cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An assessment of landscape characteristics affecting estuarine nitrogen loading in an urban watershed.

Exploring the quantitative association between landscape characteristics and the ecological conditions of receiving waters has recently become an emerging area for eco-environmental research. While the landscape–water relationship research has largely targeted on inland aquatic systems, there has been an increasing need to develop methods and techniques that can better work with coastal and estuarine ecosystems. In this paper, we present a geospatial approach to examine the quantitative relationship between landscape characteristics and estuarine nitrogen loading in an urban watershed. The case study site is in the Pensacola estuarine drainage area, home of the city of Pensacola, Florida, USA, where vigorous urban sprawling has prompted growing concerns on the estuarine ecological health. Central to this research is a remote sensor image that has been used to extract land use/cover information and derive landscape metrics. Several significant landscape metrics are selected and spatially linked with the nitrogen loading data for the Pensacola bay area. Landscape metrics and nitrogen loading are summarized by equal overland flow-length rings, and their association is examined by using multivariate statistical analysis. And a stepwise model-building protocol is used for regression designs to help identify significant variables that can explain much of the variance in the nitrogen loading dataset. It is found that using landscape composition or spatial configuration alone can explain most of the nitrogen loading variability. Of all the regression models using metrics derived from a single land use/cover class as the independent variables, the one from the low density urban gives the highest adjusted R-square score, suggesting the impact of the watershed-wide urban sprawl upon this sensitive estuarine ecosystem. Measures towards the reduction of non-point source pollution from urban development are necessary in the area to protect the Pensacola bay ecosystem and its ecosystem services.
Systems of display: the making of anatomical knowledge in Enlightenment Britain

Late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century anatomy depended upon a variety of visual displays. Drawings in books, particularly expensive, beautiful and elaborately illustrated books that have been the objects of historians' fascination, were understood to function alongside chalk drawings done in classrooms, casual and formalized experience with animal and human corpses, text describing or contextualizing the images, and preserved specimens. This article argues that British anatomists of the late Enlightenment discovered and taught an intelligible, orderly Nature through comprehensive systems of display. These systems trained vision, and, taken as a whole, they can be used to understand a visual culture of science. Displays helped anatomists, artists and natural philosophers learn to see both the tiniest and the rarest of parts and an overall general plan of anatomy and relationship of parts. Each type of display was materially different from the others and each served to perfect human vision for a group of natural philosophers who valued sensory experience – primarily that of vision, but also that of touch – as the basis of learning. Together, these displays allowed the anatomist to see, in all of its dimensions, human nature, frozen in the ordered and unstressed state of fresh death, a comprehensible guide to life and its functions. A pedagogical context of use defined and bound such displays together as complementary parts of a unified project. A system of display stood in for Nature and at the same time represented her ordering by anatomists.
Signaling by CD40 and its mimics in B cell activation.

CD40 is a member of the growing tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) family of molecules and has been shown to play important roles in T cell-mediated B lymphocyte activation. Ligation of B cell CD40 by CD154 expressed on activated T cells stimulates B cell proliferation, differentiation, isotype switching, upregulation of surface molecules contributing to antigen presentation, development of the germinal center, and the humoral memory response. Several distinct structural motifs in the CD40 cytoplasmic domain regulate various CD40 signaling pathways, which involve both the TNF-R associated factors (TRAFs) and additional signaling proteins, and lead to activation of kinases and transcription factors. CD40-mediated B cell activation is mimicked by several biological response modifiers, as well as by a viral oncoprotein encoded by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Inhibition of photosynthetic oxygen evolution by calmodulin-type inhibitors and other calcium-antagonists.

Abstract Several studies have recently implicated a role for Ca 2+ in photosynthetic oxygen evolution (9–11). Our previous study indicated that Ca 2+ was likely acting at the level of the Cl − cofactor requirement in photosystem II (9). We now demonstrate, through the use of calmodulin-type inhibitors (calmidazolium and trifluoperazine) and metal Ca 2+ -antagonists (e.g., Tb +3 and La +3 ), the function of Ca 2+ on the oxidizing side of photosystem II. In addition, the peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) electron donation site was differentiated from the electron donation site of NH 2 OH, Mn 2+ and diphenyl carbazide in the photosystem II complex.
Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Insulin Resistance

