cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematology of mercury toxicity in young chickens

Chickens were administered mercury as mercuric chloride during their juvenile development. Significantly lower body weights were found at 2, 4 and 6 weeks in the chicks which received Hg at the level of 300 ppm. The body weights of the birds which received 150 ppm of Hg were lower at each of the bi-weekly periods; however, these differences were not significant. 300 ppm of Hg caused an increase in packed cell volume (PCV) at all times of measurement. The lower dose of 150 ppm did not significantly affect the PCV at 2 or 4 weeks, but did cause increased PCV at 6 weeks of age. At the dose rate of 300 ppm, significantly greater numbers of erythrocytes were found throughout the experimental period. Erythrocyte numbers of the 150 ppm birds did not differ from the controls at 2 or 4 weeks; however, these birds did have significantly less erythrocytes at 6 weeks of age. 300 ppm of Hg resulted in decreased numbers of leucocytes. 150 ppm resulted in decreased leucocytes at 2 and 4 weeks of age, but not at 6 weeks of age. Both 150 and 300 ppm resulted in significantly fewer circulating lymphocytes at 4 and 6 weeks.more » 18 references, 6 figures.« less
Perservation or Transformation: Where's the Real Educational Discourse on Diversity?

This paper identifies four critical areas of campus diversity that are typically absent from mainstream public discourse aimed at preserving race conscious admissions practices. Shaped largely by legal deliberations, this discourse tends to: (a) overlook the full historical development of diversity-related efforts, (b) focus primarily on admissions as the main goal, (c) ignore transformative aims, and (d) underestimate the impact of diversity on student learning. The paper discusses the educational significance of articulating a more authentic and comprehensive discourse about campus diversity.
Nonconserved residues Ala287 and Ser290 of the Cryptosporidium hominis thymidylate synthase domain facilitate its rapid rate of catalysis.

Cryptosporidium hominis TS-DHFR exhibits an unusually high rate of catalysis at the TS domain, at least 10-fold greater than those of other TS enzymes. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we have mutated residues Ala287 and Ser290 in the folate-binding helix to phenylalanine and glycine, respectively, the corresponding residues in human and most other TS enzymes. Our results show that the mutant A287F, the mutant S290G, and the double mutant all have reduced affinities for methylene tetrahydrofolate and reduced rates of reaction at the TS domain. Interestingly, the S290G mutant enzyme had the lowest TS activity, with a catalytic efficiency ∼200-fold lower than that of the wild type (WT). The rate of conformational change of the S290G mutant is ∼80 times slower than that of WT, resulting in a change in the rate-limiting step from hydride transfer to covalent ternary complex formation. We have determined the crystal structure of ligand-bound S290G mutant enzyme, which shows that the primary effect of the mutat...
The effect of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment on the mRNA levels of β catenin target genes in mice with colonic inactivation of both APC alleles.

Abstract In colon cancer, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) inactivating gene mutations increase nuclear β-catenin levels and stimulate proliferation. In vitro, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), suppresses β-catenin-mediated gene transcription by inducing vitamin D receptor (VDR)-β-catenin interactions. We examined whether acute treatment with 1,25(OH)2D could suppress β-catenin-mediated gene transcription in the hyperplastic colonic lesions of mice with colon-specific deletion of both APC gene alleles (CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580). At four weeks of age, CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 and control mice were injected with vehicle or 1,25(OH)2D (1 μg/kg body weight) once a day for three days and then killed six hours after the last injection. mRNA levels of β-catenin target genes were elevated in the colon of CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 mice. 1,25(OH)2D increased 25 hydroxyvitamin D-24 hydroxylase mRNA levels in the colon of CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 and control mice indicating the treatments activated the VDR. However, 1,25(OH)2D had no effect on either β-catenin target gene mRNA levels or the proliferation index in CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 or control mice. VDR mRNA and protein levels were lower (−65% and −90%) in the colon of CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 mice compared to control mice, suggesting loss of colon responsiveness to vitamin D. Consistent with this, vitamin D-induced expression of transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 6 mRNA was reduced in the colon of CAC; APCΔ580/Δ580 mice. Our data show that short term exposure to 1,25(OH)2D does not suppress colonic β-catenin signaling in vivo. This article is part of a special issue entitled ‘17th Vitamin D Workshop’.
Does User Participation Lead to Sense of Ownership for Rural Water Systems? Evidence from Kenya

Summary Despite broad acceptance of the idea that “sense of ownership” among users is critical to infrastructure sustainability in developing countries, little is known about what sense of ownership is, or its drivers. We present a novel measure of sense of ownership for piped water systems using empirical data collected from 1140 households in 50 rural Kenyan villages. This study establishes an empirical referent for households’ sense of ownership. We find that some, but not all, types of participation enhance community members’ sense of ownership for rural water projects.
Modulation of phospholipid metabolism in murine keratinocytes by tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

