cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Projections from estrogen receptor-alpha immunoreactive neurons in the periaqueductal gray to the lateral medulla oblongata in the rhesus monkey

Abstract The periaqueductal gray (PAG) contains numerous estrogen receptor-α immunoreactive (ER-α IR) neurons that are distributed in a species-specific way. These neurons might modulate different types of behavior that are mediated by the PAG such as active and passive coping responses, analgesia, and reproductive behavior. In primates, it is not known whether ER-α IR PAG neurons represent local interneurons and/or neurons that project to brainstem areas that control these behaviors. In this double labeling study, we asked whether ER-α IR neurons in the PAG of the rhesus monkey project to the nucleus retroambiguus (NRA), an area in the ventrolateral caudal medulla oblongata that is involved in expiration, vocalization, and reproductive behavior. Tracer was injected into the caudal lateral medulla oblongata to retrogradely label PAG neurons, and ER-α was visualized immunohistochemically. Although ER-α IR neurons and NRA-projection neurons were present at similar levels of the PAG, their distributions hardly overlapped. ER-α IR PAG neurons that project to the lateral caudal medulla represented less than 2% of ER-α IR PAG neurons. These double-labeled neurons were mainly located in the ipsilateral caudal PAG. The cluster of neurons in the medial part of the lateral PAG that projects specifically to the NRA-region did not contain double-labeled cells. The results indicate that only a few ER-α IR PAG neurons project to the NRA-region. This might be related to the modest effects of estrogen on mating-related behavior in primates compared most other mammalian species. Remaining ER-α IR PAG neurons might act locally on other PAG neurons, or they might represent neurons that project to other areas. Furthermore, the finding that the distributions of ER-α IR neurons and neurons that project to premotor neurons in the NRA-region scarcely overlap illustrates that the PAG in primates is very highly organized into anatomically distinct regions compared with other species.
Growth of native forest species planted on abandoned pasture land in Costa Rica

Abstract Many forest plantations in the humid neo-tropics are established on degraded soils in abandoned pasture land and, with some exceptions, the species planted have not grown successfully. Studies of adaptability and growth under these conditions are scarce, particularly for native species. In this paper we present data on growth and tree form at 3 years of age for 11 species planted in abandoned pastures. The research plantation was established at La Selva Biological Station, in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica (10° 26′N, 83° 59′W). Survival, diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, basal area, volume index and tree form were used to evaluate the species performance. After 3 years, Vochysia guatemalensis displayed a survival significantly higher (98%) than that of the other species. The lowest survival was 75% for Pinus tecunumanii . There were significant differences in growth measures among species. Acacia mangium exhibited significantly higher growth rates than the other species. Although this species grew rapidly, it did not develop straight single stems. About 14% of trees of A. mangium had bifurcation below DBH and more than 50% showed multiple axes or branches as large in diameter as the principal axis. The native species with the highest growth rate was Vochysia guatemalensis (DBH 12.7 cm, total height 7.5 m, volume index 55 m 3 ha −1 at 3 years of age). Vochysia ferruginea exhibited a slightly lower growth rate. Both Vochysia species were ranked highly with regard to tree form, with more than 80% straight single stemmed trees. The lowest growth rates were exhibited by Pentaclethra macroloba, Pithecellobium macradenium and Virola koschnyi ; however, the latter two species formed straight single terms. Pentaclethra macroloba and Inga edulis failed to form straight single stems. In general, the growth rates of the species studied were high in comparison with results reported from other tree plantations in the tropics. In spite of this, it is not prudent to draw final conclusions on the basis of these 3 year measurements.
Thymic Abnormalities: Antigen or Antibody? Response to Thymectomy in my Asthenia Gravis

The therapeutic value of thymectomy for myasthenia is still questioned although it retains an important place among management modalities that strive for sustained remission. Questions derive from uncertainty as to appropriate timing, variable extent of resection and quantitation of response. Forty-seven patients, followed one to seven years, underwent an extended transsternal or combined transcervical-transsternal procedure with anterior mediastinal exenteration. Sixteen have been in complete remission from six months to six years, four are asymptomatic on occasional pyridostigmine and eight are significantly improved. Evaluation of thymic pathology (hyperplasic, involuted areas, and thymoma) included a search for thymic myoid cells by fluorescence cytochemistry. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor present in 38 of 43, decreased post-operatively to normal in four, by 50% to 80% in 14, by 20 to 50% in three and were unchanged in 14. Most remissions occurred in young women with noninvoluted hyperplastic glands and variably high anti-AChR titers which dropped toward normal in seven of 15. These results encourage us to utilize this procedure routinely.
Analytic VIM equation of state

