cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verification and Validation in CREATE Multiphysics HPC Software Applications

The goal of the CREATE program is to develop and deploy physics-based computational engineering tools that can be used to develop virtual prototypes of ships, air vehicles, ground vehicles, and radio frequency antennas to accurately predict their performance in support of the US Department of Defense acquisition process, DoD 5000. The purpose of this article is to describe the approach taken to address the verification and validation of the CREATE software products. The approach is based on the adoption of a set of practices aligned with the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences to promote a test-driven development culture.
Age predicts the absence of caloric-induced vertigo

Abstract Introduction The absence of vertigo during the caloric test, despite a robust response, has been suggested to represent a central vestibular system phenomenon. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of absent caloric-induced vertigo perception in an unselected group of patients and to assess possible predicting variables. Methods Prospective investigation of 92 unselected patients who underwent caloric testing. Inclusion criteria were that each patient generate a maximum slow phase velocity (maxSPV) ≥ 15 deg/sec and a caloric asymmetry of ≤10%. Following the caloric, patients were asked, “Did you have any sensation of motion?” Results Results showed 75% of patients reported motion with a mean age of 56.51 years compared to a mean age of 66.55 in the 25% of patients reporting an absence of motion. A logistic regression was performed and the overall model was statistically significant accounting for 29% of the variance in caloric perception. The significant predictor variables were patient age and maxSPV of the caloric response. The effect size for both variables was small with an odds ratio of .9 for maxSPV and 1.06 for age. Conclusions The current investigation showed that both age and maxSPV of the caloric response were significant predictors of vertigo perception during the caloric exam. However, the association between age and caloric perception is not conclusive. Although there is evidence to suggest that these findings represent age-related changes in the central processing of vestibular system stimulation, there are additional unmeasured factors that influence the perception of caloric-induced vertigo.
Geographic variation in sexual behavior can explain geospatial heterogeneity in the severity of the HIV epidemic in Malawi.

In sub-Saharan Africa, where ~ 25 million individuals are infected with HIV and transmission is predominantly heterosexual, there is substantial geographic variation in the severity of epidemics. This variation has yet to be explained. Here, we propose that it is due to geographic variation in the size of the high-risk group (HRG): the group with a high number of sex partners. We test our hypothesis by conducting a geospatial analysis of data from Malawi, where ~ 13% of women and ~ 8% of men are infected with HIV. We used georeferenced HIV testing and behavioral data from ~ 14,000 participants of a nationally representative population-level survey: the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). We constructed gender-stratified epidemic surface prevalence (ESP) maps by spatially smoothing and interpolating the HIV testing data. We used the behavioral data to construct gender-stratified risk maps that reveal geographic variation in the size of the HRG. We tested our hypothesis by fitting gender-stratified spatial error regression (SER) models to the MDHS data. The ESP maps show considerable geographic variation in prevalence: 1–29% (women), 1–20% (men). Risk maps reveal substantial geographic variation in the size of the HRG: 0–40% (women), 16–58% (men). Prevalence and the size of the HRG are highest in urban centers. However, the majority of HIV-infected individuals (~75% of women, ~ 80% of men) live in rural areas, as does most of the HRG (~ 80% of women, ~ 85% of men). We identify a significant (P 20% of women are in the HRG. Most importantly, the SER models show that geographic variation in the size of the HRG can explain a substantial proportion (73% for women, 67% for men) of the geographic variation in epidemic severity. Taken together, our results provide substantial support for our hypothesis. They provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the geographic variation in the severity of the HIV epidemic in Malawi and, potentially, in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Robert B. France – contributions to model-driven engineering and software engineering education

Dr Robert B. France was a pillar and a major contributor to the foundations of the field of model-driven engineering; his legacy is broad and will be long-lasting. Robert Bertrand France, born on 8...
Methods of Analyzing and Comparing Energy Efficiency of Passenger Rail Systems

Because of growing concerns about the future environmental impact of passenger travel, modal energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important when benefits and costs of transportation system investment are evaluated. Because passenger rail systems are often cited as being relatively more energy efficient than other modes, reduced environmental impact is one justification for investment in new commuter rail projects. It is important that studies of purported environmental benefits analyze the energy efficiency of passenger rail systems and competing modes accurately and fairly by clearly defining the flow of energy through each transportation system. Furthermore, operational practices and constraints of the railway environment can complicate the analysis of energy efficiency; this complication makes it important to choose metrics that accurately describe the situation. This research identifies and describes four methods for analyzing the energy efficiency of passenger rail systems. Each method applies ...
Simple Heuristics For Concept Combination

This article discusses three important models of concept combination—Smith and colleagues' Selective Modification model, Hampton's Composite Prototype model, and Costello and Keane's C3 model. Smith and colleagues' famous model of concept combination combines a model for producing complex concepts out of simple concepts with a prototype model of concept representation and a metric for computing the typicality of objects with respect to those concepts. The model of concept combination proposed by Smith and colleagues applies only to modifier–head complex concepts. Hampton's model of concept combination includes, along with a qualitative description of the process resulting in complex concepts, a model of concepts, a model of categorization, and a model of typicality judgement. For Hampton, concept combination consists in the inheritance of typical properties from the combined concepts by the complex concept.
Folate Receptor Overexpression in Human and Canine Meningiomas-Immunohistochemistry and Case Report of Intraoperative Molecular Imaging.

