cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethical concerns and future directions in maternal screening for down syndrome

T he recent recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that every pregnant woman (at any age) be offered a triple screen for Down syndrome marks another major step in genetic screening.’ The triple screen involves assessment of midtrimester level of human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and cx-fetoprotein in order to assign a numerical risk to the pregnancy for having a fetus with Down syndrome.2,3 Rarely, if ever, has such universal screening been offered and marketed for a single fetal anomaly. The serum a-fetoprotein test has for some time been recommended for detection of neural tube defects.4 These defects include many anomalies, ranging from spina bifida to anencephaly. A number of these anomalies are considered lethal. The absolutely negative prognosis of these fetuses has made such screening acceptable to many, even though many fetuses identified by the screening test can be readily treated for low meningomyeloceles. The triple screen for Down syndrome is the first universal screening effort for a single disorder with a nonlethal prognosis. What does the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ most recent recommendation mean? It means that should an obstetrician fail to recommend the test and the fetus turns out to have Down syndrome, an attorney can help the pregnant woman obtain millions of dollars in a malpractice suit. It means that we are willing to spend more than 1 billion dollars annually to try to identify the 7,500, or so, fetuses with Down syndrome in utero in a way that will allow termination of all these pregnancies, if choice so dictates5 This figure stems from the recent presentation by Mark Evans, MD, at the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society meeting in 1994, in which he noted that the full triple screen at their institution costs approximately $190,000 per fetus found with Down syndrome. Between 7,500 and 10,000 fetuses with Down syndrome are present annually in America (as estimated using birth rates and risk rates). The actual figure noted by Evans would lead to a cost in America of $1.425 billion to find only 7,500 such fetuses
561 ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING OF |[alpha]|-L-FUCOSIDASE FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS AND CONTROL SKIN FIBROBLASTS

α-L-Fucosidase activity is elevated in cystic fibrosis (CF) skin fibroblasts while nine other acid hydrolases including neuraminidase have activities similar to those in the control fibroblasts (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 79,869,1977). Extracts of skin fibroblasts from CF individuals and age, sex, and race matched controls were analyzed by isoelectric focusing on thin layer polyacrylamide gels to determine if the elevated activity of α-L-fucosidase in the CF cells resulted from a difference in a specific isoenzyme. Fibroblasts were seeded at a density of 3.0 × 106 cells/150 cm2 and harvested after 7 days with trypsin. Cell pellets were suspended in Triton X-100, broken in a Dounce homogenizer and centrifuged at 10,400g for 20 min. The supernatant solutions were electrofocused for 2 h in an LKB Multiphor apparatus both before and after treatment with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase. Two separate ampholine gradients, pH 3.5-10 and pH 4-7, were used. The gels were cut in 2 mm slices and α-L-fucosidase activity was assayed using 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-L-fucopyranoside as substrate in citrate buffer, pH 5.8. The CF and control fibroblasts had similar isoenzyme patterns under all of the conditions described with the exception that several CF preparations showed a predominance of the isoenzymes with higher isoelectric points. USPHS GM07025 and The National Foundation-March of Dimes.
Pregnancy After Pancreatic-Renal Transplantation Because of Diabetes

In this article, we describe two pregnancies in the same patient after pancreatic-renal transplantation. Severe, labile hypertension necessitated delivery at 35 weeks during the patient's first pregnancy and at 30 weeks (associated with renal graft obstruction) during her second pregnancy. Women with insulindependent diabetes mellitus who undergo pancreatic-renal transplantation can have a successful pregnancy if adequate multidisciplinary, specialized medical care is rendered.
Development of a Dynamic Cathode Ejector Model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid Systems

Solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine (SOFC-GT) hybrid systems are attractive for future power generation with ultra-low criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the challenges for SOFC-GT systems is to sufficiently pre-heat incoming air before it enters the fuel cell cathode. An ejector for cathode exhaust recirculation has the benefits of reliability, low maintenance, and cost compared to either recuperators or cathode recirculation blowers, which may be also be used for air pre-heating. In this study, a dynamic Simulink model of an ejector for cathode exhaust recirculation to pre-heat incoming fuel cell air has been developed. The ejector is to be utilized within a 100 MW SOFC-GT dynamic model operating on coal syngas. A thorough theoretical development is presented. Results for the ejector were found to be in good agreement with those reported in literature. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Arctic atmospheric structure to 250 km