Abstract Variational inequality minimization (VIM) theory of statistical mechanics is used to derive analytic equations of state for nonpolar and polar fluids. Thermodynamic properties of a variety of fluids in the liquid and vapor phases are predicted via the use of the VIM equation of state. The results of the predictions are shown to be in very good agreement with the experimental data for the majority of the fluids which are studied.
Restimulation of Antibody Synthesis by Antigen in Cultures of Lymphocytes

THE initiation of a primary immune response seems to depend on the phagocytosis of antigen by the macrophage. The antigen is processed in some way by the macrophage to yield an RNA-antigen complex that stimulates potential immunocompetent lymphocytic cells to synthesize specific antibody1–9. We have examined the requirement of the macrophage in subsequent responses to the same antigen.
Effects of Purines and Pyrimidines on the Fungistatic Activity of 5-Fluorocytosine in Aspergillus Species

The ability of some exogenously supplied purines, pyrimidines, and their nucleosides to antagonize the in vitro fungistatic activity of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) in Aspergillus species was examined. All compounds tested except thymidine were capable of altering the minimal inhibitory concentration of 5-FC for seven strains of aspergilli tested. In most instances, there was a reciprocal correlation between the ability of a compound to antagonize the fungistatic activity of 5-FC and the quantity of 5-FC taken up by cells in the presence of the compound over a 72-h period.
Nature of monster sawteeth and their relationship to Alfven instabilities in tokamaks

A correlation is explored between the presence of energetic particle modes (EPM) and long-period sawtooth oscillations in tokamak plasmas heated by rf waves. The eventual crash of these sawteeth is explained in terms of the loss of the stabilizing fast particles due to the EPM. The absence of long-period sawteeth in high q{sub a} discharges is explained in terms of ion loss due to toroidal Alfven eigenmodes. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Social support and psychosocial competence: Explaining the adaptation to college of ethnically diverse students

Examined relationships among social support, psychosocial competence, and adaptation to college in a sample of 357 African American, Asian American, Latino, and white college students. Social support and active coping were significant predictors of adaptation to college, whereas locus of control was not. However, there was an interaction between ethnicity and locus of control indicating that although internal African American, Latino, and white students had higher adaptation-to-college scores than external students, the opposite was true for Asian Americans. The relationships among social support, internality, and active coping were also explored. Satisfaction with social support and internality were positively related to active coping, but locus of control and social support were unrelated. Active coping and internality were significantly related to each other for all groups except for African Americans. Although most relationships were the same across groups, these findings call attention to the role of ethnicity as a moderator of college adjustment processes.
Comparative Morphology of the Internal Nasal Skeleton of Adult Marsupials Based on X-ray Computed Tomography

Abstract The internal skeleton of the nasal cavity is sporadically and often incompletely described for many marsupial species and mammals in general. Here, I provide an anatomical survey of the ethmoid in the skulls of adult marsupials based on examination of computed tomography (CT) imagery of 29 taxa representing all the major extant groups of marsupials. This survey resulted in a description of the “generalized condition” for the morphology of the marsupial ethmoid bone, ossified nasal septum, and associated structures of the interior of the nasal cavity. I also described how the ethmoid in different clades varies in morphology from the general condition for Marsupialia. Intraspecific variation of the ethmoid was described based on a sample of 18 specimens of Monodelphis domestica, the gray short-tailed opossum, and asymmetries within a single specimen are documented for other taxa. For the most part I follow the nomenclature of previous nasal cavity workers, but I also provide explicit definitions of...
A failure criterion based on material instability

Scaling laws for adiabatic shear bands are used to parameterize a model that is suitable for introducing shear damage within engineering calculations. One-dimensional solutions to the governing equations for a single shear band provide laws that connect the driving deformation, the imperfections, and the physical characteristics of the material to the process of stress collapse [International Journal of Plasticity 8 (1992) 583, Mechanics of Materials 17 (1994) 215]. The current model uses homogeneous material response and the scaling laws to anticipate the correct timing beyond the maximum stress at which stress collapse should occur. The model is implemented into a finite element code for wave propagation and used in the analysis of boundary value problems that are dominated by shear failure. Finally, implications of the model for simulations of material failure are discussed.
Assessment of preservice teachers and the use of portfolios

(1993). Assessment of preservice teachers and the use of portfolios. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 32, Assessing Tomorrow's Teachers, pp. 75-81.
How To Innervate A Simple Gut: Familiar Themes And Unique Aspects In The Formation Of The Insect Enteric Nervous System

Like the vertebrate enteric nervous system (ENS), the insect ENS consists of interconnected ganglia and nerve plexuses that control gut motility. However, the insect ENS lies superficially on the gut musculature, and its component cells can be individually imaged and manipulated within cultured embryos. Enteric neurons and glial precursors arise via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions that resemble the generation of neural crest cells and sensory placodes in vertebrates; most cells then migrate extensive distances before differentiating. A balance of proneural and neurogenic genes regulates the morphogenetic programs that produce distinct structures within the insect ENS. In vivo studies have also begun to decipher the mechanisms by which enteric neurons integrate multiple guidance cues to select their pathways. Despite important differences between the ENS of vertebrates and invertebrates, common features in their programs of neurogenesis, migration, and differentiation suggest that these relatively simple preparations may provide insights into similar developmental processes in more complex systems.
Protein deprivation in primates. 3. Cage activities and chain-pulling behavior of adult rhesus monkeys maintained on low-protein diets.

