cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical properties and Raman spectroscopy of GeAs sulphide glasses

Abstract Ternary GeAsS glasses have been investigated to determine the compositional dependence of selected physical properties. Although the latter show a linear variation with Ge:As ratio at a constant S content, many exhibit a non-linear dependence on the S content at a fixed Ge:As ratio. The trend of optical properties tracks the increasing formation of metal–metal bonds as the S concentration of these glasses is reduced below stoichiometry. Molar volume and thermal expansion coefficient display maxima near an average coordination number of 2.6 for which there is no apparent indication in the Raman spectra. The spectra of stoichiometric and S-excess glasses are dominated by a band at 345 cm−1 due to the symmetric stretching of both AsS3 and GeS4 groups; those of S-deficient glasses display bands associated with metal–metal bonds between 210 and 240 cm−1 whose intensity increase with increasing S deficiency.
Psychological distress associated with interpersonal violence: A meta-analysis

Abstract The present meta-analytic review examined the relationship between interpersonal violence and psychological distress, utilizing 50 published or prepublication empirical studies. Studies were included in the review if they quantified psychological distress following childhood sexual or physical abuse, rape, criminal assault, or partner (domestic) physical abuse or rape. The overall effect size, though heterogeneous, was clinically and practically significant, demonstrating empirically that interpersonal violence has deleterious effects on psychological functioning. Within victimized groups, specific objective and subjective stressor-related factors were examined for the magnitude of their effect on resulting psychological distress. Subjective factors, such as general appraisal, self-blame, and perceived life threat, contributed twice as much to the magnitude of psychological distess as did objective factors, such as physical injury, force, and use of a weapon. Generally, psychological distress in the domains of intra- and interpersonal functioning emerged as theoretically and clinically important avenues for further research.
The Politics of Divine Presence: Temple as Locus of Conflict in the Gospel of Mark

This paper examines the intersection of theology and politics in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Jesus' conflict with the so-called "leaders," giving special attention to the role of the Jerusalem temple within that conflict. It is argued that the temple as cultic institution does not concern the narrator as much as its affiliation with a priestly elite that abuses its God-given authority at the expense of those in need. As the mediator of God's presence Jesus exposes this abuse through a ministry of outreach, meeting rejection by the very ones charged to oversee the "house of God" (2:26; 11:17). This ironic rejection of the divine presence consists of both ignorance (failure to recognize Jesus as God's son) and self-interest (concern for honor and power). Jesus' climactic condemnation of the temple (11:11-25; 13:1-2) thus symbolizes his rejection of its caretakers, the "tenants" once commissioned by God to care for God's own vineyard (12:1-12).
Alterations in thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue gene expression in protease inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Use of protease inhibitor (PI)–based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been associated with altered regional fat distribution, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemias. To assess how PI-based HAART affects adipocyte gene expression in male HIV-1–infected patients, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify messenger RNA expression of adipocyte transcription factors and adipocytokines in thigh and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue from male (1) HIV-1 seronegative subjects (control, n = 9), (2) asymptomatic treatment-naive HIV-1–infected patients (naive, n = 6), (3) HIV-1–infected patients who were receiving antiretroviral agents but never received PIs (PI naive, n = 5), (4) HIV-1–infected patients who were receiving PI-based HAART (PI, n = 7), and (5) HIV-1–infected patients who discontinued the PI component of their antiviral therapy more than 6 months before enrollment (past PI, n =7). In the PI group, the messenger RNA expression levels of the CCAAT/enhancer–binding protein α, leptin, and adiponectin (18%, P < .01; 23%, P < .05; and 13%, P < .05, respectively) were significantly lower than the levels measured in the PI-naive group. These results are consistent with previous studies on the effects of PIs on cultured adipocytes. Prospective longitudinal studies of thigh fat adipose tissue gene expression could provide further insights on the pathogenesis of metabolic complications associated with PI-based HAART.
Incineration/vitrification of simulated low-level institutional wastes in a joule-heated glass melter

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of reducing the volume of low-level institutional wastes by incineration and then converting the residual solids into glass with a single-step process. Experimental test results with simulated waste show that a joule-heated ceramic melter originally developed for high-level waste vitrification can be used for the low-level waste volume reduction process. Off gas analysis from the experiment shows that incineration of combustible solids was essentially complete. This is attributable to high combustion temperatures (>950 °C) and the introduction of excess combustion air or oxygen at the melter's glass surface. The only instance where a pyrolysis product (hydrogen) was detected was when the oxygen concentration in the process off gas depleted to 7.8%. An insulating blanket over the glass surface, which would have reduced incineration temperatures, never formed. In addition, calculations show that for scaled-up processing rates, incineration temperatures will remain high because the medicinal waste provides much of its own heat for combustion, vitrification, and process heat losses. Results of the incineration experiment indicate that process scale-up for higher capacities is quite feasible. Although feed rates in this experiment through the pilot-scale melter were low (0.5 kg/ h), they could be increased as much as tenfold, even for the laboratory-scaled unit tested here, by use of an improved feed system. The overall test results were so encouraging that we recommend further tests aimed at adapting high-level waste vitrification technology to the management of both institutional wastes and low-level wastes generated from the nuclear fuel cycle.
Orientation-controlled parallel assembly at the air?water interface

