cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of coxI-associated repeated sequences in plant mitochondrial DNA rearrangements and radish cytoplasmic male sterility.

The gene coxI, encoding subunit I of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, has been characterized from the normal (fertile) and Ogura (male-sterile) cytoplasms of radish to determine if a previously identified mitochondrial DNA rearrangement, and its associated transcriptional differences, could play a role in Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The normal and Ogura loci are virtually identical for 2.8 kb, including a 527-codon open reading frame whose product is approximately 95% identical to other plant COXI polypeptides. A rearrangement 120 bp 5′ to the coding region results in different 5′ transcript termini for the two genes. A comparison of several crucifer mitochondrial DNAs indicates that this rearrangement also occurs in the normal radish cytoplasm and is, therefore, not involved in Ogura CMS. Sequences present at the coxI locus belong to at least two different dispersed repeat families, members of which are also associated with other rearranged genes in radish.
The relationship between maternal body mass index and tobacco use on small for gestational age infants

We sought to estimate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and to determine if there is a synergistic effect of tobacco use on SGA across all BMI strata. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 65,104 patients seen for second-trimester ultrasound. BMI was categorized into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. SGA was defined as birth weight <10th percentile and <5th percentile. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between BMI and SGA. Stratified analyses and tests for effect modification were performed to evaluate for a potential synergistic effect between tobacco use and abnormal prepregnancy BMI on SGA. After controlling for potential confounders, underweight BMI was associated with an increased risk for SGA <10th percentile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 2.1), while overweight (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.8) and obese BMIs (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7) were associated with a decreased risk of SGA. There was no effect modification of tobacco use on the risk of SGA across all BMI categories. Although both tobacco and underweight BMI are independently associated with SGA, there was no evidence of synergism. Continued emphasis on both smoking cessation and maintenance of normal prepregnancy BMI remains paramount to decreasing the incidence of SGA.
Oscillations and possible transition to optical chaos in phase-conjugate waves in self-pumped BaTiO3 AT 514.5 nm

Abstract Experimental results are reported on oscillations of phase-conjugate wave in self-pumped BaTiO 3 for various input powers and input angles. Both temporal evolution and power spectra of various types of oscillation, from the regular to transition to possible optical chaos, have been investigated. New results on the power and angular dependence of the primary frequency of phase- conjugate oscillation are also presented.
The fluoride content of foods and beverages from negligibly and optimally fluoridated communities

– In the spring of 1996, foods and beverages most commonly consumed by adolescents were analyzed for fluoride as part of a larger investigation. These foods were selected by interviewing 711 adolescents, 12–14 years of age, who were long-time residents of either an optimally or negligibly fluoridated community. The brand names of the identified foods and beverages most commonly purchased were determined by interviews with the parents. A total of 441 brand-name food and beverage items were purchased from both communities and were individually analyzed for fluoride. These analyses were done in order to estimate the fluoride content of various kinds of foods and beverages and to determine whether or not there was a significant difference between the two communities in the amount of fluoride ingested from these dietary sources. The food and beverage items were classified into dietary groups based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Overall, the fluoride content of the sampled foods and beverages was low. In addition, there was no significant difference in the fluoride content of the same pre-packaged or ready-to-eat food or beverage items purchased in the two communities. However, a significant difference was found between the two communities in the fluoride content of fountain beverages and in cooked or reconstituted foods prepared using local water from the respective communities. Based on these results, we have estimated the mean daily, dietary fluoride intake for 3–5-year-old children who are more susceptible to developing dental fluorosis.
Dilemmas of protection: The log of the Kigali Battalion

(1998). Dilemmas of protection: The log of the Kigali Battalion. International Peacekeeping: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 1-18.
Induction of Growth in Newt and Frog Limbs after Perfusion with Extracts from Newt Blastemas

IT has been suggested that the nerves required for regeneration of the amphibian limb produce a “trophic material”1,2. Lentz3 has suggested a “hormonal” role for the nervous system, but otherwise the nature of trophic material is undefined4.
Effects of Woody Debris on Channel Morphology and Sediment Storage in Headwater Streams in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee-North Carolina