Insulin-resistance is a major problem associated with diabetes and that is increasing rapidly worldwide. Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in response to increased circulating levels of glucose and amino acids and it is essential for appropriate tissue development, growth, and maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis by regulating carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Insulin resistance is a defect in signal transduction. The signaling mechanisms involved in the various biologic responses to insulin remain somewhat elusive. This review focuses on the structure and activity of insulin receptor, inheritance of insulin resistance, insulin receptor and alleles, enzyme activity in insulin resistance, insulin receptor in phosphorylation and relating substrate. We have discussed insulin receptor substrate-family (IRS) related to insulin resistance, detail downstream signaling effects, GLUT4 vesicle translocation and related events, cytokine-mediated insulin resistance, and feedback control mechanisms. This review also focuses on insulin resistance in obesity-linked metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance related to plasma membrane disturbances and insulin resistance for exercise and cellular integrity. Finally, we can conclude that insulin resistance is really a complex phenomenon in which several genetic defects combine with environmental stresses.
Immune Modulation with Interleukin‐21

Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is produced by activated CD4(+) T cells. The IL-21R shares the common receptor gamma-chain with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15, is widely expressed on immune cells, and mediates a variety of effects on the immune system. IL-21 enhances the proliferation, antigen-induced activation, clonal expansion, IFN-gamma production, and cytotoxicity of NK cells and T cells. The antitumor actions of IL-21 have been variously attributed to NK cell and CD8(+) T cell cytotoxicity, CD4(+) T cell help, NKT cells, and the antiangiogenic properties induced by IFN-gamma secretion. In clinical trials IL-21 has been well tolerated and induces a unique pattern of immune activation. IL-21 is therefore an excellent candidate for use in immune therapy.
Skin layer evaporation to account for small precipitation events—An enhancement to the FAO-56 evaporation model

Abstract The FAO-56 soil water evaporation model is a simple ‘slab’ model that has been found to produce good estimates of evaporation from bare soil over a range of conditions due to its adherence to conservation of mass and energy. The simplicity of the model makes it straightforward to apply and to parameterize. An enhancement is made to the original formulation to accommodate light wetting events that wet the soil ‘skin’ near the surface and evaporate relatively quickly, even when the underlying soil is dry. In effect, the evaporation process, when the soil skin is wetted, reverts temporarily into stage 1 evaporation. The enhancement utilizes the ‘readily evaporable water’ (REW) term of the original model so that no new parameters are required. The extended model performs similar to the original model in the absence of small precipitation events, but increases the evaporation rate when small events occur. The FAO-56 method with the skin evaporation enhancement is shown to compare well against simulations made using the HYDRUS 1D model that bases evaporation on the Richards equation. The enhanced model also closely followed evaporation recorded by weighing lysimeter for a silt loam soil at Kimberly, Idaho, with root mean square difference of 0.39 and 0.69 mm d −1 for two wetting/drying sequences. Total cumulative evaporation during the longest and wettest sequence was estimated at 92% of the measured value.
The absence of time-out responding by pigeons during shock-correlated stimuli

The purpose of the present experiment was to determine if pigeons would obtain time-out from stimuli associated with independent schedules of intermittent food and electric shock presentation. Few time-outs were obtained from any of the shock-correlated stimuli, but when reinforcement and shock contingencies were removed during one stimulus, i.e., during an extinction component of a multiple schedule, all subjects obtained a large and consistent amount of time-out. A clear correlation between time-out and behavioral contrast, which occurred when one component of the multiple schedule was correlated with extinction but not when it was correlated with shock, was obtained. While the absence of time-outs during shock-correlated stimuli could be explained as generalization of punishment to the time-out key, the present findings might suggest that the time-out response is an unreliable index of stimulus aversiveness.
Comparing Active Pediatric Obesity Treatments Using Meta-Analysis.

The current meta-analysis reviews research on the treatment of pediatric obesity focusing on studies that have been published since 1994. Eleven studies (22 comparisons, 115 effect sizes, N = 447) were included in the present meta-analysis. Results indicated that comprehensive behavioral interventions may be improved in at least two ways: increasing the “dose” of behavioral components and increasing parental involvement. Although limited to just one investigation, support for the use of medication was also found. The addition of cognitive therapy techniques did not appear to increase, and possibly detracted from, the efficacy of established treatments.
The development of quantitative thinking: a systematic replication of Piaget's studies.

(1961). The Development of Quantitative Thinking: A Systematic Replication of Piaget's Studies. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 98, No. 1, pp. 37-46.
Le dilemme de la philosophie

Tel Hamlet avec L'etre ou ne pas etre, on pourrait dire: Admettre ou ne pas admettre, Croire ou ne pas croire Ce que nous avons en vue est la question de la transcendance de l'etre, qu'il est impossible de montrer du doigt et pourtant, semble-t-il, necessaire d'admettre sinon l'edifice de la philosophie ne serait lui-meme qu'une fumee illusoire.
Ordered Network Mesostructures in Block Polymer Materials

