cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the buildup effect of an 192Ir high dose-rate brachytherapy source.

The buildup effect of the 192Ir radioactive source employed as a gamma emitter of the Selectron high dose‐rate (HDR) afterloader was evaluated by studying the ratio of exposure in water to exposure in air as a function of distance. In 1968, Meisberger et al. [Radiology 90, 953‐957 (1968)] calculated a third‐order polynomial fit to a selected average between measured and calculated values. The objective of this investigation, however, is to evaluate the factor for the 192Ir source configuration used in the HDR system, which was different from the source design used by Meisberger et al. . This paper presents the measured ratio using an ionization chamber and the calculated ratio using a Monte Carlo simulation code. The experimental and theoretical results show only minor disagreement with the data of Meisberger et al.. However, the results show significant disagreement when they are compared to the model developed by van Kleffens and Star [Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 5 557–563 (1979)], which may indicate the need to reevaluate the algorithm presently employed in HDR treatment planning system. The comparison with other published data will be discussed.
Erythropoietin strikes a new cord.

There are currently no effective means to treat acute spinal cord injury, except for glucocorticoids, which produce moderate benefits at best. A new study suggests erythropoietin, now recognized as a potent neuroprotective cytokine, as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury.
COLLECTIVE AZIMUTHAL ALIGNMENT IN RELATIVISTIC HEAVY ION REACTIONS

The collective azimuthal alignment of charged particles is observed inside of two groups of particles, one emitted to the backward and one emitted to the forward hemisphere in the center of mass of symmetric heavy ion collisions. Whereas for Ca+Ca collisions no effect is observed, the alignment is present for Nb+Nb, and is even more pronounced for Au+Au. There exists also a distinct multiplicity and energy dependence of this collective azimuthal alignment.
An application of the non-linear bifurcation theory to tumor growth modeling

Abstract The purpose of the work reported in this paper was to understand how a few cancerous cells (either from the primary growth, or as result of breaking away from a tumor and lodging in a different part of the body — metastasis) can grow to form a sizable mass and what decides whether such growth will indeed take place. The intermediate region, lying between the molecular (or micro) level to the fully developed (or macro) level, is not readily accessible to experimental observations. A mathematical model with a firm physiological basis has been proposed to develop a unified field theory that bridges the two regimes. The techniques of non-linear global analysis have been used. The global behavior, (which determines the long-term prognosis), is found to be significantly influenced by the presence or absence of two critical bifurcations. Both of these have practical consequences regarding the inception and the cure of the disease. Several conclusions have been drawn which lead to practical suggestions for experimentation. It is predicted that reducing the food intake immediately after an exposure to carcinogens, would lead to a reduced chance of cancer. A preliminary case has been made to lend support to the idea that an absence of snacking (and even periodic fasting) might work as a preventive measure against cancer.
On sampling and experiments

Sampling generally concerns how a sample of units is selected from a population, while experiments deal with the effects of a treatment or exposure on units and are concerned with the assignment of treatments to units. Real studies typically involve elements of both, with varying control by investigators over sample selection and treatment assignment aspects. Design and model based approaches in sampling and experiments, and in particular studies which combine both elements, are examined in this article. Within a model based approach design based methods can be used based on a conditioning argument which is necessarily somewhat more complex in the case of experimental studies than in studies involving only sampling.
Responses of Mother Squirrel Monkeys to Dead Infants

The responses of mother squirrel monkeys to infants were examined by testing the mothers with bodies of their own and other infants. Mothers whose infants were stillborn or died at one day of age showed strong and equivalent maternal responses to all the bodies with which they were presented, while those whose infants died after two weeks of age responded mainly to the body of their own infant. These results suggest that the female squirrel monkey becomes more selective in responding to the body of a dead infant with the passage of time after parturition. The female's post-parturient condition appears to be the prime cause for changes in her responsiveness, although other factors related to the infant's growth and development might also be important.
Pregnancy-induced uterine neuronal degeneration in the rat

We studied the location, distribution, and density of uterine nerve bundles in virgin, full-term pregnant, and early postpartum female rats. In the virgin, a low-magnification analysis of uterine whole-mounts stained for acetylcholinesterase revealed fibers both in close association with blood vessels and coursing freely within muscle or connective tissue in the mesometrium and the uterine body. Higher magnification analysis of sections treated immunohistochemically with antibodies to the ubiquitous neuronal protein gene product 9.5, tyrosine hydroxylase, and calcitonin gene-related peptide indicated that the greatest density of nerve bundles was in the mesometrial triangle and intramyometrial region. Although the majority of bundles were associated with blood vessels, many coursed freely, particularly in the myometrial and endometrial layers. The density of innervation within the body of the uterus was heterogeneous. For instance, both innervated and noninnervated spiral arteries branched from the same innervated circumferential artery. In the term pregnant rat, we observed a profound denervation within all layers of the body of the uterus. The few remaining nerve bundles tended to be associated with blood vessels, and they were confined to the intramyometrial region. Within 48 h postpartum, both the number and density of nerve bundles increased. Long tortuous bundles, not seen in the full-term rat, were observed. The present study is the first to describe and illustrate the pattern of uterine innervation in virgin, full-term pregnant, and early postpartum rats over a wide range of magnifications.
Mycetoma of the lung in a cavity that developed from a gunshot wound.

