cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plotting positions for fitting distributions and extreme value analysis

Random data are often examined on plotting paper to determine appropriate probability distributions and distribution parameters for extreme-value analyses and other applications. Engineers are not ...
Characterization and regional distribution of glutamatergic and cholinergic ligand binding sites in goldfish brain

The binding of several ligands that selectively interact with glutamate receptor subtypes was characterized in extensively washed synaptosomal membrane preparations from goldfish brain. The binding affinity (Kd), an estimate of the number of sites (Bmax), the rank-order potency of glutamatergic ligands at inhibiting binding, and the regional localization of binding sites were determined. In whole brain preparations, 3H-kainate had a Kd of 136 nM and a Bmax of 63 pmol/mg protein, 3H-AMPA had a Kd of 26 nM and a Bmax of 0.4 pmol/mg protein, and 3H-L-glutamate bound with an apparent affinity of 323 nM and a Bmax of 5 pmol/mg protein. Most of the binding sites for each of the glutamate analogs were present in the cortex and the fewest were in the cerebellum, except for 3H-kainate binding sites, which were most prevalent in the cerebellum and least abundant in the cortex. The proposed neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands 3H-(- )nicotine and 125I-alpha-Bgt were also investigated. 125I-alpha-Bgt had a Kd of 0.08 nM and a Bmax of 132 fmol/mg protein. 3H-(-)nicotine did not bind to the extensively washed membrane preparations, so a less stringently washed P2 tissue fraction was used. In this tissue preparation, 3H-(-)nicotine had a Kd of 9 nM and a Bmax of 84 fmol/mg protein. Eye removal resulted in a time-dependent decrease in the number of 3H-(-)nicotine and 125I-alpha-Bgt binding sites in the contralateral optic tectum, but no reduction in the number of binding sites for any of the glutamatergic ligands. The results suggest that both 3H-(-)nicotine and 125I-alpha-Bgt binding sites are similarly regulated in the optic tectum, which supports previously reported data indicating that the binding sites are located on closely related proteins or may, at least partially, be colocalized on the same protein (Henley and Oswald, 1987).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Early Career Librarianship in the Business Library

ABSTRACT This article discusses information about the author's career to date at the William M. White Business Library at the University of Colorado at Boulder and provides advice for individuals considering a new career in business librarianship. It reviews educational requirements and professional resources useful to those who are new to the profession.
Fighting internet-based sexual exploitation crimes against children

Working with law enforcement and criminologists, my research group has been developing strategies to fight online child sexual exploitation. Investigators in the US and other countries have been using our Internet-based tools daily, acquiring evidence that has resulted in many thousands of arrests for child pornography possession since 2009. Over 100 children have been rescued from abuse as a result of these cases in the last 12 months.Using data and results from our project, I will provide an analysis of our view of the massive Internet-based child pornography trade. And I will illustrate our approach to problems in network-based criminal investigation. Our work demonstrates that even if "fully secured", the Internet would still play a role aiding and abetting crimes that harm persons. The project stands in contrast to security research focused on solving technical flaws that expose data or allow access, and to research where the victim can be protected with technical solutions. Addressing problems beyond technical flaws requires an interdisciplinary approach, as we have taken.
Continuous Precipitation of Uranium with Hydrogen Peroxide

Three different continuous processes were developed for the recovery of uranium from sulfate-containing simulated mill solutions. In all cases, a high-quality product, low in molybdenum and vanadium, which could be filtered and dried easily, was obtained. The presence of sulfate slows the precipitation rate and results in larger precipitated particles, which is an advantage in filtering and drying the precipitate. The morphologies of the large particles produced in the processes described in this report suggest that crystal growth predominated over nucleation in the precipitator. At 60 °C, the uranium peroxide precipitated as the dihydrate, but below 50 °C to 60 °C, the tetrahydrate was formed, and this knowledge led to important conclusions regarding the rate of the precipitation. A variety of particle morphologies was found, the most unusual being spherulitic aggregates consisting of needles radiating from a common point at the center of the particle.
Biomass Enhancement in Maize and Soybean in Response to Glutamate Dehydrogenase Isomerization

The relationship between nutrient composition, crop biomass, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) isoenzyme pattern was investigated in soybean (Glycine max) and maize (Zea mays) by monitoring the nutrient induced isomerization of the enzyme from the seedling stage to the mature crop. GDH was extracted from the leaves of the plants, and the isoenzymes were fractionated by isoelectric focusing followed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isomerization Vmax values for soybean GDH, similar to maize GDH increased curvilinearly from 200 – 400 μmol mg−1 min−1 as the inorganic phosphate nutrient applied to the soil decreased from 50 − 0 mM. In soybean, combinations of N and K, P, or S nutrients induced the acidic and neutral isoenzymes, and gave biomass increases 25 – 50 % higher than the control plant. GDH isoenzymes were suppressed in soybean that received nutrients without N, K, or P and accordingly the biomass was about 30 % lower than the control. Treatment of maize with NPK nutrients increased the GDH Vmax values from 138.9 at the vegetative to 256.4 μmol mg−1 min−1 at the reproductive phase, and suppressed the basic isoenzymes, but induced both the acidic and neutral isoenzymes thereby inducing seed production (27.0 ± 1.4 g per plant); whereas both the acidic and basic isoenzymes were suppressed in the control maize, and seeds did not develop. Simultaneous induction of the acidic, neutral, and basic isoenzymes of GDH indicated the occurrence of senescence. Therefore in maize and soybean, the induction of the acidic and basic isoenzymes of GDH led to the enhancement of biomass.
Analysis and evaluation of noise in household refrigerators

In the second part of a two-part article, the emphasis is on noise testing, first of the compressor and then of the refrigerator as a whole. Avenues of approach in designing for noise reduction are also described.
The Last Word: Claude McKay's Unpublished 'Cycle Manuscript.'