Three groups of adult female rhesus monkeys, maintained on low-protein diets (.5-gm, 1-gm, and 2-gm protein per kg body weight) were compared with a control group (4-gm protein per kg body weight) on a number of spontaneous cage activities and chain-pulling behavior. Although the deprived animals lost body weight and muscle tissue and they became deficient in essential amino acids and plasma albumin, they maintained their normal posture and continued to move about, vocalize, eat, drink, etc., as such monkeys usually do in their home cages. However, several specific behavioral deficiencies were revealed: reduced face and head movements, fewer eye contacts, and less chain pulling. It was concluded that the level of protein deprivation induced in this study depletes the animals' energy resources and produces a lowered anxiety threshold, so that certain additional behavioral demands cannot be supported even though routine cage activities are not impaired.
Low-Frequency Waves and Turbulence in an Open Magnetic Region: Timescales and Heating Efficiency

Low-frequency Alfven waves injected in an open magnetic region from the bottom propagate and transport the energy upward. Wave reflections due to background inhomogeneities activate a nonlinear turbulent energy transfer to small scales, perpendicular to the main field direction, which enhance energy deposition within the region. A dynamically rich situation is established, in which different timescales are at play, and they determine the efficiency on dissipating the injected energy. In this paper, we identify the relevant timescales of the system and propose an ordering that favors the turbulent dissipation. It is shown that even cases of relatively a low amount of reflected waves can be efficient enough for dissipating energy. We have previously applied this mechanism for the heating of the lower corona required in models of the origin of the solar wind.
Inner ear malformations and hearing loss in linear nevus sebaceous syndrome.

Objective: Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome (LNSS) is a rare disorder comprising of nevus sebaceous, seizures, and mental retardation. While extensive literature describe the dermatologic, neurologic, as well as ophthalmologic manifestations of this LNSS, otologic problems have not been previously described. The objective of this report is to describe the otologic manifestation of a patient with LNSS. Methods: A child with LNSS was referred to the Otologic clinic for evaluation of hearing loss. Pertinent findings on history, physical findings, audiometric testing, and imaging studies are discussed. Results: Audiometric testing showed bilateral conductive hearing loss. Computerized tomography of the temporal bone demonstrated widened internal auditory canals and dysplastic lateral semicircular canals. Conclusion: LNSS can be associated with hearing impairment and inner ear malformations. The evaluation of a child with LNSS should include otologic and audiologic testing.
Paclitaxel resistance in cells with reduced β-tubulin

Abstract We previously described the isolation of colcemid resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines containing α- and β-tubulin mutations that increase microtubule assembly and stability. By analyzing colcemid sensitive revertants from one of the β-tubulin mutants, we now find that loss or inactivation of the mutant allele represents the most common mechanism of reversion. Consistent with this loss, the revertants have 35% less tubulin at steady state, no evidence for the presence of a mutant polypeptide, and a normal extent of tubulin polymerization. In addition to the loss of colcemid resistance, the revertant cells exhibit increased resistance to paclitaxel relative to wild-type cells. This paclitaxel resistance can be suppressed by transfecting the revertant cells with a cDNA for wild-type β-tubulin, indicating that the reduction in tubulin in the revertant cells is responsible for the resistance phenotype. We propose that reducing tubulin levels may represent a novel mechanism of paclitaxel resistance.
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in zebra finch brain and peripheral tissues

Abstract The enzyme 11βHSD2 inactivates glucocorticoids by synthesizing metabolites that bind poorly to mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. Oscine songbirds (Passeriformes) are important models for investigating stress hormone effects on brain and behavior but nothing is known about 11βHSD2 activity in the songbird brain. We measured 11βHSD2 mRNA expression and enzymatic activity in brain of adult and developing male and female zebra finches. Since 11βHSD2 plays an important role in GC metabolism in some peripheral organs we measured mRNA and catalytic activity also in the adult liver, kidney colon and gonads. 11βHSD2 mRNA was detected in all brain regions examined with expression in the cerebellum and hypothalamus greater in females than in males; expression in ovaries was greater than in testes. No differences were detected in the other peripheral tissues. Catalytic activity of 11βHSD2 could be measured in brain, but at low levels and no sex differences were measured in any region tested. Because 11βHSD2 protects mineralocorticoid sensitive tissues from inappropriate CORT action, we also measured mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression in adult brain kidney and liver. MR mRNA was detected in all tissues with similar levels of expression in neural and peripheral tissues. The wide distribution of 11βHSD2 and MR throughout the songbird brain suggests that concentrations of glucocorticoids may be locally regulated in brain to modulate their actions on MR and possibly also glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Notable differences between mRNA expression and activity point to post-transcriptional regulation of the 11βHSD2 enzyme.
Fertility patterns among religious groups in Canada.

