cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transforming developing country agriculture: Removing adoption constraints and promoting inclusive value chain development

For most poor countries of today, investing in agriculture and the associated sectoral linkages is the most promising strategy for sustained growth and poverty reduction. Yet, in these countries, investment in agriculture has generally been lagging relative to international norms and recommendations. We start from the premise that this has been due to lack of success in modernizing the operations of smallholder farmers (SHF) that typically constitute the core of the farm population. These farmers are linked to consumers through value chains that range from the most elementary (local spot markets) to the most advanced (contract farming and out-grower schemes). Current wisdom with cases of successful modernization of smallholder farming is that it requires asset building, productivity growth in staple foods (Green Revolution), agricultural transformation (diversification of farming systems toward high value crops), and rural transformation (value addition through rural non-farm activities linked to agriculture). … /… Key words: Constraints removal approach: constraints to modernization originating in credit, insurance, information, and access to deep markets. Inclusive value chain development approach: incentives to modernize originating in access to assets, contracts, producer organizations discipline, and value chain coordination.
Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of rare histologic variants of gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND Adenocarcinoma (AC) is the most common histological type in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), and papillary carcinoma (PC) are rare histologic variants of GBC. METHODS Patients with AC, SCC, ASC, and PC of the gallbladder between 2004 and 2013 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare overall survival (OS) based on histological subtype. RESULTS A total of 5956 patients ≥18 years of age were included in the final analysis. Most patients (n = 5398; 90.6%) had AC compared with variant histologies. PC (n = 227; 3.8%) was the most common variant, followed by ASC (n = 216; 3.6%) and SCC (n = 115; 1.9%); 70.3% were female and 78.9% Caucasian. The median age was 70 (range, 25-90) years. Surgical resection was performed in 77.7% of AC, 53.0% of SCC, 88.9% of ASC, and 96.9% of PC (P < .001). Systemic therapy after surgery was administered in 25.1% of AC, 18.3% of SCC, 35.7% of ASC, and 19.4% of PC (P = .001). In multivariate analysis, multiagent chemotherapy was associated with improved OS in all histologies except for SCC and PC (p < .001), and adjuvant systemic therapy was associated with improved OS in ASC and AC (P < .001). CONCLUSION Survival differs between the gallbladder variants. Except for SCC, GBC variants underwent surgical resection more often than AC. Adjuvant systemic therapy was associated with improved OS in ASC and AC.
Synthesis and characterization of near-infrared PbSe/SnS colloidal core-shell quantum dots

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum are of interest for many biomedical applications, including bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy. However, a significant limitation is that QDs are typically highly cytotoxic, containing materials such as indium arsenide (InAs), cadmium, or lead, which makes prospects for their FDA approval for human treatment very unlikely. Previous work on QDs in the NIR has focused on indium arsenide or cadmium chalcogenide cores coated with cadmium sulfide shells or zinc sulfide shells. Lead-based nanoparticles, such as lead selenide (PbSe) or lead sulfide (PbS) are also popular materials used for NIR emission. However, these nanoparticles have also been shown to be cytotoxic. Coating these Pb-based QDs with a biocompatible shell consisting of tin chalcogenides, such as tin sulfide (SnS) or tin selenide (TnSe), could be a reasonable alternative to improve their biocompatibility and reducing their cytotoxicity. In this paper, we report on our recent studies of PbSe-core QDs with Sn-containing shells, including synthesis, structural characterization, and investigation of optical properties. Characteristics of these QDs synthesized under different conditions are described. We conclude that their synthesis is challenging and still requires further work to avoid shell oxidation.
On Doing Go-Along Interviews: Toward Sensuous Analyses of Everyday Experiences:

This article offers emergent methodological frameworks toward sensuously analyzing go-along interviews. Recently, scholars have called for analyses of go-alongs that include affective moments and e...
Establishing an Institutional E-Book Program: A Case Study for Change

The origins, details, and evolution of an institutional e-text program are discussed. The program was one of the first and continues to be one of the largest, multi-publisher, institutional e-text programs – at a public university – in the United States. The program began in 2010 from a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education FIPSE agency. The success of the program led to the institutionalization of the program in 2012. The main emphasis and goals of the program are to keep the cost of textbooks to less than 10% of tuition and fees and to ensure that academic freedom rests with the faculty, students will receive their required e-texts by the first day of class, and students will have an option to purchase a printed copy of their e-texts. Today, the university’s e-textbook program issues more than 25,000 e-textbooks to students to 47% of the courses on the university’s class schedule. It is estimated that students save about $3.5 million per year over the cost of traditional textbooks. Details about the program are included as well as information about lessons learned.
Disintegration of diminutive liquid helium jets in vacuum

