cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of ecstasy (MDMA) on rat liver bioenergetics.

Objectives: Use of the drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) can result in life-threatening hyperthermia. Agents that uncouple mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are known to cause severe hyperthermia. In the present study, the authors tested the hypothesis that MDMA directly uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria. Methods: Effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics were assessed both in vitro and ex vivo. In vitro studies consisted of measuring the effects of MDMA (0.1–5.0 mmol/L) on states of respiration in isolated rat liver mitochondria and on mitochondrial membrane potential in a rat liver cell line. In ex vivo studies, mitochondrial rates of respiration were measured in the livers of rats one hour after treatment with MDMA (40 mg/kg subcutaneously). Results: With the in vitro mitochondrial preparations, only concentrations of 5 mmol/L MDMA showed evidence of uncoupling with a slight increase in state 4 respiration and a corresponding decrease in the respiratory control index. MDMA (0.1–5.0 mmol/L) failed to decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential in 3,3-dihexyloxacarbocyanide iodide–stained WB-344 cells after either one or 24 hours of incubation. Ex vivo rates of respiration obtained from the livers of rats one hour after treatment with MDMA (40 mg/ kg subcutaneously) showed no evidence of mitochondrial uncoupling. Conclusions: These data suggest that while high concentrations of MDMA have some mild uncoupling effects in isolated mitochondria, these effects do not translate to cell culture or ex vivo studies in treated animals. These data do not support the view that the hyperthermia induced by MDMA is from a direct effect on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Key words: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; amphetamines; mitochondria; oxidative phosphorylation; uncoupling agents; liver. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2004; 11:723–729.
Sub-arcminute pointing from a balloonborne platform

We describe the design and performance of the pointing and aspect reconstruction system on the Gamma-Ray Arcminute Telescope Imaging System. The payload consists of a 4m long gamma-ray telescope, capable of producing images of the gamma-ray sky at an angular resolution of 2 arcminutes. The telescope is operated at an altitude of 40km in azimuth/elevation pointing mode. Using a variety of sensor, including attitude GPS, fiber optic gyroscopes, star and sun trackers, the system is capable of pointing the gamma-ray payload to within an arc-minute from the balloon borne platform. The system is designed for long-term autonomous operation and performed to specification throughout a recent 36 hour flight from Alice Springs, Australia. A star tracker and pattern recognition software developed for the mission permit aspect reconstruction to better than 10 arcseconds. The narrow field star tracker system is capable of acquiring and identifying a star field without external input. We present flight data form all sensors and the resultant gamma-ray source localizations.
Controlling electrospun nanofiber morphology and mechanical properties using humidity

Electrospinning is a fiber spinning technique used to produce nanoscale polymeric fibers with superior interconnectivity and specific surface area. The fiber diameter, surface morphology, and mechanical strength are important properties of electrospun fibers that can be tuned for diverse applications. In this study, the authors investigate how the humidity during electrospinning influences these specific properties of the fiber mat. Using two previously uninvestigated polymers, poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) and polysulfone (PSU) dissolved in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), experimental results show that increasing humidity during spinning causes an increase in fiber diameter and a decrease in mechanical strength. Moreover, surface features such as roughness or pores become evident when electrospinning in an atmosphere with high relative humidity (RH). However, PAN and PSU fibers are affected differently. PAN has a narrower distribution of fiber diameter regardless of the RH, whereas PSU has a wider and more bimodal distribution under high RH. In addition, PSU fibers spun at high humidity exhibit surface pores and higher specific surface area whereas PAN fibers exhibit an increased surface roughness but no visible pores. These fiber morphologies are caused by a complex interaction between the nonsolvent (water), the hygroscopic solvent (DMF), and the polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Study of the Cluster Analysis Algorithm for Radio Advertising

Some key technologies for clustering the radio advertising are introduced firstly. Then the design and implementation of the system are presented. The system analyzes the cluster characters for radio advertising by principal component analysis. It could be used to capture the radio ads’ time slots. This system shows a way to analyze audio data, and could be used to classify and identify different audio ads. Therefore, it has a wonderful application prospect.
A restricted random series of numbers

When using a random number table, it is often necessary to arbitrarily select a “random appearing” or non-predictable group from the series. To facilitate the construction of suitable groups, two sets of two digit numbers, 00 to 99, are presented which have explicit restrictions on the frequency and sequence of the digits.
Narrow Hyperfine Absorption Lines of Cs 133 in Various Buffer Gases

Line widths as narrow as 40 cps have been obtained for the hyperfine transition at 9192 Mc/sec in cesium vapor. The Doppler width was greatly reduced by collisions with an inert buffer gas. An optical detection method was used to observe the microwave absorption lines. Shifts in the observed frequency due to collisions with the buffer gas were measured as a function of the temperature and pressure of the gas. It was found possible to reduce greatly the shift in frequency wtth temperature by using the proper mixtures of inert gases. The contribution to line width due to collisions with the buffer gas was nlso determined. (auth)
Radiotherapy for local control of aggressive fibromatosis

