cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrologic and erosion responses to wildfire along the rangeland-xeric forest continuum in the western US: a review and model of hydrologic vulnerability.

The recent increase in wildfire activity across the rangeland–xeric forest continuum in the western United States has landscape-scale consequences in terms of runoff and erosion. Concomitant cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) invasions, plant community transitions and a warming climate in recent decades along grassland–shrubland–woodland–xeric forest transitions have promoted frequent and large wildfires, and continuance of the trend appears likely if warming climate conditions prevail. These changes potentially increase overall hydrologic vulnerability by spatially and temporally increasing soil exposure to runoff and erosion processes. Plot and hillslope-scale studies demonstrate burning may increase event runoff or erosion by factors of 2–40 over small-plot scales and more than 100-fold over large-plot to hillslope scales. Reports of flooding and debris flow events from rangelands and xeric forests following burning show the potential risk to natural resources, property, infrastructure and human life. We present a conceptual model for evaluating post-fire hydrologic vulnerability and risk. We suggest that post-fire risk assessment of potential hydrologic hazards should adopt a probability-based approach that considers varying site susceptibility in conjunction with a range of potential storms and that determines the hydrologic response magnitudes likely to affect values-at-risk. Our review suggests that improved risk assessment requires better understanding in several key areas including quantification of interactions between varying storm intensities and measures of site susceptibility, the varying effects of soil water repellency, and the spatial scaling of post-fire hydrologic response across rangeland–xeric forest plant communities.
Climatic effects of atmospheric aerosols

It is shown quantitatively how radiative climatic forcing by aerosols depends on the physical properties of the aerosols. The special case of atmospheric aerosols produced by volcanic explosions is considered, and evidence is presented which indicates that even the simple climate models available today may be able to capture some of the basic effects of aerosols on global climate. Possible effects of anthropogenic aerosols are briefly examined. It is noted that additional evidence for the significant influence of aerosols on climate may be found in data obtained from recent spacecraft missions to Venus and Mars.
Detection of Yeasts in Blood Cultures by the Luminex xTAG Fungal Assay

A multiplex-PCR Luminex xMAP bead probe fluid array using xTAG analyte-specific reagents (multiplex xTAG fungal ASR assay) was employed for detection of clinically significant Candida species, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Blastomyces dermatitidis from blood cultures. We tested 132 blood cultures negative (n = 10) or positive (n = 97) for yeasts and/or bacteria (n = 25). The assay showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 99%, respectively. The xTAG fungal ASR assay is a rapid assay that allows simultaneous identification of multiple yeast species.
Transcriptional profiling and pathway analysis of CSF-1 and IL-34 effects on human monocyte differentiation.

Abstract CSF-1 is the well-known ligand for CSF-1R, which plays a vital role in monocyte–macrophage generation, survival, and function. IL-34 is a newly discovered cytokine that also signals through CSF-1R. Although there are limited data for downstream signaling and pathway activation for CSF-1, none are published, to date, for expression profiles of IL-34. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the signaling pathways downstream of the CSF-1R receptor, based on these two ligands. This was accomplished through transcriptional profiling and pathway analysis of CD14 + human monocytes differentiated with each ligand. Additionally, cells were treated with a CSF-1R inhibitor GW2580 to establish that observations associated with each ligand were CSF-1R mediated. Gene expression profiles were generated for each condition using Agilent 4x44K Whole Human Genome Microarrays. Overall profiles generated by each cytokine were similar (∼75% of genes) with a dampened effect noted on some pathways (∼25% of genes) with IL-34. One key difference observed, between the two cytokines was in the repression of CCR2 message. A similar divergence in protein level was established by FACS analysis. The differential effect on CCR2 expression has major implications for monocyte/macrophage biology including homeostasis and function. Further study of IL-34 effects on monocyte/macrophage biology will shed light on the specific role each ligand plays and the context in which these roles are important. To our knowledge, this study is the first to illustrate downstream transcriptional profiles and pathways of IL-34 in comparison with CSF-1 and identify notable differences in CCR2 expression.
Acyclic-sugar 6-chloropurine nucleoside analogs derived from d-aldohexoses having the d-erythro stereochemistry at C-4 and C-5

Abstract 1-(6-Chloropurin-9-yl)-1- S -ethyl-1-thio- d -mannitol, 1-(6-chloropurin-9-yl)-1- S -ethyl-1-thio- d -altritol, and 1-(6-chloropurin-9-yl)-3-deoxy-1- S -ethyl-1-thio- d - arabino -hexitol were prepared by a new method of direct coupling of an acyclic-sugar derivative to the base. The coupling products were obtained as pairs of 1′-epimers. The epimeric mixture of d - manno derivatives was resolved by liquid chromatography, and the products were fully characterized. Glycosylation at N-9 of the purine ring was established by u.v. and 13 C-n.m.r. spectroscopy, and the chirality at C-1′ by circular dichroism measurements. The conformations of the acyclic-sugar chains in solution were also examined.
Convergence of the multigrid V -cycle algorithm for second-order boundary value problems without full elliptic regularity

