cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation reduces subsequent embryonic development

Several fibroblast growth factors (FGF) mediate folliculogenesis and oogenesis in cattle but it is unclear whether FGFs are required during the final stages of oocyte maturation. The objectives of this work were to determine whether blocking FGF receptor (FGFR) activity during in vitro maturation (IVM) affects oocyte fertilization and embryo development; examine changes in FGFR transcript profiles in cumulus cells and oocytes during IVM; and evaluate whether gonadotropins modulate FGFR transcript abundance during IVM. In the first set of studies, bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of one of two FGFR kinase inhibitors (SU5402 or PD173074). After maturation, COCs were washed and cultured without inhibitors. Inhibitors did not affect cleavage rates but the percentage of ≥ 8-cell embryos at d 3 and blastocysts at d 7 and d 8 postfertilization were decreased when COCs were matured with either inhibitor. Profiles of FGFR mRNA variants were examined in cumulus cells and oocytes separated either immediately before (0 h) or at 6 or 21 h after beginning IVM. In cumulus cells, increases in R1b, R2b, and R2c abundance were detected when cultured in the absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Supplementing FSH (1 or 25 μM) increased the abundance of R1b, R1c, R2b, and R2c. In oocytes, no time- or FSH-dependent changes in FGFR transcript abundance were detected. These observations implicate FGFs as crucial components of bovine oocyte competency and indicate that FSH augments FGFR mRNA abundance in cumulus cells during the final stages of oocyte maturation.
Assessment of assertion and problem-solving skills in wife abusers and their spouses

The present study provided an assessment of assertion and problem solving skills in couples characterized by wife abuse. A role play test and problem solving interaction task were administered to couples who were (a) physically abusive, (b) maritally discordant but nonviolent, and (c) satisfactorily married. Results indicated that members of abusive dyads exhibited deficits on selected behavioral components of assertion. However, few differences were observed between these dyads and the maritally discordant, nonviolent condition. Findings are discussed in terms of (1) the need for further evaluation of interpersonal skill variables in physically abusive males, (2) issues in selection of measures and subjects, and (3) the need to consider the possible interactive effects of multiple factors in family violence research.
A high ozone episode in winter 2013 in the Uinta Basin oil and gas region characterized by aircraft measurements

Abstract. During the winter of 2012–2013 atmospheric surface ozone mole fractions exceeded the US 8 h standard of 75 ppb on 39 days in the Uinta Basin of Utah. As part of the Uinta Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS) aircraft flights were conducted throughout the basin with continuous measurements of ozone (O3), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and discrete whole air flask samples for determination of ∼50 trace gases including a number of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs). During the course of seven flights conducted between 31 January and 7 February 2013, coinciding with strong, multi-day temperature inversions, O3 levels gradually built up in the shallow boundary layer from ∼45 ppb to ∼140 ppb. Near-surface CH4 mole fractions increased during the episode from near background levels of ∼2 ppm to over 10 ppm. Based on elevated levels of CH4 across the basin and high correlations of CH4 with NMHCs from the discrete air samples, O3 precursor NMHCs were also inferred to be elevated throughout the basin. Discrete plumes of high NO2 were observed in the gas production region of the basin suggesting that gas processing plants and compressor facilities were important point sources of reactive nitrogen oxides (NOx). Vertical profiles obtained during the flights showed that the high O3 mole fractions (as well as other elevated constituents) were confined to a shallow layer from near the ground to 300–400 m above ground level (m a.g.l.) capped by a strong temperature inversion. The highest mole fractions of the measured constituents during the study period were in an isothermal cold layer that varied from ∼300 m depth on 4 February to ∼150 m on 5 February. A gradient layer with declining mole fractions with altitude extended above the isothermal layer to ∼1900 m a.s.l. (300–400 m a.g.l.) indicative of some mixing of air out of the boundary layer. O3 mole fractions continued to increase within the basin as the high O3 episode developed over the course of a week. CH4 mole fractions, on the other hand, leveled off after several days. On several flights, the aircraft sampled the plume of a coal-fired power plant (located east of the main gas field) flowing above the inversion layer. These measurements ruled out the effluents of the power plant as a significant source of NOx for O3 production beneath the temperature inversion in the basin. The presence of elevated O3 precursors within the basin and the rapid daytime production of O3 in the atmosphere beneath the temperature inversion both indicated that O3 was being produced from precursors emitted within the basin beneath the temperature inversion. Although observations show that horizontal winds in the surface layer were relatively light during the high ozone event, they were sufficient to disperse precursors up to 80 km from primary sources in the main gas field in the southeast quadrant to the balance of the Uinta Basin.
Cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum: A rare cause of ‘ascites’ in children