Purpose : To evaluate local control rates in patients treated with radiotherapy for aggressive fibromatosis. Methods and Materials : Fifty-three patients with histologically confirmed aggressive fibromatosis were treated with radiotherapy at the University of Florida between March 1975 and June 1992. The minimum length of follow-up was 2 years ; 81 % of the patients had follow-up for at least 5 years. The lesions arose in an extremity or limb girdle (39 patients), the trunk (10 patients), or the head and neck area (4 patients). Twenty-four patients were treated for gross disease and 29 for presumed microscopic residual disease after one or more operations. Patients were treated with total doses between 35 and 70 Gy ; 83% of patients received 50 to 60 Gy. Results : Local control was achieved in 23 of 29 patients (79%) treated postoperatively for microscopic residual disease and in 21 of 24 patients (88%) treated for gross disease ; gross disease was controlled in all 8 patients with previously untreated lesions and in 13 of 16 patients treated postoperatively for gross residual or recurrent disease. Overall, aggressive fibromatosis was locally controlled in 83% of treated patients. All nine treatment failures occurred in patients with extremity lesions 4 to 68 months after initiation of treatment. Three recurrences were in the irradiated field, two were out of the field, and four were at the field margin. Eight patients were salvaged with surgery alone or combined with postoperative radiotherapy. A functional limb was maintained in 38 of 39 patients with extremity or limb girdle lesions. Pathologic fracture occurred in three patients ; two patients required rod fixation for treatment. Conclusions : Radiotherapy is a valuable adjunct to surgery in the management of aggressive fibromatosis and can be used alone in patients with unresectable or inoperable disease.
Ste20-Related Proline/Alanine-Rich Kinase (SPAK) Regulated Transcriptionally by Hyperosmolarity Is Involved in Intestinal Barrier Function

The Ste20-related protein proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) plays important roles in cellular functions such as cell differentiation and regulation of chloride transport, but its roles in pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation remain largely unknown. Here we report significantly increased SPAK expression levels in hyperosmotic environments, such as mucosal biopsy samples from patients with Crohn's disease, as well as colon tissues of C57BL/6 mice and Caco2-BBE cells treated with hyperosmotic medium. NF-κB and Sp1-binding sites in the SPAK TATA-less promoter are essential for SPAK mRNA transcription. Hyperosmolarity increases the ability of NF-κB and Sp1 to bind to their binding sites. Knock-down of either NF-κB or Sp1 by siRNA reduces the hyperosmolarity-induced SPAK expression levels. Furthermore, expression of NF-κB, but not Sp1, was upregulated by hyperosmolarity in vivo and in vitro. Nuclear run-on assays showed that hyperosmolarity increases SPAK expression levels at the transcriptional level, without affecting SPAK mRNA stability. Knockdown of SPAK expression by siRNA or overexpression of SPAK in cells and transgenic mice shows that SPAK is involved in intestinal permeability in vitro and in vivo. Together, our data suggest that SPAK, the transcription of which is regulated by hyperosmolarity, plays an important role in epithelial barrier function.
Thermochemistry of molybdates. II. Standard enthalpies of formation of rubidium molybdate and the aqueous molybdate ion

Abstract Calorimetric determinations of the enthalpy of reaction of MoO 3 (c) with RbOH(aq) and of the enthalpy of solution of Rb 2 MoO 4 (c) in RbOH(aq) yielded ΔH f o (Rb 2 MoO 4 , orthorhombic, 298.15 K) = −(357.04 ± 0.09) kcal th mol −1 . Based on this result, ΔH f o (MoO 4 2− , aq, 298.15 K) has been deduced to be −(238.3 ± 0.2) kcal th mol −1 . Thermodynamic data were also derived for the formation of Rb 2 MoO 4 both from its elements and from the component oxides, Rb 2 O and MoO 3 .
Robust Structural Design of an Active Aeroelastic Wing with Maneuver Load Inaccuracies

A multidisciplinary design methodology for aircraft structures subject to inaccuracies in aerodynamic load predictions is presented. A statistical load-correction model is developed that is based on typical differences between loads as predicted by nonlinear and linear aerodynamic theories. Load corrections are propagated to a response function that represents the magnitude of structural redesign that would be necessary when the structure is subject to variation in the loads to which it was designed. The method is applied to an active aeroelastic wing concept, in which both the structural and control law designs are highly sensitive to variations in the aerodynamic loads. Computational fluid dynamics Euler analysis is used to construct the load-correction model. The most critical loading condition is then identified and used to redesign the structure and control-surface gear ratios. The redesigned structure was found to be 11% heavier and significantly more robust than the structure that was optimized with the linear loads only. The present methodology provides a way to account for load inaccuracies in the early phases of the design process, thereby, reducing the need for redesign late in the design process as load predictions become more accurate.
Contrast enhanced maximum intensity projection ultrasound imaging for assessing angiogenesis in murine glioma and breast tumor models: A comparative study

