cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The reversible effects of raloxifene on luteinizing hormone levels and ovarian morphology in mice.

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that has estrogen agonist effects on bone and serum lipids and estrogen antagonist effects on breast and uterine tissues. This study assessed the effects of raloxifene hydrochloride (HCl) treatment on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and ovarian morphology in sexually mature, 15-week-old, female CD-1 mice. Mice were maintained on diets providing average daily doses of 0 or 233 mg/kg raloxifene for 2 weeks (Study 1) or 0, 7.9, or 236 mg/kg raloxifene for 4 weeks (Study 2). At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected every 2 hours for 24 h in Study 1 (5 mice per group) and at 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in Study 2 (8 mice per group). Serum LH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Ovarian histomorphology was evaluated in the 10 mice per group (Study 1) and the 8 mice per group (Study 2). For the reversibility phase (Study 2), mice were fed untreated diets for 3 weeks; serum LH levels and ovarian histomorphology were then assessed. Raloxifene treatment at 233 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks (Study 1) significantly elevated circulating LH levels by 4- to 7-fold compared with control. Raloxifene-treated mice had elevated LH levels sustained over the 24-h sampling period and did not exhibit the preovulatory LH surge evident in some control mice at the 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. time points. Mice treated with 236 mg/day raloxifene for 4 weeks (Study 2) had elevated LH levels (4.4-fold compared to control), whereas mice exposed to 7.9 mg/kg/day raloxifene had a slight, nonsignificant increase in LH (2-fold compared to control). In both dose groups, LH levels were indistinguishable from controls 3 weeks after raloxifene treatment was discontinued. The ovaries in six of the eight mice treated with 7.9 mg/kg/day raloxifene had dilated and/or anovulatory follicles. One mouse in this group had a single hemorrhagic follicle; however, corpora lutea distribution was normal, indicating that ovulation was occurring. Raloxifene-treated mice in Study 1 and mice treated with a comparable raloxifene dose (236 mg/day) in Study 2 had histomorphological changes in the ovary indicative of arrested follicular maturation, including anovulatory hemorrhagic follicles, some developing follicles, and very few corpora lutea. At the end of the reversibility phase, hemorrhagic follicles were no longer evident and follicular maturation and corpora lutea distribution were normal. Raloxifene treatment in mice produces a dose-dependent, sustained elevation in serum LH levels and is associated with changes in ovarian follicular morphology. These changes are reversible upon discontinuation of raloxifene treatment.
A gossip-style failure detection service

Failure Detection is valuable for system management, replication, load balancing, and other distributed services. To date, Failure Detection Services scale badly in the number of members that are being monitored. This paper describes a new protocol based on gossiping that does scale well and provides timely detection. We analyze the protocol, and then extend it to discover and leverage the underlying network topology for much improved resource utilization. We then combine it with another protocol, based on broadcast, that is used to handle partition failures.
A Framework for Process Reengineering in Higher Education: A case study of distance learning exam scheduling and distribution

In this paper, we propose a conceptual and operational framework for process reengineering (PR) in higher education (HE) institutions. Using a case study aimed at streamlining exam scheduling and distribution in a distance learning (DL) unit, we outline a sequential and non-linear four-step framework designed to reengineer processes. The first two steps of this framework – initiating and analyzing – are used to initiate, document, and flowchart the process targeted for reengineering, and the last two steps – reengineering/ implementing and evaluating – are intended to prototype, implement, and evaluate the reengineered process. Our early involvement of all stakeholders, and our in-depth analysis and documentation of the existing process, allowed us to avoid the traditional pitfalls associated with business process reengineering (BPR). Consequently, the outcome of our case study indicates a streamlined and efficient process with a higher faculty satisfaction at substantial cost reduction.
Eficiência e uso do nitrogênio em híbridos experimentais de milho do programa de melhoramento da Universidade Federal do Tocantins = Efficiency and use of nitrogen in experimental corn hybrids of breeding program of Federal University of Tocantins

O fornecimento adequado de nitrogenio e fator que interfere no desempenho da cultura do milho, afetando diversos componentes da planta, sendo a dose exigida de acordo com o indice de produtividade esperado. A presente pesquisa teve o objetivo de avaliar 29 hibridos experimentais de milho pertencentes ao programa de melhoramento de milho da UFT e tres hibridos comerciais, como testemunhas, sob dois niveis de fornecimento de N em cobertura (0 kg ha-1 de N e 144 kg ha-1 de N), no municipio de Gurupi – Tocantins, na safra 2009/2010. Os tratamentos foram compostos pela combinacao entre hibridos de milho e doses de N. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em blocos cazualizados com duas repeticoes. Foram avaliadas as seguintes caracteristicas: altura de planta; altura de espiga; comprimento de espiga; diâmetro de espiga; peso de 100 sementes; peso hectolitrico; produtividade de espigas e graos; eficiencia do uso do nitrogenio e Low N index. Quando fornecido 144 kg ha-1 de N em cobertura, a produtividade variou de 3920 kg ha-1 (hibrido M19) a 9311 kg ha-1 (hibrido 3A HT). Quando fornecido 0 kg ha-1 de N em cobertura, ocorreu diferenca significativa entre hibridos, com relacao a eficiencia do uso do nitrogenio, onde os mais eficientes foram o hibrido M5, que produziu 242 kg de graos para cada kg de N aplicado e o hibrido 3A HT, com 214 kg kg-1 de N. O aumento da dose de nitrogenio influenciou no aumento de altura de plantas, altura de espiga, produtividade de espiga e de graos.
A Review of: “The Medical Library Association's Master Guide to Authoritative Information Resources in the Health Sciences (Medical Library Association Guides). Thompson, Laurie L., Editor-in-Chief; Higa, Mori Lou; Carrigan, Esther; and Tobia, Rajia, Associate Editors”