Abstract Atmospheric density, pressure and scale height data have been obtained by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory with Aerobee-Hi rockets fired at Fort Churchill as part of the U.S.-IGY program. Three rockets have been fired at Fort Churchill, 59°N; a fourth will be fired there in October 1958 and a fifth rocket will be fired at White Sands, 33°N in the summer of 1959. The analysis of the data from the first two rockets is nearly complete. The results show: (i) the summer densities from 30 to 70 km at 59°N are approximately 5 to 10 per cent higher than the Rocket Panel values for 33°N, (ii) the winter densities from 25 to 40 km are 10 to 20 per cent lower than corresponding summer values at 59°N; thus they are 5 to 10 per cent lower than the 33°N Rocket Panel values, (iii) the daytime atmospheric density at 200 km at 59°N is higher both in the summer and in the winter than the summer value of 1·4 ± 0·5 × 10−7 g/m3 for 33°N obtained in August 1951. At 59°N and 200 km altitude the summer value is 6·7 ± 2 × 10−7 g/m3 while the corresponding winter value is 3·6 + 3, −1·5 × 10−7 g/m3 and (iv) the summer atmospheric pressure at 110 km at 59°N is (6·5 ± 0·8) × 10−5 mm Hg and is a factor of 2·5 higher than the corresponding 33°N value. A tentative result from the third flight has been obtained. This winter night flight gives a density value of 1·3 ± 0·6 × 10−7g/m3 at 202 km above 59°N. This value is a factor of 3 lower than was obtained at the same latitude on a winter day and is equal to the value obtained on a summer day at 33°N.
U.S. Universal Health Coverage at a Crossroad

Scheduled for 2014, implementation of universal coverage in the U.S. is not proceeding smoothly. Embroiled in bitter partisan conflict and absent decisive popular support, this costly new entitlement program, The Affordable Care Act commonly referred to as ObamaCare, is vulnerable to a major overhaul or possible rejection. National interest considerations urge that reformulation center on better matching the law’s aspirations with new realities rather than abstract ideals. Constraints on government spending and the risks public indebtedness pose for the national economy compel a pragmatic reassessment of entitlement policy in the light of what is affordable. ObamaCare compounds the government’s unsustainable debt and deficit problem, promising benefits that are overly generous and lack effective cost controls. Fiscal imperatives compel that scarce government resources be targeted on the truly needy and that individuals capable of doing so assume a greater responsibility for their health care. They also necessitate a more sophisticated public-private partnership than provided in the new health law in order to capture the benefits of market competition that facilitate innovation, circumvent political stalemate, confine the inflationary effects of services perceived to be free goods, and provide incentives that reward individuals for becoming more cost-conscious users of health services. Finally, the harnessing of self-interest is presented as a superior alternative to centralized command and control methods for influencing health behavior and keeping health spending under control. In the interest of economy and efficiency, government involvement, following the subsidization of low income persons on a sliding scale basis, should concentrate on standard setting, monitoring and evaluating productivity and quality improvement practices. Ultimately, living standards contribute more to health status than do health services, and this requires investment directed at economic growth.
Life Event Stress and Coping Style as Contributors to Psychopathology.

Despite the nearly universal finding that life event stress is related to psychopathology, the strength of these relationships is weak. In an attempt to increase the strength of the correlation between life event stress and psychopathology, this study evaluated the simultaneous contribution of life event stress and coping style, as well as the independent contribution of each, to psychopathology. Seventy-six male and 74 female college students served as primary subjects, while an additional 57 male and 60 female college students served as a cross validation sample. Each subject completed the Life Experiences Survey, the Coping Strategies Inventory, and the MMPI. Sex differences were found in the type of coping style related to psychopathology, the relative contributions of coping style and negative life stress to psychopathology, and the percentage of variance accounted for in psychopathology. Future research was recommended to include other variables, such as chronic life stress and physiological reactivity, and to control better for such methodological problems as response sets.
Morphological novelty in the limb skeleton accompanies miniaturization in salamanders

Salamanders of the genus Thorius (Plethodontidae) are among the smallest tetrapods. Hypotheses of limb skeletal evolution in these vertebrates were evaluated on the basis of estimates of natural variation, comparisons of skeletal homology, and analysis of molecular phylogeny. Nine carpal arrangements occur in Thorius, more than in all twelve related genera of typically larger salamanders; six of these arrangements are unique. They represent a trend toward a decrease in the number of separate cartilages that is independent of locomotor and ecological specialization. Miniaturization may be an important source of morphological novelty, distinct from local adaptation, in vertebrates.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are now surviving to school age and early adulthood because of surgical palliation with either staged reconstruction or transplantation. Although in some respects these patients are doing remarkably well, recent investigations have shown that they are at risk for cognitive, neuromotor, and psychosocial problems. This article examines the neurodevelopmental outcome for children and adolescents with HLHS. In addition, hemodynamic and genetic factors unique to this patient population that may impact longer-term outcome are explored. The continued evolution of the pre-, intra- and post-operative care of the patient with HLHS has significantly improved early survival. Concomitant changes in care, such as selective cerebral perfusion and neurologic monitoring, aimed at reducing neurologic insult may also favorably impact later neurodevelopmental status.
Multi-Modality Image And Communications Systems Design And Architecture Considerations