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important component of headwater streams, however, few studies have investigated the geomorphic effects of CWD in the southern Appalachians. In the Great Smoky Mountains, debris slides supply large volumes of CWD and sediment to low-order streams. This study investigates the effect of CWD on bankfull channel dimensions and in-channel sediment storage along second-order streams. Comparisons are made between streams that have experienced recent debris slides and those that have not. CWD channel obstructions are larger but less frequent along debris-slide-affected streams. Dendrochronological evidence indicates that CWD can remain in channels for over 100 yr. Relatively short residence times of CWD along debris-slide-affected streams suggest that logs are frequently flushed through these streams. CWD causes channel widening along all study streams, but the volume of sediment stored in the channel behind CWD obstructions is up to four times greater than the volume of sediment r...
A simple approach to 5,5′-bis(1,3-dioxolan-4-ones) of tartaric acids

An easy access to acetals of aldehydes and tartaric acid is described. A series of bis(1,3-dioxolan-4-ones) was isolated with a high degree of 2,5-cis-selectivity. Transformations were performed with both (S,S)- and (R,R)-tartaric acid.
Unsedated transnasal endoscopy with ultrathin endoscope as a screening tool for research studies

Objectives/Hypothesis: Asymptomatic subjects volunteering for research studies are generally stratified as healthy based on a questionnaire, medical interviewing, and physical examination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities in healthy asymptomatic volunteers using unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (T-EGD) with an ultrathin endoscope as an additional screening tool. Study Design: A prospective study from one academic medical center with extensive experience in T-EGD. Methods: Consecutive 150 subjects volunteering for research studies were initially screened by using a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire, interviewing, and examination. Based on these, they were stratified as healthy asymptomatic volunteers or with GERD. Unsedated T-EGD was then performed by a faculty member who was blinded to the results of the initial assessment. Results: On initial assessment using GERD questionnaire, medical interviewing, and physical examination, of the total 150 consecutive research volunteers, 83 (average age 33 ± 16 years; 46 females, 37 males) subjects were healthy asymptomatic volunteers and 67 (average age 36 ± 15 years; 35 females, 32 males) had symptoms of GERD. On T-EGD, GI pathology was found in 15 of 83 (18%) healthy asymptomatic volunteers as compared to 24 of 67 (36%) stratified as having GERD (P < .01). The esophageal abnormalities found in healthy asymptomatic volunteers were esophagitis (13.3%), Barrett's esophagus (2.4%), hiatus hernia (2.4%), and gastritis (2.4%). Conclusions: A small but significant number of asymptomatic subjects have abnormal upper GI findings. Hence, transnasal unsedated endoscopy can be considered as a screening tool to stratify subjects as healthy, especially when considering them for research studies. Laryngoscope, 2012
Whitehead’s Doctrine of Eternal Objects and its Interpretations

The philosophy of organism is as much concerned with permanence as with process, with eternal objects as with concrescence. Whitehead claimed that apart from actual entities (concrescence) there is nothing, but it is equally true that apart from eternal objects there is nothing. This is simply to say that both actual entities and eternal objects have a degree of finality about them which the other entities of the system lack. All other entities in the philosophy of organism are the result of the interweaving of these two.1Being and becoming, change and permanence, the static and the fluid, temporal and eternal, express the tension which Whitehead wanted to keep in balance. It has been observed that “Experience of total process cannot even deliver the insight that it is in process.”2 Whitehead, we think, would have agreed.
A new microsurgical reoperation for failed lumbar disc surgery.

This paper reports a consecutive series of 103 patients operated upon over a 4.2-year period (from November 1978 through January 1983). These patients were initially operated upon by other orthopedic and neurologic surgeons without relief of their sciatic pain. The average duration of symptoms prior to microsurgical reoperation was 35.9 months. The average number of reoperations per patient was 1.4. The median follow-up time was 27 months (range 1–50 months). Preoperative evaluation included examination, CAT scan, myelogram, and electromyeogram. Average postoperative hospital stay without spinal fusion was 5.1 days. Two techniques were used: a unilateral decompression and a bilateral intersegmental decompression. Results are compared. A classification of operative findings is given. Eight patients in the series received spinal fusion as part of their procedure. Microsurgical reoperation benefited 80.6% of the 103 patients.
Leveraging scrum principles in collaborative, inter-disciplinary service-learning project courses

This paper presents two primary results: (1) an adaptation of a Scrum-based, software-tools enabled process used in international service-learning project courses in the Computer and Information Sciences and other disciplines and (2) the software applications resulting from this process. The paper begins with an overview of Scrum and the challenges of applying it in the classroom. We survey the literature regarding adaptations of Scrum in an academic setting. Unlike a number of applications of Scrum in the academy, we applied Scrum in the context of international service-learning courses where we completed software application projects for clients, typically non-profit organizations that needed a system to address some key issue. The challenges encountered with the application of Scrum in a multi-course project setting are discussed along with the adaptations made to address these problems. We summarize some of our successful project results and experiences to date. Finally, we discuss known issues with our approach and future directions of our work, including our interest in partnering with other institutions and in pursuing an open source model for our projects.
The Collinear Three-Body Problem with Negative Energy

