cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Different Depression Phenotypes Have Different Risks for Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease

Although research has consistently established that depression and elevated depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recurrence and mortality, clinical trials have failed to show that conventional depression interventions offset this risk. As depression is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome, we believe that using simpler, or intermediary, phenotypes rather than one complex phenotype may allow better identification of those at particular risk of ACS recurrence and mortality and may contribute to the development of specific depression treatments that would improve medical outcomes. Although there are many possible intermediary phenotypes, specifiers, and dimensions of depression, we will focus on only two when considering the relation between depression and risk of ACS recurrence and mortality: Inflammation-Induced Incident Depression and Anhedonic Depression. Future research on intermediary phenotypes of depression is needed to clarify which are associated with the greatest risk for ACS recurrence and mortality and which, if any, are benign. Theoretical advances in depression phenotyping may also help elucidate the behavioral and biological mechanisms underlying the increased risk of ACS among patients with specific depression phenotypes. Finally, tests of depression interventions may be guided by this new theoretical approach.
Mixed convection in a micropolar fluid from a vertical surface with uniform heat flux

Abstract In this paper we have presented asymptotic boundary layer solutions in order to study the combined convection from a vertical semi-infinite plate to a micropolar fluid. The boundary condition of uniform surface heat flux is considered. Consideration is given to the region close to the leading edge as well as the region far away from the leading edge. Numerical results are obtained for the velocity, angular velocity and temperature distribution. The missing wall values of the velocity, angular velocity and thermal functions are tabulated. Micropolar fluids display drag reduction and reduced surface heat transfer rate when compared to Newtonian fluids.
A new model for protein stereospecificity

The ability of proteins to discriminate between optical isomers is vital for living systems and is exploited in drug design. Here we present a new model to explain this stereospecificity of proteins on the basis of crystallographic data.
An investigation of path-goal and transformational leadership theory predictions at the individual level of analysis

Abstract This study tested the recent path-goal leadership theory prediction [House, R.J., 1996. Path-goal theory of leadership: Lessons, legacy, and a reformulated theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 7, 323–352] that leader contingent reward behavior negatively moderates relationships between transformational leadership and subordinate performance and job satisfaction at the individual level of analysis. Also tested was the prediction that transformational leadership would positively augment the effects of leader contingent reward behavior [Bass, B.M., 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press]. Confirmatory factor analyses, hierarchical linear multiple regression, and within- and between-entity analyses were employed, along with a sample of 169 social services workers in 40 groups. No evidence was found supporting either the path-goal or additive augmentation hypotheses. However, a positive moderator effect was found for some transformational leader behaviors and the leader contingent reward behavior variable, supporting a form of “augmentation effect” that is not incongruent with Bass's [Bass, B.M., 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press] approach to transformational leadership. Additionally, strong support was obtained for the level of analysis prediction. Future research directions are briefly considered.
A third measure-metastable state in the dynamics of spontaneous shape change in healthy human's white cells.

Human polymorphonuclear leucocytes, PMN, are highly motile cells with average 12-15 µm diameters and prominent, loboid nuclei. They are produced in the bone marrow, are essential for host defense, and are the most populous of white blood cell types. PMN also participate in acute and chronic inflammatory processes, in the regulation of the immune response, in angiogenesis, and interact with tumors. To accommodate these varied functions, their behavior is adaptive, but still definable in terms of a set of behavioral states. PMN morphodynamics have generally involved a non-equilibrium stationary, spheroid Idling state that transitions to an activated, ellipsoid translocating state in response to chemical signals. These two behavioral shape-states, spheroid and ellipsoid, are generally recognized as making up the vocabulary of a healthy PMN. A third, “random” state has occasionally been reported as associated with disease states. I have observed this third, Treadmilling state, in PMN from healthy subjects, the cells demonstrating metastable dynamical behaviors known to anticipate phase transitions in mathematical, physical, and biological systems. For this study, human PMN were microscopically imaged and analyzed as single living cells. I used a microscope with a novel high aperture, cardioid annular condenser with better than 100 nanometer resolution of simultaneous, mixed dark field and intrinsic fluorescent images to record shape changes in 189 living PMNs. Relative radial roundness, R(t), served as a computable order parameter. Comparison of R(t) series of 10 cells in the Idling and 10 in the Treadmilling state reveals the robustness of the “random” appearing Treadmilling state, and the emergence of behaviors observed in the neighborhood of global state transitions, including increased correlation length and variance (divergence), sudden jumps, mixed phases, bimodality, power spectral scaling and temporal slowing. Wavelet transformation of an R(t) series of an Idling to Treadmilling state change, demonstrated behaviors concomitant with the observed transition.
Use of Rheed oscillations for the growth of 2D magnetic semiconductor superlattices (MnSe/ZnSe)