The multigrid V-cycle algorithm using the Richardson relaxation scheme as the smoother is studied in this paper. For second-order elliptic boundary value problems, the contraction number of the V-cycle algorithm is shown to improve uniformly with the increase of the number of smoothing steps, without assuming full elliptic regularity. As a consequence, the V-cycle convergence result of Braess and Hackbusch is generalized to problems without full elliptic regularity.
Comparison of intraluminal and intravenous mediators of colonic response to eating

Eating a 1000-kcal mixed meal stimulates an increase in distal colonic motility. Fat is the dietary component which is the major stimulant of colonic spike activity. In this study the colonic spike activity increased similarly after the mixed meal [19.1±2.4 spike potentials (SP)/30 min] and after the fat meal (19.4±5.4 SP/30 min). Fat stimulated a concentration-dependent increase in colonic motility only when in contact with the gastroduodenal mucosa. Intravenous administration of Liposyn (100 kcal/hr) did not stimulate an increase in colonic spike activity (3.3±1.3 SP/30 min) despite greater increase in plasma total fatty acid levels than after the oral ingestion of fat. In contrast both the oral ingestion and the intravenous administration of an amino acid mixture (Aminosyn) inhibited the gastrocolonic response after the 1000-kcal mixed meal. Thus, these studies demonstrate: (1) fat stimulates colonic motility only through direct mucosal contact, and (2) a mixture of amino acid inhibits colonic motility through either mucosal contact or by circulating in the plasma. The exact neurohumoral mechanisms involved in both of these effects is unknown at present.
Strains of house flies producing only males.

Several strains of house flies were synthesized that contain males that will produce only male progeny when they are outcrossed to females from most native strains. Males and females from these strains contain male-determining factors (M) on both members of the 3rd pair of chromosomes, and an incompletely penetrant dominant lethal mutation on one chromosome. Females of the strains carry a female-determining factor (F) that is not located on Chromosome 3 and is epistatic to any combination of M factors. The male-producing males have a potential use in genetic control programs for house flies.
Pharmacologic basis for the use of doxazosin in the treatment of essential hypertension.

The drug treatment of mild hypertension has been shown to afford protection against fatal and nonfatal strokes, congestive heart failure, progression to more severe levels of hypertension, and all-cause mortality, but not against the complications of coronary artery disease. The lack of benefit against coronary artery disease may result from failure to reduce other risk factors or because the drugs employed increased coronary risk. It can be taken as axiomatic that effective preventive antihypertensive therapy is more likely with drugs with mechanisms and sites of action that are focused on the underlying pathophysiology than with drugs that lower blood pressure by means unrelated to the hypertensive process. Adrenergic predominance plays a major role in the initiation and maintenance of essential hypertension and, consequently, the alpha-adrenergic receptor inhibitors were among the first substances to receive serious consideration as antihypertensive agents. However, since these drugs are nonselective, feedback control of transmitter norepinephrine was lost and, consequently, the clinical expectations of the early alpha-adrenergic receptor inhibitors in the treatment of high blood pressure were not fulfilled. The discovery of selective postjunctional alpha 1 -adrenergic-receptor inhibitors, such as prazosin and doxazosin, which preserve feedback control of transmitter norepinephrine release, was the crucially important step in the development of specific drugs to combat the hyperactivity of adrenergic vasoconstrictor nerves in hypertension. These drugs have been shown to normalize hemodynamics in hypertensive patients. They lower blood pressure through a reduction in peripheral resistance at rest and during exercise, independent of changes in heart rate and blood pressure, with minimal reflex activation or tolerance development. Alpha 1 -adrenergic-receptor inhibitors, such as prazosin and doxazosin, represent an attractive choice for initial therapy in all grades of hypertension and are especially appropriate in hypertensive patients with congestive heart failure, asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease, renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or gout, and in those involved in vigorous work, sports, or exercise. There are no known contraindications to these drugs, except in patients who are sensitive to quinazolines.
RNase MRP and rRNA processing

RNase MRP is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme with a structure similar to RNase P. It is required for normal processing of precursor rRNA, cleaving it in the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1.
Review of logistics and supply chain relationship literature and suggested research agenda

Purpose – The paper aims to provide an overview of the evolution of relationship‐related research in the areas of logistics and supply chain management.Design/methodology/approach – Suggestions are offered for future research on logistics and supply chain relationships.Findings – While the literature related to logistics and supply chain relationships have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, there still remain many opportunities for extending the literature base. Considering the significant implications for business practice, this should be a research priority.Research limitations/implications – Questions have been raised regarding the long‐term success of many partnership or alliance‐type relationships. Further research is warranted examining success to date, implications for future collaborative‐type relationships, and guidelines for establishing relationships. Other topics include managing relationships and power imbalances, developing appropriate metrics to monitor relationship performan...
Lymphopenia in acute nitrofurantoin pleuropulmonary reactions