During the summer of 1943, five years before his death and one year before his baptism into the Roman Catholic Church, Claude McKay began his "Cycle Manuscript," a collection of fifty-four new and old poems, mostly sonnets (Cooper, Claude McKay: Rebel Sojourner in the Harlem Renaissance 358-59). He would never see it published. "Too bitter and personal," claimed the editor at Harper's, and Dutton's said his sonnets were not poems at all (qtd. in Cooper, The Passion of Claude McKay 307). In a letter to Max Eastman, editor of the socialist journal The Liberator and McKay's close friend, a frustrated McKay lamented a loss of his "old style," as he appealed to Eastman "to look through" the poems and make any needed "corrections" (qtd. in The Passion 307). Once the fiery poet who could deftly balance lyricism and polemics, McKay now felt "more like Pope and Swift... than like Shelley and Keats and the Elizabethans." Betraying a waning confidence, he welcomed Eastman's judgment: "And the poems! They are wonderful to look at after you chop them up!" (qtd. in The Passion 309). Despite Eastman's emendations, McKay's collection was never published. The work remains a typescript at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University. But beyond any question of its literary merit, the "Cycle Manuscript" is an important document that sheds light on the reflections of a sensitive, gifted artist at a dramatic stage in his life.
The interaction of DIAP1 with dOmi/HtrA2 regulates cell death in Drosophila

Mitochondrial proteins such as cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and Omi/HtrA2 play important roles in the cell death pathways of mammalian cells. In Drosophila, the role of mitochondria in cell death is less clear. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the Drosophila ortholog of human Omi/HtrA2. We show that Drosophila Omi/HtrA2 is imported into the mitochondria where it undergoes proteolytic maturation to yield two isoforms, dOmi-L and dOmi-S. dOmi-L contains a canonical N-terminal IAP-binding motif (AVVS), whereas dOmi-S contains a distinct N-terminal motif (SKMT). DIAP1 was able to bind to both isoforms via its BIR1 and BIR2 domains. This resulted in cleavage of the linker region of DIAP1 between the BIR1 and BIR2 domains and further degradation of the BIR1 domain by the proteolytic activity of dOmi. The binding of DIAP1 to dOmi also resulted in DIAP1-mediated polyubiquitination of dOmi, suggesting that DIAP1 could target dOmi for proteasomal degradation. Consistent with this, expression of DIAP1 in Drosophila eye discs protected them from dOmi-induced eye ablation, indicating that DIAP1 plays an important role in protecting cells from the potentially lethal effects of dOmi. The ability of IAPs to bind to and ubiquitinate mitochondrial proteins such as dOmi may be a key conserved function to counterbalance the lethal effects of these proteins if accidentally released into the cytosol.
Increased perimeter red cell concentration in filter paper bloodspot samples is consistent with constant-load size exclusion chromatography occurring during application.

Abstract Background Filter paper bloodspot samples exhibit increased red cell concentration near the bloodspot perimeter compared to the interior. We examined whether simulation of size exclusion chromatography separating cell and liquid components during bloodspot formation was consistent with the observed red cell distribution. Methods Whole blood was defined as a mixture of 60% liquid and 40% solids (hematocrit). Bloodspot formation was simulated by step-wise center additions of 1 μl blood up to a total volume of 50 μl. Partitioning of the liquid component of the liquid volume into space not available to the solid component was calculated using a partitioning coefficient K = Vi / Vm, where Vi is the immobile (stationary) liquid volume and Vm is the mobile liquid volume. After each volume addition step, relative red cell concentration was calculated as the solids volume fraction of total volume as a function of radial distance from the center. Results Simulation for K = 0.3 resulted in final red cell distribution that was quantitatively consistent with bloodspot data. Conclusions Increased perimeter red cell concentration in bloodspots is consistent with partitioning of the liquid fraction into mobile and immobile components during bloodspot formation according to the principles of constant-load size exclusion chromatography.
Guerrilla groups in Colombia: Reconstituting the political process

This article examines three hypotheses on the guerrillas in Colombia. First, the armed insurrection in Colombia escalated dramatically in the last dozen years to a point that it created a serious challenge to the central government. The National Dialogue in the mid‐1980s indicated this recognition by the regime. Second, the narcotraficantes posed a parallel threat that strained the government's legitimacy at the same time. Third, the crisis became so acute that the political elite could no longer leave a guerrilla group out of the electoral process when it offered to participate as a legitimate actor.
Contributions of glycoprotein Ib and the seven transmembrane domain receptor to increases in platelet cytoplasmic [Ca2+] induced by alpha-thrombin.

