cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flowering range changes across an elevation gradient in response to warming summer temperatures

Many studies have demonstrated plant response to warming temperatures, both as advancement in the timing of phenological events and in range shifts. Mountain gradients are ideal laboratories for studying species range changes. In this study of 363 plant species in bloom collected in five segments across a 1200 m (4158 ft) elevation gradient, we look for changes in species flowering ranges over a 20-year period. Ninety-three species (25.6%) exhibited a significant change in the elevation at which they flowered from the first half to the second half of the record, with many of these changes occurring at higher elevations. Most of the species exhibiting the changes were perennial plants. Interestingly, though many changes in flowering range were specific to higher elevations, range changes occurred all across the gradient. The changes reported in this study are concurrent with significant increases in summer temperatures across the region and are consistent with observed changes around the globe.
Robust e p stability and performance

In this paper we study robust stability, in the lp sense, against structured perturbations of bounded lp norm. The perturbations may be either linear time-varying, nonlinear time-varying, or nonlinear time-invariant. We develop exact tests for robust stability for each case in terms of convex optimization problems. These results are extended to solve the corresponding robust performance problems, with performance measured via the induced lp norm.
Discovery-Oriented Behavior and the Originality of Creative Products: A Study with Artists

In order to examine the significance of the “problem-formulation” stage of creative activity, 31 advanced art students were observed in a quasi-naturalistic setting of an art school while carrying out an assignment to produce a still-life drawing. Observations of “discovery-oriented” behavior were recorded for each subject from the time he began organizing the still-life objects until he completed the actual drawing. The finished art work was independently evaluated by an expert panel on three dimensions: overall value, originality, and craftsmanship. A positive relationship was found between discovery-oriented behavior at the problem-formulation stage and the originality (but not the craftsmanship) of the creative product. The study affirms the theoretical and empirical importance of the problem-formulation stage of the creative process and suggests a method for observing and analyzing behavior at this stage.
The concept of flow in Rwandan popular medicine

Abstract This paper examines Rwandan popular concepts of health and physiology focusing upon notions which concern the bodily secretions: blood, saliva, semen, and maternal milk. Through the analysis of a female patient's description of an illness caused by ‘poisoning’, the author demonstrates that Rwandan notions of individual health, social order, and the cosmos manifest the principle of homology. Liquid substances participate in several important processess in Rwandan social life, including those of production, exchange, and reproduction. Pathology arises where the flow of liquids becomes perturbed, hence a contrast is drawn between ‘flow’ and ‘anomic flow’. Ritually controlling ‘flow’ was once the responsibility of the Rwandan divine king ( mwami ). Today, although Rwanda is no longer a monarchy, symbolic constructs related to the ‘flow/anomic flow’ dialectic continue to permeate Rwandan popular medicine and this is evidenced in the discourse of patients and healers. In this particular instance, the patient uses this symbolic model to express feelings of malaise which run the gamut from ‘micro’ level phenomena—herself and her household—to ‘macro’ level phenomena—political strife at the national level.
Amniotic fluid interleukin-6 : correlation with upper genital tract microbial colonization and gestational age in women delivered after spontaneous labor versus indicated delivery

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether amniotic fluid interleukin-6 is increased and inversely proportional to gestational age in women with chorioamnion colonization and spontaneous labor versus women delivered for medical or obstetric indications. STUDY DESIGN: The chorioamnion and amniotic fluid were cultured at cesarean delivery for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, mycoplasmas, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis in 269 women with singleton gestations with intact membranes. The amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration was also determined. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels were (1) higher in women with spontaneous labor versus those with indicated deliveries (15.8 ± 5.0 vs 2.2 ± 0.2 ng/ml, p = 0.01), (2) inversely proportional to gestational age in women with spontaneous labor ( p = 0.001) but not in women with indicated deliveries (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 2.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml), (3) higher in women with a positive versus a negative chorioamnion (15.1 = 4.8 vs 3.0 ± 0.8 ng/ml, p p p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels are (1) higher and inversely proportional to gestational age in women with intact membranes and spontaneous labor versus indicated deliveries, (2) higher in women with one or more microorganisms in the chorioamnion or amniotic fluid, and (3) reflective of chorioamnion microbial colonization, even when the amniotic fluid culture is negative, and may be a useful clinical marker for infection-mediated preterm labor.
Absence of Epistasis for Grain Yield in Elite Maize Hybrids

Certain maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines are more successful than others in forming elite hybrids. This study was conducted to determine whether epistatic interactions play a significant role in hybrid performance. Statistical epistasis was measured with a modified generation means model using testcrosses. Six progeny generations (P 1 , P 2 , F 1 , F 2 , and a backcross from the F 1 to each parent) were produced for all possible hybrids of a five-parent diallel in both the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and non-BSSS heterotic groups. Two testers were hybridized to each of the 10 possible hybrid progeny sets in both groups. Each testcross progeny set was evaluated in 10 environments. The nonepistatic model accounted for a large amount of the variation in generation means and fit the data well. Of the 40 maize testcross progeny sets studied, five resulted in a significant epistatic effect for grain yield. Four of the significant epistatic effects showed evidence of linkage, while one was due to unlinked epistatic effects. Our results suggest that parents in a hybrid cross need to be significantly different and testers need to bring out those differences to detect epistasis better by means of testcross generation means.
Nitric oxide inhibits capacitative cation influx in human platelets by promoting sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase-dependent refilling of Ca2+ stores.