Abstract A 2-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of progressive painless abdominal distension. Results of the clinical examination suggested massive ascites, but no other symptoms or signs could elicited. There was no history of any other illness preceding the onset of distension. Ultrasonography and a computed tomography scan confirmed gross ascites, with multiple thin-walled loculi throughout the abdomen, from the diaphragm to the pelvis. The preoperative diagnosis was intraabdominal lymphangioma. During palarotomy, multiple transparent cysts were found throughout the peritoneum. There was no evidence of malignancy in any organ, and the cysts appeared almost completely avascular. Histological and ultrastructural appearances were those of benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum, a condition that hitherto has been recognized only in adults. It is thought to represent a borderline variant between a truly benign adenomatoid lesion and the better-known malignant mesothelioma. The experience with adult cases suggests a high potential for recurrence but no progression to malignancy. It is possible that some cases of intraabdominal lymphangioma may have been misdiagnosed in the past; future cases should be fully evaluated, both immunohistochemically and ultra-structurally, to establish the true incidence of mesothelial proliferative disease in children.
Why evolution is a theory about stability: constraint, causation, and ecology in technological change

Abstract Evolution, like history, is ordinarily thought to be about change in time. Yet a surprising variety of “evolutionary” models across multiple domains are at least as much about stability, or at least secular stasis, as they are about change. Our narrative forms, as well as our likely evolutionarily produced disposition to attend to difference rather than to stasis, reflexively bias our perception of evolution itself. A sample technological narrative, and a constructed anti-narrative, together with an examination of the structure of engineering design processes (derived from Walter Vincenti), and some insights from actor-network theory, point to the complex causal interconnections between stable and innovative elements in technological change.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Agonists Inhibit Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis by Blocking IL-12 Production, IL-12 Signaling and Th1 Differentiation

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that regulates adipocyte differentiation and glucose homeostasis. PPARgamma agonists are potent therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. PPARgamma agonists also prevent inflammation in animal models, suggesting their use for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and IL-12 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of EAE and MS. In this study we have examined the effect of PPARgamma agonists on the pathogenesis of EAE. In vivo treatment of SJL/J mice with PPARgamma agonists, 15-deoxydelta(12,14) prostaglandin J2 or Ciglitazone, decreased the duration and clinical severity of active immunization and adoptive transfer models of EAE. PPARgamma agonists inhibited EAE in association with a decrease in IL-12 production and differentiation of neural antigen-specific Th1 cells. In vitro treatment of activated T cells with PPARgamma agonists inhibited IL-12-induced activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and Th1 differentiation. These findings highlight the fact that PPARgamma agonists regulate central nervous system inflammation and demyelination by inhibiting IL-12 production, IL-12 signaling and Th1 differentiation in EAE.
Accurate second-order susceptibility measurements of visible and infrared nonlinear crystals

Using the wedge technique we have directly compared the second-order nonlinear susceptibilities of infrared and visible nonlinear crystals. The measured nonlinear coefficient ratios at 2.12 \ensuremath{\mu}m relative to ${d}_{31}(\mathrm{LiI}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$ are: for $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}({d}_{33})$, 4.53 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 4.3; $\mathrm{GaP} ({d}_{36})$, 12.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.7; $\mathrm{GaAs} ({d}_{36})$, 26.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2.1; $\mathrm{AgGa}{\mathrm{Se}}_{2} ({d}_{36})$, 10.5 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.2; $\mathrm{CdSe} ({d}_{33})$, 10.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.2. The measured ratios at 1.318 \ensuremath{\mu}m relative to ${d}_{31}(\mathrm{LiI}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$ are: for $\mathrm{LiI}{\mathrm{O}}_{3} ({d}_{33})$, 0.990 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.05; $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3} ({d}_{31})$, 0.870 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.07; $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3} ({d}_{33})$, 4.66 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.56; $\mathrm{K}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{PO}}_{4} ({d}_{36})$, 0.088 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.01; $\mathrm{GaP} ({d}_{36})$, 12.0 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.2. We have used the parametric fluorescence method to accurately measure the absolute second-order susceptibility of $\mathrm{LiI}{\mathrm{O}}_{3} ({d}_{31})$ and $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3} ({d}_{31})$ at 4880 and 5145 \AA{}. Our recommended values for ${d}_{31}(\mathrm{LiIO}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})=(7.31\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.62)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ and ${d}_{31}(\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})=(5.82\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.70)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ m/V agree very well with previous independent absolute measurements. By scaling the nonlinear susceptibilities through the relatively dispersionless Miller's $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and using the wedge ratio results, we have, for the first time, established a uniform scale of nonlinear susceptibility values relative to ${d}_{31}(\mathrm{LiI}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$ that extends from 0.488 to 10.6 \ensuremath{\mu}m in the infrared.
Tip and Junction Vortices Generated by the Sail of a Yawed Submarine Model at Low Reynolds Numbers

Results are presented on the behavior of the tip and junction vortices generated by the sail of a SUBOFF submarine model at yaw angles from 6 deg to 17 deg for a Reynolds number of 94×103 based on model length. The measurements were conducted in a water channel on a spanwise plane 1.3 chord lengths downstream from the trailing edge of the sail. In the vicinity of the sail hull junction, the presence of streamwise vortices in the form of horseshoe or necklace vortices locally dominates the flow. As the yaw angle is increased from 6 deg to 9 deg, the circulation of the sail tip vortex increases, and is in good accordance with predictions from finite wing theory. However, as the yaw angle is further increased, the sail boundary layer separates with an overall drop in circulation. In contrast, the circulation value for the junction vortex increases with yaw angle, and only drops slightly at the highest yaw angle.
Hyperbaric oxygen accelerates the neurotoxicity of 2,5-hexanedione.