The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare noninvasive, quantitative measures of vascularity obtained from four contrast enhanced ultrasound (US) techniques to four invasive immunohistochemical markers of tumor angiogenesis in a large group of murine xenografts. Glioma (C6) or breast cancer (NMU) cells were implanted in 144 rats. The contrast agent Optison (GE Healthcare, Princeton, NJ) was injected in a tail vein (dose: 0.4ml/kg). Power Doppler imaging (PDI), pulse-subtraction harmonic imaging (PSHI), flash-echo imaging (FEI), and Microflow imaging (MFI; a technique creating maximum intensity projection images over time) was performed with an Aplio scanner (Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA) and a 7.5MHz linear array. Fractional tumor neovascularity was calculated from digital clips of contrast US, while the relative area stained was calculated from specimens. Results were compared using a factorial, repeated measures ANOVA, linear regression and z-tests. The tortuous morphology of tumor neovessels was visualized better with MFI than with the other US modes. Cell line, implantation method and contrast US imaging technique were significant parameters in the ANOVA model (p 0.05). In conclusion, the largest study of contrast US of murine xenografts to date has been conducted and quantitative contrast enhanced US measures of tumor neovascularity in glioma and breast cancer xenograft models appear to provide a noninvasive marker for angiogenesis; although the best method for monitoring angiogenesis was not conclusively established.
Selection of habitats by Emperor Geese during brood rearing

--Although forage quality strongly affects gosling growth and consequently juvenile survival, the relative use of different plant communities by brood rearing geese has been poorly studied. On the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, population growth and juvenile recruitment of Emperor Geese (Chen canagica) are comparatively low, and it is unknown whether their selection of habitats during brood rearing differs from other goose species. Radio-telemetry was used to document the use of habitats by 56 families of Emperor Geese in a 70 km2 portion of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta during brood rearing in 1994-1996. When contrasted with available habitats (a set of six habitat classes), as estimated from 398 random sampling locations, Emperor Geese strongly selected Saline Ponds, Mudflat, and Ramenskii Meadow habitats and avoided Levee Meadow, Bog Meadow, and Sedge Meadow. These selected habitats were the most saline, comprised one-third of the study area, and 43% of all locations were in Ramenskii Meadow. I contrasted these Emperor Goose locations with habitats used by the composite goose community, as inferred from the presence of goose feces at random locations. The marked difference between groups in this comparison implied that Cackling Canada Geese (Branta canadensis minima) and Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) collectively selected much different brood rearing habitats than Emperor Geese. Received 20 February 2001, accepted 18 April 2001.
Dumbbell-shaped fibers for gravitational wave detectors

Fused silica fibers with a dumbbell-shaped diameter profile are proposed to simultaneously achieve low thermal noise and low vertical bounce frequency in an interferometric gravitational wave detector. We present a theoretical analysis of achievable noise spectra. We also survey the sources of dissipation in fused silica fibers. Finally, we apply the model to analyze the influence of welded end pins on Q's of suspensions.
Enteric gliopathy in niacin-deficiency induced by CNS glio-toxin

6-Aminonicotinamide (6-AN), an antagonist of niacin and a potent CNS glio-toxin, selectively caused degeneration of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of rodents. Suckling mice treated with 6-AN developed diarrhea clinically and displayed vacuolated degenerating glial cells in the myenteric plexus as well as in the CNS. Myenteric neurons were well preserved. These findings provide further evidence for possible functional similarities between the glial cells in the central and enteric nervous systems.
First-principles study of crystal structure and stability of Al-Mg-Si-(Cu) precipitates

Abstract Al–Mg–Si–(Cu) alloys form the basis of a wide variety of commercial precipitation-hardened alloys, and the observed precipitation sequence in these alloys is complex and involves a wide variety of metastable phases (e.g. GP zones, β″, U1, U2, B′, β′). Calculations of metastable phase equilibria in these alloys are virtually nonexistent due to the lack of quantitative information on the thermodynamics of the precipitate phases. We have undertaken an extensive, systematic first-principles study of energetics of all the reported precipitate phases of Al–Mg–Si–(Cu) alloys, using density functional-based calculations in both the local density and generalized gradient approximations. Our calculations help clarify the energetics of the metastable precipitate phases, and in certain cases, provide insight into the compositional changes of precipitates during aging. In addition to energetics, we also examine the relative volumes of the various phases, and discuss cases of significant deviation from that of the solid solution.
Particle Acceleration in the Heliosphere: Implications for Astrophysics