The possibility that phospholipid deacylation may be a critical event in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-associated effects on mouse skin prompted us to examine in vitro the effects of TPA on arachidonic acid metabolism in neonatal mouse keratinocytes. Three-day old neonatal keratinocytes were prelabeled with [ 14 C]arachidonic acid ([ 14 C]AA) and [ 14 C] stearic acid ([ 14 C]ST) and used to characterize the Iipases that were activated when these cells were treated with TPA in culture. Data from these studies demonstrate that phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) are the major phospholipids that undergo early hydrolysis to release arachidonic acid when challenged by TPA. Of particular interest was the novel observation of the hydrolysis of 14 C-labeled PI in these keratinocytes, the accumulation of [ 14 C]1,2diacylglyceride and the lack of the [ 14 C]diacylglyceride phosphorylation to form [ 14 C]phosphatidic acid. This lack of [ 14 C] phosphatidic accumulation implied that although TPA enhanced the hydrolysis of [ 14 C]PI resulting in increased [ 14 C]diacylglyceride it did not enhance the resynthesis of the [ 14 C]PI via the phosphorylation of the [ 14 C]diacylglyceride. Therefore, TPA probably is not involved in the turnover of PI in these cells but is involved in the activation of PC hydrolyzing phospholipase A 2 and PI hydrolyzing phospholipase C in these keratinocytes releasing arachidonic acid which then undergoes oxygenation reactions to provide biologically active eicosanoids.
Molecular studies of human response to allergens.

Atopic allergy is a common disease that provides an appropriate model for studying the genetic and molecular basis of human immune responsiveness and its relationship to immunological disease (Marsh 1975; Marsh et al. 1981). In the case of allergy, unlike most other immunological diseases, a clear causal relationship has been established between specific immune responsiveness (detected by the presence of serum IgE antibodies) and the expression of a specific atopic disease. A large number of highly purified, well-characterized allergens are now available, and many more identified allergens await characterization (Marsh et al. 1986; Marsh and Norman 1988). Especially in the case of allergy to inhaled antigens, natural exposure is toward immunogenically limiting antigen doses (typically less than 1 μ g/year [Marsh 1975]), which facilitates the study of Ir genes. Immunization with much higher doses of antigen than encountered by natural exposure forms the basis of conventional allergen immunotherapy (Rx).
Inverse Heavy-Atom Kinetic Isotope Effects in Chloroalkanes

Intramolecular heavy-atom kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) are reported for reactions of some gas-phase ions relevant to atmospheric chemistry. The anionic complexes carbon tetrachloride/Cl-, chloroform/Cl-, and methylene chloride/Cl- (CHnCl5-n-; n = 0−2) were generated by various ionization methods and subjected to single-stage and tandem mass spectrometric analysis in a variety of instruments. Strongly pressure dependent, anomalous chloride abundances were observed in single-stage mass spectra under self-chemical ionization conditions for CHCl4- and CCl5- in a triple quadrupole and for CHCl4- in a quadrupole ion trap. Further examination of these complexes in triple quadrupole MS/MS experiments confirmed the presence of an unusually large inverse kinetic isotope effect. We suggest that the selective loss of 37Cl- is simply due to the difference in centrifugal barriers associated with the competitive reaction channels leading to the two chloride isotopes. This effect is greatly magnified near the threshold...
Video Review of Moment by Moment: The Healing Journey of Molly Hale

Moment by Moment: The Healing Journey of Molly Hale by Dorothy Fadiman (Director), 2003, available from Concentric Media, PO Box 1414, Menlo Park, CA 94026, VHS tape, 57 minutes, $29.95 (individual), $99.00 (library/university).
Isolation of a tetrakis(μ-thiolato)tripalladium complex: Crystal structure of trans-Pd3(μ-SCy)4Cl2(PMe3)2

Abstract Reaction of excess cyclohexyl mercaptan with [PdCl(PMe3)μ-Cl]2 (1) in refluxing chloroform produces the unusual tetrakis(μ-thiolato)tripalladium complex, Pd3(μ-SCy)4 Cl2(PMe3)2 (2), rather than the more common (μ-thiolato)dipalladium complexes, Pd2(μ- SCy)2Cl2(PMe3)2 (3) or Pd2(μ-SCy)(μ-Cl)Cl2(PMe3)2 (4), which are obtained, respectively, from the reactions of 1 with excess and stoichiometric amounts of the thiol under ambient conditions. The molecular structure of 2·CHCl3 has been determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The coordination about each of the palladium centres is essentially square planar although the bond angles are severely distorted from an idealized geometry. The complex is non-planar with a Pd(1)Pd(2)Pd(3) angle of 132.2(1)°. In contrast to the cis configuration which is generally preferred by bis(μ-alkylthiolato)dipalladium complexes, the phosphine ligands are arranged in a trans configuration. The cyclohexyl groups of the μ-thiolate ligands which are situated cis about Pd(2) are in all cases in anti conformations. Crystallographic data for 2: orthorhombic P212121, Z = 4; a = 11.027(4); b = 11.230(6); c = 12.676(6) A; V= 4621(3) A3.
The Emergence of Current-Carrying Magnetic Loops into the Solar Corona