Abstract Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity oscillations have been observed in II–VI compound semiconductors. The observation of RHEED intensity oscillations has provided the opportunity to fabricate ultrathin layered structures with one monolayer resolution; these structures involve ZnSe, the dilute magnetic semiconductor (Zn, Mn)Se, and the “hypothetical” zincblende magnetic semiconductor MnSe. The RHEED intensity oscillations enabled the growth of a series of two-dimensional magnetic semiconductor structures consisting of one, three, and four monolayers of zincblende MnSe separated by approximately 45 A of ZnSe. Photoluminescence studies in the presence of an external magnetic field have been employed to explore the effects of reduced dimensionality on the antiferromagnetic ordering of zincblende MnSe. This paper describes the RHEED intensity oscillations which have been observed in ZnSe and MnSe and the magnetic behaviour of the resultant 2D superlattice structures.
Jumping behavior in the oligotrich ciliates Strobilidium velox and Halteria grandinella, and its significance as a defense against rotifer predators.

The jumping behavior of Strobilidium velox and Halteria grandinella was analyzed videographically. On average, undisturbed cells of these species jumped 1.7–3.6 and 8 times per minute and spent 0.8 and 1.0% of their time jumping, respectively. Both ciliate species initiated jumps after encounters with rotifer predators. S. velox jumped on contact with Asplanchna girodi, traveling a mean distance of 1.5 mm (33 body lengths) at a mean velocity of 7 mm/s (154 body lengths/s) at 17°C. H. grandinella jumped on contact or near contact with Synchaeta pectinata, traveling a mean distance of 0.37 mm (18 body lengths) at a mean velocity of 2.76 mm/s (131 body lengths/s) at 20°C. The maximum velocity recorded during these escape jumps was 16.07 mm/s for S. velox and 3.70 mm/s for H. grandinella. In S. velox, swimming velocity during jumps was not significantly correlated either with swimming velocity just before jumping (mean = 0.15 mm/s) or with distance traveled. In H. grandinella, jumping velocity and distance also were not significantly correlated. Jumping in S. velox and H. grandinella was calculated to require approximately 149% and 41 % of total metabolic rate, respectively. Jumping seemed to be an effective defense against rotifer predation. Only 3% of 93 S. velox cells contacted by A. girodi were captured, and only 12% of 92 H. grandinella cells contacted or closely approached by S. pectinata were captured; all other cells jumped away. A predation experiment showed that A. girodi was about twice as, and significantly more, likely to ingest Paramecium tetraurelia as S. velox in a mixture of equal numbers of these ciliates. The swimming velocity of S. velox during jumps is the highest one so far reported for an oligotrich, and equals the highest one reported for any ciliate (Mesodinium rubrum).
Dicationic-induced gelation of pre-denatured whey protein isolate

Abstract The gelation of pre-denatured whey protein isolate (WPI) at ambient temperature was examined. Gelation was induced by dialysis against solutions containing CaCl 2 , BaCl 2 or 1,6 hexanediamine. Mechanical properties of the gels at fracture (true shear stress and true shear strain) were used to characterize the gels' physical properties. Increasing concentrations of CaCl 2 , BaCl 2 , or 1,6 hexanediamine in the dialyzing solutions led to overall increases in gel stress at fracture and decreases in strain at fracture. The Ca 2+ -induced gel produced the greatest fracture moduli (stress/strain) at 35–100 mmol/dm 3 salt. Light micrographs revealed fine-stranded gel networks and, as ionic concentration increased, gel pore size increased. There was a decrease in held water as salt concentration increased. The successful gel formation by diamine (but not dihydroxyl) compounds demonstrated that gelation at ambient temperature was due to a general divalent cationic mechanism.
In vitro studies indicate a quinone is involved in bacterial Mn(II) oxidation

Manganese(II)-oxidizing bacteria play an integral role in the cycling of Mn as well as other metals and organics. Prior work with Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria suggested that Mn(II) oxidation involves a multicopper oxidase, but whether this enzyme directly catalyzes Mn(II) oxidation is unknown. For a clearer understanding of Mn(II) oxidation, we have undertaken biochemical studies in the model marine alpha-proteobacterium, Erythrobacter sp. strain SD21. The optimum pH for Mn(II)-oxidizing activity was 8.0 with a specific activity of 2.5 nmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) and a K (m) = 204 microM. The activity was soluble suggesting a cytoplasmic or periplasmic protein. Mn(III) was an intermediate in the oxidation of Mn(II) and likely the primary product of enzymatic oxidation. The activity was stimulated by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), NAD(+), and calcium but not by copper. In addition, PQQ rescued Pseudomonas putida MnB1 non Mn(II)-oxidizing mutants with insertions in the anthranilate synthase gene. The substrate and product of anthranilate synthase are intermediates in various quinone biosyntheses. Partially purified Mn(II) oxidase was enriched in quinones and had a UV/VIS absorption spectrum similar to a known quinone requiring enzyme but not to multicopper oxidases. These studies suggest that quinones may play an integral role in bacterial Mn(II) oxidation.
Synthesis and quality assurance of [11C]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a potential radiotracer for imaging and amino acid transport studies in normal and malignant tissues

