cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term growth enhancement of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) from municipal wastewater application

(L.) Rich.]. The study site, a swamp in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, has received municipal wastewater for the last 40 years. Growth chronologies from 1920 to 1992 were developed from cross-dated tree core samples taken from treated and control sites with similar size and age classes. Mean diameter increment (DINC) and mean basal area increment (BAI) chronologies were constructed separately for each stand. These chronologies were then summarized by tree and stand into seven nine-year intervals resulting in three pretreatment intervals from 1926 to 1952 and four treatment intervals from 1953 to 1988. Significant differences in growth response between sites showed a consistent pattern of growth enhancement in the treated site coincident with the onset of effluent discharge. The ratio of treated to control baldcypress growth rates (computed from DINC) averaged 0.74 during the pretreatment period and 1.53 during the treatment period. Over the period of study, control DINC decreased from 77 mm to 29 mm/nine-year interval, while treatment DINC increased slightly from 40 mm to 47 mm/nine-year interval. Control BAI did not increase significantly and averaged 192 cm2/nine-year interval. There was a significant increase in treatment BAI from 129 to 333 cm2/nine-year interval over the period of record. These results clearly demonstrate sustained long-term baldcypress growth enhancement throughout 40 years of municipal effluent discharge.
Lithofacies Control of Lignite Distribution and Ground-Water Quality, Wilcox Group (Eocene), East-Central Texas: ABSTRACT

Deep lignite resources (200-2,000 ft; 61-610 m) were evaluated regionally using 1,470 geophysical well logs to interpret lithofacies, lignite occurrence, and resistivity (water quality). The regional distribution of lithofacies indicates that in the region, the Wilcox Group is a fluvial-deltaic system. The primary fluvial system entered the Wilcox coastal plain west of Waco, Texas, trended southeast, and supplied a 75-mi (120-km) wide fluvial-deltaic system comparable in size to the Mississippi system. Lignites are most abundant in the Calvert Bluff Formation (upper Wilcox). Lower Calvert Bluff lignites are thickest and most extensive southwest of the Navasota River, whereas those of the upper Calvert Bluff are thickest northeast of the Brazos River. In the shallow subsurface, Calvert Bluff lignites are found in dip-elongate low-sand areas (flood plains) between channel-sand belts. Basinward, laterally continuous lignites coincide with high net sand areas comprised of distributary channel sands indicative of a delta-plain setting. The Wilcox Group is a major aquifer. Maps of resistivity values show that Wilcox channel sands are conduits for ground-water flow. High values of formation resistivity (low total dissolved solids) exist in recharge areas at outcrop and around salt domes. Elongate trends of high resistivity values extend tens of miles basinward and coincide with axes of major sands. Resistivity values decrease basinward and the 20 ohm-m contour delineates the downdip limit of fresh water. Lithofacies and lignite occurrence maps are guides to exploration for deep lignite. Resistivity maps can be used to explore for ground-water resources. End_of_Article - Last_Page 450------------
Comparative anatomy of the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) and selected species.

Objective To examine the anatomy of the ciliary body in the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), paying close attention to its vascularization and to compare to those of its distant relative, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), the amphibious hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the aquatic short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Procedure Specimens from each species were preserved in 10% buffered formalin, and observed stereomicroscopically before being embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained by Masson trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff for light microscopic evaluation. Results The network of blood vessels in the ciliary processes of the West Indian manatee appear to have an intricate pattern, especially with regard to venous outflow. Those of the elephant are slightly less complex, while those of the hippopotamus and whale have different vascular patterns within the ciliary body. Musculature within the ciliary body is absent within the manatee and pilot whale. Conclusions In general, there appears to be a direct relationship between the increased development of vasculature and the loss of musculature within the ciliary bodies of the aquatic and amphibious mammals presently studied. Specifically, the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee has a comparatively unique construction, especially with regard to its vasculature.
Psychiatric residency directors' use of computers in their training programs.

Over 73% (169) of psychiatric residency training directors who responded to a survey believe that computer instruction should be provided to residents. The survey instrument, a questionnaire, was mailed to residency directors of general and child psychiatry programs (N = 314) in 1991. The authors found that computers are available for resident use in 165 (79%) programs, but only 87 (38%) residency programs provide computer instruction for their trainees. Over 85% (182) of the directors have used computers, with 45% (90) of them using computers at least 3 hours per week. The directors’ own use of computers is strongly associated with typing skill level and familiarity with different software packages. There is a discrepancy between the amount of computer instruction provided for residents and the amount the directors desire. The authors also found that most directors are not familiar with software packages developed specifically for psychiatrists that are now available.
Flow control methodology for virtual-circuit networks