Each of 5 patients with acute nitrofurantoin pleuropulmonary reactions had profound lymphopenia and 4 had eosinophilia developing early in the clinical course after the drug was withdrawn. The 2 patients tested had only one third of the normal numbers of E rosettes (T lymphocytes) in the peripheral blood during recovery. Lymphoblastic transformation tests with purified nitrofurantoin were done in 3 patients and all of them were negative; responses to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed were decreased but still normal. The diagnosis of various nitrofurantoin hypersensitivity reactions relies on clinical data. The mechanisms of these reactions presently remain unclear.
STREAM WASTE ASSIMILATIVE CAPACITY ANALYSIS USING REAERATION COEFFICIENTS MEASURED BY TRACER TECHNIQUES

Atmospheric reaeration is a natural mechanism of oxygen transfer from the atmosphere to a water body. In practice, stream water quality models are developed with reaeration coefficients (K2) estimated by predictive equations. This leads to uncertainties in modeling analysis because these equations are empirical in nature and may yield greatly different K2 values for the same stream. Values of K2 may be adjusted in model calibration, but unfortunately, values of other model parameters are no less easy to identify and require adjustment in model calibration as well. Therefore, validity of a stream model would be enhanced significantly if K2 could be determined directly and reliably. In this research, values of K2 in the Canandaiqua Outlet in Central New York have been measured by using a gas tracer method. A successful modeling analysis was conducted using these K2 values. As a result, effluent limitations of several waste water discharges into the Outlet were established. It was concluded that field measurements of reaeration rate would improve modeling results significantly, and that the gas tracer method can be easily incorporated into intensive water quality surveys normally required for stream modeling.
Use of microbial enrichments for the study of the anaerobic degradation of cholesterol

Abstract To demonstrate the potential of model microbial assemblages in studies of the biogeochemistry of complex organic molecules, anaerobic microbial populations capable of degrading cholesterol (cholest-5-en-3β-ol) have been enriched from marine sediment sources. The bacterial enrichments actively mineralized the C-4 nucleus of the cholesterol ring system to carbon dioxide when nitrate was present as the terminal electron acceptor. Nitrite was found as an intermediate in the reduction of nitrate, indicating the presence of denitrifying bacteria in the enrichments. When sulfate was supplied as the sole electron acceptor, active dissimilation of cholesterol was not observed. In enrichments containing 5 mM nitrate, 95–98% of the added cholesterol was recovered as carbon dioxide (2–5%), transformation products (20–30%), or as the unmodified sterol (70–80%). Cholesterol transformation products thus far identified include 5α- and 5β-cholestan-3β-ol, cholest-4-en-3-one, 5α-androstan-3, 17-dione and androst-4-en-3, 17 dione.
Disaster Planning Education for Home Care Nurses, Patients, and Caregivers

Home health nurses are at the forefront of protecting noninstitutionalized nursing patients and their caregivers from disasters. The September 11 terrorist attack on our nation magnifies the uncertainty of our lives and the need to be prepared through disaster planning education. Disasters—large or small, natural or man-made— can strike anywhere and anytime. The Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing posits that home health nurses progress through three stages (dependence, moderate dependence, and autonomy) as they spend time in home health nursing, adapting, gaining experience, and confidence. Neal’s Theory can be applied to preparation for disasters that could confront home health nurses, providing the framework for planning, training, and oversight that the home health agency can use to ensure that the home health nurse is prepared. The role of collaborator is a cumulative result of the progression through Neal’s three stages and positions the home health nurse to influence strategic disaster planning and education within the agency, community, state, and federal policy levels.
Triplet-triplet absorption studies of the intersystem crossing mechanism of 2-aminopurines

Abstract The triplet excited states of 2-aminopurine (2-APu) and 2-N, N-dimethylaminopurine (2-DMAPu) in acetonitrile and water have been detected and characterized. Comparison of the initial T-T absorbancies, together with the measured singlet lifetime, in these systems allowed us to determine the relative intersystem crossing rate constants. The ratios kISC (2-APu/CH3CN) : kISC (2-APu/H2O) and kISC (2- DMAPu/CH3CN) were found to be 36.7 and 11.2, respectively. Comparison with the ratios calculated from the luminescence data confirm the previously proposed [1] scheme of electronic levels in these purines.
Automated geography and emergency management

The value of geographical knowledge to emergency managers at all levels of government is unquestioned. Maps have always been an important tool, and in recent years computers and new information technologies have expanded the ways in which geographical data can be utilized. Technical specialists continue to develop increasingly flexible and powerful tools which allow emergency managers to examine multiple parameter scenarios treating both human-caused and natural disaster situations. The importance of establishing a coordination center and geographical information network, with appropriate computer support and staff expertise, is underscored in this discussion. 14 references.
Supervising Student Teachers in Individualized Foreign Language Classes.