Abstract The molecular pathogenesis of n -hexane neurotoxicity has been postulated to proceed as follows: (1) The γ-diketone metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione (HD), reacts with lysyl-amino groups on neurofilaments to form imines. (2) The imines cyclize to form pyrroles. (3) The pyrroles autoxidize, resulting in covalent protein-protein crosslinking within or between neurofilaments. A resultant impairment of neurofilament transport is proposed to lead to neurofilament-filled axonal swellings. This experiment was designed to test whether oxidation is a necessary pathogenetic step in vivo by comparing time of onset of paralysis of an HD treated group of rats to that of a group receiving HD plus oxygen under high pressure (OHP). The group of rats receiving the hyperbaric oxygen treatment reached the endpoint of hindlimb paralysis significantly sooner than the group receiving none. The fact that OHP does accelerate HD neuropathy points towards an oxidative step in the molecular pathogenesis of γ-diketone neuropathy.
The Role of the Drift Kink Mode in Destabilizing Thin Current Sheets

The drift kink mode in current sheets of the Harris type is driven by the relative cross-field streaming of the electrons and ions. The properties of this mode are investigated by means of electromagnetic particle simulations and a two-fluid stability analysis, first in a 2-D (y, z) geometry and then in a full 3D. For thin current sheets (ρi0/L ≤ 1, where ρi0 is the ion gyroradius in the lobe field and L is the current sheet half thickness) the fluid theory indicates that the most unstable mode has kyL ∼ (Mi/me)1/2/2 and that the associated real frequency extends up to several times the ion gyrofrequency Ωi0. The simulations indicate, however, that finite gyroradius effects limit the dominant growing modes to longer wavelengths kyL ∼ 1 and to frequencies ∼Ωi0. In 2D the current sheet kinks due to a bulk displacement of the plasma in z, and this displacement appears to be limited only by the simulation boundary. This transport of plasma across flux tubes reduces the electron compressibility associated with the finite Bz field, and, in 3D, allows the collisionless tearing instability to grow at a rate comparable to that for the simple 1-D neutral sheet. Implications of these results for the triggering of substorms are discussed.
Manometric measurement of magnetic susceptibility of 4He and 3He liquids in high magnetic fields

Abstract A method has been developed for measuring the magnetic susceptibility of liquids in high magnetic fields at low temperature. The method has been tested with liquid 4He and liquid 3He. The sensitivity is adequate for an accurate measurement of the nuclear paramagnetism of liquid 3He at 1 K and below.
Popper against inductivism

Summary After presumably cleaning science of induction, Karl Popper claims to offer a purely noninductivist theory of science. In critically evaluating this theory, I focus on the allegedly noninductive character of this theory. First, I defend and expand Wesley Salmon's charge that Popper's dismissal of induction renders science useless for practical purposes. Without induction practitioners have no grounds for believing that the predicted event will actually take place. Second, despite Popper's demands to the contrary, his theory of science is shown to rest on induction. In particular, the function he attributes to background knowledge in testing a scientific hypothesis requires induction. Zusammenfassung Nachdem er die Wissenschaft von der Induktion gereinigt hat, behauptet Popper eine rein nichtinduktivistische Wissenschaftstheorie vorzulegen. Indem ich diese Theorie kritisch untersuche, richte ich meine Aufmerksamkeit vor allem auf ihren angeblich nichtinduktiven Charakter. Zunachst vertrete und erweitere ich W. Salmons Auffassung, wonach Poppers Verwerfung der Induktion Wissenschaft fur praktische Zwecke unbrauchbar macht. Denn ohne Induktion hat man keine Grunde fur die Annahme, dass ein vorausgesagtes Ereignis eintreten wird. Des weiteren wird gezeigt, dass Poppers Theorie trotz gegenteiliger Behauptungen selbst auf Induktion beruht. Im besondern setzt die Funktion, die er dem Hintergrundwissen fur die Bewahrung einer Hypothese zuspricht, Induktion voraus. Resume Popper pretend avoir libere la science de I'induction et offrir une theorie strictement non inductiviste de la science. Evaluant de facon critique cette theorie, I'auteur se concentre sur son caractere soi-disant non inductif. D'abord, il reprend et developpe I'accusation de Wesley Salmon selon laquelle la renonciation popperienne a I'induction rend la science inutilisable dans des buts pratiques. Sans induction, les praticiens n'ont aucune raison de croire que l'evenement predit va effectivement se produire. II montre d'autre part que, en depit des denegations de Popper, sa theorie de la science — et en particulier le role qu'elle attribue a un arriere-plan de savoir dans I'epreuve d'une hypothese — repose sur l'induction.
Hyperparathyroidism: A Report and an Analysis of 13 Cases Occurring in the Middle Western States

