cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histomorphologic analysis of the soft palate musculature in prenatal cleft and noncleft A/Jax mice.

Abstract The two specific aims of this study were as follows: to evaluate the appropriateness of the A/Jax mouse model in the investigation of the key cellular stages in prenatal soft palate morphogenesis and myogenesis; and to describe structural differences in the histomorphology of the soft palate anatomy from cleft and noncleft mice prior to, during, and after palatogenesis. Cleft-induced and control groups of A/Jax mouse embryos from timed pregnancies were harvested sequentially on gestational days 15 to 19. Embryos were weighed and staged for external body morphology. The heads were removed and fixed for light microscopy, sectioned serially in the frontal plane at 10 μm and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to characterize and compare the soft palate musculature. All observations were made at the head depth of the trigeminal ganglion in both age- and stage-matched embryos. The following findings were made: (1) the A/Jax mouse is a suitable animal model for the study of soft palate myogenesis; (2) there...
Optimal design of gear pumps for exhaust gas aftertreatment applications

Abstract In this paper an innovative procedure for determining the optimal design of an external spur gear pump for a particular emission reduction application in automobiles has been proposed. The pump forms the main part of a mechatronic system that controls the flow rate of a mixture of urea in water to catalytically reduce emissions in diesel engines. The proposed research proves to be an advance in gear machine design by using a multi-objective based genetic algorithm, to determine the optimal design of the gears and the casing by maximizing the volumetric efficiency, minimizing pressure overshoots, localized cavitation and noise emissions. The research uses HYGESim (HYdraulic GEar machines Simulator) simulation tool, which is being developed by the authors’ research group, for calculating the important performance features of the machine. The best designs for the machine based on enhancement in performance are presented. Results in terms of simulations and tests which validate the effectiveness of the proposed novel design methodology are also presented.
Functional rehabilitation of the knee: A preliminary study

Functional rehabilitation of the knee in cludes a program designed to restore agility to patients with unstable or incom pletely rehabilitated knees. The program was created at the United States Military Academy, West Point. It proved success ful with the highly motivated cadets who were required to participate in athletic activities, and it has been useful as a therapeutic regimen for a more hetero geneous population at a medical center. The program is used to evaluate knees diagnostically, to provide a conservative treatment regimen, and to ensure maxi mum functional return after surgery. With this composite facsimile of agility drills, confidence can be bolstered and re- injuries decreased.
The Single Event Immune Reconfigurable FPGA (SIRF) Program: Development of the Radiation Hardened V5QV

In 2005, the Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with Xilinx Inc. to create a radiation hardened version of the VirtexTM FPGA engineered from the ground up for space applications. As part of AFRL’s vision for affordable high performance space electronics, the objective was to create the first reconfigurable FPGA specifically designed for space use, and eliminate the need for users to take extraordinary measures such as Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) when developing FPGA-based systems. The program was designed to build on Xilinx’s VirtexTM architecture and incorporate Radiation Hardening by Design (RHBD) circuit elements, to produce a radiation hardened component pin-for-pin compatible with Xilinx’s commercial Virtex device, yet inherently insensitive to space radiation environmental effects. The radiation hardened chip will be marketed as the V5QV, and supported as a standard product by Xilinx. AFRL’s original motivations and objectives, the development program, test results to date, and schedule for qualification and productization of the V5QV will be presented. Differences in architecture and performance between the V5QV and its commercial counterpart FX130T, and qualification of the nonhermetic ceramic flipchip package will also be described.
The generation of human monocyte/macrophage cell lines

The development of continuous murine macrophage-like cell lines has permitted direct and somatic cell genetic approaches to a variety of functions of murine mononuclear phagocytes. However, few, if any, human cell lines exist that have the general characteristics of macrophages, although a promonocyte line, U937, has been reported which can be induced to differentiate into non-dividing cells with macrophage-like properties. Although murine macrophage-like lines have been obtained by transformation with simian virus 40 (SV40), this technique has not, in general, been useful in producing human cell lines, presumably because SV40 causes a lytic infection in human cells. We have therefore developed a method for transfecting primary human monocytes with SV40 DNA deleted in the origin of replication. Using this method, we have now, we believe for the first time, generated transformed human cell lines with macrophage characteristics. Three cell lines from three transfections of human monocytes expressed macrophage enzymes, phagocytic function, surface receptors including HLA-DR and DS and alloantigen presenting activity.
A Note on Statistical Defensibility

Abstract The issue of adjusting the 1980 census for undercoverage has led to questions of statistical defensibility. This terminology is interpreted and criticized. Some necessary kinds of politicization of statistics are briefly discussed.
Limb ischemia after common femoral artery cannulation for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an unresolved problem