The individual contributions of glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) and the seven transmembrane domain receptor (STDR) to increases in platelet [Ca2+]i induced by α-thrombin or the tethered ligand peptide (TLP; SFLLRNPNDKYEPF) have been determined in control platelets, in platelets where the thrombin binding site on GPIb was blocked with the monoclonal antibodies TM60 and LJ-Ib10, in platelets where access of thrombin to the STDR was blocked by polyclonal antipeptide antibodies, and in Bernard-Soulier platelets which constitutively lack GPIb. Curve-fitting analyses (LIGAND) showed that binding of PPACK-thrombin and α-thrombin to the moderate-affinity site was not detected in the best-fit model in the presence of anti-STDR antibodies although with α-thrombin there was also decreased binding at the high-affinity site. Conversely, TM60 blocked binding of α-thrombin to the high-affinity site but also decreased binding at the moderate affinity site. Separately, either TM60 or anti-TNA (150 μg/mL) reduced thrombin (0.5 nM)-...
BARYON TO ENTROPY RATIO AND INITIAL CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSE

We show that if the heavy bosons which enter into the grand-unified-theory mechanism for generating nonzero baryon number are created at an earlier stage by the expansion of the Universe and decay sufficiently early ($\mathrm{kT}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}$ GeV), then the baryon-to-entropy ratio will depend on the degree of anisotropy of the initial expansion. In the case of initially isotropic expansion, the baryon-to-entropy ratio will be roughly 30 times larger than in the standard scenario in which the particles are present initially in a thermal bath.
Attentional capacity dysfunction and arousal in schizophrenia.

This article criticizes two influential premises underlying most of the current research on schizophrenia and attention: (a) belief in the existence of a specific information processing deficit, and (b) acceptance of a framework of "cold cognition." Capacity theory is proposed as an alternative theoretical framework within which the various phenotypically diverse attentional deficits in schizophrenia may be seen to reflect a deficit in the control function that governs the •mobilization and allocation of attention. Attentional deficits, therefore, will be most manifest when effortful processing in short-term storage is required. Research on short-term memory processes in schizophrenics shows that the magnitude of the attention deficit correlates positively with the attentional requirements of the cognitive operations involved. This dysfunction, furthermore, is thought to reflect the high levels of arousal characteristic of schizophrenic subjects. Parallels in the performance of schizophrenics and essentially normal but hyperaroused subjects are outlined in support of this hypothesis. The failure to consider the possible mediating effects of hyperarousal on attentional performance of schizophrenics may constitute a major omission in the research on schizophrenic cognition. Finally, the direction of causality between arousal and information processing is addressed.
Concurrent Validity of the Candidate and Officer Personnel Survey (COPS)

The Candidate and Officer Personnel Survey (COPS) (Guller & Guller, 2003) was developed as a predictor of job performance in public safety candidates. Three studies were conducted to collect normative data for the COPS, to evaluate the reliability of the scales, and to investigate the concurrent validity of the instrument. Reliability coefficients were generally fair to excellent. Concurrent validity was quite good for the discrimination of promotional versus problematic officers. The results suggest the COPS's potential as a predictor of public safety officers' performance.
Effect of lactation therapy on Staphylococcus aureus transmission dynamics in two commercial dairy herds

Treatment of subclinical mastitis during lactation can have both direct (individual animal level) and indirect (population level) effects. With a few exceptions, prior research has focused on evaluating the direct effects of mastitis treatment, and to date no controlled field trials have been conducted to test whether beneficial indirect effects of lactation treatment strategies targeting subclinical mastitis can be demonstrated on commercial dairy farms. Furthermore, there is limited knowledge on the impact of such interventions on the population dynamics of specific bacterial strains. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that lactation therapy targeting S. aureus subclinical intramammary infection reduces transmission of S. aureus strains within dairy herds. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used to determine strain specific infection dynamics in treated and control groups in a split herd trial conducted on 2 commercial dairy farms. The direct effect of 8 days intramammary lactation therapy with pirlimycin hydrochloride was demonstrated by an increased proportion of cure and a reduction in duration of infection in quarters receiving treatment compared to untreated controls. The indirect effect of lactation therapy was demonstrated by reduction of new S. aureus intramammary infections (IMI) caused by the dominant strain type in both herds. Strain typing of representative isolates taken over the duration of all IMI, including pre- and post-treatment isolates, provided more precise estimates of new infection, cure, and re-infection rates. New S. aureus infections in recovered susceptible quarters and the emergence of a new strain type in one herd influenced incidence measures. In addition to demonstrating positive direct effects of lactation therapy, this study provides evidence that treatment of subclinical S. aureus mastitis during lactation can have indirect effects including preventing new IMI and reducing incidence of clinical mastitis within dairy herds. Strain specific transmission parameter estimates for S. aureus MLST clonal complexes 5, 97 and 705 in 2 commercial dairy herds are also reported.
Effect of acetic acid on phycocyanin-phycoerythrocyanin mixture extracted from Anabaena variabilis.