Multi- Modality Image and Communications Systemsdesign and architecture considerationsAllan I. Edwin, Robert B. DiederichGeneral Electric Company, Medical Systems Group, Multi- Modality System ProgramsP. O. Box 414, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201AbstractWith today's increased focus on the cost effective delivery of health care, we are see-ing great emphasis placed on the systems approach to cost containment. One area in whichthis approach has direct application is the collection, storage, retrieval and displayof diagnostic information (both images and text). The evolution of relevant technologieshas now advanced sufficiently to consider their applications in image storage, communica-tion and display. This paper will discuss the state of technology and other consider-ations that must be examined in the design of an integrated Multi- Modality Imaging andCommunications System (MMICS).Specifically, we will explore the information requirements, both image and text, thedata storage and retrieval issues, the communications networking requirements, the imagedisplay issues and the need for an interface into the Hospital Information System (HIS).Another recent trend in medical imaging is a trend towards shared resourses. A groupof hospitals and /or clinics come together to share a CT or MR facility. Or a group ofhospitals, each of which has a CT with which to take data, share certain specialists whomay be located at different member institutions. This resource sharing creates the needto connect hospital MMICS's together and perhaps also allow other users, such as referringphysicians or clinics located outside of the hospital, to have access to parts of the
An Education Program Which Prepares Nurses to Teach Breast Self-examination

Recognizing the importance of breast self-examination as a method of breast cancer detection, the maternity-gynecology department of a midwestern teaching hospital developed an educational program to prepare nurses to teach and demonstrate breast self-examination. The planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program is described. Emphasis is placed on the role and responsibility of nurses to competently perform breast self-examination instruction.
Microchip electrophoresis of N-glycans on serpentine separation channels with asymmetrically tapered turns

We designed and fabricated microfluidic devices with serpentine separation channels and asymmetrically tapered turns, thus allowing high efficiency separations and minimizing band broadening associated with the “racetrack” effect. We evaluated the performance of these devices by measuring the variation in separation efficiency with separation length, electric field strength, taper ratio of the turns, and number of turns. N-Glycans derived from ribonuclease B (RNase B) and labeled with 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid were electrophoretically separated on serpentine channels with separation lengths of 11, 18, 22, and 36 cm at electric field strengths from 750 to 1750 V/cm. Separations on the 36-cm channel produced plate numbers up to 940,000 with an analysis time under 3.1 min, whereas separations on the 22-cm channel had a shorter analysis time (less than 1.25 min), still with respectable efficiencies (up to 600,000 plates). Turn-induced dispersion was minimized with taper ratios 2 and 3, whereas having two or four 180° turns along the separation length did not impact the overall efficiency. The developed device was used to analyze native and desialylated N-glycans derived from the blood serum of an ovarian cancer patient and a disease-free individual. Separation efficiencies similar to that achieved with the model glycans from RNase B were attained for these biological samples.
Men in the mirror: A qualitative examination of low-income men's perceptions of their childhood relationships with their fathers

This study presents analysis of in-depth, qualitative interviews with 25 low-income, urban Latino and African-American fathers of 5- to 7-year-olds conducted by the researchers from 2003 to 2005. Participants are a subsample drawn from a larger pool of fathers from New York City (NYC) who were part of the Fathers and Newborn Study (FANS), a strand of the National Early Head Start Research and Evaluation study, with the goal of examining men's perceptions of their childhood relationships with their fathers and their views on how these experiences affected their parenting. Interviews were examined for thematic content using grounded theory techniques. Findings revealed that the vast majority of men felt their fathers had been disengaged in their lives, with only one-third reporting having seen their fathers at least a few times a week or more over the course of childhood. Men whose fathers were accessible over the course of childhood often described their fathers as hardworking and talked of appreciating th...
Trajectory Divergence for Coupled Relaxation Oscillators: Measurements and Models

The exponential divergence of nearby phase space trajectories is a hallmark of nonperiodic (chaotic) behavior in dynamical systems. We present the first laboratory of measurements of divergence rates (or characteristic exponents), using a system of coupled tunnel diode relaxation oscillators. This property of sensitive dependence on initial conditions is reliably associated with broadband spectra, and both methods are used to characterize the motion as a function of the coupling strength and natural frequency ratio of the two oscillators. A simple piecewise linear model correctly predicts the major periodic and non-periodic regions of the parameter space, thus confirming that the chaotic behavior involves only a few degrees of freedom.
On piecewise loglinear frontiers and log efficiency measures

Chang and Guh (1995) provide a so-called units invariant distance efficiency measure and argue that Sueyoshi and Chang's (1989) remedy for Charnes et al. (1982, 1983) is not units invariant. However, we show that (i) Chang and Guh (1995) misunderstand Sueyoshi and Chang's (1989) remedy, and (ii) the loglinear frontier determined by the Chang and Guh's distance efficiency measure, which is for the case of constant output and a linearly homogeneous production technology, is the same as obtained from Charnes et al. (1982, 1983). Chang and Guh (1995) ignore the fact that it is the constant output case, rather than the distance efficiency measure, that produces units invariance. We show that (i) their constant output assumption implies units invariance of the resulting loglinear efficient frontier, and (ii) their distance efficiency measure is developed and works under an implied condition of units invariance. We examine invariance in loglinear DEA models and correct erroneous calculations and claims in Chang and Guh's (1995) paper.
Effects of tolerance induction on early cell cycle progression by Th1 clones.