Background Meningiomas are well-encapsulated benign brain tumors and surgical resection is often curative. Nevertheless, this is not always possible due to the difficulty of identifying residual disease intraoperatively. We hypothesized that meningiomas overexpress folate receptor alpha (FRα), allowing intraoperative molecular imaging by targeting FRα with a near-infrared (NIR) dye. Objective To determine FRα expression in both human and canine meningioma cohorts to prepare for future clinical studies. Present a case study of a meningioma resection with intraoperative NIR fluorescence imaging. Methods Tissue samples of 27 human meningioma specimens and 7 canine meningioma specimens were immunohistochemically stained for FRα along with normal dura, skeletal muscle, and kidney tissue. We then enrolled a patient with a pituitary adenoma and tuberculum sella meningioma in a clinical trial in which the patient received an infusion of folate-linked, NIR fluorescent dye prior to surgery. Results In the cohort of human meningiomas, 9 WHO grade I, 12 grade II, and 6 grade III tumors were identified. Eighty-nine percent of WHO grade I, 67% of grade II, and 50% of grade III tumors overexpressed FRα. In the 7 canine meningioma samples, 100% stained positively for FRα. Both human and canine normal dura from autopsy samples demonstrated no evidence of FRα overexpression. In the case study, the meningioma demonstrated a high NIR signal-to-background-ratio of 4.0 and demonstrated strong FRα immunohistochemistry staining. Conclusion This study directly demonstrates FRα overexpression in both human and canine meningiomas. We also demonstrate superb intraoperative imaging of a meningioma using a FRα-targeting dye.
IGFBP-5 Promotes Fibrosis via Increasing Its Own Expression and That of Other Pro-fibrotic Mediators

Pulmonary fibrosis is a hallmark of diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To date, the therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary fibrosis are limited, and organ transplantation remains the most effective option. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in SSc and IPF. In this study, we demonstrate that both exogenous and adenovirally expressed IGFBP-5 promote fibrosis by increasing the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and the expression of pro-fibrotic genes in primary human lung fibroblasts. IGFBP-5 increased expression of the pro-fibrotic growth factor CTGF and levels of the matrix crosslinking enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX). Silencing of IGFBP-5 had different effects in lung fibroblasts from normal donors and patients with SSc or IPF. Moreover, we show that IGFBP-5 increases expression of ECM genes, CTGF, and LOX in human lung tissues maintained in organ culture. Together, our data extend our previous findings and demonstrate that IGFBP-5 exerts its pro-fibrotic activity by directly inducing expression of ECM and pro-fibrotic genes. Further, IGFBP-5 promotes its own expression, generating a positive feedback loop. This suggests that IGFBP-5 likely acts in concert with other growth factors to drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
Incitement to Genocide and the Rwanda Media Case

In this paper I will examine in detail the case of the journalists and broadcasters in Rwanda, and I will do so as a vehicle for saying something about the idea of incitement, an often overlooked basis of individual liability. As an initial take on the idea of incitement, the ICTR urges that we think of it as it has been conceptualized in Common Law systems, namely, “as encouraging or persuading another to commit an offence” and not merely by “vague or indirect suggestion.” Incitement is thus associated with provoking, which involves both causation and intent, namely, “the intent to directly prompt or provoke another to commit genocide.” In Rwanda, the ICTR said that the actions of the Media Case defendants constituted the kind of “direct incitement” that is prosecutable under the crime of genocide.
Bioinformatics Approaches to the Analysis of the Transcriptome of Animal Models of Cancer

The development of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of human disease have played an integral role in understanding the mechanisms of action of many classes of genes involved in cancer development and progression. Their development has been critical in exploring the complexity of interactions of biological processes occurring in the entire organism, particularly when combined with recent global genomic approaches and bioinformatics. It has become apparent that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and multiple GEM models must be incorporated to represent the various forms of the human disease. Undoubtedly, these models and methods will be invaluable in the establishment of biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for patients with various subtypes of breast cancer.
Organic petrography of Leonardian (Wolfcamp A) mudrocks and carbonates, Midland Basin, Texas: The fate of oil-prone sedimentary organic matter in the oil window