Abstract Purpose Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry data confirm that the number of pediatric patients being supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing. To minimize the potential neurologic effects of carotid artery ligation, the common femoral artery (CFA) is frequently being used for arterial cannulation. The cannula has the potential for obstructing flow to the lower limb, thus increasing ischemia and possible limb loss. We present a single institution's experience with CFA cannulation for venoarterial (VA) ECMO and ask whether any precannulation variables correlate with the development of significant limb ischemia. Methods We reviewed all pediatric patients who were supported by VA ECMO via CFA cannulation from January 2000 to February 2010. Limb ischemia was the primary variable. The ischemia group was defined as the patients requiring an intervention because of the development of lower extremity ischemia. The patients in the no-ischemia group did not develop significant ischemia. Continuous variables were reported as medians with interquartile ranges and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Differences in categorical variables were assessed using χ 2 testing (Fisher's Exact). Statistical significance was assumed at P Results Twenty-one patients (age, 2-22 years) were cannulated via the CFA for VA ECMO. Significant ischemia requiring intervention (ischemia group) occurred in 11 (52%) of 21. In comparing the 2 groups (ischemia vs no ischemia), no clinical variables predicted the development of ischemia (Table 1). In the ischemia group, 9 (81%) of 11 had a distal perfusion catheter (DPC) placed. Complications of DPC placement included one case of compartment syndrome requiring a fasciotomy and one patient requiring interval toe amputation. Of the 2 patients in the ischemia group who did not have a DPC placed, 1 required a vascular reconstruction of an injured superficial femoral artery and 1 underwent a below-the-knee amputation. Mortality was lower in the ischemia group (27% vs 60%). Conclusions Limb ischemia remains a significant problem, as more than half of our patients developed it. The true incidence may not be known as a 60% mortality in the no-ischemia group could mask subsequent ischemia. Although children are at risk for developing limb ischemia/loss, no variable was predictive of the development of significant limb ischemia in our series. Because of the inability to predict who will develop limb ischemia, early routine placement of a DPC at the time of cannulation may be warranted. However, DPCs do not completely resolve issues around tissue loss and morbidity. Prevention of limb ischemia/loss because of CFA cannulation for VA ECMO continues to be a problem that could benefit from new strategies.
Liberalismo, multiculturalismo Y estado de bienestar

Se examina si las politicas de la diferencia son compatibles con las politicas de redistribucion que caracterizan el Estado de Bienestar. Se muestra como Brian Barry construye una version caricaturizada del multiculturalismo, y se indaga si la dicotomia entre liberalismo y multiculturalismo admite alguna conciliacion. Para terminar, se revisa la pertinencia y potencia de la tesis que postula la compatibilidad entre multiculturalismo y el Estado de Bienestar.
Evolution of Leaf Blade Anatomy in Eragrostis (Poaceae)

Abstract Classification within Eragrostis, a large genus of ca. 400 species in Poaceae subfamily Chloridoideae, has long been problematic. While spikelet disarticulation characters have been the most common basis of infrageneric classifications, they have not been demonstrated to describe monophyletic groups. An alternative classification system linked to leaf blade anatomy characters is explored using phylogenies based on DNA sequence data from three loci (nuclear GBSSI, plastid rps16, and the plastid trnL-F region) in this study. Eragrostis possesses a great deal of variation in leaf blade anatomy, ranging from NAD-ME-like in structure (subgenus Eragrostis) to PCK-like (subgenus Caesiae), with some intermediates between these extremes. This study reveals that a great deal of variation exists in those species traditionally classified as “intermediate” in leaf blade anatomy. It also indicates that the PCK-like species form a monophyletic group in phylogenetic analyses based on plastid data, GBSSI sequence...
An asymmetry in voice mismatches in VP-ellipsis and pseudogapping

L’A. propose une analyse des pseudogapping comme une sorte d'ellipse. Cette analyse tient compte d'une nouvelle observation concernant la distribution des quatificateurs dans ces constructions.
Acetylcholine as a mitogen: muscarinic receptor-mediated proliferation of rat astrocytes and human astrocytoma cells

The mitogenic effect of muscarinic receptor agonists in glial cells has been characterized in rat cortical astrocytes and human 132 1N1 astrocytoma cells. The muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in proliferation, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. The mitogenic effect was mimicked by several muscarinic, but not nicotinic receptor agonists, and was blocked by muscarinic receptor antagonists. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments indicated the presence of m2, m3 and to a lesser degree, m5 muscarinic receptor mRNA in both astrocytes and astrocytoma cells. Proliferation experiments with subtype-specific muscarinic receptor antagonists suggest that carbachol-induced proliferation is due to activation of muscarinic M3 receptors. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) also stimulated glial cell proliferation. Down-regulation of protein kinase C, or the protein kinase C antagonist 1,5-(isoquinolynsulfanyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H7) blocked proliferation induced by either TPA or carbachol. Of other neurotransmitters tested, histamine caused glial cell proliferation, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid were ineffective, while serotonin and glutamate inhibited basal or serum-stimulated proliferation.
Destabilization of ATP-sensitive potassium channel activity by novel KCNJ11 mutations identified in congenital hyperinsulinism.

The inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir6.2 is the pore-forming subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel, which controls insulin secretion by coupling glucose metabolism to membrane potential in β-cells. Loss of channel function because of mutations in Kir6.2 or its associated regulatory subunit, sulfonylurea receptor 1, causes congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a neonatal disease characterized by persistent insulin secretion despite severe hypoglycemia. Here, we report a novel KATP channel gating defect caused by CHI-associated Kir6.2 mutations at arginine 301 (to cysteine, glycine, histidine, or proline). These mutations in addition to reducing channel expression at the cell surface also cause rapid, spontaneous current decay, a gating defect we refer to as inactivation. Based on the crystal structures of Kir3.1 and KirBac1.1, Arg-301 interacts with several residues in the neighboring Kir6.2 subunit. Mutation of a subset of these residues also induces channel inactivation, suggesting that the disease mutations may cause inactivation by disrupting subunit-subunit interactions. To evaluate the effect of channel inactivation on β-cell function, we expressed an alternative inactivation mutant R301A, which has equivalent surface expression efficiency as wild type channels, in the insulin-secreting cell line INS-1. Mutant expression resulted in more depolarized membrane potential and elevated insulin secretion at basal glucose concentration (3 mm) compared with cells expressing wild type channels, demonstrating that the inactivation gating defect itself is sufficient to cause loss of channel function and hyperinsulinism. Our studies suggest the importance of Kir6.2 subunit-subunit interactions in KATP channel gating and function and reveal a novel gating defect underlying CHI.
Bringing nursing research to the public: Making media matter

Through historical research we are working to elevate the image of nursing from one who takes orders, to that of ‘vital participant in health care’ through education, research and service. By getting this message to the public, we hope to make nursing a more respected, valued and attractive career choice for women and men.
Retroperitoneal perforation of the duodenum and necrotizing extension to the scrotum

A 49-YEAR-OLD MAN presented with moderate lower abdominal pain of 3 days duration, fever, and chills. He gave a history of a laparotomy and an omental patch for perforated duodenal ulcer 10 years before. His temperature was 98o F, and his heart rate was 104 beats per minute; he had some lower abdominal tenderness, but there were no signs of peritoneal irritation. Examination of the scrotum revealed redness and swelling of the left testis. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen (Fig 1) showed contrast, gas bubbles, and inflammatory changes in the retroperitoneum, crossing from right to left behind the pancreas and extending into the left inguinal canal. After the computed tomography scan, the patient became toxic and his abdomen diffusely rigid. Findings at laparotomy included an anterior reperforation of an ulcer at the second portion of the duodenum, which was walled off anteriorly by the previous omental patch. There was a retroperitoneal inflammatory track extending posterior from right to left behind the pancreas, down the left gutter to the pelvis, and into the scrotum. The perforation was closed with an omental patch, and truncal vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy were performed. The bulging retroperitoneum was unroofed down to the left inguinal canal and debrided of black necrotic tissue. Because of the extensive retroperitoneal process and the massive visceral swelling, the abdomen was left open with a polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) mesh laparostomy. Broadspectrum antibiotics and fluconazole were administered. However, the patient remained septic, and dark fluid continued to exit from the retroperitoneal drains. He was re-explored at 24 hours. The duodenal closure and gastrojejunal anastomosis appeared intact, but there was apparent progression of the retroperitoneal necrotizing process into the scrotum (Fig 2). The scrotum was debrided, the necrotic inguinal canal widely opened, and a nonviable left testis was resected. The left flank was opened into the retroperitoneal cavity and packed open to promote ready access for further debridement. The retroperitoneum and inguinal canal were explored and lavaged each day at the bedside.Nonetheless, the patient developed a duodenal fistula and respiratory, renal, and hepatic failure. New local abscesses were drained percutaneously or through one of the open wounds, and fungal superinfection was treated with Amphotericin B. Gradually his multi-organ failure improved, and on hospital day 52 the duodenal fistula closed. The Retroperitoneal perforation of the duodenum and necrotizing extension to the scrotum
Generalized unitarity and six-dimensional helicity

We combine the unitarity method with the six-dimensional helicity formalism of Cheung and O'Connell to construct loop-level scattering amplitudes. As a first example, we construct dimensionally regularized QCD one-loop four-point amplitudes. As a nontrivial multiloop example, we confirm that the recently constructed four-loop four-point amplitude of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super-Yang-Mills theory, including nonplanar contributions, is valid for dimensions $D\ensuremath{\le}6$. We comment on the connection of our approach to the recently discussed Higgs infrared regulator and on dual conformal properties in six dimensions.
Serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (SPT) deficiency and sphingolipid levels in mice.