Abstract —Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent inhibitor of thrombin-induced increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration and aggregation in platelets, but the precise mechanism of this inhibition is unclear. To measure Ca2+/Mn2+ influx in intact platelets and to monitor Ca2+ uptake into the stores in permeabilized platelets, fura-2 was used. In intact platelets, maximal capacitative Ca2+ and Mn2+ influx developed rapidly (within 30 s) after fast release of Ca2+ from the stores with thrombin (0.5 U/mL) or slowly (within 5 to 10 minutes) following passive Ca2+ leak caused by inhibition of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) with 30 μmol/L 2,5-di-( tert -butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ). NO (1 μmol/L) inhibited capacitative Ca2+ and Mn2+ influx independently of the time after thrombin application. In contrast, the effect of NO on BHQ-induced Ca2+ and Mn2+ influx was observed only during the first few minutes after BHQ application and completely disappeared when capacitative cation influx reached its maximum. In Ca2+-free medium, NO reduced the peak Ca2+ rise caused by thrombin and significantly promoted Ca2+ back-sequestration into the stores. Both effects disappeared in the presence of BHQ. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase with H-(1,2,4) oxadiazolo(4,3-a) quinoxallin-1-one (10 μmol/L) attenuated but did not prevent the effects of NO on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration. Inhibition of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria did not change the effects of NO. In permeabilized platelets, NO accelerated back-sequestration of Ca2+ into the stores after inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate–induced Ca2+ release or after addition of Ca2+ (1 μmol/L) in the absence of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate. The effect of NO depended on the initial rate of Ca2+ uptake and on the concentration of ATP and was abolished by BHQ, indicating the direct involvement of SERCA. These data strongly support the hypothesis that NO inhibits store-operated cation influx in human platelets indirectly via acceleration of SERCA-dependent refilling of Ca2+ stores.
Organizational Logic for Concurrent Government in Metropolitan Areas

In an urban environment of high diversity, governmental structure should be open and multinucleated to meet the performance criteria of efficiency and effectiveness. A case study of the Lakewood Plan illustrates that governmental structure is contingent upon environmental factors in the specific metropolitan area. The traditional “one best way” recommendation for consolidation assumes an oversimplification of the urban public economy.
Effects of salinity and light intensity on the resumption of photosynthesis in rehydrated cyanobacterial mats from baja california sur, mexico

Lyngbya mats in the intertidal of the Laguna Ojo de Liebre are metabolically active for only a few days every 2 weeks during spring tides, with environmental conditions varying greatly during these periods of hydration. Pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry (PAM) and oxygen measurements were used to measure photosynthetic activity during the first few hours after rehydration under various light intensities and salinities. Upon rehydration, a transitory maximum in respiratory activity (10–30 min) occurred before the resumption of photosynthesis, which could recover in about 2 h. Salinities outside the mats' natural range (35–50 psu) were detrimental to photosynthetic recovery. Both high (100 psu) and low (0–10 psu) salinities slowed recovery as well as lowered the overall photosynthetic yield. Photosynthesis was initiated earlier and recovered more rapidly with increasing light intensity. In addition, the positive effect of light on rates of recovery was disproportionately greater at lower salinities (10–25 psu) where high light (500 W·m−2) counteracted the negative effects of low-salt stress early in recovery. However, higher light intensities became photoinhibitory later in recovery (>2 h). Photosynthesis did not recover uniformly within the mat. Filaments deeper in the mat most likely recovered later than those near the surface due to high light attenuation. The ability of the mats to tolerate desiccation and take advantage of hydration periods even when conditions are suboptimal enables these mats to predominate in the intertidal environment.
Studies on the stereoselective construction of the tigliane ring system

Abstract Complementary strategies for the construction of the tigliane ring system characteristic of the tumor-promoting diterpene phorbol are described. Application of both a Robinson annulation and a Diels-Alder protocol starting from a preformed hydroazulene building block have been examined in this context.
Subcortical Biophysical Abnormalities in Patients with Mood Disorders