An input rate flow control methodology for a virtual-circuit computer network is presented. Power is used as the performance measure of a virtual circuit and network power, which is the product of all of the virtual circuit powers, is used as the network performance measure. It is shown that the network power has a unique maximum point in the feasible region of the throughput space. A distributed flow control algorithm is presented and proof of convergence is given. Several numerical examples illustrate the algorithm.
Random distributed multiresolution representations with significance querying

We propose random distributed multiresolution representations of sensor network data, so that the most significant encoding coefficients are easily accessible by querying a few sensors, anywhere in the network. Less significant encoding coefficients are available by querying a larger number of sensors, local to the region of interest. Significance can be defined in a multiresolution way, without any prior knowledge of the source data, as global summaries versus local details. Alternatively, significance can be defined in a data-adaptive way, as large differences between neighboring data values. We propose a distributed encoding algorithm that is robust to arbitrary wireless communication connectivity graphs, where links can fail or change with time. This randomized algorithm allows distributed computation that does not require strict global coordination or awareness of network connectivity at individual sensors. Because computations involve sensors in local neighborhoods of the communication graph, they are communication-efficient. Our framework uses local interaction among sensors to enable flexible information retrieval at the global level.
Influence of volume shifts on drug binding during equilibrium dialysis: Correction and attenuation

A time-dependent volume shift from buffer to plasma, which occurs during equilibrium dialysis, decreased the protein binding of disopyramide and its capacity constant, and had no effect on the binding association constant. The volume-dependent decrease in disopyramidine binding may be corrected for by use of a derived equation. Inclusion of dextran, 2.5% (w/v), and use of a thick, low molecular weight cutoff membrane was the most effective technique in attenuating the volume shift. The plasma (serum) protein binding of the basic drugs lidocaine, disopyramide, propranolol, and diazepam was decreased when protein was diluted to 88% or less of its undiluted concentration as a consequence of the volume shift. The protein binding of clofibrate, a highly bound acid drug, was more sensitive to volume shifts than the four basic drugs. Correction of drug binding for volume shifts was reasonably successful for most drugs. The highest binding measured for all drugs was associated with the lowest volume shift.
Stoichiometric removal of ligand from phosphine-ligated copper(I) reagents with BH3 · Thf: a novel synthesis of di-μ-bromotetrakis(methyldiphenylphosphine)-dicopper(I) and the structures of CuBr[PMePh2]3 and {CuBr [PMePh2]2}2

Abstract Attempts to synthesize CuBr[PMePh2]2 using standard methods result in the formation of CuBr[PMePh2]3 (I). {CuBr[PMePh2]2}2 (II) has been conveniently prepared in high yield from I by the reaction with BH3 · THF in THF, and its molecular structure has been determined. {CuBr[PMePh2]2}2 (II)crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with cell dimensions a = 10.362(4), b = 10.938(5), c = 12.620(6) A, α = 74.90(4), β = 67.81(3), γ = 87.91(3)° and Z = 2 (per monomeric unit). The molecule II is a dibromide-bridged dimer with two pseudo-tetrahedral copper atoms. The molecular structure of CuBr[PMePh2]3 (I) is also reported. The species crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna21 with Z = 4 and cell constants a = 20.174(7), b = 10.354(3) and c = 17.267(5) A. The coordination geometry about the copper atom is approximately tetrahedral. Detailed spectroscopic data are reported for both species. This reaction involving removal of phosphines with BH3 · THF appears to be stoichiometric and general.
Localization of β -adrenoreceptors in mammalian lung by light microscopic autoradiography

β-Adrenergic agonists regulate a variety of lung functions including relaxation of airway smooth muscle, secretion of mucus1, release of surfactant2 and modulation of mediator release from mast cells3. Assays of the direct binding of radio-labelled β-adrenergic antagonists to homogenates of whole lung from several species have revealed a very high density of β-adrenoreceptors, but the cellular location of these receptors has not been determined4–7. Using a technique previously used to study distribution of receptors in the brain8,9 we report here for the first time the localization of β-receptors in the lung by light microscopic autoradiography. Initial biochemical studies showed that 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) bound to slide-mounted frozen sections of ferret lung with the characteristics expected of interaction with β-receptors. Autoradiograms prepared by apposition of dry emulsion-coated coverslips to these sections showed that the distribution of β-receptors in the lung was widespread. The highest concentration of β-receptors was found in smooth muscle of bronchioles with somewhat lower densities in smooth muscle of large airways. Labelling also occurred in airway epithelium, submucosal glands and vascular smooth muscle. Alveolar walls were heavily labelled and as type II pneumocytes, which are known to have β-receptors, comprise only a small portion of the surface area, β-receptors must also be present on type I cells and/or capillary endothelial cells, although their function is at present unknown.
OpenCon2014 in Washington DC, November 2014. Early Career Researchers and Open Access Advocacy