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study with statistical analysis of a high-yield, orientation-specific fluidic self-assembly process on a preprogrammed template. We demonstrate self-assembly of thin (less than few hundred microns in thickness) parts, which is vital for many applications in miniaturized platforms but problematic for today's pick-and-place robots. The assembly proceeds row-by-row as the substrate is pulled up through an air–water interface. Experiments and analysis are presented with an emphasis on the combined effect of controlled surface waves and magnetic force. For various gap values between a magnet and Ni-patterned parts, magnetic force distributions are generated using Monte Carlo simulation and employed to predict assembly yield. An analysis of these distributions shows that a gradual decline in yield following the probability density function can be expected with degrading conditions. The experimentally determined critical magnetic force is in good agreement with a derived value from a model of competing forces acting on a part. A general set of design guidelines is also presented from the developed model and experimental data.
Improving the Dispersion and Integration of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Epoxy Composites through Functionalization

Considerable improvement in the dispersion of purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in an epoxy composite was obtained through functionalization of the SWNTs by using an optimized H2SO4/70% HNO3 acid treatment and subsequent fluorination. Epoxy composites containing 1 wt % nanotubes were processed by dissolving the functionalized SWNTs in dimethylformamide and mixing with the epoxy resin thereafter. The functionalized nanotubes were observed to be highly dispersed and well integrated in the epoxy composites. The enhancement of mechanical properties of the latter was indicated by a 30% increase in modulus and 18% increase in tensile strength. This work demonstrates the practical use of combining acid treatment and fluorination to achieve functionalization and unroping of SWNTs. The functionalized SWNTs can be integrated into epoxy composites through the formation of strong covalent bonds in the course of epoxy ring-opening esterification and curing chemical reactions.
Adaptation to changes in dietary phosphorus intake in health and in renal failure

Phosphate (Pi) homeostasis is maintained by the ability of the kidneys to adjust the tubular reabsorption of Pi to changes in the dietary intake of phosphorus. Renal tubular Pi reabsorption increases with the ingestion of a low-phosphorus diet (LPD) and decreases when a high-phosphorus diet (HPD) is consumed. A similar adaptive mechanism is also operative at the intestinal microvillus. The adaptive changes in Pi reabsorption are independent of parathyroid hormone production and are paralleled by similar changes in the Na+-dependent Pi transport at the brush border membrane (BBM). Type II Na+-Pi cotransporters (NaPi-2) are mainly involved in such regulatory mechanisms. Chronic dietary phosphorus restriction leads to increased Na+-Pi cotransport rate, along with increased NaPi-2 protein and mRNA abundance. In acute dietary phosphorus restriction, transport rate and NaPi-2 protein are also increased, but mRNA abundance remains unchanged. A shuttling mechanism involving translocation of cotransporters from intracellular pools to the BBM is involved in the rapid proximal tubular adaptation. The intestinal adaptation to changes in dietary phosphorus are similar to those described for the renal Pi transport, but the molecular structure of the intestinal Na+-Pi cotransporter is not known. When nephron mass is reduced, phosphate homeostasis is maintained through enhanced Pi excretion by residual nephrons. The adaptation to renal mass reduction is mediated by increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) production and by PTH-independent mechanisms, including increased intrarenal dopamine production. The adaptive changes of Pi transport to dietary phosphorus restriction can counteract the effect of dietary phosphorus reduction often prescribed in patients with renal failure. However, because of the reduced filtered load of Pi, the overall impact on serum Pi concentration is minimal.
Paul Ehrlich: Population, development and the poor

With more than a billion already going hungry, why isn't limiting population growth a key priority?
Measurement of enhancement in field ionization of helium and neon by self field adsorption

Abstract A direct measurement of field ionization enhancement by self field adsorption has been carried out for helium and neon gases. The result shows a large enhancement factor for both helium and neon, in disagreement with present theories of field ionization with field adsorption.
Tumor Bed Boost Omission After Negative Re-Excision in Breast-Conservation Treatment