M ycetoma of the lung is a fungal infection found in a preformed, poorly drained lung space or an ectatic bronchus. Various cavitary diseases can predispose an individual to the formation of mycetomas. To our knowledge. there has been no report of mycetoma of the lung that arose in a cavity related to trauma or a foreign body. We present a patient with pulmonary mycetoma in a cavity that developed from a gunshot wound.
Ectoparasites of opossums and raccoons in southeastern Georgia.

Twelve species of ectoparasites (four fleas, three ticks, three chiggers, one macronyssid mite, and one atopomelid mite) were recovered from 42 opossums, Didelphis virginiana Kerr, live-trapped from September 1992 through April 1994 in southeastern Georgia. The fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) (prevalence = 19%) and Polygenis gwyni (C. Fox) (36%); the ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (40%) and Ixodes scapularis Say (19%); and the macronyssid mite, Ornithonyssus wernecki (Fonseca) (21%), exhibited the highest infestation prevalences on opossums. The atopomelid mite, Didelphilichus serrifer Fain, and the chigger mite Leptotrombidium peromysci Vercammen-Grandjean & Langston, both ectoparasites of opossums, are reported from Georgia for the first time. Six species of ectoparasites (one chewing louse, four ticks, and one macronyssid mite) were collected from 58 raccoons, Procyon lotor (L.), examined between October 1992 and September 1993 in the same region. The chewing louse, Trichodectes octomaculatus Paine (prevalence = 24%); and the ticks, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (69%), D. variabilis (55%), and Ixodes texanus Banks (24%), exhibited the highest infestation prevalences on raccoons. Three species of ticks, A. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis, were the only ectoparasites recovered from both host species. Several of the ectoparasites collected are proven vectors of pathogenic agents that affect humans and animals.
Localization of lead in rat peripheral nerve by electron microscopy.

Lead intoxication in rats reliably produces segmental demyelination. Following a single intravenous injection of radioactive lead, localization of tracer was observed sequentially by quantitative electron microscopical autoradiog-raphy. The animals injected had been on a lead-containing diet for 70 days; as a result, the blood-nerve barrier was broken down and demyelination was proceeding. Six hours after a single dose, the lead was localized to the endoneurial space of the peroneal nerve, and 72 hours later, to the myelin membrane. Lead may exert a direct effect on the membrane and alter its stability both by altering the lipid content of the membrane and by directly interfering with the lamellar structure.
Empowering leadership, uncertainty avoidance, trust, and employee creativity: Interaction effects and a mediating mechanism

Taking an interactional approach, we hypothesized that (a) there is an interaction between empowering leadership, uncertainty avoidance, and trust that affects creativity, such that empowering leadership has the strongest positive relationship with creativity when the employees have high levels of uncertainty avoidance and trust their supervisors; and (b) creative self-efficacy mediates the effect that this three-way interaction between empowering leadership, uncertainty avoidance and trust has on creativity. In Study 1, we used a time-lagged research design, collecting multi-source data from 322 employees and their supervisors. The results of Study 1 supported our hypotheses. In Study 2, we used a more temporally rigorous research design in which data were collected in three stages, with a two-month time interval separating Stages 1 and 2, and Stages 2 and 3. On the basis of the time-lagged and multi-source data from 199 employees and their supervisors, Study 2 produced the same results as Study 1. We discuss the implications of these results for future research and practice.
Measuring Diabetic Neuropathy: Assessment and Comparison of Clinical Examination and Quantitative Sensory Testing

The need for a standardized and valid means of assessing diabetic neuropathy has been increasingly recognized. To identify potential components of such an assessment, interobserver variation (neurologist and internist) of a standard neurologic examination and the comparability of this examination with vibratory and thermal sensitivity testing was studied. The study population comprised the first 100 participants in a neuropathy substudy of 25- to 34-yr-old subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus taking part in a cohort follow-up study. Symptoms of dysesthesias, paresthesias, and burning, aching, or stabbing pain revealed good interobserver agreement. Signs of neuropathy, more prevalent in the great toe than index finger, showed poor interobserver agreement for vibration, but fair interobserver agreement for touch and pinprick. Mean quantitative sensory thresholds differed significantly by clinical category of abnormal vibratory and pinprick sensations. Threshold testing showed twice the prevalence of abnormality compared with clinical examination. It is concluded that components of the clinical examination can be identified that, along with quantitative sensory-threshold testing, may provide a satisfactory core assessment for use both in epidemiologic studies and incorporation into more in-depth protocols required for clinical research and practice. The clinical relevance of the greater prevalence of abnormalities on threshold testing will be established by long-term follow-up.
The relationships between ethnicity, gender, and short-term changes in energy balance following smoking cessation