Abstract Sphingolipids play a very important role in cell membrane formation, signal transduction, and plasma lipoprotein metabolism, and all these functions may have an impact on atherosclerotic development. Serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (SPT) is the key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis. To evaluate in vivo SPT activity and its role in sphingolipid metabolism, we applied homologous recombination to embryonic stem cells, producing mice with long chain base 1 (Sptlc1) and long chain base 2 (Sptlc2), two subunits of SPT, gene deficiency. Homozygous Sptlc11 and Sptlc2 mice are embryonic lethal, whereas heterozygous versions of both animals (Sptlc1+/−, Sptlc2+/−) are healthy. Analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, Sptlc1+/− and Sptlc2+/− mice had: (1) decreased liver Sptlc1 and Sptlc2 mRNA by 44% and 57% (P
INAA determination of holmium in submilligram samples of cosmochemical and geochemical interest and the second-order activation interference

Second-order neutron activation becomes a serious interference in NAA determinations of REE in submilligram samples of meteoritic and terrestrial materials when neutron fluences reach levels of 1020 n·cm−2 or more. The Dy-interference to Ho determination and the Eu-interference to Gd determination are quite, large. We discuss the importance of second-order activation interferences in REE determinations, and present an experimental method to correct the Dy-interference to Ho determination by INAA. Ho concentrations in splits of less than 0.2 mg of BCR-1 and SP can be accurately determined by INAA with a neutron fluence of 2·1020 n·cm−2 in spite of large Dy interferences of up to 200%. It is necessary for NAA determinations of REE with high neutron fluences that each REE standard be separated from its neighboring REE, in order to correct the second-order activation interferences experimentally.
CFTR surface expression and chloride currents are decreased by inhibitors of N-WASP and actin polymerization.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) undergoes rapid turnover at the plasma membrane in various cell types. The ubiquitously expressed N-WASP promotes actin polymerization and regulates endocytic trafficking of other proteins in response to signaling molecules such as Rho-GTPases. In the present study we investigated the effects of wiskostatin, an N-WASP inhibitor, on the surface expression and activity of CFTR. We demonstrate, using surface biotinylation methods, that the steady-state surface CFTR pool in stably transfected BHK cells was dramatically decreased following wiskostatin treatment with a corresponding increase in the amount of intracellular CFTR. Similar effects were observed for latrunculin B, a specific actin-disrupting reagent. Both reagents strongly inhibited macroscopic CFTR-mediated Cl− currents in two cell types including HT29-Cl19A colonic epithelial cells. As previously reported, CFTR internalization from the cell surface was strongly inhibited by a cyclic-AMP cocktail. This effect of cyclic-AMP was only partially blunted in the presence of wiskostatin, which raises the possibility that these two factors modulate different steps in CFTR traffic. In kinetic studies wiskostatin appeared to accelerate the initial rate of CFTR endocytosis as well as inhibit its recycling back to the cell surface over longer time periods. Our studies implicate a role for N-WASP-mediated actin polymerization in regulating CFTR surface expression and channel activity.
FIVE BELL SHAPES IN DEVELOPMENT

The five bell-shaped curves (economic growth, social inequality, regional inequality, geographic concentration, and population growth) are not iron laws of history. They are only stylized facts, a useful heuristic which can suggest interesting questions. As the rich or developed countries enter fully into the realm of the right-hand tail of these curves, we meet a number of surprises. We would do well to examine their interactions because they are likely to be interesting and their study fruitful.
Nutrition and the immune system

1. Infectious diseases reduce productivity and diminish animal welfare. 2. Appropriate nutrition may aid in minimising the incidence of diseases by enhancing immunity. 3. An understanding of the pressures imposed by evolution that underlie poultry nutrition as well as those which underlie immunity provides focus to the field of nutritional immunology. Additional understanding is provided by knowing the specific cellular mechanisms by which diet affects immunity, and how these mechanisms pertain to specific nutrients and pathogens. 4. These approaches indicate that higher inclusion rates of all nutrients are not always better and that the traditional ideas of adding a surfeit of specific nutrients to improve immunity does not usually serve us well. 5. Understanding the nuances of nutrition and immunity is important for optimising bird health and productivity, and will be an important contributor towards fulfilling the consumer's conflicting demands for more natural production and better animal welfare.
The effect of drink price and next-day responsibilities on college student drinking: A behavioral economic analysis.