The phenomenon of liquid jets disintegrating into droplets has attracted the attention of researchers for more than 200 years. An overwhelming fraction of these studies considered classical viscous liquid jets issuing into ambient atmospheric gases, such as air. Here, we present an optical shadowgraphy study of the disintegration of a cryogenic liquid helium jet produced with a 5 µm diameter nozzle into vacuum. The physical properties of liquid helium, such as its density, surface tension, and viscosity, change dramatically as the jet flows through the nozzle and evaporatively cools in vacuum, eventually reaching the superfluid state. In this study, we demonstrate that, at different stagnation pressures and temperatures, droplet formation may involve spraying, capillary breakup, jet branching, and/or flashing and cavitation. The average droplet sizes produced in this work range from 3.4 × 1012 to 6.5 × 1012 helium atoms or 6.7-8.3 µm in diameter. This paper also reports on the distributions of sizes and shapes of the resulting droplets.
Tau aggregates are RNA-protein assemblies that mislocalize multiple nuclear speckle components.

Summary Tau aggregates contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although RNA promotes tau aggregation in vitro, whether tau aggregates in cells contain RNA is unknown. We demonstrate, in cell culture and mouse brains, that cytosolic and nuclear tau aggregates contain RNA with enrichment for small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Nuclear tau aggregates colocalize with and alter the composition, dynamics, and organization of nuclear speckles, membraneless organelles involved in pre-mRNA splicing. Moreover, several nuclear speckle components, including SRRM2, mislocalize to cytosolic tau aggregates in cells, mouse brains, and brains of individuals with AD, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Consistent with these alterations, we observe that the presence of tau aggregates is sufficient to alter pre-mRNA splicing. This work identifies tau alteration of nuclear speckles as a feature of tau aggregation that may contribute to the pathology of tau aggregates.
Utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy to Treat Sexual Trauma with a Pakistani-American: A Case Report

There is a paucity of research of traditional psychotherapy approaches with individuals of South Asian descent, specifically Pakistani-Americans. In particular, there are very few cases in existing...
Management of the enterprises and managers education

The labour market demands for qualification of personnel-staff to comply with the needs of firms. This is a disproportion between the market demand for qualified workforce and the low rate of changes in the system of education. It is the problem that has to be solved promptly, especially - in the further managers’ education. In present times it is necessary to be known the demands of the manager positions. The job specification, personnel and management audit, appreciate and management development are essential need activities for managing managers.
Model-Driven Engineering from Modular Monadic Semantics: Implementation Techniques Targeting Hardware and Software

Recent research has shown how the formal modeling of concurrent systems can benefit from monadic structuring. With this approach, a formal system model is really a program in a domain specific language defined by a monad for shared-state concurrency. Can these models be compiled into efficient implementations? This paper addresses this question and presents an overview of techniques for compiling monadic concurrency models directly into reasonably efficient software and hardware implementations. The implementation techniques described in this article form the basis of a semantics-directed approach to model-driven engineering.
Long‐term human immune system reconstitution in non‐obese diabetic (NOD)‐Rag (–)‐γ chain (–) (NRG) mice is similar but not identical to the original stem cell donor

The murine immune system is not necessarily identical to it human counterpart, which has led to the construction of humanized mice. The current study analysed whether or not a human immune system contained within the non-obese diabetic (NOD)-Rag1(null) -γ chain(null) (NRG) mouse model was an accurate representation of the original stem cell donor and if multiple mice constructed from the same donor were similar to one another. To that end, lightly irradiated NRG mice were injected intrahepatically on day 1 of life with purified cord blood-derived CD34(+) stem and progenitor cells. Multiple mice were constructed from each cord blood donor. Mice were analysed quarterly for changes in the immune system, and followed for periods up to 12 months post-transplant. Mice from the same donor were compared directly with each other as well as with the original donor. Analyses were performed for immune reconstitution, including flow cytometry, T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) spectratyping. It was observed that NRG mice could be 'humanized' long-term using cord blood stem cells, and that animals constructed from the same cord blood donor were nearly identical to one another, but quite different from the original stem cell donor immune system.
Civil Litigation, Access to Government-Held Information, and Coordination of Public and Private Enforcement in the Czech Republic

To correct the historical suppression of environmental information under communist rule, the Czech Republic has instituted several new laws granting citizen access to government-held information. This access should facilitate civil litigation by providing evidence in court for establishing causality in a country where practically everyone feels the effects of broad and severe environmental degradation. However, poor de facto citizen access and citizens'; traditional distrust of information severely limits litigation activity. Similarly, this paper examines the joint use of a privately-initiated ex post liability policy (i.e., tort litigation) and a state-initiated ex post liability policy (i.e., penalties). In particular, it explores a potential exchange of information between a government enforcer and plaintiffs, where the government enforcer provides information on the causality of harm to plaintiffs and plaintiffs provide information on the level of harm to the government enforcer. With more accurate information on both causality and damages, the joint use of state and private enforcement should lead to more efficient outcomes. This paper finds great potential for such improvement given the limited use of privately-provided information on harm and poor de facto access to government-provided information on environmental matters.
A retrovirus-like zinc domain is essential for translational repression of bacteriophage T4 gene 32