F THE PROSPECTIVE foreign language teacher has had to develop some new techniques for working with programs of individualization, so has the supervisor of student-teachers. No longer can he merely take a seat in the back of a classroom and take copious notes on such matters as teaching techniques and class rapport. The shift of emphasis from the teacher in a traditional classroom to the learner in an individualized
Periodic probability learning

Nineteen human Ss participated in a two-choice probability learning experiment. The event probabilities were.80/.20 for the first 100 trials, and for the last 270 trials they varied as a sine function of trial number. The prediction that S response probabilities should be periodic (a prediction based on Estes’ linear operator model) was tested using periodic retression analysis. The prediction was supported.
Quantification of rate of coronary artery disease progression by a new method of angiographic analysis

Abstract To assess the rate and variability of atherostenosis progression in patients with coronary artery disease at baseline angiography, we used a simplified quantitative method of analysis to study single angiograms in 54 patients and paired angiograms in 29 patients. All discrete lesions were identified, then traced and digitized to determine lumen diameter (LD), and summed to give the total LD; the differences in LD for paired angiograms were summed to give total stenosis change (TSC). The following results were obtained: Correlation between LD measured by our method and LD determined by the Brown/Dodge method was excellent ( r = 0.99, N = 54). There also was a high correlation between interobserver ( r = 0.98, N = 54) and intraobserver ( r = 0.99, N = 54) findings. Short-term TSC (N = 9, angiograms paired at p p
Immunochemical identification of Fusarium moniliforme ribosomes from diseased corn (Zea mays L.) stalk tissue

Antibodies raised to the ribosomes of Fusarium moniliforme and corn (Zea mays L.) were shown to be specific by the Ouchterlony double-diffusion test and sucrose density gradient analysis of the antigen-antibody reaction. Extracts of total ribosomes from pith of infected corn could be separated into host, pathogen and other organism(s) fractions by the use of antibodies and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The potential for arriving at a quantitative estimation of each type of ribosome is discussed.
Coherence Degree of the Emission from a Normal-Mode-Coupling Microcavity

The coherence degree, measured by interfering the microcavity emission with a reference laser beam, is found to depend upon the wavelength, spectral width, and energy of the pump pulse.
Gadids and Alewives: Structure within complexity in the Gulf of Maine

The collapse of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) along the northern 240 km of New England's historically productive coastal shelf has continued for nearly twenty years. Resident spawning groups and their subpopulations have disappeared and have yet to recover, causing local groundfish fisheries to collapse. Three additional gadid species, haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), pollock (Pollachius virens), and white hake (Urophyscus tenuis) collapsed along the northern coastal shelf during the same period, raising concerns that their resident coastal groups were part of a metapopulation and may have also been lost. Analysis of their distribution and movements in the 1920s appeared to corroborate this. The four gadids had clusters of resident coastal groups along the coastal shelf that coexisted in the same area. Cod, white hake and pollock appeared to exhibit metapopulation characteristics, having resident and migrating components distributed along the coast in three different areas, with migrating components arriving and leaving along common migration routes fall when alewives left. The groups were centered near rivers with alewife spawning runs and disappeared from the area during the 1950s after alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) declined locally. The results suggest that large, stable concentrations of young-of-the-year alewives were a factor in where resident and migrating gadid groups were located.
Reduction of atherosclerosis with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis may be similar to the events in the inflammatory response. Many of these processes are activated by the arachidonic acid cascade. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the cycloxegenase and possibly the lipoxegenase pathways, decreasing the production of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, all components of the inflammatory process. We have inhibited the arachidonic acid cascade with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin (5 mg/kg/day) and phenylbutazone (10mg/kg/day). Forty-five New Zealand white rabbits were given a 0.25% cholesterol diet for 16 weeks in addition to the drugs or a placebo. Serial plasma lipid profiles were performed; aortic and peripheral arterial cholesterol content measurements were obtained at sacrifice. All groups showed markedly elevated plasma lipids. Thoracic aortic and carotid artery cholesterol contents were significantly decreased in both treated groups as compared to placebo (P < 0.05), despite the atherogenic lipid profiles. These results implicate the immune and inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis.
Calculation of Zero-Field Splittings, g-Values, and the Relativistic Nephelauxetic Effect in Transition Metal Complexes. Application to High-Spin Ferric Complexes.