Abstract Human γ-globulin (HGG)-specific mouse Th1 clones exposed to tolerogenic signals provided by HGG-pulsed paraformaldehyde-fixed splenocytes (HGG-FAPC) were analyzed for antigen-induced progression through the early phases of the cell cycle. Exposure of Th1 clones to HGG-FAPC in primary cultures inhibits the ability of the clones to synthesize DNA in response to HGG and normal APC in secondary cultures. The Th1 clones in these secondary cultures were found to be blocked in G1a phase as evidenced by cell cycle analysis and by reduced numbers of cells expressing high levels of IL-2R and TfR. This cell cycle blockade of Th1 cells was not observed if the secondary cultures were stimulated with IL-2-containing Con A CM instead of antigen. These data suggest that in our system the inhibition in antigen-induced cell cycle progression associated with Th1 tolerance induction occurs at the G 1 a G 1 b phase transition.
BDNF signaling and survival of striatal neurons

The striatum, a major component of the basal ganglia, performs multiple functions including control of movement, reward, and addiction. Dysfunction and death of striatal neurons are the main causes for the motor disorders associated with Huntington’s disease (HD). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is among factors that promote survival and proper function of this neuronal population. Here, we review recent studies showing that BDNF determines the size of the striatum by supporting survival of the immature striatal neurons at their origin, promotes maturation of striatal neurons, and facilitates establishment of striatal connections during brain development. We also examine the role of BDNF in maintaining proper function of the striatum during adulthood, summarize the mechanisms that lead to a deficiency in BDNF signaling and subsequently striatal degeneration in HD, and highlight a potential role of BDNF as a therapeutic target for HD treatment.
Chromatic capacities of graphs and hypergraphs

Abstract Given a hypergraph H , the chromatic capacity χ cap ( H ) of H is the largest k for which there exists a k -coloring of the edges of H such that, for every coloring of the vertices of H with the edge colors, there exists an edge that has the same color as all its vertices. We prove that if G is a graph on n vertices with chromatic number χ and chromatic capacity χ cap , then χ cap >(1− o (1)) χ/ 2n ln χ , extending a result of Brightwell and Kohayakawa. We also answer a question of Archer by constructing, for all r and χ , r -uniform hypergraphs attaining the bound χ cap = χ −1. Finally, we show that a connected graph G has χ cap ( G )=1 if and only if it is almost bipartite. In proving this result, we also obtain a structural characterization of such graphs in terms of forbidden subgraphs.
Geographic Variation in Use of Laparoscopic Colectomy for Colon Cancer

Purpose Emerging evidence supporting the use of laparoscopic colectomy in patients with cancer has led to dramatic increases in utilization. Though certain patient and hospital characteristics may be associated with the use of laparoscopy, the influence of geography is poorly understood. Methods We used national Medicare claims data from 2009 and 2010 to examine geographic variation in utilization of laparoscopic colectomy for patients with colon cancer. Patients were assigned to hospital referral regions (HRRs) where they were treated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to generate age, sex, and race-adjusted rates of laparoscopic colectomy for each HRR. Patient quintiles of adjusted HRR utilization were used to evaluate differences in patient and hospital characteristics across low and high-utilizing HRRs. Results A total of 93,786 patients underwent colon resections at 3,476 hospitals during the study period, of which 30,502 (32.5%) were performed laparoscopically. Differences in patient charac...
Is there evidence for automatic processing of spatial and color attributes present in pictures and words

The current experiment studies evidence for automatic processing of color and spatial dimensions present in matched pictures and words. Subjects studied four lists of either line drawings or matched words that varied in color (red or green) and position (left or right side), under one of four encoding conditions. Subjects were instructed to encode (1) only the item, (2) the item and its color, 13) the item and its position, or (4) the item and both color and position. All subjects participated in an unexpected final recognition task in which item recognition and recall for both attributes, regardless of original encoding instructions, we:re examined. Color memory appeared to be effortful for both pictures and words, as it was at chance level unless subjects were specifically instructed to encode the information. Position was most poorly recalled when subjects attended only to item information, but memory for this dimension was well above chance in all encoding conditions. The position of the line drawings was better recalled than the position of the words. The implications of these results for Hasher and Zacks’ (1979) model of automatic processes is discussed.
Offshore versus local listings of Taiwanese firms: evidence from London, New York and Taipei