In 1965, Alfred N. Brandon published the Selected List of Books and Journals for the Small Medical Library, which then grew through collaboration with Dorothy R. Hill into the Brandon/Hill Selected...
Magneto-elastic coupling in compressed Fe7C3 supports carbon in Earth's inner core

[1] The nature of light element(s) in the core holds key to our understanding of Earth's history of accretion and differentiation, but the core composition remains poorly constrained. Carbon has been proposed to be a major constituent of the inner core, with broad implications for the global carbon cycle, the budget of volatiles in the Earth and origin of carbon-based life in the Solar System. However, existing estimates of the inner core's carbon content remain highly controversial because of poor constraints on the behavior of compressed iron carbides. Here we investigated the structure, elasticity, and magnetism of Eckstrom-Adcock carbide Fe7C3up to core pressures, using synchrotron-based single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy techniques. We detected two discontinuities in the compression curve up to 167 gigapascals (GPa), the first of which corresponds to a magnetic collapse between 5.5 and 7.5 GPa and is attributed to a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition. At the second discontinuity near 53 GPa, Fe7C3softens and exhibits Invar behavior, presumably caused by a high-spin to low-spin transition. Considering the magneto-elastic coupling effects, an Fe7C3-dominant composition can match the density of the inner core, making the core potentially the largest reservoir of carbon in Earth.
Cereal extrusion technology for small food processing enterprises: Abstracts

Food extrusion has become a very popular and important processing operation in the food industry. It provides a great opportunity to create new and exciting products. The main purpose of extrusion is to increase the variety of foods in the diet by producing a range of products with different shapes, textures, colours and flavours from basic ingredients. Today, food extruders are used to produce pasta, ready-to eat cereals, snacks, pet food, confectionery products, modified starches for soup, baby food and instant foods, rice and dal analogues, beverage bases and texturized vegetable proteins. Extrusion cooking is a high temperature short-time (HTST) process, which reduces microbial contamination, and inactivates enzymes. A typical extruder consists of a power supply to operate the main screw, a feeder to meter in the raw ingredients, and a barrel, which surrounds the screw. The screw conveys the raw material through towards a shaped hole, the die that shapes the product. Extrusion can take place under high temperatures and pressures or can be simply a non-cooking, forming process. Pre-ground and conditioned ingredients enter the screw where they are conveyed, mixed, and heated by a variety of processes. The product exits the extruder through a die where it usually puffs and changes texture from the release of steam and normal forces. Cereal processing using an extruder offers good opportunities for small-scale businesses in India because raw materials are readily available, extruders are reasonably affordable and if the products are chosen correctly, they have a good demand and can be profitable. The majority of the cereals available in India can be processed with extruder for snacks, pasta, rice analogue or breakfast cereals and combined with potentially hundreds of other ingredients to produce a vast range of processed cereal products.
Predicting polymer/solvent diffusion coefficients using free-volume theory

The Vrentas/Duda free-volume diffusion model accurately correlates polymer/solvent diffusion coefficients over wide ranges of concentration and temperature. Currently the model is semipredictive: limited diffusion data are required to estimate model parameters that can then be used to predict diffusion coefficient behavior over sundry conditions. In this work, we present methods for estimating all of the model parameters without any diffusion data and examine the accuracy of the resulting diffusion coefficient predictions. This is the only technique known that predicts polymer/solvent diffusion behavior without any use of any diffusion data.
Is Sharing De‐identified Data Legal? The State of Public Health Confidentiality Laws and Their Interplay with Statistical Disclosure Limitation Techniques

The diversity of state confidentiality laws governing public health data presents a significant challenge for public health initiatives. This challenge is further complicated by the array of confidentially laws that are relevant within a state as disclosure and usage standards vary depending upon data holder, type, and source. These laws often have not been updated to address modern confidentiality risks such as unlawful data linkage or breach, leaving many public health organizations without clear guidance in the contentious area of individual privacy. To address these challenges, public health organizations have increasingly turned to the science of de-identification, but whether de-identification adequately meets the many and varied state confidentiality legal requirements remains an unanswered question.
Differences in prey capture in grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, collected along an environmental impact gradient.