Block polymers are formed by the covalent union of two or more chemically distinct homopolymers. These composite macromolecules self-assemble into a variety of ordered morphologies with features on the nanometer length scale, a phenomenon that has interested researchers for roughly four decades. The known ordered morphologies include numerous multiply continuous network mesostructures, the focus of this review. Multiply continuous network morphologies contain two or more chemically distinct domains that continuously percolate through the specimen in all three dimensions. They have captivated researchers because of their superior mechanical properties and could potentially find utility in technologies such as catalysis, photonic materials, solar cells, and separations. This review summarizes experimental and theoretical investigations of the structures and properties of network morphologies in AB block copolymer and ABC block terpolymer systems and includes a discussion of some proposed technological appli...
The fern understory as an ecological filter : Growth and survival of canopy-tree seedlings

We investigated the role of the fern understory of closed-canopy forests as an ecological filter shaping the density, species composition, size structure, and spatial distribution of the seedling bank. In New England deciduous forests we tested the hypothesis that the understory stratum is a selective filter that differentially influences growth and survival of tree-seedling species by comparing performance of Acer rubrum, Betula al- leghaniensis, and Quercus rubra seedlings in plots where the fern understory was undis- turbed, partially removed, or completely removed. We related seedling growth and survival to microenvironmental characteristics of experimental plots in order to further explore mechanisms responsible for the filtering capacity of the fern understory. The presence of a fern understory reduced growth and survival of all seedling species, but the magnitude of the effect differed among species. Mortality resulting from resource limitation in Quercus below the fern understory was balanced by mortality resulting from insect herbivory in fern-free areas. Relative biomass growth rates of all species were neg- atively influenced by the presence of fern cover, whereas relative height growth rates of Acer and Quercus were uniformly low and insensitive to the presence of fern cover. Growth and survival rates indicate that only Quercus seedlings can emerge from the fern stratum in the absence of understory or overstory canopy disturbance. A trade-off between persis- tence in low light and maximum growth in understory light levels was observed among species. The relative growth rate of Betula in terms of biomass and height was more responsive to light levels than were relative growth rates of Acer or Quercus, and the growth rate of Betula was higher than that of Acer and Quercus in all light levels. However, survival of Betula below the fern stratum was lower than survival of Acer and Quercus. The fern understory has the capacity to selectively filter tree seedlings as they grow up through it because seedling species respond differentially to the presence of fern cover. The selective filtering of tree seedlings by the fern understory results in a seedling spatial structure that reflects the spatial heterogeneity of the fern stratum. The seedling pool below the fern stratum has a lower seedling density and different species composition and size structure than the seedling pool in fern-free areas.
Evaluating the financial requirements of a life insurance company via simulation

Abstract During the 19 years between 1950 and the middle of 1968, 2 084 life insurance companies were organized in the United States. However, during this period 934 companies were merged, reinsured, or otherwise retired from business. Several probable reasons can be given for the retirement of many of these companies. Quite often companies are begun with a lack of managerial experience. Some companies often enter the field with a lack of experience in the basic operations of the insurance business. Some companies fail simply because they start with inadequate capital.
A floating self-assembly route to colloidal crystal templates for 3D cell scaffolds

Preparation of well-ordered three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds is of great importance for various aspects of tissue engineering and fundamental research in cell biology. A versatile technique, floating self-assembly, is reported here for the first time to prepare 3D colloidal crystals from polystyrene particles of various diameters (10−240 μm). Ethylene glycol was used as the solvent in the self-assembly process of colloidal crystals. Polymer colloidal particles float on the surface of ethylene glycol and self-assemble into a hexagonal crystal lattice structure. The slow evaporation of ethylene glycol left solvent-free 3D colloidal crystals. Na2SiO3 sol−gel solution was infiltrated into the interstitial space of the prepared colloidal crystals, taking advantage of the capillary effect, and an inverse opal with a highly ordered system of spherical cavities interconnected by channels was obtained by calcining the colloidal particles at high temperature. As-prepared inverse opals were used as 3D cell scaffolds...
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND A NEW MODEL FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In the last decade or so, there has been a growing interest in an area researchers are calling social entrepreneurship, a movement spearheaded by individuals with a desire to make the world a better place. This paper describes the structure and process of international development in Africa from the perspective of a social entrepreneur. The authors address the opportunities and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs as they attempt to affect large-scale social change. The result of this study is a unique development model that provides tools for the social entrepreneur to address problems and build capacity and sustainability within the African context.
Nicotinic receptor mediates spontaneous GABA release in the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