Cortical-subcortical circuits have been implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Structural and biochemical abnormalities have been identified in patients diagnosed with mood disorders using magnetic resonance imaging-related approaches. In this study, we used magnetization transfer (MT), an innovative magnetic resonance approach, to study biophysical changes in both gray and white matter regions in cortical-subcortical circuits implicated in emotional regulation and behavior. Our study samples comprised 28 patients clinically diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 31 non-depressed subjects of comparable age and gender. MT ratio (MTR), representing the biophysical integrity of macromolecular proteins within key components of cortical-subcortical circuits-the caudate, thalamic, striatal, orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate and dorsolateral regions-was the primary outcome measure. In our study, the MTR in the head of the right caudate nucleus was significantly lower in the MDD group when compared with the comparison group. MTR values showed an inverse relationship with age in both groups, with more widespread relationships observed in the MDD group. These data indicate that focal biophysical abnormalities in the caudate nucleus may be central to the pathophysiology of depression and critical to the cortical-subcortical abnormalities that underlie mood disorders. Depression may also accentuate age-related changes in the biophysical properties of cortical and subcortical regions. These observations have broad implications for the neuronal circuitry underlying mood disorders across the lifespan.
The importance of having your SOX on: role of SOX10 † in the development of neural crest-derived melanocytes and glia

SOX10 is a member of the high-mobility group-domain SOX family of transcription factors, which are ubiquitously found in the animal kingdom. Disruption of neural crest development in the Dominant megacolon (Dom) mice is associated with a Sox10 mutation. Mutations in human Sox10 gene have also been linked with the occurrence of neurocristopathies in the Waardenburg-Shah syndrome type IV (WS-IV), for which the Sox10(Dom) mice serve as a murine model. The neural crest disorders in the Sox10(Dom) mice and WS-IV patients consist of hypopigmentation, cochlear neurosensory deafness, and enteric aganglionosis. Consistent with these observations, a critical role for SOX10 in the proper differentiation of neural crest-derived melanocytes and glia has been demonstrated. Emerging data also show an important role for SOX10 in promoting the survival of neural crest precursor cells prior to lineage commitment. Several genes whose regulation is dependent on SOX10 function have been identified in the peripheral nervous system and in melanocytes, helping to begin the identification of the multiple pathways that appear to be modulated by SOX10 activity. In this review, we will discuss the biological relevance of these target genes to neural crest development and the properties of Sox10 as a transcription factor.
The effect of ΔG on the transport and oral absorption of macromolecules

Delta G (ΔG) is the biologically active fragment of Zonula Occludens Toxin (Zot), an absorption enhancer, that reversibly opens the tight junctions of epithelial and endothelial cells in the small intestine and brain. This study evaluates the possible use of ΔG in enhancing the oral bioavailability of macromolecules using large paracellular markers as model agents. The transport of [14C]Inulin and [14C]PEG4000 was evaluated across Caco-2 cells with ΔG (0, 100, 180 μg/ml). The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated. The in vitro toxicity of ΔG (180 μg/ml) was assessed. Sprague Dawley rats were dosed intraduodenally (ID) with the following treatments: [14C]Inulin or [14C]PEG4000 (30 μci/kg) w/o ΔG (720 μg/kg)/protease inhibitors (PI). Blood was collected and plasma was analyzed for radioactivity. ΔG (180 μg/ml) increased [14C]Inulin and [14C]PEG4000 Papp by 82.6 and 24.4%, respectively, without any toxicity. After ID administration with ΔG/PI, Cmax and AUC were significantly (p < 0.05) increased for both Inulin and PEG4000. However, Inulin displayed greater enhancement ratios in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that ΔG may be used to enhance the oral bioavailability of macromolecules (e.g., proteins) after coadministration through modulation of paracellular transport. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1310–1319, 2004
Regrowth of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) following cutting

Abstract Freshwater tidal marsh populations of giant cutgrass ( Zizaniopsis miliacea (Michx) Doell & Aschers.) often grow in monotypic stands. Cutting works best as a population control measure when applied in the late summer and fall and least in the winter and spring. Management of these populations for sustained yield requires that the grass blades be harvested during the winter or early spring when no permanent damage will be done to the populations.
3-D inhomogeneities in the upper mantle

Abstract The method developed by Aki, Christofferson and Husebye for determining a 3-D seismic image of the earth's interior from the travel-time data obtained at a 2-D array has been applied to seventeen arrays around the world by various authors. The most outstanding results from these works are that small-scale lateral velocity anomalies exist in the lower crust and upper mantle everywhere studied. The reality of these deep-seated anomalies is supported by: 1. (1) significant reduction of residual variance; 2. (2) resolution analysis for decoupling from shallower anomalies; and 3. (3) error analysis for the significance of anomalies. In this paper, we try to strengthen the credibility of these deep-seated anomalies by drawing attention to those found where they were expected; namely, low-velocity bodies under several geothermal areas and high-velocity anomalies associated with the subducting plate.
Madin-Darby canine kidney cells display type I and type II insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors

Using affinity cross-linking techniques, we report the presence of type I IGF and type II IGF receptors in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, a line of cells lacking insulin receptors. The IGF receptors were further characterized by competition binding studies and found to be similar to IGF receptors in other tissue types. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, the type I IGF receptor binds IGF-I greater than IGF-II greater than insulin and the type II IGF receptor binds IGF-II and IGF-I with approximately the same affinity, but does not bind insulin.
A three-component model for magnetization transfer. Solution by projection-operator technique, and application to cartilage.