The waterways and associated salt marshes along the western border of Staten Island, New York (Arthur Kill) have long been under environmental duress. Environmental threats include industrial and municipal discharges, oil spills, and possible leachate from landfills. These impacts are compounded due to the low flushing of this body of water. Grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, inhabiting the Arthur Kill are, therefore, potentially at risk of exposure to metal and organic pollutants. Successful prey capture (of live brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana) was used to compare the relative health of shrimp collected from three sites along an environmental impact gradient. Study sites included a relatively unimpacted harbor (Great Kills Harbor, GK) and two creeks adjoining the Arthur Kill (Nassau Creek, NC, and Richmond Creek, RC). Shrimp originating from GK exhibited a rate of prey capture (6.3 prey h−1) that was about two times greater (p < 0.05) than that of shrimp originating from a creek behind a series of landfills (RC, 3.2 prey h−1). The rate of prey capture for shrimp collected from a creek impacted by historic smelting activities (NC) was intermediate (5.4 prey h−1). Laboratory studies with shrimp from a pristine site (Tuckerton, NJ) exposed to RC conditions (i.e., sediment and water) for eight weeks indicate that reduced prey capture can be induced in healthy shrimp. Finally, video analysis suggests that reduced prey capture in RC shrimp may not be the result of less effort, but rather the combination of (1) 80% fewer (p < 0.05) prey being captured with a lunge type of attack and (2) a greater reliance (p < 0.05) on a less efficient grab type of foraging behavior (64% success rate for RC versus 87% success rate for GK; p = 0.058). These results indicate that sublethal toxicity in environmentally impacted populations can occur and that prey capture may be used to assay the relative health of field specimens. Additionally, impaired prey capture may have important implications for the energy flow within impacted environments.
SPARC-Induced Migration of Glioblastoma Cell Lines via uPA-uPAR Signaling and Activation of Small GTPase RhoA

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is highly expressed in human gliomas where it promotes invasion and delays tumor growth, both in vitro and in vivo. SPARC, which interacts at the cell surface, has an impact on intracellular signaling and downstream gene expression changes, which might account for some of its effects on invasion and growth. Additionally in vitro studies demonstrated that SPARC delays growth, increases attachment, and modulates migration of tumor cells in an extracellular matrix-specific and concentration-dependent manner. Because the signaling aspect of this migration is neither well understood nor characterized, we overexpressed SPARC in both the minimally-invasive U87 cell line and in the most aggressive invasive cell line, SNB19. We first performed RT-PCR analysis and observed an upregulation of uPA and its receptor, uPAR. We also observed increased expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Western blot analysis confirmed these results, and the enzymatic activity of the metalloproteinases and uPA was further supported by zymography. Downstream of the uPA-uPAR interaction, upregulation of PI3-K occurred in cells overexpressing SPARC. Using GST-TRBD, we showed the upregulation of active GTP-bound RhoA, but neither Rac1 nor Cdc42 were activated. The inhibition of uPA and uPAR downregulated PI3-K activity and cell migration, as shown by matrigel invasion assay. A dorsal skin-fold chamber model revealed the high angiogenic activity of SPARC, though the proliferation of SPARC overexpressing cells was unaffected. Our results show that the small GTPase RhoA was a critical mediator of invasion or migration in the uPA-uPAR/PI3-K signaling pathway.
Depressed mood is related to obsessions, but not to compulsions, in obsessive-compulsive disorder☆

The authors compared obsessive-compulsive symptoms in 150 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who had never experienced a mood disorder, who had once experienced a mood disorder, and who had a current mood disorder. All patients were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Patients with comorbid mood disorder showed more severe obsessional symptoms, but not more severe compulsive symptoms, than did patients without mood disorder. In patients free of mood disorder, severity of subclinical dysphoria was correlated with severity of obsessions as well, but not with severity of compulsions. That is, mood disorders seem selectively associated with worsening of obsessions.
Third Space Activities and Change Processes: An Exploration of Ideas from Social and Psychodynamic Theories

Discussions pertaining to culture, power and/or identity frequently create tensions that are enacted by dyads and groups within schools, workplaces and communities. Although tensions can easily escalate into conflict or violence, we have observed that these tensions can serve as prompts that promote a change process. When individual perspectives are challenged, some participants are able to dissemble their views and consider other perspectives from which new understandings and views emerge. At times, when groups seem to be on the threshold of overt conflict, some participants engage in processes that examine the tension, explore new possibilities, and alter the view of one’s subjectivity. We suggest that these activities occur as momentary states in psychological spaces conceptualized as third spaces (Bhabha, The location of culture. London: Routledge, 1994). In this paper, we use concepts from psychodynamic and social theories to describe the conditions that coalesce to form states of mind (nepantla) (Anzaldua, Borderlands/La Frontera: The new mestiza. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books, 1999; Interviews Entrevistas. New York: Routledge, 2000) and the ability to engage in new relational possibilities (third space activities) with dyads and groups, outside of psychotherapy. The conditions include: critical consciousness, regulation, recognition, and responsibility. We then describe how such momentary experiences can subsequently result in an examination of one’s subjectivity, particularly as it pertains to issues regarding culture, power, and identity. Throughout the paper we provide four examples from various settings to illustrate these concepts and processes. Given the increasing racial/ethnic diversity of clients and clinical social workers in North America, this concept of third spaces holds particular relevance for contemporary clinical social work practice.
General nonlinear theory for complex wire rope