Purpose – This paper aims to give an overview of OpenCon 2014, organized by the Right to Research Coalition, SPARC (The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) and an organizing committee of students and early career researchers from around the world that took place between the 14th and 17th of November 2014 in Washington DC. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative approach was used to describe events. Findings – OpenCon 2014 is an exciting new conference that targets early career librarians and researchers who are involved with and/or interested in aspects of the open-access movement. It is attempting to galvanize the upcoming generation of scholars to demand more of traditional publishing models by bringing together a selective group that spans diverse interests and experience levels. Originality/value – This report outlines the author's takeaways and opinions concerning the events of the conference, as well as identifies some of the themes and issues that were relevant to librarians in...
Murine Lewis Lung Carcinoma-Derived Endothelium Expresses Markers of Endothelial Activation and Requires Tumor-Specific Extracellular Matrix In Vitro

The purpose of the study was to identify characteristics specific to tumor-derived endothelium that may be important in tumor biology, or for the development of targeted therapeutics or imaging agents. Normal C57Bl/6 murine heart or lung endothelium, or C57Bl/6 murine Lewis lung carcinoma tumor-derived endothelium was isolated from excised tissues using specific antibodies. The endothelium was cultured using either native fibronectin, or the oncofetal form of fibronectin. Cell surface adhesion molecule expression was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the cellular distribution of specific molecules was examined using indirect immunofluorescence staining. Oncofetal fibronectin was critical for maintaining the phenotype of tumor-derived endothelium, which demonstrated an elongated morphology in vitro, with few cell-cell contacts. They expressed high levels of CD31, CD102, and vascular endothelial cadherin, and constitutively expressed CD62E, CD54, and CD106, indicating an "activated" phenotype. Moreover, they expressed significantly greater levels of Sca-1 and Flk-1 than normal murine endothelium. Cellular distribution of CD31, beta-catenin, and CD106 in tumor-derived endothelium was not continuous at cell borders, as observed in cultures of murine heart endothelium. In conclusion, Lewis lung carcinoma-derived tumor endothelium exhibits a specific phenotype in vitro, distinct from normal endothelium, and could be used as an in vitro tool for developing targeted agents.
Follicle stimulating hormone versus pregnant mare serum gonadotropin for superovulation of dairy goats

Abstract During the fall breeding season, 30 non-lactating mixed breed dairy goats were randomly allotted to one of three treatment groups. All does were implanted with 6 mg norgestomet for 11 d. Does in treatment A ( n = 10) received a single injection of 750 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) at the time of implant removal, while does in treatment B ( n = 10) were administered twice daily injections of 4, 3, 2 and 1 mg follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) given at 12 h intervals starting 48 h prior to implant removal. Control does ( n = 10) received only the norgestomet implant. Estrus was detected in 90% of the does in treatments A and B and in 70% of control does within 48 h of progestagen removal. Mean time to onset of estrus was similar for treatments A and B but was shorter ( P P P P
Blue and green semiconductor lasers: a status report

An overview is given of recent laboratory developments in wide-bandgap semiconductor diode lasers. We concentrate on the device science of these blue - green light emitters and outline some of the existing key technical challenges. Following a description of the current device status of the edge-emitting GaN- and ZnSe-based heterojunction lasers, we illustrate the special features of wide-gap semiconductor lasers by focusing on the physics of optical gain and possibilities in short-vertical-cavity structures.
The role of subcutaneous ketorolac for pain management.

*PGY-2 Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy Resident, †Clinical Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina. Corresponding author: Mary E. Vacha, Duke University Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, DUMC 3089, Durham, NC 27710; phone: 919-684-6364; fax; 919-681-3895; e-mail: mary.vacha@dm.duke.edu This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu.
Phosphorylation of the PTEN Tail Acts as an Inhibitory Switch by Preventing Its Recruitment into a Protein Complex

PTEN is a tumor suppressor protein that functions, in large part, by dephosphorylating the lipid second messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and by doing so antagonizing the action of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. PTEN structural domains include an N-terminal phosphatase domain, a lipid-binding C2 domain, and a 50-amino acid C-terminal tail that contains a PDZ binding sequence. We showed previously that phosphorylation of the PTEN tail negatively regulates PTEN activity. We now show that phosphorylated PTEN exists in a monomeric "closed" conformation and has low affinity for PDZ domain-containing proteins. Conversely, when unphosphorylated, PTEN is in an "open" conformation, is recruited into a high molecular weight complex (PTEN-associated complex), and strongly interacts with PDZ-containing proteins such as MAGI-2. As a consequence, when compared with wild-type PTEN, the phosphorylation-deficient mutant form of PTEN strongly cooperates with MAGI-2 to block Akt activation. These results indicate that phosphorylation of the PTEN tail causes a conformational change that results in the masking of the PDZ binding domain. Consequently, the ability of PTEN to bind to PDZ domain-containing proteins is reduced dramatically. These data suggest that phosphorylation of the PTEN tail suppresses the activity of PTEN by controlling the recruitment of PTEN into the PTEN-associated complex.
Modulation of lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis by interferon-γ and “type I” interferons