Gene 32 protein (gp32), a single-stranded DNA-binding protein from bacteriophage T4, contains a zinc-binding subdomain with sequence homologies to the 3-cysteine/1-histidine zinc-binding motif found in a variety of retroviruses and plant viruses. In vitro studies suggest that autoregulation of gp32 occurs at the level of translation by gp32 specifically binding gene 32 mRNA at an unusual stem-loop structure that can be modeled as an RNA pseudoknot. Nucleation of gp32 binding via this pseudoknot is thought to be needed to facilitate cooperative binding of gp32 through a largely unstructured region that overlaps the ribosome binding site (McPheeters, D. S., Stormo, G. D., and Gold, L. (1988) J. Mol. Biol. 201, 517-535). Removal of Zn(II) from gp32 results in a protein that retains the ability to bind single-stranded RNA with high affinity but is unable to specifically autoregulate itself at the level of translation. Deletion of the pseudoknot sequences from the gene 32 autoregulatory region results in an mRNA that cannot be repressed by gp32. These results suggest that the zinc-binding subdomain of gp32 plays an essential role in autoregulation by providing a critical element necessary for nucleating cooperative binding at the gene 32 mRNA pseudoknot.
Acceleration in the Rate of CNS Remyelination in Lysolecithin-Induced Demyelination

One important therapeutic goal during CNS injury from trauma or demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis is to develop methods to promote remyelination. We tested the hypothesis that spontaneous remyelination in the toxic nonimmune model of lysolecithin-induced demyelination can be enhanced by manipulating the inflammatory response. In PBS-treated SJL/J mice, the number of remyelinating axons per square millimeter of lesion area increased significantly 3 and 5 weeks after lysolecithin injection in the spinal cord. However, methylprednisolone or a monoclonal antibody (mAb), SCH94.03, developed for its ability to promote remyelination in the Theiler's virus murine model of demyelination, further increased the number of remyelinating axons per lesion area at 3 weeks by a factor of 2.6 and 1.9, respectively, but did not increase the ratio of myelin sheath thickness to axon diameter or the number of cells incorporating tritiated thymidine in the lesion. After 3 weeks, the number of remyelinating axons in the methylprednisolone or mAb SCH94.03 treatment groups was similar to the spontaneous remyelination in the 5 week PBS control-treated group, indicating that these treatments promoted remyelination by increasing its rate rather than its extent. To address a mechanism for promoting remyelination, through an effect on scavenger function, we assessed morphometrically the number of macrophages in lesions after methylprednisolone and mAb SCH94.03 treatment. Methylprednisolone reduced the number of macrophages, but SCH94.03 did not, although both enhanced remyelination. This study supports the hypothesis that even in toxic nonprimary immune demyelination, manipulating the inflammatory response is a benefit in myelin repair.
Making better ceramic composites with ice

The tough structure of shellfish nacre has been replicated in a ceramic by a simple water-freezing method.
Delay in Diagnosis of Wilson Disease in Children With Insidious Psychiatric Symptoms: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Received May 8, 2015; revised July 17, 2015; accepted July 27, 2015. From the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven CT (HM, AM); Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven CT (PZ). Send correspondence and reprint requests to Hun Millard, M.D., M.A., 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519; e-mail: hun. millard@yale.edu, hunmillard@gmail.com & 2015TheAcademy of PsychosomaticMedicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction
Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pharmacological alone or in combination with psychosocial treatment for amphetamine withdrawals on discontinuation rates, global state, withdrawal symptoms, craving, and other outcomes. Symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal during the initial days of abstinence from chronic amphetamine use can prompt individuals to return to regular drug use. No medications demonstrate significant effects over placebo in reducing symptoms of acute amphetamine withdrawal. Amphetamines can make people feel more alert, and are prescribed for problems like depression and attention deficit order. Amphetamines can produce euphoria, and so are manufactured for recreational use. Ongoing use can lead to dependence, which can be as hard to recover from as dependence on heroin or cocaine. The only randomized trials of amphetamine withdrawal agents have been of antidepressant drugs (amineptine and mirtazapine). Amineptine was found to have limited benefits, showing improvement only on some subjective effects but is no longer on the market because of concerns over its abuse liability. The benefits of mirtazapine have been less clear based on two randomised controlled trials, with one showing improvements in amphetamine withdrawal symptoms and the other showing no differences in withdrawal outcomes when compared to placebo. More research is needed.
Outside looking in: Observations on medical education since the Flexner Report.