Abstract Spontaneous postsynaptic currents were investigated in neurons of the caudal portion of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus using the patch-clamp technique to study the effect of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation on synaptic transmission. In voltage-clamped neurons, bath application of nicotine (1–30 μ M) elicited a concentration-dependent increase in the frequency of the spontaneous synaptic currents. The effect was also observed with application of the nicotinic receptor agonists epibatidine (10 nM) and cytisine (10 μ M). Mecamylamine (20 μ M) and curare (50 μ M), two nicotinic receptor antagonists, both decreased the effect of 3 μ M nicotine on the frequency of the spontaneous postsynaptic currents. This effect of 3 μ M nicotine was also blocked by 20 μ M bicuculline, a competitive antagonist of the GABA A receptor; in contrast, it was not affected by 1 mM kynurenic acid, an antagonist of the ionotropic glutamate receptor. In the presence of 1 μ M tetrodotoxin, 3 μ M nicotine was unable to affect the synaptic activity. Our findings suggest the existence of nicotinic receptors on GABAergic axons projecting to the vagal motoneurons. Because the effect is completely abolished by 1 μ M tetrodotoxin, the nicotinic receptors are not localized on the presynaptic nerve terminal and their action on the GABA release requires the propagation of an action potential from their location to the synaptic terminal. This effect of nicotinic receptor activation on spontaneous GABA release in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus may have an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.
The Internal Reference Source (IRS) For Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE)

A means is described for providing internal calibration for the detectors for DIRBE, which is the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (a part of the Cosmic Background Explorer). The internal reference source (IRS) that is used consists of four thermal graybody sources coupled to an integrating sphere. The relative insensitivity of the DIRBE bolometers and the linear temperature dependence of the Rayleigh-Jeans law made bolometer stimulation over five orders of magnitude difficult, so four different sources were used with emitting areas varying by a factor of 10 to the 8th. A low heat capacity design with the necessary stability appears to be thin nichrome films on a sapphire substrate. Voltage stability to 0.01 percent is required for those near infrared bands that required stimulation on the Wien portion of the blackbody curve.
Calcium imaging with chemiluminescence.

This review updates the imaging of free cytosolic calcium with the chemiluminescent aequorins. Basic principles of chemiluminescence are discussed and the biochemistry of aequorins is briefly described. The review provides practical tips on handling and microinjecting aequorins and describes available ultra low light imaging systems. It is argued that aequorin-based calcium imaging is the method of choice for exploratory studies, since it is extremely sensitive, can detect a broad range of calcium concentrations, and allows for continuous recording during long periods of time. However, fluorescent methods are needed to attain high spatial resolution.
Laser produced plasma jets: Collimation and instability in strong transverse magnetic fields.

Highly collimated plasma jets are produced with laser irradiation of solid barium targets. The plasma streams many Larmor radii across a strong transverse magnetic field (10 kG) with little inhibition. The plasma jet is observed to narrow or ``focus'' in the plane perpendicular to the field, while in the plane of the field the plasma expands along the field lines and displays flutelike striations. The narrowing of the plasma jet is understood in terms of the configuration of the plasma polarization fields while the flute structure is identified as a electron-ion hybrid velocity-shear instability.
Raptor Electrocution: A Case Study on Ecological Traps, Sinks, and Additive Mortality

The recovery from human persecution of some upper trophic level wildlife species coupled with ongoing expansion of human-dominated landscapes is leading to increased human-wildlife interactions in urban environments. Raptors in particular are drawn to high resource concentrations of potential nest sites and prey, and are colonizing cities across North America. These birds are encountering novel and sometimes dangerous situations such as exposed overhead electric systems, which can operate as ecological traps, create population sinks, and lead to additive mortality. Ecological traps occur when the cues animals use to evaluate habitat quality are decoupled from the true quality of the environment. Sinks occur in areas where mortality exceeds productivity. Additive mortality can occur when mortality factors that are not density dependent continue to operate proportionally as numbers decrease. Herein, I use the situation of Harris's hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) colonizing Tucson, AZ, to illustrate these concepts to students in an introductory college ecology course. The case is deliberately loaded with the terminology of ecology, and is intended to be delivered early in the course so that as students explore the case and the vocabulary, their questions probe related material. Student inter- est and questions thus dictate the order of content delivery as students realize and seek to expand the boundaries of their knowledge. Ecology is rarely one-sided and multiple competing hypotheses should be encouraged to facilitate student transitions to higher level modes of thinking. Together, these approaches will increase student interest in detailed cover- age of the typical curriculum of an introductory ecology course.
A computational study of the role of the aortic arch in idiopathic unilateral vocal-fold paralysis.