Abstract To better understand evolution of oil-prone sedimentary organic matter to petroleum and expulsion from source rock, we evaluated organic petrographic features of Leonardian Wolfcamp A repetitive siliceous and calcareous mudrock and fine-grained carbonate lithofacies cycles occurring in the R. Ricker #1 core from Reagan County, Midland Basin, Texas. The objectives of the petrographic investigation were to estimate thermal maturity, identify organic matter types and abundances, and identify the presence or absence of migrated hydrocarbons in organic-lean carbonate layers. An integrated analytical program included geochemical screening [total organic carbon (TOC) content by LECO, programmed pyrolysis by hydrocarbon analyzer with kinetics (HAWK) including analysis of solvent-extracted samples], X-ray diffraction mineralogy, organic petrography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) including correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analyses of solid bitumen. The data indicate all samples are early to middle oil window thermal maturity with solid bitumen reflectance (BRo) values of 0.55–0.86% and Tmax of 440–455 °C. Organic matter is predominantly solid bitumen (as identified by optical microscopy) in all lithofacies with minor contributions from inertinite. Solid bitumen abundance decreases from siliceous mudrock (TOC >3.0 wt%) to calcareous mudrock (TOC 1.0 to 3.0 wt%) to fine-grained carbonate (TOC
Where is the destructive update problem

I critically examine several objections to ‘destructive update’ of assignment functions in dynamic theories of anaphora, using a modular compositional treatment of the static/dynamic divide to highlight what static and dynamic approaches to assignment functions have in common, and how they differ. EARLY ACCESS
New Test of the Gravitational 1 /r 2 Law at Separations down to 52 μ m

We tested the gravitational $1/{r}^{2}$ law using a stationary torsion-balance detector and a rotating attractor containing test bodies with both 18-fold and 120-fold azimuthal symmetries that simultaneously tests the $1/{r}^{2}$ law at two different length scales. We took data at detector-attractor separations between $52\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ and 3.0 mm. Newtonian gravity gave an excellent fit to our data, limiting with 95% confidence any gravitational-strength Yukawa interactions to ranges $l38.6\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$.
Modeling and Comparing Central and Room Air Conditioning Ownership and Cold-Season In-Home Thermal Comfort Using the American Housing Survey

Household-level information on central air conditioning (cenAC) and room air conditioning (rmAC) air conditioning and cold-weather thermal comfort are often missing from publicly available housing databases hindering research and action on climate adaptation and air pollution exposure reduction. We modeled these using information from the American Housing Survey for 2003-2013 and 140 US core-based statistical areas employing variables that would be present in publicly available parcel records. We present random-intercept logistic regression models with either cenAC, rmAC or "home was uncomfortably cold for 24 h or more" (tooCold) as outcome variables and housing value, rented vs. owned, age, and multi- vs. single-family, each interacted with cooling- or heating-degree days as predictors. The out-of-sample predicted probabilities for years 2015-2017 were compared with corresponding American Housing Survey values (0 or 1). Using a 0.5 probability threshold, the model had 63% specificity (true negative rate), and 91% sensitivity (true positive rate) for cenAC, while specificity and sensitivity for rmAC were 94% and 34%, respectively. Area-specific sensitivities and specificities varied widely. For tooCold, the overall sensitivity was effectively 0%. Future epidemiologic studies, heat vulnerability maps, and intervention screenings may reliably use these or similar AC models with parcel-level data to improve understanding of health risk and the spatial patterning of homes without AC.
Applying the ACTION Framework to BCJI in Tucson, Arizona

The Tucson BCJI case, known as THRIVE in the 05, is focused on a cluster of small neighborhoods near the urban core of Tucson, Arizona. The THRIVE in the 05 community is known for its unique history and cultural vitality. Despite its unique historical character, the THRIVE in the 05 community currently faces many challenges that limit opportunities for community and economic development, including crime. In this chapter, we describe the THRIVE in the 05 planning and assessment phase process and outcomes and the application of the ACTION framework - a research framework that was developed to guide research and planning efforts. The ACTION framework is made up of four domains: assess, connect, transform, and in our neighborhood. Each of these domains is grounded in an overarching principle of shared expertise among community partners (i.e., those individuals who live in or otherwise have stake in the target community) and researchers. The principle of shared expertise recognizes that community members and research partners each bring unique expertise, skills, and experiences to the table that strengthen the research design. In terms of process, this translates into joint decision-making and ensuring that both entities have equal power to share perspectives and knowledge. Ultimately, this results in action-focused research that optimizes scientific rigor and community authenticity, leading to the co-creation of intervention strategies to address community concerns in meaningful and sustainable ways.
"Medication Is Just One Piece of the Whole Puzzle": How Nursing Homes Change Their Use of Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medication use for nursing home residents with dementia poses major patient safety challenges. This article investigates health professionals' experiences with decision-making during changes under the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes (National Partnership) and its companion state coalitions. These programs were introduced in 2012 to encourage reductions in antipsychotic use and increased use of nonpharmacological treatments for dementia. Interviews with 40 nursing home physicians and staff in seven states found that reducing antipsychotics is more time and resource-intensive than relying on medication, because it requires a person-centered approach. However, respondents supported reductions in antipsychotic use, and indicated that with sufficient staffing, effective communications, and training, they could create or implement individualized treatments. Their positive attitudes suggest that the National Partnership has been a catalyst in reducing antipsychotic medications, and their perspectives can inform further research, policy and practice in nursing homes toward achieving quality dementia care.
On parametric generation of deep UV light in monolithic cavities with cubic nonlinearity