CONTEXT This article focuses on the current state of medical education as it relates to the reforms introduced in the wake of the Flexner Report of 1910. The usefulness of outsiders in both understanding and analysing any specialised endeavour, and, specifically, medical education, is carefully considered. No voices call more loudly for change in medical education today than those emanating from within the arena itself. Interestingly, however, the monumental reforms of the Flexner Report were impelled largely from outside the specific discipline of medical education. OBSERVATIONS Internal tensions exist between the natural and social sciences. These tensions present formidable obstacles to the balance between advances in biomedical knowledge and the humane and socially acceptable application of that knowledge. Medical education's responses to society's pressures for accessibility and humaneness occupy the next discussion point, named here as 're-democratisation' and 're-humanisation'. A final observation questions whether the current proliferation of literature about reforms in medical education can lead to real change, or whether it constitutes a self-referential agitation that, in the aggregate, holds little promise. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that not only are outsiders useful, but they may perhaps represent the only channel through which medical education can align its current practice with both its internal ideals and the demands of the public, members of which live and die by its efforts.
Perioperative Nutrition Assessment of the Bariatric Surgery Patient

Surgical weight loss strategies are more successful than diet alone in achieving and maintaining weight loss. However, the long-term success of bariatric surgery relies on the patients’ ability to make sustained lifestyle changes in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. To obtain the best patient outcomes, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach provides the best care to any bariatric patient, and the food and nutrition professional or registered dietitian (RD) plays an integral role in the nutrition assessment and follow-up process across the care continuum. Indeed, due to the continuing trend of obesity and utilization of bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity, there will undoubtedly be a growing role for the registered dietitian. The RD possesses the knowledge and skills in the overall management of the bariatric surgical patient as well as proficiency in bariatric nutrition education and counseling. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the key components of the nutrition care process unique to the bariatric patient as well as to discuss the role of perioperative nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy.
A comparison of the dynamics of the rabbit and human vestibulo-ocular reflex

Abstract We observed several differences between the dynamics of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in rabbits and in human subjects. In the rabbit the “apparent time constant” (time required for the slow phase velocity to reach 37% of the initial value) of postrotatory nystagmus (PRN) increased and the low-frequence phase lead of sinusoidal perrotatory nystagmus decreased with increasing stimulus velocity. In human subjects these measurements did not change with stimulus velocity (for the range of 15 to 120 deg/s). The pattern of PRN decay in the rabbit usually appeared linear whereas in human subjects the decay was usually exponential. After the largest stimulus (120 deg/s) PRN reversals occurred in human subjects but not in rabbits. These differences can be explained on the basis of a simple nonlinearity (saturation of a feedback pathway) present in the rabbit but not in the human VOR.
Application of Finite Deformation Theory to the Development of an Orthogonal Cutting Model—Part II: Experimental Investigation and Model Validation

In Part I of this paper, a continuum mechanics model of the orthogonal cutting process was developed based on finite deformation theory. In this part of the paper, constitutive equations for O1 and L6 tool steels are developed using the results from split Hopkinson pressure bar tests. Statistically designed orthogonal cutting experiments are conducted to secure process results across a range of cutting conditions. The continuum mechanics model established in Part 1 of this paper is used to simulate all the cutting tests. All the model outputs are calculated and compared with the corresponding cutting experiment results. Good agreement is observed between the model predictions and the experimental results. The continuum mechanics model is successfully used to predict the cutting force, shear angle, and temperature.
Knowledge of the alphabet: A comparison between letter counts and subjective reports

Subjects’ estimates of the frequency of occurrence of the letters of the alphabet were compared with previously reported letter-frequency counts. The results indicated an overall good relationship between actual and judged rank, but there were consistent letter-specific under- and overestimations. These inaccuracies were not accounted for by letter versatility, first-position frequency, or order in the alphabet. There was evidence that subject-derived estimates of letter frequency were somewhat better predictors of reaction time performance on letter-processing tasks.
Triform Wing-Body Loading

This paper presents the application of the slender-body theory to triform-finned missiles to derive detailed spanload distributions and the overall normal and side forces generated by the fin panels in the presence of the body. A comparison is made between the results of a panel-based aeroprediction code and the distributions and integrated loads given by the theory to moderate angles of attack at several Mach numbers.
Light-induced free radical production in chloroplast fragments having a 740 mμ absorbancy maximum

Abstract Chloroplast fragments having an absorbancy maximum at 740 mμ contain unpaired electrons, as determined by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. On illumination, the number of unpaired electrons is increased 2–8-fold. The light and dark signals occur at g = 2.002 and have a peak to peak width of about 1 gauss. The ESR signal gradually disappears as the methanol concentration is increased to the point where the chlorophylls are extracted. Cupric ion was found to increase the light and dark ESR signals and at concentrations of 10 −2 M to inhibit the production of a light induced signal. Kinetic analysis indicates that two processes participate in the onset and decay of this signal. Analysis of the relative amounts of these two components induced by different wavelengths of light indicate that two pigment systems are involved. These results are compared with those from previous ESR studies of photosynthetic materials.
A Precessing Disk in OJ 287