Abstract A general nonlinear theory has been developed to analyze complex wire rope. The rope is considered to consist of several strands each comprised of a collection of helical wires and the nonlinear equations of equilibrium for bending and twisting of thin rods are applied. The resultant theory is used in the analysis of a 6 × 19 Seale wire rope with an independent wire rope core. Dimensionless results are presented for both the total wire rope and the individual strands of which it is comprised. The results of the current theory are compared to the recently developed linear theory for complex wire rope.
Just because we teach it does not mean they use it: Case of programming skills

We are assessing the effect of our new freshman electrical engineering course sequence on follow-on courses. One of our assessments is a survey distributed to sophomores in electrical circuits and juniors in microelectronics courses. Roughly one half of freshman year is spent on programming in MATLAB and C, and problem solving using these programming tools. Our observation is that students consider programming important and have reasonably good confidence (self-efficacy) that they can solve problems using MATLAB and C. However, when asked about frequency of use for these tools students report using them somewhere between once a week and once a month. There is a significant number of students who report almost no usage at all. Results are consistent across sophomore and junior years with a slight up-tick in frequency of use for juniors. We are hypothesizing that students do not view MATLAB and C as tools for problem solving but as yet another item to acquire in their studies. Our plan is to change instruction in sophomore courses so that more problem-solving which requires programming will be introduced. The existing survey will be used to measure future improvement.
Differential Stability of Biogenesis Intermediates Reveals a Common Pathway for Aquaporin-1 Topological Maturation

Topological studies of multi-spanning membrane proteins commonly use sequentially truncated proteins fused to a C-terminal translocation reporter to deduce transmembrane (TM) segment orientation and key biogenesis events. Because these truncated proteins represent an incomplete stage of synthesis, they transiently populate intermediate folding states that may or may not reflect topology of the mature protein. For example, in Xenopus oocytes, the aquaporin-1 (AQP1) water channel is cotranslationally directed into a four membrane-spanning intermediate, which matures into the six membrane-spanning topology at a late stage of synthesis (Skach, W. R., Shi, L. B., Calayag, M. C., Frigeri, A., Lingappa, V. R., and Verkman, A. S. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 125, 803–815 and Lu, Y., Turnbull, I. R., Bragin, A., Carveth, K., Verkman, A. S., and Skach, W. R. (2000) Mol. Biol. Cell 11, 2973–2985). The hallmark of this process is that TM3 initially acquires an Nexo/Ccyto (Type I) topology and must rotate 180° to acquire its mature orientation. In contrast, recent studies in HEK-293 cells have suggested that TM3 acquires its mature topology cotranslationally without the need for reorientation (Dohke, Y., and Turner, R. J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 15215–15219). Here we re-examine AQP1 biogenesis and show that irrespective of the reporter or fusion site used, oocytes and mammalian cells yielded similar topologic results. AQP1 intermediates containing the first three TM segments generated two distinct cohorts of polypeptides in which TM3 spanned the ER membrane in either an Ncyto/Cexo (mature) or Nexo/Ccyto (immature) topology. Pulse-chase analyses revealed that the immature form was predominant immediately after synthesis but that it was rapidly degraded via the proteasome-mediated endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) pathway with a half-life of less than 25 min in HEK cells. As a result, the mature topology predominated at later time points. We conclude that (i) differential stability of biogenesis intermediates is an important factor for in vivo topological analysis of truncated chimeric proteins and (ii) cotranslational events of AQP1 biogenesis reflect a common AQP1 folding pathway in diverse expression systems.
Evidence-Based Practice: Developing a Trauma-Informed Lens to Case Management for Victims of Human Trafficking

The purpose of this study was to evaluate program adherence, process factors, and success of human trafficking case management services in an agency providing services to international human trafficking victims as there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of services for this population; however, using a trauma-informed lens has been suggested by other researchers (see Mary & Johns, 2011). As such, this paper describes services provided to international victims of human trafficking in an upstate New York facility and outlines the use of a trauma-informed lens in conjunction with a client-centered approach to delivering case management to persons who have experienced human trafficking. External evaluators were used to conduct a process evaluation of the case management services in a single agency. Evaluation of adherence to the program’s service protocol used a deductive approach to identify if the service providers (case managers and program director) followed the seven principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) in their practice. Modes of examining for TIC indicators included participant observation, content analysis of case folders, and other paperwork utilized within the agency as well as conversations with case managers and the program director. Findings indicate that a trauma-informed lens was successfully implemented, and the small-scale preliminary feedback from clients (N = 7) is that they feel safe, respected, and confident to live independently in an environment of their choosing.
Macro vs micro level surgical quality improvement: a regional collaborative demonstrates the case for a national NSQIP initiative.

