bulk of the material. We introduce a coupled kinetics-hydrodynamics model that for this second case enables us, under suitable simplifying assumptions, to directly extract characteristic transition times from the experimental measurements.
An on-farm bioassay for assessing Meloidogyne hapla infestations as a decision management tool

Abstract A simple, visual soil bioassay was developed to assess Meloidogyne hapla soil infestation levels in order to facilitate the implementation of management practices on an as-needed basis. Generally, four composite soil samples were collected per target field, planted with lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings and maintained in a greenhouse for this study. After 4–6 weeks, the root systems were washed free of soil and scored for root-galling severity by counting the total number of galls that developed or estimating the percentage of root system galled. Crop-specific thresholds or the presence or absence of galls are then used in part to make M. hapla management decisions. This bioassay was simplified and adapted for on-farm use by growers and has already been successfully utilized in making nematode management decisions.
Etching materials with an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet

A plasma jet has been developed for etching materials at atmospheric pressure and between 100 and C. Gas mixtures containing helium, oxygen and carbon tetrafluoride were passed between an outer, grounded electrode and a centre electrode, which was driven by 13.56 MHz radio frequency power at 50 to 500 W. At a flow rate of , a stable, arc-free discharge was produced. This discharge extended out through a nozzle at the end of the electrodes, forming a plasma jet. Materials placed 0.5 cm downstream from the nozzle were etched at the following maximum rates: for Kapton ( and He only), for silicon dioxide, for tantalum and for tungsten. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to identify the electronically excited species inside the plasma and outside in the jet effluent.
Growth characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) stressed by chlorine, sodium chloride, acid, and starvation on lettuce and cantaloupe

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major foodborne pathogen causing serious illnesses and hospitalizations in the United States. Bacteria that are exposed to environmental stresses during food processing may exhibit different growth patterns in the subsequent growth environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of environmental stresses on the growth of O15H and non-O157 STEC in lettuce or cantaloupe. Strains of O157:H7 and non-O157 STEC (O26:H11, O103:H1, O104:H4, and O145:NM) were subjected to four selected stresses including 2 ppm of chlorine, aw of 0.97 (osmotic stress), and pH 5 (acid stress) at 22 °C for 24 h, or starvation (lack of nutrients) at 22 °C for 15 d. A cocktail mix of stressed or non-stressed (control) O157 or non-O157 at 3 log CFU/g (control or stressed) was inoculated on lettuce or cantaloupe and incubated at 10 and 22 °C for four weeks. While there were significant differences (p 1 log difference (7.7 vs. 6.3 log CFU/ml) on cantaloupe. Starvation-stressed non-O157 STEC showed significantly higher cell populations than control with 1 log difference (8.4 vs. 7.2 log CFU/g) at 22 °C on cantaloupe after 4 weeks. The results indicated that osmotic, acid, or starvation stress may enhance the growth of non-O157 STEC on lettuce or cantaloupe and lead to a greater safety risk.
Genome-wide joint SNP and CNV analysis of aortic root diameter in African Americans: the HyperGEN study

Aortic root diameter is a clinically relevant trait due to its known relationship with the pathogenesis of aortic regurgitation and risk for aortic dissection. African Americans are an understudied population despite a particularly high burden of cardiovascular diseases. We report a genome-wide association study on aortic root diameter among African Americans enrolled in the HyperGEN study. We invoked a two-stage, mixed model procedure to jointly identify SNP allele and copy number variation effects. Results suggest novel genetic contributors along a large region between the CRCP and KCTD7 genes on chromosome 7 (p = 4.26 × 10 -7 ); and the SIRPA and PDYN genes on chromosome 20 (p = 3.28 × 10 -8 ). The regions we discovered are candidates for future studies on cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in African Americans. The methods we employed can also provide an outline for genetic researchers interested in jointly testing SNP and CNV effects and/or applying mixed model procedures on a genome-wide scale.
Mixing and packing of fine particles of different sizes

Two different approaches for mixing different sizes of fine particles without segregation and simultaneously increasing the packing density of the mixture are presented. The first application requires uniform mixing of 300 and 30 μm aluminum oxide particles acting as surrogates for the explosive RDX. The packing density needs to be as high as possible and the particles need to be well-mixed to prevent local hot spots. This was accomplished by adding moisture to uniformly mix the particles and then removing the moisture to increase the packing density. The second application requires mixing coarse (2.3 mm) and fine (65 μm) silica aerogel particles; the aerogels are very porous and light and have a very low thermal conductivity. Here we want to fill the voids between the coarse particles with fine particles so that the bulk (or packing) density of the mixture is increased, thereby further increasing their insulating properties. This was done by combining a negative pressure (vacuum) with an external force f...
The Xenopus Dorsalizing Factor Gremlin Identifies a Novel Family of Secreted Proteins that Antagonize BMP Activities

Using a Xenopus expression-cloning screen, we have isolated Gremlin, a novel antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling that is expressed in the neural crest. Gremlin belongs to a novel gene family that includes the head-inducing factor Cerberus and the tumor suppressor DAN. We show that all family members are secreted proteins and that they act as BMP antagonists in embryonic explants. We also provide support for the model that Gremlin, Cerberus, and DAN block BMP signaling by binding BMPs, preventing them from interacting with their receptors. In addition, Cerberus alone blocks signaling by Activin- and Nodal-like members of the TGF beta superfamily. Therefore, we propose that Gremlin, Cerberus, and DAN control diverse processes in growth and development by selectively antagonizing the activities of different subsets of the TGF beta ligands.
Absorption Spectrum of Lead Oxide