IT is generally believed that there is a specific geographical distribution for hyperparathyroidism and that the disease is extremely rare in the middle western part of the United States. Wilder and Ho well (1) suggested that vitamin D, the deficiency of which has been considered as an etiologic factor, was probably one of the causes for the disease being so extremely rare in this part of the country. The occurrence of 13 proven cases at the University Hospitals in Iowa City during the past 12 years casts some doubt regarding the rarity of this disease in the middlewestern states. It appears pertinent, therefore, to call attention to the occurrence of these cases, to analyze their manifestations, ascertain which of the manifestations led to the disease being suspected, and to discuss some of the diagnostic difficulties. Analysis of Cases The ages of the 13 patients varied from 20 to 60 years.
An interactive procedure using domination cones for bicriterion shortest path problems

Abstract In this paper an interactive procedure is developed for the bicriterion shortest path problem. It is assumed that the decision maker's inherant utility function is quasi-concave and non-increasing, and that the network consists of non-negative, integer valued arc lengths. The proposed procedure uses the concept of domination cones, which it develops from pairwise comparisons of alternatives. These domination cones are used to fathom a large number of Pareto-optimal solutions. Extensive computational testing was performed on large grid networks, simulating the decision maker's response using polynomial utility functions. The results indicate that our proposed procedure is able to converge to the optimal solution in a reasonably small number of pairwise comparisons, even for those problems with a large number of Pareto-optimal solutions.
Simulation of semi-explicit mechanisms of SOA formation from glyoxal in aerosol in a 3-D model

Abstract. New pathways to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA) have been postulated recently. Glyoxal, the smallest dicarbonyl, is one of the proposed precursors. It has both anthropogenic and biogenic sources, and readily partitions into the aqueous phase of cloud droplets and deliquesced particles where it undergoes both reversible and irreversible chemistry. In this work we extend the regional scale chemistry transport model WRF-Chem to include detailed gas-phase chemistry of glyoxal formation as well as a state-of-the-science module describing its partitioning and reactions in the aerosol aqueous-phase. A comparison of several proposed mechanisms is performed to quantify the relative importance of different formation pathways and their regional variability. The CARES/CalNex campaigns over California in summer 2010 are used as case studies to evaluate the model against observations. A month-long simulation over the continental United States (US) enables us to extend our results to the continental scale. In all simulations over California, the Los Angeles (LA) basin was found to be the hot spot for SOA formation from glyoxal, which contributes between 1% and 15% of the model SOA depending on the mechanism used. Our results indicate that a mechanism based only on a reactive (surface limited) uptake coefficient leads to higher SOA yields from glyoxal compared to a more detailed description that considers aerosol phase state and chemical composition. In the more detailed simulations, surface uptake is found to give the highest SOA mass yields compared to a volume process and reversible formation. We find that the yields of the latter are limited by the availability of glyoxal in aerosol water, which is in turn controlled by an increase in the Henry's law constant depending on salt concentrations ("salting-in"). A time dependence in this increase prevents substantial partitioning of glyoxal into aerosol water at high salt concentrations. If this limitation is removed, volume pathways contribute > 20% of glyoxal-SOA mass, and the total mass formed (5.8% of total SOA in the LA basin) is about a third of the simple uptake coefficient formulation without consideration of aerosol phase state and composition. Results from the continental US simulation reveal the much larger potential to form glyoxal-SOA over the eastern continental US. Interestingly, the low concentrations of glyoxal-SOA over the western continental US are not due to the lack of a potential to form glyoxal-SOA here. Rather these small glyoxal-SOA concentrations reflect dry conditions and high salt concentrations, and the potential to form SOA mass here will strongly depend on the water associated with particles.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and solid organ transplant recipients: Are children protected?

The IRIS was initially described in HIV-positive patients as a sudden clinical deterioration after the introduction of highly active retroviral therapy. It is believed that IRIS is caused by a restored and exaggerated inflammatory immune response to different infectious or non-infectious triggers. This abnormal response is the consequence of an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states. Recently, IRIS has also been reported in adult SOT recipients, causing local and systemic manifestations, and compromising long-term graft function and patient survival. However, IRIS has to date not been reported in pediatric SOT recipients. Here we review what is known and speculated about the pathogenesis of IRIS and propose that children may be relatively protected from IRIS.
Dynamics of Temperatures in Thermally-Coupled, Heated Rooms With PI Control

The purpose of this study is to analyze the behavior of a set of thermally-controlled rooms arranged in the form of a ring. Each room is heated and can exchange heat with its neighbors as well as with the environment. The heater in each room is PI controlled. A lumped capacitance approximation is used for the rooms leading to a system of first-order differential equations. Numerical methods are used to determine the time-dependent behavior of the coupled system. The linear stability of the system is analyzed for various parameters. The stability is found to be independent of the strength of the thermal coupling between rooms.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Ethanol's actions on cAMP-mediated signaling in cells transfected with type VII adenylyl cyclase.