Abstract The geometry of the global phase space of the collinear three-body problem with negative energy is presented in this paper. A set of transformations is introduced to create fictitious boundaries to make the phase space compact. At first, the binary collisions are not regularized. Then one of the binary collisions (the collision between m 2 and m 3 ) is regularized and we analyze the phase structure of this "half regularized" system. Finally, the second binary collision (the collision between m 1 and m 2 ) is regularized and we analyze how the phase structure is transformed by this regularization. The whole analysis provides a vivid picture of the phase flow of the collinear three-body problem.
Ineffectiveness of Water Circulation for Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Production in Ponds

— Continuous aeration at 0.5–0.9 kWha during summer months increasingly has become a baitfish industry practice, with aerators also serving as water circulators. Our study examined the impact of circulating pond water on golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas produced by typical commercial practices. Ponds (0.04-ha) were circulated with 0.25-kW pumps during two consecutive summers. In the first trial juvenile golden shiners were stocked at 282,800/ha and treatment ponds circulated from 0900–1600 h. In the second trial, stocking rate and daily hours of circulation were increased (800,600 fishha and 24 h, respectively). After 56 d (trial 1). gross yields (mean ± SE) were 771 ± 69 and 668 ± 44 kgha for control (uncirculated) and circulated ponds, respectively. Second trial gross yields (63 d) were 1,330 ± 70 and 1,177 ± 61 kgha for the control and circulated treatments, respectively. While circulated ponds showed a reduction in stratification based on temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles, there were no significant differences in golden shiner growth, yield or survival. Under the conditions of our trials, water circulation was an ineffective culture practice.
Crystallization and preliminary structure determination of Escherichia coli Mfd, the transcription-repair coupling factor

Transcription-repair coupling factors (TRCFs) are SF2 ATPases that couple transcription to DNA-damage repair by recognizing and removing RNA polymerase-elongation complexes stalled at DNA lesions and recruiting the nucleotide excision-repair machinery to the damaged sites. As a first step towards understanding the TRCF mechanism, the 130 kDa Escherichia coli TRCF (the product of the mfd gene) has been overexpressed, purified and crystallized using an unusual precipitant, pentaerythritol ethoxylate. Initial phases were obtained using single-wavelength anomalous dispersion with a highly redundant 4 A resolution data set collected from selenomethionyl-substituted crystals and dramatically improved by density modification and phase extension to 3.2 A resolution. Model building and refinement, which are in progress, will provide insight into transcription-coupled DNA-repair pathways, as this represents the first TRCF to be crystallized to date.
Architecture of an all optical de-multiplexer for spatially multiplexed channels

Multiple channels of light can propagate through a multimode fiber without interfering with each other and can be independently detected at the output end of the fiber using spatial domain multiplexing (SDM). Each channel forms a separate concentric ring at the output. The typical single pin-diode structure cannot simultaneously detect and demultiplex the multiple channel propagation supported by the SDM architecture. An array of concentric circular pindiodes can be used to simultaneously detect and de-multiplex the SDM signals; however, an all optical solution is generally preferable. This paper presents simple architecture for an all optical SDM de-multiplexer.
Millennials and the World of Work: An Organization and Management Perspective

The purpose of this article is to provide a contextual overview that illustrates and illuminates some of the defining characteristics of the Millennial generation. This study offers a framework for understanding the most compelling issues organizations face in their efforts to effectively incorporate the generation currently entering the workforce. This is a review and commentary that links together current research on Millennials in the workplace into a cohesive narrative, supplemented by several short business case studies and the authors’ own research, insights, and experiences working with Millennials in a university. This article explores the ways in which college-educated members of the Millennial generation approach the world of work, especially in the context of their particular relationships with technology and institutions. Drawing on our experience as educators, we share our observations, along with those of others, highlighting organizational best practices when we have encountered them. We have grounded our thinking in the context of research and surveys about this population, including our own work, and examined the particular behaviors that seem to be most relevant to the tasks of recruiting, managing, and developing the generation now entering the workforce. While cross-generational workplace tensions are neither new nor likely to dissipate, we believe that additional insights gained by exploring this complex and sometimes paradoxical generation will facilitate the ability to tap into their many abilities and talents. This article sets aside the question of whether there are genuine differences in values across generations and instead examines two compelling factors that differentiate Millennial behaviors in the workplace. The first is their incorporation of technology as a “sixth sense” and as a fully integrated means of interacting with the world. The second is their expectation of organizational accommodation, stemming from their prior experiences and the degree to which institutions have made themselves malleable to the needs and desires of this cohort. Although much has been written about Millennials in the workforce, this approach provides a unique and nuanced understanding of the genesis of certain sets of behaviors and expectations.
Isopycnic centrifugation of Neurospora crassa conidia