Sillanpaa et al. have demonstrated that the active galactic nucleus OJ 287 has intensity peaks that recur within a period of about 12 yr. I suggest that this is the result of the sweeping of a precessing relativistic beam across our line of sight. In analogy to Hercules X-1 and SS 433, precession is attributed to the torque exerted by a companion mass on an accretion disk. Secondary maxima observed 1.2 yr after two of these peaks may be evidence of nodding motion.
The Effect of a Low Energy Diet on the Concentration of DDT in the Adipose Tissue of Turkeys

Abstract Turkey hens which had completed a breeding season and contained DDT in their fat were divided into 2 groups of 20 hens each. One group was fed a high wheat control diet throughout a 6 week period while another group was fed a low energy diet for 3 weeks and then the control diet for 3 weeks. Biopsy samples of adipose tissue taken initially and at 3 weeks and carcass adipose tissue samples at 6 weeks were analyzed for DDT and DDE. Total DDT concentration in adipose tissue increased when the hens were fed the low energy diet but decreased again when fed the control diet so that the overall change in DDT concentration over the 6 week period was not different for the two groups. The biopsy technique used in this study was successful in greatly reducing variability and improving precision.
Scalar dissipation measurements in the developing region of a jet

Instantaneous planar images of CH/sub 4/ mass fraction in the developing region (x/d less than or equal to 17) of an isothermal jet were used to calculate instantaneous, mean, root mean square (rms), probability density functions (PDFs), and correlations of scalar dissipation and a scalar. The mass fraction images were derived from CH/sub 4/ concentrations obtained by simultaneously recording Raman-scattered light with two cameras oriented perpendicular to a thin sheet of laser light passed through the axis of the jet. Using two cameras enhanced the dynamic range by a factor of ten over a single-camera system and allowed concentration measurements down to a mass fraction of 0.003. Axial and radial components of the scalar dissipation were determined and, by assuming isotropy in the radial and azimuthal directions, total dissipation statistics were obtained. The results were used to evaluate modeling assumptions. The radial and axial dissipation components were found to be strongly nonisotropic in the mixing layer at x/d less than or equal to 13, but isotropic further downstream. At all locations along the centerline the dissipation was isotropic. The scalar and dissipation were found to be highly correlated in the mixing layer but uncorrelated on the jet axis. The PDFmore » of dissipation on the axis, off axis, and at the stoichiometric surface were all found to be lognormally distributed. This property was used to collapse all of the PDFs onto one plot. The parameters that define the single plot, lognormal PDF mean, and standard deviation are reported. Instantaneous dissipation levels measured at the expected flame liftoff height were found to be consistent with flame extinction limits extrapolated from laminar opposed jet data. For the single condition measured, this data supports the hypothesis that excessive dissipation can extinguish flames in the developing region of jets.« less
In memoriam: Ernest Ropiequet Hilgard, 1904-2001.

(2002). In memoriam: Ernest ropiequet hilgard, 1904-2001. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 95-103.
Vanadyl triflate as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for trimethylsilyl cyanide addition to carbonyl compounds

Abstract Vanadyl triflate is found to catalyze trimethylsilyl cyanide addition to a variety of ketones and aldehydes in acetonitrile at room temperature under very mild and convenient conditions to afford the corresponding cyanohydrins in excellent yields (79–96%) in a short reaction period (1–7 h). The high yields of products, compatibility of the other functional groups, and reusability of catalyst is the advantages of this method.
Indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation for occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Resolution of exudative manife stations and changes in vision were compared in patients who had indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation versus those who had no laser. A retrospective, nonrandomized study was conducted in 176 patients who had laser photocoagulation therapy for occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Forty-three percent of 93 treated patients had complete resolution of exudative manifestations and 29% obtained better vision, versus 13% and 11%, respectively, for patients without laser treatment.
Ca2+ Signaling in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