Background: Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity is increased in the presence of ethanol. The magnitude of ethanol's action on AC depends on the isoform of AC expressed in a particular cell type. Type VII AC demonstrates the greatest potentiation of activity in the presence of ethanol, but questions have arisen regarding the effects of pharmacologically relevant (∼ 50 mM) concentrations of ethanol on type VII AC activity. Questions also remain as to whether the potentiation of AC activity by ethanol initiates downstream effects on protein kinase A activity. Methods: HEK293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells overexpressing type VII AC were used to study the dose-dependent actions of ethanol on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Studies were performed in the presence and absence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Protein kinase A activity was assessed under conditions similar to those used to measure ethanol's actions on AC. Results: A significantly greater percent stimulation of prostaglandin E1-mediated cAMP accumulation was evident in the absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine and Ro 20–1724 than in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors. We also showed that ethanol was not, itself, acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The calculated percent stimulation of AC activity by ethanol depended on the baseline levels of cAMP production in the absence of ethanol. In the absence of 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (or other phosphodiesterase inhibitors), a 50 mM concentration of ethanol produced a 56% increase in prostaglandin E1-stimulated cAMP production in the type VII AC transfected HEK293 cells. This concentration of ethanol also produced a significant activation of protein kinase A beyond that produced by prostaglandin E1 alone. Conclusions: The present study indicates that, in the presence of a particular isoform of AC, moderately intoxicating concentrations of ethanol will significantly potentiate the transmitter-mediated activation of the cAMP signaling cascade. Activation of this signaling cascade may have important implications for the mechanisms by which ethanol produces intoxication and/or in the mechanisms of neuroadaptation leading to tolerance to, and physical dependence on, ethanol.
Solution of linear two-point boundary value problems via a collocation method and application to optimal control

A numerical method for solving linear two-point boundary-value problems with time varying coefficients is presented in this paper. The method is based upon constructing the Nth degree polynomial interpolation using Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto nodes to approximate the solution of linear two-point value problems with time-varying coefficients. The method can be applied to obtain the optimal control of linear time-varying systems subject to a quadratic cost criteria. The two-point value problem is thereby transformed into a linear programming problem. The method is efficient and yields very accurate results. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method.
Consistency in Adverse Event Terminology: Merck's Modified Clinterm

A coordinated dictionary system has been developed by Merck Research Laboratories to improve the consistency of terminology used to code both pre- and postmarketing adverse event reports. This dictionary, referred to as CLINTERM, was compiled by harmonizing separate vocabularies previously used for clinical trials and regulatory reporting. The redesigned dictionary, which is used for clinical research and regulatory applications worldwide, features preferred term classifications, an extensive vocabulary of “actual” terms, and customized query categories. It will also incorporate WHO ART and COSTAT translations. Coding and data entry are simplified by entry of the verbatim reported term with automatic mapping to the encoded preferred term. To maintain the integrity of the dictionary, and assure timely and appropriate maintenance, proposed additions and changes are evaluated cooperatively by medical representatives of each user group.
Cationic oxorhenium chiral salen complexes for asymmetric hydrosilylation and kinetic resolution of alcohols

Abstract High valent transition metal oxo complexes are ubiquitous in catalytic oxidation and oxygen atom transfer reactions, while their application in catalytic reductions is only being realized in the past few years. Reaction of ReOCl3(PPh3)2 with appropriate chiral salen ligands, followed by oxo abstraction with a silylium cation, afforded several cationic oxorhenium(V)-saldach complexes 1–2, including a rare trinuclear rhenium cluster (2), all of which have been fully characterized. These complexes are effective catalysts for hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds and silane alcoholysis, although the enantioselectivity for both reactions is rather low. An intermediate, featuring a partially reduced saldach ligand (a salen/salan hybrid), was identified in reaction of 1a with Et3SiH. The reaction mechanism is discussed in light of results from a crossover experiment.
Recognition Thresholds and Accuracy for Differing Body Regions as a Function of Number of Electrodes and Their Spacing