The behavior of Neurospora crassa macroconidia during isopycnic centrifugation is described. Three observations are applicable to biochemical and genetic studies: (1) Germinated conidia possess a lower buoyant density than ungerminated conidia, (2) conidia which are metabolically and morphological defective as a result of treatment with the antimetabolite 6-aminonicotinamide are separable from untreated conidia on the basis of density differences, and (3) ungerminated conidia centrifuged on gradients of 30–35% (w/v) Ficoll can be separated on the basis of nuclear number.
Behavioral interactions between opiate and antiepileptic drugs in the mouse

Abstract Morphine and related opioid compounds are known to possess proconvulsant activity based upon both electroencephalographic and behavioral criteria. The present authors previously suggested that opiate-related seizures were behaviorally inhibitory, and this was further investigated in the present study. The effects of pretreatment with three pharmacologically distinct compounds (sodium valproic acid, trimethadione, taurine) upon normal behavioral activation to systemic morphine were examined in the mouse. Morphine consistently increased activity levels in comparison with vehicle. Each of the three experimental compounds itself was behaviorally inhibitory; nonetheless both sodium valproate and trimethadione facilitated behavioral responses to morphine. The effects of the same drugs upon activation produced by central administration of a long-lasting enkephalin analog ( d -ala2-leu-enkephalinamide) were investigated, with similar results. These findings confirm a behavioral interaction between opiate and anticonvulsant drugs, although it may be selective for certain classes of anticonvulsant compounds.
The family and home hemodialysis: adolescents' reactions to a father on home dialysis.

Quality of life is the most controversial issue surrounding home hemodialysis. We examined how sixteen adolescents and their six families reacted to having a father on home hemodialysis, exploring the interplay between adolescent developmental conflicts and family stresses. Family members underwent role changes to adjust to alterations imposed by hemodialysis. Some adolescents helped relieve family stresses by taking an active role in dialysis. These eight adolescents developed greater self-esteem which enhanced identity growth and facilitated separation. Psychological responses were observed that resembled the “death guilt,” “psychic numbing,” and “invisible contamination” described in Hiroshima survivors. Adolescent developmental problems can be dwarfed by family conflicts around chronic illness and dialysis. Families adjusted to home hemodialysis showing new growth, managing with a barely workable arrangement, or adapting unsuccessfully. Understanding more about how home hemodialysis can influence fami...
APPLICATION OF REDUCED-ORDER AERODYNAMIC MODELING TO THE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL UNCERTAINTY IN BLADED DISKS

Blade-to-blade variations can significantly impact the operation of bladed disks. In this paper, a method is presented for assessing the effects of these variations using a high-fidelity aerodynamic analysis. Systematic model reduction is applied to a high-order computational fluid dynamics code using the proper orthogonal decomposition technique. This results in a low-order model suitable for time domain computations of mistuning effects. The model is shown to capture the dynamics of the aeroelastic system more accurately than with a traditional influence coefficient approach. Results are presented for a bladed disk with structural uncertainty, where the blade frequencies exhibit random variations about a nominal state. Finally, the concept of a robust design is explored, in which intentional variation is introduced to the system in an attempt to alleviate the ill-effects of random variations. The approach can also be extended to consider aerodynamic uncertainty, which may arise from geometric variations.
GWIDD: A genome-wide protein-protein docking database

Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in almost all aspects of cell's functioning, from cell respiration, to cell communication, to cell cycle. Knowing the structural details of a protein-protein interaction helps us understand the mechanism of such interaction, and thus the function of participating proteins. Although the gold standard of protein structures is X-ray crystallography, crystal structures of protein complexes are more difficult to get than individual proteins. Furthermore, many protein interactions are transient, which makes studying them by crystallography and NMR even more problematic. Therefore most of the protein complex structures need to be modeled computationally. At present, docking is the most advanced method of modeling protein complex structures. We developed a comprehensive database containing genome wide protein-protein interactions from various sources and computationally modeled structures of these protein complexes using our docking methodology GRAMM-X. All data and servers of the database are freely available through a web interface. With further advancement of protein-protein interaction prediction methods and docking methodology, this database will be a valuable resource for studying protein-protein interactions.
Kernel Predictive Linear Gaussian models for nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems

The recent Predictive Linear Gaussian model (or PLG) improves upon traditional linear dynamical system models by using a predictive representation of state, which makes consistent parameter estimation possible without any loss of modeling power and while using fewer parameters. In this paper we extend the PLG to model stochastic, nonlinear dynamical systems by using kernel methods. With a Gaussian kernel, the model admits closed form solutions to the state update equations due to conjugacy between the dynamics and the state representation. We also explore an efficient sigma-point approximation to the state updates, and show how all of the model parameters can be learned directly from data (and can be learned on-line with the Kernel Recursive Least-Squares algorithm). We empirically compare the model and its approximation to the original PLG and discuss their relative advantages.
Diabetes and hypertension: how low should you go and with which drugs?

Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of end-stage renal disease in the United States. Both experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the importance of more intensive control of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in delaying progression of renal disease, particularly in diabetic patients with macroproteinuria. Although traditional recommendations have suggested that reducing systolic to <140 mm Hg is appropriate, there is consistent evidence in clinical trials demonstrating that, in the presence of diabetes, macroproteinuria, and impaired renal function, reducing systolic to <125 mm Hg will result in a more successful attenuation of the rate of progression of renal disease. In addition, there is convincing evidence demonstrating that blockade of the renin angiotensin system, particularly with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, results in an improved opportunity to delay progression of renal disease. Despite the advantages of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, most patients will require three to five medications to achieve optimal levels of goal SBP to attenuate the rate of progression of renal disease.
Fetal viability as a threshold to personhood. A legal analysis.

(1995). Fetal viability as a threshold to personhood. Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 607-636.
Effects of Ammonia on Acid-Base Transport by the B-Type Intercalated Cell

Abstract . Ammonia, in addition to its role as a constituent of urinary net acid excretion, stimulates cortical collecting duct (CCD) net bicarbonate reabsorption. The current study sought to begin determining the cellular transport processes through which ammonia regulates bicarbonate reabsorption by testing whether ammonia stimulates B-type intercalated cell bicarbonate secretion, bicarbonate reabsorption, or both. The effects of ammonia on single CCD intercalated cells was studied by use of measurements of intracellular pH taken from in vitro microperfused CCD segments after luminal loading of the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye BCECF. These results showed, first, that ammonia inhibited B-cell unidirectional bicarbonate secretion and that this occurred despite no effect of ammonia on apical Cl - /HCO 3 - exchange activity. Second, ammonia increased the contribution of a SCH28080-sensitive apical H + -K + -ATPase to basal intracellular pH regulation and it stimulated basolateral Cl - /HCO 3 - exchange activity. Thus, ammonia activated both apical proton secretion and basolateral base exit, consistent with stimulation of unidirectional bicarbonate reabsorption. It was concluded that ammonia regulates CCD net bicarbonate reabsorption, at least in part, through the coordinated regulation of the separate processes of B-cell bicarbonate reabsorption and bicarbonate secretion. These effects do not reflect a general activation of ion transport but, instead, reflect coordinated and specific regulation of ion transport.
A multi-pollutant, risk-based approach to air quality management: Case study for Detroit

In response to the need to further explore and understand the technical needs and challenges presented by implementing a multi–pollutant, risk–based approach to air quality management, a case study was performed for the urban area of Detroit. As part of this case study, two contrasting air quality control strategies were assessed and compared. One strategy mimicked the “status quo”, where controls were selected separately to address ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) nonattainment at monitor locations, while the other strategy reflected a “multi– pollutant, risk–based” approach aimed at further reducing population risk from exposure to ozone, PM2.5 and selected air toxics while still addressing ozone and PM2.5 nonattainment. This paper describes the technical framework used to apply and evaluate the two contrasting air quality control strategies and describes the relative benefits of each. Based on this case study, we found that the “multi–pollutant, risk–based” approach was able to: (1) achieve the same or greater reductions of PM2.5 and O3 at monitors; (2) improve air quality regionally and across the Detroit urban core for multiple pollutants; (3) produce approximately two times greater monetized benefits for PM2.5 and O3; (4) reduce non–cancer risk; and (5) result in greater net benefits and be more cost effective.
Cardiac and peripheral vascular effects of diphenylhydantoin sodium