We evaluated the necessity of a tumor bed boost after whole-breast radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery and negative re-excision. Of patients treated at the Virginia Commonwealth and Tufts Universities with breast-conservation therapy for early-stage breast cancer between 1983 and 1999, 205 required re-excision of the tumor cavity to obtain clear margins and were found to be without residual disease. Adjuvant conventionally fractionated whole-breast radiotherapy was given to a total dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. The tumor bed boost was omitted. The median follow-up was 98 months (range, 6–229 months). The tumor histological diagnosis was primarily infiltrating ductal carcinoma (183 cases; 89%). Nodal involvement was documented in 49 cases (24%). There were four documented recurrences at the tumor bed site. Five in-breast recurrences were documented to be in a location removed from the tumor bed. The overall Kaplan-Meier 15-year in-breast control rate was 92.4%, and the freedom from true recurrence rate was 97.6%. The findings support the concept that postlumpectomy radiotherapy can be tailored according to the degree of surgical resection. There is an easily identifiable subgroup of patients who can avoid a tumor bed boost, thus resulting in a reduced treatment time and improved cosmesis, while maintaining local control rates that approach 100%. The data suggest that in patients who undergo a negative re-excision, treatment with whole-breast radiotherapy to 50 Gy is a sufficient dose to maximally reduce the risk of local recurrence.
Timescales of human adaptation: the role of epigenetic processes.

Human biology includes multiple adaptive mechanisms that allow adjustment to varying timescales of environmental change. Sensitive or critical periods in early development allow for the transfer of environmental information between generations, which helps an organism track gradual environmental change. There is growing evidence that offspring biology is responsive to experiences encoded in maternal biology and her epigenome as signaled through the transfer of nutrients and hormones across the placenta and via breast milk. Principles of evolutionary and comparative biology lead to the expectation that transient fluctuations in early experience should have greater long-term impacts in small, short-lived species compared with large, long-lived species such as humans. This implies greater buffering of the negative effects of early-life stress in humans, but also a reduced sensitivity to short-term interventions that aim to improve long-term health outcomes. Taking the timescales of adaptation seriously will ...
Microresonant impedance transformers

Widely applied to RF filtering, AlN microresonators offer the ability to perform additional functions such as impedance matching and single-ended-to-differential conversion. This paper reports microresonators capable of transforming the characteristic impedance from input to output over a wide range while performing low loss filtering. Microresonant transformer theory of operation and equivalent circuit models are presented and compared with measured 2 and 3-Port devices. Impedance transformation ratios as large as 18:1 are realized with insertion losses less than 5.8 dB, limited by parasitic shunt capacitance. These impedance transformers occupy less than 0.052 mm2, orders of magnitude smaller than competing technologies in the VHF and UHF frequency bands.
Establishment of Endoreticulatus N. G. for Pleistophora fidelis (Hostounský & Weiser, 1975) (Microsporida: Pleistophoridae) Based on the Ultrastructure of a Microsporidium in the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)1,2

A new genus, Endoreticulatus n. g., is described for the microsporidium Pleistophora fidelis (Hostounský & Weiser, 1975) based on light and electron microscopic studies of a microsporidium in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). This latter microsporidium is considered to be conspecific with P. fidelis because both isolates have been shown to be infectious for L. decemlineata where infection is limited to the epithelial cells of the midgut; both are haplokaryotic and develop as groups of sporoblasts and spores in subpersistent vacuoles in the host cell. In addition, meronts, sporonts, and spores of each isolate often occur simultaneously in a common cell, and by light microscopy they both appear similar. Ultrastructural studies of the isolate from L. decemlineata revealed that all developmental stages occur in parasitophorous vacuoles derived from cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum of the host cell cytoplasm. Based on the unique nature of the parasitophorous vacuole, a new genus, Endoreticulatus, is proposed for P. fidelis. The genus is compared with the other genera whose species undergo multisporous sporogony in sporophorous vesicles. In addition, the nature of the parasitophorous vacuole of Endoreticulatus fidelis (Hostounský & Weiser, 1975) n. comb. is compared with the parasitophorous vacuole known to encase various developmental stages of several other microsporidian species.
Cataracta glaucomatosa acuta.

Abstract A cause of “cataracta glaucomatosa acuta” was studied with light and electron microscopy. The cataractous areas, well-circumscribed zones, showing various degrees of lens fiber necrosis, were separated from the epithelium by a layer of young lens fibers. The epithelium showed an abnormal increase of glycogen, which was present on all sections, and thus seemed to be widespread at least over the pupillary area.
Medical complications of eating disorders: Outpatient evaluation and management

Abstract Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are psychiatric disorders that often lead to serious medical complications. The authors review the medical complications of anorexia nervosa by organ system and of bulimia by purging behavior. Guidelines are offered for medical hospitalization and for an outpatient treatment plan coordinated by the internist and psychiatrist.
Encapsulant-free annealing of ion-implanted GaP

GaP diodes were fabricated by Mg+ implantation and controlled atmosphere annealing. At room temperature, these diodes emit green light under forward bias, with an ideality factor of 2.0. Reverse breakdown voltages are 180 V, with a measured reverse leakage current density of 4.8 × 10−9 A/cm2 at a bias of −3 V. The diodes retain good electrical characteristics at 400°C.
LONG CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (LC-PUFA) DURING EARLY DEVELOPMENT: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL MILK AND NEONATAL ADIPOSE TISSUE AND BRAIN. † 1407

LONG CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (LC-PUFA) DURING EARLY DEVELOPMENT: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL MILK AND NEONATAL ADIPOSE TISSUE AND BRAIN. † 1407
Motion noise changes directional interaction between transparently moving stimuli from repulsion to attraction.