More than ¾ of U.S. college students report a heavy drinking episode (HDE; 5/4 or more drinks during an occasion for a man/woman) in the previous 90 days. This pattern of drinking is associated with various risks and social problems for both the heavy-drinkers and the larger college community. According to behavioral economics, college student drinking is a contextually-bound phenomenon that is impacted by contingencies such as price and competing alternative reinforcers, including next-day responsibilities such as college classes. The current study systematically examined the role of these variables by using hypothetical alcohol purchase tasks to analyze alcohol consumption and expenditures among college students who reported recent heavy drinking (N = 207, 53.1% women). The impact of gender and the personality risk factor sensation-seeking were also assessed. Students were asked how many drinks they would purchase and consume across 17 drink prices and 3 next-day responsibility scenarios (no responsibilities, a 10:00 AM class without a test, and a 10:00 AM class with a test). Mean levels of hypothetical consumption were highly sensitive to both drink price and next-day responsibility, with the lowest drinking levels associated with high drink prices and a next-day test. Men and participants with greater levels of sensation-seeking reported more demand overall (greater consumption and expenditures) than women and students with low sensation-seeking personality. Contrary to our hypotheses women appeared to be less sensitive to increases in price than men. The results suggest that increasing drink prices and morning academic requirements may be useful in preventing heavy drinking among college students.
Intra-arterial Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

IA thrombolysis demonstrates significant recanalization efficacy compared to placebo and IV rt-PA for patients with large vessel occlusions. However, IA thrombolysis has not been shown to be superior to IV rt-PA in IV rt-PA eligible patients. IA stroke thrombolysis is still evolving and there has been no standardization of patient selection, neuro-interventional techniques, or adjunctive therapy. IA fibrinolytics are rarely used as the sole IA therapy. Mechanical clot removal using devices designed for this purpose, new catheter techniques, and new adjunctive antithrombotic agents should improve the degree, speed and safety of IA recanalization. The number of patients subjected to unnecessary angiography and futile IA intervention can potentially be reduced by the emergent performance of non-invasive vascular screening and by identifying salvageable brain tissue thru new technologies such as perfusion-diffusion MRI. Lastly, IA thrombolysis can be combined not only with IV thrombolysis, but also with cytoprotective strategies to improve patient outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. There remain many challenges for IA thrombolysis which will require the design of focused clinical trials.
Measurement errors stemming from nonrespondents present at in-person interviews

Abstract PURPOSE: Data are frequently collected from in-person interviews in epidemiologic studies. Despite the advantages of this mode of data collection, the presence of a third party during the interview can contribute to measurement error, especially if third-party presence is related to case status. METHODS: Using data obtained from a case-control study of colon cancer, we evaluated the frequency of third-party presence during in-person interviews, and how having someone else present during the interview influences reporting of exposure data. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted in the presence of a third party for 28% of cases and 22% of controls who lived in a household of two or more individuals. Men with a third party present reported significantly lower age-adjusted mean levels of alcohol consumption ( P CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the need to review questions to be asked and decide whether privacy should be emphasized before data collection begins. If privacy is required, interviewers need to be given better skills to ensure privacy during interview.
Spatial Exploration-Induced Arc mRNA and Protein Expression: Evidence for Selective, Network-Specific Reactivation

The immediate-early gene Arc is transcribed in neurons that are part of stable neural networks activated during spatial exploratory behaviors. Arc protein has been demonstrated to regulate AMPA-type glutamate receptor trafficking by recruiting endosomal pathways, suggesting a direct role in synaptic plasticity. The purpose of the present study is to examine the fidelity of Arc mRNA translation and the temporal dynamics of behaviorally induced Arc protein expression after rats explore a novel environment. These experiments reveal two waves of Arc protein expression after a single exploration session. In the initial wave, virtually all cells that express Arc mRNA in the hippocampus and parietal cortex also express Arc protein, indicating, at a cellular level, that mRNA transcription and translation are closely correlated from 30 min to 2 h in hippocampal CA and parietal neurons. A second wave of protein expression spans the interval from 8 to 24 h and is also remarkably specific to cells active in the original behavior-induced network. This second wave is detected in a subset of the original active network and displays the novel property that the proportions of Arc-positive neurons become correlated among regions at 24 h. This suggests that the second expression wave is driven by network activity, and the stabilization of circuits reflecting behavioral experience may occur in temporally discrete phases, as memories become consolidated. This is the first demonstration of network-selective translational events consequent to spatial behavior and suggests a role for immediate-early genes in circuit-specific, late-phase synaptic biology.
Nanoscale structural order from the atomic pair distribution function (PDF): There's plenty of room in the middle

Abstract Emerging materials of scientific and technological interest are generally complex and often nanostructured: they have atomic orderings that extend on nanometer length-scales. These can be discrete nanoparticles; bulk crystals with nanoscale chemical or displacive order within them; mesoporous materials that are bulk materials containing nanoscale holes; and nanocomposites that are intimate heterogeneous mixtures of nano-sized constituents. As always, a quantitative knowledge of the atomic structure within these materials is a prerequisite to understanding and engineering their properties. Traditional crystallographic methods for obtaining this information break down at the nanoscale, sometimes referred to as “the nanostructure problem”. We describe here some emerging methods for studying nanoscale structure. We present some examples of recent successes. Finally, we discuss future directions and opportunities and draw attention to limitations and potential problems.
Work in progress - bringing SOCRATES into computer-assisted instruction