Abstract The effects of intravascular administration of diphenylhydantoin sodium have been studied in intact dogs and in those with complete separation of cardiopulmonary and systemic circulations. Myocardial depressant as well as peripheral vasodilating actions of this drug were effectively separated and quantitated using this method. When these studies were performed in denervated animals, the transient reflex depression of myocardial contractility seen with systemic injection was abolished, and the direct effects of diphenylhydantoin on the blood vessels as well as the heart were further established and quantitated. Some of the clinical implications of these findings have been discussed.
Micrometer-width damascene copper conductors at ≥10 MA/cm 2

We have applied high amplitude (∼10 MA/cm2) alternating current (AC) at 100 Hz and direct current (DC) to copper interconnect lines with widths in the few-micrometer range covered with a thick layer of SiO 2 . Under our test conditions of Joule heating, the lines typically fail with lifetimes from 100 to 100,000 s, with a well-defined correlation between cyclic temperature range and the logarithm of lifetime. Post-test scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination reveals substantial voiding and grain growth, particularly in AC tests at the higher cyclic temperature ranges. Lines without the full SiO 2 constraint fail much sooner than the constrained lines for similar cyclic temperature ranges. The less-constrained lines also had surface contours that were not present on the fully constrained lines. Optical observations during the tests indicate that the void generation behavior appears different during the AC and DC tests, with a saturation behavior occurring in the AC tests, sometimes long before failure. The distributed void density in our AC tests was at least as great as that in the DC tests.
Regulation of Dendritic Spine Morphology and Synaptic Function by Shank and Homer

The Shank family of proteins interacts with NMDA receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptor complexes in the postsynaptic density (PSD). Targeted to the PSD by a PDZ-dependent mechanism, Shank promotes the maturation of dendritic spines and the enlargement of spine heads via its ability to recruit Homer to postsynaptic sites. Shank and Homer cooperate to induce accumulation of IP3 receptors in dendritic spines and formation of putative multisynapse spines. In addition, postsynaptic expression of Shank enhances presynaptic function, as measured by increased minifrequency and FM4-64 uptake. These data suggest a central role for the Shank scaffold in the structural and functional organization of the dendritic spine and synaptic junction.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Calcium Channels Could “T” Be a Target?

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels of the plasma membrane open in response to changes in cell membrane potential, providing an important pathway for regulated entry of extracellular Ca2+ ions. Ca2+ channels comprise a family of structurally related proteins displaying tissue- and stage-specific expression. They are classified as either high voltage-activated (HVA) or low voltage-activated (LVA) and can be subdivided further based on their pharmacological properties. HVA channels include L-, N-, P-/Q-, and R-types, and LVA channels are designated as T-type. Members of each subtype have been identified by molecular cloning, facilitating studies of their biophysical properties, relative distribution, and contribution to Ca2+-dependent cellular functions. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that in most, if not all, cases, more than one class of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel are expressed in a given cell type. The functional relevance of different Ca2+ channels within a cell, however, remains unclear. In contractile cells, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are particularly important because influx of extracellular Ca2+ is essential for muscle contraction and maintenance of tension. Ca2+ channels have received a great deal of attention in vascular smooth muscle (VSM), where calcium influx affects arterial vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation, and ultimately influences systemic blood pressure. Resistance arteries are an important site of blood pressure regulation. These arteries normally exist in a relatively contracted state and can undergo either dilation or constriction, depending on the contractile state of the arterial VSM. Ca2+ channel activity is a key determinant of VSM contractile state, and L-type Ca2+ channels are the classic target of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) widely prescribed as antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, a wealth of information has been published comparing different calcium antagonists, or CCBs, and their inhibitory affects on L-type calcium currents and vasoconstriction. It is important to …
The "Better Angels" of Capitalism: Rhetoric, Narrative, and Moral Identity among Men of the American Upper Class

The "Better Angels" of Capitalism: Rhetoric, Narrative, and Moral Identity among Men of the American Upper Class. Andrew Herman. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1999. vii. 287 pp., references, index.
Modeling Snow Depth for Improved Simulation of Snow–Vegetation–Atmosphere Interactions