Although weight gain is a well-established consequence of quitting smoking, the energy balance mechanisms responsible for postcessation weight gain are not clear. Furthermore, although gender and ethnicity are important predictors of postcessation weight gain, no studies have evaluated the effects of these variables on changes in energy balance. This study investigated short-term changes in energy balance following smoking cessation in 95 smokers. In as little as 2 weeks, smoking cessation was associated with a significant increase in body weight (1.05 kg). Smoking cessation was also associated with an increase in energy intake (1440 kJ/day), and no changes in energy expenditure (physical activity; resting energy expenditure, REE) were observed. Changes in body weight and energy balance did not differ by gender or ethnicity. Predictors of weight gain included baseline carbon monoxide (CO) level, baseline REE per kg of body weight, and changes in energy intake. These findings provide valuable information about the mechanisms responsible for at least the early stages of postcessation weight gain.
Effects of collective modes on single particle electronic excitations of semiconductor quantum wells and quantum dots

Abstract We have studied the interaction of collective excitations with single particle electronic excitations in semiconductor quantum wells and quantum dots. It is found that “hybrids” of these excitations are formed, and we calculate their energies. In the case of the quantum wells, one of them is a coupled intersubband plasmon-LO phonon mode which is localized at a neutral donor, and the other is a donor electronic excitation which is “dressed” by coupled intersubband plasmon-LO phonon modes. For quantum dots, these excitations are hybrids of LO phonon modes and a transition between different states of an electron confined to the dot. For dots we include both confined and interface phonons. We comment on the comparison of these results with experimental data.
Applications of the TES modeling methodology

TES (Transform-Expand-Sample) is a versatile methodology for modeling general stationary time series, and particularly those that are autocorrelated. The salient feature of TES lies in its ability to simultaneously capture first order and second-order properties of empirical time series; given a sample data sequence, TES is designed to simultaneously capture any arbitrary marginal distribution and approximate the leading autocorrelations. Practical TES modeling is computationally intensive and can be effectively carried out only with software support. A computerized modeling environment, TEStool, has been designed to support the TES modeling methodology, through an interactive heuristic search approach facilitated by state of-the-art data visualization techniques. The purpose of this paper is to present four examples of the effective use of the TES methodology to model various types of time series that arise in a variety of disciplines, ranging from manufacturing to financial modeling, with particular emphasis on video compression. These examples serve to highlight the efficacy and versatility of the TES modeling methodology.
Uniqueness and successive approximations for functional differential equations.

Uniqueness theorem and successive approximations for delay functional differential equations, noting scalar problems
Phenothiazine-phenylquinoline donor-acceptor molecules : Effects of structural isomerism on charge transfer photophysics and electroluminescence

Large differences in the intramolecular charge-transfer fluorescence quantum yields and electroluminescence efficiencies were observed among the isomeric donor−acceptor molecules 2-(4-phenyl-2-quinolyl)-10-methylphenothiazine (2PQMPT) and 3-(4-phenyl-2-quinolyl)-10-methylphenothiazine (3PQMPT). In solution, the 2PQMPT isomer had a larger positive solvatochromism and thus a greater degree of charge transfer, whereas 3PQMPT had a larger fluorescence quantum yield (71%) compared to 2PQMPT (46%). High brightness (23750 cd/m2) and high efficiency (8.18 cd/A, 4.45 lm/W, 2.42% external quantum efficiency at 1015 cd/m2) green electroluminescence was achieved from 3PQMPT diodes. In contrast, green light-emitting diodes with lower brightness (8900 cd/m2) and efficiencies (4.79 cd/A, 2.36 lm/W, 1.41% external quantum efficiency at 690 cd/m2) were obtained from 2PQMPT. The two isomeric donor−acceptor molecules had identical HOMO (5.1 eV) and LUMO (2.4 eV) energy levels derived from electrochemistry. Density functiona...
Who's Talking Online? A Descriptive Analysis of Gender & Online Communication

This preliminary descriptive study investigated the association between gender and online communication and involved participants from an online graduate course. The study implemented a descriptive model in that â€œstudent involvementâ€ was assessed by tabulating and recording the quantity and quality of student activity in the discussion threads. Quantity was recorded by the amount of times students posted online comments and the number of words that women and men used to make their responses. In addition, quality was examined by reviewing the content that women and men made concerning topics under discussion. In the end, a difference between the genders was found in that the amount (quantity) women contributed to the discussions exceeded that contributed by the men. Women were also more inclined to give supportive or encouraging remarks than men, and addressed their classmates by name to promote a sense of online community, all which support previous studies.
Duration of visual afterimages on modulated backgrounds: postreceptoral processes.