Unilateral vocal-fold paralysis (UVP) occurs when one of the vocal folds becomes paralyzed due to damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Individuals with UVP experience problems with speaki...
The apparent effect of the latitude of the place of cultivation upon the sugar content of potatoes grown in Great Britain

Before tuber initiation the content of reducing sugars in the stolon tips was high, the sucrose content was low and the reducing sugar/sucrose ratio was very high. Tuber formation was apparently associated with a rapid fall in this ratio. The content of total sugars was at a maximum (about 1.5–3% fresh weight) 1–2 weeks after tuber initiation, sucrose predominating. There was no correlation between this maximum sugar content and latitude of growth. Sugar content fell as the tubers developed to a final value of 0.1–0.3% total sugars. During this fall, and at maturity, there were usually statistically significant correlations between the distance north of cultivation and the contents of total sugar, sucrose and reducing sugars respectively. There was thus a greater tendency for potatoes grown in the north to be unacceptable for crisp manufacture.
Role of intestinal mucus and pancreatic proteases in the pathogenesis of trauma–hemorrhagic shock-induced gut barrier failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

The development of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is one of the leading causes of death in critically ill patients. Owing to its clinical importance, MODS, as well as acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, has been the focus of significant research to delineate its causes as well as potential therapies for it. A large body of research has focused on the role of the gut in the pathogenesis of MODS, with a special focus on the mechanisms of gut injury as well as the processes by which a localized or limited gut injury is transduced into a systemic inflammatory state. Previous studies have focused on the systemic arm of gut ischemia–reperfusion injury and have largely ignored the non-bacterial intraluminal contents of the gut. The current review will present the hypothesis that the luminal contents of the gut, including the mucus gel layer and intraluminal pancreatic proteases as well as the gut flora, are critically involved in the pathogenesis of is...
New molecular targets in mantle cell lymphoma.

Abstract Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a malignancy of mature B cells characterized by aberrant expression of cyclin D1 due to the translocation t(11;14). Epigenomic and genomic lesions in pathways regulating B-cell activation, cell cycle progression, protein homeostasis, DNA damage response, cell proliferation and apoptosis contribute to its pathogenesis. While patients typically respond to first-line chemotherapy, relapse is the rule resulting in a median survival of 5–7 years. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR appears as a key pathway in the pathogenesis and can be targeted with small molecules. Most experience is with mTOR inhibitors of the rapamycin class. Second-generation mTOR inhibitors and the PI3K inhibitor CAL-101 are novel options to more effectively target this pathway. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibition by PCI-32765 has promising activity and indicates immunoreceptor signaling as a novel therapeutic target. Up to 50% of relapsed patients respond to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib suggesting that MCL may be particularly sensitive to disruption of protein homeostasis and/or induction of oxidative stress. Recent work has focused on elucidating the mechanism of bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity and the development of second-generation proteasome inhibitors. DNA hypomethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors effect epigenetic de-repression of aberrantly silenced genes. These epigenetic pharmaceuticals and HSP90 inhibitors can synergize with proteasome inhibitors. Finally, BH3 mimetics are emerging as tools to sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy. Participation in clinical trials offers patients a chance to benefit from these advances and is essential to maintain the momentum of progress. Innovative trial designs may be needed to expedite the clinical development of these targeted agents.
The formation and decomposition kinetics of ethylidyne on Ru(0001)

The formation and decomposition kinetics of ethylidyne on Ru(0001) have been studied using static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS) and temperature programmed desorption. Ethylene, initially adsorbed at 100 K, started to decompose to ethylidyne about 150 K. From temperature programmed SSIMS and isothermal rate measurements, an activation energy for ethylidyne formation of 5±1 kcal mol−1 and a preexponential factor of 5×105±1 s−1 were observed. Ethylidyne was stable to 300 K and decomposed at higher temperatures. For decomposition, the activation energy was 12±2 kcal mol−1 and the preexponential factor was 3×108±2 s−1.
Changes in the midpoint potentials of the nitrogenase metal centers as a result of iron protein-molybdenum-iron protein complex formation.

All nitrogenase-catalyzed substrate reduction reactions require the transient association between the iron (Fe) protein component and the molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein component with concomitant i...
Improved Red Clearance Intervals Based on Observed Turning Times for Left-Turn Movement

Because of the lack of adequate guidelines and procedures to determine the red clearance interval for the left-turn movement, a common practice for most jurisdictions is to use the same red clearance intervals for both through and left-turn movements. Such a practice may create potential safety and operational concerns because the unique characteristics of left-turn traffic, such as the presence of turning curves and centrifugal forces, are not addressed. To improve the calculation of the red clearance interval for the left-turn movement, a new method was developed and verified by data observed in the field. The actual turning times were collected at 21 intersections in Texas. These intersections vary in speed limit, number of left-turn lanes, and left-turn control type. The red clearance intervals, determined from the proposed methodology, were generally lower than the turning times observed in the field but higher than those currently being used in practice. A validation of the calculation based on the crash analysis was also conducted to support the proposed method.
Increasing Identification and Referral of Panic Disorder Over the Past Decade