The spectrum of PbO has been photographed in absorption. A new system, designated as the $E$ system, has been found. It is nearly coincident with the $D$ system. A number of previously unclassified bands together with some new bands are assigned to a new system, replacing Mecke's $C$ system. The $D$ system has been extended and the new values require that ${x}_{e}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ be changed from 1.05 to 3.13. All three systems have the same lower level in common with the $A$ and $B$ systems.
Longitudinal study of iodine in market milk and infant formula via epiboron neutron activation analysis

Iodine is an essential nutrient in the human diet. Its primary role is expressed as a component of thyroxine (T4) and the corresponding deiodinated triiodothyronine (T3) hormones produced by the thyroid as part of the system that regulates growth, mental development and metabolism. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iodine ranges from 50 μg/day for infants to 150 μg/day for adults. Reports over the last 15 years have indicated that the U.S. diet provides 2 to 7 times the iodine RDA and that dairy products typically provide 20 to 60 percent of the dietary iodine intake. Measurements of iodine in dietary components and composites reported in FDA studies have been done calorimetrically. These studies have, according to the authors, both under reports (by up to −50%) and over reports (by up to +80%) the iodine, depending on food type, compared to a radiochemical NAA reference method. Milk is typically under reported by −20%. The objective of this study was to utilize epiboron neutron activation analysis (EBNAA) to study the iodine concentrations, and seasonal variations of iodine, and market milk and infant formula, collected 15 years apart, in comparison with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) market-basket reports.
Comparison of rice hull products as litter material and dietary fat levels on turkey poult performance

Abstract Ground rice hulls (GRH), whole rice hulls (WRH), or an equal mixture of whole rice hulls and wood shavings (WRH + WS) were compared with wood shavings (WS) as a suitable litter material for turkey poults. Body weights, feed consumption, and the incidence of leg abnormalities, breast blisters, and foot pad lesions of the birds reared on the different litter material were assessed at 3, 5, 7, and 8 weeks of age. Composite samples of litter materials were examined quantitatively at 4, 6, 7, and 8 weeks of age for percent moisture and bacterial and fungal populations. Poults were fed a starter ration supplemented with either 0 or 3% fat for 3 weeks, after which a grower diet containing 3% added fat was fed to all birds. Rice hull products produced no adverse effects upon poult performance (mortality, body weights, feed conversion, breast blisters, leg abnormalities, or foot pad lesions). However, the physical characteristics of GRH caused clumps to adhere to the toes of the poults. Approximately 2% of the 180 poults reared on GRH were affected. The condition disappeared once the birds started to scratch in the litter, which tended to break-up the thin layer of excreta on the surface of the GRH. The moisture content of the litter treatments did not differ significantly for the periods sampled. Bacterial and fungal populations were not significantly influenced by dietary treatment or litter type. These results indicate that rice hull products (WRH or WRH + WS) are a suitable litter for turkey poults. Supplementing 3% fat to the starter diet significantly increased growth at 3, 4, and 8 weeks of age. Turkey poults apparently have the capacity to utilize moderate levels of dietary fat during the early growing stage.
High-fidelity modulation parameter estimation of non-cooperative transmitters: Baud-period and timing

An approach is developed for the estimation of baud-period and signal timing for a non-cooperative transmitter. The high-fidelity estimation of modulation parameters of non-cooperative transmitters is of interest in classifying transmitters without the need for signal content analysis nor for negotiation. Rather, the aim is to explore the characterization of transmitters based on detailed features, due to hardware or software, of their modulation. The techniques applied here form part of a unified iterative scheme, wherein coarse estimates of parameters are used to refine estimates of other modulation parameters. Our focus is on the generation of initial estimates of baud-period and of subsequent timing recovery, followed by the analysis of refining approaches. The emphasis is on the absence of prior knowledge about the signal modulation scheme or of the signal content and on establishing initial reliable estimates. Accordingly, the approach is statistical and based on the observed behavior of signals derived in a non-linear fashion from the sampled data.
Retrieval practice and elaborative encoding benefit memory in younger and older adults

Abstract Retrieval practice has been identified as a powerful tool for promoting retention. Few studies have examined whether retrieval practice enhances performance in older adults as it does in younger adults. Younger and older adults learned unrelated word pairs and were administered a test after a short (10 min) and long (2 day) delay. Encoding condition was manipulated between subjects, with participants studying the pairs twice, studying them once and taking an immediate test with feedback, or encoding them twice under different deep encoding conditions. In both age groups, equivalent benefits of testing relative to restudy were found. Deep processing also improved memory relative to restudy, suggesting that one factor that might benefit retention is varying the type of encoding task (either by testing or by providing a different instructional manipulation) to increase the accessibility of cues. Retrieval practice can support older adults’ memory and is a viable target for training.
Geographic Variation in Fox Squirrels (Sciurus niger) and Gray Squirrels (S. carolinensis) of the Lower Mississippi River Valley

Geographic variation was studied in fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger ) and gray squirrels (5. carolinensis ) by comparing patterns of differentiation within and between these two sympatric species in the lower Mississippi River valley. Geographic patterns of variation were apparent in the morphology and allozymes of both species. Patterns of differentiation in morphologic and allozymic characters are similar between species; however, morphologic variation is not congruent with allozymic variation within either species. Fox squirrels and gray squirrels vary morphologically in that, within each species, individuals inhabiting the Mississippi River floodplain and delta region are smaller than animals from adjacent areas. Allozyme analyses revealed that within each species, there are differences among eastern and western populations, as defined by their geographic location relative to the present channel of the Mississippi River. This study provides considerable evidence that the lower Mississippi River has influenced morphologic differentiation in fox squirrels and gray squirrels and that the river has impeded (and may still impede) gene flow in these species.