There has been a remarkable discovery concerning particles that are accelerated in the solar wind. At low energies, in the region where the particles are being accelerated, the spectrum of the accelerated particles is always the same: when expressed as a distribution function, the spectrum is a power law in particle speed with a spectral index of −5, and a rollover at higher particle speeds that can often be described as exponential. This common spectral shape cannot be accounted for by any conventional acceleration mechanism, such as diffusive shock acceleration or traditional stochastic acceleration. It has thus been necessary to invent a new acceleration mechanism to account for these observations, a pump mechanism in which particles are pumped up in energy through a series of adiabatic compressions and expansions. The conditions under which the pump acceleration is the dominant acceleration mechanism are quite general and are likely to occur in other astrophysical plasmas. In this paper, the most compelling observations of the −5 spectra are reviewed; the governing equation of the pump acceleration mechanism is derived in detail; the pump acceleration mechanism is applied to acceleration at shocks; and, as an illustration of the potential applicability of the pump acceleration mechanism to other astrophysical plasmas, the pump mechanism is applied to the acceleration of galactic cosmic rays in the interstellar medium.
Polymeric Schiff Bases. IV. The Prototype Syntheses of Schiff Bases by Reactions of Aromatic Acetals with Aromatic Amines or Their Acyl Derivatives

Abstract The acetals of aryl aldehydes react with aryl amines to produce Schiff bases in quantitative yields. This reaction was also facile with diamines and diacetals. It involves a two-step elimination of alcohol; kinetic data indicate that k 2 is equal to or greater than k 1 and this complicates the isolation of any intermediate compound. Because of overlap of absorption bands, the existence of intermediates was not confirmed by infrared spectral measurements. Adducts of the acetals and the aniline hydrochlorides were isolated as hydrochlorides; their molecular weights, as well as the products obtained by neutralization, indicated that the intermediate is not a monoalkoxy compound. The acetals react, also, with N-acyl aniline by the elimination k 1 of the alcohol and k 2 of the ester, in which k 1 k 2, to produce Schiff bases in less than quantitative yields. These reactions of acetals with amines and their N-acyl derivatives are of interest in the syntheses of polymers.
Inhibition of Apoptosis by the BEACH Domain and WD Repeats of Gene lba that has Key Features of Both Protein Kinase A Anchor and chs1/beige Genes

INTRODUCTION. The Chediak-Higashi Syndrome patients suffer from a systematic immune deficiency including defects in T cell cytotoxicity, killing by NK cells, defective bactericidal activity and chemotaxis by granulocytes and monocytes. All cells in beige mice and CHS patients bear giant vesicles that cluster around the nucleus. The beige and chs1 genes have been cloned recently (1). However, despite these very provocative findings there still remains no direct evidence that CHS1 proteins associate with intracellular vesicles and thus a molecular explanation for defective vesicle trafficking and the protein missorting in these diseases is still sought. We have recently identified a novel beige-like gene in humans and mice that is induced by LPS stimulation in macrophages and B cells. This protein also contains a potential protein kinase A binding site and we thus designate it lba, LPS-responsive, beigelike and anchor gene. METHOD. The lba gene was isolated and cloned by a gene-trapping strategy (2, 3) and 5'and 3'- RACE. The BEACH domain and WD repeats were cloned together or separately into a pEGFP-N vector. RAW 264.7 cells were stably transfected. Apoptosis was induced by 0.5 µM staurosporine for 4, 8, 17 hr and assayed by Western blotting of whole cell lysates for the status of PARP (poly-ADP ribose polymerase) and CASPASE 3. RESULTS. The novel gene lba has an orthologue in flies in addition to in mice and humans. It has key features of both chs1/beige and A kinase anchor genes. Expression of lba is induced following LPS stimulation of B cells and macrophages. The lba is expressed in many other tissues in the body and has three distinct mRNA isoforms that are differentially expressed in various tissues. Confocal and immuno-electronic microscopy indicate this protein associate with the trans-Golgi complex, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. The BEACH domain and WD repeats of lba gene can prevent apoptosis induced by staurosporine (Fig. 1). The cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP, two apoptotic markers, are inhibited by LBA fusion protein. The subcellular localization of the fusion proteins is changed by LPS stimulation and staurosporine induction.
Measuring the transverse concentration gradient between adjacent laminar flows in a microfluidic device by a laser-based refractive index gradient detector