We employ a coupled electromechanical mathematical model to better understand the biophysical basis of the force-frequency response (FFR) in rat ventricular myocytes under voltage clamp conditions. The model extends our previous work on calcium signaling in the cardiac dyad, and the regulation of Ca2+-concentration in the myoplasm. The present work is focused on achieving a better understanding of mechanisms involved in the rat FFR. Specifically, we examine the role of calmodulin (CaM) in modulating the key control variables Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMKII), calcineurin (CaN), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), as they mediate a rate-dependent effect on various intracellular targets controlling the FFR.Our electrochemical model consists of an electrical-equivalent model for the cell membrane; dyadic, myoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) fluid-compartments; and a modified model of the contractile system by Rice et al. We incorporate frequency-dependent CaM-mediated and spatially heterogenous interaction of the proteins CaMKII and CaN with their principal targets (dihydropyridine (DHPR) and ryanodine (RyR) receptors, and the SERCA pump). Also included are the rate-dependent effects of phospholamban (PLB) on SERCA pump; cAMP on the DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channel; and the enhancement in SERCA pump activity via phosphorylation of PLB.Investigators using multicellular rat ventricular preparations have recorded both positive and negative peak FFRs. Under specific conditions, our VC model can generate either a positive or a negative FFR, while providing mechanistic understanding of its genesis. In addition, the model provides quantitative insight into rate-dependence of CICR by investigating the frequency-dependence of each contributing factor. Since several aforementioned multicellular studies were conducted at different temperatures, we also investigated the temperature-dependence of FFR.Our modeling study suggests that cAMP-mediated stimulation and rate-dependent CaMKII-mediated up-regulation of the trigger current ICa,L are key mechanisms underlying the inconsistency in FFR observations in multicellular rat ventricular tissue.
Effect of human milk folate binding protein on folate intestinal transport

The present study examined the effect of human milk folate binding protein (FBP) on the intestinal transport of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-CH3H4PteGlu). This was performed by examining the transport of radiolabeled 5-CH3H4PteGlu bound to FBP using everted sacs of rat intestine. In the jejunum at pH 6, transport of 27 nM bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu was linear with time for 30 min of incubation. Transport of 13 nM bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu was higher in the jejunum than in the ileum at both pH 6 (2.1 +/- 0.3 and 0.36 +/- 0.03 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively) and pH 8 (1.9 +/- 0.3 and 0.32 +/- 0.02 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively). In the jejunum, transport of 13 nM bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu at pH 6 was less than transport of an equimolar concentration of free 5-CH3H4PteGlu (2.1 +/- 0.3 and 5.1 +/- 0.5 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively) but was similar at pH 8 (1.9 +/- 0.3 and 2.47 +/- 0.3 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively). In the ileum transport of bound and free 5-CH3H4PteGlu was similar at pH 6 (0.36 +/- 0.03) and 0.41 +/- 0.06 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively) and pH 8 (0.32 +/- 0.02 and 0.43 +/- 0.1 pmol/g wet wt/25 min, respectively). The transport process of bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu in the jejunum was energy, temperature, and Na+ dependent, but not pH dependent, and was competitively inhibited by sulfasalazine. Ninety-two percent of the transport substrate that appeared in the serosal compartment following incubation with bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu was found to be free (unbound) 5-CH3H4PteGlu. These results show that human milk FBP decreases the rate of transport of 5-CH3H4PteGlu in the jejunum and suggest that FBP-bound 5-CH3H4PteGlu may utilize the same transport system as free 5-CH3H4PteGlu. The results also suggest a role for human milk FBP in regulating the nutritional bioavailability of folate.
Skeletal and cardiac myopathies in mice lacking utrophin and dystrophin : A model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein of muscle fibers; its loss in humans leads to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an inevitably fatal wasting of skeletal and cardiac muscle. mdx mice also lack dystrophin, but are only mildly dystrophic. Utrophin, a homolog of dystrophin, is confined to the postsynaptic membrane at skeletal neuromuscular junctions and has been implicated in synaptic development. However, mice lacking utrophin show only subtle neuromuscular defects. Here, we asked whether the mild phenotypes of the two single mutants reflect compensation between the two proteins. Synaptic development was qualitatively normal in double mutants, but dystrophy was severe and closely resembled that seen in Duchenne. Thus, utrophin attenuates the effects of dystrophin deficiency, and the double mutant may provide a useful model for studies of pathogenesis and therapy.
Atmospheric impacts, fragmentation, and small craters on Venus

Abstract We use high-resolution three-dimensional numerical models of aerodynamically disrupted asteroids to predict the characteristic properties of small impact craters on Venus. We map the mass and kinetic energy of the impactor passing though a plane near the surface for each simulation, and find that the typical result is that mass and energy sort themselves into one to several strongly peaked regions, which we interpret as more-or-less discrete fragments. The fragments are sufficiently well separated as to imply the formation of irregular or multiple craters that are quite similar to those found on Venus. We estimate the diameters of the resulting craters using a scaling law derived from the experiments of Schultz and Gault (1985, J. Geophys. Res. 90 (B5), 3701–3732) of dispersed impactors into targets. We compare the spacings and sizes of our estimated craters with measured diameters tabulated in a Venus crater database (Herrick and Phillips, 1994a, Icarus 111, 387–416; Herrick et al., 1997, in: Venus II, Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ, pp. 1015–1046; Herrick, 2003, http://www.lpi.usra.edu/research/vc/vchome.html ) and find quite satisfactory agreement, despite the uncertainty in our crater diameter estimates. The comparison of the observed crater characteristics with the numerical results is an after-the-fact test of our model, namely the fluid-dynamical treatment of large impacts, which the model appears to pass successfully.
A family of minimax estimators of a multivariate normal mean