Coherent ultra violet (UV) light has broad applications in optical atomic clocks and quantum computers. Since availability of semiconductor tunable monochromatic lasers is limited at short wavelengths, optical nonlinear processes are frequently used to produce the desirable radiation wavelength. Optical crystals with quadratic nonlinearity are promising for this purpose because of their transparency and high optical damage threshold. In this paper we discuss a possibility of generation of coherent deep UV light utilizing high quality factor (-Q) monolithic optical microcavities made of crystalline optical materials characterized with cubic nonlinearities. We show that the generation is feasible in spite of the relatively small cubic nonlinearities, due to the ultra-broad- band high optical transparency of the crystals and associated high-Q achievable in the cavities created out of the materials. We found that the birefringence as well as the tensor nature of the nonlinear susceptibility of the crystalline optical materials can simplify the phase matching of the nonlinear processes.
Burnout among social work educators: an eco-logical systems perspective

Burnout in the social work field receives significant attention, yet existing literature has disregarded social work educators as an affected population. This research utilized Bronfenbrenner’s eco...
Use of a novel helical tack system for the management of challenging upper gastrointestinal defects

Background and Aims Increasingly, gastroenterologists are being asked to assist in the closure of defects. Although there are several available tools that can be used for defect closure, there remains a need for devices that are easy to use, effective, and durable. The aim of this case series is to demonstrate the use of a novel helical tack system in the closure of upper GI defects. Methods Two cases of challenging upper GI defects were identified. One case involved a perforated duodenal ulcer, and the other involved a nonhealing marginal ulcer. In both cases, the helical tack system was used for defect closure. Results In both cases, defect closure was achieved using the helical tack system; however, 2 series of tacks were required in each case. There were no adverse events. Neither patient has required additional surgical or endoscopic interventions. Conclusions The helical tack system is a new device that may be useful for the closure of challenging upper GI defects. Additional comparative studies are needed to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of this system relative to other closure tools.
The interplay between laser focusing conditions, expansion dynamics, ablation mechanisms, and emission intensity in ultrafast laser-produced plasmas

The interplay between ultrafast laser focusing conditions, emission intensity, expansion dynamics, and ablation mechanisms is critical to the detection of light isotopes relevant to nuclear energy, forensics, and geochemistry applications. Here, we study deuterium ( 2Hα) emission in plasmas generated from femtosecond laser ablation of a Zircaloy-4 target with a deuterium concentration of ≈37 at. %. Changes in emission intensity, plume morphology, crater dimensions, and surface modifications were investigated for varying focusing lens positions, where the laser was focused behind, at, and in front of the target. Spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy and spectrally integrated plasma imaging were performed to investigate emission spectral features and plume morphology. Laser ablation crater dimensions and morphology were analyzed via optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The 2Hα emission intensity showed significant reduction at the geometrical focal point or when the focal point is in front of the target. For all laser spot sizes, a two-component plume was observed but with different temporal histories. At the best focal point, the plume was spherical. When the laser was focused behind the target, the plume was elongated and propagated to farther distances than for the best focal position. In contrast, when the laser was focused in front of the target, filaments were generated in the beam path, and filament-plasma coupling occurred. By focusing the laser behind the target, the amount of material removal in the laser ablation process can be significantly reduced while still generating a plasma with a sufficient 2Hα emission signal for analysis.
Entrainment of the circadian locomotor activity rhythm in crayfish

1. Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) on a light cycle (LD 12∶12) exhibit a bimodal locomotor activity rhythm. One activity maximum, the “lights-on” peak, is synchronized with the onset, while the other, the “lights-off” peak, occurs shortly after the offset of light (Figs. 1–5). 2. When placed in constant darkness (DD), these animals maintain a unimodal, free running circadian rhythm, involving only the “lights-off” peak of activity (Fig. 1). 3. Removal, or isolation from the CNS, of the sixth abdominal ganglion (the site of the caudal photoreceptor) has no observable effect on activity (Figs. 2, 3), indicating that the caudal photoreceptor is not necessary for entrainment or initiation of either activity maximum. 4. Removal of the ommatidia of both eyes, or bilateral section of the optic lobes between the lamina ganglionaris and medulla externa, obliterates the “lights-on” peak but does not affect entrainment of the “lights-off” response. Thus, the retina provides the necessary pathway for generating the “lights-on” activity, but is not required for entrainment of the circadian rhythm (Figs. 4, 5). 5. Finally, ablation of both the caudal ganglion and the retina does not abolish entrainment. It is assumed, therefore, that crayfish possess an extraretinal-extracaudal photoreceptor which provides a sufficient pathway for the entraining signal (Figs. 4, 5).
Biogeography and divergence time estimates of woody bamboos: insights in the evolution of Neotropical bamboos