This article examines the differential between the share prices of Taiwanese securities traded on their home market of Taipei versus their trading values offshore in London and New York over the 1998 to 2009 period. In line with prior research on mainland Chinese securities, we examine how the premiums attached to Taiwanese securities abroad are related to exchange rate expectations and investor sentiment. Our cross sectional panel regression analysis identifies significant roles for both market wide and company specific sentiment effects. Additional sentiment effects may be linked with fluctuations in the bid–ask spreads as investor interest waxes and wanes.
Bethe-Bloch stopping power parameters for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe

Abstract Recent accurate measurements of the stopping powers of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe for protons and alpha particles in the respective energy intervals of 0.7–2.1 MeV and 1.0–3.0 MeV have been analyzed in the context of Bethe-Bloch theory modified by inclusion of Barkas-effect and Bloch terms. Values of various parameters of the theory were extracted through two- and three-parameter fits to the data. Results were compared with those of an earlier review for all such experiments with these projectile-target combinations.
What role for contact spots and dislocations in friction and wear

Abstract Sixteen years of research on the properties of ‘contact spots’ of ductile materials in ‘adhesive’ wear are surveyed. They are the locations (typically occupying less than 1% of the macroscopic area of contact) at which solids are in load-bearing contact during wear. Their properties determine the coefficient of friction, and friction and Joule heat are generated at them. It was found that the mechanical behavior of contact spots is governed by ordinary dislocation plasticity. They remain elastic if the local pressure falls short of the indentation hardness of the softer side. In that case (almost) no wear occurs. Elastic contact spots are promoted by light loads and fine polishing. Ordinarily, wear particles are detached through tangenital shearing-off where, statistically, the two sides at contact spots momentarily interlock. The Holm-Archard wear ‘law’ is a simple direct result of this mechanism. However, quite typically the bulk of sliding takes place within adsorbed moisture films which are ubiquitous in our daily surroundings. Outside of contact spots the adsorbed moisture behaves much like ordinary water. At the typical contact spot the moisture is squeezed down to but two monomolecular layers; and the relative motion between sliding solids overwhelmingly takes place between these. This causes the prevalence of friction coefficients about μ ≈ 0.3 in our surroundings. The complex behavior of the absorbed water can cause stick-slip. As water is desorbed at ⋍ 170°C, the determination of flash temperatures at contact spots is critical. A corresponding theory was developed and verified in connection with experiments on graphite lubrication which depends on the presence of adsorbed moisture. Further, plastic contact spots and solid lubrication have been simulated by means of a Bridgman anvil apparatus. The results show that the same work-hardening behavior applies at contact spots as known from the bulk. They also proved that at contact spots intimate mixing of the materials of the two sides gives rise to a finely mixed layer which can amorphize by much the same dislocation mechanism as is believed to cause melting. The amorphous material promptly recrystallizes at least in the CuAg system. It is proposed to try and inhibit such recrystallization by selected lubricants, so as to promote beneficial wear-resistant tribo-films.
Visually driven units in the anterior limbic cortex of the cat

Single-unit activity was recorded from the anterior limbic cortex of awake cats adapted for chronic recording. Visual stimulation by two stationary spots of white light revealed that 23% of the 170 units recorded from responded with phasic excitation or inhibition to the light onset, light offset, or light onset and offset period of stimulation. These results support the contention that the anterior limbic cortex is a component of the prefrontal cortical network in the cat.
Genotype-specific heat shock proteins in two maize inbreds.

Leaf blade tissue of maize inbred lines B73 and Mo17 was analyzed for intraspecific genetic variability in the heat shock response. The maize inbreds were characterized for acquired thermal tolerance and patterns of heat shock protein synthesis. The leakage conductivity assay of membrane stability during stress indicated that Mol7 possesses greater potential than B73 to acquire thermal tolerance. Poly(A)+ RNA, extracted from leaf blades, was translated in vitro in the presence of 35S-methionine and the translation products separated by twodimensional gel electrophoresis. Major genotypic differences were observed in the translation products. Mo 17 synthesized twelve unique heat shock proteins in the 15–18 kD range, but B73 synthesized only three unique heat shock proteins in the same range. DNA polymorphisms were observed between the maize lines using 32P labeled heat shock protein gene probes.
The future of retirement in aging societies

Amongst the hallmarks of a civilized society are that both the rich and the poor experience increasing longevity, and that both groups are entitled to leisure at the end of their working lives. Yet, as the economic crises of 2008–2009 reduces the value of assets in pension funds an emerging political rhetoric suggests work for retirees is healthy and that pensions take resources from younger people. This study shows that spending for programs for the elderly does not displace spending for younger populations. Evidence from 58 nations reveals pension and education spending increase together, which suggests that when political forces are allied with the elderly and young families, social spending increases across groups. A 10% increase in spending on education (as a percent of GDP) is correlated with a 7.3% increase in spending on pensions. Evidence from the US – where older people have more choices than they had before about working at advanced ages – suggests that older workers are increasing their labor ...
Improvement of PCR method for the detection of monodon baculovirus (MBV) in penaeid shrimp