Equations are derived and discussed that allow the computation of zero-field splitting (ZFS) tensors in transition metal complexes for any value of the ground-state total spin S. An effective Hamiltonian technique is used and the calculation is carried to second order for orbitally nondegenerate ground states. The theory includes contributions from excited states of spin S and S ± 1. This makes the theory more general than earlier treatments. Explicit equations are derived for the case where all states are well described by single-determinantal wave functions, for example restricted open shell Hartree−Fock (HF) and spin-polarized HF or density functional (DFT) calculation schemes. Matrix elements are evaluated for many electron wave functions that result from a molecular orbital (MO) treatment including configuration interaction (CI). A computational implementation in terms of bonded functions is outlined. The problem of ZFS in high-spin ferric complexes is treated at some length, and contributions due to...
Internal waves and mixing along the New England shelf-slope front

Abstract A 48-day early spring data set from the outer continental shelf south of New England is used to describe the internal wave climate of the shelf-slope front. Current data from three near-bottom and one mid-depth instruments in water depths between 80 and 120 m indicate that internal waves provided a significant portion of the near-bottom current variance in the frontal zone. The data show that the internal wave energy was enhanced in the frontal zone relative to the shelf. At these depths, at least during the observational program, surface waves did not generally cause noticeable near-bottom water motions. Spectra describe an internal wave field of low vertical mode propagating perpendicular to the isobaths onto the shelf. This suggests significant refraction of the waves as they propagated onshore from the isotropic internal wave field of the continental slope. There appeared to be very little along-shelf variation in internal wave energy over distances on the order of 100 km. Onshore, however, there was a factor of two decrease in internal wave energy density over a distance of about 15 km. Assuming frictional dissipation within a bottom boundary layer, this decrease in energy translates into a friction velocity of about 2 cm s−1. Thus, internal wave dissipation could result in bottom stress levels comparable to values deduced for shallower waters under the influence of storm-driven surface waves. This dissipation rate is shown to produce a significant bottom mixed layer which can, under some circumstances, result in sizeable cross-frontal exchange of shelf and slope waters.
Prolapsed left atrium behind the left ventricular posterior wall: Two dimensional echocardiographic and angiographlc features

Left atrial enlargement can usually be detected accurately using M mode echocardiography. However, in the presence of heart disease, asymmetric enlargement may lead to inaccurate assessment of left atrial size and shape. Pericardial effusion can usually be diagnosed on the basis of characteristic M mode echocardiographic findings. However, false positive patterns sometimes occur with the use of this single dimensional technique. Three patients with a greatly enlarged left atrium are described whose M mode echocardiogram suggested significant posterior pericardial fluid accumulation. In each patient, two dimensional echocardiography detected portions of a huge left atrium that prolapsed behind the left ventricular posterior wall and mimicked an isolated posterior pericardial effusion. In one case a right anterior oblique left ventricular cineangiogram suggested the presence of a ventricular septal defect or a false aneurysm of the left ventricle due to the prolapsed left atrium. Because two dimensional echocardiography can provide accurate spatial orientation with visualization of intracardiac structures in relation to one another in real time, it can identify the presence of left atrial prolapse and play an important role in the differential diagnosis of isolated echo-free spaces behind the left ventricle detected with M mode echocardiography.
Structure of a novel Bence-Jones protein (Rhe) fragment at 1.6 A resolution

The crystal structure of Rhe, a lambda-type Bence-Jones protein fragment, has been solved and refined to a resolution of 1.6 A. A model fragment consisting of the complete variable domain and the first three residues of the constant domain yields a crystallographic residual RF value of 0.149. The protein exists as a dimer both in solution and in the crystals. Although the "immunoglobulin fold" is generally preserved in the structure, there are significant differences in both the monomer conformation and in the mode of association of monomers into dimers, when compared to other known Bence-Jones proteins or Fab fragments. The variations in conformation within monomers are particularly significant as they involve non-hypervariable residues, which previously were believed to be part of a "structurally invariant" framework common to all immunoglobulin variable domains. The novel mode of dimerization is equally important, as it can result in combining site shapes and sizes unobtainable with the conventional mode of dimerization. A comparison of the structure with other variable domain dimers reveals further that the variations within monomers and between domains in the dimer are coupled. Some possible functional implications revealed by this coupling are greater variability, induced fitting of the combining site to better accommodate antigenic determinants, and a mechanism for relaying binding information from one end of the variable domain dimer to the other. In addition to providing the most accurate atomic parameters for an immunoglobulin domain yet obtained, the high resolution and extensive refinement resulted in identification of several tightly bound water molecules in key structural positions. These water molecules may be regarded as integral components of the protein. Other water molecules appear to be required to stabilize the novel conformation.
Natural course of visual field loss in patients with type 2 Usher syndrome

Purpose:To evaluate the natural course of visual field loss in patients with Type 2 Usher syndrome and different patterns of visual field loss.Methods:Fifty-eight patients with Type 2 Usher syndrome who had at least three visual field measurements during a period of at least 3 years were studied. Ki
Suppression of even-order photodiode distortions via predistortion linearization with a bias-shifted Mach-Zehnder modulator