Abstract A detection scheme that probes the refractive index gradient (RIG) between adjacent laminar flows in microfluidic devices has been developed and evaluated. The behavior of low Reynolds number flows has been well documented and shows that molecular transport (mixing) between adjacent laminar flows occurs by molecular diffusion between the flow boundaries. A diode laser has been used to probe the transverse concentration gradient at a selected position along a microchannel. The concentration gradient is affected by the transverse diffusion from a flow with analyte into a flow initially without analyte. To optimize sensitivity, the RIG is probed at a position in which molecular diffusion across the boundary of the two flows has been minimal, i.e. just after the flow initially without analyte merges with the flow initially containing the analyte at a given concentration. The RIG formed causes the laser beam, impinging orthogonal to the RIG through the microchannel, to be deflected. The angle of deflection is then monitored on a position sensitive detector (PSD). Currently, this detection scheme is demonstrated to provide quantitative detection of sucrose, as a test analyte, with a concentration limit of detection (LOD) of 96 ppm (w/v) or 280 μM, corresponding to 1.3×10−5 ΔRI units using 3σ baseline noise. A dynamic range of 96 ppm to 50% sucrose is obtained. This detection method provides universal detection selectivity for microfluidic analysis systems that are becoming increasingly useful in monitoring chemical systems, particularly for the polymer, pharmaceutical and life sciences fields. For a larger molecular weight analyte with a smaller diffusion coefficient, lower concentration and RI LODs were achieved since detection sensitivity is a function of analyte diffusion. For example, for the polymer poly (ethylene glycol) with a molar mass of 11 840 g mol−1, the LOD was experimentally determined to be 56 ppm (4.7 μM), equivalent to a RI LOD of 4.5×10−6 ΔRI (3σ). The detection limit for proteins was also found to be favorable. For example, with the current configuration, ribonuclease A (RNAse) had a LOD of 46 ppm (3.4 μM), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) had a LOD of 54 ppm (780 nM).
Total knee arthroplasty for severe valgus deformity.

BACKGROUND: In 1985, the senior author (C.S.R.) developed a new soft-tissue release technique to balance valgus knees to avoid unacceptably high rates of late-onset instability and the need for primary constrained implants. This report describes the soft-tissue release technique and its long-term results when performed in primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with a severe valgus knee deformity. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety consecutive total knee arthroplasties were performed by one surgeon between January 1988 and December 1992. In this group, seventy-one patients (eighty-five knees) had a valgus deformity of 10°. Thirty-two patients (thirty-six knees) died, and four patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up, leaving thirty-five patients (forty-two knees) followed for a minimum of five years. These twenty-seven women and eight men had a mean age of sixty-seven years at the time of the index operation. The technique included an inside-out soft-tissue release of the posterolateral aspect of the capsule with pie-crusting of the iliotibial band and resection of the proximal part of the tibia and distal part of the femur to provide a balanced, rectangular space. Cemented, posterior stabilized implants were used in all knees. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at one, five, and ten years postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean modified Knee Society clinical score improved from 30 points preoperatively to 93 points postoperatively, and the mean functional score improved from 34 to 81 points. The mean range of motion was 110° both preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean coronal alignment was corrected from 15° of valgus preoperatively to 5° of valgus postoperatively. Three patients underwent revision surgery because of delayed infection, premature polyethylene wear, and patellar loosening in one patient each. There were no cases of delayed instability. CONCLUSIONS: The inside-out release technique to correct a fixed valgus deformity in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty is reproducible and provides excellent long-term results.
Temporal zeta potential variations of 45S5 bioactive glass immersed in an electrolyte solution.

S5 bioactive glass (BG) is a bioactive material known to bond to bone in vivo through a surface calcium phosphate (Ca-P) layer. The goal of this study was to ad- dress the importance of BG surface charge in the bioactive response by examining the relationship between charge variations and the formation of the surface Ca-P layer. The zeta potential of BG in an electrolyte solution (TE) was mea- sured by particle electrophoresis, and the formation of a Ca-P layer was characterized using SEM, EDXA, and FTIR. Si, Ca, and P solution concentrations also were determined. The initial BG surface was negatively charged, and two sign reversals were detected during 3 days of immersion. The first, from negative to positive after 1 day, is attributed to the adsorption of cations at the BG surface, and the second re- versal was due to the precipitation of phosphate ions from solution. A strong correlation was found between the for- mation of a Ca-P layer and BG surface zeta potential varia- tions. The dynamic shift in zeta potential from an initially negative surface to a positively charged surface directly cor- responded with the formation of an amorphous Ca-P layer. In addition, when the glass surface matured into a crystal- line Ca-P layer, it was associated with a reversal from a positive to a negative surface. Future work will focus on the effects of protein adsorption on BG surface charge and Ca-P layer formation kinetics as well as on cellular response to a changing BG surface. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 51, 80-87, 2000.
Efficient dynamic voting algorithms

Two novel dynamic voting algorithms are proposed. One, called optimistic dynamic voting, operates on possibly out-of-date information, which greatly increases the efficiency of the algorithm and simplifies its implementation. The other, called topological dynamic voting, explicitly takes into account the topology of the network on which the copies reside to increase the availability of the replicated data. The authors compare availabilities of replicated data managed by both algorithms with those of data managed by existing voting protocols using a simulation model with realistic parameters. Optimistic dynamic voting is found to perform as well as the best existing voting algorithms while topological dynamic voting performs much better than all other voting algorithms when two or more copies reside in the same nonpartitionable group. >
Innovative Teaching and Technology in the Service of Science: Recruiting the Next Generation of STEM Students.