Penaeus monodon-type baculovirus (MBV) infects and causes disease in hatchery-reared larvae and early stages of juvenile P. monodon. In this study, an improved 1-step PCR method was developed for the detection of MBV. The oligonucleotide primers, assigned as 261F and 261R, were designed from a genomic clone of MBV. Using extracted DNA from hepatopancreas or feces of ten geographic isolates of MBV infected shrimp, the PCR reaction yields a 261 bp fragment specific to the MBV sequence. Primers 261F/R did not cross-react with DNA from other shrimp viruses or with uninfected shrimp tissue. The detection limit of this primer pair is 100 copies of positive control plasmid DNA. This improved molecular method provides a diagnostic tool for identification of MBV in infected shrimp tissue collected from different geographic regions.
The Media as Educators, Educational Research, and Autonomous Deliberation

Abstract This article explores the connections between the media's responsibility to educate the public, politically and morally contested education policy debates, and public information and deliberation. The author argues that it is crucial for education policy researchers to clarify the competing perspectives on policy disputes by providing theory and research-based information to the public. This requires researchers to understand not only the nuances of the policy issue but also how the media serve as educators and how to find ways of disseminating research to journalists and members of the public.
ACTION SPECTRA FOR LIGHT-INDUCED SPORULATION OF THE FUNGI PLEOSPORA HERBARUM AND ALTERNARIA DAUCI.

— Action spectra for light induced sporulation were determined for conidia of Alternaria dauci, and conidia and perithecia of Pleospora herbarum (Imperfect stage is Stemphylium botryosum). Only radiation less than 370 mμ induced formation of conidia, and less than 390 mμ formation of perithecia. The action spectra showed increased effectiveness in the 230 and 290 mμ regions, and possibly in the 260–270 mμ regions. Below 280 mμ these action spectra may not be representative of the “true” absorption spectra of the photoreceptors involved because of possible superimposed effects caused by nucleic acid absorption. Though the action spectra were not identical, the number of characters in common were suggestive of a similar photoreceptor. Similarities between action spectra for sexual and asexual reproduction of P. herbarum indicate the possibility of a single photoreceptor for both processes.
Maintaining the quasi-steady state central current density profile in hybrid discharges

Experimental observations in a number of tokamaks operated in the hybrid regime revealed that the presence of a rotating neoclassical island substantially reduces the occurrence of sawtooth. This possibility of a rotating mangetic island driving counter currents near the plasma centre in present-day tokamaks is studied. Three mechanisms are investigated with two of them driving sufficient current. They rely on establishing an oscillating parallel electric field by the rotating neoclassical island. First is the excitation of an electrostatic side band through diamagnetic and curvature drifts; second is the excitation of the kinetic Alfven wave at the plasma centre through the polarization drifts. The third mechanism is the 'prompt' modification of the energetic particle distribution function by the neoclassical island and was found to be relatively weak. The effect of the energetic particles on the counter-current drive due to modification of the energetic particle distribution function on the long (energetic particle slowing-down) time scale has been simulated using a particle simulation code. A firm conclusion has not yet been drawn. Transport simulations indicate that present experimental observations could be the effect of either a negative current drive in the background plasma or the anomalous transport of the energetic particles.
Synthesis, secretion, and subcellular localization of serglycin proteoglycan in human endothelial cells

The serglycin proteoglycan is best known as a hematopoietic cell granule proteoglycan. It has been found that serglycin is synthesized by endothelial cells, is localized to cytoplasmic vesicles, and is constitutively secreted. Serglycin messenger RNA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and cultured human aortic endothelial cells was detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.35S-sulfate–labeled secreted and intracellular proteoglycans were analyzed. It was found that 85% of the proteoglycans synthesized during culture were secreted. A core protein of the appropriate size for serglycin was detected by analysis of the chondroitinase-digested 35S-sulfate–labeled HUVEC proteoglycans. This was the major core protein of the secreted chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Recombinant serglycin core protein was used to generate an antibody in chickens. A core protein identified by Western blotting of chondroitinase digests of HUVEC proteoglycans corresponded to the major 35S-sulfate– labeled core protein. Identical results were obtained with 2 hematopoietic cell lines. Cyto-immunofluorescence showed cytoplasmic vesicular and perinuclear labeling in hematopoietic cells and HUVECs. The serglycin-containing vesicles in HUVECs are distinct from the Weibel-Palade bodies, which contain von Willebrand factor. Confocal microscopy showed that tissue plasminogen activator was distributed similarly to serglycin. Serglycin may be important for the function of these vesicles and, once secreted, for the modulation of the activity of their constituents.
Structural order in near-frictionless hydrogenated diamondlike carbon films probed at three length scales via transmission electron microscopy