Abstract A projection-operator technique is applied to a general three-component model for magnetization transfer, extending our previous two-component model [R. S. Adler and H. N. Yeung,J. Magn. Reson. A104,321 (1993), and H. N. Yeung, R. S. Adler, and S. D. Swanson,J. Magn. Reson. A106,37 (1994)]. The PO technique provides an elegant means of deriving a simple, effective rate equation in which there is natural separation of relaxation and source terms and allows incorporation of Redfield–Provotorov theory without any additional assumptions or restrictive conditions. The PO technique is extended to incorporate more general, multicomponent models. The three-component model is used to fit experimental data from samples of human hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. The fits of the three-component model are compared to the fits of the two-component model.
Doppler evaluation of erectile dysfunction – Part 2

Doppler evaluation in erectile dysfunction (ED) has a significant role in determining the cause of ED. The advantages of penile Doppler and pharmacologic duplex ultrasonography include objective, minimally invasive evaluation of penile hemodynamics at a relatively low cost. Arteriogenic ED may be secondary to peripheral vascular disease and diabetes, or may be seen in association with coronary artery disease. Various parameters, such as diameter of the cavernosal artery, peak systolic flow velocity, degree of arterial dilatation and acceleration time, have been suggested for the diagnosis of arteriogenic ED, but peak systolic flow velocity is the most accurate indicator of arterial disease. This second part of the review article describes the various causes of ED and the interpretation and evaluation of color flow Doppler examination in ED.
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation and influence on perceptions of pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training experience.

IMPORTANCE The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) has set a goal of universal accreditation of fellowship programs by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) by 2014. This study offers data comparing trainee experience at accredited vs nonaccredited programs. OBJECTIVE To evaluate perceptions of pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training experience and to elucidate differences between those who trained in ACGME-accredited fellowships vs those who did not. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Web-based survey sent to all members of ASPO, as well as recent fellowship graduate ASPO-eligible physicians. Responses were obtained in an anonymous fashion. The study population comprised 136 ASPO members who recently graduated from pediatric otolaryngology fellowship programs (36 from ACGME-accredited fellowships and 100 from nonaccredited programs). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Difference in perceived fellowship experience between graduates of accredited vs nonaccredited programs, specifically, differences in service vs education perceptions. RESULTS Overall, a majority (64%) of respondents agreed that standardizing the pediatric fellowship curriculum through ACGME accreditation is a worthwhile goal. Those who attended ACGME-accredited fellowships were more likely to favor accreditation vs non-ACGME graduates (83% vs 58%; P = .006). Graduates of ACGME-accredited programs were also more likely to agree that their fellowship provided adequate preparation for a career in academic medicine (100% vs 89%; P = .04), protected time for research (94% vs 60%; P < .001), vacation and academic time (94% vs 78%; P = .03), and opportunities to formally evaluate their superiors (72% vs 32%; P < .001). Non-ACGME graduates reported higher primary call frequency (0.8 days per week vs 0.2 days per week; P = .01), and attending physician participation in rounds (71% vs 53%; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Most respondents were in agreement with universal ACGME accreditation. Those having trained in accredited programs cite increased allowance for research, academic and vacation time, more formal opportunities to evaluate their faculty, and decreased primary call burden.
Integrating web-based data mining tools with business models for knowledge management

As firms begin to implement web-based presentation and data mining tools to enhance decision support capability, the firm's knowledge workers must determine how to most effectively use these new web-based tools to deliver competitive advantage. The focus of this study is on evaluating how knowledge workers integrate these tools into their information and knowledge management requirements. The relationship between the independent variables (web-based data mining software tools and business models) and the dependent variable (strategic performance capabilities) is empirically tested in this study. The results from this study demonstrate the positive interaction effect between the tools and models application on strategic performance capability.
Paramagnetic Resonance of Trivalent Manganese in Rutile (Ti O 2 )

An analysis has been made of the paramagnetic resonance spectrum of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$, $3{d}^{4}$, in rutile. The spectrum at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K can be fitted to a spin Hamiltonian with $S=2$; ${g}_{z}=1.99(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01)$; ${g}_{\mathrm{xy}}=2.00(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02)$; $D=\ensuremath{-}3.4$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1); $|E|=0.116$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001); $a=0.13$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02); $|{A}_{x}|=84.5(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$; $|{A}_{z}|=52.8(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$; $|{A}_{c}|=80.6(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The quartic term $a$, previously observed only in the $3{d}^{5}$ group has now also been detected for $3{d}^{4}$. The value of $a$ for ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ exceeds that for ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ systems ($3{d}^{5}$) by factors of 60 and 4, respectively. The constants $g$, $D$, and $A$ are in good agreement with theory. From the hyperfine splitting data a value of 3.2 ${\mathrm{a}.\mathrm{u}.}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ was obtained for $〈{r}^{\ensuremath{-}3}〉$; this is about 30% below that calculated for the free ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ ion. The $S$-electron contribution to the hfs, $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, was derived to be +0.52. ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ has large zero-field splittings (the outer splitting is 412 kMc/sec), fairly long relaxation times, and narrow resonance lines and may be an appropriate material for masers operating at submillimeter wavelengths.
1H NMR Spectral Simplification with Achiral and Chiral Lanthanide Shift Reagents. Mexiletine