Abstract Carbon-I1 labeled alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a synthetic amino acid, was prepared by the modified Bucherer-Strecker amino acid synthesis from acetone, ammonium carbonate and [ 11 C]KCN in the presence of carrier KCN. This method results in the labeling of AIB in the carboxyl group. The label is stable in this position because AIB is not a metabolized after cellular uptake. AIB is rapidly accumulated in viable cells including malignant cells. Since it is a non-metabolized amino acid, AIB offers the possibility of studying amino acid transport in vivo without interference by radiolabeled metabolic products. Radiochemical yields of [ 11 C]AIB of 35–60% have been obtained in 70–80 min with radiopurities > 99% Carrier added syntheses gave 15–25 mCi of [ 11 C]AIB with specific activities of 0.3 Ci/mmol. Our quality control program which insures that [ 11 C]AIB is suitable for imaging studies in patients with cancer includes HPLC analyses of product identity and purity, apyrogenecity and isotonicity assays, and a sensitive test for cyanide.
A Rare Case of Aggressive Digital Adenocarcinoma of the Lower Extremity, Masquerading as an Ulcerative Lesion that Clinically Favored Benignancy.

A rare case report of Aggressive Digital Adenocarcinoma (ADPCa) is presented complete with a literature review encompassing lesions that pose potential diagnostic challenges. Similarities between basal cell carcinoma (BCC), marjolin’s ulceration/squamous cell carcinoma (MSCC) and ADPCa are discussed. This article discusses potential treatment options for ADPCa and the need for early biopsy when faced with any challenging lesion. An algorithmic approach to ADPCa treatment based on the most current research is recommended.
Intelligent computer-assisted instruction: a theoretical framework

A theoretical and psychologically meaningful framework for the design of intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) systems is presented. It is argued that to design more effective and robust ICAI systems a thorough knowledge level analysis of the problem should be performed before implementation issues can be addressed. To this end, with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and a knowledge level analysis of the problem an appropriate knowledge representation scheme and system architecture are proposed. It is further suggested that a suitable knowledge representation scheme should be psychologically valid and ideally modelled after a human tutor. One such representation, namely, Schank and Abelson's memory structures, is chosen and shown to be well matched to the requirements of an intelligent tutoring system. It models the basic memory structures of both the student and tutor upon which the goals, plans, and themes of these agents may be built. A blackboard control architecture which provides an extremely flexible environment for intelligent systems is also chosen, and is claimed to be in agreement with ICAI knowledge level requirements. A limited example is finally detailed demonstrating the applicability of this framework to ICAI systems.
Hamster estrogen receptor cDNA: cloning and mRNA expression.

Abstract Estrogen-induced hamster kidney tumor model serves as a useful model to study the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of hormonal carcinogenesis. In this model, we have demonstrated an increased expression of estrogen receptor mRNA and protein in estrogen-treated kidneys and in estrogen-induced tumors. The sequence information for hamster estrogen receptor gene is not known and has been investigated in this study. A hamster uterus cDNA library was constructed and the 5′-region of the hamster estrogen receptor cDNA cloned from this library using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. Additionally, hamster kidney polyadenylated RNA was reverse transcribed and PCR amplified using primers that were designed based on maximum homology between mouse, rat and human estrogen receptor cDNAs. These PCR amplified fragments were cloned into plasmid vectors and clones with the expected size of the insert subjected to Southern blot analysis using human estrogen receptor cDNA as a probe. The positive clones on Southern blot analysis and the PCR amplified products from these clones were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Using this strategy, a full length, 1978 bp hamster estrogen receptor cDNA has been cloned which shows 87% homology with human, 90% with rat and 91% with mouse estrogen receptor cDNA. The deduced amino acid shares 88% homology with human, and 93% with rat and mouse estrogen receptors. Hamster estrogen receptor domain C (DNA binding domain) shows a 100% homology with a similar domain from mouse, rat, human, pig, sheep, horse and chicken estrogen receptor (Genebank reference ID: AF 181077).
CREB-binding Protein/p300 Co-activation of Crystallin Gene Expression*

Although some of the transcription factors that are required for expression of crystallins during lens development have been identified, the molecular interactions that contribute to enhanced crystallin expression are not yet well defined. In this study, we designed experiments to test whether the co-activators CREB-binding protein (CBP) and/or p300 interact with c-Maf, Prox-1, or Sox-1 to enhance transcription of crystallin genes. Promoter regions from the mouse alphaA-, betaB2-, and gammaF-crystallin genes were linked to a luciferase reporter. Expression of c-Maf transactivated each of these promoters. Of particular interest, co-expression of CBP or p300 with c-Maf was found to synergistically co-activate each promoter. CBP and p300 were less effective or ineffective at co-activation with Prox-1 or Sox-1. Co-immunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid experiments revealed that CBP and p300 bind to c-Maf and Prox-1 but not to Sox-1. The co-activation of c-Maf by CBP/p300 requires histone acetyltransferase activity. Our results suggest that c-Maf recruits CBP and/or p300 to crystallin promoters leading to up-regulation of crystallin gene expression through localized histone acetylation and consequent chromatin re-modeling. In a promoter-specific fashion, co-activation can be modulated by Prox-1 and/or Sox-1. This modulation may help to specify the endogenous levels of crystallin gene expression.
Two-dimensional Lorentz invariance of spherically symmetric black holes