Background The Florida Surgical Care Initiative (FSCI) is a quality improvement collaborative of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and the Florida Hospital Association. In the wake of a dramatic decrease in complications and cost documented over 15 months, we analyzed the semiannual measures reports (SAR) to determine whether this improvement was driven by specific institutions or was a global accomplishment by all participants. Methods Reports from NSQIP were analyzed to determine rank change of participants. Odds ratio (OR) of observed-to-expected incidence of the 4 FSCI outcomes (catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI], surgical site infection [SSI], colorectal, and surgery in patients older than 65 years) were used to assess individual and group performance. Data from SAR 2 (October 2011 to April 2012) were compared with data from SAR 3 (May to July 2012). Poorly performing hospitals were tracked to determine evidence of improvement. Individual facility performance was evaluated by determining proportion of hospitals showing improved rank across all measures. Results Fifty-four hospitals were evaluated. SAR 2 reported 28,112 general and vascular surgical cases; SAR 3 added 10,784 more. The proportion of institutions with OR Conclusions The increase in quality achieved across this population of surgical patients was the result of a quality assessment process driven by NSQIP rather than disproportionate improvement of some raising the bar for all. The NSQIP process, applied collaboratively across a population by committed institutions, produces dramatic results.
Deciphering and modeling the physicochemical drivers of denitrification rates in bioreactors

a b s t r a c t Denitrification bioreactors have served as effective artificial N sinks by stimulating denitrification and remediating excessive nitrate. Predictions on bioreactor performance will be improved by quantifying the relationship between denitrification rates and causal factors which vary by geography (tempera- ture), land-use intensity (NO3 concentration) and media type (carbon quality, quantity, and surface area). Experimental mesocosms filled with different wood media types (oak, pine), particle sizes and wood-sand volume ratios were exposed to flowing high-nitrate groundwater across a range of seasonal groundwater temperatures (8-24 ◦C) to determine the influence of these coarse but utilitarian parameters on bioreactor performance. To increase the transferability and specificity of findings, a multivariate analysis was used to quantify relationships between denitrification rates, microbial biomass, temperature, media surface area to volume ratio and metrics of C quality to guide de novo media selection and performance predic- tions. There were no strong differences in hydraulic conductivity, media consumption rates, and TKN flux between different treatments although increasing the wood-sand volume ratio alone produced signifi- cant increases in denitrification rates and undesirable DOC leaching. Fluxes of DOC and TKN also increased with higher hydraulic loading rates. Denitrification rates were unresponsive to nitrate concentration and most strongly influenced by groundwater temperature (Q10 = 4.7), although carbon bioavailability and media surface area were uniquely predictive of denitrification rates. Bioreactor performance will there- fore be most strongly influenced by geographical variations in temperature, although within a specific location, bioreactor media selection will influence denitrification rates.
Fractionation and Analysis of the High Density Fraction of Egg Yolk

Abstract Fraction III B (Clegg and Simlot, 1968), obtained by ultracentrifugation of a high-density fraction of egg yolk in 10% aqueous sodium chloride solution, was separated into four fractions by stepwise pH gradient elution from DEAE ion-exchange cellulose. The homogeneity of each fraction was tested by moving-boundary electrophoresis. The four fractions, 8.85, 9.50, 9.70, and 9.80, contained 0.99%, 1.25%, 2.33%, and 10.09% phosphorus, respectively, on an ash and moisture-free basis. The amino acid composition of each fraction also was determined. Fractions 8.85 and 9.50 were strikingly similar, while fraction 9.70 differed from the others in amino acid composition. Fraction 9.80 contained more serine than any other amino acid.
Methylation and Acetylation Characteristics of Cloned Bovine Embryos from Donor Cells Treated with 5-aza-2′-Deoxycytidine

Differentiated somatic cells and embryos cloned from somatic cells by nuclear transfer (NT) have higher levels of DNA methylation than gametes and early embryos produced in vivo. Reducing DNA methylation in donor cells before NT by treating them with chemicals such as the DNA methyl-transferase inhibitor (5-aza-29-deoxycytidine; 5-aza-dC) may improve cloning efficiency of NT embryos by providing donor cells with similar epigenetic characteristics as in vivo embryos. Previously, high levels of this reagent were used to treat donor cells, and decreased development of cloned embryos was observed. In this study, we tested a lower range (0.005 to 0.08 mM) of this drug and used cell cycle distribution changes as an indicator of changes in the characteristics of donor cells. We found that at 0.01 mM 5-aza-dC induced changes in the cycle stage distribution of donor cells, increased the fusion rate of NT embryos, and had no deleterious effect on the percentage of blastocyst development. Levels of 5-aza-dC greater than 0.01 mM significantly decreased embryo development. Embryos cloned from donor cells treated with a low dose of 5-aza-dC had higher levels of DNA methylation than embryos produced by in vitro fertilization, but they also had higher levels of histone acetylation. Although 5-aza-dC at 0.04 mM or higher reduced DNA methylation and histone acetylation levels to those of in vitro-fertilized embryos, development to blastocyst was reduced, suggesting that this concentration of the drug was detrimental. In summary, 5-aza-dC at 0.01 mM altered donor cell characteristics while showing no deleterious effects on embryos cloned from treated cells. assisted reproductive technology
A Proposed General Model for Southern African Community-Based Wildlife Management