The Neotropical woody bamboos are a monophyletic lineage with three subtribes in the Bambusoideae: Arthrostylidiinae, Chusqueinae and Guaduainae. The geographical distribution of these subtribes extends from Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands, to South America. In order to understand the biogeographical patterns and origin of these bamboos, a phylogeny of Neotropical woody bamboos was first inferred. Then divergence time estimation of particular nodes using a Bayesian approach and ancestral area reconstruction using S-DIVA were performed. The results suggest a Miocene origin of Neotropical bamboos where the subtribe Chusqueinae was the oldest, followed by the Arthrostylidiinae and the Guaduinae. The ancestral area reconstruction indicated a complex scenario in which the ancestral area for Chusqueinae was Andean South America followed by multiple dispersal events to Atlantic Brazil and Mesoamerica. Overall, the results support the hypothesis of a South American origin of the Neotropical woody bamboos, corroborated by the molecular dating, ancestral area reconstruction and the fossil record.
cDNA Cloning, In Vitro Expression, and Biochemical Characterization of Cholinesterase 1 and Cholinesterase 2 from Amphioxus

We have isolated cDNA’s coding for the complete amino acid sequences of Cholinesterase 1 (ChEl) and Cholinesterase 2 (ChE2) from amphioxus. Both ChE transcripts appear to code for H catalytic subunits, which may become inserted in the membrane via an ethanolamine-glycan-phosphatidylinositol anchor. For ChE2, the acyl pocket, a region of the enzyme important for substrate binding, resembles those of invertebrate ChE’s. A novel acyl-binding pocket characterizes ChEl. In vitro expression in COS-7 cells demonstrates that ChE2 is eserine-sensitive and hydrolyzes acetylthiocholine. In contrast, ChEl is eserine-resistant and hydrolyzes both acetylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine. Velocity sedimentation and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis in conjunction with digestion by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C suggest that ChEl and ChE2 are present as ethanolamine-glycan-phosphatidylinositol-anchored G2 forms in vivo and in vitro. Supported by NSF-RUI grant IBN-9319354 to L.P.
Identification of the cold-insoluble globulin of plasma in amniotic fluid

Abstract A fetal and adult plasma protein known as the cold-insoluble globulin (Clg) of plasma has been identified in amniotic fluid. Its concentration relative to the total protein in amniotic fluid is several times higher than that in adult or fetal plasma, suggesting that it arises from amniotic tissues.
Erythropoietin binding and induced differentiation of Rauscher erythroleukemia cell line red 5-1.5.

Abstract We isolated from the Rauscher erythroleukemia cell line (Red 5), a subclone (Red 5-1.5), which contains erythropoietin (epo) binding sites and demonstrates an epo-dependent erythroid differentiation. One class of high affinity binding sites was detected with a Kd (+/- S.D.) of 0.43 +/- 0.09 nM and a mean density/cell of 1200 +/- 311. The cell-associated 125I-epo was displaced by nonlabeled epo but not by other hormones or factors. The 125I-epo binding to Red 5-1.5 cells was maximal within 3 h at 15 degrees C and 1 h at 37 degrees C and proportional to cell number. The addition of epo increased [3H] uridine incorporation into RNA by 6 h and [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 60 h followed by 59Fe incorporation into protein, cell proliferation, and formation of hemoglobin-containing colonies. The incorporation of 59Fe into protein demonstrated a linear dose response (from 0.002 to 1.5 units of epo/ml) beginning 60 h after addition of the hormone to the cultures, and there was a dose-dependent increase (from 0.1 to 1.0 unit of epo/ml) in the formation of hemoglobin-containing colonies. We concluded that the binding of 125I-epo to Red 5-1.5 suggests the presence of specific epo receptors. The sequence of the epo-induced proliferation and differentiation events is similar to primary erythroid cultures but requires longer epo exposure. Receptor occupancy correlates with the induced biological response.
Induction of β-Glucosidases in Neurospora crassa

The induction of β-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) was studied in Neurospora crassa. Cellobiase was induced by cellobiose, but other inducers had little effect on this enzyme. Cellobiase activity was very low in all stages of the vegetative life cycle in the absence of di-β-glucoside inducer. Aryl-β-glucosidase was semiconstitutive at late stages of culture growth prior to conidiation. At early stages, aryl-β-glucosidase was induced by cellobiose, laminaribiose, and gentiobiose, and weakly induced by galactose, amino sugars, and aryl-β-glucosides. The induction properties of the β-glucosidases are compared with those of the other disaccharidases of Neurospora. The induction of β-glucosidases was inhibited by glucose, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, and sodium acetate. Sodium phosphate concentrations between 0.01 and 0.1 M stimulated induction of both enzymes, while concentrations above 0.1 M were inhibitory. The optimal condition for induction of both β-glucosidases was pH 6.0. Cellobiase induction was relatively more inhibited than aryl-β-glucosidase in the range of pH 6.0 to 8.0.
Metacognition and evidence analysis instruction: an educational framework and practical experience