Abstract A foveal afterimage produced by a small photoflash increases in duration when the luminance of a 5.8° diameter background on which it is seen is temporally modulated. At a modulation frequency of 1 Hz and a depth of modulation of 52%, the duration of the afterimage is prolonged by 335% compared to the duration obtained on a steady background. This increase has been attributed to the functional border resulting from the difference in excitability between bleached and unbleached photoreceptors. Afterimage duration is also prolonged, although only by 20%, when the luminance of the background is kept constant, while the luminance of an annular surround is modulated. This finding suggests a weak effect of neural lateral interaction (via area contrast). If the background luminance is modulated only in the contralateral eye (dichoptic presentation), afterimage duration increases by as much as 54% compared to the unmodulated state. This result indicates that afterimages, in part, are sustained by processes mediated by the visual cortex.
Intermolecular electron transfer from quinoproteins and its relevance to biosensor technology

Abstract Long-range intermolecular electron transfer occurs between the redox centers of the quinoprotein methylamine dehydrogenase and the copper protein amicyanin. A steady-state kinetic assay was developed and used to describe factors that are relevant to this process. Kinetic, physical, and structural data on these proteins and the complexes which they form are providing a picture of how nature accomplishes long-range electron transfer through proteins, a process that is critical to the development of direct amperometric biosensors.
Association between urinary biomarkers of exposure to organophosphate insecticides and serum reproductive hormones in men from NHANES 1999-2002.

Exposure to organophosphate (OP) insecticides may alter reproductive hormone levels in men and increase the risk for poor reductive health and other adverse health outcomes. However, relevant epidemiology studies in men are limited. We evaluated urinary concentrations of OP metabolites (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol and six dialkyl phosphates) in relation to serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and estradiol among 356 men aged 20–55 years old from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Biomarkers were detected in greater than 50% of the samples, except for diethyldithiophosphate, dimethylphosphate, and dimethyldithiophosphate. In adjusted regression models, we observed a statistically significant inverse relationship between diethyl phosphate (DEP) and T when DEP was modeled as either a continuous or categorical variable. These findings add to the limited evidence that exposure to certain OP insecticides is linked to altered T in men, which may have important implications for male health.
Transporter-Targeted Lipid Prodrugs of Cyclic Cidofovir: A Potential Approach for the Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

Cidofovir (CDF) and its cyclic analogue (cCDF) have shown potential in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. However, hydrophilic nature of CDF may affect cell permeation across lipophilic epithelium and thus limit its effectiveness in the treatment of CMV retinitis. In the present study, we have tested a novel hypothesis, which involves chemical derivatization of cCDF into lipophilic transporter-targeted prodrug [via conjugation with different carbon chain length of lipid raft and targeting moiety (biotin) for sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT)]. We have synthesized and characterized three derivatives of cCDF including biotin B-C2-cCDF, B-C6-cCDF, and B-C12-cCDF. Physicochemical properties such as solubility, partition coefficient (n-octanol/water and ocular tissue), bioreversion kinetics, and interaction with SMVT transporter have been determined. Among these novel conjugates, B-C12-cCDF has shown higher interaction to SMVT transporter with lowest half maximal inhibitory concentration value, higher cellular accumulation, and high tissue partitioning. Improvement in physicochemical properties, lipophilicity, and interaction with transporter was observed in the trend of increasing the lipid chain length, that is, B-C12-cCDF > B-C6-cCDF > B-C2-cCDF. These results indicate that transporter-targeted lipid analogue of cCDF exhibits improved cellular accumulation along with higher transporter affinity and hence could be a viable strategy for the treatment of CMV retinitis.
Is a Journal of Method Still Necessary

IThirty-four years ago David Henige launched History in Africa (hereafter HA ) at a time when scholars often cut corners in their rush to construct a history of Africa, and disregarded rules of evidence, thereby running the risk that many of their reconstructions would prove to be unsound. The question was not that these scholars were wholly indifferent to methodolo gy, but that the precolonial history of the continent was the cynosure of the field at the time, and hence that all eyes were turned towards the use of oral sources to overcome the perceived scarcity of written sources for that peri od and to provide voices from the continent. In their haste to fill huge voids in the story of Africa’s past, scholars debated the rules of evidence in rela tion to such unconventional sources. They often disregarded almost every methodological canon when it came to written data. Crucial differences between primary and secondary sources were ignored, archival research was scanty, new editions of older publications were mere reprints accompa nied or not by new introductions that were so uninformed as to be useless, while issues about authenticity, authorship, chronology, or translation were all brushed aside as quibbles. Thus, in the days before 1974, methodologi cal concerns focused exclusively on oral tradition and oral history to the detriment of everything else. As its initial editorial made clear, HA was launched as a forum where scholars interested in method could publish arti cles about all the facets of the historical method—from epistemology to heuristics, rules of evidence, and historiography. The journal was founded and the contributors came. Today, a long generation later, HA has become a leading journal in the field and seems to have fulfilled most of its mission. First and foremost it has dwelled on every methodological facet concerning work with written
Impact of new therapies on the prevalence of coronary artery disease in heart transplant survivors: stanford experience