To interpret visual scenes, visual systems need to segment or integrate multiple moving features into distinct objects or surfaces. Previous studies have found that the perceived direction separation between two transparently moving random-dot stimuli is wider than the actual direction separation. This perceptual “direction repulsion” is useful for segmenting overlapping motion vectors. Here we investigate the effects of motion noise on the directional interaction between overlapping moving stimuli. Human subjects viewed two overlapping random-dot patches moving in different directions and judged the direction separation between the two motion vectors. We found that the perceived direction separation progressively changed from wide to narrow as the level of motion noise in the stimuli was increased, showing a switch from direction repulsion to attraction (i.e. smaller than the veridical direction separation). We also found that direction attraction occurred at a wider range of direction separations than direction repulsion. The normalized effects of both direction repulsion and attraction were the strongest near the direction separation of ∼25° and declined as the direction separation further increased. These results support the idea that motion noise prompts motion integration to overcome stimulus ambiguity. Our findings provide new constraints on neural models of motion transparency and segmentation.
Ultrastructural aspects of olfactory transduction and perireceptor events

Ultrastructural/immunocytochemical studies with well defined antibodies suggest that distal segments of olfactory cilia are the main sites of early events in olfactory signal transduction. Such studies also begin to provide specifics of the cytoskeletal make-up of olfactory epithelial cells, but knowledge about relationships between cytoskeletal and transduction components is still incomplete. Probes to less well defined chemical entities, but that distinctly label olfactory cilia, supporting cell microvilli and microvilli of microvillous cells, may serve as markers for further studies on olfactory signaling. Ultrastructural/immunocytochemical studies also suggest that supporting cells help to balance the mucous environment of olfactory cilia.
Terminology used to describe volume expanding resuscitation fluid

Many published reports state that the type of resuscitation fluid to be used for volume expansion should be "isotonic crystalloid" or "isotonic fluid". Generally, this terminology refers to normal saline (NS) and lactated Ringer's (LR) solution. This terminology is suboptimal technically since not all "isotonic" crystalloids are sufficient volume expanders. A total of 48 reference books from the areas of general pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, emergency medicine, pediatric critical care, pediatric surgery, general surgery, internal medicine, family medicine, adult critical care, obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, and life support course manuals were reviewed. The description of fluids for hypovolemic shock, trauma, and diabetic ketoacidosis resuscitation was accurate in 46% of the time.
Carbon isotope relationships between plankton and sea water

Marine plankton shows a variation in δC13 from −9 to about −30 %.. The fractionation with respect to the oceanic inorganic carbon appears to be due only to the photosynthetic process in the phytoplankton. The wide range can be explained on the basis of now laboratory experiments as being due to environmental differences in temperature, pH and carbon availability.
Characterization of a new hereditary thrombopathy in a closed colony of Wistar rats

A new hereditary thrombopathy has been identified in a closed colony of Wistar rats. A simple and reproducible cuticle bleeding time test was developed as a rapid screening procedure for the bleeding diathesis. Affected animals exhibit markedly prolonged bleeding times and complete absence of platelet aggregation either with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or with thrombin. Inheritance data suggest an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with variable penetrance. Coagulation tests, platelet counts, plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, and clot retraction are within normal limits in thrombopathic animals. GPIb-dependent botrocetin-induced platelet agglutination was present in washed thrombopathic rat platelets. No discernible abnormality of intraplatelet organelles or granules was seen by transmission electron microscopy of thrombopathic platelets. A qualitative morphologic assessment of intraplatelet fibrinogen in thrombopathic rat platelets showed no discernible difference as compared with control rat platelets. Thrombopathic rat platelets exhibit decreased glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) antigen by flow cytometric analysis and markedly decreased iodine 125-labeled fibrinogen binding to platelet GPIIb/IIIa after ADP activation. This rat colony demonstrates a unique thrombopathy, distinct from previously described animal thrombopathies, with some characteristics of variant Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. This animal model may provide further insight into the regulatory mechanisms and pathophysiology of platelet GPIIb/IIIa.
Shock Initiation of Hydrogen/Oxygen/Argon Bubbles in a Nonreactive Liquid

Abstract The present paper gives a mathematical model for collapse and ignition of reactive gas-filled bubbles. Oxyhydrogen bubbles, which can be formed in high-temperalure reactor water, can present an explosion hazard. In addition to treating the classical features of bubble dynamics, energy balances for the liquid and gas phase, and the heat transfer between the gas and surrounding liquid are included in the model. The gas-phase thermodynamic properties and chemical reaction rates are assembled by incorporating a real-gas version of the CHEMKJN chemical kinetics package in which the Nobel-Abel equation of state is used. The liquid energy equation is solved by the integral method to yield an ordinary differential equation for interface temperature. Some typical numerical results and shock ignition thresholds, or critical shock pressures necessary to ignite the gas-phase mixture, under various conditions for argon-diluted hydrogen/oxygen bubbles in water and glycerin are presented. Comparison with experi...
Genetic analysis of serum thyroxine content and audiogenic seizures in recombinant inbred and congenic strains of mice.