Abstract The 60 MHz 1H NMR spectra of mexiletine, 1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-propanamine, 1, have been studied at 28° in CDCl3 solution with the achiral reagent, tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium(III), 2, Eu(FOD)3, and the chiral reagents tris[3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)-d-camphorato]europium(III), 3, Eu(FACAM)3, and tris[3-(heptafluoropropylhydroxymethylene)-d-camphorato]europium(III), 4, Eu(HFC)3. Substantial lanthanide-induced shifts were seen for the proton signals of 1 with each reagent. Appreciable enantiomeric shift differences were seen for both methyl signals and for each of the CH2CH proton signals using 3 and 4 that should permit direct determinations of enantiomeric excess for samples of 1. A predominant conformation for 1 is suggested based on observed splittings of the CH2 proton signals and their relative lanthanide-induced shifts.
Early-life weight gain, prematurity, and asthma development.

Early childhood asthma is a clinical syndrome, the development and clinical manifestations of which result from a complex interplay among airway anatomy, physiology, and inflammation. Although multiple phenotypes of early childhood wheezing and asthma have been described, the mechanisms that promote and differentiate these phenotypes remain poorly understood. Over the past decade, substantial understanding has emerged as to the early-life factors that influence childhood asthma development. One area of great interest has been the relationships between patterns of fetal and infant growth, subsequent wheezing, and asthma. Although several studies strongly suggest that intrauterine growth patterns do not influence the risk of childhood wheezing or asthma, Pike et al noted an inverse association between fetal growth and risk of atopic wheeze by age 3 years. The relationship between birth weight and subsequent asthma is inconsistent, with studies finding absent, inverse, or positive associations between birth weight and asthma. Postnatal weight gain in early life has consistently been identified as an important contributor to asthma risk, with several large studies showing greater weight gain in infancy being associated with an increased risk for incident asthma. This was recently illustrated in a study of 12,050 subjects from 8 European birth cohorts, which reported that rapid growth in body mass index (BMI) during the first 2 years of life increased the risk of asthma up to 6 years of age, with no additional effect of rapid BMI gains between 2 and 6 years of age. In this issue of the Journal, Sonnenschein-van der Voort et al advance our understanding of these associations through an analysis of more than 147,000 children participating in 31 European birth cohort studies. The occurrence of preschool (first 4 years of life) wheezing and asthma (between 5 and 10 years of age) was identified by using questionnaires adapted from the International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Childhood. The authors used random-effects meta-analysis on individual
Contextualizing Latina experiences of sexual harassment: Preliminary tests of a structural model

This study integrates findings from the Latin cultural literature and past sexual harassment research into a culturally relevant model of the sexual harassment process, framed by cognitive theories of stress and appraisal. Specifically, within a community sample of 184 harassed Latinas, we assessed both universal and culturally salient factors related to targets, perpetrators, harassing behaviors, and organizational contexts. Path analyses then suggested relations between these factors and Latinas' phenomenological experiences of sexual harassment. Further, the more experientially severe the sexual harassment, the more that Latinas reported job dissatisfaction, organizational withdrawal, psychosomatic symptoms, and life dissatisfaction. In sum, this project contextualized the sexual harassment process by identifying sociocultural determinants of its impact on Latina working women.
Headpiece domain of dematin regulates calcium mobilization and signaling in platelets.

Dematin is a broadly expressed membrane cytoskeletal protein that has been well characterized in erythrocytes and to a lesser extent in non-erythroid cells. However, dematin's function in platelets is not known. Here, we show that dematin is abundantly expressed in both human and mouse platelets. Platelets harvested from the dematin headpiece knock-out (HPKO) mouse model exhibit a striking defect in the mobilization of calcium in response to multiple agonists of platelet activation. The reduced calcium mobilization in HPKO platelets is associated with concomitant inhibition of platelet aggregation and granule secretion. Integrin αIIbβ3 activation in response to agonists is attenuated in the HPKO platelets. The mutant platelets show nearly normal spreading on fibrinogen and an unaltered basal cAMP level; however, the clot retraction was compromised in the mutant mice. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that dematin is present both at the dense tubular system and plasma membrane fractions of platelets. Proteomic analysis of dematin-associated proteins in human platelets identified inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase isoform B (IP3KB) as a binding partner, which was confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis. IP3KB, a dense tubular system protein, is a major regulator of calcium homeostasis. Loss of the dematin headpiece resulted in a decrease of IP3KB at the membrane and increased levels of IP3KB in the cytosol. Collectively, these findings unveil dematin as a novel regulator of internal calcium mobilization in platelets affecting multiple signaling and cytoskeletal functions. Implications of a conserved role of dematin in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in other cell types will be discussed.
Development of the yeast Pichia pastoris as a model organism for a genetic and molecular analysis of peroxisome assembly