We show that a static spherically symmetric black hole, in a generic theory of gravity with generic matter fields, has a two-dimensional Lorentz symmetry.
MR-GUIDED PULSE OXIMETRY IMAGING OF BREAST IN VIVO

A near-infrared (NIR) tomography system with spectrally-encoded sources in two wavelength bands was built to quantify the temporal oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin contrast in breast tissue at a 20 Hz bandwidth. The system was integrated into a 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system through a customized breast coil interface for simultaneous optical and MRI acquisition. In this configuration, the MR images provide breast tissue structural information for NIR spectroscopy of adipose and fibro-glandular tissue in breast. Spectral characterization performance of the NIR system was verified through dynamic phantom experiments. Normal human subjects were imaged with finger pulse oximeter (PO) plethysmogram synchronized to the NIR system to provide a frequency-locked reference. Both the raw data from the NIR system and the recovered absorption coefficients of the breast at two wavelengths showed the same frequency of about 1.3 Hz as the PO output. The frequency lock-in approach provided a practical platform for MR-localized recovery of small pulsatile variations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in the breast, which are related to the heartbeat and vascular resistance of the tissue.
Effect of glargine insulin delivery method (pen device versus vial/syringe) on glycemic control and patient preferences in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of two different glargine insulin delivery methods (pen device vs. vial/syringe) on glycemic control and patient preferences in a randomized, open-label, crossove...
Simultaneous determination of mass and radioactivity of labeled sterols and steroids by gas-liquid radiochromatography☆

Abstract Gas-liquid radiochromatography has been successfully applied to the simultaneous analysis of mass and radioactivity (C 14 and/or H 3 ) of a number of sterols and steroids. Quantitative mass and radioactivity measurements were carried out on samples of purified labeled sterols and steroids, as well as labeled sterols isolated from the liver of rats and rabbits that had been given cholesterol-4-C 14 and/or cholesterol-7α-H. Labeled (C 14 ) tobacco leaf sterols were also radiochromatographed. The procedure is highly sensitive for small amounts of radioactivity; as little as 400 dpm (C 14 or H 3 ) of a steroid or sterol could be measured with 10–15% accuracy. Efficiency was over 90% for C 14 and 60% for H 3 and the over-all accuracy of the procedure was ±5%.
Analysis of Alaskan burn severity patterns using remotely sensed data

Wildland fire is the dominant large-scale disturbance mechanism in the Alaskan boreal forest, and it strongly influences forest structure and function. In this research, patterns of burn severity in the Alaskan boreal forest are characterised using 24 fires. First, the relationship between burn severity and area burned is quantified using a linear regression. Second, the spatial correlation of burn severity as a function of topography is modelled using a variogram analysis. Finally, the relationship between vegetation type and spatial patterns of burn severity is quantified using linear models where variograms account for spatial correlation. These results show that: 1) average burn severity increases with the natural logarithm of the area of the wildfire, 2) burn severity is more variable in topographically complex landscapes than in flat landscapes, and 3) there is a significant relationship between burn severity and vegetation type in flat landscapes but not in topographically complex landscapes. These results strengthen the argument that differential flammability of vegetation exists in some boreal landscapes of Alaska. Additionally, these results suggest that through feedbacks between vegetation and burn severity, the distribution of forest vegetation through time is likely more stable in flat terrain than it is in areas with more complex topography.
Self-Solicited Feedback: Effects of Hourly Pay and Individual Monetary Incentive Pay

The frequency of feedback solicitation under hourly pay and individual monetary incentive pay conditions was examined. A between-subjects design was used with 30 college students in the two groups. Participants attended three experimental sessions and entered the cash value of simulated bank checks presented on a computer screen. Performance was higher for individuals who were paid incentives; however, participants who were paid incentives did not self-solicit feedback more than those who were paid hourly. Rather, participants in both groups solicited feedback quite frequently. Additionally, performance was not related to feedback solicitation. These results suggest that the incentives did not make feedback more reinforcing even though the incentives were functional rewards and the feedback was correlated with the amount of pay earned: the better the feedback, the more pay participants earned. The results also support the position that it may be necessary to pair objective feedback with an evaluative comp...
Acute Effects of Drought on Emergent and Aquatic Communities in a Brackish Marsh