Abstract Exposure of a phycocyanin-phycoerythrocyanin mixture extracted from Anabaena variabilis to sodium acetate, pH 3.8, ionic strength of 0.1, results in dissociation of the phycoerythrocyanin's β subunit from its α subunit. The α subunit obtained by this method has a strong absorption transition at 508 nm. This transition is a consequence of the subunit's specific conformation, rather than of a new chromophore. The behavior of the phycocyanin-phycoerythrocyanin mixture in acetate buffers of variable compositions suggests that interactions which involve carboxylic amino acid residues play an important role, along with hydrophobic associations, in the association of phycoerythrocyanin subunits into monomers (αβ) and between this protein and phycocyanin. This work also indicates that the linkage between α and β subunits of phycoerythrocyanin is labile and may be weaker than the association of these subunits with phycocyanin under acidic conditions.
The euro at five: Short-run pain, long-run gain?

Abstract The euro has had some marked successes over its first five years included the marked deepening of euro bond markets which has benefited the entire world. But at the same time, the pain has probably outweighed the gain as Europe still remains far from an optimal currency area.
Shell Strength and Appearance in Cultured Blue Mussels Mytilus edulis, M. trossulus, and M. edulis × M. trossulus Hybrids

Abstract We studied shell strength and appearance in six mixed-species cultured populations of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis, M. trossulus, and their hybrids) from Newfoundland, Canada. Shell strength (defined as the force causing shell breakage) and shell thickness both increased with shell length. Strength and thickness varied significantly among sites and among genotypes within sites; M. edulis had stronger and thicker shells than M. trossulus. Shell strength was related to shell thickness and shell width, both of which were greater in M. edulis than in M. trossulus. Hybrids tended to be intermediate. Appearance was studied on the basis of shell color and shape. The frequency of brown-shelled mussels varied considerably among sites and was higher in M. trossulus than in M. edulis. Shell width, depth, width-length ratio, and depth-length ratio all varied significantly among sites. Within sites, M. edulis had a greater shell width, width-length ratio, and width-depth ratio than M. trossulus, whereas hybri...
Almost global strong solutions to quasilinear dissipative evolution equations

The author proves a global existence result for strong solutions to the quasilinear dissipative hyperbolic equation (1.1) below, corresponding to initial values and source terms of arbitrary size, provided that the hyperbolicity parameter e is sufficiently small. This implies a corresponding global existence result for the reduced quasilinear parabolic equation (1.4) below.
Thermodynamics of the charge-density-wave transition in blue bronze.

Specific heat, Young's moduli, and magnetic susceptibility have been measured on pieces of a single crystal of blue bronze (for which thermal expansivity was previously measured) at its 180 K charge-density-wave (CDW) transition. All quantities were analyzed using a free energy appropriate for a three-dimensional $\mathrm{XY}$ model. Although not all parameters can be readily interpreted, the resulting fits permit quantification of the magnitudes of the anomalies at the phase transition in a systematic way that does not require guessing of the background variation.
Arctic tipping points: governance in turbulent times.

Interacting forces of climate change and globalization are transforming the Arctic. Triggered by a non-linear shift in sea ice, this transformation has unleashed mounting interest in opportunities to exploit the region’s natural resources as well as growing concern about environmental, economic, and political issues associated with such efforts. This article addresses the implications of this transformation for governance, identifies limitations of existing arrangements, and explores changes needed to meet new demands. It advocates the development of an Arctic regime complex featuring flexibility across issues and adaptability over time along with an enhanced role for the Arctic Council both in conducting policy-relevant assessments and in promoting synergy in interactions among the elements of the emerging Arctic regime complex. The emphasis throughout is on maximizing the fit between the socioecological features of the Arctic and the character of the governance arrangements needed to steer the Arctic toward a sustainable future.
Activation of NFATc3 Down-regulates the β1 Subunit of Large Conductance, Calcium-activated K+ Channels in Arterial Smooth Muscle and Contributes to Hypertension

Large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels modulate the excitability and contractile state of arterial smooth muscle. Recently, we demonstrated that during hypertension, expression of the accessory beta1 subunit was decreased relative to the pore-forming alpha subunit of the BK channel. Reduced beta1 subunit expression resulted in BK channels with impaired function due to lowered sensitivity to Ca2+. Here, we tested the hypothesis that activation of the calcineurin/NFATc3 signaling pathway down-regulates beta1 expression during angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that in vivo administration of angiotensin II-activated calcineurin/NFATc3 signaling in arterial smooth muscle. During angiotensin II infusion, arterial smooth muscle BK channel function was decreased in wild type (WT) but not in NFATc3 null (NFATc3-/-) mice. Accordingly, beta1 expression was decreased in WT but not in NFATc3-/- arteries. Angiotensin II-induced down-regulation of the beta1 subunit required Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels. However, in the absence of angiotensin II, moderate elevation of [Ca2+]i alone was not sufficient to activate NFAT transcriptional activity and, thus, decrease beta1 subunit expression. Importantly, angiotensin II infusion increased systemic blood pressure to a lower extent in NFATc3-/- than in WT mice, indicating that this transcription factor is required for the development of severe hypertension during chronic angiotensin II signaling activation. We conclude that activation of calcineurin and NFATc3 during sustained angiotensin II signaling down-regulates the expression of the beta1 subunit of the BK channel, which in turn contributes to arterial dysfunction and the development of hypertension.
Neuroethics, Gender and the Response to Difference