Abstract Let X be a p -dimensional normal random vector with unknown mean vector θ and covariance σ 2 I . Let S / σ 2 , independent of X , be chi-square with n degrees of freedom. Relative to the squared error loss, James and Stein (1961) have obtained an estimator which dominates the usual estimator X . Baranchik (1970) has extended James and Stein's results. We obtain a theorem which can provide a different family of minimax estimators containing James-Stein's estimator. Two interesting minimax estimators are presented in this paper.
A NEW RAW MATERIAL FOR CERAMIC USES

A mineral, not heretofore reported, similar to feldspar in analysis but partially colloidal like bentonite, is described and some uses suggested for it. Analyses are shown and the properties are described. It should make a very useful material in bodies, glazes and enamels, as it has the properties of a feldspar and the plasticity of a fairly plastic clay.
The synthesis of naphtho[1,2-b]thiophene and all of the eight isomers of monomethylnaphtho[1,2-b]thiophene

The synthesis of naphtho[1,2-b]thiophene and all of the eight monomethylnaphtho[1,2-b]thiophene isomers is described.
Concordance of Children's Descriptions of Themselves and Their Parents as a Function of Intact versus Divorced Families.

Summary Lifshitz proposed that children's self-concepts slowly evolve as a result of successive comparisons and contrasts between one's self and one's parents. In the wake of divorce, however, children's self-concepts were thought to gravitate toward the remaining parent and away from the absent parent. In the present study Lifshitz's model was examined. A total of 606 grade-school children were asked to check 15 of 48 adjectives on multiple copies of the Personal Attribute Inventory for Children which they considered descriptive of themselves, their mothers, and their fathers. Concordance scores were derived by counting what adjectives were and were not checked in common between self and father and between self and mother. The results indicated that the concordance score between self and mother was consistently high regardless of the family's configuration. The concordance score between self and fathers, however, did diminish progressively following parental divorce and then after the remaining parent's ...
X-ray computed tomography methods for in vivo evaluation of local drug release systems

Recent advances in drug delivery techniques have necessitated the development of tools for in vivo monitoring of drug distributions. Gamma emission imaging and magnetic resonance imaging suffer from problems of resolution and sensitivity, respectively. We propose that the combination of X-ray CT imaging and image analysis techniques provides an excellent method for the evaluation of the transport of platinum-containing drugs from a localized, controlled release source. We correlated local carboplatin concentration with CT intensity, producing a linear relationship with a sensitivity of 62.6 /spl mu/g/mL per Hounsfield unit. As an example application, we evaluated the differences in drug transport properties between normal and ablated rabbit liver from implanted polymer millirods. The use of three-dimensional visualization provided a method of evaluating the placement of the drug delivery device in relation to the surrounding anatomy, and registration and reformatting allowed the accurate comparison of the sequence of temporal CT volumes acquired over a period of 24 h. Taking averages over radial lines extending away from the center of the implanted millirods and integrating over clinically appropriate regions, yielded information about drug release from the millirod and transport in biological tissues. Comparing implants in normal and ablated tissues, we found that ablation prior to millirod implantation greatly decreased the loss of drug from the immediate area, resulting in a higher average dose to the surrounding tissue. This work shows that X-ray CT imaging is a useful technique for the in vivo evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of platinated agents.
Steganography in text by using MS word symbols

The massive amount of data transfer over internet raises different challenges such as channel types, transmission time and data security. In this paper, we present a novel secure algorithm to hide the data inside document files, where four symbols are used to embed the data inside the carrier file. The main process depends on a key to produce a symbol table and match the data to be hidden with the representative symbols. This method can be extended to any language and does not change the file format. In addition, the capacity ratio of the presented algorithm is high compared to other algorithms.
Growth and disease response of soybeans from early maturity groups to ozone and Fusarium oxysporum.

Abstract The single and combined effects of ozone (O 3 ) and Fusarium oxysporum on growth and disease expression of soybean genotypes differing in foliar sensitivity to O 3 were studied in the greenhouse. O 3 had no effect on root and hypocotyl rot severity of PI 153·283 (O 3 -sensitive, S) or PI 189·907 (O 3 -tolerant, T) maturity group I soybean lines. Plants of both genotypes infected with F. oxysporum and exposed to O 3 had greater reductions in relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and had more stippled leaves per plant than Fusarium -free plants exposed to O 3 . O 3 alone had a greater impact on shoot dry weight, RGR, and NAR of PI 153·283 (S) than of PI 189·907 (T). O 3 alone reduced shoot and root dry weights primarily through a depression in NAR and less through reduced leaf area. F. oxysporum alone reduced root dry weight at 35 days; however, infected plants responded with increases in root dry weight from 49 to 63 days. Similarly, F. oxysporum alone lowered early RGR but subsequent RGR decline was less rapid while NAR remained high, particularly during later sampling intervals. Infection by F. oxysporum that causes root and hypocotyl rot increased soybean sensitivity to O 3 by prolonging active vegetative growth.
Epigenetic enzymes are the therapeutic targets for CD4+CD25+/highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells

CD4+CD25+/highFoxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that play an essential role in maintaining peripheral immune tolerance. Several transcriptional cofactors have been recently identified, which form complexes with transcription factor Foxp3 of Treg cells and contribute in the suppressive function of Treg cells. However, Foxp3 is still defined as a “master” (multiple pathway) regulator gene that controls the development and stability of Treg cells. Because of its importance, the regulatory mechanisms underlying Foxp3 expression have been a focus of intensive investigation. Recent progress suggests that the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for regulating the Foxp3 gene expression are key components of suppressive activity of Treg cells. This review not only discusses the basic concepts of biology and epigenetic modifications of Treg cells, but also analyzes the translational clinical aspect of epigenetic modifications of Treg cells, focusing on several ongoing clinical trials and the Food and Drugs administration (FDA) approved epigenetic-based drugs. The new progress in identifying epigenetic enzymes functional in Treg cells is a new target for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, graft-vs-host disease and cancers.
Postoperative fever: A normal inflammatory response or cause for concern

Purpose: To devise a systematic diagnostic strategy displayed in algorithm format to assist advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in determining when postoperative fever is simply a normal inflammatory response and when further investigation is needed to rule out infection or other serious noninfectious causes of fever. Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles. Conclusions: Postoperative fever is often a normal inflammatory response to surgery, but it can also be a manifestation of a serious underlying infectious or noninfectious etiology. Therefore, it is important to approach each instance of postoperative fever in a systematic manner. Implications for practice: The role of the APRN in managing surgical patients requires being able to accurately assess and evaluate the cause of postoperative fever and take action accordingly. That means taking into account a variety of factors (e.g., patient's medical history, physical examination findings, and type of surgery), so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered to evaluate the cause of the postoperative fever. By being aware of the causes of postoperative fever, the APRN can also take prophylactic action to decrease the risk associated with many of these potential febrile causes.
Use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms: results of a population-based survey.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe self-reported prevalence of the use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms and subject characteristics associated with their use. METHODS: A telephone survey of 886 women aged 45–65 years (87.2% response rate) was conducted at Group Health Cooperative in Washington state. Women were asked about eight alternative therapies and their use for menopause symptoms. RESULTS: The proportion of women who used each therapy was 76.1% for any therapy, 43.1% for stress management, 37.0% for over-the-counter alternative remedies, 31.6% for chiropractic, 29.5% for massage therapy, 22.9% for dietary soy, 10.4% for acupuncture, 9.4% for naturopath or homeopath, and 4.6% for herbalists. The proportion of women who used it to manage menopause symptoms was 22.1% for any therapy, 9.1% for stress management, 13.1% for over-the-counter alternative remedies, 0.9% for chiropractic, 2.6% for massage therapy, 7.4% for dietary soy, 0.6% for acupuncture, 2.0% for naturopath or homeopath, and 1.2% for herbalists. Among women who used these therapies, 89–100% found them to be somewhat or very helpful. A history of breast cancer was associated with a six-fold increase in use of dietary soy for menopause symptoms (odds ratio 6.23, 95% confidence limits 2.54, 15.28). Current users of hormone replacement therapy were half as likely to use alternative remedies or providers (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence limits 0.29, 0.77) as were never users. Sleep disturbances were associated with a four-fold increase in the use of body work, a three-fold increase in the use of stress management, and more than doubled the use of dietary soy products to manage menopause symptoms. CONCLUSION: The use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms is common, and women who use them generally find them to be beneficial. Physicians should routinely ascertain perimenopausal women’s use of alternative therapies.
Alignment of the 2003 NSTA Standards for Science Teacher Preparation with the NCATE Assessment System

The 2003 National Science Teachers Association Standards for Science Teacher Preparation (NSTA-SSTP) were developed to provide guidelines and expectations for science teacher preparation programs. This article is the second in a special JSTE series on accreditation written to assist science teacher educators in meeting the NSTA-SSTP and to answer questions that may arise such as: What are the requirements for NSTA science teacher preparation program recognition? How are the 2003 NSTA-SSTP aligned with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education assessments? In this article, the authors focus on the three themes that science teacher preparation programs must address: content, pedagogy, and student learning. Included is a description of the priorities of the review process and the minimum competencies needed for a science teacher preparation program to be nationally recognized.