Background: The major cause of late graft failure is coronary artery disease (CAD). Evolution of post-transplantation (Tx) therapy has added calcium channel blockers (CCB) and statins (STN) in addition to new immunosuppressives. Annual coronary angiograms permitted identification of the onset and severity of CAD and correlation with new treatments. Methods: 647 patients(pts) underwent heart Tx between 11/80-12/97 at Stanford. Patients who survived I year and had at least 1 follow-up(F/U) angiogram were included in the study(n 473). Three cohorts were identified: (A) 11/80-07/86 received cyclosporine, azathioprine, prednisone, (n 151); (B) 07/86-12/93, same as A plus CCB; OKT3, ganciclovir(n 219); (C) 01/94-12/97, same as B plus statin, tacrolimus, Mycophenolate mofetil(n 103). F/U was 5 years. Results: Over all prevalence of TxCAD: Table 1 shows the initial appearance of TxCAD between 3 cohorts (p 0.002). 50% stenosis of TxCAD is shown in table 2 (p 0,001).The incidence of any CAD was 38%, 26% and 27%; and of 50% CAD was 21%, 12%, and 13% incohort A, B and C at 5 years post-Tx respectively. Comparisons of incidence of CAD between cohorts: cohort A vs B p 0.05; A vs C P 0.06; B vs C p 0.7. Similarly, the incidence of 50% CAD in cohort A vs B p 0.01; A vs C P 0.06; B vs C p 0.8. Conclusion: The introduction of CCB, statin and new immunosuppressives and steroid-sparing regimens have reduced the incidence and progression of post-transplant CAD.
The Idempotent Quiver of a Nearring

The idempotent quiver of a nearring R is a directed graph formed using primitive idempotents of R corresponding to the isomorphism classes of the type 2 modules of R. In this paper, we construct such quivers when R satisfies the descending chain condition on right R-subgroups and J2(R) is nilpotent, consider their computation, and study their relationship with the structure of R and its modules.
Assessment of the quality of colonoscopy reports: results from a multicenter consortium.

Background To improve colonoscopy quality, reports must include key quality indicators that can be monitored. Objective To determine the quality of colonoscopy reports in diverse practice settings. Setting The consortium of the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative, which includes 73 U.S. gastroenterology practice sites that use a structured computerized endoscopy report generator, which includes fields for specific quality indicators. Design Prospective data collection from 2004 to 2006. Main Outcomes Measurements Reports were queried to determine if specific quality indicators were recorded. Specific end points, including quality of bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, and detection of polyp(s) >9 mm in screening examinations were compared for 53 practices with more than 100 colonoscopy procedures per year. Results Of the 438,521 reports received during the study period, 13.9% did not include bowel-preparation quality and 10.1% did not include comorbidity classification. The overall cecal intubation rate was 96.3%, but cecal landmarks were not recorded in 14% of the reports. Missing polyp descriptors included polyp size (4.9%) and morphology (14.7%). Reporting interventions for adverse events during the procedure varied from 0% to 6.5%. Among average-risk patients who received screening examinations, the detection rate of polyps >9 mm, adjusted for age, sex, and race, was between 4% and 10% in 81% of practices. Limitation Bias toward high rates of reporting because of the standard use of a computerized report generator. Conclusions There is significant variation in the quality of colonoscopy reports across diverse practices, despite the use of a computerized report generator. Measurement of quality indicators in clinical practice can identify areas for quality improvement.
Analysis of a newly‐isolated temperature sensitive maternal effect mutation of Drosophila melanogaster

A mutation located near the tip of the X chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster has been isolated, and its developmental effects described. This mutation (1(1)ts-1 is temperature sensitive, and at permissive temperature (18 degrees C) develops normally. However, zygotes from females raised or aged at restrictive temperature (28 degrees C) never hatch, regardless of the embryonic genotype. Midgut formation is abnormal in lethal zygotes and dorsal closure is probably incomplete. Temperature shift experiments have shown that the zygotic lethality is governed by a temperature sensitive period in oocytes of stage seven or older. If viable 1(1)ts-1 embryos are shifted to restrictive temperatures, they develop as far as the pupal stage, but never eclose. The temperature sensitive period for pupal lethality includes the last 2.5 days of pupal development and does not involve a maternal effect.
Ecological correlates of microfilariae prevalence in endangered Galápagos birds.