We describe the isolation of mutants of the yeast Pichia pastoris that are deficient in peroxisome assembly (pas). These mutants of P. pastoris can be identified solely by their inability to grow on methanol and oleic acid, the utilization of which requires peroxisomal enzymes, and are defined by the absence of normal peroxisomes as judged by electron microscopy and biochemical fractionation experiments. These mutants are the result of genetic defects at single loci and represent at least eight different complementation groups. The isolation of pas mutants of P. pastoris by a simple screen for mutants unable to use methanol and oleic acid represents a significantly more efficient method for identification of pas mutants than is possible in other organisms. To exploit this advantage fully we also developed new reagents for the genetic and molecular manipulation of P. pastoris. These include a set of auxotropic strains with an essentialiy wild type genetic background, plasmids that act as Escherichia coli–P. pastoris shuttle vectors, and genomic DNA libraries for isolation of P. pastoris genes by functional complementation of mutants or by nucleic acid hybridization. The availability of numerous pas mutants and the reagents necessary for their molecular analysis should lead to the isolation and characterization of genes involved in peroxisome assembly.
Innervation of the chamber angle of the guinea pig eye.

The paths of the ciliary nerves of adult albino guinea pigs could be followed in a large number of serial sections by employing a modified silver impregnation technique. It appears that this technique is well suited to the investigation of the innervation of the trabecular region of the eye, particularly in parallel with electron microscopy.
Mesoangioblasts from facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy display in vivo a variable myogenic ability predictable by their in vitro behavior.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most frequent inherited myopathy. We previously demonstrated that mesoangioblasts can be efficiently isolated from FSHD muscles, although their differentiation ability into skeletal muscle was variably impaired. This correlates with overall disease severity and degree of histopathologic abnormalities, since mesoangioblasts from morphologically normal muscles did not show any myogenic differentiation block. The aim of our present study was to verify whether mesoangioblasts from differentially affected FSHD muscles reproduce in vivo the same differentiation ability shown in vitro by studying their capability to form new muscle fibers during muscle regeneration of experimentally damaged muscles. We show that a diverse ability of FSHD mesoangioblasts to engraft and differentiate into skeletal muscle of SCID mice is strictly related to the characteristics of the muscle of origin, closely replicating in vivo what was previously observed in vitro. Moreov...
Matrix and fiber influences on the cryogenic microcracking of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Abstract Cryogenic cycling effects on symmetric carbon fiber/epoxy laminates were examined using model prepreg systems. The properties of the composite materials studied were altered through the introduction of variations in their structure and composition. The curing agent used, matrix backbone flexibility, toughening agents, and longitudinal coefficient of thermal expansion of the reinforcing fibers were changed to investigate their role in cryogenic microcracking. Examination of the laminates after cycling provided insight into the mechanism and origins of thermal stress-induced microcracking. Matrix properties and fiber tensile modulus were shown to have a significant impact on the response of the composite materials to cryogenic cycling. It was found in this study that higher glass transition temperatures of the laminates and the presence of toughening agents in the matrix decreased the microcracking propensity of these laminates. Higher tensile moduli and linear coefficients of thermal expansion of the fibers were found to increase the microcrack density in the laminates studied.
Recovery Among Youths Referred to Outpatient Psychotherapy: Reliable Change, Clinical Significance, and Predictors of Outcome

Although psychotherapy for children and adolescents is efficacious when administered in university-based research settings, relatively little data support its effectiveness in the community. This study examined the outcomes of 35,429 youths (5–17 years of age) referred to public outpatient psychotherapy programs in Ohio. All youths showed statistical elevations in symptom severity and were assigned at least one DSM-IV diagnosis at intake. Parents, therapists, and adolescents completed the same norm-referenced symptom severity measure at intake and at 3 month intervals until termination. One year after intake, approximately 55% of youths showed statistically reliable symptom reduction whereas 8% showed reliable symptom exacerbation. Approximately one-third of the sample showed both reliable and clinically significant improvement. Outcomes varied significantly by informant, client age, and client gender. Results indicate that many youths improve during the course of therapy but most remain symptomatic 1 year after intake.
Identification and characterization of an animal delta(12) fatty acid desaturase gene by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract We have cloned a Caenorhabditis elegans cDNA encoding a Δ12 fatty acid desaturase and demonstrated its activity by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The predicted protein is highly homologous both to the cloned plant genes with similar function and to the published sequence of the C. elegans omega-3 fatty acid desaturase. In addition, it conforms to the structural constraints expected of a membrane-bound fatty acid desaturase including the canonical histidine-rich regions. This is the first report of a cloned animal Δ12 desaturase gene. Expression of this cDNA in yeast resulted in the accumulation of 16:2 and 18:2 (linoleic) acids. The increase of membrane fluidity brought about by this change in unsaturation was measured. The production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in yeast cells and the concomitant increase in membrane fluidity was correlated with a modest increase in growth rate at low temperature and with increased resistance to ethanol and oxidative stress.
Ethanol Alters the Frequency, Amplitude, and Decay Kinetics of Sr2+-Supported, Asynchronous NMDAR mEPSCs in Rat Hippocampal Slices