A series of hydrogenated diamondlike carbon films grown using plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition is systematically studied as a function of source gas composition using transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the films is examined at three distinct length scales. Both plan-view and cross-sectional studies are undertaken to reveal any large-scale inhomogeneities or anisotropy in the films. The degree of medium-range order in the films is measured by performing fluctuation electron microscopy on the plan-view and cross-sectional specimens. Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy is employed to measure the mass density and $s{p}^{2}:s{p}^{3}$ carbon bonding ratios of the samples. Thus, inhomogeneity as a function of depth in the film is revealed by the measurements of the short- and medium-range orders in the two different sample geometries. Soft, low-density diamondlike carbon films with low coefficients of friction are found to be more homogeneous as a function of depth in the film and possess reduced medium-range order in the surface layer. We find that these properties are promoted by employing a high hydrogen content methane and hydrogen admixture as the growth ambient. In contrast, harder, denser films with higher coefficients of friction possess a distinct surface layer with a relatively elevated level of carbon $s{p}^{3}$ bonding and a higher degree of medium-range order. The structure of the films is examined in the light of the energetics of the growth process. It appears that a high flux of penetrating hydrogen ions modifies the surface layer containing the remnant damage from the carbon ions, homogenizing it and contributing to a lowering of the coefficient of friction.
Are We Leaving Our Children Behind?: State Deaf-Blind Coordinators' Perceptions of Large-Scale Assessment

Researchers surveyed 52 deaf-blind coordinators to gain an understanding of their knowledge and involvement with their respective states' large-scale assessment systems in regard to students with deaf-blindness. Findings revealed (a) uncertainty by state deaf-blind coordinators regarding how well students with deaf-blindness fare in large-scale assessment systems and (b) that deaf-blind coordinators have had minimal opportunity to utilize their expertise in the development and implementation of state general and alternate large-scale assessments. If the NCLB Act (2002) is to achieve its policy goal of improving the academic performance of all students, greater attention must be paid to subgroups of students, such as those with deaf-blindness.
Tuning the electronic properties of phenazine and bisphenazine derivatives: a theoretical and experimental investigation

The current study employs both theoretical and experimental methods to characterize the electronic properties associated with peripheral substitution on asymmetric phenazine and bisphenazine systems. Substituent groups include F, Cl, Br, and NO(2) with substitutions made at different positions on the heteroaromatic rings in order to assess the effects of substituent type as well as substituent position on the electronic properties. A comprehensive investigation on halogen substituents was conducted to determine the efficacy of either Cl or Br, specifically these substituents' ability to lower LUMO energies relative to F. HOMO and LUMO energy levels have been theoretically characterized using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP) with both 6-31G* and 6-31+G* basis sets. Theoretical results are compared to results obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Additionally, a theoretical comparison of the smaller, phenazine molecule and the larger bisphenazine system has been conducted to ascertain whether the smaller system can be used to model the electronic properties of the larger molecule.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol discrimination in rats as a model for cannabis intoxication

Studies of the discriminative stimulus effects of delta 9-THC are reviewed. The results of generalization studies in rats trained to discriminate delta 9-THC from nondrug provide evidence for the pharmacological specificity of the delta 9-THC stimulus. Only cannabinoid analogs of delta 9-THC substitute fully for delta 9-THC. The ability of cannabinoids to produce delta 9-THC-like discriminative stimulus effects appears to predict delta 9-THC- or marihuana-like effects in humans. Of the 11 cannabinoids tested in rats and humans, the results with 9 are in complete concordance, and results with the remaining two are inconclusive. This concordance provides evidence for the validity of delta 9-THC discrimination in rats as an animal model of cannabis intoxication. A number of natural and synthetic cannabinoids have delta 9-THC-like discriminative stimulus effects. They represent a 5,600-fold range of relative potencies. Micromolar potency estimates and relative potencies to delta 9-THC for these compounds are provided. Correlations between these values and potencies for cellular actions of cannabinoids can be used to establish the neural substrates of cannabis intoxication.
Factors determining the restoration of circadian behavior by hypothalamic transplants.

The expression of locomotor activity by golden hamsters is temporally controlled by circadian oscillators contained within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). A genetic mutation has been found that alters the freerunning period of the locomotor activity rhythm from the wild-type value of ~24 hours to ~20 hours in homozygous mutants. It has been shown previously that a transplant of fetal hypothalamic tissue containing the SCN to a host rendered arrhythmic by a complete lesion of the SCN restores rhythmicity with the freerunning period which is normally expressed by the donor genotype. To investigate the mechanisms by which the SCN controls the temporal organization of behavior, we made partial lesions to the SCN of hosts of one genotype, and then placed hypothalamic implants from fetal donors of a different genotype into the lesion site. By varying the size of the host's partial SCN lesion and the duration of time between lesioning and transplantation, we have attempted to alter the relative amount of host and donor control over the expression of locomotor activity. We found that the expression of donor rhythmicity requires the presence of a lesion to the host SCN, and that the incidence of donor expression increased as a function of host SCN lesion size. Neither the duration of time between lesioning and transplantation, nor the location of the transplant within the third ventricle had independent effects on the incidence of donor rhythm expression; however, there was a strong suggestion of an effect of their interaction.
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of PhC(CF3)(OH)CONEt2, and CH3C(CF3)(OH)CON[CH2CH(CH3)2]2