This study assesses the ecological factors associated with microfilariae prevalence in wild populations of endangered flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) and Galapagos penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus). Prevalence values were tested for correlation with a large number of environmental variables, as modeled from weather station data and measured by satellite-borne sensors. Predictions were made based on the expected effects of climatic and landscape variables on sustained populations of arthropod vectors required for transmission of microfilariae. In general, findings were consistent with predictions in both cormorants and penguins; prevalence correlated positively with temperature, precipitation, and vegetation density, and negatively with measures of environmental variability. Resulting correlates were used to derive predictive distributions of prevalence values in cormorants throughout the archipelago. Evidence is presented implicating the mosquito Aedes taeniorhynchus as a likely vector. Knowledge of environmental variables that predict risk of disease transmission by arthropod vectors may be useful in control measures should novel pathogens be introduced to the ecosystem.
Reconstitution of the glucose transport activity of rat adipocytes.

Rat epididymal fat cell membrane proteins were extracted from adipocyte ghosts with octylglucoside and incorporated by detergent dialysis into unilamellar phosphatidylcholine vesicles approx. 200 nm in diameter. The rate of glucose transport into the vesicles under zero-trans conditions was substrate dependent, saturable and inhibited by phloretin and cytochalasin B. Their maximum specific transport activity was 35.6 μmol/min per mg protein, and their half saturation constant for glucose was 15 mM. Glucose transport into the reconstituted vesicles was inhibited by only those sugars which competitively inhibited glucose transport into intact adipocytes. A major protein component of the vesicles was a 100 kDa protein which we had previously found to react with the affinity label maltosyl isothiocyanate (Malchoff, D.M., Olansky, L., Pohl, S. and Langdon, R.G. (1981) Fed. Proc. 40, 1893). Removal of adipocyte ghost membrane extrinsic proteins with dimethylmaleic anhydride followed by extraction of the resulting membrane pellet with octylglucoside yielded a solution which contained two major proteins, of Mr 100 000 and 85 000, with very small quantities of lower Mr proteins. Vesicles into which these proteins were incorporated had average specific transport activities of 624 μmol/min per mg protein and half saturation constants of 22 mM. Our results strongly indicate that the native glucose transporter of the rat adipocyte, like that of the human erythrocyte (Shelton, R.L. and Langdon, R.G. (1983) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 733, 25–33), is a 100 kDa protein.
Exploring predisposition and treatment response--the promise of genomics

Spurred by large-scale public and private efforts as well as technological developments, the last few years have seen a major leap forward in our understanding of the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease. This revolution is in its infancy and will continue to alter the medical landscape for years to come. There is a need within the general cardiology community to develop a better understanding about how these developments may alter routine clinical care. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current state of genetics as pertains to rare cardiovascular diseases and then review advances in the discovery of the genetic basis of common disease with the potential for improved risk assessment and drug development. We will also outline a few recent examples of pharmacogenetic advances that are already starting to become a part of clinical management and finally discuss the promise as well as the challenges in using next-generation sequencing technologies to provide personalized cardiovascular care.
Probe-mediated control of quantum systems

We study a new approach to the control of a quantum system S, which uses the coupling of S with a quantum probe P, rather than a direct action on S. The external control affects only P, and the accessibility and controllability properties describe to what extent it is possible to drive the state of S by varying the initial state of P and using the interaction between the two systems. In particular, we study the case of two-dimensional system and probe. Two situations are considered: either the total system S+P is a closed one, or it is surrounded by a bath of decoupled harmonic oscillators. We give results on the controllability and accessibility properties of this scheme, and we discuss the relation of these properties with the entangling capability of the interaction between S and P. In particular, we show that the SWAP operator plays a special role.
The Importance of Managing Interference for Second Language Reading Ability: An Individual Differences Investigation.

Research on individual differences in second language (L2) reading ability has primarily focused on factors known to contribute to first language (L1) reading ability, with little consideration of factors mediating interference between languages. In an exploratory analysis, we compared the degree to which the linguistic interference that readers experience predicted reading ability in L1 and L2. Based on current psycholinguistic models, we also investigated whether the relation is mediated by working memory capacity. A series of regression analyses were performed to investigate these relations in 83 monolinguals, 50 L1 English-speaking bilinguals, and 127 L2 English-speaking bilinguals. Results revealed that the amount of linguistic interference experienced significantly predicted reading ability in L2 but not in L1 or for monolinguals. Further, the relation was not mediated by individual differences in working memory capacity. These results illustrate the need for consideration of cross-linguistic factor...
User verification: Matching the uploaders of videos across accounts

This article presents an attempt to link the uploaders of videos based on the audio track of the videos. Using a subset of the MediaEval [10] Placing Task's Flickr video set, which is labeled with the uploader's name, we conducted an experiment with a similar setup as a typical NIST speaker recognition evaluation run. Based on the assumption that the audio might be matched in various ways (speaker, channel, environmental noise, etc.), we trained one of ICSI's simplified speaker recognition systems on the audio tracks of the Flickr videos. Note that since the selection of videos is essentially random, the audio track can contain any sounds. We obtain an equal error rate of 36.7% on 312 videos with 11,550 trials. The result has implications for audio research, security applications, and raises privacy concerns.
Relations Among Student Attention Behaviors, Teacher Practices, and Beginning Word Reading Skill