To discriminate between pre- and postsynaptic effects of ethanol on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling in hippocampus, we adapted the technique of Sr(2+) substitution to the hippocampal blind slice patch-clamp preparation. Hippocampal slices were isolated from 12- to 20-day-old rats that were killed in accordance with University of Texas Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines. NMDAR miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were evoked from CA1 pyramidal neurons in the presence of Sr(2+) (4 mM), causing the synchronous EPSC observed in the presence of Ca(2+) to be supplanted by asynchronous mEPSCs. Amplitudes typically ranged from 5 to 40 pA and responded to the NMDAR antagonist (DL)-APV (50 microM), with a statistically significant reduction in mean amplitude. Ethanol (25, 50, and 75 mM) exerted dose-dependent effects on mEPSC amplitude and frequency. Peak amplitude inhibition was observed at 75 mM ethanol. Notably, ethanol significantly decreased event frequency at 50 and 75 mM ethanol. Ethanol (75 mM) also significantly increased the paired-pulse ratio of NMDAR EPSCs. Cumulative comparisons of decay time constants derived from single-exponential fitting of mEPSCs revealed significantly accelerated current decay kinetics in the presence of 75 mM ethanol. Taken together, these reductions in miniature event frequency and amplitude, concurrent with an increased rate of decay, suggest that the acute effects of ethanol on NMDAR signaling at hippocampal synapses are multifocal in nature. This finding of pre- and postsynaptic effects of ethanol on NMDAR signal strength in a brain region central to cognition is wholly consistent with previous reports of ethanol inhibition of NMDAR-long-term potentiation in vitro and with the profound cognitive deficits associated with binge-level intoxication in vivo.
Potassium channel alpha and beta subunits assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum.

We have characterized the maturation of Shaker K+ channel protein and the cellular site of assembly of pore-forming a and cytoplasmic β subunits in a transfected mammalian cell line. Shaker protein is made as a partially glycosylated, immature precursor that is converted to a fully glycosylated, mature product. Shaker protein did not mature when transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus was blocked. Consistent with this finding, only the immature form was sensitive to digestion with endoglycosidase H. These results indicate that the immature protein is core-glycosylated in the ER, whereas the oligosaccharides of the mature protein have been further processed in the Golgi compartment. After inhibiting ER-to-Golgi transport, the oligomeric state of Shaker subunits was assessed by cross-linking in intact cells or by solubilization and sucrose gradient sedimentation. The results indicate that Shaker subunits assemble with each other in the ER. When co-expressed, the Kvβ2 subunit also associated with Shaker in the ER. Assembly with the β2 subunit did not increase the rate or extent of Shaker protein maturation. Our results indicate that the biogenesis of Shaker K+ channels in vivo involves core glycosylation and subunit assembly in the ER, followed by efficient transfer to the Golgi apparatus where the oligosaccharides are modified.
Optical properties and device prospects of ZnSe-based quantum structures

Abstract The optical properties of (Zn,Cd)Se/ZnSe quantum wells are reviewed with emphasis on recent results on quasi-two-dimensional excitons, light emitting diodes, as well as on optically pumped lasers and diode lasers in this type I system.
Creating a new introductory course sequence for BSIT students

This paper discusses a new set of introductory courses for a BSIT degree program. Previously, the BSIT students in this program started with a fairly typical "CS1/CS2" sequence. Our faculty decided to move away from this programming-oriented sequence as the degree starting point, while not reducing the programming learning outcomes for the overall degree. The process of making this change has required several steps, and the result is a substantially different set of courses.The new sequence provides a much better introduction to the IT 2008 "pillars" from the very first courses in the program. In addition, there is a significant effort to help students see and understand applications that provide a context for the technical material. Finally, there are significant process elements that start students on programming and other technical work as a team-based activity from the very beginning.This paper discusses the process of making this change, presents an outline of the new sequence, and provides some details on results of the effort.
Discriminative stimulus properties of the optical isomers of nicotine