The mechanism of the dynamic emergence of current-carrying magnetic loops into the corona is examined by three-dimensional MHD simulations. By simultaneously modeling the spacetime profiles of the normal components of the emerging magnetic field and current density on the photosphere, we demonstrate that this process can qualitatively reproduce observations that show the emergence of a helically twisted magnetic structure with a suitable field-current combination. The flux-tube structure rises into the initially nearly field-free corona and gradually relaxes into a nearly force-free, steady state, magnetic loop.
Aerobic Deterioration of Wheat, Lucerne and Maize Silages Prepared with Lactobacillus acidophilus and a Candida spp.

Aerobic deterioration of lucerne, maize and wheat silages was characterized by rapid increases in yeast and mould flora which oxidized lactic and volatile acids resulting in increased temperature and pH. While populations of yeasts and moulds were similar, temperature increases were slightly greater for silages inoculated with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida spp. After 48 h the pH of the inoculated silages was higher in general and concentrations of acids were lower than controls. Bacterial growth was slight although continued lactic acid production was probable. In contrast to lucerne and maize silages, the pH of wheat silage remained stable during this period because of high butyric levels, but temperature and yeast populations increased. After 48 h the pH rose above 5 in maize and lucerne, and bacterial growth and metabolic activity resumed resulting in volatile and non-volatile acid production from carbohydrate fermentation and deamination of amino acids. During this phase of aerobic deterioration yeast growth slowed or stopped, but temperatures remained high and pH continued to climb probably because of production of ammonia. The changes in gross composition of the silages did not follow any particular pattern. Losses in dry matter were small (2.5–4.0%) and changes in individual components probably reflect this loss rather than substantial changes. Protein availability in the lucerne silages undoubtedly decreased, as protein losses were high. It is concluded that the aerobic deterioration of silage is enhanced by the addition of L. acidophilus and Candida spp. at ensiling.
Full-power trials of the Brookhaven superconducting power transmission system

The power transmission test facility at Brookhaven consists of a 700 W supercritical helium cooling system, cable enclosure about 100 m long, four cable terminations, electrical excitation equipment and control and monitoring instrumentation. The cryogenic system was tested extensively prior to installation of two cables in late 1981. Each cable is terminated at each end so that full-power electrical trials are possible with the simultaneous application of voltage and current. The operating characteristics with the cable carrying 4,100 A (60 Hz) at 80 kV to ground are presented; this corresponds to a rated power of 330 MVA per cable. The full engineering evaluation of the system is estimated to take about 30 weeks of running, it is unlikely to be completed in 1983.
Occurrences of Sphalerite in Reservoir Rocks of North Texas and Gulf Coast: ABSTRACT

Chemical evolution of pore fluids during diagenesis is important to oil and gas origin and migration and mineral deposits. Authigenic sphalerite, a potential geochemical indicator, has been found in reservoir rocks that include the following: (1) Mississippian Osage formation, (2) the Pennsylvanian Strawn Formation, (3) the Jurassic "Gray" sandstones (Smackover), (4) the Jurassic Cotton Valley Formation, and (5) the Cretaceous Hosston Formation. These and two previously reported occurrences in the Smackover suggest a widespread occurrence of sphalerite in subsurface pre-Tertiary sedimentary rocks of north Texas and the Gulf Coast. Preliminary examinations reveal the following two modes of sphalerite occurrence: (1) as finely crystalline patches of cement in sandstones or limestones, and (2) as individual crystals in ooids or in the cement of oolitic limestones. In some sections, formation of sphalerite appears to be early, with zinc and reduced sulfur derived from nearby shales. In others, late formation and distant sources seem to be most likely. Further studies of the chemistries of sphalerite and fluid inclusions, associated host rock alterations, and temporal and spatial distribution of sphalerite may lead to improved understanding of pore-fluid chemistry during hydrocarbon origin and migration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 311------------
Solution-Processed Ultrasensitive Polymer Photodetectors with High External Quantum Efficiency and Detectivity