The role of student attention for predicting kindergarten word reading was investigated among 432 students. Using Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior Rating Scale behavior rating scores, the authors conducted an exploratory factor analysis, which yielded three distinct factors that reflected selective attention. In this study, the authors focused on the role of one of these factors, which they labeled attention-memory, for predicting reading performance. Teacher ratings of attention-memory predicted word reading above and beyond the contribution of phonological awareness and vocabulary knowledge. In addition, the relations between four teacher practices and attention ratings for predicting reading performance were examined. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the authors found significant interactions between student attention and teacher practices observed during literacy instruction. In general, as ratings of attention improved, better kindergarten word reading performance was associated with high levels of classroom behavior management. However, better word reading performance was not associated with high levels of teacher task orienting. A significant three-way interaction was also found among attention, individualized instruction, and teacher task redirections. The role of regulating kindergarten student attention to support beginning word reading skill development is discussed.
Chemical Characterization of Polysaccharide from the Slime Layer of the Cyanobacterium Microcystis flos-aquae C3-40

Macromolecular material from the slime layer of the cyanobacterium Microcystis flos-aquae C3-40 was defined as material that adhered to cells during centrifugation in growth medium but was dislodged by washing with deionized water and retained within dialysis tubing with a molecular-weight cutoff of 3,500. At each step of this isolation procedure, the slime was observed microscopically. Cells in the centrifugal pellet were surrounded by large amounts of slime that excluded negative stain, whereas cells that had been washed with water lacked visible slime. Two independently isolated lots of slime contained no detectable protein (<1%, wt/wt) and consisted predominantly of anthrone-reacting polysaccharide. Sugars in a hydrolysate of slime polysaccharide were derivatized with trimethylsilylimidazole and examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The composition of the slime polysaccharide was 1.5% (wt/wt) galactose, 2.0% glucose, 3.0% xylose, 5.0% mannose, 5.5% rhamnose, and 83% galacturonic acid. This composition resembles that of the plant polysaccharide pectin, which was treated in parallel as a control. Consistent with earlier indications that M. flos-aquae slime preferentially binds certain cations, the ratio of Fe to Na in the dialyzed slime was 10 times that in the growth medium. The composition of the slime is discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of cation binding in comparison with other cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides and pectin.
The Implications of Physical Injury on Otovestibular and Cognitive Symptomatology following Blast Exposure

ObjectiveIdentify a potential difference in the spectrum of otovestibular and cognitive symptoms in blast-exposed patients comparing individuals with or without significant extremity injuries.Study...
The Extirpation of Orconectes limosus (Spinycheek Crayfish) Populations in West Virginia

Abstract Introductions of nonnative crayfish species have resulted in the global decline of native crayfish populations, including those in North America. Historically, the North American range of Orconectes limosus (Spinycheek Crayfish) extended from Maine, southward into northern Virginia, including West Virginia's eastern panhandle. A 1988–1989 survey of the eastern panhandle of West Virginia resulted in the capture of only 14 O. limosus, but an abundance of the nonnative Orconectes virilis (Virile Crayfish). These data along with additional unpublished accounts of declines of O. limosus populations prompted our survey of eastern West Virginia. In 2005 and 2006, crayfishes were collected from streams within the West Virginia range of the O. limosus, including historic capture locations. Our collection of 600 individuals comprised crayfishes from 3 species: O. virilis, Orconectes obscurus (Allegheny Crayfish), and Cambarus bartonii bartonii (Common Crayfish). The nonnative O. virilis was present at 26 o...
Sequence stratigraphy and depositional environments of the Shamokin (Union Springs) Member, Marcellus Formation, and associated strata in the middle Appalachian Basin

Organic-carbon–rich shales of the lower Marcellus Formation were deposited at the toe and basinward of a prograding clinothem associated with a Mahantango Formation delta complex centered near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Distribution of these organic-carbon–rich shales was influenced by shifts in the delta complex driven by changes in rates of accommodation creation and by a topographically high carbonate bank that formed along the Findlay-Algonquin arch during deposition of the Onondaga Formation. Specifically, we interpret the Union Springs member (Shamokin Member of the Marcellus Formation) and the Onondaga Formation as comprising a single third-order depositional sequence. The Onondaga Formation was deposited in the lowstand to transgressive systems tract, and the Union Springs member was deposited in the transgressive, highstand, and falling-stage systems tract. The regional extent of parasequences, systems tracts, and the interpreted depositional sequence suggest that base-level fluctuations were primarily caused by allogenic forcing—eustasy, climate, or regional thermal uplift or subsidence—instead of basement fault reactivation as argued by previous workers. Paleowater depths in the region of Marcellus Formation black mudrock accumulation were at least 330 ft (100 m) as estimated by differences in strata thickness between the northwestern carbonate bank and basinal facies to the southeast. Geochemical analysis indicates anoxic to euxinic bottom-water conditions. These conditions were supported by a deep, stratified basin with a lack of circulation.
Development, content and delivery of MBA in technology and innovation management