Rats were trained to discriminate 200 or 400 μg/kg (-)nicotine from saline in a two-bar operant paradigm. Dose-response relationships for optically pure (-)- and (+)nicotine as well as antagonistic effects were examined in both groups of rats. The natural isomer (-)nicotine was approximately nine-times more potent than (+)nicotine. Mecamylamine produced equal blockade of the (-)- and (+)nicotine cues. Hexamethonium and atropine were without effect. These data demonstrate the possible stereospecificity of the central nicotinic receptor that mediates the stimulus effect produced by nicotine.
Mediolateral patterning of somites: multiple axial signals, including Sonic hedgehog, regulate Nkx-3.1 expression

Abstract The axial structures, the notochord and the neural tube, play an essential role in the dorsoventral patterning of somites and in the differentiation of their many cell lineages. Here, we investigated the role of the axial structures in the mediolateral patterning of the somite by using a newly identified murine homeobox gene, Nkx-3.1, as a medial somitic marker in explant in vitro assays. Nkx-3.1 is dynamically expressed during somitogenesis only in the youngest, most newly-formed somites at the caudal end of the embryo. We found that the expression of Nkx-3.1 in pre-somitic tissue explants is induced by the notochord and maintained in newly-differentiated somites by the notochord and both ventral and dorsal parts of the neural tube. We showed that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is one of the signaling molecules that can reproduce the effect of the axial structures by exposing explants to either COS cells transfected with a Shh expression construct or to recombinant SHH. Shh could induce and maintain Nkx-3.1 expression in pre-somitic mesoderm and young somites but not in more mature, differentiated ones. The effects of Shh on Nkx-3.1 expression were antagonized by a forskolin-induced increase in the activity of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A. Additionally, we confirmed that the expression of the earliest expressed murine myogenic marker, myf 5, is also regulated by the axial strucutres but that Shh by itself is not capable of inducing or maintaining it. We suggest that the establishment of somitic medial and lateral compartments and the early events in myogenesis are governed by a combination of positive and inhibitory signals derived from the neighboring structures, as has previously been proposed for the dorsoventral patterning of somites.
Quantum data hiding

We present a scheme for hiding bits in Bell states that is secure even when the sharers Alice and Bob are allowed to carry out local quantum operations and classical communication. We prove that the information that Alice and Bob can gain about a hidden bit is exponentially small in n, the number of qubits in each share, and can be made arbitrarily small for hiding multiple bits. We indicate an alternative efficient low-entanglement method for preparing the shared quantum states. We discuss how our scheme can be implemented using present-day quantum optics.
Numerical studies of optical dephasing in ruby

Abstract Computer simulation studies of 27Al nuclear spin flip-induced dephasing of R1 optical transitions in ruby are presented. Non-exponential echo intensity decays of the form I = I 0 exp − ( 4t T m ) x were obtained. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical Tm's was obtained for transitions with spin S g = − 1 2 and S g = − 3 2 in the ground state assuming a nearest-neighbour flip rate of 20 kHz. However calculated x values differed from experiment by ~ 15% for S g = − 3 2 and by ~45% for S g = − 1 2 . Possible limitations of the simulation are discussed in the light of these disagreements.
Spare Gonadotrophin Receptors in Rat Testis

GONADOTROPHIN receptor sites with high specificity and affinity for luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) have been demonstrated in particulate and soluble interstitial cell fractions of rat testis1–4. Such hormone binding sites have been used in radioligand receptor assays for LH and HCG1,2 and in studies on the structural determinants of gonadotrophin binding to target tissue5–7. Other parameters of gonadotrophin action have been examined during incubation of intact rat testes with HCG by radioimmunoassay of the cyclic AMP and testosterone produced during trophic hormone stimulation in vitro8–11. Decapsulated intact rat testes are highly sensitive to gonadotrophic stimulation in vitro, responding to HCG concentrations as low as 0.1 ng ml−1 (10−12 M) with synthesis and release of testosterone and to higher concentrations with synthesis and release of cyclic AMP10. Release of cyclic AMP during incubation with HCG has been shown to reflect cyclic AMP synthesis by simultaneous measurement of 14C-adenine incorporation and radioimmunoassay of cyclic AMP9,10.
Gluconeogenesis in Isolated Chicken Hepatocytes: Effect of Fatty Acids, β-Hydroxybutrate, Ethanol, and Various Pyruvate/Lactate Ratios

Abstract The effect of fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, ethanol, and different pyruvate/lactate ratios on gluconeogenesis in isolated chicken hepatocytes was investigated. Gluconeogenesis was significantly affected by a change in the oxidation-reduction (pyruvate/lactate) ratio, and this effect was greater than could be accounted for by the additive effects of these substrates. Substituting lactate with nongluconeogenic substrates, such as β-hydroxybutyrate or ethanol, increased the formation of glucose by 80 and 200%, respectively, demonstrating the beneficial effect of the increased reducing equivalents in the hepatocytes. Oleic acid per se had no effect but when added, complexed with albumin, it had a negative effect on gluconeogenesis.