Plants and animals in brackish marshes are adapted to live within a wide, yet finite, range of conditions. Events that shift the environmental state beyond that range can dramatically alter habitats and, potentially, the numerous ecosystem services they provide. A prolonged exceptional drought in Texas (October 2010–January 2012) provided a unique opportunity to understand how brackish wetland habitats respond to an extreme environmental event. We examined marshes in the Lower Neches Wildlife Management Area (Texas, USA) that fell within the drought affected area, including restored areas and an adjacent reference marsh. To test our hypothesis that the brackish marsh community would be sensitive to drought conditions, we quantified emergent plant and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and animal (invertebrates, fish) characteristics in summer 2010 and 2011. In spite of its severity, the exceptional drought of 2011 did not have a negative impact on emergent plant communities: biomass, stem density, and chlorophyll a concentrations were the same in pre-drought and drought years in all restored and reference areas. In contrast, SAV biomass was reduced by up to 100 % in the drought year. Some fish and invertebrate densities were also reduced by an order of magnitude or more, possibly due to the loss of SAV. Aquatic faunal species composition was markedly different in the drought year, largely due to the loss of the hydrobiid snail Probythinella protera and the gain of some marine species, including Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus), brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus), and white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus). By altering aquatic the plant and animal community, this drought event may subsequently reduce trophic support for higher consumers, or contribute to a decline in water quality. Restoration monitoring programs that only focus on relatively stress-resistant, emergent wetland plant communities may underestimate the sensitivity of these ecosystems to extreme environmental events like droughts.
Exploring regional trends, interactions and policies using a global simulation model

Abstract Global simulation models hold considerable promise as instructional tools in university courses dealing with world regions or the geography of development. This paper discusses their potential and highlights how one such model, ‘International Futures’, can be effectively used in such courses. Four projects structured around the model are presented. These move the students from describing regions, to exploring human‐environment interactions, examining regional interconnections and, finally, critically evaluating the methods and tools of regional policy. Overall, global simulation models can serve as an excellent springboard for developing interest, class discussion and critical analysis.
Broadband characterization of low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss CYTUF cyanate ester printed circuit board material

Dielectric constant /spl epsi//sub r/ and broadband dielectric loss tan /spl delta/ measurements were performed for the thermoplastic toughened cyanate ester printed circuit board CYTUF material. Characterization of tan /spl delta/ over the 1-8 GHz frequency range was made using a simple short-pulse propagation technique. All the measurements were taken on four-metal-layer, 23/spl times/36 cm cards with representative transmission line structures. It was found the /spl epsi//sub r/=3.48-3.64 and tan /spl delta/=0.0095-0.01, which are much lower than for standard FR-4 material. The impact of improved characteristics on wireability is analyzed through simulations of representative printed circuit board interconnections.
Initiation in H2/O2: Rate constants for H2+O2→H+HO2 at high temperature

Abstract : The reaction between H2 and O2 has been studied in a reflected shock tube apparatus between temperatures of 1662 - 2097 K and pressures of 400 - 570 torr with Kr as the diluent gas. O atom atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS) was used to observe absolute [O]sub t under conditions of low [H2]sub 0 so that most secondary reactions were negligible. Hence, the observed [O]sub t was the direct result of the rate controlling reaction between H2 and O2. Three different reactions were considered, but experimental and ab initio theoretical results both indicated that the process, H2 + O2 -> H + HO2, is the most probable reaction. After rapid HO2 dissociation, O atoms are then instantaneously produced by H + O2 -> O + OH. Using the ab initio result, conventional transition state theoretical calculations (CTST) with tunneling corrections give the expression k(th/1) = 1.288 X 10(-18) T(2.4328) exp(-26,926 K/T) cu cm molecule(-1) s(-1), applicable between 400 and 2300 K. This theoretical result agrees with the present experimental determinations and those at lower temperature, derived from earlier work on the reverse reaction.
The Placebo Effect in Asthma

The placebo effect is a complex phenomenon occurring across a variety of clinical conditions. While much placebo research has been conducted in diseases defined by self-report such as depression, chronic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma has been proposed as a useful model because of its easily measured objective outcomes. Studies examining the placebo response in asthma have not only contributed to an understanding of the mechanisms behind the placebo response but also shed an interesting light on the current treatment and diagnosis of asthma. This paper will review current literature on placebos in general and specifically on the placebo response in asthma. It focuses on what we know about the mechanisms behind the placebo effect, whether there is a specific portion of the population who responds to placebos, which patient outcomes are influenced by the placebo effect, and whether the effect can be augmented.
Coagulation in liver disease: a guide for the clinician

The human hemostasis system is complex and poorly understood after decades of intense scientific study. Despite multiple defects in routine coagulation laboratory studies in patients with chronic liver disease, there is growing evidence that these patients are effectively "rebalanced" with regard to procoagulant and anticoagulant activity and that most of these patients remain in a tenuous but balanced state of hemostasis. A major difficulty in the assessment of these patients is that there are no established laboratory tests that accurately reflect the changes in both the procoagulant and anticoagulant systems; therefore, routine laboratory testing is misleading to the clinician and may prompt inappropriate or risky therapies with little real benefit to the patient. The international normalized ratio is an example of this type of misleading test. Although the international normalized ratio is inextricably linked to prognosis and severity of protein synthetic dysfunction in acute and chronic liver disease, it is a very poor marker for bleeding risk and should not be used in isolation for this purpose. Coagulation disorders are critical in the management of frequent clinical scenarios such as esophageal variceal bleeding, invasive and percutaneous procedures, portal vein thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, and acute liver failure. This article summarizes the pathophysiology of hemostasis in liver disease, describes the strengths and weaknesses of various laboratory tests in assessment of these patients, and outlines the optimal management of hemostasis for some common clinical scenarios. Further research is needed for proper understanding of hemostasis in liver disease to optimally and safely manage these complex patients.
From Embryos to Embryoid Bodies

Differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro yields abundant hematopoietic progenitors, but achieving stable hematopoietic engraftment of irradiated mice has proven difficult, begging the question of whether ES cells give rise to hematopoietic stem cells in vitro, and limiting the application of ES cells as experimental and therapeutic models. We have employed a number of hematopoietic regulatory genes to probe the nature and developmental potential of ES-derived blood precursors. The chronic myeloid leukemia-associated BCR/ABL oncoprotein transforms a novel class of ES-derived embryonic hematopoietic stem cell that represents a common progenitor of primitive erythropoiesis and definitive lymphoid-myeloid blood development. Expression of the homeobox gene HoxB4 generated normal, non-leukemic hematopoietic progenitors that enabled long-term, multilineage hematopoietic engraftment in primary and secondary mouse recipients. We have used these repopulating hematopoietic stem cells to model therapeutic transplantation from ES cells. We treated an immunodeficient Rag2(-/-) mouse by therapeutic cloning, that is, isogenic ES cell generation by somatic cell nuclear transfer, gene correction, and cell replacement therapy. Comparable approaches with human ES cells are being developed to lay the foundation for cellular therapies in patients with a variety of bone marrow diseases.
Acute interstitial nephritis in a patient with aspirin hypersensitivity.

Abstract Acute interstitial nephritis developed in a patient after ingestion of analgesics, including aspirin, for arthritis. An aspirin hypersensitivity was demonstrated by in vitro lymphocyte blast transformation upon exposure to aspirin. Antibodies to human tubular basement membrane were not present. Serum IgE concentrations were elevated. We postulate that this patient had aspirin-induced acute interstitial nephritis mediated by a cellular immune mechanism.
Somatic Anxiety Patterns Before, During, and After Giving a Public Speech

This study examined the relationship between public speaking anxiety and physiological stress indicators at four different milestones or stages in the delivery of a public speech. Specifically, public speakers' gastrointestinal body sensations were compared at different times and across different levels of psychological trait anxiety. Results indicated significant differences in both the magnitude and the patterns of somatic responses between high- and low-trait-anxiety groupings. First, as the groups of speakers moved from anticipation to confrontation, their somatic responses changed in opposite directions. Subsequently, high-anxiety speakers reported a significant increase in stress symptoms immediately after the speech had ended, indicating anxious remorse or fear of negative evaluation. These findings provided important new information about speech anxiety patterns, particularly as they differ in high- and low-anxiety speakers.
Thirty-year tillage effects on crop yield and soil fertility indicators

Long-term studies are crucial for quantifying tillage effects on productivity and soil fertility. Moldboard plow, chisel plow, spring disk, ridge-tillage, and no-tillage systems were evaluated after 32 years of a corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and 27 years of continuous corn in central Iowa, U.S.A. Productivity was quantified using yield, while soil fertility status was evaluated by collecting four, 5-cm diameter soil cores to a depth of 0.9 m from each treatment, dividing them into four depth increments (0–15-, 15–30-, 30–60-, and 60–90-cm), analyzing them for bulk density (BD), NO3-N, NH4-N, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, Mehlich-3 extractable P, K, Ca, Mg and DTPA-extractable Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, and interpreting the data using Iowa State University (ISU) guidelines. Production costs for each tillage and cropping system were also computed. To account for genetic and agronomic changes during the 30-year study period, yields were examined for establishment, maintenance, and intensification/recovery phases. Rotated corn yield averaged 8.6, 8.8, and 11.6 Mg ha−1 and soybean yield averaged 2.7, 3.2, and 3.4 Mg ha−1, respectively, for each of the phases. Continuous corn from 1988 to 2006 averaged 7.5 and 10.1 Mg ha−1 for the maintenance and intensification/recovery phases, respectively. Fixed plus variable machinery costs for corn ranged from 233 to 354 USD ha−1, while for soybean they ranged from 194 to 280 USD ha−1. Net returns to land, labor and management ranged from 233 to 269, 560 to 620, and 437 to 483 USD ha−1 for continuous corn, rotated corn, and rotated soybean, respectively. Based on 9-year (2003–2011) average grain prices and yields from this study, the corn–soybean rotation was twice as profitable as continuous corn. Soil-test P and K measurements, as well as calculated P and K removal, suggest that nutrient mining occurred during the course of this study. The soil-test data also indicate that further studies are needed regarding plant availability of subsoil K and its impact on fertilizer recommendations. Overall, we conclude that with good nutrient management and crop rotation, yield and soil fertility differences between no-tillage and more intensive tillage systems can be minimized and that no-till production can be profitable on glacial till derived soils.
Pyrolysis of tertiarybutylamine alone and with trimethylgallium for GaN growth