The presence of snow and its relationship to surrounding vegetation significantly impacts the surface energy balance. For accurate atmospheric model simulations, the degree to which a snowpack can cover vegetation must be realistically represented. Both vegetation height and snow depth must be reasonably known to determine the amount of masking. The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System/Land Ecosystem‐Atmosphere Feedback, version two (RAMS/ LEAF-2) snow model was modified to simulate snow depth in addition to snow water equivalent and was driven offline with observed atmospheric forcing data. The model was run for five of the Boreal Ecosystem‐Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) surface mesonet stations over the 1995/96 winter. The time evolution of simulated snow depth was compared with the observed snow depth. Averaged over the winter, the modeled snow depth at the four low-wind stations was within 0.09 m of the observations, and the average percent error was 27%, while the one wind-blown station was considerably worse. The average depth error at all five stations was 60.08 m. This is shown to be sufficient to reasonably account for the surface energy balance effects of vegetation protruding through the snow.
Plant Diseases, Pests and Food Security

Chapter 5 discusses the plant diseases and pests that affect agricultural production in China, and thus food security. Because diseases of plants and insect pests are anthropocentric concepts, we begin the chapter by defining the functions they play in ecological renewal and the environmental conditions favoring pathogens and pests. Then we explore the broad range of economic damage they do to food crops, with data from recent years. Our examination then turns in some detail to migratory locusts, rice blast disease and wheat rust, which afflicted food crops throughout history and remain of great significance to the Chinese economy today. Other diseases and insect pests have reached epidemic scales, and we treat them by the major food crops they threaten: rice, wheat, maize (corn), potatoes and soybeans. Some plant pathogens not only affect crop yield but also endanger human and animal health, and we consider rice false smut, wheat scab, and other post-harvest diseases. Too, we consider farm cultural practices having an impact on diseases and pests as well as changes in government policy, including improvement of domestic transportation. Climate change is the broadest environmental change that may affect incidence and severity of disease and pest infestation. Finally, we describe the primary mitigation (or control) measures China has adopted. These include regulations and standards, cultural controls, biological control measures, and physical and chemical controls.
Suicide and the Elderly

The reasons for suicide in the elderly are not as self-evident as they seem to some persons who attribute the event primarily or even solely to being old. For most of those so “afflicted,” old age is a very pleasing time, one of high morale and high life satisfaction.
Fertility Preservation in Males

Infertility in males with cancer may be caused by the primary malignancy itself or occur secondary to surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Recognition of the potential causes of infertility in cancer patients can inform cancer treatment planning to reduce the impact on future fertility. The optimal time for discussion with patients about their fertility preservation options is at the initial cancer diagnosis. The ability to preserve fertility in males is dependent upon the age at presentation. Sperm cryopreservation prior to the start of cancer treatment is the most common technique utilized for fertility preservation in pubertal and postpubertal males. In the absence of any anatomic or neurologic impairment, sperm are retrieved via ejaculation following a period of abstinence of 48 h. Successful sperm collection can be challenging in certain populations, including adolescents and patients with anterograde ejaculation, neurologic compromise, or anatomic obstruction. For prepubertal males, no mature sperm is available for cryopreservation, and testicular tissue harvesting and cryopreservation of cell suspension or whole tissue can be performed, though only in the context of experimental, IRB-approved protocols. At the present time, the risk of reseeding malignant cells with reintroduction of cryopreserved testicular tissue has limited the utility of this approach for restoring fertility after cancer treatment. In addition, there are no data demonstrating the ability to transform immature germ cells in cryopreserved tissue into mature, functional sperm, though this is an area under active investigation.
The older patient with hearing deficit.

Significant loss of hearing occurs in 30 to 50 percent of persons more than 65 years of age. The unfamiliar setting of the physician's office increases the patient's apprehension about his impaired hearing, complicating physician-patient communication. Potential misunderstandings arising from the hearing deficit and its effect on behavior can be avoided by using the practical techniques outlined here.
Dual targeting of eIF4E by blocking MNK and mTOR pathways in leukemia

Dysregulation of mRNA translation leads to aberrant activation of cellular pathways that promote expansion and survival of leukemic clones. A key element of the initiation translation complex is eIF4E (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways play important roles in the regulation of eIF4E expression and downstream functional outcomes. Mitogen-activated protein kinase interacting protein kinases (Mnks) control translation by phosphorylation of eIF4E, whereas the mTOR kinase phosphorylates/de-activates the eIF4E inhibitor, 4E-BP1, to release translational repression. Both pathways are often abnormally activated in leukemia cells and promote cell survival events by controlling expression of oncogenic proteins. Targeting these pathways may provide approaches to avoid aberrant proliferation and neoplastic transformation.
Effects of Digital Navigation Aids on Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Comparison of Paper Map, Google Maps, and Augmented Reality