The role of metacognitive skills in the evidence analysis process has received little attention in the research literature. While the steps of the evidence analysis process are well defined, the role of higher-level cognitive operations (metacognitive strategies) in integrating the steps of the process is not well understood. In part, this is because it is not clear where and how metacognition is implicated in the evidence analysis process nor how these skills might be taught. The purposes of this paper are to (a) suggest a model for identifying critical thinking and metacognitive skills in evidence analysis instruction grounded in current educational theory and research and (b) demonstrate how freely available systematic review/meta-analysis tools can be used to focus on higher-order metacognitive skills, while providing a framework for addressing common student weaknesses. The final goal of this paper is to provide an instructional framework that can generate critique and elaboration while providing the conceptual basis and rationale for future research agendas on this topic.
Microbial response to drought in a Texas highplains shortgrass prairie.

The population of the microbial flora of a mixed blue gramma grass (Bouteloua gracilis H. B. K.) and prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha Haw.) prairie near Amarillo, Texas, was studied during 1971 after a severe drought. Bacteria, fungi, and algae were estimated by plate count and terminal dilution procedures. Rates of grass and paper decomposition were determined. The microbial flora of soil associated with bovine-grazed grass did not differ significantly from the flora associated with ungrazed grass, either qualitatively or quantitatively. During drought, a greater number of fungi were found in soil associated with prickly pear than in that associated with blue gramma grass. The microbial biomass decreased one full log between the surface and a depth of 50 cm, and the percentage of anaerobes increased with depth. The maximum numbers of fungi and algae detected were 8 × 105 and 6 × 104/g respectively. A linear relationship existed between the microbial biomass and soil moisture. The maximum number of aerobic, heterotrophic bacteria detected was 1.5 × 108 viable cells per g of soil.
Bone Ununited Fracture and Spinal Fusion, Electrical Treatment of

This article defines ununited fracture and discusses the electrical character of bone, direct current and electromagnetic osteogenesis, electric treatments, and electromagnetic devices. Keywords: osteogenesis; electromagnetic; ununited fracture; spinal fusion; peizoelectric
Advances in neuroimaging: management of partial epileptic syndromes

Sch uble and Cascino review the techniques of structural and functional neuroimaging currently available for the presurgical evaluation of patients with partial epilepsies and discuss the clinical impact of the various techniques on the management of intractable partial epilepsies. Their article will be of interest to neurosurgeons, neurologists, paediatric neurologists, neuroradiologists, and colleagues in nuclear medicine who care for patients with partial epilepsies. Structural MRI is the procedure of choice in lesional epilepsies such as mesial temporal sclerosis, malformation of cortical development, and primary brain tumours, since patients with intractable symptomatic partial epilepsies are favourable candidates for surgical treatment. The authors describe several techniques of functional imaging that are useful in temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE). Unilateral hypometabolism of the affected temporal lobe as shown by positron emission tomography using deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) predicts good surgical outcome. Periictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has a high sensitivity in mesial TLE and is even superior to interictal FDG-PET in localising the foci of nonlesional TLE. Abnormal proton (1H) spectroscopy (1H MRS) suggests neuronal loss, gliosis, or functional alteration and is highly sensitive in lateralising the ictal onset zone in temporal lobe epilepsy. Unlike patients with temporal lobe epilepsies, many patients with extratemporal epilepsies have limited postoperative outcome and often are not regarded as favourable candidates for surgical treatment. Since this is particularly true in nonlesional extratemporal epilepsies, functional neuroimaging techniques are necessary and important in this group of patients. The results of FDG-PET in nonlesional extratemporal epilepsies are less favourable than in TLE, and the hypothesis that PET with benzodiazepine receptor ligands (FMZ-PET) may be more sensitive in extratemporal epilepsies is still under investigation. According to Sch uble and Cascino, the method of subtracting the ictal SPECT scans from interictal scans with subsequent coregistration to MRI (SISCOM) is a promising tool for patients with extratemporal epilepsies, and localised SISCOM abnormalities, which are concordant with the ictal onset zone, predict a good postoperative seizure outcome. I would suggest that neurophysiological techniques of functional imaging such as MEG, EEG source analysis, and possibly fMRI might be increasingly included in the presurgical evaluation of patients with extratemporal epilepsies. Although requiring further validation, these techniques, together with SISCOM, will likely enhance the diagnostic yield and improve postoperative outcome in such patients in the future, if they prove useful in guiding subdural electrode placement. They might become particularly useful for presurgical evaluation in children, who often suffer from nonlesional extratemporal epilepsies.
Effect of increased postmilking prolactin concentrations on lactation, plasma metabolites, and pancreatic hormones in lactating goats.