Companies are more clearly recognizing that management needs to address both the financial and technology aspects of the business. There is an increasing demand on business education that integrates both the business and the technology in a holistic way (see Khalil, T.M., (1993), Mallick, D.N., Chaudhury, A., (2000), Shabayek, A.A.E., (1999), Siegel, S., (1991), Weimer, W.A., (1991), and Zehner, W.B., II (2000)). This includes the integration of business strategy, and information systems strategy. This paper describes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in technology and innovation management (TIM) at Pacific Lutheran University School of Business (PLU) launched in 1996 (see Albers, J.A., and Dempsey, J., (1997)). The program is inherently interdisciplinary, malfunctional, and emphasizes strategic management and global competitive perspectives. This paper provides an update on programmatic changes and the delivery experience over the past six years.
A comparison of the developmental experiences of elite and sub-elite swimmers: similar developmental histories can lead to differences in performance level

The current study fills a void in the literature that investigates the factors required for elite athlete development. Previous studies have (a) illustrated psychological and physiological differences between elites and non-elites; or (b) described the psychological and physiological developmental experiences of elite performers. The current study augments these research bases by obtaining the recollections of 15 highly accomplished swimmers (i.e. seven elite and eight sub-elite) and compares their developmental experiences. Qualitative results are presented within Bloom's (1985) stages of talent development (i.e. The Early, Middle and Late Years) and Hendry and Kloep's (2002) lifespan model of developmental challenges (i.e. Self-Efficacy, Social Resources, Structural Resources, Skills and Biological Dispositions) in order to present these athletes’ idiosyncratic experiences in an organised manner. Similarities and differences among these athletes and between performance groups are presented, some of whic...
A New Endpoint for Intraoperative PTH Measurement: Normal

Background: We hypothesized that Io-PTH levels would decline to normal or near normal after successful parathyroidectomy. Objectives: To evaluate efficacy and predictive factor of parathyroid hormone measurement during parathyroid resection. Materials and Methods: Every Io-PTH level from 2001-10 at a single institution was evaluated. Charts were reviewed for preoperative diagnosis, final Io-PTH level, unilateral or bilateral exploration, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Results: 225 patients underwent 594 Io-PTH measurements. 16 patients were excluded. Final Io-PTH levels were normal ( 80% decrease, so that 201 patients had Io-PTH levels that were normal or dropped by > 80%. 8 patients had Io-PTH levels that dropped by < 80%, 4 of whom had < 50% decline. Normal or near-normal Io-PTH level after resection of a parathyroid adenoma allowed unilateral exploration in 146 patients. Persistent elevation of Io-PTH levels led to bilateral exploration in 22 patients. Conclusions: Io-PTH levels should become normal or to drop by at least 80% during successful parathyroidectomy. Persistent elevations of Io-PTH after resection of an abnormal gland dictates the need for bilateral exploration.
Implications of Interfacial Coupling and Strain on the Magnetic and Structural Ordering of Fe3O4/NiO Superlattices

Here we review recent work on the preparation and characterization of magnetically ordered oxide Fe3O4/NiO superlattices. The materials were prepared by oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Their structural ordering was studied by x-ray, neutron, and RHEED electron diffraction techniques, and the superlattices are found to form as highly coherent strained-layer modulated single crystals. The magnetic ordering studies, using SQUID magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance, and neutron diffraction, indicated strong interfacial coupling between the ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 layers and the antiferromagnetic NiO layers, with the magnetic ordering in each layer altered by the proximity to the magnetic moments in the adjacent layer. Strain and other layer-thickness effects are also evident in these magnetic layered structures. The special influence of interlayer coupling and strain on the Fe3O4 Verwey transition are discussed.
Toward national comparable nurse practitioner data: proposed data elements, rationale, and methods

Federal funds have supported Nurse Practitioner (NP) education and the establishment of nurse-managed centers. Yet, important questions are raised about the quality and appropriate scope of NP care. Few NP-patient encounters are documented in the largest national surveys of ambulatory care, sponsored by the National Center for Health Statistics, due to sampling frames that are based on physician practices. In addition, these national surveys lack essential outcome indicators, therefore limiting their data to descriptions of patient demographics and practice patterns. Informatics principles are applied to a proposed expansion of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Its sample would include nurse-managed centers and its variables would include quality outcome and process indicators in standardized language that are nurse-sensitive and that reflect national priorities for action on health care quality. Variables for inclusion in a draft pilot instrument are identified.