The study's objective was to contrast the prevalence, phenomenology, and medical care utilization for panic disorder from 1980 to 1990. All psychiatric consultations from a university consultation service from the years 1980, 1985, and 1990 were located (N = 2,400). Patients meeting DSM-III-R panic disorder criteria were selected for chart review. Variations in demographics, comorbidity, prior medical evaluations, and referral patterns were analyzed. The prevalence rate for consultations meeting panic disorder criteria has increased (2.5% in 1980, 4.2% in 1985, and 5.1% in 1990; χ2 = 7.5, P = 0.024). Referring physicians more frequently noted panic attacks in 1990 (5% in 1980, 21% in 1985, and 59% in 1990; χ2 = 21.2, P = 0.0001). A summary measure of medical care utilization revealed no significant interval change. Panic disorder is being recognized and referred more frequently by medical physicians since the publication of DSM-III and DSM-III-R. However, delay of diagnosis and high medical care utilization remain significant problems.
Measures as convolution operators on H1 and Lip α

Abstract For any measure μ, let T μ denote the operator defined as convolution by μ. The spectral theory of the operators T μ is studied. We focus our attention on certain infinite Bernoulli convolutions of the form , where the sequence { t n } is subject to certain arithmetic constraints. It is shown that the corresponding convolution operators do not have “natural” spectra on the spaces H 1 and Lip α.
Recombinant Expression of Molybdenum Reductase Fragments of Plant Nitrate Reductase at High Levels in Pichia pastoris

Mo reductase (MoR; formerly cytochrome c reductase) fragments of NADH:NO3 reductase (NR; EC1.6.6.1) were cytosolically expressed in Pichia pastoris, a methylotrophic yeast, using spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and corn (Zea maize) cDNAs. In fermenter cultures, spinach MoR was expressed at 420 mg L−1, corn MoR at 32 mg L−1, and corn MoR plus with putative NR interface domain N terminus (MoR+) at 17 mg L−1. Constitutively expressed MoR+ was structurally stable while it was degraded when expressed by methanol induction, which suggests methanol growth produces more proteinase. Methanol-induced expression yielded more target protein. All three MoR were purified to homogeneity and their polypeptides were approximately 41 (MoR) and approximately 66 (MoR+) kD. MoR was monomeric and MoR+ dimeric, confirming the predicted role for dimer interface domain of NR. MoR+, although differing in quaternary structure from MoR, has similar kinetic properties for ferricyanide and cytochrome c reductase activities and visible spectra, which were like NR. Redox potentials of MoR and MoR+ were similar for flavin, whereas MoR+ had a more negative potential for heme-iron. Reaction schemes for MoR catalyzed reactions were proposed based on fast-reaction rapid-scan stopped-flow kinetic analysis of MoR. P. pastoris is an excellent system for producing the large amounts of NR fragments needed for detailed biochemical studies.
Teacher coaching in Kenya: Examining instructional support in public and nonformal schools

Instructional coaching has improved student outcomes in the United States, and may help to solve Kenya's literacy problems. Coaching is costly, however, and evidence is lacking regarding the most cost- efficient teacher-to-coach ratio. We used student literacy outcome data from more than 8000 students participating in the Kenya Primary Math and Reading Initiativeda randomized controlled trial of instructional interventions in public and nonformal schoolsdto fill this gap. Coaches in larger public zones made fewer visits per teacher, and teacher-coach ratio and student performance were negatively associated. Using causal methods, we concluded that lower ratios might improve nonformal school outcomes.
Consistent and Heritable Alterations of DNA Methylation Are Induced by Tissue Culture in Maize

Plants regenerated from tissue culture and their progenies are expected to be identical clones, but often display heritable molecular and phenotypic variation. We characterized DNA methylation patterns in callus, primary regenerants, and regenerant-derived progenies of maize using immunoprecipitation of methylated DNA (meDIP) to assess the genome-wide frequency, pattern, and heritability of DNA methylation changes. Although genome-wide DNA methylation levels remained similar following tissue culture, numerous regions exhibited altered DNA methylation levels. Hypomethylation events were observed more frequently than hypermethylation following tissue culture. Many of the hypomethylation events occur at the same genomic sites across independent regenerants and cell lines. The DNA methylation changes were often heritable in progenies produced from self-pollination of primary regenerants. Methylation changes were enriched in regions upstream of genes and loss of DNA methylation at promoters was associated with altered expression at a subset of loci. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) found in tissue culture regenerants overlap with the position of naturally occurring DMRs more often than expected by chance with 8% of tissue culture hypomethylated DMRs overlapping with DMRs identified by profiling natural variation, consistent with the hypotheses that genomic stresses similar to those causing somaclonal variation may also occur in nature, and that certain loci are particularly susceptible to epigenetic change in response to these stresses. The consistency of methylation changes across regenerants from independent cultures suggests a mechanistic response to the culture environment as opposed to an overall loss of fidelity in the maintenance of epigenetic states.
Enhancement of reflex vagal bradycardia following intracerebroventricular administration of methysergide in cats.