The U shape that has been traced out by the crude birth rate in the United States and Canada is well known. Falling birth rates reached a low point in the mid-1930’s; the rate rose to a peak in 1947 and remained high through the 1950’s. In terms of cohorts, completed family size was smallest for women born around 1910, whose childbearing was concentrated in the 1930’s. With data from the 1961 census of Canada, trends in cohort marital fertility by religion are examined. The U pattern appears for both Protestants and Jews. For Catholics, a reversal in the downward trend of family size had not appeared by 1961, although the U pattern can be discerned for some subgroups such as Catholics living in big cities and persons of Irish ancestry. In the United States, however, changes in family size for all three religious groups and both whites and nonwhites follow the U pattern. Religious differentials in family size in Canada have been decreasing, but they remain much larger than either religious or color differentials in the United States, which show no decrease. The distinctive features of Catholic fertility in Canada are most pronounced among the regionallyconcentrated French Canadians, suggesting an interplay of religious, regional, and ethnic influences.
Constraint on the optical constants of bilayer film-substrate external-reflection retarders for given substrates and incidence angle

Given two transparent films of refractive index n 1 and n 2 on a given arbitrarily absorbing substrate of complex refractive index N 3 = n 3 -jk 3 , at a given oblique angle of incidence 0, solution sets for the film indices n 1 and n 2 are determined where the bilayer film-substrate external-reflection retarder system achieves a specified differential phase shift Δ and has equal p and s polarization reflectances where R p = R s . n 1 , n 2 solution sets are presented in graphical form as solution zones in the n 1 , n 2 plane for 0 = 45°, and Δ = ±90° and ±180°, corresponding to quarterwave and halfwave retarders (QWR and HWR), respectively. These n 1 , n 2 solution sets are specifically found for two commonly utilized substrate materials in the visible and infrared wavelength regions, namely, fused silica and silver, respectively. Values of the normalized film thicknesses 1 and 2 , and the polarization-independent reflectance are separately inserted at various internal and boundary solution points, in the n1, n2 solution zones, on the n 1 , n 2 graphs. For each n 1 , n 2 solution set, there are two sets of film thicknesses r 1a' 2a and r 1b' 2b that allow equal p and s polarization reflectances and the specified differential phase shift A. For fused silica (where k3 = 0) and = ± 180°, the two sets of normalized film thicknesses satisfy the relationships 1, 2a c2b = 1 and gz(r 1 a, for each n 1 ,n 2 solution set.
Variability of myocardial perfusion dark rim Gibbs artifacts due to sub-pixel shifts.

Gibbs ringing has been shown as a possible source of dark rim artifacts in myocardial perfusion studies. This type of artifact is usually described as transient, lasting a few heart beats, and localised in random segments of the myocardial wall. Dark rim artifacts are known to be unpredictably variable. This article aims to illustrate that a sub-pixel shift, i.e. a small displacement of the pixels with respect to the endocardial border, can result in different Gibbs ringing and hence different artifacts. Therefore a hypothesis for one cause of dark rim artifact variability is given based on the sub-pixel position of the endocardial border. This article also demonstrates the consequences for Gibbs artifacts when two different methods of image interpolation are applied (post-FFT interpolation, and pre-FFT zero-filling). Sub-pixel shifting of in vivo perfusion studies was shown to change the appearance of Gibbs artifacts. This effect was visible in the original uninterpolated images, and in the post-FFT interpolated images. The same shifted data interpolated by pre-FFT zero-filling exhibited much less variability in the Gibbs artifact. The in vivo findings were confirmed by phantom imaging and numerical simulations. Unless pre-FFT zero-filling interpolation is performed, Gibbs artifacts are very dependent on the position of the subendocardial wall within the pixel. By introducing sub-pixel shifts relative to the endocardial border, some of the variability of the dark rim artifacts in different myocardial segments, in different patients and from frame to frame during first-pass perfusion due to cardiac and respiratory motion can be explained. Image interpolation by zero-filling can be used to minimize this dependency.
Desorption of ions from rat membranes: Selectivity of different ionization techniques

Complex lipid biomarkers, including phosphatidylcholines, cerebrosides and sulfatides, are shown to be desorbed intact from rat brain myelin and rat liver microsomes by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry, by plasma desorption and by laser desorption. Different polar lipids are favored by the different desorption techniques and as negative or positive ions. These selectivities support current theories about ionization for the different techniques.
Elementary Teachers' Views of Their Science Professional Development Attendance: An Expectancy-Value Approach.