Summary.-Recognition thresholds and maximum accuracy levels were established on 12 Ss as a function of number of electrodes (2, 3, 4, and 5) and inter-electrode distance for various body regions (chesc, abdomen, and back). There was little systematic difference among body regions with respect to the threshold and accuracy data; however, the number of electrodes proved to be significant. The abdomen appeared to be a slightly more favorable electrode site with a 5-electrode array. The temporal considerations in obtaining an easily recognizable but painless electrical stimulus have been rather firmly established by recent studies (Brown, Spern, Schmitt, & Solomon, 1966; Gibson, 1963) in the area of tactual communication. A remaining unknown is the question of how spatial requirements, i.e., inter-electrode distance, vary as a function of increasing numbers of electrodes on different regions of the body. That is, given x amount of skin surface in a certain body region, how far apart must electrodes be spaced before a consistent level of high recognition accuracy is obtained? A modest amount of data are available on electrical 2-point thresholds (Gibson, 1963; Gilmer, 1960). For example, Gilmer reports that the 2-point threshold varies as a function of proximo-distal and medio-lateral placement of electrodes. However, there is reason to suspect that one cannot exuapolate from 2-point to 3-, 4-, and n-point recognition thresholds. In information theory terms, a rise in the number of possible points of stimulation typically increases both stimulus and response uncertainty in the task and could therefore affect various performance measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and amount of information transmitted (Attneave, 1959; Garner, 1962) unless adjustments toward optimum in stimulus conditions are made. METHOD
Web 2.0 for Reference Services Staff Training and Communication

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on applications of Web 2.0 that improve training and communication within the reference services department.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses some of the best known and most heavily used examples of Web 2.0: blogs, calendars, wikis, RSS, image collections, podcasts or vodcasts, social bookmarks, text messages, instant messages, and social networks.Findings – Implementing Web 2.0 tools to coordinate communication and training creates a dynamic, interactive system for sharing procedures, ideas, and new developments within a reference services department.Originality/value – The paper provides useful insight into training staff using Web 2.0 applications.
UVA and NF-κB Activity: Ironing Out the Details

Cycles involving oxidation and reduction of the basic elements of life, hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are absolutely essential for processes that generate metabolic energy and produce the building blocks of cellular machinery. Because iron can both accept and donate electrons, it serves as a key cofactor in many ofthese processes as a constituent of oxygen-binding molecules (hemoglobin and myoglobin), cytochromes, and non-heme-based enzymes (Rees and Howard, 2003).
Synaptic Transmission at Single Glomeruli in the Turtle Cerebellum

We have recorded from the granular layer of the turtle cerebellum extracellular unitary potentials that appear to reflect pre- and postsynaptic events at the synapse between a single swelling of a mossy fiber and the dendritic tips of several granule cells. The presynaptic component is an all-or-none potential. It can be directly activated by spinal stimulation and is unaltered by repetitive activity or by high concentrations of magnesium. The postsynaptic component is a graded potential. It follows the presynaptic component by approximately 1 millisecond and is depressed by repetitive activity and by high concentrations of magnesium. The recording of large potentials produced by the flow of postsynaptic current within a single glomerulus suggests powerful transmission. Electron micrographs demonstrate large cerebellar glomeruli in the turtle and a substantial accumulation of mitochondria in the dendritic tips of granule cells.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα) Regulates Intestinal Mucus Production during Salmonellosis

Mucus production by goblet cells in the gastrointestinal tract following Salmonella typhimurium infection using a ligated ileal loop model in mice was investigated. Assessment of the morphology of the loop tissue after Salmonella challenge revealed generalized tissue inflammation, characterized by edema and an inflammatory cell infiltrate. Villi were shortened and blunted, and crypts contained an increased number of cells with mitotic figures. Production of TNF alpha in the loops followed Salmonella challenge and occurred at the same time as the pathological sequelae. A nearly 50% decrease in the number of goblet cells in infected tissue compared to tissue from noninfected controls was observed at these same times. The sulfation of mucins produced by the goblet cells in infected tissues was increased in the villi but was unchanged in the crypts compared to uninfected tissues. Treatment of mice with antibody to TNF alpha before Salmonella challenge abrogated tissue pathology and returned goblet cell numbers and mucin profiles to those observed in noninfected controls. Our results indicate that TNF alpha may mediate changes in goblet cell expression and mucin sulfation in response to Salmonella challenge.
Verification and validation of Bayesian knowledge-bases

Abstract Knowledge-base V&V primarily addresses the question: “Does my knowledge-base contain the right answer and can I arrive at it?” One of the main goals of our work is to properly encapsulate the knowledge representation and allow the expert to work with manageable-sized chunks of the knowledge-base. This work develops a new methodology for the verification and validation of Bayesian knowledge-bases that assists in constructing and testing such knowledge-bases. Assistance takes the form of ensuring that the knowledge is syntactically correct, correcting “imperfect” knowledge, and also identifying when the current knowledge-base is insufficient as well as suggesting ways to resolve this insufficiency. The basis of our approach is the use of probabilistic network models of knowledge. This provides a framework for formally defining and working on the problems of uncertainty in the knowledge-base. In this paper, we examine the peski project which is concerned with assisting a human expert to build knowledge-based systems under uncertainty. We focus on how verification and validation are currently achieved in peski .
Pyrimidines. XIII. 2- and 6-substituted 4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids

The “abnormal” behavior of 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinol towards nitrous acid has been clarified. The reaction between 4-methyl-2-pyrimidinol and nitrous acid has been utilized as a new synthetic procedure for the preparation of several 2-substituted 4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids. 2-Hydroxy-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid has also been prepared from 4-chloro-2-methylthiopyrimidine via the trimethylammonium intermediate. 6-Amino- and 6-thio-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids have been readily prepared from the previously reported 6-hydroxy-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid.
The identity and synonymy of Acacia guilandinae, Mimosa obovata, M. pseudo-obovata, and M. laticifera (Mimosaceae)

Acacia guilandinae DC. is recognized asMimosa guilandinae (DC.) Barneby, endemic to French Guiana and adjoining Amapa, Brazil;M. pseudo-obovata is subordinated as a Brazilian var.pseudo-obovata (Taub.) Barneby to CaribbeanM. ceratonia L.; andM. laticifera is found synonymous withM. obovata Benth. Diagnostic morphological characters of each taxon are presented in key form.
Allocation, externalities, and building value

Externalities generally are viewed as impacting land values rather than building values. Yet when locational obsolescence is attributed to externalities, the implication is that externalities impact primarily on building values. The presence of negative externalities generally does not determine whether a building suffers from locational obsolescence; the more general cause is a misallocation of land. At the market allocation, there is no locational obsolescence even in the presence of an externality, while at the optimal allocation only an externality can produce locational obsolescence. Because locational obsolescence can exist without externalities, an externality is not a necessary condition for locational obsolescence. Because an externality can be present without accompanying locational obsolescence, an externality also is not a sufficient condition for the existence of locational obsolescence.
Improving Self-Efficacy and Motivation: What to Do, What to Say

It is not surprising that many struggling learners have low self-efficacy for academics. They believe that they lack the ability to succeed. Consequently, they tend to avoid academics and give up quickly when difficulties arise. This article suggests practical solutions based on self-efficacy theory to improve the motivation of struggling learners. Specifically, the authors present three sources of self-efficacy—enactive mastery, vicarious experiences, and verbal persuasion—as ways for teachers to figure out what to do and what to say to strengthen struggling learners' beliefs in their academic abilities and increase their willingness to engage in academic tasks.
Plasmodium lophurae: Composition and properties of hemozoin, the malarial pigment

Abstract Plasmodium lophurae hemozoin (malarial pigment) is composed of proteinaceous macromolecules bonded to iron III protoporphyrin IX by coordination bonding, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions but not by covalent bonding. Hemozoin is not composed of partially degraded globin peptides coordinated to heme, since fragments of molecular size less than that of globin monomers were not observed by SDS-PAGE. Two major polypeptides constituted the macromolecular portion of hemozoin; these had molecular weights of 21,000 and 15,000. The 21,000-molecular-weight protein is probably of parasite origin. The 15,000-molecular-weight polypeptide is believed to consist of globin monomers, and indicates the presence of irreversibly denatured hemoglobin (hemiglobin), as a constituent of hemozoin. The formation of hemozoin is hypothesized to play the following roles: protection of the parasite against molecular oxygen and compartmentation of the iron porphyrin which is a product of hemoglobin digestion by the plasmodium.
The Influence of Secondary Conditions on Job Acquisition and Retention in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Meade MA, Forchheimer MB, Krause JS, Charlifue S. The influence of secondary conditions on job acquisition and retention in adults with spinal cord injury. Objective To examine the associations of job acquisition and job retention to secondary conditions, hospitalizations, and nursing home stays for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data from multicenter study. Setting Community setting. Participants Two samples of adults participating in the SCI Model Systems; the first sample consisted of persons who reported being unemployed at follow-up (n=9501); the second sample consisted of those who reported working at follow-up (n=5,150). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Job acquisition (change from not working at 1 anniversary of injury to working at the following data collection) and job retention (maintenance of work between 2 assessment periods). Results Discrete time hazard modeling was used to assess how secondary conditions affect job acquisition. After controlling for the effects of demographic and injury characteristics, hospitalizations within the last 12 months were associated with decreased chance of having obtained employment. Hierarchic logistic regression analyses were used to examine job retention. Hospitalizations and the presence of PUs were associated with lower odds of job retention once demographic and injury characteristics were controlled. Secondary conditions from the previous assessment period were not significantly related to either job acquisition or job retention after the variance from demographic and injury characteristics and current secondary conditions were controlled. Conclusions Hospitalization, as well as a limited number of secondary conditions, were associated with reduced odds of both job acquisition and job retention among adults with SCI. Interventions that can prevent secondary conditions and reduce the need for hospitalizations may be beneficial in improving employment for this population.
Comparisons of titer estimation methods for multiplexed pneumococcal opsonophagocytic killing assay