SOCRATES (Student Oriented Creative Resource for the Assessment and Teaching of Engineering Skills) will be an automated computer-based system for simulating the Socratic Method of learning in the subject area of Probability and Statistics. The goal is for the student to be an active partner in the learning process using directed self-reflections. In SOCRATES, a knowledge space is created from data gathered from expert practitioners and students. An automatic question poser is then used to lead students through the knowledge space by presenting them with additional questions. We describe several methods for gathering data from domain experts (instructors and students). This dataset is then analyzed to produce a basis set of generic questions and actions that appear commonly within the tree structure of instructor responses. These various sources of data are combined and analyzed to identify prerequisite relationships and dependencies between the topics. We also show how the collected data can be used to guide an automated question poser. Student interactions with the system can be monitored to develop a model of how students learn.
CONCEPT MAPPING AS A FEMINIST RESEARCH METHOD

A method used in program evaluation and public health research called concept mapping is examined in this article for its usefulness in feminist research. This method embodies several defining char...
Methionine sulphoxide reductase is an important antioxidant enzyme in the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori

The ability of Helicobacter pylori to colonize the stomach requires that it combat oxidative stress responses imposed by the host. The role of methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr), a methionine repair enzyme, in H. pylori stress resistance was evaluated by a mutant analysis approach. An msr mutant strain lacked immunologically detectable sulphoxide reductase protein and also showed no enzyme activity when provided with oxidized methionines as substrates. The mutant strain showed diminished growth compared to the parent strain in the presence of chemical oxidants, and showed rapid viability loss when exposed to oxidizing conditions. The stress resistance and enzyme activity could be recovered by complementing the mutant with a functional copy of the msr gene. Upon fractionation of parent strain and the complemented mutant cells into membranes and cytoplasmic proteins, most of the immunologically detectable Msr was localized to the membrane, and this fraction contained all of the Msr activity. Qualitative detection of the whole cell protein pattern using 2,4-dinitro phenyl hydrazine (DNPH) showed a far greater number of oxidized protein species in the mutant than in the parent strain when the cells were subjected to oxygen, peroxide or s-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced stress. Importantly, no oxidized proteins were discerned in either strain upon incubation in anaerobic conditions. A mutant strain that synthesized a truncated Msr (corresponding to the MsrA domain) was slightly more resistant to oxidative stress than the msr strain. Mouse colonization studies showed Msr is an important colonization factor, especially for effective longer-term (14 and 21 days) colonization. Complementation of the mutant msr strain by chromosomal insertion of a functional gene restored mouse colonization ability.
Practical information flow control in Web-based information systems

This paper presents a practical application of language-based information-flow control, namely, a domain-specific Web scripting language designed for interfacing with databases. The primary goal is to provide strong enforcement of confidentiality and integrity policies: confidential data can be released only in permitted ways and trustworthy data must result from expected computations or conform to expected patterns. Such security policies are specified in the database layer and statically enforced for the rest of the system in an end-to-end fashion. In contrast with existing Web-scripting languages, which provide only ad hoc mechanisms for information security, the scripting language described here uses principles based on the well-studied techniques in information-flow type systems. However, because Web scripts often need to downgrade confidential data and manipulated untrusted user input, they require practical and convenient ways of downgrading secure data. To achieve this goal, the language allows safe downgrading according to downgrading policies specified by the programmer. This novel, pattern-based approach provides a practical instance of recent work on delimited release and relaxed noninterference and extends that work by accounting for integrity policies.
Structure and behavior of rat primary and secondary Schwann cells in vitro.

Abstract The structure and motility of isolated rat primary (I) Schwann cells (SC) have been compared to that of subcultured (II) SC during and after mitotic stimulation. I SC contain myelin components which persist for 2 weeks in serum-free medium while they rapidly disappear in medium containing serum and high glucose concentration. These components were never detected in II SC. Both I SC and II SC after their mitotic phase are spindle-shaped, contain many intermediate and actin filaments, have no basement membrane but show intense migratory and undulatory activities. Rare fibroblasts in I cultures are recognized by their extremely variable shape, the presence of Thy 1.1 antigen in their membrane and their intense edge ruffling alternating with abrupt translocation. In contrast, I SC movements consist of intracellular translocation of nuclei along SC processes, which retract and extend constantly, and in slow rhythmic undulation episodes (2.3 ± 0.2/min) alternating with migration at 135 ± 50 μ/h. The total number of these episodes per day in serum-free medium is rigorously identical for different cells (166.3 ± 0.2) and this uniformity of frequency suggests a genotypic basis. Cycles, consisting of an undulation episode followed by a resting interval, have mean durations of 8.6 ± 4.1 min and a sharp peak of occurrence at 6 min, with exponential distribution of the longer periods. Motility of II SC is considerably inhibited during mitotic stimulation by cholera toxin and a pituitary extract while SC phenotype has changed to a flat multipolar cell with prominent Golgi and ribosomes. Migration is reduced to 24 ± 2 μ/h and only 2% of the SC show pulsations of the same periodicity as the I SC undulations. A dramatic increase in pulsation frequency occurs 6–12 h after removal of mitogenic factors when 80% of II SC start pulsating twice as fast for 2–3 days. When mitoses cease, SC quickly recover their SC phenotype with rhythmic undulations while migration speed increased to 92 ± 20 μ/h. Thus, in spite of dramatic modification of shape, structure and behavior during mitotic stimulation, SC subsequently recover their unique motility pattern which might be essential for their myelinating function.
Localization of IgE to lung germinal lymphoid follicles in a patient with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