A new technique to cancel photodiode-induced even-order distortion in microwave photonic links is demonstrated. A single Mach-Zehnder modulator, biased slightly away from the quadrature point, is shown to suppress photodiode second-order intermodulation distortion in excess of 40 dB without affecting the fundamental power. The technique is theoretically described with supporting experimental results.
Differential modes of processing and decay for the major N-dependent RNA transcript of coliphage λ

Abstract The major leftward, N-dependent RNA synthesized from the p L (leftward promoter)- att operon of bacteriophage λ in wild-type and rivonuclease III (RNase III)-deficient hosts has been investigated by transcriptional mapping analysis. These studies reveal a sequence-specific program of post-transcriptional events leading to differential modes of RNA processing and decay of the N-dependent ( l ′ 3 ) RNA transcript. The initial events, which comprise the RNA processing (rapid) phase, include RNase III-mediated cleavage of the p L -proximal l ° i (containing the 5′-ppp terminus) and the next adjacent l 1 RNA species (both about 4.5 S in size) and a third cleavage event in the vicinity of the leftward transcriptional termination signal ( t L1 ) just to the left of gene N. This latter cleavage appears to be responsible for the differentially rapid decay of the gene N RNA segment derived from the 3′-end of l 1 l -to- lt L1 . This series of events is completed by the time the N-dependent transcription is terminated at the att site. The events of the succeeding secondary (relatively slow) phase are associated with the remaining t L1 - att ( l 3 RNA) segment and comprise the initiation of endonucleolytic cleavage and subsequent chemical decay events which result in the uniform decay of the entire l 3 RNA segment of the l ′ 3 RNA transcript.
Medicaid and Access to Care Among Persons With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective To evaluate the associations between Medicaid insurance and distance traveled by patients to treating physicians and health care utilization for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A total of 982 adults with SLE were recruited between 2002 and 2004. We calculated the distance between patient homes and physicians using Mapquest, an Internet mapping program. We then assessed the association between Medicaid status and distance traveled to the primary SLE provider, presence of ≥1 physician visits, and the number of all physician visits, with and without adjustment for demographic and medical covariates. Results On an unadjusted basis, Medicaid patients traveled longer distances to see their primary SLE provider. This effect was pronounced for patients under the care of a rheumatologist. Adjustment reduced, but did not eliminate, these differences. With adjustment for covariates, Medicaid patients were equally as likely to see a rheumatologist as non-Medicaid patients. However, Medicaid patients were more likely to be seen by a general practitioner or in the emergency room for their SLE, and reported more visits to general practitioners and the emergency room for SLE. Conclusion Medicaid patients with SLE traveled longer distances to see an SLE physician, especially rheumatologists. They also reported a different pattern of health care utilization. These results suggest that Medicaid patients may face barriers in obtaining comprehensive medical services in proximity to their residences.
Secondary use of randomized controlled trials to evaluate drug safety: a review of methodological considerations.

Background Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are often positioned at the top of evidence hierarchies. Meta-analyses of RCTs aim to integrate the state of knowledge on a given scientific question, p...
Structure and Dynamics of the Calcium Binding Domains of the Na/Ca Exchanger (NCX1.1) Determined by Site Directed Spin Labeling

The cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1.1) serves as the primary means of Ca2+ extrusion from cardiomyocytes following the rise in intracellular Ca2+ during contraction. The exchanger is regulated by binding of Ca2+ to the intracellular domain. This domain is composed of an α-catenin-like domain (CLD) that connects two structurally homologous Ca2+ binding domains (CBD1 and CBD2) to the transmembrane domain of the exchanger. NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies have provided structures for the isolated CBD1 and CBD2 domains and have suggested how Ca2+ binding alters their structures and motional dynamics. It remains unknown how Ca2+ binding to the intact Ca2+ sensor signals the transmembrane domain to regulate exchanger activity. We have used site directed spin labeling to address this question. Conventional EPR experiments have shown that: 1) residues in, or near, the Ca2+ binding loops of CBD1 and CBD2 show decreased mobility upon Ca2+ binding; and 2) residues in the β-sandwich regions are insensitive to Ca2+ binding. Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER) measurements on doubly labeled constructs revealed that: 1) the structure of the β-sandwich domains of CBD1 and CBD2 are not altered upon Ca2+ binding; 2) CBD1 and CBD2 do not lie lengthwise antiparallel in close proximity but rather residues in the distal ends that connect to the CLD are greater than 60 A apart; and 3) residues nearer to the apex of the Ca2+ sensor are in close enough proximity to be measured by DEER and these distances are sensitive to Ca2+ binding. These studies support recent SAXS studies by Hilge et al. (PNAS 106:14333-8, 2009) and provide additional insight into a structural rearrangement of the intact Ca2+ sensor that may be involved in regulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange.
Optimization of electrical performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 thin film solar cells sputtered from quaternary targets