Operating at room temperature, polymer photodetectors (PDs) with external quantum efficiency approximately 80%, detectivity over 1013 Jones, linear dynamic range over 120 dB, and dark current a few decades of nA/cm2 were demonstrated. All these performance parameters were achieved by combined treatment of active layer with solvent vapor annealing and of polymer PDs with postproduction thermal annealing. These high performance parameters demonstrated that polymer PDs is comparable to or better than inorganic counterparts.
Tu1559 Validation of Automated Colonoscopic Findings From an Endoscopic Documentation Database (Provation) Against Manually Collected Data

examination. We aimed to evaluate a computed assessment of cleansing. We included 40 CCE-examinations performed in individuals with positive immunochemical-fecal-occult-blood test. Two readers rated segmental and overall cleansing levels using existing scales. Computed assessment of cleansing was performed by measuring the intensities in color channels of the CCE-examination. Associations between the conventional and computed scores were investigated using ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The mean segmental computed 4-point score were as follows: poor: 2.3; fair: 4.8; good: 5.3; excellent: 5.9 (ICC: 0.715, p!0.0001). The mean computed score was 5.3 for segments judged adequate and 4.2 for segments judged inadequate (area under the ROC: 0.78, p!0.0001). The lowest mean overall computed 4-point score were as follows: poor: 1.8; fair 4.5; good: 4.8; excellent 4.8 (ICC: 0.709, p!0.0001). For examinations judged adequate on the 2-point scale the mean of the lowest segmental computed score was 4.8, for examination judged inadequate this was 3.8 (are under the ROC: 0.73, p!0.009). The correlation between the summation of the three conventional segmental scores and the summation of the three computed segmental scores was good (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.701, p!0.001). Our study indicates that computed assessment of cleansing in CCE is feasible, and shows good agreement with the conventional assessments of cleansing. Automated analysis could be more reliable and timeefficient than conventional assessments of cleansing.
Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube Array Laminated Composite Materials

Thermal transport of laminated composite materials in their through-the-thickness direction is known to be significantly lower than in the in-plane laminate directions. This article presents the results of a study on the thermal conductivity of a nanoreinforced laminated composite (NRLC) comprising a carbon nanotube (CNT) array polymeric nanocomposite layer that is interspersed between the interfaces of the composite laminae. This NRLC is known to exhibit higher interlaminar shear properties than laminated composite materials without the array. The in-plane and through-the-thickness thermal conductivities of the NRLC and the corresponding laminated composite without the array were measured and compared to determine the effect of the array. In addition, a unit cell model was used to determine the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite layer. It was observed that the array increases the thermal conductivity in the in-plane directions and does not significantly affect it in the through-the-thickness direc...
Current Output Observer for Stochastic-Parameter Models and Application to Sensor Failure

Abstract In this paper, linear discrete-time systems with white stochastic parameters are considered. Most results on the optimal state estimation of linear discrete time systems with stochastic parameters rely strongly on the generalization of the one step prediction type Kalman filter to this type of systems. But it has been shown that the current output observer results in less estimation error as compared to the one step prediction Kalman Filter for the case of systems with deterministic parameters. In this work, the current output observer is generalized to stochastic-parameter systems and the estimation error performance improvement is mathematically shown. We have particularly directed our attention to the application to the sensor failure problem, which involves a stochastic model with non-Gaussian parameter distribution. Experimental results confirm our prediction and shows that the current output observer has a substantial benefit for the sensor failure problem over the one step prediction generalized Kalman filter solution.
Domain visualization using VxInsight for science and technology management

We present the application of our knowledge visualization tool, VxInsight, to enable domain analysis for science and technology management within the enterprise. Data mining from sources of bibliographic information is used to define subsets of information relevant to a technology domain. Relationships between the individual objects (e.g., articles) are identified using citations, descriptive terms, or textual similarities. Objects are then clustered using a force-directed placement algorithm to produce a terrain view of the many thousands of objects. A variety of features that allow exploration and manipulation of the landscapes and that give detail on demand, enable quick and powerful analysis of the resulting landscapes. Examples of domain analyses used in S&T management at Sandia are given.
A Dead-Time Compensation Method for Parabolic Current Control With Improved Current Tracking and Enhanced Stability Range

Hysteresis current control is an attractive nonlinear current-control method for voltage source inverters when a fast system response is required. A well-known disadvantage of hysteresis current control is that the system has to operate over a wide switching frequency range. This causes an increase in the switching losses of the system and increases the difficulty in designing the output filter. The recently proposed parabolic current control solves this problem by employing a pair of parabolic carriers as the control band. Through the use of parabolic current control, constant switching frequency can be achieved. In the implementation of parabolic current control, dead time is employed to prevent shoot through of the inverter leg. The employment of dead time impacts the current-tracking precision and the stability range of the parabolic current-control method. Another side effect of using dead time is that the switching frequency deviates from the desired value. In this paper, the effects of dead time on parabolic current control are analyzed, and a compensation method is proposed for voltage source inverters that use parabolic current control. Using the output current direction of the voltage source inverter, a new pair of improved parabolic carriers is derived. As a result, the current error can be well controlled and the effects of dead time can be eliminated. The improvement in the current tracking of the system comes with an added benefit where the duty cycle range is extended. The effectiveness of the proposed dead-time compensation method is experimentally verified by the use of a full-bridge voltage source inverter.
Optimization of virtual Frisch-grid CdZnTe detector designs for imaging and spectroscopy of gamma rays