1. Subiza J, Subiza JL, Escribano PM, et al. Occupational asthma caused by Brazil ginseng dust, J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1991;88:731-6. 2. Loizou S, McCrea JD, Rudge AC, et al. Measurement of anticardiolipin antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: standardization and quantitation of results. Clin Exp Immunol 1985;62:738-44. Martindale. The extra pharmacopoeia, 29th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1989:1586. Toogood JH, Jennings B, Lefcoe NM. A clinical trial of combined cromolyn/ beclomethasone treatment for chronic asthma. J ALLERGY CLINIMMUNOL 1981;67:317-24. Spurlock BW, Dailey TM. Shortness of (fresh) breath-toothpaste-induced bronchospasm [Letter]. N Engl J Med 1990;323:1845-6.
From Sage to Artisan: The Nine Roles of the Value-Driven Leader

This article presents a review of the book “From Sage to Artisan: The Nine Roles of the Value-Driven Leader,” by Stuart Wells.
Growth and Governance: A Defense

It is clear we have disagreements from our esteemed colleagues on this important issue. The Kaufmann, Kraay, and Mastruzzi [hereafter KKM] response raises a number of insightful points that advance this debate. We thank them for that and for taking the time to engage our article. As we have reflected on our original essay and KKM’s critique of it, we were struck by the fact that we may actually be talking past each other and that differences in approach between political science and economics may foster this miscommunication. We are not arguing that political science offers a superior approach. To the contrary, our intellectual debt to economics is enormous. Our bibliography offers testimony to that very fact. We nevertheless believe that political scientists have as much to offer economists as vice versa, including not only a venerable literature on state formation and governance but a no less important tradition of self-conscious concept formation that has been less central to most economists. While political scientists have traditionally been producers of political data, and have therefore treated the process of concept formation as a necessary prelude to both measurement and modeling (Collier and Mahon 1993; Gerring 1999; Sartori 1970), economists have until recently been consumers of political data and have, therefore, subordinated the need for self-conscious concept formation to the understandable urge to measure and model. We ultimately hope to demonstrate that conceptual issues—and corresponding measurement problems—are at the core of the debate over growth and governance and that progress will be less than ideal until they are addressed. A meeting of minds may be too much to ask for at the present time, but a meeting of method would almost certainly constitute a step in the right direction. We, therefore, offer this rebuttal as not just a response to the thoughtful critique of KKM, but as an effort to bridge these gaps and develop even better ways to make real advances in understanding the relationship between growth and governance.
Pupillary threshold as an index of population vitamin A status among children in India.

Two hundred seven vitamin A-deficient southern Indian children aged 1-7 y (mean age: 56.9 mo) underwent testing of dark-adapted visual and pupillary thresholds in their village setting according to a previously reported protocol. One hundred thirty (62.8%) of the children also underwent serum retinol testing, and 178 (86.0%) participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled vitamin A dosing trial with pre- and postdose testing of dark-adaptation threshold. Most subjects (184 of 207, 88.9%) were able to complete pupillary testing, an objective sign requiring minimal cooperation, including a high proportion of the youngest children (72.2% of subjects aged 2 y). The proportion of children completing visual threshold testing, which requires greater understanding and cooperation, was significantly smaller than that able to complete pupillary testing (131 of 207, 63.3%; P or = 8; P < 0.01). The mean pupillary threshold for these highly vitamin A-deficient Indian children (-0.622 log cd/m2) was significantly higher than that for 136 more moderately deficient Indonesian children (-0.985 log cd/m2; P < 0.001, two-sample t test) and 56 normal American children (-1.335 log cd/m2; P < 0.0001, two-sample t test). The improvement in pupillary dark-adaptation testing was not significant for children receiving vitamin A or placebo, though there was a nonsignificant trend toward greater improvement in children receiving vitamin A (P = 0.2, two-sample t test). Pupillary threshold testing represents a new, noninvasive, practical, and seemingly valid approach to assessing the vitamin A status of a moderately to severely deficient preschool population.
Hurry Up and Wait: Rethinking Special Education Identification in Kindergarten