Abstract We previously proposed that the audiogenic seizure (AGS) susceptibility of 21 ± 1-day-old DBA/2 (D2) mice may result from an early postnatal elevation in serum thyroxine (T4) concentration. In the present study we used seven C57 × DBA (BXD) recombinant inbred strains and the D2.B6-Iasb congenic strain to study the association between serum T4 content and susceptibility to AGS. The D2.B6-Iasb congenic mice are genetically similar to the D2 mice except for the Iasb gene, which inhibits AGS susceptibility. The total and estimated free serum T4 concentrations in these strains at 14 ± 1 days of age were compared with the previously determined AGS susceptibilities of these strains at 21 ± 1 days of age. We found no significant correlations between serum T4 concentration and AGS susceptibility in these strains. It is unlikely, therefore, that inherited differences in neonatal serum T4 content are directly responsible for differences in susceptibility to AGS in 21 ± 1-day-old mice. The mechanisms by which the experimental manipulation of serum T4 content influences AGS susceptibility are discussed.
Does soil CO2 efflux acclimatize to elevated temperature and CO2 during long-term treatment of Douglas-fir seedlings?

• We investigated the effects of elevated soil temperature and atmospheric CO 2 on soil CO 2 efflux (SCE) during the third and fourth years of study. We hypothesized that elevated temperature would stimulate SCE, and elevated CO 2 would also stimulate SCE with the stimulation being greater at higher temperatures. • The study was conducted in sun-lit controlled-environment chambers using Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings grown in reconstructed litter-soil systems. We used a randomized design with two soil temperature and two atmospheric CO 2 treatments. The SCE was measured every 4 wk for 18 months. • Neither elevated temperature nor CO 2 stimulated SCE. Elevated CO 2 increased the temperature sensitivity of SCE. During the winter, the relationship between SCE and soil moisture was negative but it was positive during the summer. The seasonal patterns in SCE were associated with seasonal changes in photosynthesis and above-ground plant growth. • SCE acclimatized in the high-temperature treatment, probably because of a loss of labile soil carbon. Elevated CO 2 treatment increased the temperature sensitivity of SCE, probably through an increase in substrate availability.
A miniature disk electrostatic aerosol classifier (mini-disk EAC) for personal nanoparticle sizers

Abstract We have developed a miniature disk electrostatic aerosol classifier (mini-disk EAC) for use in electrical mobility-based personal nanoparticle instrumentation for measurement of personal exposures to nanoaerosols. The prototype consists of two parallel disk electrodes separated by an electrically insulating spacer, to create the particle classification zone. The aerosol enters and exits the classification zone along the bottom disk electrode. An additional, particle-free sheath flow is used to improve the measurement resolution. The transmission measurement of the mini-disk EAC for DMA-classified particles shows that particle losses due to diffusion and electrical image forces were low. The particle penetration at 10 nm diameter (the designed lower size limit for the classifier) was 67% when the prototype was operated at the aerosol and sheath flow rates of 0.5 and 1.0 l min−1, respectively. The performance of the mini-disk EAC was experimentally characterized using the particle cutoff curves that describe their penetration through the classifier as a function of applied voltage across the two disk electrodes. Based on the measurement of particle penetration at different aerosol and sheath flows, it was found that the aerosol and sheath flow rates of 0.5 and 1.5 l min−1 were optimal for classifier operation. Finally, a semi-empirical model was also developed to describe the transfer function of the mini-disk EAC for non-diffusive particles.
Nodal signaling regulates the bone morphogenic protein pluripotency pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells

Members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily play essential roles in both the pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Although bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) maintain pluripotency of undifferentiated mouse ES cells, the role of autocrine Nodal signaling is less clear. Pharmacological, molecular, and genetic methods were used to further understand the roles and potential interactions of these pathways. Treatment of undifferentiated ES cells with SB431542, a pharmacological inhibitor of Smad2 signaling, resulted in a rapid reduction of phosphorylated Smad2 and altered the expression of several putative downstream targets. Unexpectedly, inhibition of the Nodal signaling pathway resulted in enhanced BMP signaling, as assessed by Smad1/5 phosphorylation. SB431542-treated cells also demonstrated significant induction of the Id genes, which are known direct targets of BMP signaling and important factors in ES cell pluripotency. Inhibition of BMP signaling decreased the SB431542-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and induction of Id genes, suggesting that BMP signaling is necessary for some Smad2-mediated activity. Because Smad7, a known inhibitory factor to both Nodal and BMP signaling, was down-regulated following inhibition of Nodal-Smad2 signaling, the contribution of Smad7 to the cross-talk between the transforming growth factor-β pathways in ES cells was examined. Biochemical manipulation of Smad7 expression, through shRNA knockdown or inducible gene expression, significantly reduced the SB431542-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and induction of the Id genes. We conclude that autocrine Nodal signaling in undifferentiated mouse ES cells modulates the vital pluripotency pathway of BMP signaling.
Influence of scaffold physical properties and stromal cell coculture on hematopoietic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that three-dimensional (3D) biomaterial-based scaffolds and dynamic culture conditions could provide significant enhancement in the differentiation efficiency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Here we report that scaffold physical properties, like pore size, polymer concentration and compression modulus as well as specific culture conditions, e.g. cell seeding density and coculture with stromal cells can significantly influence hematopoietic differentiation of ESCs. PLLA scaffolds of various polymer concentrations (7.5%, 10% and 20% w/v) and pore size distributions ( 425 μm) were fabricated using a standard solvent casting-salt leaching method. Mouse R1 ESCs were allowed to differentiate on these scaffolds either alone or in coculture with OP9 cells, a bone-marrow derived murine stromal cell line. Following one week of culture, cells were detached and analyzed using flow cytometry to evaluate the frequency of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Our results indicate that decreasing scaffold pore size increases hematopoietic differentiation of ESCs. In addition, increasing polymer concentration which resulted in increased scaffold compression modulus also provided significantly enhanced hematopoiesis. Furthermore, higher cell seeding densities as well as coculture with marrow-derived stromal cells increased HPC generation. Collectively, these results indicate that physical and mechanical properties of the 3D microenvironment as well as cell–cell and cell–stromal interactions might play a significant role in ESC differentiation and therefore warrants further investigation to elucidate the molecular mechanisms.
Research–Practice Partnerships to Support the Development of High Quality Mathematics Instruction for All Students

The gap in achievement in mathematics between at-risk students and their more advantaged counterparts is a persistent problem of the U.S. education system. Although some research-based curricula and pedagogy have demonstrated promise in supporting students from diverse backgrounds to develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency in mathematics, scaling up instructional change across a district organization is a significant challenge. The Middle School Mathematics and the Institutional Setting of Teaching (MIST) Project is a research–practice partnership seeking to understand how large urban school districts can support the development of rigorous and equitable middle-school mathematics instruction at scale. This article enumerates the goals and design of this multiyear, multidistrict partnership, and describes one illustrative example of how our partnership activities informed and supported one district's efforts to improve mathematics instruction over multiple years. General recommendations for...
Gut microbes and host physiology: what happens when you host billions of guests?

The gut microbiota has recently emerged as an important, and previously unappreciated, player in host physiology (1). In particular, the gut microbiota contributes to a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the host including immune disorders (2–4), atherosclerosis (5), irritable bowel syndrome (6, 7), blood pressure regulation (8), and chronic kidney disease (9, 10). Bacteria residing in the human gut are an important component of human physiology: the total wet weight of gut microbes in the human has been estimated to be 175 g–1.5 kg (11, 12), and the cells of the microbiota outnumber human cells by 10:1 (1). These bacteria interact with the immune system of the host (13), and secrete a variety of metabolites, which enter host circulation and can affect a variety of physiological parameters (8, 14), reviewed in Ref. (15). In fact, metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have been found to play key roles in renal disease (16), blood pressure regulation (8), and immune disorders (2–4). Therefore, just as we consider the genetic background of an animal or an individual to be an important contributing factor to their physiology, so too must we consider the genetic background of the microbiota associated with that animal. Gut microbiota vary greatly amongst laboratory animals, and these differences result in notable differences in experimental results. Mice of the same strain from different vendors have different microbiota profiles (17), and similarly, the same mice housed at different institutions have different microbiota profiles (18, 19). Conversely, inoculating two different inbred mouse strains with the same gut bacteria leads to differences in host gene expression between the two mouse strains (20). Clearly, there is a complex interplay between the genetics of the microbiota and that of the host organism, which has only recently begun to be appreciated.
Exploring Community College Faculty Perceptions of Student Outcomes: Findings of a Pilot Study

This study explored the paradigmatic differences in perceptions of community college faculty employed at select Virginia and West Virginia community colleges collected via a web-based survey. The study is framed within the faculty self-classification along the “hard” and “social/behavior” science paradigm continuum. Given the paradigmatic continuum, faculty perceptions' of student outcomes were examined. Faculty respondents consistently reported the importance of intellectual growth; however, differences in relative importance of outcomes tied to emotional, cultural, and social growth exist. The potential implications of these perceptions on student experiences and outcomes are considered.
Application of inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy to multielement analysis of foodstuffs used in metabolic studies

Abstract The concentrations of nine elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Zn) in selected food items from the four main food groups were determined simultaneously by inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectroscopy (ICAPES) after a nitric-perchloric (6:1) acid digestion procedure. The results indicate that, while most of the analyzed mineral values compare well with previously reported values, significant differences between the concentrations in some food items exist. Analyzed values generally appear lower than those found in food composition tables. Current methods quantitate elements previously not reported.
Authentic FMRFamide is present in the polychaete Nereis virens.