In the past, various virtual Frisch-grid designs have been proposed for cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and other compound semiconductor detectors. These include three-terminal, semi-spherical, CAPture, Frisch-ring, capacitive Frisch-grid and pixel devices (along with their modifications). Among them, the Frisch-grid design employing a non-contacting ring extended over the entire side surfaces of parallelepiped-shaped CZT crystals is the most promising. The defect-free parallelepiped-shaped crystals with typical dimensions of 5x5{approx}12 mm3 are easy to produce and can be arranged into large arrays used for imaging and gamma-ray spectroscopy. In this paper, we report on further advances of the virtual Frisch-grid detector design for the parallelepiped-shaped CZT crystals. Both the experimental testing and modeling results are described.
Morphological stabilization of polymer-coated electrodes by electrochemical cross-linking

Abstract Electrochemical oxidation of N-phenyl-pyrazoline, N-alkylated carbazole and N-alkylated phenylhydrazone derived linear polymer films results in the formation of polymer-bound benzidine-type dimer species. The presence of these dimers, which are formed from the anodically generated cation radical precursors, was detected by the electrochemical and spectroscopic changes in the films following oxidation. In addition, we show that formation of this dimeric species must occur between non-nearest neighbors since the resulting electroactive polymer films are insoluble, with the electrochemically induced (dimer) cross-links leading to stabilization of film morphology.
Core myopathies and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: a review.

Summary The core myopathies are a subset of myopathies that present in infancy with hypotonia and muscle weakness. They were formerly considered a rare type of congenital myopathy but are now recognized as being more prevalent. Due to their genetic linkage to mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1), core myopathies (in particular, central core disease) carry a high risk of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. In this review article, we describe the phenotypical, genetic, and histopathological characteristics of core myopathies and further describe the currently understood nature of their risk of malignant hyperthermia. We also review the level of suspicion a clinician should exhibit with a child who has a possible core myopathy or other congenital myopathy presenting for an anesthetic prior to a definitive genetic analysis. For this review article, we performed literature searches using the key words anesthesiology, core myopathies, pediatric neurology, malignant hyperthermia, genetics, ryanodine receptor, and molecular biology. We also relied on literature accumulated by the two authors, who served as hotline consultants for the Malignant Hyperthermia Hotline of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) for the past 12 years.
Parametric sensitivity in the simulation of γ-alumina dehydration catalysis

Abstract A study on the sensitivity of a simulation of alcohol dehydration on γ-alumina, previously reported, to several parameters of the simulation is described. It is found that the simulation is relatively insensitive to variation of these parameters—surface index plane, competitive reaction probability of ether or ethylene formation, and the sites involved in ethylene desorption—within physically reasonable bounds.
Possible atrial proarrhythmic effects of class 1C antiarrhythmic drugs

Abstract The class IC antiarrhythmic drugs encainide and flecainide have been used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. 1,2 Although not currently approved, they are also being used in the treatment of atria1 arrhythmias. 3,4 This antiarrhythmic action results from a marked depressant effect on conduction velocity and a moderate effect on prolonging refractoriness in the myocardium. 5,6 This marked depression of conduction velocity also results in the highest incidence of ventricular proarrhythmic effects observed with any class of antiarrhythmic drug. 7,8 However, less is known regarding their potential to produce atria1 proarrhythmic effects. 3,4 Recently we observed 6 patients who were being treated with flecainide or encainide for preexisting ventricular or atria1 arrhythmias, and who developed new or modified symptomatic atria1 arrhythmias with a rapid ventricular response. In 2 cases, life-threatening consequences arose from the arrhythmia. The clinical details of these cases are presented and the potential mechanisms of the atria1 proarrhythmic effects of the 1C drugs are discussed.
Getting Past Polyproline Pauses

The ribosome is a versatile enzyme, but it cannot synthesize all proteins equally well—certain combinations of amino acids pose problems. Ribosome stalling by fairly long amino acid motifs can regulate gene expression in a variety of organisms, from bacteria to humans ( 1 , 2 ). In these cases, the nascent peptide interacts with the peptide exit channel of the ribosome to induce a conformation that prevents peptide bond formation. Two papers in this issue, by Doerfel et al. on page 85 ( 3 ) and Ude et al. on page 82 ( 4 ), reveal that stalling is common and fundamental: Short, proline (Pro)–rich motifs impede protein synthesis, and stalling is alleviated by a poorly understood elongation factor, EF-P. These studies offer a model of the biological function and mechanism of EF-P through a convergence of biochemical and genetic methods.
Stage-specific effects of cAMP signaling during distal lung epithelial development.