Utilizing a quaternary target to sputter Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) yields films which are dense, polycrystalline and highly oriented. Devices fabricated from these films exhibited efficiencies >10%. In this paper, we study the electrical characteristics of these devices, including current-voltage (I–V), external quantum efficiency (EQE) and sheet and contact resistances measured by the transfer length method, to improve their overall performance. The effect of edge termination by different techniques is reviewed to investigate perimeter effects and edge defects. It was found in these particular devices that mechanical scribing of device areas contributed to both edge and bulk shunt effects. We discuss the extent of these effects in the context of increasing device efficiency through the optimization of edge termination.
Concierge Medicine Applying Rational Economics to Health Care Queuing

A model of retainer-based medicine, commonly called concierge medicine, whereby some patients pay a retainer for physician access, demonstrates that all patients can benefit from this arrangement. ...
Residual Stresses in Ceramic–Interlayer–Metal Joints

Thermal residual stresses due to the thermal expansion mismatch in a ceramic-interlayer-metal joint are calculated analytically. A qualitative estimate of the stress distribution is obtained by assuming the joint consists of one or two elastic slabs sandwiched between two semi-infinite isotropic elastic solids. These elastic solids and the interlayer(s) are perfectly bonded to each other at the planar interfaces. The region where temperature change takes place is assumed to be a cylinder with its axis normal to the interface. A simple equation is obtained for the stress value at the center of the ceramic-interlayer interface as a function of the thermal expansion coefficients, elastic constants of the constituent materials, and the thickness of the interlayer(s). The results obtained by this simple model agree well, qualitatively, with those obtained experimentally and numerically (finite element calculations). An appropriate interlayer material to reduce the residual stress in ceramic-metal joints is suggested.
Chairside diet assessment of caries risk.

ABSTRACT Background A dietary habit assessment should be an integral component of oral health care. The author outlines strategies that oral health care professionals can use to assess dietary habits associated with caries risk and to develop dietary recommendations. Conclusion A caries risk assessment tool can be used to identify dietary habits that may contribute to caries risk. Practical Implications The caries risk assessment tool can provide structure for evaluating patients’ dietary habits and food choices and helping oral care health professionals provide preventive dietary recommendations.
Barbarians and Brothers: Anglo‐American Warfare, 1500–1865. By Wayne E. Lee. (Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2011. Pp. vii, 340. $39.45.)

The author of this book has written an exhaustively researched, richly detailed, and lucid account of Anglo‐American warfare, encompassing the era from Elizabeth I to General Grant. This work, beca...
The Timing of Twinning: More Insights from X Inactivation

Since the formulation of the hypothesis, by Mary Lyon (1961), of X-chromosome inactivation in somatic cells of female mammals, studies of the biology and the consequences of this phenomenon have contributed to our understanding of many areas of genetics and development. Montiero et al. (1998 [in this issue]) have now extended the application of X-inactivation studies to a careful and quantitative dissection of the timing of MZ twinning, demonstrating that dichorionic MZ (DC-MZ) twinning, unlike monochorionic MZ (MC-MZ) twinning, occurs prior to the time of X inactivation in the embryo.
The White House News Conference as a Channel of Communication

It is both a function and a primary responwhat that government does. In this article the sibility of democratic government to keep the author traces the history of the White House body politic informed. By tradition this is news conference, discusses the advantages and particularly true of the United States, but it disadvantages of this method of keeping the requires constant vigilance and continual efpublic informed, and suggests a method for fort on the part of responsible government enhancing conference effectiveness. and the major communications media to obThe author is Director of the School of tain and to disseminate information about Journalism at Ohio State University.
Obesity shifts house dust mite-induced airway cellular infiltration from eosinophils to macrophages: effects of glucocorticoid treatment

Although classically characterized by chronic airway inflammation with eosinophil infiltration, asthma is a complex and multifactorial condition with numerous clinical phenotypes. Epidemiological studies strongly support the link between obesity and asthma and suggest that obesity precedes and promotes asthma development, increases asthma severity, and reduces steroid responsivity. Using a house dust mite (HDM) model of airway hyperresponsiveness in C57BL/6 mice, we examined the effects of diet-induced obesity on allergic airway inflammation and its treatment with dexamethasone. When compared to lean mice treated with HDM, obese-HDM mice had reduced plasma adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, lower eosinophil and higher macrophage infiltration into the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, increased expression of total, M1, and M2 macrophage markers in the lungs, and enhanced Th2 and non-Th2 cytokine expression in the lungs. While Th2-associated responses in obese-HDM mice were suppressed by systemic dexamethasone, several Th2-independent responses, including total and M1 macrophage markers in the lungs, and lung CXC-motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) levels, were not improved following dexamethasone treatment. Thus, HDM combined with obesity promotes mixed localized inflammatory responses (e.g., M1, M2, Th1, and Th2) and shifts the cellular infiltration from eosinophils to macrophages, which are less sensitive to dexamethasone regulation. Because obese asthmatics exhibit more severe symptoms, lack a predominance of Th2 biomarkers, and are predicted to experience more steroid resistance when compared to lean asthmatics, this model could be used to study blunted steroid responses in obese-HDM mice and to define the macrophages found in the lungs.
Activities as Instructional Tools: A Framework for Analysis and Evaluation