This study explored primarily the elementary teachers’ motivations and expectations for engagement in a science professional development. Participants (N=20) were elementary teachers in two public schools from the United States and were enrolled in a yearlong science professional development; however, due to various factors teachers did not complete the professional development program. We investigated various motivational aspects related to teachers’ professional experiences as well as their views about the program. Study results showed that teachers’’ motivations for this professional development program were strongly influenced by their self-efficacy beliefs about science teaching, their beliefs about what effective teaching means and the types of support provided to teachers by their schools to engage in such program. Additional study results showed that teachers from different grade levels perceived differently the effectiveness of their professional development program involvement because of the relevance (or lack of relevance) of the science content presented in the program relative to their grade level. Implications for classroom practice and future research are discussed in this study along with findings.
Design guidance for emergency and abnormal checklists in aviation

It can be extremely challenging to develop effective checklists for use by flight crews during emergency and abnormal situations. Relatively little guidance is available from the human factors community and developers generally use aircraft system requirements, historical precedent, and their own best judgment to guide their design decisions. Through work at the NASA Ames Research Center, a model of emergency and abnormal checklist design, content, and use has been developed. This comprehensive model identifies all aspects that need to be considered and brings attention to some that are often unappreciated in emergency and abnormal checklist design (e.g., human performance limitations under stress).
The Application of Botulinum Toxin in the Prostate

Purpose: Botulinum neurotoxin is the most potent naturally occurring toxin known to inhibit various neurotransmitters. Injection of botulinum neurotoxin into the bladder and urethral sphincter has been used to treat bladder hyperactivity and sphincter dyssynergia. Recently botulinum neurotoxin application was extended to prostate disorders. Why would a urologist want to target the prostate?Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin treatment of the prostate. In addition to our personal clinical experience and basic research, information was gathered from MEDLINE and published abstracts from international meetings. We also present basic research and discuss the potential mechanism of action of botulinum neurotoxin on the prostate.Results: There are 8 current peer reviewed publications on the injection of botulinum neurotoxin in the prostate. Cystoscopic transurethral or transperineal/transrectal ultrasound guided techniques ha...
Hypergraphia and the diagnosis of psychogenic attacks

A 40-year-old woman was seen for a 2-year history of unusual spells of limp loss of consciousness without abnormal movements, lasting 2 to 10 minutes. There was no warning, no incontinence, and no injury. The frequency was three to …
Low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over iron and manganese oxides supported on titania

Abstract A series of catalysts of manganese oxide supported on TiO 2 and iron–manganese oxide supported on TiO 2 with different amounts of manganese and iron were studied for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with ammonia in the presence of excess oxygen. It was found that the addition of iron oxide not only increased the NO conversion and N 2 selectivity but also increased the resistance to H 2 O and SO 2 . The Fe–Mn/TiO 2 catalysts yield high activities and high N 2 product selectivity. The N 2 O product selectivity increased with the amount of MnO x as well as temperature. Crystalline phase of MnO x was present at ≥15% Mn on TiO 2 , and the amount increased with Mn content. In addition, SO 2 and H 2 O decreased the activities only slightly, while such effect was reversible. The Fe–Mn/TiO 2 with Mn/Fe=1 showed the highest activity. The results showed that this catalyst yielded nearly 100% NO conversion at 120 °C at a space velocity of 15,000 h −1 . The effect of oxygen was also studied. Reversible transient behaviors similar to that on other oxide catalysts, including vanadia and chromia, were observed for the Fe–Mn/TiO 2 catalyst.
The positron emission tomography ligand DAA1106 binds with high affinity to activated microglia in human neurological disorders.

Chronic microglial activation is an important component of many neurological disorders, and imaging activated microglia in vivo will enable the detection and improved treatment of neuroinflammation. 1-(2-Chlorphenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline-carbox-amide (PK11195), a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand, has been used to image neuroinflammation, but the extent to which PK11195 binding distinguishes activated microglia and reactive astrocytes is unclear. Moreover, PK11195 may lack sufficient sensitivity for detecting mild neuroinflammation. We hypothesized that N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(4-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl) acetamide (DAA1106), a new ligand that binds specifically to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, binds to activated microglia in human neurological diseases with higher affinity than does PK11195. We therefore compared the pharmacological binding properties of [3H](R)-PK11195 and [3H]DAA1106 in postmortem tissues from patients with cerebral infarcts, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal dementia, and multiple sclerosis (n = 10 each). In all diseases, [3H]DAA1106 showed a higher binding affinity as reflected by lower dissociation constant (KD) values than that of [3H](R)-PK11195. Moreover, specific binding of both ligands correlated with the presence of activated microglia identified by immunohistochemistry in situ. We conclude that 1) ligands that bind peripheral benzodiazepine receptor mainly label activated microglia in human neurological disorders and that 2) DAA1106 may possess binding characteristics superior to those of PK11195, which may be beneficial for in vivo positron emission tomography imaging.
Collisionless and collision-induced B-X emission from laser-excited CN A 2Π v = 10 rotational levels