Abstract Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β (“type I” IFNs), but not IFN-γ reduced phytohemagglutininor pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced proliferation in cultures of human mononuclear leukocytes. Proliferation induced by specific antigens (tuberculin PPD or tetanus toxoid) or by exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2) was strongly inhibited by type I IFNs and, to a lesser extent, by IFN-γ as well. Inhibition of proliferation in mitogen-stimulated cultures was not due to a reduced production of IL-2 or to an inhibition of IL-2 receptor expression. Type I IFNs inhibited immunoglobulin (Ig) production in PWM-stimulated unseparated mononuclear cells, whereas IFN-γ enhanced Ig production in such cultures. In cultures of purified B cells type I IFNs caused a stimulation of Ig production and this B-cell differentiation factor (BCDF) hike activity of IFNs was synergistically enhanced in the presence of IL-2. IFN-γ produced less BCDF-like activity than type I IFNs. These results show that in some instances type I IFNs can be more potent in affecting functions of cells of the immune system than IFN-γ.
Reply to Volker Berghahn

REPLY TO VOLKER BERGHAHN I am grateful to Volker Berghahn for the chance to clarify our differences as well as for the characteristic civility of his critique. In what follows, I will 1) take issue with his view of German historiography; 2) rebut his charge that recent scholarship has left us with a fragmented, ultimately undecipherable picture of the Kaiserreich; and 3) explain why I think my own argument in Practicing Democracy, which he agrees takes seriously the oppressive features of German society, is more persuasive than his picture of deterioration to the point of impasse and ungovernability. I. Any author would be flattered to have her work singled out as pars in toto for two generations of historiography. Whether those cultural historians who have written on art, Burgertum, childhood, Heimat, monuments, pub life, old age, rural piety, science, urban crime, and women are equally delighted to be dispatched by proxy via a critique of a book focussed relentlessly on electoral politics, I leave to them. They may well feel that my faults, and even my virtues, are not theirs. The narrative that allows Professor Berghahn to group such disparate works together is a simple one. For him, the modern historiography of the Kaiserreich begins in the sixties and early seventies on a Fischerite and Bielefeldian foundation. Then comes the historiographical Zweite Berghahn, Germany and the Approach to War (St. Martin's, 1993), 13.
Coleomegilla maculata, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and Macrocentrus grandii (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) trapped on colored sticky traps in corn habitats

Behavioral responses of 4 species of natural enemies to 4 colors were examined by capturing adults on colored sticky cards placed at 2 locations (edge and interior) in corn, Zea mays L., fields. Cards were placed at 2 heights (1.8 and 0.3 m) in 1993 and in 2 habitats (sweet and field corn) in 1994, using a split-split plot design. Natural enemies studied included the coccinellids Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) and Coccinella septempunctata L., the chrysopid Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), and Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich, a braconid larval parasitoid of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Compared with red, green, and white cards, yellow cards trapped greater numbers of all natural enemies, except C. carnea , which was trapped equally on cards of all 4 colors. Few significant interactions were observed between the effects of color and those of location and height or habitat, which are perhaps indicative of microhabitat preferences. Captures on cards provided information on abundance of each natural enemy species during different periods in the summer. It also revealed the pattern of adult flights of M. grandii , which is useful for determining whether its life cycle is synchronized with that of its host. The study suggests that, besides studying behavioral responses, color cards may be useful for monitoring natural enemy populations.
Regulation of 5-lipoxygenase pathway product generation in human neutrophils by n-3 fatty acids.

nonesterified exogenous n- 3 fatty acids, 5--40 #g/ml (16-130~tM), EPA or DCHA on PMN 5-1ipoxygenase product generation by PMN activated in vitro by 10/~M A23187 for 5 to 15 min, with or without prelabeling with [3I-I]arachidonic acid (AA) were separately quantitated. 13 In both cases, products were resolved by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) before quantitation. H,~3 Each study assessed the metabolism of endogenous AA and of the n - 3 fatty acids into 5-1ipoxygenase products and the sums of these products reflected the total activities of the 5-1ipoxygenase pathway enzymes. The initial step in processing esterified cell membrane fatty acids is hydrolytic release from these pools by phospholipases. Cell activation can initiate hydrolysis of fatty acid esters but activation of the 5-1ipoxygenase pathway occurs independently by an additional Ca' + requirement. C5a, a fragment of the fifth component of complement, fails to provide adequate AA substrate from endogenous pools, and 5-1ipoxygenase pathway products are measurable with this stimulus only in the presence of added AA, I which is inactive when added alone. EPA and DCHA, added as free fatty acids to PMN suspensions, do not affect the release of pre-incorporated [3H]AA from PMN by A23187) 3 In contrast, the release of pre-incorporated [3I-I]AA from PMN by A23187 was reduced by a mean of 37% when
Automatic Pronunciation Assistance on Video