This article examines innovative approaches to augmenting science lessons taught in middle and high school, with special emphasis on the importance of the early teen years, when experiences both in and out of school have significant impact on career decisions. This is a reflective essay on the recent work of science educators and educational researchers hoping to increase science literacy in American students and inspire them to choose STEM careers. The creativity and breadth of the techniques discussed have important implications for the way in which student teachers are prepared within college secondary education programs.
The Median is Not the Only Message: A Clinician's Perspective on Mathematical Analysis of Glycemic Variability and Modeling in Diabetes Mellitus

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a long-term, integrated average of tissue exposure to hyperglycemia, is the best reflection of average glucose concentrations and the best proven predictor of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, HbA1c fails to capture glycemic variability and the risks associated with extremes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. These risks are the primary barrier to achieving the level of average glucose control that will minimize both the microvascular and the long-term macrovascular complications of type 1 diabetes. High blood glucose levels largely due to prandial excursions produce oxidative and inflammatory stress with potential acceleration of preexisting atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, some temporal aspects of glycemic variation, including the rates of rise and fall of glucose, are associated with adverse cognitive and mood symptoms in those with diabetes. Methods to quantify the risk of glycemic extremes, both high and low, and the variability including its temporal aspects are now more precise than ever. These important endpoints should be included for use in clinical trials as useful metrics and recognized by regulatory agencies, which has not been the case in the past. Precise evaluation of glycemic variability and its attendant risks are essential in the design of optimal therapies; for these reasons, inclusion of these metrics and the pulsatile hormone patterns in mathematical models may be essential. For the clinician, the incursion of mathematical models that simulate normal and pathophysiological mechanisms of glycemic control is a reality and should be also gradually incorporated into clinical practice.
Binding to lipid membrane induces conformational changes in RPE65: implications for its isomerohydrolase activity.

The visual cycle is a multi-step pathway to recycle 11- cis retinal, the chromophore for both rod and cone visual pigments. The isomerohydrolase RPE65, a membrane-associated enzyme, converts a t RE (all- trans -retinyl ester) to 11- cis -retinol, a key step in the visual cycle. Previously, it has been shown that membrane association of RPE65 is essential for its catalytic activity. Using purified recombinant chicken RPE65 and an in vitro liposome-based floatation assay, we present evidence that the RPE65 membrane-binding affinity was significantly facilitated by incorporation of a t RE, the substrate of RPE65, into liposomal membrane. Using tryptophan emission fluorescence quenching and CD spectroscopy, we showed that, upon membrane binding, RPE65 undergoes conformational changes at both the tertiary and secondary structural levels. Specifically, tryptophan fluorescence quenching showed that the tertiary RPE65 structure became more open towards the hydrophilic environment upon its association with the membrane. Simultaneously, a decrease in the α-helix content of RPE65 was revealed upon binding with the lipid membrane containing a t RE. These results demonstrated that RPE659s functional activity depends on its conformational changes caused by its association with the membrane.
Mobile Technology: An Exploratory Study of Hotel Managers

Hospitality businesses provide a natural context for mobile technology, especially given the dynamic nature of the business, the size and complexity of many hotel operations, and the need to have managers visible and overseeing multiple areas of the business (and sometimes, multiple properties) concurrently. To explore the potential for mobile technology in hospitality business contexts, we surveyed 70 full-service hotel property managers. The survey was based upon two theoretical frameworks: technology adoption model and innovation diffusion theory. Specifically, this study addressed (a) hotel property managers’ intentions to use mobile technology at work, (b) factors influencing their intentions, (c) their suggestions for implementing mobile applications in different departments, and (d) demographic characteristics of those who are inclined to adopt certain types of mobile applications. This study identified the top opportunities for mobile applications and found adoption differences based upon the resp...
Historic Preservation’s Urban Renewal Roots Preservation and Planning in Midcentury Philadelphia

This article analyzes the intersection of historic preservation and city planning in post-WWII Philadelphia. Using over forty-five area plans, the city’s 1960 Comprehensive Plan, and contemporary m...
Chelation Number of Terbium Dipicolinate: Effects on Photoluminescence Lifetime and Intensity:

Time-resolved photoluminescence was studied as a function of chelation number in terbium dipicolinate. We excited the ligand (dipicolinate) with UV (250 to 330 nm) and collected the emission from the cation (terbium) in the visible region (450 to 700 nm). The luminescence of Tb(dpa)n3-2n followed a monoexponential decay, with a lifetime (0.66 to 2.0 ms) that decreased continuously as the terbium chloride concentration increased. The luminescence lifetime of Tb(dpa)+ was 0.66 ms. We measured the luminescence decay time, the peak intensity, and the total time-integrated intensity as a function of terbium chloride concentration at two dipicolinic acid concentrations and fitted the results to functions of terbium dipicolinate concentration. We used a model with rapid ligand exchange and rapid back-transfer of energy to fit the data to first order. We also present molar absorptivity spectra of complexes with different chelation numbers.
Factors Affecting Survival and Growth of Juvenile Freshwater Mussels Cultured in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Abstract Seasonal differences in glochidial maturity, substrate, and diet were studied to determine how these factors affect the survival and growth of juvenile freshwater mussels. Comparisons were made between juveniles produced in the fall and spring of the year; cultured in sediment, sand, or without substrate; and fed either of two species of small (5–10-μm) green algae. The survival and growth of endangered juveniles of oyster mussel Epioblasma capsaeformis were compared with those of a common, seemingly more robust species, the rainbow mussel Villosa iris. The growth of rainbow mussel juveniles was significantly greater than that of oyster mussel juveniles (P < 0.001). The survival and growth of oyster mussel juveniles were significantly greater when propagated in the spring, that is, when glochidia were mature and would normally be released, than in fall (P < 0.001). Survival and growth of juveniles of both species were significantly greater when they were cultured in a sediment substratum rather t...
Looking forward to transition: perspectives on transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care

SUMMARY Aim: This study aimed to prospectively investigate transition beliefs, knowledge and needs of pediatric patients with diabetes and their parents. Patients & methods: Parallel youth and parent questionnaires evaluating the transition process were distributed over a 6-month time period. Respondents included 123 pediatric patients with diabetes (11–19 years old) and their parents. Results: Few families had discussed the transition of diabetes care (∼25%). Most had not established a transition plan (∼90%). Youth and parents agreed that seeing the doctor alone, discussions about transition and transition itself should occur at 17–18 years of age. Conclusion: Youth with diabetes and their parents are not prepared for transition to adult care. Transition discussions should begin at an earlier age. Additional research is needed to learn how and when to begin these discussions.
THE EFFECTS OF CUMULATIVE PRACTICE ON MATHEMATICS PROBLEM SOLVING

This study compared three different methods of teaching five basic algebra rules to college students. All methods used the same procedures to teach the rules and included four 50-question review sessions interspersed among the training of the individual rules. The differences among methods involved the kinds of practice provided during the four review sessions. Participants who received cumulative practice answered 50 questions covering a mix of the rules learned prior to each review session. Participants who received a simple review answered 50 questions on one previously trained rule. Participants who received extra practice answered 50 extra questions on the rule they had just learned. Tests administered after each review included new questions for applying each rule (application items) and problems that required novel combinations of the rules (problem-solving items). On the final test, the cumulative group outscored the other groups on application and problem-solving items. In addition, the cumulative group solved the problem-solving items significantly faster than the other groups. These results suggest that cumulative practice of component skills is an effective method of training problem solving.
Imaging evaluation of posttraumatic renal injuries

Computed tomography plays an important role for the evaluation of most patients with suspected renal injury after trauma. Intravenous urography is used for gross assessment of renal function in hemodynamically unstable patients. Renal injuries can be classified into four large groups: (1) minor renal contusion, lacerations, subcapsular hematoma, and small cortical infarcts; (2) major renal lacerations extending to the medulla with or without involvement of the collecting system; (3) catastrophic renal injuries including fragmentation of the kidney and renal pedicle vascular injuries; and (4) ureteropelvic junction injuries. Integration of the imaging findings of renal injury with clinical information is important to developing a treatment plan.
INDUCIBILITY OF THYMIDINE KINASE BY THYMIDINE AS A FUNCTION OF INTERPHASE STAGE

Thymidine may act as an inducer of thymidine kinase activity in cells of higher plants. The general response is demonstrable in a randomly developing cell population such as is found in germinating wheat embryos. If a synchronously developing cell population is studied, however, potentially inducible cells are found to be susceptible to the inductive effect of thymidine only during about 10 per cent of the G1 period, and close to the interval when thymidine kinase activity normally appears.
Effects of anesthetic agents on serum parathyroid hormone and calcium concentrations in mice.