Abstract CN B-X emission has been observed upon pulsed laser excitation of the A 2 Π v = 10 vibrational manifold, which is nearly isoenergetic with B 2 Σ + v = 0. Because of the B-A perturbation, a number of v A = 10 rotational levels have significant B state character. For short observation intervals, the B-X emission is excited most strongly when such perturbed levels are initially prepared. By contrast, B-X emission from unperturbed A state levels is observed to have a short induction period and is explained by collisional A→B transfer.
Acetylcholine and iodine metabolism in thyroid slices.

SummaryThe action of acetylcholine on I131 metabolism in dog thyroid slices was investigated. It was established that acetylcholine, like the thyrotrophic hormone, increased the ability of thyroid slices to concentrate iodine. This augmented iodine uptake was found mainly in the form of increased amounts of protein bound monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine.
Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Small Scale Gas Turbine Engine Fueled With Propanol/Jet A Blends

Gas turbine engines, such as those used in aircraft and stationary power generators, use large amounts of petroleum-based fuel and cause significant air pollution. The desire for energy independence and reduction in pollutant emissions has generated an interest in research on alternate fuels. Ethanol, which can also be derived from renewable energy sources, is an attractive alternate fuel. However, ethanol has a lower heating value than petroleum fuels. Hence, blending ethanol with petroleum fuels is a logical solution in the nearterm. Therefore, the effects of ethanol/Jet A blends on the performance and emission characteristics of a small-scale 30 kiloWatt gas turbine engine were studied. Blends of ethanol with Jet A in varying concentrations, ranging from 25 to 100% by volume, were used as fuels. The performance characteristics including the thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption, and the emission properties, such as thrust-specific emission indices of CO and NOx, were measured for the different blends and compared with those obtained for Jet A over a range of throttle settings. The operational thrust range of the engine was reduced when compared to that available using Jet A fuel. The NOx emission was lower for the ethanol-Jet A blends because of lower temperature at the turbine inlet. The results indicate that n-ethanol-Jet A blend is a viable alternative fuel for gas turbine engines.
The Effect of Scale Dependent Discretization on the Progressive Failure of Composite Materials Using Multiscale Analyses

A multiscale modeling methodology, which incorporates a statistical distribution of fiber strengths into coupled micromechanics/ finite element analyses, is applied to unidirectional polymer matrix composites (PMCs) to analyze the effect of mesh discretization both at the micro- and macroscales on the predicted ultimate tensile (UTS) strength and failure behavior. The NASA code FEAMAC and the ABAQUS finite element solver were used to analyze the progressive failure of a PMC tensile specimen that initiates at the repeating unit cell (RUC) level. Three different finite element mesh densities were employed and each coupled with an appropriate RUC. Multiple simulations were performed in order to assess the effect of a statistical distribution of fiber strengths on the bulk composite failure and predicted strength. The coupled effects of both the micro- and macroscale discretizations were found to have a noticeable effect on the predicted UTS and computational efficiency of the simulations.
Minireview: Inflammation: An Instigator of More Aggressive Estrogen Receptor (ER) Positive Breast Cancers

Approximately 75% of breast tumors express the estrogen receptor (ER), and women with these tumors will receive endocrine therapy. Unfortunately, up to 50% of these patients will fail ER-targeted therapies due to either de novo or acquired resistance. ER-positive tumors can be classified based on gene expression profiles into Luminal A- and Luminal B-intrinsic subtypes, with distinctly different responses to endocrine therapy and overall patient outcome. However, the underlying biology causing this tumor heterogeneity has yet to become clear. This review will explore the role of inflammation as a risk factor in breast cancer as well as a player in the development of more aggressive, therapy-resistant ER-positive breast cancers. First, breast cancer risk factors, such as obesity and mammary gland involution after pregnancy, which can foster an inflammatory microenvironment within the breast, will be described. Second, inflammatory components of the tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages and proinflammatory cytokines, which can act on nearby breast cancer cells and modulate tumor phenotype, will be explored. Finally, activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and its cross talk with ER in the regulation of key genes in the promotion of more aggressive breast cancers will be reviewed. From these multiple lines of evidence, we propose that inflammation may promote more aggressive ER-positive tumors and that combination therapy targeting both inflammation and estrogen production or actions could benefit a significant portion of women whose ER-positive breast tumors fail to respond to endocrine therapy.
The Role of the Elementary Teacher in Fostering Civic Efficacy