Abstract New nitrogen precursors that pyrolyze at low temperatures are desired to replace NH 3 for the organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of GaN and, especially, GaInN. Tertiarybutylamine (TBAm) is a candidate having a high vapor pressure that is relatively safe compared with other potential N sources. In order to test the suitability of TBAm for the growth of GaN, the pyrolysis was studied in He and H 2 ambients. The results of co-pyrolysis studies of TBAm plus trimethylgallium are also reported. The pyrolysis reactions are relatively complex. In a hydrogen ambient, the pyrolysis of TBAm alone proceeds mainly via production of t-butyl and NH 2 radicals. Co-pyrolysis studies show that an adduct is formed at low temperatures, with elimination of CH 4 . At higher temperatures, the adduct dissociates and co-pyrolysis proceeds mainly as for the individual precursors. TMGa pyrolysis results in the formation of Ga droplets.
Protease-dependent versus -independent cancer cell invasion programs: three-dimensional amoeboid movement revisited

Tissue invasion during metastasis requires cancer cells to negotiate a stromal environment dominated by cross-linked networks of type I collagen. Although cancer cells are known to use proteinases to sever collagen networks and thus ease their passage through these barriers, migration across extracellular matrices has also been reported to occur by protease-independent mechanisms, whereby cells squeeze through collagen-lined pores by adopting an ameboid phenotype. We investigate these alternate models of motility here and demonstrate that cancer cells have an absolute requirement for the membrane-anchored metalloproteinase MT1-MMP for invasion, and that protease-independent mechanisms of cell migration are only plausible when the collagen network is devoid of the covalent cross-links that characterize normal tissues.
Retinoids and ovarian cancer

Each year, an estimated 26,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During any given year, approximately 14,500 women die from this disease. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide, after breast, cervix, colon/rectum, stomach, corpus uteri, and lung cancers. In the U.S., ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer, and is the fourth leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths among women. Currently, postoperative chemotherapy of ovarian cancer is still suboptimal. Drug resistance is a common problem resulting in only 20 approximately 30% overall 5-year survival rates. Clearly, continued development of alternative therapeutic strategies is essential for the management of this fatal disease. A number of recent studies have suggested that retinoids may play a potential role as an ovarian cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Retinoids, the natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have been shown to inhibit the growth of human ovarian cancer cells both in vivo and in culture. This review will initially summarize what is known about the pathological and molecular characteristics of ovarian carcinoma. It will then describe retinoid metabolism and the role of the cellular and nuclear retinoid binding proteins in mediating retinoid action. Following this general review of retinoids and their function, data supporting the role of retinoic acid as a suppresser of ovarian carcinoma cell growth will be presented. Particular attention will be paid to studies suggesting that members of the RB family of proteins and RB2/p130, in particular, are the molecular targets responsible for retinoid mediated inhibition of ovarian carcinoma cell growth. This review will then conclude with a brief discussion of two synthetic retinoids, 4 HPR R(fenretinide) and AHPN/CD437, which have been shown to induce apoptosis in ovarian tumor cells. It will be clear from the studies summarized in this review that retinoids represent a potentially powerful alternative to present chemotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of late stage ovarian cancer.
PHYTOCHROME CHANGES IN TISSUES OF DARK‐GROWN SEEDLINGS REPRESENTING VARIOUS PHOTOPERIODIC CLASSES

A B S T R A C T Excised tissues of dark-grown seedlings representing long day, short day and daylength indifferent photoperiodic classes were assayed for nonphotochemical changes in phytochrome. In all tissues tested, these changes were qualitatively the same. A brief irradiation with red light was followed in darkness by a decrease in total phytochrome, the disappearance of PFR, and an increase in detectable PR. Within the limits of the tissues tested, the kinetics of phytochrome change can be assigned to three groups on the basis of rates. These groups are represented by coleoptiles, hypocotyls and epicotyls, and mesocotyls. The kinetics could not be distinguished on the basis of the photoperiodic class of the mature plant. The significance of these kinetics with respect to the photochemistry of phytochrome conversion is discussed. PHOTOPERIODISM, de-etiolation and many other morphogenic effects of light in higher plants are presumably mediated by the reversible red, farred pigment system, now known as phytochrome. Studies on the germination of lettuce seed and the flowering response of Xanthium have suggested that certain nonphotochemical changes may occur in darkness (Borthwick et al., 1952a, 1952b), and recent techniques developed for the direct in vivo measurement of phytochrome have confirmed the existence of such nonphotochemical changes in the pigment. Using two-filter difference spectro
Examining the validity of self-report assessments of family functioning: A question of the level of analysis.