cAMP signaling is postulated to play a role in distal lung epithelial differentiation based on several observations. First, it enhances fibroblast growth factor-induced transdifferentiation of early tracheal epithelium into respiratory epithelium. Second, there are cAMP-responsive elements in the heterologous promoters of Sftpb and Sftpa genes. Third, cAMP augments the effect of dexamethasone in maintaining differentiation of human fetal type II pneumocyte culture. However, this concept has not been thoroughly tested in vivo. In the current study, we modulated cAMP signaling in developing distal lung epithelium in vivo using an inducible transgenic system that expressed a mutant form of Gαs (GαsQ227L). We failed to demonstrate the ability of cAMP to promote distal epithelial maturation during embryonic stages. The results argue against its physiological role in this process. In addition, induction of cAMP signaling at the late pseudoglandular stage but not during the canalicular or saccular stage surprisingly delayed distal differentiation by suppressing the expression of Sftpc, Sftpa, and Aquaporin5 as well as the formation of lamellar bodies. This stage-specific inhibitory effect was observed in the absence of cellular toxicity or changes in branching. Transgenic lungs did not show significant changes in the known pathways that are important for distal differentiation. Therefore, we propose the existence of yet-to-be identified cAMP-sensitive novel regulators of early distal lung epithelial differentiation. Although the delay of differentiation seemed to be reversible at later stages, it still led to pronounced permanent postnatal airspace enlargement due to impaired paracrine function of distal epithelium in regulating alveolar myofibroblast development.
Thermal inactivation of foodborne pathogens and the USDA pathogen modeling program

The use of heat to inactivate foodborne pathogens is a critical control point and the most common means for assuring the microbiological safety of processed foods. A key to optimization of the heating step is defining the target pathogens’ heat resistance. Sufficient evidence exists to document that insufficient cooking, reheating, and/or subsequent cooling are often contributing factors in food-poisoning outbreaks. Accordingly, the objective of thermal processing is to design sufficient heating regiments to achieve a specific lethality for foodborne pathogens in foods. The effects and interactions of temperature, pH, sodium chloride content, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium lactate concentration are among the variables that were considered when attempting to assess the heat inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum. Incorporation of these multiple barriers usually increases the sensitivity of pathogens to heat, thereby reducing heat requirements and ensuring the safety of ready-to-eat food products. Complex multifactorial experiments and analysis to quantify the effects and interactions of additional intrinsic and extrinsic factors and development of “enhanced” predictive models are underway to ensure the microbiological safety of thermally processed foods. Predictive inactivation kinetics (thermal death) models for foodborne pathogens have been converted into an easy-to-use computer program that is available on the USDA–Eastern Regional Research Center website. These models should aid in evaluating the safety of cooked products and are being used as building blocks for microbial risk assessment.
Care recipients' psychological well-being: the role of sense of control and caregiver type.

The current study tested mediation and moderation hypotheses to examine the link between caregiver type, sense of control, and depressive symptoms in older adult care recipients. All recipients (127 older adults, aged 60–98) reported at least one instrumental activity of daily living impairment and 75% reported at least one activity of daily living limitation. Results indicated that care recipients’ depressive symptoms varied by caregiver type and level of sense of control. Recipients with low sense of control and family caregivers reported higher depressive symptoms than those with a low sense of control and non-family caregivers. The findings suggest that although some care recipients have caregivers they may yet experience poor psychological well-being. Implications for practitioners are that in addition to their medical and physical health needs, the psychological well-being of care recipients is also important to consider.
Learning our way out: A conceptual framework for social-environmental learning

Abstract The global ecological crisis is the ultimate challenge to society's ability to learn. Traditional problem-solving approaches are inadequate to this challenge as they are based on the assumption that further development can solve the problems stemming from previous development programmes. This paper offers a rationale in support of these two propositions and proposes an alternative concept: social-environmental learning. An example of the actual application of this concept in the context of current issues of environment and development is described and the results are analyzed. The paper concludes with a conceptual framework within which further principles for social-environmental learning can be elaborated.
Quasi-Lagrangian observations of the upper ocean response to wintertime forcing in the Gulf Stream

Abstract Records of velocity, temperature, conductivity, and pressure from drifting, profiling instruments acquired in the Gulf Stream region during February and March of 2007 as part of the CLIMODE program are used to examine change in upper ocean heat content. Two Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling EXplorer (EM-APEX) floats and an Air–Sea Interaction buoy coupled with a Finescale Lagrangian Instrument System (ASIS/FILIS) were released separately in the Gulf Stream and profiled to depths of 550 m as they drifted downstream. A mixed layer heat balance is estimated using the quasi-Lagrangian float records in combination with surface fluxes derived from a 0.25 degree resolution meteorological model. The advection term is estimated using observations of velocity relative to the floats and SeaSoar temperature surveys to obtain the temperature gradient across the Gulf Stream. Periods of large surface heat flux and wind stress were observed as winter storms carrying cold air passed over the warm Gulf Stream. In agreement with previous studies, it is found that advective terms associated with the large vertical shear of the Gulf Stream dominate the mixed layer heat balance following the floats. This conclusion is further supported by runs of the Price–Weller–Pinkel (PWP) mixed layer model used to examine the expected upper ocean evolution based on the surface heat fluxes.
The SAMPL4 host–guest blind prediction challenge: an overview