This paper examines how the new field of neuroethics is responding to the old problem of difference, particularly to those ideas of biological difference emerging from neuroimaging research that purports to further delineate our understanding of sex and/or gender differences in the brain. As the field develops, it is important to ask what is new about neuroethics compared to bioethics in this regard, and whether the concept of difference is being problematized within broader contexts of power and representation. As a feminist science studies scholar trained in the neurosciences, it seems logical to me that, as a growing field, neuroethics should reach out to the rich bodies of scholarship on the history of medicine, feminist theory and feminist bioethics while attempting to approach discussions of sex, gender and sexuality differences in the brain. What is also clear to me is that feminist scholars need to learn how to engage with neuroimaging studies on sex, gender and sexuality not just to critique, but also to productively contribute to neuroscientific research. The field of neuroethics can potentially provide the appropriate forum for this interdisciplinary engagement and create opportunities for shared perplexity. I suggest three possible points of departure for creating this shared perplexity, namely (i) is difference being measured in the study for the purpose of understanding difference in and of itself, or for the purpose of division?; (ii) is there an appreciation for biological complexity?; and (iii) is it assumed that structural differences can be conveniently translated into functional differences?
High-fat feeding during pregnancy and lactation affects offspring metabolism in rats

This study was designed to examine the interaction of pregnancy and dietary fat on pregnancy outcome and offspring metabolism in rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: HF (40% fat by weight) feeding and pregnant (HFP, n = 15); HF nonpregnant control (HFNP, n = 10); control diet (4.5% fat) and pregnant (CHP, n = 12); and control diet nonpregnant (CHNP, n = 10). Rats were fed the same diets throughout gestation and lactation and were sacrificed at weaning. Litter size was kept at six pups with extra pups killed at birth. HF-fed dams had significantly less caloric intake than control counterparts. HFP had similar body weight changes as CHP during gestation and lactation, whereas HFNP had significantly higher weight and fat content than CHNP. There was no difference in pup's birth weight. However, significantly more HF dams cannibalized their pups. Newborns delivered to HF-fed dams had higher insulin/glucose ratios than CH pups. HFP weanlings weighed more, had more body fat (%), higher liver weight, liver lipid content, and higher blood glucose and triglyceride levels than CHP weanlings. The long-term effects of these metabolic abnormalities need to be further examined.
ABC's and 123's: Parental literacy, numeracy, and childhood obesity

In 2003, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) found that approximately 90 million Americans have basic or below basic literacy skills and that 110 million have basic or poor quantitative (numeracy) skills.1 Low literacy and numeracy skills are independently associated with poor understanding of health information, poor health behaviors, and poor clinical outcomes.2 In the context of nutrition and obesity, low health literacy/numeracy is associated with worse knowledge about breastfeeding, difficulty understanding food labels and portion sizes and higher body mass index (BMI) in adults.3–5 In 2003, Surgeon General Richard Carmona acknowledged that health literacy is a major problem in the United States, and recognized that low health literacy is likely “one of the largest contributors to our nation’s epidemic of overweight and obesity.”6
Domain III from class II fusion proteins functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of virus membrane fusion

Alphaviruses and flaviviruses infect cells through low pH-dependent membrane fusion reactions mediated by their structurally similar viral fusion proteins. During fusion, these class II viral fusion proteins trimerize and refold to form hairpin-like structures, with the domain III and stem regions folded back toward the target membrane-inserted fusion peptides. We demonstrate that exogenous domain III can function as a dominant-negative inhibitor of alphavirus and flavivirus membrane fusion and infection. Domain III binds stably to the fusion protein, thus preventing the foldback reaction and blocking the lipid mixing step of fusion. Our data reveal the existence of a relatively long-lived core trimer intermediate with which domain III interacts to initiate membrane fusion. These novel inhibitors of the class II fusion proteins show cross-inhibition within the virus genus and suggest that the domain III–core trimer interaction can serve as a new target for the development of antiviral reagents.
Enhancement of Root Formation and Fertility in Shoots Regenerated From Anther- and Seedling-Derived Callus Cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary The effects of activated charocal in the culture medium on regenerant shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were examined. In these experiments, shoots generated from anther-derived callus were observed to root more frequently on charcoal-containing medium than on medium lacking activated charcoal. Further, concurrent shoot growth and development was greater on charcoal medium than on a rooting medium previously used. Interactions of activated charcoal with exogenously added growth hormones and sucrose as these affected root formation were analyzed in seedling-derived shoots. The action of activated charcoal appeared to be independent of the other factors. Action of charcoal in root promotion probably occurs through adsorption of auxins and/or phenolics originating from the regenerated shoot. The addition of activated charcoal to the rooting medium was also observed to stimulate flower development and improve floral fertility of A. thaliana. The latter occurrence should improve the usefulness of A. thaliana for somatic cell genetic research.
Effect of limestone buffers on digestibility of complete diets and on performance by dairy cows.