Abstract The tetrapeptide FMRFamide is but one member of a large family of invertebrate neuropeptides which includes another tetrapeptide, FLRFamide, and several longer peptides terminating in one or the other of these tetrapeptide sequences. These peptides have been isolated from both molluscs and arthropods, but so far not one has been isolated from an annelid. Since the annelid worms are believed to share a common ancestor with molluscs and arthropods, they should contain FMRFamide-like peptides. We found two immunoreactive peaks in Nereis virens , but microsequencing and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry revealed that they represent only one native peptide, FMRFamide. (The other peak is its methionyl sulfoxide derivative.) Each worm contained only 100 to 600 fmols of peptide, which is at least 10–100 times less than the levels in molluscs. Our identification of a tetrapeptide, and only a tetrapeptide, in this worm suggests that the tetrapeptides are the more ancient members of the family, and were probably present in the common ancestors of the annelids, arthropods, and molluscs.
A comparison of expenditures between New Orleans volunteer and leisure tourists: implications for sustainability.

While economic implications of volunteer tourism to the host economy have been acknowledged in previous tourism research, no empirical study to assess this influence has been published to date. This expenditure study begins to fill the gap in academic and practical knowledge. The purpose of this research was to compare and contrast the expenditure patterns of volunteer tourists with those of leisure tourists in New Orleans. Survey research methods were used to obtain a sample of volunteer tourists that was compared to a leisure tourist sample obtained from secondary data. Visitors' expenditures across six types of spending (local transportation, lodging, food/beverages, gambling, retail shopping, and tours/admission fees), demographics, and travel information were collected. Data analysis included t tests revealing that volunteer tourists' spending was lower in five out of six categories, total daily expenditures, and total trip spending. Volunteer tourists spent more on local transportation, but preferred cheaper accommodations and dining, seldom gambled, shopped little at the destination, and rarely visited tourist attractions. Examining differences in expenditure patterns can help a destination develop sustainable tourism policy and maximize economic benefits of volunteer tourism. In conclusion, this article proposes strategies to promote economically and culturally sustainable volunteer tourism
Phenothiazine and phenoxazine derivatives of nafazatrom. In vitro evaluation as 5-lipoxygenase and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation inhibitors.

Abstract A series of phenothiazine and phenoxazine analogs of nafazatrom were prepared and evaluated as 5-lipoxygenase and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation inhibitors (rabbit brain homogenate) in vitro. Nafazatrom and two representatives from the described series were also evaluated as peroxyl radical and superoxide anion scavengers.
Investigations on the role of Golgi-mediated, ligand-receptor processing in the activation of granulocytes by chemoattractants: Differential effects of monensin☆

Abstract Human granulocytes were exposed to different concentrations of the ionophore monensin for 20 min at 37°C. Subsequent exposure to 50 nM of the chemoattractant fMet-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe for up to 30 min at 37°C resulted in a receptor-mediated uptake that was inhibited 80% at a monensin concentration of 30 μM. 50% inhibition was observed at 1–10 μM monensin with no significant change in fMet-Leu-Phe dose dependency. Subcellular fractionation of cells treated with monensin, indicated that the low density UDP-galactosyltransferase activity associated with internalized receptor-fMet-Leu-Phe complexes in untreated cells was absent. The high density galactosyltransferase activity cosedimenting with specific granule markers, however, was unaffected. Monensin also inhibited chemotaxis toward fMet-Leu-Phe as measured by migration of granulocytes through millipore filters and fMet-Leu-Phe induction of polarized morphology. Incubation of cell suspensions with up to 30 μM monensin, both before and during measurement of fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated superoxide production, did not affect the magnitude, kinetics, or transiency of the radical generation. Monensin did, however, shift the dose dependency of superoxide production of fMet-Leu-Phe to higher concentrations. These differential effects of monensin suggest that endocytosis of complexes of the chemoattractant and receptor is not involved in the activation or termination of the fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated superoxide production. They also are consistent with a role for receptor modulation and processing in the chemotactic response.
Quantitative phenology and leaf survivorship of Rhododendron maximum in contrasting irradiance environments of the southern Appalachian mountains

On determine l'influence des variations induites par le couvert vegetal dans le microenvironnement sur la phenologie de R. maximum
A 55-mW, 10-bit, 40-Msample/s Nyquist-rate CMOS ADC