Case studies of community-based wildlife management projects in southern Africa suggest that several key variables are important in determining outcomes: quality of governance, fit to context, integration across scales, and strength of reciprocal learning among diverse stakeholders. This article proposes a general model to serve as a framework for future research that would encourage progress toward defining and measuring these variables more consistently. Although acknowledging that improved analysis will not make the profound structural obstacles facing community-based wildlife management in the region more tractable, the article argues that a systematic research program following the proposed model will provide useful additional input into the adaptive, participatory project management practices now favored.
Catalytic reduction of cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride with electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in acetonitrile

Abstract In the presence of electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in acetonitrile containing tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride is catalytically reduced to form ultimately a tetrameric species, 1,2-dicyclohexylethene-1,2-diol dicyclohexanoate. Initially, the acyl chloride accepts an electron from nickel(I) salen to form an acyl radical, and two acyl radicals couple to afford 1,2-dicyclohexylethane-1,2-dione. As soon as it is formed, the latter α-diketone undergoes either direct (noncatalytic) or nickel(I) salen-catalyzed reduction to its radical-anion, which can attack unreduced cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride; the resulting intermediate is further reduced and acylated to produce the tetramer.
Mechanisms of action of retinoic acid in skin repair

The ability of topically applied retinoic acid to improve photoaged skin has stimulated research interest into its mechanism of action. Currently available assay systems are either in-vitro or mouse models, neither of which are truly representative of the in-vivo situation in man. Another drawback is that skin biopsies available from studies using retinoic acid to treat photoageing are of insufficient size to accomplish biochemical and molecular assays. In order to address these problems, a 4-day in-vivo retinoid assay has been developed which serves as a good predictive model for the chronic effects of retinoic acid on skin and helps to characterize the mechanism of action of retinoic acid.
Radiofrequency ablation of Mahaim pathway during atrial fibrillation.

adiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways has ecome a well-established therapy with a high rate of success. ntracardiac electrophysiologic study, mapping, and ablation of he pathway are typically performed either in sinus rhythm or uring AV reentrant tachycardia. However, atrial fibrillation ccurs commonly in these patients (11.5%–39%). It may be he presenting arrhythmia and can occur during the electrohysiologic study. Atrial fibrillation during electrophysiologic tudy makes mapping and catheter ablation difficult. Previous eports have described ablation of AV accessory pathways uring atrial fibrillation using an accessory pathway potential r earliest ventricular activation as a guide. Pathway potenial localization can be used to guide ablation of an atriofasicular (Mahaim) pathway during atrial fibrillation. However, ocalization of these potentials is different compared with AV athways, as illustrated in the following case.
The Moderating Effect of Supervisor’s Behavioral Integrity on the Relationship between Regulatory Focus and Impression Management

The desire to control how others see us is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Decades of research have suggested that the results associated with how others see us are too great an influence to ignore. The tactics we use and behaviors we engage in to control how others see us is known as impression management. This study examines the relationship between regulatory focus and the use of exemplification or supplication impression management tactics. We use regulatory focus theory to examine this phenomenon. First, we investigate the main effects that occur between prevention-focused individuals and exemplification, and between promotion-focused individuals and exemplification and supplication. We then introduce supervisor behavioral integrity as a moderator between regulatory focus and impression management. Our findings suggest a positive relationship between prevention-focused and exemplification, and between promotion-focused and exemplification and supplication. We also find that behavioral integrity strengthens the relationship between prevention-focused and exemplification and promotion-focused and supplication, but not promotion-focused and exemplification. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Plant root water extraction studies using stable isotopes

Soil water extraction by plant roots occurs in response to an environmental evaporative demand at the leaf surface. A reduction in water content of the leaf mesophyll cells is accompanied by a reduced hydraulic pressure in the plant’s conducting tissue and is assumed to be transmitted to the xylem tissue in the roots. Water moves from one energy state in the soil to a relatively lower energy state in the plant. Due to the adsorption properties of the soil matrix, the energy state of soil water decreases as the water content diminishes and therefore the soil competes with the plant for available water.
The synthesis of a mannosyl-N-acetylglucosamine-l-asparagine compound: 2-acetamido-N-(l-aspart-4-oyl)-2-deoxy-3-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranosylamine

Abstract The title compound, used in the synthesis of glycopeptides and as a reference substance in the structural elucidation of glycoproteins, was synthesized by condensation of 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -mannopyranosyl bromide with 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-α- d -glucopyranosyl azide, followed by removal of the benzylidene group to give the disaccharide azide 6 and acetylation. The resulting fully acetylated disaccharide azide 7 was also obtained by treatment of the known 2-acetamido-1,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-3- O -(2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -mannopyranosyl)-α- d -glucopyranose with hydrogen chloride and then with silver azide. The azide 7 was reduced in presence of platinum oxide (Adams' catalyst), and the resulting amine was condensed with 1-benzyl N -benzyloxycarbonyl- l -aspartate in the presence of N , N ′-dicyclocarbodiimide. The removal of the protective group was accomplished by hydrogenolysis and O -deacetylation. In a second route, the disaccharide azide 6 was reduced and then condensed with 1-benzyl N -benzyloxycarbonyl- l -aspartate, and the resulting product hydrogenolyzed.
Formability guidelines for aluminum alloys

Aluminum sheet alloys with potential application as lightweight automotive body panels have been assessed for formability using a new stretchbend test. Results obtained are in the form of RtH curves for mainly stretching and tRH curves for mainly bending conditions. The curves show 5182 0 and 6009- T4 to be slightly more formable than 2036-T4 or 6010- T4. The four alloys, however, are slightly less formable than either HSLA-F50 or DP- 90T, but are much less formable than AK steel. The RtH and tRH curves are useful formability guidelines for ranking, downgaging, substitution, and selection of sheet metal.
NEW PEDIATRIC ENDOTRACHEAL TUBES FOR HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION (HFJV)

An uncuffed pediatric version of the HI-LO JetTM triple lumen tube with an intramural jet channel for distal gas delivery was compared to a proximal delivery system (a metal cannula aimed at the ET tube orifice from a distance of 1-2mm to avoid obstructing the lumen). HI-LO tubes of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 & 5.0mm ID were tested in 5 anesthetized paralyzed cats using the MK-800 jet ventilator, duty cycle of 30%, FIO2 of 1.0, rates of 150 & 300 with normal & noncompliant lungs. The IDs of the metal cannula & the HI-LO tube jet channel were matched. Driving pressure was adjusted to maintain constant mean airway pressure for each pair. Under all conditions the two systems provided equally effective oxygenation & CO2 elimination: (Proximal - P, HI-LO - D). Both systems met the essential requirements of pediatric HFJV:sta bility & free expiratory channel. The HI-LO tube generated less entrainment.The pressure monitoring channel was useful & accurate.
Increased pSmad2 expression and cytoplasmic predominant presence of TGF-βRII in breast cancer tissue are associated with poor prognosis: results from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study.

Perturbations of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are pivotal to tumorigenesis and tumor progression through their effects on cell proliferation and cell invasion. This study aims to evaluate the association of TGF-βRII and pSmad2 protein expressions in breast tissue with clinicopathological factors and prognosis of breast cancer. Expression of the TGF-βRII and pSmad2 proteins was assessed in breast tissue of 1,045 breast cancer cases in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study using a double immunofluorescence staining method, which was validated with standard single immunostains. TGF-βRII expression intensity was positively associated with younger age at diagnosis (P = 0.03), pre-menopausal status (P = 0.03), and lower TNM stage (P = 0.04). Cytoplasmic predominant expression pattern of TGF-βRII was associated with older age at diagnosis (P = 0.04) and invasive histological type (P = 0.03). Increased pSmad2 expression was associated with higher breast cancer grade (P < 0.01). Higher pSmad2 expression [HR (95 % CI):1.48 (1.07–2.04), P = 0.02] and cytoplasmic predominant TGF-βRII expression [HR (95 % CI): 1.80 (1.08–3.00), P = 0.02] were significantly associated with reduced cancer-free survival. Our data suggest that TGF-βRII and pSmad2 expressions are associated with certain clinical and pathologic features of breast cancer. A cytoplasmic predominant TGF-βRII expression pattern and a higher pSmad2 expression were associated with decreased breast cancer survival. Our study provides additional evidence to support the important role of TGF-β signaling in breast cancer prognosis.
A novel scenario-based information security management exercise

In an environment of continually growing security threats, it is essential to raise the information security (INFOSEC) awareness and capabilities of ALL students entering the workforce. When considering INFOSEC education in the academic community, one often overlooked group is business students. However, the recognition and mitigation of information security risk is not only vital to the well being and survival of businesses, but also to our national security which is heavily dependant upon critical infrastructure industries located in the private sector. In this article, I discuss the experiences gained over a three year period in the development and implementation of a scenario-based, information security management exercise which is the capstone project in a graduate business information security course at Texas A&M University. The objective of the exercise is to give students hands on experience in the planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's information security program.
Mating behaviour in the endangered Sonoran topminnow: speciation in action