Prospective validation of methods for computing binding affinities can help assess their predictive power and thus set reasonable expectations for their performance in drug design applications. Supramolecular host–guest systems are excellent model systems for testing such affinity prediction methods, because their small size and limited conformational flexibility, relative to proteins, allows higher throughput and better numerical convergence. The SAMPL4 prediction challenge therefore included a series of host–guest systems, based on two hosts, cucurbit[7]uril and octa-acid. Binding affinities in aqueous solution were measured experimentally for a total of 23 guest molecules. Participants submitted 35 sets of computational predictions for these host–guest systems, based on methods ranging from simple docking, to extensive free energy simulations, to quantum mechanical calculations. Over half of the predictions provided better correlations with experiment than two simple null models, but most methods underperformed the null models in terms of root mean squared error and linear regression slope. Interestingly, the overall performance across all SAMPL4 submissions was similar to that for the prior SAMPL3 host–guest challenge, although the experimentalists took steps to simplify the current challenge. While some methods performed fairly consistently across both hosts, no single approach emerged as consistent top performer, and the nonsystematic nature of the various submissions made it impossible to draw definitive conclusions regarding the best choices of energy models or sampling algorithms. Salt effects emerged as an issue in the calculation of absolute binding affinities of cucurbit[7]uril-guest systems, but were not expected to affect the relative affinities significantly. Useful directions for future rounds of the challenge might involve encouraging participants to carry out some calculations that replicate each others’ studies, and to systematically explore parameter options.
The importance and potential of artificial insemination in CANDES (companion animals, non-domestic, endangered species)

Artificial insemination (AI) is the least invasive assisted reproductive technology, and is therefore of great interest to breeders of companion animals, non-domestic, and endangered species (CANDES). This most fundamental artificial breeding technique circumvents physical or behavioral impediments to natural mating and provides the means for genetic exchange between populations without transfer of live animals. In addition, because oocytes grow, mature and are fertilized in vivo and embryos are not subjected to in vitro culture conditions, AI eliminates the epigenetic effects on the female gamete that are inherent in more invasive assisted reproductive technologies. Although the management of CANDES differs significantly from current livestock husbandry practices, the cattle industry is a powerful example of the potential for AI to enhance the genetic health and sustainability of animal populations. Ultimately, successful AI requires sperm of adequate quality and quantity, oocytes that have attained nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic competence, operational gamete transport systems, accurate timing, and proper placement of sperm in the female reproductive tract. Increased understanding of semen collection, evaluation and preservation techniques, estrus synchronization and superovulation, estrus and ovulation detection, and insemination instrumentation is needed for each CANDES before AI success rates will approach those of the livestock industry. Concentrated, collaborative research in these areas must be encouraged among private breeders, universities and zoological institutions to realize the full potential of AI in the management of CANDES.
Democratic Participation: A Critical Element of Precautionary Public Health Decision-Making:

The precautionary principle is increasingly discussed in debates about threats to health and the environment, particularly when government actions might inhibit free trade. It is gaining recognition as an overarching principle of decision-making, one that underlies efforts for sustainable development. Pronouncements about the precautionary principle have focused generally on the responsibility of government to act in the face of uncertainty and the shifting of burdens onto proponents. This assumes that government will have the resources, knowledge, expertise, and will to act. The role of the public—those who may be affected by environmental degradation or their representatives—is mostly missing from the discussions. This article outlines a rationale for why participation is critical and explores the theory of citizen participation. The article also describes participatory models used around the world, primarily examples of citizen participation though various models also exist for workers.
Irwin Freedberg: physician-scientist and mentor.

He may not have known exactly what the future would look like, but he knew how to get us there. —David Polsky
Seeing the invisible: direct visualization of therapeutic radiation beams using air scintillation.