Abstract α-Hydroxy α-trifluoromethylated amides, PhC(CF3)(OH)CONEt2, and CH3C(CF3)(OH)CON[CH2CH(CH3)2]2, were prepared under mild conditions and in excellent yields by direct nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of the corresponding α-keto amides, PhCOCONEt2, and CH3COCON[CH2CH(CH3)2]2, respectively, with trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane. Their structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. In each case, the structure was solved by direct methods and was refined by full-matrix least-square procedures. The presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding has been observed in all the three cases based on infrared spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structures. In PhC(CF3)(OH)CONEt2 and CH3C(CF3)(OH)CON[CH2CH(CH3)2]2 intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurred between the hydrogen of the OH group of one molecule and oxygen of the CO group of a second molecule whereas in the hydrogen of the OH group was found to be hydrogen bonded with the oxygen of the morpholine ring of a second molecule.
A remark on the conception of a body in continuum mechanics

It is argued that the concept of body, as it is usually employed in continuum mechanics, is somewhat too general. Specifically, it is standard practice to associate a set of dynamical processes with an abstract body. However, many of these processes cannot be experienced by any physical body. Yet, Euler’s laws for the balance of linear momentum and angular momentum are asserted to hold for such abstract bodies. It is suggested here that Euler’s laws should be postulated only for abstract bodies that are composed of ideal materials belonging to some large collection.
1H, 15N, and 13C chemical shift assignments of murine calcium-binding protein 4

Calcium-binding protein 4 (CaBP4) regulates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in retinal rod cells and specific mutations within CaBP4 are associated with congenital stationary night blindness type 2. We report complete NMR chemical shift assignments of the Ca2+-saturated form of CaBP4 with Ca2+ bound at EF1, EF3 and EF4 (BMRB no. 18877).
Continuous-wave probe laser investigation of laser vaporization of small soot particles in a flame.

Pulsed laser vaporization of small soot particles (<100-nm radius) in a flame is observed with a cw probe laser. Both light scattering and absorption along the pulsed laser beam are measured. Above a threshold of 0.2 J/cm2, both quantities decay exponentially with increased fluence for submicrosecond pulses. These two measurements demonstrate that the number of particles remains constant, but the mean size decreases: that is, small particles vaporize rather than fragment or photophorese. The vaporization process is modeled including transport across the first gas mean free path (Langmuir layer). Numerical integration of the time-dependent conservation equations demonstrates that a simple analytic treatment is adequate. The threshold and fluence dependence are predicted to within experimental uncertainty, assuming soot has the thermal properties of graphite. Laser vaporization of soot has possible application to laser beam profiling, gas velocity measurements, flow visualization, and point measurement of soot absorption.
Influence of entrepreneurial aptitude on technology entrepreneurship course performance

In a computing technology entrepreneurship course offered in fall 2011, students were separated into teams of three and four students and taught the concepts and skills of teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They applied these concepts and skills to an open-ended project for a niche market financial or healthcare information technology product. Each team produced a product supported by a business plan and PowerPoint presentation as the project deliverable. The course was supported by mentors for the teams and guest lecturers. In spring 2011, a Data Mining course was offered where no direct instruction in teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurship was provided, but the student teams were assigned a similar open-ended project. The objective of this exploratory study is to evaluate students and teams' relative increase in entrepreneurial aptitude. The two courses' performances were determined by the project quality and course grades (average in-class and final examinations) supplemented by a post survey of student perceptions of course related gains and changes in attitudes. As expected, the quality of the team projects produced and the correlation analysis of the examination grades in the Technology Entrepreneurship course showed relative improvement over those produced in the Data Mining course.
Genesis of Selectivity and Reversibility for Sorption of Synthetic Aromatic Anions onto Polymeric Sorbents

Many environmentally significant synthetic aromatic compounds such as pentachlorophenol, benzene and naphthalene sulfonates, and benzene carboxylates exist as anions in water over a wide range of pH values. Understandably, both ionic charges and nonpolar moieties of these organic compounds govern their sorption characteristics. This study reports the results of very favorable sorption behaviors of these anthropogenic aromatic compounds onto polymeric anion exchangers. Such favorable sorption equilibria are, however, distinctively unique because they are all endothermic processes and accompanied by high positive entropy changes. Solvent dielectric constant, polarity or moisture content of the ion-exchanger matrix, and the nonpolar moiety (NPM) of the aromatic anion are the three fundamental process variables which govern the overall sorption equilibrium. Anomalous enthalpic and entropic changes associated with such sorption processes are explained from a mechanistic viewpoint after taking into consideratio...