Issues relating to the design, selection, and evaluation of learning activities have been relatively neglected in educational research and scholarship. This article identifies some fundamental questions in need of scholarly attention, reviews recent research findings, and then offers a conceptual analysis and a list of principles that might be used as a tool for designing, selecting, or assessing activities.
A hybrid nonconformal FETI/conformal FETI-DP method for arbitrary nonoverlapping domain decomposition modeling

This paper presents a unified FETI/FETI-DP framework for a general domain decomposition solution of electromagnetic problems. This method fully takes advantage of the global corner system to construct an effective coarse grid correction for the global interface problem when dealing with the mesh-conformal part. For the mesh-nonconformal part, it employs the second-order transmission condition to improve the convergence of the global interface problem. The proposed method is validated with wave propagation and antenna radiation examples.
Using Town Meetings to Teach the Values Inherent in Health-Care Resource Allocation Decisions

Difficult decisions regarding the allocation of scarce healthcare resources will need to be addressed if significant changes are to be made in the American health-care system. Several states have begun such a process by providing a forum where citizens can participate in a serious discussion about these difficult choices and trying to determine what citizens find valuable and desirable about health-care services. The underlying goal is that healthcare reform will be congruent with community values. As future practitioners, pharmacy students need to understand these difficult decisions and the role of thoughtfully considered values in the decision making process. The purpose of this study was to utilize a town meeting approach for students to thoughtfully consider and discuss their values concerning health-care resource allocation and to evaluate the student acceptability of such a process. Students from two different classes participated and rated the process positively in regards to the amount of learnin...
Lateral Reorganization of Fluid Lipid Membranes in Response to the Electric Field Produced by a Buried Charge

A thermodynamic model describing multicomponent fluid membranes under the influence of lateral forces due to a buried charge is developed to estimate the magnitude and dynamics of field-induced lateral reorganization in membranes of living cells. The calculations were performed for an electric field geometry such as might be produced by a charge in an ion channel but can apply to any situation where charge is buried in the low dielectric environment of a membrane, for example, during electron transfer. The model includes molecular size and charge differences as well as critical demixing effects. These calculations indicate that the local concentration of charged and uncharged membrane components can be substantially altered over the course of a few microseconds. Critical demixing effects enhance the propensity of a membrane toward lateral reorganization and provide an intriguing mechanism by which an electric field can induce separation between neutral molecules such as cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine.
Observations on Upstream Flame Propagation in the Ignition of Hydrocarbon Jets

A variety of investigators have attempted to characterize the mechanisms of how reaction zones stabilize, or propagate, against incoming reactants, particularly in stable lifted jet flames both laminar and turbulent. In this paper, experiments are described that investigate the characteristics of upstream flame propagation in turbulent hydrocarbon jet flames. An axisymmetric, gaseous turbulent jet mixing in air has been selectively ignited at downstream positions to assess the upstream propagation of the bulk reaction zone. The farthest axial position that permitted the reaction zone to propagate upstream after application of the ignition source, referred to as the "upper propagation limit", or UPL, is determined for a variety of jet and air co-flow parameters. There is an inverse relationship between the upper propagation limit position and the jet Reynolds number. Conversely, there is a direct relationship between the upper propagation limit and the co-flow velocity. Interpretation of the results is related to the velocity at the stoichiometric surface. Global discussion is made as to what these results imply about the stabilization and propagation of turbulent lifted jet flames.
A Comparison of Two Flashcard Drill Methods Targeting Word Recognition

Traditional drill and practice (TD) and incremental rehearsal (IR) are two flashcard drill instructional methods previously noted to improve word recognition. The current study sought to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of these two methods, as assessed by next day retention assessments, under 2 conditions (i.e., opportunities to respond held constant across methods, length of instructional session held constant across methods) with 4 first-grade students identified by their teachers as struggling readers. Social validity of the two intervention methods also was evaluated. Results suggested important differences in response to instruction across students. Differences in effectiveness between TD and IR were minimal both when holding opportunities to respond and length of instructional session constant across methods. Minimal differences in efficiency were noted between TD and IR when holding instructional time constant across conditions. However, TD was clearly more efficient than IR for all students when holding opportunities to respond constant across conditions. Social validity data indicated that half of the students preferred the TD method and half preferred the IR method. Limitations and implications of the current study for school-based professionals are discussed.