Purpose: To assess whether air scintillation produced during standard radiation treatments can be visualized and used to monitor a beam in a nonperturbing manner. Methods: Air scintillation is caused by the excitation of nitrogen gas by ionizing radiation. This weak emission occurs predominantly in the 300–430 nm range. An electron-multiplication charge-coupled device camera, outfitted with an f/0.95 lens, was used to capture air scintillation produced by kilovoltage photon beams and megavoltage electron beams used in radiation therapy. The treatment rooms were prepared to block background light and a short-pass filter was utilized to block light above 440 nm. Results: Air scintillation from an orthovoltage unit (50 kVp, 30 mA) was visualized with a relatively short exposure time (10 s) and showed an inverse falloff (r2 = 0.89). Electron beams were also imaged. For a fixed exposure time (100 s), air scintillation was proportional to dose rate (r2 = 0.9998). As energy increased, the divergence of the electron beam decreased and the penumbra improved. By irradiating a transparent phantom, the authors also showed that Cherenkov luminescence did not interfere with the detection of air scintillation. In a final illustration of the capabilities of this new technique, the authors visualized air scintillation produced during a total skin irradiation treatment. Conclusions: Air scintillation can be measured to monitor a radiation beam in an inexpensive and nonperturbing manner. This physical phenomenon could be useful for dosimetry of therapeutic radiation beams or for online detection of gross errors during fractionated treatments.
Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking as Risk Factors for Post–Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis

Background & Aims Alcohol use and cigarette smoking are associated with various pancreatic diseases, but it is not known whether they associate with post–endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). We performed a retrospective case-control study to determine if these activities increase the risk of PEP. Methods We identified 7638 patients who had undergone ERCP in the University of Michigan Health System and applied exclusion criteria to identify 123 with PEP. We randomly selected 308 age- and sex-stratified controls (2.5-fold case sample); after applying exclusion criteria 248 remained. In a masked fashion, we collected data for alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and 5 internal control variables: suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), pancreatic sphincterotomy, moderate/difficult cannulation, 2 or more pancreatic injections, and pancreatic stent placement. Results The univariate model showed an increased frequency of PEP in current drinkers ( P P P P P P = .001), and/or had 2 or more pancreatic injections ( P = .007). The frequency of PEP was reduced in current smokers ( P P P P P = .001). Conclusions Current alcohol use and potentially former cigarette smoking are new risk factors for PEP. It is important to consider these variables in designing PEP prevention trials.
Preparation and properties of tung oil‐based composites using spent germ as a natural filler

Novel biocomposites have been prepared by the free radical polymerization of a tung oil-based resin using spent germ, the coproduct of wet mill ethanol production, as a filler. The effect of filler particle size, amount of filler, amount of crosslinker, and molding pressure on the resulting composites has been investigated. When compared to the pure resin, an increase in storage modulus is observed when filler is added to the matrix. The thermal stabilities of the resulting composites lie between the stabilities of the resin and the spent germ. Decreasing the particle size results in an increase in both the storage modulus and the mechanical properties of the composites. As the amount of crosslinker, divinylbenzene, increases, an improvement in the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties is observed. The composites prepared are mainly composed of renewable resources, possess good thermal and mechanical properties, and have potential applications in the construction and automotive industries. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
ECONOMICS OF COAL LOG PIPELINE FOR TRANSPORTING COAL

Abstract This economic study was conducted to compare the cost of transporting coal from mines to power plants by coal log pipeline with other modes of transportation including truck, rail and coal slurry pipeline. Unit cost is defined here as the cost of transporting a metric ton of coal for any prescribed distance in $/T (dollars per metric ton), and it includes not only capital and operational costs, but also a built-in profit for the investor. The unit cost of coal log pipeline can be compared with the current tariffs for coal transportation charged by railroads, trucks and other competing modes to determine whether it is economically competitive in a given situation. The study was conducted for different transportation distances and throughputs. Based on this comparison, the conditions are established under which coal log pipeline is more economical than slurry pipeline, truck and train.
A Review of Production Scheduling

Production scheduling can be defined as the allocation of available production resources over time to best satisfy some set of criteria. Typically, the scheduling problem involves a set of tasks to be performed, and the criteria may involve both tradeoffs between early and late completion of a task, and between holding inventory for the task and frequent production changeovers. The intent of this paper is to present a broad classification for various scheduling problems, to review important theoretical developments for these problem classes, and to contrast the currently available theory with the practice of production scheduling. This paper will highlight problem areas for which there is both a significant discrepancy between practice and theory, and for which the practice corresponds closely to the theory.
Recent advances in immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Introduction: Prostate cancer vaccines attempt to induce cancer-specific systemic immune responses and represent a new class of targeted therapies, many of which are non-toxic. Several vaccine technologies are in development. Areas covered: An autologous antigen presenting cell vaccine loaded with prostate acid phosphatase conjugated with GM-CSF, sipuleucel-T confers a survival advantage in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and is now FDA approved based on the IMPACT trial. A poxvirus-based vaccine, PROSTVAC-VF TRICOM targeting prostate-specific antigen (PSA), has demonstrated improved survival in a randomized Phase II trial of patients with metastatic CRPC. Novel T lymphocyte checkpoint inhibitors of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 and programmed death-1 are also emerging. Recognition of improved survival without an earlier clinical signal of activity by conventional criteria has led to new guidelines to evaluate immunotherapeutic agents. The clinical benefit of combining v...