Titer estimation is one of the major components of immunoassay and vaccine development. A multiplexed in vitro opsonization assay (MOPA) is widely accepted to quantitate Streptococcus pneumococcal antibodies to serotype-specific pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide. Titer estimation of vaccine based on OPA is one important component of standardization of OPA, and the selected statistical method is a factor influencing the accuracy and precision of titer estimation. We evaluated five titer estimation methods for pneumococcal OPA in terms of precision and accuracy using three data sets generated by specifically designed experiments with both an eight-dilution and an eleven-dilution design. The bootstrap resampling technique was also used to determine the performance of the estimation. We concluded that the traditional direct method did not perform as well as the other four methods in terms of precision and accuracy of titer estimation. The Spearman-Karber estimator might be biased upward for OPA titer estimation. The four-parameter logistic model (4PL) method is an alternative choice for OPA titer estimation. The eleven-dilution design provided more information than the eight-dilution design for titer estimation and enhanced precision of estimators. UAB opsotiter, computer software using the statistical language R and Microsoft Excel^(R), was developed to implement OPA titer estimation.
A methodology for controlled empirical investigation of membership continuity and change in GDSS groups

Controlled laboratory experiments using monetary rewards tied directly to performance are detailed and illustrated, as part of a methodology for investigating how membership continuity and change affect group meeting performance, solution time, and productivity. Performance-based rewards were structured to induce subject attendance and to prompt subjects to contribute their best effort. A key element of our methodology is the ability to successfully conduct longitudinal studies. We illustrate the methodology in an example study of groups of size three and groups of size five. Experiments are carefully monitored and controlled as a means to begin development of a set of consistent and comparable investigations, of groups of differing sizes and differing levels of membership continuity and change. The initial experiments yielded results formally verifying that membership continuity produces better meeting outcomes (increased performance and productivity, and decreased solution time) while membership change produced the exact opposite (decreased performance and productivity, and increased solution time). Drawing from philosophy of science, we emphasize the importance of carefully checking and verifying in a longitudinal study even what some might suggest as "obvious."
Duodenal reflux induces cyclooxygenase-2 in the esophageal mucosa of rats: evidence for involvement of bile acids.

Abstract Background & Aims: Reflux of duodenal contents including bile acids is believed to contribute to esophageal injury and Barrett's esophagus. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, an inducible form of COX, has been implicated in both inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of bile acids and duodenal reflux on COX-2 expression in cultured esophageal cells and tissue, respectively. Methods: Immunoblotting and Northern blotting were used to assess the effects of bile acids on COX-2 expression in esophageal cell lines. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the effects of duodenal reflux on COX-2 expression and cell proliferation in esophageal tissue. Results: Unconjugated bile acids were about fivefold more potent inducers of COX-2 messenger RNA, COX-2 protein, and prostaglandin synthesis than conjugated bile acids. Acidifying the culture medium sensitized esophageal cells to bile acid–mediated induction of COX-2. The induction of COX-2 by bile acids was mediated by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and extracellular signal–regulated kinase½ mitogen-activated protein kinases. In experimental animals, duodenoesophageal reflux led to esophagitis, marked thickening of the esophageal mucosa, and enhanced expression of COX-2. Increased immunoreactivity for Ki-67 and cyclin D1 indicated that enhanced cell proliferation contributed to mucosal thickening. Conclusions: Reflux of duodenal contents into the esophagus led to increased COX-2 expression and mucosal thickening. Bile acids are likely to contribute to these effects. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;121:1391-1399
Spruce-fir growth form changes in the forest-tundra ecotone of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

Tree regeneration has traditionally been used as a measure of the response of treeline to climate Changes in growth form of krummholz trees may also indicate whether treeline is responding to changes in climate The purpose of this study was to determine whether krummholz trees m the forest-tundra ecotone of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado have experienced significant vertical stem growth, in the absence of mortality, and if this growth occurred in response to recent changes in climate We sampled and dated Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir krummholz leaders stratified by height class at three sampling locations to determine the dates leaders initiated growth above mean snow depth At one sampling location, 215 additional leaders were sampled to construct an age structure of leader release dates Dates of leader release taken from the age structure were compared with seasonal temperatures, seasonal precipitation, winter snow depths, and annual runoff using t-tests Dates of leader release were also compared to proxy climate records for the southern Rocky Mountain region Based on historical photos as well as the data presented here, both spruce and fir krummholz trees experienced significant height growth as early as the 1850's and continued to grow vertically, at least through the 1970's This vertical stem growth occurred in the absence of significant mortality Running mean annual temperature and May snow depth are both positively associated with years of leader release, suggesting that a warmer, wetter climate, possibly following the end of the Little Ice Age ca 1850, may have induced these changes in the ecotone