Abstract In feeding and digestion trials with lactating dairy cows fed complete mixed diets ad libitum without or with limestone buffer, the complete dry matter ratio was 50:50 corn silage to concentrate. During the 44-wk feeding trial, lactating cows fed a complete diet containing 2.71% limestone had similar intakes of dry feed but produced 7.3% more milk than cows fed a complete diet containing .14% limestone. In digestion trials at maintenance intakes of feed, digestibilities of dry matter, energy, starch, cell wall, and crude protein were higher than when intakes of feed ranged from 2.8 to 3.4 multiples of maintenance during lactation. Addition of 2.71% limestone to the diet at the higher intakes of feed during lactation increased digestibility coefficients for dry matter from 66.1 to 69.5%, energy from 65.4 to 68.3%, starch from 85.9 to 94.6%, cell wall from 51.3 to 55.1%, and crude protein from 65.7 to 67.8%. Limestone as a buffer for this diet of high energy improved both production and diet efficiency possibly by maintaining an environment in gastrointestinal tract more desirable for utilization of both starch and cell wall at intakes of feed above maintenance.
Blood Pressure Control in a Hypertension Telemedicine Intervention: Does Distance to Primary Care Matter?

Although telemedicine may help overcome geographic access barriers, it is unknown whether rural patients receive greater benefits. In a secondary analysis of 503 veterans participating in a hypertension telemedicine study, the authors hypothesized that patients with greater travel distances would have greater improvements in 18-month systolic blood pressure (SBP). Patients were categorized by telemedicine exposure and travel distance to primary care, derived from zip codes. Comparisons were (1) usual care (UC), distance <30 miles (reference); (2) UC, distance ≥30 miles; (3) telemedicine, distance <30 miles; (4) telemedicine, distance ≥30 miles. Compared with patients receiving UC, distance <30 miles (intercept=127.7), no difference in 18-month SBP was observed in patients receiving UC, distance ≥30 miles (0.13 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [-6.6 to 6.8]); telemedicine, distance <30 miles (-1.1 mm Hg [-7.3 to 5.2]); telemedicine, distance ≥30 miles (-0.80 mm Hg [-6.6 to 5.1]). Although telemedicine may help overcome geographic access barriers, additional studies are needed to identify patients most likely to benefit.
Superconductivity. Up on the C60 elevator.

The search for materials that lose electrical resistance — that is, become superconducting — at ever higher temperatures continues to pay dividends.
Coagulation parameters following extracorporeal circulation using acid-citrate-dextrose blood buffered with tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (THAM).

Extensive coagulation studies have been carried out on patients undergoing cardiac surgery for whom the blood for extracorporeal circulation was drawn in acid-citrate-dextrose solution 24 to 48 hours before surgery, buffered with tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (THAM) just prior to perfusion and diluted with low molecular weight dextran or 2.5% dextrose and 0.45% saline. Similar studies were carried out on patients given fresh whole heparinized blood. The results have shown no changes in coagulation parameters other than those expected from the use of blood stored for short periods of time. These changes are minimal reduction of platelet count and Factor V levels. The results are confirmed by postperfusion studies on an additional 60 patients (35 ACD, 25 heparin) who have required protamine titration after perfusion. The use of blood buffered with THAM has no adverse effects on the hemostasis of patients perfused with this medium.
Perioperative management of intracranial aneurysms and otologic disease.

Objective: Diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) are areas of longstanding controversy in the neurologic and neurosurgical literature. Treatment decisions require careful consideration of both the potential for aneurysm rupture as well as the risks associated with repair. Studies examining the natural history of UIA, the morbidity and mortality associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and the various treatment options have led to general guidelines for UIA management. In the literature, the simultaneous presence of otologic disease and UIA has not been introduced or addressed. It is unknown whether surgical treatment of middle ear disease has an effect on the natural history of UIA. Study Design: Two illustrative patients with UIA discovered incidentally on radiographic evaluation of middle ear disease are presented. Methods: Patients were managed according to diagnostic and treatment strategies developed and validated in the neurosurgical literature. Results: Both patients underwent uneventful endovascular embolization of their intracranial aneurysms before middle ear surgery. The intra- and postoperative courses were uncomplicated without symptoms related to either their history of intracranial aneurysms or the prior embolization. Conclusions: Application of neurosurgical diagnostic and treatment algorithms to otology patients in the perioperative setting is appropriate. Established risk factors such as the size and location of the intracranial aneurysm, prior SAH, and patient age should guide treatment planning in all cases of UIA. Additional research is needed to evaluate the influence of otologic procedures on the natural history of UIA. In addition, studies are needed to evaluate the role of preoperative screening for UIA in otologic surgery candidates.
Challenges to teaching evolution: What's a head?