This article makes the case that it no longer makes sense to delay the process of identifying children with disabilities until after kindergarten. The purposes, expectations, and day-to-day realities of kindergarten have changed, and children who eventually will be identified for special education are put at a considerable disadvantage when their special learning needs are not addressed during the kindergarten year. The article identifies inadequate solutions and suggests strategies that teachers and schools can use to address the status quo and work to change policy and tradition regarding special education identification in kindergarten.
STAT1 mediates the increased apoptosis and reduced chondrocyte proliferation in mice overexpressing FGF2

Unregulated FGF receptor signaling results in bone malformations that affect both endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and is the basis for several genetic forms of human dwarfism. FGF signaling inhibits chondrocyte proliferation and we have previously shown that the transcription factor STAT1 mediates the growth inhibitory effect of FGF in vitro. We provide genetic evidence that STAT1 is a modulator of the negative regulation of bone growth by FGF in vivo. We crossed Stat1 −/− mice with a transgenic mouse line overexpressing human FGF2 (TgFGF). TgFGF mice exhibit phenotypes characterized by chondrodysplasia and macrocephaly, which affect endochondral and intramembranous ossification. We found that the chondrodysplasic phenotype of these mice results both from reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes. Loss of STAT1 function in TgFGF mice led to a significant correction of the chondrodysplasic phenotype, but did not affect the skull malformations. The reduced proliferation of TgFGF growth plate chondrocytes, as well as their excessive apoptosis, were restored to near-normal levels in the absence of STAT1 function. Unregulated FGF signaling in TgFGF mice also induced apoptosis in calvarial osteoblasts that was not, however, corrected by the absence of STAT1. Detailed analysis of Stat1 −/− growth plates uncovered a transient phenotype, characterized by an expansion of the proliferative zone and by acceleration of longitudinal bone growth, that attenuated as the animals grew older. These results document an essential role for STAT1 in FGF-mediated regulation of cell growth that is specific to the epiphyseal growth plate.
Calculation of multi-port parameters of electronic packages using a general purpose electromagnetics code

A powerful code developed by the authors to solve radiation and scattering problems from arbitrary 3D dielectric-conductor structures is modified to provide the terminal characteristics of arbitrary package structures. By incorporating a general de-embedding procedure to eliminate end effects, Y- and S-parameters can be obtained for 3D transmission-line structures; other parameters such as the C and L matrices can also be obtained. Results for microstrip twin-tee and mesh-plane structures are presented and compared with results already in the literature. >
Practices of Exemplary Transformative Teachers, as Perceived by Students Transformed by an Urban High School Social Justice Course.

Transformative urban high school teachers utilize a transformative pedagogical style in their classrooms to augment students’ learning experiences and cultivate development in their students. Largely unexamined, however, is how the tools of transformative pedagogy used in secondary classrooms compare with those used in other contexts and with other kinds of students, particularly adolescent learners. The purpose of the present study is to gain an understanding of teaching practices facilitating transformative learning in a mandatory, high school social justice course in an urban setting. To assess this, black students of a transformative Social Justice course were interviewed, along with current and former teachers of the course, and other faculty and administrators. Additionally, alumni of this course were surveyed and a range of curriculum materials were analyzed to determine the actual pedagogy and practices. Findings indicated that, despite a prevailing research focus on adult learners in the transformative field, transformative practices at the high school level are largely comparable to those practiced at the post-high school level, such as using tools for critical self-reflection and individuation. Furthermore, using some additional approaches, the teachers make use of the developmental timing of adolescence to create a class experience that is particularly edifying and, potentially, enduring.
INDICES OF SYMPATHETIC ACTIVITY IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS

In sinoaortic denervation (SAD) hypertension a sustained increase in blood pressure was associated with persistent elevation of plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) activity and a decline in circulating norepinephrine (NE). Tissue DBH and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity were increased in SAD rats. In female, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with similar pressures, plasma NE was high but neither plasma DBH nor tissue enzymes were increased.
Connecting the irreversible capacity loss in Li-ion batteries with the electronic insulating properties of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) components

Abstract The formation and continuous growth of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer are responsible for the irreversible capacity loss of batteries in the initial and subsequent cycles, respectively. In this article, the electron tunneling barriers from Li metal through three insulating SEI components, namely Li2CO3, LiF and Li3PO4, are computed by density function theory (DFT) approaches. Based on electron tunneling theory, it is estimated that sufficient to block electron tunneling. It is also found that the band gap decreases under tension while the work function remains the same, and thus the tunneling barrier decreases under tension and increases under compression. A new parameter, η, characterizing the average distances between anions, is proposed to unify the variation of band gap with strain under different loading conditions into a single linear function of η. An analytical model based on the tunneling results is developed to connect the irreversible capacity loss, due to the Li ions consumed in forming these SEI component layers on the surface of negative electrodes. The agreement between the model predictions and experimental results suggests that only the initial irreversible capacity loss is due to the self-limiting electron tunneling property of the SEI.