Abstract Six lactating dairy goats were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to examine the effect of increased postmilking prolactin concentrations on lactational performance. Thirty minutes after each milking, either placebo or pituitary-derived ovine prolactin at 2 mg/h or 4 mg/h was infused via jugular cannula for 2h. Goats were housed in a controlled environment at 19°C and a cycle of 16h light and 8h dark. Mean plasma prolactin concentrations after milking were increased 100 and 180% for 2 and 4 mg/h prolactin infusion, respectively. Milk yield was slightly but significantly increased by 2 mg/h prolactin infusion compared with placebo and 4 mg/h prolactin infusion. However, milk composition and yields of milk components were not influenced by treatments. No differences in dry matter intake, digestibility of the diet, or N retention were observed. Circulating concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, insulin, and glucagon were not altered.
Interaction of reserpine and ouabain on amine concentrating mechanisms in the adrenergic neurone.

Abstract Reserpine does not alter the accumulation of l - or d -metaraminol in the adrenergic neurones of rabbit heart slices. Ouabain and desipramine decrease uptake by inhibition of the neuronal membrane amine pump, but the preference of the concentrating mechanism for the levo form is retained. In the reserpinized heart slice, ouabain action on accumulation of l -metaraminol is greatly enhanced, but a similar potentiation of ouabain action on d -metaraminol does not occur. Reserpine does not enhance the inhibitory action of desipramine, nor does tetrabenazine duplicate the ouabain-enhancing effect of reserpine on l -metaraminol accumulation. It is suggested that reserpine has a separate effect over and above a tetrabenazine-like action on amine storage granules, and, perhaps by creating a local ionic imbalance in the cell, allows ouabain to exert a greater effect on a local Na + -K + -ATPase-amine pump linked mechanism which normally allows the levo form of catecholamines to be accumulated more rapidly than the dextro form.
Resolution, Optical-Channel Capacity and Information Theory*

A resolution measure is proposed which is more general than the Rayleigh resolution distance and which takes into account a priori object information and interfering noise. The measure allows evaluation of the quality of an optical system, independent of the class of objects being observed. The resolution of an ideal spatially band-limited optical imaging system is calculated as a function of the object-to-noise power ratio for a number of a priori object statistics. It is shown that there exists an optimum object-illumination interval, as a function of the object-to-noise power ratio, which minimizes the degradation due to the limited spatial bandwidth of the optical system and results in the extraction of approximately one bit of information per illumination interval.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, components of normal cartilage that are marketed as dietary supplements in the United States, have been evaluated for their potential role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Due to claims of efficacy, increased prevalence of osteoarthritis, and a lack of other effective therapies, there has been substantial interest in using these dietary supplements as therapeutic agents for osteoarthritis. Though pharmacokinetic and bioavailability data are limited, use of these supplements has been evaluated for management of osteoarthritis symptoms and modification of disease progression. Relevant clinical trial efficacy and safety data are reviewed and summarized.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Calcium Chloride Added to Irrigation Water as a Strategy to Reduce Bacterial Populations and Improve Quality of Fresh Mushrooms

The quality and value of fresh mushrooms are often diminished by the presence of high bacterial populations that cause a brown, blotchy appearance. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the addition of hydrogen peroxide and/or calcium chloride to irrigation water as a means to reduce total bacterial populations on fresh mushrooms. Crops were grown using commercial mushroom growing practices except for the addition of 0.75% hydrogen peroxide and/or 0.3% calcium chloride irrigation water added to the crop starting 11 d after the casing layer was applied on top of mushroom compost. Irrigation water without the added treatments acted as the control. Mushrooms were aseptically sampled from the production beds for enumerating bacterial counts. Total aerobic bacterial populations were determined by standard microbiological plating procedures. Mushroom whiteness (L-value) and color (delta E) after harvest and postharvest storage were measured using a Minolta chromameter. Harvested mushrooms were separated by treatment and weighed to record yield. Mushrooms irrigated with water (control) had 7.3 log colony-forming units (CFU) of aerobic bacterial populations per gram of fresh mushroom tissue. Compared with the control, irrigation with 0.75% hydrogen peroxide and 0.3% calcium chloride reduced the bacterial populations on fresh mushrooms by 87% (6.4 log CFU/g). Irrigation with hydrogen peroxide and calcium chloride significantly enhanced mushroom whiteness after harvest as well as after 6 d of postharvest storage at 12 °C. The irrigation treatments did not have a significant effect on crop yields; hence, the addition of hydrogen peroxide and calcium chloride to irrigation water was demonstrated to have good potential as a practical strategy to reduce bacterial populations and to improve the quality of fresh mushrooms.
Antiepileptic drug prescribing patterns in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with epilepsy