In this article we present a novel method that uses image and speech processing techniques to analyze video from a second language learner and provides speaker's pronunciation training. The pronunciation recommendation provided for the speaker will be selected from a database using machine learning techniques The model presented integrates speech and image recognition technology capable of quantizing and analyzing the learner's input providing feed-back data to evaluate the model's performance. The image/audio analysis and the expert system needed to provide recommendations to students are implemented on the GPU to allow for a fast feedback to students. Results show that our methodology accurately assigns pronunciation recommendations equivalent to those provided by a human second language (L2) instructor.
Interpersonal and Noninterpersonal Interactions, Interpersonal Motives, and the Effect of Frustrated Motives

A new circumplex model of interpersonal interaction emphasizes the motives that drive interpersonal behaviors and the negative affect (such as anger) that occurs when a strongly activated motive is frustrated. This study examined the model experimentally by varying conditions designed to activate and frustrate interpersonal motives. One hundred twenty-nine students engaged in text-based discussions using a computer. Three factors were varied: (a) activation of interpersonal motives— participants believed the interaction was interpersonal (with a human) or noninterpersonal (with a computer); (b) individual differences in motive activation—assertive and nonassertive participants were compared (strong vs. weak motive to influence others); and (c) level of frustration of activated motives—the “partner's” messages contained dominating or nondominating language. Participants who believed their interaction was interpersonal produced more interpersonal behaviors of various types. Assertive participants who intera...
Tandem stenosis: a cadaveric study in osseous morphology.

Abstract Background Tandem stenosis is the occurrence of concurrent cervical and lumbar stenosis. The prevalence has been estimated to be from 5% to 25%. Symptomatic tandem stenosis can present with a confusing scenario of both neurogenic claudication and myelopathy symptoms. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine 1) the prevalence of anatomic tandem stenosis in a cadaveric population, 2) if there was an associative relationship between lumbar and cervical stenosis, and 3) the positive predictive values of stenosis in one area for stenosis in the other. Study design We obtained 440 skeletally mature skeletons and examined the cervical and lumbar spines from the Hamann Todd Collection in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Methods For the cervical spine, we measured the mid-sagittal canal diameter using digital calipers for every level from C3 through C7. The minimum full central sagittal diameter was recorded for each level. For the lumbar spine, we measured the minimum full mid-sagittal canal diameter for every level from L1 through L5, using digital calipers. Stenosis was defined as a mid-sagittal canal diameter of less than 12 mm at at least one level. After analysis of this data, a second analysis was performed after correcting the data for contemporary body size and radiographic manifestation. Results The prevalence of tandem stenosis ranged from 0.9% to 5.4% in this population. The association of cervical and lumbar stenosis was found to be statistically significant (p Conclusion Tandem stenosis should be considered when evaluating a patient with mixed claudication and myeloradiculopathy symptoms.
Exploiting Platform Heterogeneity for Power Efficient Data Centers

It has recently become clear that power management is of critical importance in modern enterprise computing environments. The traditional drive for higher performance has influenced trends towards consolidation and higher densities, artifacts enabled by virtualization and new small form factor server blades. The resulting effect has been increased power and cooling requirements in data centers which elevate ownership costs and put more pressure on rack and enclosure densities. To address these issues, in this paper, we enable power-efficient management of enterprise workloads by exploiting a fundamental characteristic of data centers: "platform heterogeneity". This heterogeneity stems from the architectural and management-capability variations of the underlying platforms. We define an intelligent workload allocation method that leverages heterogeneity characteristics and efficiently maps workloads to the best fitting platforms, significantly improving the power efficiency of the whole data center. We perform this allocation by employing a novel analytical prediction layer that accurately predicts workload power/performance across different platform architectures and power management capabilities. This prediction infrastructure relies upon platform and workload descriptors that we define as part of our work. Our allocation scheme achieves on average 20% improvements in power efficiency for representative heterogeneous data center configurations, highlighting the significant potential of heterogeneity-aware management.
Antisense peptide nucleic acid-functionalized cationic nanocomplex for in vivo mRNA detection