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different navigation aids with students with intellectual disability. Participants included six college-aged students with intellectual...
Diesel engine CFD simulations: Influence of fuel variability on ignition delay

Abstract The modeling of fuel chemistry within computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of diesel and other compression ignition engines is important because fuel composition and properties can significantly influence engine performance. Modern detailed chemical mechanisms containing detailed descriptions of the elementary reaction pathways can provide predictive modeling of fuel chemistry; however, they are generally far too computationally expensive for use in CFD and computational engine design and are often only available for single fuel components or simple component mixtures. We present CFD simulations of diesel engine combustion, focused on the prediction of ignition timing, carried out using an unsteady RANS approach with available sub-models to describe spray breakup physics. Chemistry is treated with a reduced global reaction model that incorporates parameters to describe fuel variability and can represent a range of real diesel and jet fuels. The derived cetane number (DCN) is used as a metric for fuel reactivity and a means to define rate parameters within the global reaction model. CFD simulations are compared to experiments from a light-duty single-cylinder diesel engine and show good agreement for ignition timing and the influence of fuel variability on ignition timing. Sensitivity analyses illustrate the relative importance of fuel variation as well as the importance of sub-models used to treat turbulence and spray breakup.
The Experimentation of Manpower Attracting Great-tits(Parus major)

Great tit(Parus major)are ordinary appearing secondary cavity-nesting birds in forest,and they are typical eating insect birds.They have important function to prevent and cure vermins for forest.The experimentation were done in Zuojia nature Reserve, Jilin Province from 2 month to 8 month in 2003.We selected sample district 96 hektare,and intercalated 115 manpower-nests. Great tit made triumphantly use of 77 nests,using rate was 66.96%.The article introduce method of experimentation;We analysed the used nests and unused nests in statistical way, and we found the disciplinarian of great tit using nests; The article else introduce the adverting proceeding to emplace nests.The study supplies a king of way to protect the forest and great tit.
A Dose Response Study of Two Purpurins on the AY-27 Rat Bladder Tumor

We have previously reported on a morphologic study of the effect of various purpurins on tumors, in vivo, suggesting that purpurins may be good alternatives to hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) for the photodynamic treatment of cancer.1 In light of these results, we have performed a dose response analysis of two purpurins to the FANFT induced urothelial tumor (designated AY-27). In this study, tumor bearing rats were given phototherapy with one of the purpurins at varying drug doses, and twelve days after treatment, tumors removed and tumor dry weight compared.
Precancerous Lesions of Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma

Endometrial precancer is an area of explosive growth in understanding in the field of gynecologic pathology. Previous iterations of diagnostic criteria relied on relatively subjective means of classifying patterns of endometrium into various hyperplasias. In truth, the “hyperplasia” with the most risk (complex atypical hyperplasia) of progression to endometrial cancer represents endometrial precancer in many cases. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published new guidelines for the classification of endometrial precancer. This classification scheme relies on two basic diagnostic categories: endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia/atypical hyperplasia (EIN/AH) and non-atypical hyperplasia. The purpose of this chapter is to review the historic, molecular, and histologic basis of these two entities and to compare them to previous classification systems. In addition, the molecular underpinnings that define EIN/AH as an endometrial precancer will be described. Features known to cause diagnostic difficulty, as well as ancillary techniques, will be discussed as well. The overreaching goal is to ease the transition for those utilizing the WHO 1994 to the more modern WHO 2014 system.
Thermal properties of Antarctic soils: wetting controls subsurface thermal state

Mineral soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, are commonly considered to be dry, and therefore to be good insulators with low thermal diffusivity values (similar to 0.2mm(2) s(-1)). However, field measurements of soil moisture profiles with depth, coupled with observations of rapid ground ice melt, suggest that the thermal characteristics of MDV soils, and thus their resistance to thaw, may be spatially variable and strongly controlled by soil moisture content. The thermal conductivity, heat capacity and thermal diffusivity of 17MDV soils were measured over a range of soil moisture conditions from dry to saturated. We found that thermal diffusivity varied by a factor of eight for these soils, despite the fact that they consist of members of only two soil groups. The thermal diffusivity of the soils increased in all cases with increasing soil moisture content, suggesting that permafrost and ground ice thaw in mineral soils may generate a positive thawing feedback in which wet soils conduct additional heat to depth, enhancing rates of permafrost thaw and thermokarst formation.