A low-power 10-bit converter that can sample input frequencies above 100 MHz is presented. The converter consumes 55 mW when sampling at f/sub s/=40 MHz from a 3-V supply, which also includes a bandgap and a reference circuit (70 mW if including digital drivers with a 10-pF load). It exhibits higher than 9.5 effective number of bits for an input frequency at Nyquist (f/sub in/=f/sub s//2=20 MHz). The differential and integral nonlinearity of the converter are within /spl plusmn/0.3 and /spl plusmn/0.75 LSB, respectively, when sampling at 40 MHz, and improve to a 12-bit accuracy level for lower sampling rates. The overall performance is achieved using a pipelined architecture without a dedicated sample/hold amplifier circuit at the input. The converter is implemented in double-poly, triple-metal 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology and occupies an area of 2.6 mm/sup 2/.
Genetics of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism

Until 10 years ago, conventional wisdom held that Parkinson's disease was not a genetic disorder. Since that time, there have been a plethora of genetic findings, culminating in the cloning of several genes that derive from the loci given the nomenclature PARK1-PARK12 (OMIM 168600). Recently, these research findings have begun to impact clinical practice, and this impact is likely to increase. The primary purpose of this article is to outline these genetic advances, discuss their importance for current practice in clinical and related settings, and outline briefly how they are influencing research into the causes of and possible future treatments for this prevalent disorder.
Production of homozygous mutant ES cells with a single targeting construct.

We have developed a simple method for producing embryonic stem (ES) cell lines whereby both alleles have been inactivated by homologous recombination and which requires a single targeting construct. Four different ES cell lines were created that were heterozygous for genes encoding two guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunits, alpha i2 and alpha i3, T-cell receptor alpha, and beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain. When these heterozygous cells were grown in high concentrations of G418, many of the surviving cells were homozygous for the targeted allele and contained two copies of the G418 resistance gene. This scheme provides an easy method for obtaining homozygous mutationally altered cells, i.e., double knockouts, and should be generally applicable to other genes and to cell lines other than ES cells. This method should also enable the production of cell lines in which more than one gene have had both alleles disrupted. These mutant cells should provide useful tools for defining the role of particular genes in cell culture.
Quantitative Assessment of Diagnostic Radiation Doses in Adult Blunt Trauma Patients

Study objective Many emergency departments and trauma centers utilize extensive radiologic studies during the assessment of trauma patients. A point of concern arises about the possible biological effects of these cumulative radiation doses. The objective of this study is to determine the amount of ionizing radiation received by adult blunt trauma patients at a Level I trauma center during the first 24 hours of their care. Methods This nonconcurrent case series reviewed the first 100 consecutive adult blunt trauma patients who presented to a Level I trauma center in 2006. All patients met hospital standards for the less acute major triage criteria. Individual radiation dose reports calculated by the computed tomography (CT) scanner were used to determine the radiation doses from each CT procedure. Standardized tables were used to determine radiation dose for plain radiographs. The median effective dose of radiation (millisieverts) was calculated for the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Results A total of 100 eligible patients presented between January 1, 2006, and March 20, 2006. Eighty-six patients had complete radiologic records available. The median age was 32 years, with an intraquartile range of 23 to 46 years; the median Injury Severity Score was 14, with an intraquartile range of 9 to 29; and the median number of CT scans was 3, with an intraquartile range of 3 to 4. The median effective total dose of ionized radiation was 40.2 mSv, with an intraquartile range of 30.5 to 47.2 mSv. A dose of 40.2 mSv is the equivalent of approximately 1,005 chest radiographs. Conclusion Trauma patients meeting the less acute major triage criteria are exposed to clinically important radiation doses from diagnostic radiographic imaging during the first 24 hours of their care.
Racial differences in infant mortality attributable to birth defects in the United States, 1989-2002.

Background The objective is to study racial differences in infant mortality attributable to birth defects (IMBD) in the United States. Methods We analyzed 1989-1991 and 1995-2002 linked birth/death files for trends and racial differences in IMBD by selected categories of birth defects for infants of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic mothers. Results In 1989-2002, the IMBD rates declined. However, the decline in postneonatal mortality attributable to birth defects (PMBD) rate was significantly slower than that of overall postneonatal mortality. The adjusted rate ratio for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white for neonatal mortality attributable to birth defects (NMBD) remained unchanged from 1989-1991 through 2000-2002. For PMBD, it increased from 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.13) in 1989-1991 to 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.21) in 2001-2002 and from 1.08 (95% CI, 1.00-1.16) to 1.18 (95% CI, 1.10-1.27) for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic, respectively. Infant mortality due to cardiovascular and central nervous system defects were the main contributors to the increased racial disparities in PMBD rates. Conclusions The disparity in PMBD between infants of non-Hispanic black and Hispanic mothers and infants of non-Hispanic white mothers increased significantly from 1989-1991 to 2000-2002. Further studies are needed to assess the extent to which delays in care or lack of access to care for infants with birth defects might be contributing to the disparity in IMBD.