Drawing on a three-year multimethod study of civic engagement within “Dewey Elementary,” this article identifies the contextual supports of civic efficacy. In particular, it works to map the role of the teacher in supporting the civic action and efficacy of six fifth-grade girls who requested changes to the school's existing lunch plan. An analysis presents four supports for the development of civic efficacy: building curriculum from life, asking questions, working in a diverse group, and practicing skills of civic activism. The author's conclusions point to particular social spaces and processes that facilitate civic efficacy, which can lead to better practices and policies for civic education in the younger years.
Nonlinear time dependence of dark current in Charge-Coupled Devices

It is generally assumed that charge-coupled device (CCD) imagers produce a linear response of dark current versus exposure time except near saturation. We found a large number of pixels with nonlinear dark current response to exposure time to be present in two scientific CCD imagers. These pixels are found to exhibit distinguishable behavior with other analogous pixels and therefore can be characterized in groupings. Data from two Kodak CCD sensors are presented for exposure times from a few seconds up to two hours. Linear behavior is traditionally taken for granted when carrying out dark current correction and as a result, pixels with nonlinear behavior will be corrected inaccurately.
Yorùbá oral literature: a source of indigenous education for children

Abstract Many literary scholars have published on various forms of Yoruba people's verbal art associated with children. However, with the exception of a few passing comments, little or no attention has been paid to the educational values of this aspect of Yoruba literature usually referred to as ‘minor genres’. The concern of this paper, therefore, is to discuss specific traditional forms of educating children in pre-colonial Yoruba society, drawing examples from oral literary materials such as: tongue twisters, lullabies, riddles and puzzles, songs, game poetry and folktales. The growing recognition for oral art among the Yoruba people is due to its functions and appeal to the various sectors of the society. In view of the artistic power of Yoruba traditional children's literature in particular, and the increasing recognition of its potential to educate and influence the thinking of children, this paper argues for its inclusion in school curricula and academic syllabi. I am grateful for the Research Fel...
Isolated oligohydramnios is not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes

Objective To examine fetal growth and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios. Design A cohort study. Setting Multiple clinics and hospitals. Population Low risk pregnant women. Methods We used data from the multicentre clinical trial of Routine Antenatal Diagnostic Imaging with UltraSound (RADIUS), in which 15,151 low risk pregnant women were randomly assigned to the ultrasound screening group or the control group. Women in the screening group underwent sonographic exams at 15– 22 and 31 –35 weeks of gestation. Both groups could have clinically indicated sonographic exams at any time. Main outcome measures We used changes of fetal weight z-score to assess whether fetal growth was compromised from the diagnosis of oligohydramnios until delivery, using a repeated-measures regression. We used a combined perinatal index as an indicator of adverse perinatal outcome, which consisted of severe perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results Oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index � 5 cm) was diagnosed in 1.5% (113/7617) of women with ultrasound screening compared with 0.8% (57/7534) among the controls. Approximately half of the oligohydramnios cases in the screening group were isolated with no clearly associated factors (e.g. premature rupture of the fetal membranes, congenital anomalies, diabetes, hypertension, postdate and intrauterine growth restriction). Fetal weight centiles in isolated oligohydramnios cases did not change significantly from diagnosis until delivery. Pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios had perinatal outcomes similar to pregnancies with a normal amniotic fluid index.
Vaginal cytology induced ovulation and gestation in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).

A study designed to analyze changes in vaginal cytology of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons in the presence or absence of exgenous hormonal stimulation is presented. There were 2 spring sessions April 9-May 9 and May 16-June 16 in which treated animals received a standard ovulation induction regimen consisting of 5 days pretreatment with progesterone followed by 4 days of follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) with 500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) given on the evening of the last FSH injection. The squirrel monkey is unresponsive to this method during the summer months so that a different regimen is used. This consists of 4 days of estradiol followed by progesterone and the standard ovulation induction regimen given above. Laparoscopic examinations were carried out 22 days after the administration of HCG. Daily observations were made 3 times during each day to study the sexual behavior of treated and control animals. Vaginal smears were collected every other day from all animals beginning on the day of 1st hormonal injections in the treated animals. There was a total absence of menstruation. During the spring season the attempts to mate were greatest on the day following HCG administration with a secondary rise 8 days later. During the 1st summer session the attempts to mate were again highest immediately following HCG but at a level only 1/3 of the spring session. A secondary rise took place 15 days later. But the last summer session showed that attempts to mate were only made on the day after HCG injection. During the spring season 6 of 8 treated and 5 of 9 control females ovulated at least once. 2 treated and 4 control females become pregnant. During the summer season 3 of 6 treated animals and 3 of 7 control animals ovulated at least once. 2 treated and 4 control females became pregnant. It is suggested that there is a decreased responsiveness of squirrel monkeys to FSH stimulation during the summer months.
Isolation and partial characterization of kidney stone matrix induced by magnesium deficiency in the rat.