Two species of the endangered Sonoran topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis and P. sonoriensis, occur in two isolated drainage systems in southeast Arizona, U.S.A., and are allopatric throughout their range. Although these two taxa are morphologically very similar, and have been previously described as the same species or subspecies, several molecular studies have since indicated that they differ more than their morphology suggests. To determine whether the behaviours of the two species function as premating barriers to reproduction, we investigated their mating preferences and behavioural patterns in a laboratory setting. Results from no-choice mating observations showed that the mating behaviours of the two species differ. Observations conducted during multiple-choice mating trials provided evidence of assortative mating, suggesting an early stage of premating reproductive isolation.
Modelling thin film lubrication: Scientific versus engineering approaches

AbstractThere have been many recent advances in lubrication experimentation from a scientific perspective - the ability to perform meaningful measurements on molecular-scale films. Likewise, impressive strides have been made in the modelling of thin film (nanometer-scale) lubrication, from molecular dynamics and other theoretical techniques, again emanating from scientific domains. Selected recent experimental and theoretical results are discussed, particularly the ‘state variable’ theories applied to simple stick-slip configuration. Continuum-based methods are traditionally thought to be of little value in describing the modes of lubrication occurring at molecular scale. However, there is considerable experimental evidence suggesting that elements of the continuum theory may be valid, in the case of films as thin as several nanometres. The behaviour of rheological models and their applicability to thin film lubrication is described. Approaching these problems from the fluid film constitutive equation per...
GE-CMU: description of the TIPSTER/SHOGUN system as used for MUC-4

The GE-CMU team is developing the TIPSTER/SHOGUN system under the government-sponsored TIPSTER program, which aims to advance coverage, accuracy, and portability in text interpretation. The system will soon be tested on Japanese and English news stories in two new domains. MUC-4 served as the first substantial test of the combined system. Because the SHOGUN system takes advantage of most of the components of the GE NLTOOLSET except for the parser, this paper supplements the NLTOOLSET system description by explaining the relationship between the two systems and comparing their performance on the examples from MUC-4.
Browning's the Bishop Orders his Tomb at Saint Praxed's Church

(2003). Browning's the Bishop Orders his Tomb at Saint Praxed's Church. The Explicator: Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 204-206.
A model of flame propagation in rich mixtures of coal dust in air

Abstract A two-phase combustion model describing fundamental coal dust flame propagation phenomena is developed to treat general fuel rich mixtures. The model includes heterogeneous combustion, pyrolysis of the coal, and homogeneous combustion of volatile matter and the optically thick limit for radiative heat transfer. Calculations for coal (fuel) rich mixtures in air were done for equivalence ratios of 3–8. Predicted burning velocities for 50 μm particles of coal with 36% volatile matter indicated a broad maximum of 37 cm/s at an equivalence ratio of 4 (0.367 kg/m 3 ). The minimum computed velocity was 9 cm/s at φ = 8 (0.733 kg/m 3 ). The burning velocity was found to increase as the particle size decreased. The chemical kinetics model was highly simplified, but based on experimental information. The predicted flame temperatures and structures compare well with recent experimental data published by the authors. The structure of the flames was found to be strongly influenced by radiative heat transfer. Flame thicknesses were predicted to exceed 10 cm for most conditions studied.
Physical attractiveness: Manipulation by physique and status displays

Abstract This study investigated the effects of physique and status ornamentation on the perceived attractiveness of males and females. Physique display was manipulated by altering clothing tightness and skin exposure. Status was manipulated with clothing changes designed to represent dress of different socioeconomic classes. College students provided ratings for opposite-sex models' physical, dating, sexual, and marital attractiveness. All attractiveness measures were enhanced when models wore high-status costumes, primarily when physique was not also displayed. Accentuating the body produced an overall enhancement of attractiveness as a sexual partner but a decrease in attractiveness as a marital partner. Results are primarily discussed in terms of the economic exchange and expectations regarding sexual behavior that are involved in the traditional marriage.
Treatment of mechanical aortic valve thrombosis with heparin and eptifibatide

A 75-year old woman with a history of coronary disease status post 3-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 8 years ago and a repeat one-vessel CABG 2 years ago in the setting of aortic valve replacement with a #19 mm St. Jude bileaflet mechanical valve for severe aortic stenosis presented with two to three weeks of progressive dyspnea and increasing substernal chest discomfort. Echocardiography revealed a gradient to 31 mmHg across her aortic valve, increased from a baseline of 13 mmHg five months previously. Fluoroscopy revealed thrombosis of her mechanical aortic valve. She was not a candidate for surgery given her multiple comorbidities, and fibrinolysis was contraindicated given a recent subdural hematoma 1 year prior to presentation. She was treated with heparin and eptifibatide and subsequently demonstrated resolution of her aortic valve thrombosis. We report the first described successful use of eptifibatide in addition to unfractionated heparin for the management of subacute valve thrombosis in a patient at high risk for repeat surgery or fibrinolysis.