Abstract This article draws upon the history of challenges to the teaching of evolutionary science in the United States to determine what the future may hold for American evolution education. Scenarios considered include: anti-evolution activists will continue to attempt legal maneuvers to leverage creationism into public science classrooms, creationists will concede to secular instruction in public schools and focus their attentions on informal mis-education, and that the teaching of evolution will improve despite challenges. Also, noting that tactics employed by American creationists are being exported to other countries, international challenges to the teaching of evolution are discussed with special attention paid to potential futures regarding evolutionary science within Islamic cultures.
Contraceptive Counseling for Women Who Undergo Bariatric Surgery.

Abstract Background: Women are counseled to avoid becoming pregnant for 12–24 months after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess contraceptive counseling and use in women who undergo bariatric surgery. Methods: A self-administered survey was completed by women aged 18–45 years at a postoperative clinic visit >2 months after bariatric surgery at an urban teaching hospital. Results: Of the 69 respondents, 94.2% knew to avoid pregnancy for at least 12 months after surgery. However, 16.3% did not use any contraception 2–12 months after surgery. The most common contraceptive methods used were condoms (30.6%) and oral contraceptives (16.3%). Longer-acting reversible contraceptives were used less frequently; for example, only 4% of women used intrauterine devices. Only 21.2% of respondents were referred to an obstetrician/gynecologist for contraceptive counseling. Conclusions: Many women who undergo bariatric surgery are not using very effective contraceptive methods or any contraception. There ...
Petrogenesis of basalts from the project FAMOUS area: experimental study from 0 to 15 kbars

Tholeiitic basalt glasses from the FAMOUS area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are among the most primitive basaltic liquids reported from the ocean basins. One of the more primitive of these[Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) = 0.68;Ni= 232ppm;TiO2 = 0.61] glasses (572-1-1) was selected for an experimental investigation. This study found olivine to be the liquidus phase from 1 atm to 10.5 kbar where it is replaced by clinopyroxene. The sequence of appearance of phases at 1 atm pressure is olivine (1268°C), plagioclase (1235°C) and clinopyroxene (1135°C). The sample is multiply saturated at 10.5 kbar with olivine (Fo88), clinopyroxene (Wo32En60Fs9), and orthopyroxene (Wo5En83Fs12). From the 1-atm data we have measured (FeO/MgO) olivine/(FeO*/MgO) liquid (K′D) for olivine-melt pairs equilibrated at 12 temperatures in the range 1268–1205°C.K′D varies from 0.30 at 1205°C to 0.27 at 1268°C. Analysis of high-pressure olivine melt pairs indicates a systematic increase inK′D with pressure. Evaluation of the 1-atm experiments reveals that fractionation of olivine followed by olivine + plagioclase can generate much of the variation in major element chemistry observed in the FAMOUS basalt glasses. However, it cannot account for the entire spectrum of glass compositions — particularly with respect to TiO2 and Na2O. The variations in these components are such as to require different primary liquids. Comparison of clinopyroxene microphenocrysts/xenocrysts found in oceanic tholeiites with experimental clinopyroxenes reveal that the majority of those in the tholeiites may have crystallized from the magma at pressures greater than ∼ 10 kbar and are not accidental xenocrysts. Clinopyroxene fractionation at high pressures may be a viable mechanism for fractionating basaltic magmas. The major and minor element mineral/meltK′d's from our experiments have been used to model the source region residual mineralogy for given percentages of partial melting. These data suggest that ∼20% partial melting of a lherzolite source containing 0–10% clinopyroxene can generate the major and minor element concentrations in the parental magmas of the Project FAMOUS basalt glasses.
Topographic spinocerebellar mossy fiber projections are maintained in the Lurcher mutant

A variety of recent studies of cerebellar development have focused attention on the role of Purkinje cells as organizing elements for the topography of afferent fiber connectivity in the cerebellum. We have investigated the involvement of Purkinje and granule cells in the maintenance of topographic spinocerebellar mossy fiber projections by analyzing the distribution of spinocerebellar mossy fiber terminals in lurcher(+/Lc) mutant mice. Purkinje cells in the +/Lc mutant degenerate starting after the first week of postnatal development because of an intrinsic genetic defect. The loss of their Purkinje cell targets also results in the death of 90% of the granule cells. We examined the distribution of spinocerebellar mossy fiber terminals in the juvenile and adult +/Lc mutant to determine how the pattern of afferent projections is affected by the loss of Purkinje cells shortly after innervation of the cerebellum. Labeling of spinocerebellar mossy fiber terminals with WGA-HRP in the P38 and adult +/Lc mutant showed that, despite the loss of almost all Purkinje cells and 90% of the granule cells, spinocerebellar mossy fiber project to the appropriate folia and segregate into relatively normal parasagittal bands. While we cannot rule out the possibility that Purkinje cells may be involved in the initial establishment of topographic maps, our results indicate that Purkinje cells are not necessary for the maintenance of the normal spinocerebellar mossy fiber topographic map. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A General Synthesis of Cu−In−S Based Multicomponent Solid-Solution Nanocrystals with Tunable Band Gap, Size, and Structure

A general approach has been developed to synthesize high-quality Cu−In−S based multicomponent solid-solution nanocrystals (NCs) of Zn2x(CuIn)1−xS2, (CuIn)1−xCd2xS2, and (ZnS)x(CuInS2)y(CdS)z at relatively low temperature. This was achieved in a noncoordinating solvent system (toluene) by a simple solvothermal process using metal diethyldithiocarbamate complexes as the precursors. The composition, crystalline structure, size, and bang gap of the NCs could be readily tuned by the precursors used and synthesis conditions. This work provides useful understanding for the synthesis of solid-solution NCs that are of interest for photocatalyst, solar cell, and other applications.
Effective identification of functional hearing loss using behavioral threshold measures.