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex syndrome with many aetiologies, resulting in the upregulation of inflammatory mediators in the host, followed by dyspnoea, hypoxemia and pulmonary oedema. A central mediator is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that drives the production of NO and continued inflammation. Thus, it is useful to have diagnostic and therapeutic agents for targeting iNOS expression. One general approach is to target the precursor iNOS mRNA with antisense nucleic acids. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have many advantages that make them an ideal platform for development of antisense theranostic agents. Their membrane impermeability, however, limits biological applications. Here, we report the preparation of an iNOS imaging probe through electrostatic complexation between a radiolabelled antisense PNA-YR9 · oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) hybrid and a cationic shell-cross-linked knedel-like nanoparticle (cSCK). The Y (tyrosine) residue was used for 123I radiolabelling, whereas the R9 (arginine9) peptide was included to facilitate cell exit of untargeted PNA. Complete binding of the antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN hybrid to the cSCK was achieved at an 8 : 1 cSCK amine to ODN phosphate (N/P) ratio by a gel retardation assay. The antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN · cSCK nanocomplexes efficiently entered RAW264.7 cells, whereas the PNA-YR9 · ODN alone was not taken up. Low concentrations of 123I-labelled antisense PNA-YR9 · ODN complexed with cSCK showed significantly higher retention of radioactivity when iNOS was induced in lipopolysaccharide+interferon-γ-activated RAW264.7 cells when compared with a mismatched PNA. Moreover, statistically, greater retention of radioactivity from the antisense complex was also observed in vivo in an iNOS-induced mouse lung after intratracheal administration of the nanocomplexes. This study demonstrates the specificity and sensitivity by which the radiolabelled nanocomplexes can detect iNOS mRNA in vitro and in vivo and their potential for early diagnosis of ALI.
The Globalization of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity

▪ Abstract Pentecostal-charismatic Christianity (P/c), the form of Christianity in which believers receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is rapidly spreading and can be counted as one of the great success stories of the current era of cultural globalization. Literature on P/c presents a paradoxical picture of the cultural dynamics accompanying its spread. Many scholars argue that P/c is markedly successful in replicating itself in canonical form everywhere it spreads, whereas others stress its ability to adapt itself to the cultures into which it is introduced. Authors thus use P/c to support both theories that construe globalization as a process of Westernizing homogenization and those that understand it as a process of indigenizing differentiation. This review argues that approaches to P/c globalization need to recognize that P/c posesses cultural features that allow it, in most cases, to work in both ways at once. After considering definitional and historical issues and explanations for P/c's spread, t...
ICP27 mediates HSV RNA export by shuttling through a leucine-rich nuclear export signal and binding viral intronless RNAs through an RGG motif

Infection of metazoan cells with some viruses alters the balance of cellular mRNA export to favor viral RNA export and to retain cellular transcripts in the nucleus. Here, evidence is presented to show that the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) essential regulatory protein ICP27, which inhibits host cell-splicing, resulting in the accumulation of unspliced transcripts in the nucleus, mediates RNA export of viral intronless mRNAs. ICP27 was shown to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm through a leucine-rich nuclear export signal, which alone was able to direct the export of the heterologous green fluorescent protein. In vivo UV irradiation studies demonstrated that ICP27 could be crosslinked to poly(A)+ RNA in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, supporting a role in export. Furthermore, the amount of hnRNP A1, which has been implicated in the export of cellular spliced mRNAs, that was bound to poly(A)+ RNA in HSV-1-infected cells was reduced compared with uninfected cells. In addition, it was demonstrated that ICP27 bound seven intronless HSV-1 transcripts in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and export of these transcripts was diminished substantially during infection with an ICP27 null mutant virus. In contrast, ICP27 did not bind to two HSV-1 mRNAs that undergo splicing. Finally, binding of ICP27 to RNA in vivo required an arginine-glycine region that resembles an RGG box. These results indicate that ICP27 is an important viral export factor that promotes the transport of HSV-1 intronless RNAs.
Maternal rank is not correlated with cub survival in the spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta

Reproductive success in female spotted hyenas, Crocuta crocuta, is positively correlated with social rank. High-ranking females are known to produce more offspring, but the effects of maternal rank on early cub survivorship have not been investigated. Cub mortality was examined over a 4-year period in one clan of wild-living spotted hyenas in Kenya. Data were obtained for 100 cubs in 63 litters produced by 27 adult females. Survivorship of cubs from birth through their first year was examined as a function of litter size, sex of cubs, and maternal rank. Overall, cub mortality was high (61%). Contrary to expectation, singleton cubs did not survive better than twins, and there was no difference in survivorship between female and male cubs. High-ranking mothers were not more successful at raising twins or daughters than were low-ranking mothers. There was no correlation between cub mortality and maternal rank. Peaks in cub mortality coincided with life stage events, including mean age of arrival at a communal den, and age at which cubs began visiting kills. Documented causes of mortality included intraclan infanticide, disease, orphaning, predation by lions, and a mechanism of filial infanticide that has not been previously described in this species: selective litter reduction by mothersviapartiallitterabandonment.Noinstances of facultative orobligatesiblicideweredetected.During thisstudy,association between rank and number of cubs surviving to 1 year of age appeared to be due to differences in reproductive output and not differential survival of cubs within their first year. Key words: Crocuta, infanticide, mortality, neonate, rank, siblicide. [Behav Ecol]
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING GLASSES