article i nfo Objective: We examined patterns of antiepileptic drug (AED) use in a cohort of Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans (IAVs) who were previously identified as having epilepsy. We hypothesized that clinicians would be more likely to prescribe newer AEDs and would select specific AEDs to treat seizures based on patient characteristics includ- ing gender and comorbidities. Methods: From the cohort of IAVs previously identified with epilepsy between fiscal years 2009 and 2010, we selected those who received AEDs from the Veterans Health Administration in FY2010. Regimens were classified as monotherapy or polytherapy, and specific AED use was examine overall and by gender. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations of age; gender; race/ethnicity; medical, psychiatric, and neurological comorbidities; and receipt of neurology specialty care associated with the six most commonly used AEDs. Results: Among 256,284 IAVs, 2123 met inclusion criteria (mean age: 33 years; 89% men). Seventy-two percent
Mechanisms and Treatment of Anemia in Chronic Heart Failure

Anemia is highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Multiple mechanisms contribute to anemia in chronic HF, and subnormal compensatory rise in endogenous erythropoietin levels in response to anemia is one contributory factor. Randomized trials with recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in anemic patients with chronic kidney disease and concomitant heart disease have demonstrated a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy but variable effects on clinical outcome. Preliminary clinical trials in anemic patients with chronic HF demonstrate that erythropoietin therapy is well tolerated and associated with short-term clinical improvement. The optimum target hemoglobin, erythropoietic agent, and dosing regimen, and the role of iron supplementation in patients with chronic HF, are not known. Additional studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of long-term erythropoietic therapy in chronic HF patients.
"C"-type viral particles in plasma of cats with feline leukemia.

Linear sucrose-density gradient was used to detect and isolate typical "C"-type viral particles in plasma of cats with spontaneous and experimentally induced leukemia. The density of the agent is similar to known murine leukemia virus (1.15 to 1.17 grams per cubic centimeter). In the electron microscope the virus showed typical "C"-type particle morphology with various maturation stages. The maximum diameter of the mature viral particles in plasma was 115 millimicrons, a diameter slightly larger than budding particles observed in tissue. Leukemia was transmitted with cellular and cell-free inoculum after a 5-week period of latency.
Phosphorylation and Stabilization of Topoisomerase IIα Protein by p38γ Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Sensitize Breast Cancer Cells to Its Poisons

Cancer drugs suppress tumor cell growth by inhibiting specific cellular targets. However, most drugs also activate several cellular nonspecific stress pathways, and the implications of these off-target effects are mostly unknown. Here, we report that p38γ, but not p38α, MAPK is specifically activated by treatment of breast cancer cells with topoisomerase II (Topo II) drugs, whereas paclitaxel (Taxol) does not have this effect. The activated p38γ in turn phosphorylates and stabilizes Topo IIα protein, and this enhances the growth inhibition by Topo II drugs. Moreover, p38γ activity was shown to be necessary and sufficient for Topo IIα expression, the drug-p38γ-Topo IIα axis is only detected in intrinsically sensitive but not resistant cells, and p38γ is co-overexpressed with Topo IIα protein in primary breast cancers. These results reveal a new paradigm in which p38γ actively regulates the drug-Topo IIα signal transduction, and this may be exploited to increase the therapeutic activity of Topo II drugs.
Properties of peripherally induced persistent hindlimb flexion in rat: involvement ofN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and capsaicin-sensitive afferents

In the sodium pentobarbital anesthetized rat, percutaneous electrical stimulation (2 mA, 7 ms, 100 Hz, 60 min) across the upper hindlimb produces an ipsilateral hindlimb flexion that persists following spinal transection. Using this preparation, the following were found. (1) Flexion was observed in both the intact and acutely spinalized (T7) rat 10 hours to two weeks following induction, but was negligible at six weeks. (2) Pretreatment of intact rats with the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, ketamine HCl and MK-801, reduced persistent hindlimb flexion in a dose-dependent manner. (3) Pretreatment of spinalized rats with MK-801 reduced the amount of flexion, observed at 30 min following stimulation. However at 72 hrs following stimulation, administration of MK-801 to acutely spinalized rats had no effect on flexion. (4) Capsaicin pretreatment, of either neonates or adults, reduced the amount of flexion observed at 30 min following stimulation, but only adult capsaicin pretreatment reduced flexion at 72 h. (5) At 72 h following induction, bilateral dorsal rhizotomy (T11-L6) of acutely spinalized rats had no significant effect on flexion when compared to pre-rhizotomy levels. However, the subsequent removal of the hindlimb skin produced a significant reduction in flexion, and the remaining flexion was eliminated by the removal of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and cauda equina. These combined results suggest that prolonged activation of C-afferents and NMDA receptors induce a persistent hindlimb flexion in rat that is maintained at the level of the spinal cord.