Abstract Objective To determine the effects of three anesthetic regimens on serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in mice. Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Twenty-seven, 12-week-old, FVB mice. Methods Mice were anesthetized with either isoflurane, a combination of ketamine plus xylazine (100 and 10 mg kg −1 , respectively) or ketamine alone (100 mg kg −1 ). Blood was collected before and after the induction of anesthesia. Serum calcium and PTH concentrations were measured and compared. Results Isoflurane or ketamine did not significantly alter either serum calcium or serum PTH concentrations. A combination of ketamine plus xylazine significantly increased serum PTH, but not serum calcium concentrations. Conclusions A combination of ketamine and xylazine should be avoided prior to collection of blood for measurement of serum PTH concentrations. Isoflurane is suitable for this purpose.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Water Mobility in Pasta Filata and Non-Pasta Filata Mozzarella

Changes in molecular mobility of water in pasta filata and non-pasta filata Mozzarella cheeses were investigated during the first 10 d of storage using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation techniques. Water in pasta filata Mozzarella was classified into two fractions by spin-spin relaxation times, T21 and T22, and corresponding proton intensities, A1 and A2, representing low and high molecular mobility, respectively. Increase in A1 (and decrease in A2) suggested that, there was a redistribution of water from more- to less-mobile fraction (from T22 to T21 fraction) during the first 10 d of storage. The NMR data did not indicate the two-state behavior of water molecules in non-pasta filata Mozzarella. However, the T2 values of non-pasta filata Mozzarella were comparable to the T21 values of pasta filata Mozzarella indicating that the molecular mobility of water in non-pasta filata Mozzarella is comparable to that of the less mobile water fraction in pasta filata Mozzarella. Generally, T2 and T1 values of pasta filata and non-pasta filata Mozzarella cheeses increased during the 10-d storage. This is believed to be due to structural changes in the protein matrix.
Segmentation along Strike-Slip Faults Revisited

Fault segmentation and fault steps and their evolution are relevant to the dynamics and size of earthquake ruptures, the distribution of fault damage zones and the capacity of fault seal. Furthermore, segment interactions and coalescence are the fundamental processes for fault growth. To contribute to this end, we investigated the architecture of strike-slip faults by combining field observations in the Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, and the published data sets.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm in women: Prevalence, risk factors, and implications for screening

Objective Accurate data regarding the prevalence and associated risk factors for aneurysmal disease is essential when determining the appropriateness of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Although women are poorly represented in most large studies of AAA prevalence, the US Preventative Services Task Force recently recommended against primary screening for AAA in women. The purpose of this analysis was to define the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of AAA in women. Methods A free duplex ultrasound screening was offered to men and women with cardiovascular risk factors or a family history of AAA. Patients were recruited through advertising at local screening centers and screenings were performed between 2004 and 2006. Demographic information and cardiovascular and aneurysmal disease risk factors were obtained for each patient through a questionnaire. A total of 17,540 subjects were screened for AAA, including 10,012 women (mean age 69.6 years) and 7528 men (mean age 70.0 years). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on the subset of women that were screened to determine risk factors for and prevalence of AAA. Results Seventy-four aneurysms were detected in women (including four aneurysms >5 cm diameter and 70 aneurysms 3 to 5 cm diameter) while 291 were detected in men, resulting in prevalence rates of 0.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR]= 4.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98 to 10.54, P P P Conclusion Although the medical literature suggests a low prevalence rate of AAA in women in the general population, specific risk factors are associated with the development of AAA, and subgroups of women can be identified that are at a substantially increased risk of aneurysmal disease. In particular, elevated rates of AAA were found among women of advanced age (≥65 years) with a history of smoking or heart disease. These data support the notion that women with such risk factors should be considered for AAA screening.
Disrupted nuclear import/export in neurodegeneration

The major human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, are associated with accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins. In most cases, the majority of aberrantly aggregated proteins are found in the cell cytoplasm. However, in disorders caused by the expansion of a trinucleotide repeat, including Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia, the corresponding aggregates of proteins containing the encoded polyglutamine expansions are predominantly nuclear. Whether differences in intracellular location matter for the toxicity generated by such proteins has not been determined. On page 173 of this issue, Woerner et al. ( 1 ) report that the location does indeed matter, with toxicity arising from the cytoplasmic accumulation of a pair of artificial proteins designed to mimic the properties of amyloid aggregates. Surprisingly, forcing the same artificial proteins into the nucleus substantially reduces their toxicity.
Objectives of Undergraduate Education and the Role of Agricultural Economics for Non-Agricultural Economics Majors

HE American Farm Economic Association members, as a group and individually, have demonstrated their concern and respect for the undergraduate student and his university experience by sponsoring, organizing, and participating in a number of curriculum and instruction meetings and symposia during the past decade. For this concern and respect, I salute and commend you. My intent in this presentation is, first, to identify and emphasize several objectives of undergraduate education that sometimes escape attention in discussions of this type or in "statements of purpose" found in most university catalogs. Second, I will underline for you certain contributions which the agricultural economics discipline (or subdiscipline) can and should make to the education of undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Perhaps one who is not an agricultural economist, by training or practice, can see a broader role and can appreciate the role more than those who are trained in and work daily in agricultural economics.
A Change of Heart: Lifewriting and Organ Transplantation

(1991). A Change of Heart: Lifewriting and Organ Transplantation. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 6, Illness, Disability, and Lifewriting, pp. 76-84.