Family assessment instruments attempt to measure family functioning at a particular level of the family system: individual, dyad, or family as a whole. This article introduces the concept of level validity, that is, whether an assessment measures family functioning at the level that it was intended to measure. The authors argue that whenever higher-order factors (e.g., dyadic subsystems) are the target of a measure, these factors should explain variance that is independent of their lower-order constituents (e.g., individual-level characteristics). Previously published data targeting dyadic subsystems within the family were reanalyzed using a model that controls for lower-order effects. Dyad-level factors rarely emerged independent of individual-level factors and, when they did, they did not replicate across samples. The results suggest that level validity should be tested and reported along with other aspects of construct validity before accepting such measures as valid assessments of family functioning.
An experiment on the MHD-driven flow for a gas core nuclear rocket.

Fluid dynamic simulation of gas core nuclear rocket chamber for separating light and heavy gas via centrifugal force produced by MHD-driven rotational flow
The Effect of Fluoridated Water on Chick Growth

ABSTRACT FLUORINE toxicity studies in farm animals were actively initiated when it was discovered that the toxicity of rock phosphate, used as a calcium-phosphorus source, was proportional to its fluoride content. The literature on rock phosphate feeding and fluorine toxicity is quite extensive and has been adequately reviewed by Mitchell and Edman (1952) and McClure (1933). Kennard et al. (1922) found that steamed bone meal was as efficient as rock phosphate in rations for pullets and cockerels. Buckner et al. (1929) and Gerry et al. (1947) reported that rock phosphate interfered with the growth of chicks only during the first few weeks. Halpin and Lamb (1932) in a study which used various levels of rock phosphate in chick feeding experiments showed that at the one percent level (0.035% fluorine in total ration) no harmful effect was observed; at the two percent level some growth depression was observed; while at the three . . .
Reactive supercritical fluid extrusion for development of moisture resistant starch‐based foams

The main objective of this work was to reduce barriers that prevent the usage of starch-based foams by understanding the effect and the sequence of dual-modification of crosslinked (XL) and acetylated (Ac) starch in one continuous supercritical fluid reactive extrusion (SCFX) process on wetting properties, physicochemical properties, and cellular structure of solid foam. The starch was reacted with epichlorohydrin (EPI) and acetic anhydride (Ac) under alkaline conditions in a twin-screw extruder in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2). An increase in EPI concentration from 0.00 to 3.00% increased the degree of crosslinking as measured by DSC and confirmed by the quantification of the glucose units in the solution after acid hydrolysis. We observed a reduction of the glucose units from 93.07% for 0.00% EPI to 6.73% when 3.00% EPI was added. With crosslinking/acetylation processing, contact angle was higher for modified starches, indicating that chemical treatments induced dramatic changes in their surface polarity. Compared with native, the contact angle for dual modified starch increased from 43.1° to 91.7° which indicated their lower wettability. The addition of SC-CO2, EPI, and Ac to the formulation reduced the density of the extrudates and increased the expansion ratio. The average cell size in the extrudate determined by scanning electron microscopy was also found to decrease from 150 to 34 μm by the addition of the two reagents. Moreover, the dual-modification of starches provided more hardness and adhesiveness to the extrudates than was observed for the unmodified starches. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Agroforestry – A way forward to the sustainable management of the Walnut Fruit Forests in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan ‐ a small mountainous country in Central Asia ‐ possesses over 34 000 ha of Walnut Fruit Forests (VENGLOVSKIJ 1998), occurring naturally but also planted/grafted walnut (Juglans regia) mixed with apple and plum varieties. In addition, these forests produce over 90 different non-timber forest products (NTFPs)1 ranging from walnuts, wild and domesticated apple and pears, Sogdian and other plums, apricots, pistachio, hawthorn, rose-hips, berries, mushrooms and honey to firewood, as well as about 1200 medicinal herb species (BEDOLLA 1999). The livelihood of more than 100 000 people depends to a large extent on the natural resources of these forests and the surrounding mountains. The settlements of the local population are mainly concentrated in the valleys at 1000 to 1500 m asl. Whilst the lower plains and valley bottoms are characterised by dry steppe and patches of mostly irrigated agriculture, the hillsides above are mostly forested. Above the tree line, fertile alpine pastures are abundant, reaching up to 3000 m asl. This so-called ‹jailoo› is used communally for the grazing of private livestock and, increasingly, over the last few years, for subsistence arable cropping. Cropping activities usually take place on small plots leased by the farmers from the leshoz (state forest enterprise) or sovkhoz (state agricultural farm) (figure 1). Recently, forest leases to the locals have increased, entitling them, in most cases, to the collection of firewood, walnuts and fruits under the condition that they safeguard the concerned forest and contribute to afforestation efforts. The concept of forest leases and their primary realisation within the framework of two model leshozes was initiated in close collaboration between the Kyrgyz State Agency for Forestry and Kirfor, a forestry programme implemented by Intercooperation on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The following text is based on the outcome of a survey conducted over a period of nine months within the Kirfor programme by the author in 6 of the 14 leshozes in the mountains of Southern Kyrgyzstan (M ESSERLI 2001).