Glasses containing lead, bismuth, or antimony oxides or combinations of these become conducting after several hours’ reduction in hydrogen. The electronic surface conductivity is both stable and reproducible. The magnitude of the conductivity depends on the nature and amounts of the reducible oxides, the temperatures at which reduction is carried out, and the electrical influence of the nonreduced portions of the glasses.
Molecular Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori Strain by 16S rDNA PCR Amplification and Direct Sequencing

Aim: Rapid detection of H. pylori strains by PCR-Sequencing. Methods: 16S rDNA amplification by PCR from template genomic DNA,confirmation of amplicon size by agarose gel electrophoresis ,sequencing of amplicons by automated sequencer,analysis of sequences by NCBI -BLAST software. Results: The PCR -Sequencing and analysis of the sequence data by BLAST resulted in detection of the strain to be of H. pylori strain#26695. Conclusion: The pathogenicity of H. pylori depends on the strain of the bacteria, PCR-Sequencing and analysis of the sequence data by BLAST can be a very quick and useful diagnostic method of the pathogen.
The self-incompatibility locus (S) and quantitative trait loci for self-pollination and seed dormancy in sunflower

Wild populations of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) are self-incompatible and have deep seed dormancy, whereas modern cultivars, inbreds, and hybrids are self-compatible and partially-to-strongly self-pollinated, and have shallow seed dormancy. Self-pollination (SP) and seed dormancy are genetically complex traits, the number of self-compatibility (S) loci has been disputed, and none of the putative S loci have been genetically mapped in sunflower. We genetically mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for self-incompatibility (SI), SP, and seed dormancy in a backcross population produced from a cross between an elite, self-pollinated, nondormant inbred line (NMS373) and a wild, self-incompatible, dormant population (ANN1811). A population consisting of 212 BC(1) progeny was subsequently produced by backcrossing a single hybrid individual to NMS373. BC(1) progeny produced 0-838 seeds per primary capitula when naturally selfed and 0-518 seeds per secondary capitula when manually selfed and segregated for a single S locus. The S locus mapped to linkage group 17 and was tightly linked to a cluster of previously identified QTL for several domestication and postdomestication traits. Two synergistically interacting QTL were identified for SP among self-compatible (ss) BC(1) progeny (R(2)=34.6%). NMS373 homozygotes produced 271.5 more seeds per secondary capitulum than heterozygotes. Germination percentages of seeds after-ripened for 4 weeks ranged from 0% to 100% among self-compatible BC(1)S(1) families. Three QTL for seed dormancy were identified (R(2)=38.3%). QTL effects were in the predicted direction (wild alleles decreased self-pollination and seed germination). The present analysis differentiated between loci governing SI and SP and identified DNA markers for bypassing SI and seed dormancy in elite x wild crosses through marker-assisted selection.
Functional analysis of Na+/K+-ATPase isoform distribution in rat ventricular myocytes

The Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) is the main route for Na+ extrusion from cardiac myocytes. Different NKA α-subunit isoforms are present in the heart. NKA-α1 is predominant, although there is a variable amo...
Concurrent programming constructs in multi-engine prolog: parallelism just for the cores (and not more!)

We discuss the impact of the separation of logic engines (independent logic processing units) and multi-threading on the design of parallel programming constructs aware of the fundamental invariant of today's typical computer architectures: the presence of a few independent cores. We advocate a combination of coroutining constructs with focus on expressiveness and a simplified, multi-threading API that ensures optimal use of a desired number of cores. In this context, native multi-threading is made available to the application programmer as a set of high-level primitives with a declarative flavor.
Insect vectors in relation to quarantine, eradication, and control of plant viruses.

A symposium covering the general subject of insects in relation to plant diseases was held during the fiftieth annual meeting of the American Association of Economic Entomologists. Excellent papers were presented by Granovsky (1938), Kunkel (1938), Leach (1938), Poos (1938), and Stevens (1938). Another review of this fascinating field of research is not the intent of the present paper, which deals instead with insect vectors of plant viruses in relation to certain phases of plant quarantine.
Expanding Lazarus and Folkman's Paradigm to the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Gifted Children and Adolescents (SEAM):

A qualitative study of how 20 gifted children and adolescents cope with demands and pressures they experience is the basis of the model of social and emotional adjustment presented in this article....
Cooperative active target tracking for heterogeneous robots with application to gait monitoring