Abstract A low magnesium diet was fed to weanling rats for 9–10 days in order to induce renal calculi. The calculi were isolated and decalcified and the pooled organic non-dialyzable matrix was partially characterized. Cholesterol, fatty acids, phosphate, hexose and protein comprised 60% of the lyophilized matrix. Glucose was positively identified as a principal hexose. The remainder of the matrix appeared to belong to the carbohydrate class but the individual components have not yet been established. A substantial portion of this matrix may be derived from a carbohydrate rich fragment of the brush border from renal proximal tubular cells.
Analysis of an asymmetrical model for boundary diffusion

Abstract An asymmetrical version of the Fisher model, in which bulk diffusivities on both sides of the boundary are different, is analyzed. Five regimes of boundary diffusion (C,B 1 , B 3 and B 4 ) are distinguished. They progressively change each other as the temperature or/and time of diffusion anneal increase. Asymptotic solutions corresponding to the regimes are obtained, three types of surface conditions (constant source, Suzuoka's conditions, fast surface diffusion) being considered. In B 2 -regime, which is the most widely spread, only the product D ′ δ can be determined, while in B 1 -regime the boundary diffusivity D ′ and width δ can be determined separately. Due to introducing an effective bulk diffusion coefficient, analytical solutions for C, B 1 and B 2 -regimens are applicable to interphase boundary diffusion. The results can be used in designing diffusion experiments and treating measured penetration curves.
Evaluating a Web Lecture Intervention in a Human–Computer Interaction Course

Research using Web lectures to enhance the classroom learning experience in an introductory human-computer interaction course is presented. By using Web lectures to present lecture material before class, more in-class time can be spent engaging students with hands-on learning activities-using class time for more learning by doing, less learning by listening. A quasi-experiment was conducted over a 15-week semester with 46 students in two sections of the same course-one section using Web lectures and one using traditional lectures. Many control measures were in place, including each section being taught by the same instructor and blind grading being used. The Web lecture section's grades were significantly higher than the traditional lecture section, and Web lecture students reported increasingly strong positive attitudes about the intervention. The twofold contribution of this work is a novel use of existing technology to improve learning and a longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation of its use in context
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of the Reported Structures of (−)-9-epi-Presilphiperfolan-1-ol and (−)-Presilphiperfolan-1-ol: Structural Confirmation and Reassignment and Biosynthetic Insights†

The first total synthesis of the reported structures of 9-epi-presilphiperfolan-1-ol and presilphiperfolan-1-ol has been achieved. Key steps are a catalytic asymmetric alkylation of a novel diene-containing electrophile followed by a two-carbon ring contraction and an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition to form the stereochemically dense tricyclic core. The synthetic work has resulted in the structural revision of presilphiperfolan-1-ol (see scheme).
Cardiac biomarkers and health-related quality of life in new hemodialysis patients without symptomatic cardiac disease.

Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is impaired in hemodialysis patients and cardiac biomarkers are elevated, but their relationship is uncertain. To determine whether the cardiac biomarkers, troponin T and N terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), predict deterioration in the physical domains of HRQOL. A prospective cohort study of patients in a randomized controlled clinical trial of correction of anemia with erythropoietin. Multiple hemodialysis centers located throughout Canada and Europe. Patients who started maintenance hemodialysis within the previous 3–18 months, with no clinical evidence or prior history of symptomatic cardiac failure or ischemic heart disease, and left ventricular volume < 100 ml/m2. Predictor: Baseline concentrations of Troponin T and NT-proBNP. Outcomes: Physical function and vitality scores using the SF-36 questionnaire and fatigue scores using the FACIT questionnaire at baseline and after 24, 48, and 96 weeks follow-up. Univariate analysis of the association between baseline variables and baseline HRQOL scores and change in scores over time was undertaken using linear regression. Multivariate models were created using multiple linear regression, and it was pre-specified that these include the variables which were associated with the outcome at a p 0.05 ng/mL were significantly associated with the change from baseline to 96 weeks follow-up for SF-36 vitality and FACIT-fatigue scores, and approached statistical significance for SF-36 physical function (0.056). Not possible to confirm whether Troponin T associations were independent of subsequent cardiac events. In hemodialysis patients without prior symptomatic cardiac disease and without a dilated left ventricle at baseline, elevated baseline Troponin T levels, but not NT-pro BNP, were independently associated with deterioration in the physical domains of HRQOL.
Inflation, money, interest rate, exchange rate, and casuality: the case of Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia

This study provides further evidence of the inflationary efects of the rates of growth of money supply, gross domestic product, efective exchange rate, and imported inflation for Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia using quarterly data from 1964 to 1990. In addition, it examines the Granger causality between inflation and money supply as well as between inflation and the real exchange rate in the countries under consideration. Most of the results are consistent with extant theory and empirical evidence.