Abstract Methysergide in total doses of 100, 200 and 400 μg injected into the fourth cerebral ventricle of cats potentiated the reflex bradycardic responses which were evoked by i.v. pressor doses of norepinephrine. Methysergide (400 μg) injected i.v., or intracerebroventricularly in vagotomized cats did not affect the reflex bradycardia. These results suggest that the enhancement of reflex vagal activation is due to an action of methysergide in the central nervous system. Intracerebroventricular methysergide significantly reduced the resting arterial pressure and heart rate, while i.v. administration caused only significant bradycardia. Carotid occlusion responses were depressed following both i.v. and intracerebroventricular methysergide. The magnitude of reductions in arterial pressure and heart rate following the injection of methysergide into the fourth cerebral ventricle were the same in vagotomized cats and in intact vagus preparations. It is suggested that depression of cardiovascular function is due to a central action of methysergide and is mediated by reduction in sympathetic outflow.
A Brief Recollection of the Career of Joseph E. Zins

Joseph Zins received his doctorate in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati and completed post-doctoral training in pediatric psychology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medi...
Optimal Bayesian resampling for OFDM signaling over multi-scale multi-lag channels

Underwater acoustic (UWA) communication channels suffer from long delay spreads and significant Doppler effects. Such channels are also ultrawideband in nature. Thus, the typical UWA distortion can be well-described by a multi-scale multi-lag (MSML) channel model. Many UWA communication systems employ resampling by a single-scale at the front-end to compensate for the scale effects of UWA channels. In this paper, the optimal resampling factor for OFDM signaling over MSML channels is investigated from a Bayesian perspective. The resampling factor is selected to minimize the inter-carrier interference resulting from the MSML channel. The exact interference power is computed, but is intractable for optimization, thus an upper bound is employed for optimization. Numerical results verify the tightness of the bound and the Bayesian approach is compared to deterministic methods previously derived for resampling in MSML channels.
Nonlinear optical microscopy reveals invading endothelial cells anisotropically alter three-dimensional collagen matrices

The interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are fundamental in mediating various steps of angiogenesis, including cell adhesion, migration and sprout formation. Here, we used a noninvasive and non-destructive nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) technique to optically image endothelial sprouting morphogenesis in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices. We simultaneously captured signals from collagen fibers and endothelial cells using second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPF), respectively. Dynamic 3D imaging revealed EC interactions with collagen fibers along with quantifiable alterations in collagen matrix density elicited by EC movement through and morphogenesis within the matrix. Specifically, we observed increased collagen density in the area between bifurcation points of sprouting structures and anisotropic increases in collagen density around the perimeter of lumenal structures, but not advancing sprout tips. Proteinase inhibition studies revealed membrane-associated matrix metalloproteinase were utilized for sprout advancement and lumen expansion. Rho-associated kinase (p160ROCK) inhibition demonstrated that the generation of cell tension increased collagen matrix alterations. This study followed sprouting ECs within a 3D matrix and revealed that the advancing structures recognize and significantly alter their extracellular environment at the periphery of lumens as they progress.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for correction of primary immunodeficiencies

The first hematopoietic cell transplants in humans with durable success were reported in 1968, in three patients with primary immunodeficiencies who received grafts from HLA-matched siblings (two with SCID and one with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome). Significant progress has been made in correcting lethal primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) with hematopoietic transplantation in the ensuing 40 years due to several factors: (1) ability to phenotype and quantitate (CD34+) hematopoietic stem cells, (2) advent of high-resolution tissue typing, (3) availability of closely matched unrelated donor bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and cord blood, and (4) the application of reduced intensity conditioning regimens pre-transplant. Furthermore, the genetic basis of the majority of lethal PIDs has been defined, allowing more accurate studies of the natural history of the disorders without HCT intervention, and providing a compelling rationale for early transplantation in disorders with median survivals of 15-20 years. In the current era, we can identify several factors, which influence the ultimate success of HCT for PID. These include the age at transplant and general health of the patient. Young age is associated with fewer comorbidities and less frequent pre-transplant exposure to herpes family and enteric viruses, thus lowering the risks of related post-transplant complications. The careful selection of pre-transplant conditioning can significantly reduce early TRM in patients with certain immunodeficiencies, and increase the probability of durable engraftment in others. Because of the specific needs of children with PIDs, HCT from unrelated donors should, ideally, be performed in centers with extensive expertise and experience in the treatment of such disorders. In such centers, donor selection based on high-resolution tissue typing, younger age and specific viral immunity has led to survival rates following matched unrelated donor HCT for PIDs, which are very similar to those obtained with HCT from matched sibling donors. While ultimate success rates are similar, transplant-related management of children receiving unrelated grafts is considerably more complicated and prolonged than following matched sibling HCT.
Assessing the Impact of Pen-Based Computing on Students' Peer Review Strategies: Results from the Technical Communication Classroom