This paper proposes a new cooperative active target-tracking strategy for a team of heterogeneous robots equipped with 3-D range-finding sensors. Our strategy is active, in the sense that the robots will track one or multiple moving targets while minimizing the combined uncertainty about the targets' position. We introduce a gradient-based control approach that encompasses the three major optimum experimental design criteria and relies only on robots' relative position measurements. The Kalman-Bucy filter is used for estimation fusion. Applications of the proposed strategy are shown to an experimental scenario featuring a team of double-integrator aerial vehicles and nonholonomic ground robots cooperatively tracking the motion of a human subject for a gait-monitoring task.
Dietary supplement-related adverse events reported to the California Poison Control System

Purpose. Dietary supplement (DS)-related adverse events (AEs) reported to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) were studied. Methods. The CPCS database was used to search for all telephone calls from consumers concerning DS-related AEs received during the six-month period between April and September 2002. The calls were characterized according to the substance involved, the caller’s age (adult or pediatric), and the type of ingestion (accidental or intentional). Each exposure in which symptoms were reported was categorized as involving an AE. Each AE was assessed for severity and causality. Results. Data on a total of 1183 telephone calls were retrieved, of which 828 calls (70%) met the study’s inclusion criteria. DS exposure occurred in 389 adults (47%) and 438 children (53%). DS ingestion was accidental in 360 patients (43%) and intentional in 467 patients (56%). Exposure resulted in an AE in 480 patients (58%). AEs were reported in 353 patients (74%) who ingested products containing ephedra; other exposures frequently involved zinc, kava, creatine, and valerian. AEs were classified as moderate in 198 patients (41%) who ingested a DS and as severe in 40 patients (8%). One patient had a fatal reaction. Among the 480 AEs in DS-exposed consumers, the DS was classified as the definite cause of 1 AE (<1%) and a probable cause of 237 (49.4%). The most frequently reported AE symptoms were increased heart rate (45%), agitation (30%), vomiting (30%), and nausea (15%). Conclusion. A majority of DS-related AEs reported by consumers to CPCS involved ephedra-containing products.
Evidence-based approach to improve nursing student dosage calculation proficiency

A multifaceted approach using best practices improves the success of student nurses in medication calculation proficiency. In addition, analysis of mistakes made on proficiency examinations suggests the grounds for recurring errors. Specific strategies and teaching points are outlined to help students avoid pitfalls in medication calculations. Adoption of these strategies may promote similar student success for other nursing programs.
Towards the identification of multi-parametric quantitative MRI biomarkers in lupus nephritis☆

Abstract Purpose To identify potential biomarkers of the renal impairment in lupus nephritis using a multi-parametric renal quantitative MRI (qMRI) protocol including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD), arterial spin labeling (ASL) and T1rho MRI between a cohort of healthy volunteers and lupus nephritis (LN) patients. Materials and methods The renal qMRI protocol was performed twice with repositioning in between on 10 LN patients and 10 matched controls at 1.5 T. Navigator-gated and breath-hold acquisitions followed by non-rigid image registration were used to control respiratory motion. The repeatability of the 4 MRI modalities was evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (wsCV). Unpaired t-test and stepwise logistic regression were carried out to evaluate qMRI parameters between the LN and control groups. Results The reproducibility of the 4 qMRI modalities ranged from moderate to good (ICC = 0.4–0.91, wsCV ≤ 12%) with a few exceptions. T1rho MRI and ASL renal blood flow (RBF) demonstrated significant differences between the LN and control groups. Stepwise logistic regression yielded only one significant parameter (medullar T1rho) in differentiating LN from control groups with 95% accuracy. Conclusion A reasonable degree of test–retest repeatability and accuracy of a multi-parametric renal qMRI protocol has been demonstrated in healthy volunteers and LN subjects. T1rho and ASL RBF are promising imaging biomarkers of LN.
Sensitivity of the gamma band auditory steady state response to linguistic features of a stimulus

Recent work has found differences in lateralization of gamma band auditory steady state response power (?-aSSR) in temporo-parietal areas to speech vs. non-speech stim- uli, based on differences in “meaningfulness” (Deng & Srinivasan, 2009). To investigate sensitivity of ?-aSSR to linguistic features of a stimulus, EEG data was collected from six participants in response to 40Hz amplitude-modulated speech, jabberwocky, reversed speech and spectrally-rotated (“unintelligible”) speech. Significance tests were conducted for the four conditions, within and across-hemisphere. Additionally, correlational analysis of stimulus speech envelope and EEG output will be conducted. Initial results indicate overall right-lateralization, and additional left-hemisphere distinction by condition.
Lewis and Clark Lake Mosquito Control Recommendations

Mosquitoes are the principal transmitters of vector-borne diseases associated with impoundments for water resource developments. The Lewis and Clark Lake provided examples of a variety of larval mosquito habitats typically associated with impoundments. Methods for preventing and minimizing mosquito production by modifying the habitats, by water management, and by integrated control are examined and recommended.