Purpose Four functional hearing loss protocols were evaluated. Method For each protocol, 30 participants feigned a hearing loss first on an audiogram and then for a screening test that began a threshold search from extreme levels (–10 or 90 dB HL). Two-tone and 3-tone protocols compared thresholds for ascending and descending tones for 2 (0.5 and 1.0 kHz) and 3 (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz) frequencies, respectively. A noise-band protocol compared an ascending noise-band threshold with that for 2 descending tones (0.5 and 1.0 kHz). A spondee protocol compared an ascending spondee threshold with that for 2 descending tones (0.5 and 1.0 kHz). These measures were repeated without the participants feigning losses. Results With nonfeigning participants, ascending and descending threshold differences were minimal for all protocols. When the participants feigned a loss, the spondee protocol produced the largest average threshold difference (30.8 dB), whereas the other protocols produced smaller differences (19.6–22.2 ...
Experience with juvenile polyps in North American children: the need for pancolonoscopy

We report a recent experience with juvenile polyps (JP) in a large cohort of North American children to determine if a pancolonoscopy (PC) is needed in all children with suspected polyps. We reviewed hospital charts of all patients with JP seen over a 9-yr period (January, 1990-October, 1998). A total of 331 JP were encountered during 195 procedures in 184 patients (64% males, 88% white, mean age 5.93 yr [range 0.42-15.5 yr], median age 4.84 yr). Painless rectal bleeding was the commonest symptom. PC was performed in 42% (82/195) of procedures, and 177 JP were encountered: 54% (97/177) were in the rectosigmoid colon, 14% (24/177) were in the descending colon, and 32% (56/177) were proximal to the splenic flexure (i.e., proximal polyps). Overall, proximal polyps were seen in 37% (31/82) of PC. Only proximal polyps were noted in 12% (10/82) of PC. Five patients were re-endoscoped after an initial limited examination because of continuing symptoms from proximal polyps. All but one of the polyps had typical features of a JP on histological examination. Though most JP are located in the left colon, a PC should be the initial procedure because: 1) 37% of PC revealed proximal polyps, 2) 32% of polyps were located proximal to splenic flexure, 3) persistence of symptoms from missed proximal polyp(s) necessitates a repeat study with attendant risks, and 4) there is a possibility of malignant transformation in an unidentified JP.
Ultrasonography-Assisted Arthroscopic Proximal Iliotibial Band Release and Trochanteric Bursectomy

We describe arthroscopic iliotibial band release and trochanteric bursectomy assisted by intraoperative ultrasonography for accurate placement of arthroscopic portals and to ensure adequate decompression of the peritrochanteric space. We have found ultrasonography for endoscopic iliotibial band release a useful tool to assist with localizing the site and length of decompression.
Proteomic analysis reveals protein expression differences in Escherichia coli strains associated with persistent versus transient mastitis

Escherichia coli is a leading cause of bacterial mastitis in dairy cattle. Typically this infection is transient in nature, causing an infection that lasts 2–3 days. However, in a minority of cases, E. coli has been shown to cause a persistent infection. The mechanisms that allow for a persistent E. coli infection are not fully understood. The goal of this work was to determine protein expression differences between E. coli strains isolated from dairy cattle with transient and persistent mastitis infections. Three persistent and three transient mastitis-derived strains of E. coli were compared using iTRAQ in a shotgun proteomics experiment. Expression data for 1127 proteins were determined. Of these, 28 proteins were associated with expression changes correlated with a difference in disease phenotype. Of particular interest were proteins that have been shown to be essential for bacterial swimming and swarming. Bacterial swimming and swarming assays showed that the strains from the persistent mastitis cases were significantly better in these motility assays than the strains from the transient cases. This work identifies important protein expression differences between E. coli strains that cause a persistent versus a transient infection as well as demonstrates a corresponding difference in the associated bacterial motility phenotypes.
Enregistered memory and Afro-Cuban historicity in Santería’s ritual speech

Abstract In this article I consider how registers of speech can index distinct chronotopes by indexing historical ‘voices’. Practitioners of Cuban Santeria can temporally inflect their ritual speech by deploying two marked registers that contrast with standard Cuban Spanish and each other. These registers, called ‘Lucumi’ and ‘Bozal’, are associated with particular historical or mythic character-types and with distinct but overlapping domains of ritual practice. I examine how contrasts in the ideological values of these registers bring three distinct chronotopes into play, thereby projecting the continuing power of ancestors and African deities, and serving as forms of ‘enregistered memory’.