This paper provides a report on a project investigating the impact of pen-based computing on students' peer review strategies. The context for the project is an introductory technical communication course for engineering students from multiple disciplines. The project investigators created three peer reviewing contexts in which to assess the impact of tablet PCs on the quantity and quality of students' peer review comments. A Comment Inventory form was then developed that allowed the investigators to categorize each comment based on comment location, content, and form. Initial observations from the inventory work are presented.
Coordinating Supply Chains by Controlling Upstream Variability Propagation

Effective distribution using collaborative fulfillment networks requires coordination among the multiple participating firms at different stages of the supply chain. Acting independently, supply chain partners fail to weigh the cost burden they impose on upstream suppliers when their replenishment order quantities vary from period to period. This paper explores a new approach to coordinate multiple stages in the supply chain by controlling, through appropriate downstream inventory management, the demand variability that is propagated to upstream stages. We propose and analyze a coordinated inventory replenishment policy that uses "order smoothing" to reduce order-size variability and thus reduce overall system costs, including both inventory and transportation costs. We characterize the optimal parameter values for smoothing alternatives (such as exponential smoothing and moving weighted average policies), assess their economic benefits, and develop insights regarding supply chain contexts that might benefit most significantly from reducing the variability of orders to upstream stages. Using the distribution network for specialty brand appliances as an illustrative example, we demonstrate the potential cost savings that order-smoothing strategies can yield compared to the uncoordinated case when individual firms separately minimize their costs. The magnitude of savings depends on several factors, including the variability in consumer demand, level of product variety, and degree of inventory aggregation in the distribution system. Based on our analytical results, we develop a framework to assess cost reduction opportunities through variability control for different supply chain scenarios.
Design of a rapid-sampling vertical-tow net

Design and operation of a new sampler for zooplankton are described. The sampler facilitates reliable duplicate samples; it can be closed at a defined depth during vertical towing, and can be rapidly reloaded for repeated tows.
The Effect of Acute Dyflos (DFP) Treatment on [3H]Nicotine Binding to Mouse Brain Homogenate

One possible adaptive mechanism that might arise due to inhibition of cholinesterase in the brain is a down regulation of central cholinergic receptors. Therefore studies were performed to determine the effect of acute dyflos exposure on [3H]nicotine binding. Specific [3H] nicotine binding was demonstrated to be saturable, reversible, stereospecific, and inhibited by a number of nicotinic compounds. Scatchard analysis of specific [3H] nicotine binding produced a curvilinear plot that was resolved into high- and low-affinity sites with Kd values of 6.1 +/- 2.5 and 114 +/- 13 nM, and Bmax values of 11.8 +/- 3.5 and 182 +/- 24 fmol (mg protein)-1, respectively. The nicotinic binding sites in brain homogenate from dyflos-treated mice that were killed 20 min or 10 h after exposure did not exhibit significant alterations in binding parameters from control mouse brain homogenate. However, brain homogenate from treated mice that were killed 24 h after exposure resulted in statistically significant differences in the low-affinity K(D) and Bmax values from controls. Since no alterations were found in the high-affinity binding parameters and dyflos had only a minimal effect on the low-affinity site at 24 h, it was concluded that nicotinic receptor down regulation does not appear to be the mechanism through which the mouse functionally adapts to cholinesterase inhibition caused by acute dyflos treatment.
Toxicity of Methoxyacetic Acid in Cultured Human Luteal Cells

Abstract Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) and its proximate metabolite, 2-methoxyacetic acid (MAA), increase ovarian luteal cell progesterone production in the female rat in vivo and in cultured rat luteal cells in vitro, respectively. In order to better assess the potential hazard of EGME and MAA to women, these studies were conducted to determine whether the same concentrations of MAA increase progesterone in human luteinized granulosa cells as in rat luteal cells. Human cells were collected from healthy anonymous oocyte donors, washed, plated 25,000 viable cells per well, and treated with 10 IU hCG and 0–5 m m MAA for 6–48 hr. Progesterone in media was significantly elevated after 24 hr incubation at ≥1 m m MAA. MAA had no effect on ATP levels at 6 or 24 hr. Thus, MAA increased progesterone production in cultured human luteal cells at the same concentration as MAA increased progesterone in rat luteal cells. The implication is that EGME has the potential to alter ovarian luteal function in women. These data should be useful for determining the real health hazards and potential risks of EGME exposure.