cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and stereochemistry of new cytotoxic clerodane diterpenoids from the bark of Casearia lucida from the Madagascar rainforest.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a CH2Cl2/MeOH extract of the bark of Casearia lucida resulted in the isolation of 11 new clerodane diterpenes, namely, casearlucins A−K (1−11), and three known clerodane diterpenoids, rel-(2S,5R,6R,8S,9S,10R,18S,19R)-diacetoxy-18,19-epoxy-6-hydroxy-2-(2ξ-methylbutanoyloxy)cleroda-3,13(16),14-triene (12), rel-(2S,5R,6R,8S,9S,10R,18S,19R)-18,19-diacetoxy-18,19-epoxy-6-methoxy-2-(2ξ-methylbutanoyloxy)cleroda-3,13(16),14-triene (13), and rel-(2S,5R,8S,9S,10R,18S,19R)-18,19-diacetoxy-18,19-epoxy-2-(2ξ-methylbutanoyloxy)cleroda-3,13(16),14-triene (14). The structures of compounds 1−11 were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data interpretation. All compounds exhibited cytotoxicity activity against the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line, but none of the six compounds selected for testing in multiple cell lines showed significant selectivity.
The Effects of Auditory Stimulation on the Arithmetic Performance of Children with ADHD and Nondisabled Children

This study evaluated the impact of extra-task stimulation on the academic task performance of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Twenty boys with ADHD and 20 nondisabled boys worked on an arithmetic task during high stimulation (music), low stimulation (speech), and no stimulation (silence). The music "distractors" were individualized for each child, and the arithmetic problems were at each child's ability level. A significant Group x Condition interaction was found for number of correct answers. Specifically, the nondisabled youngsters performed similarly under all three auditory conditions. In contrast, the children with ADHD did significantly better under the music condition than speech or silence conditions. However, a significant Group x Order interaction indicated that arithmetic performance was enhanced only for those children with ADHD who received music as the first condition. The facilitative effects of salient auditory stimulation on the arithmetic performance of the children with ADHD provide some support for the underarousal/optimal stimulation theory of ADHD.
Stratification and Bottom-Water Hypoxia in the Pamlico River Estuary

Relationships among bottom-water dissolved oxygen (DO), vertical stratification, and the factors responsible for stratification-destratification in this shallow, low tidal-energy estuary were studied using a 15-yr set of biweekly measurements, along with some recent continuous-monitoring data. Hypoxia develops only when there is both vertical water-column stratification and warm water temperature (>15°C). In July, 75% of the DO readings were <5 mg 1−1, and one-third were <1 mg 1−1. Severe hypoxia occurs more frequently in the upper half of the estuary than near the mouth. Both the time series data and correlation analysis results indicate that stratification events and DO levels are tightly coupled with variations in freshwater discharge and wind stress. Stratification can form or disappear in a matter of hours, and episodes lasting from one to several days seem to be common. Estimated summertime respiration rates in the water and sediments are sufficient to produce hypoxia if the water is mixed only every 6–12 d. There has been no trend toward lower bottom water DO in the Pamlico River Estuary over the past 15 yr. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY059 00002
Lower Bounds for the Expected Sample Size and the Average Risk of a Sequential Procedure

Sections 1–6 are concerned with lower bounds for the expected sample size, E 0(N), of an arbitrary sequential test whose error probabilities at two parameter points, θ1 and θ2, do not exceed given numbers, α1 and α2, where E 0(N) is evaluated at a third parameter point, θ0. The bounds in (1.3) and (1.4) are shown to be attainable or nearly attainable in certain cases where θ0 lies between θ1 and θ2. In Section 7 lower bounds for the average risk of a general sequential procedure are obtained. In Section 8 these bounds are used to derive further lower bounds for E 0(N) which in general are better than (1.3).
Varieties of reasoning: assessing adequacy

Helmut Reich's theory of relational and contextual reasoning is a courageous initiative for the resolution of cognitive conflicts between apparently incompatible or incommensurable views. Built upon Piagetian logico-mathematical reasoning, cognitive complexity theory, and dialectical and analogical reasoning, it includes the development of a both/and logic inclusive of binary either/or logic. Reich provides philosophic, theoretical, and even initial empirical support for the development of this form of reasoning along with a heuristic for its application. A valuable step beyond the limits of binary, static, and formal reasoning, it takes relationship, context, and perspectival variations seriously in an explicitly reflective and iterative system. We can and do address conflicts not resolvable by conventional appeals to logic or evidence, including those at epistemic boundaries or produced by belief-commitment differences. Although this form of reasoning has real promise, including stepping beyond complementarity in the religion-science dialogue, it seems better directed to causally explanatory theories than to other forms of rendering meaning. Finally, its coextension requirement may render it problematic where functionally coherent explananda cannot be identified or are themselves produced or constituted by a belief system.
MODELLING INTERREGIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

The demand for large-scale interregional transport modelling is growing as the ability to do this type of work increases. There is clearly a promise held out by modelling to answer questions of regional economic growth distribution of benefits and incidence of costs. However, many problems are still to be faced in the design and implementation of these models before these expectations can be fully realized. This paper treats some of these problems with suggestions as to how they can be handled.
A study of transference and solvation phenomena of hydrochloric acid in water-dioxane solvents

Abstract Transference and solvation phenomena for the ions of hydrochloric acid in water-dioxane solvents have been studied. The cation transference number and the grams of solvent transferred from anode to cathode are presented graphically as a function of solvent composition. The data are discussed in terms of the nature and extent of solvation of the ions of hydrochloric acid by the components of the solvent and the reference substance, α-methyl-D-glucoside. Comparison is made with the transference and solvation data of the ions of hydrochloric acid in the ethanol-water system.
Late-stage orogenic loading revealed by contact metamorphism in the northern Appalachians, New York

Pelitic schists from contact aureoles surrounding mafic-ultramafic plutons in Westchester County, NY record a high-P (~0.8 GPa) high-T (~790 °C) contact overprint on a Taconic regional metamorphic assemblage (~0.5 GPa). The contact metamorphic assemblage of a pelitic sample in the innermost aureole of the Croton Falls pluton, a small (<10 km 2 ) gabbroic body, consists of quartz-plagioclase- biotite-garnet-sillimanite-ilmenite-graphite-Zn-rich Al-spinel. Both K-feldspar and muscovite are absent, and abundant biotite, plagioclase, sillimanite, quartz and ilmenite inclusions are found within subhedral garnet crystals. Unusually low bulk-rock Na and K contents imply depletion of alkalic components and silica through anatexis and melt extraction during contact heating relative to typical metapelites outside the aureole. Thermobarometry on nearby samples lacking a contact overprint yields 620-640 °C and 0.5-0.6 GPa. In the aureole sample, WDS X-ray chemical maps show distinct Ca-enriched rims on both garnet and matrix plagioclase. Furthermore, biotite inclusions within garnet have significantly higher Mg concentration than matrix biotite. Thermobarometry using GASP and garnet-biotite Mg-Fe exchange equilibria on inclusions and adjacent garnet host interior to the high- Ca rim zone yield ~0.5 � 0.1 GPa and ~620 � 50 °C. Pairs in the modified garnet rim zone yield ~0.9 � 0.1 GPa and ~790 � 50 °C. THERMOCALC average P-T calculations yield similar results for core (~0.5 � ~0.1 GPa, ~640 � ~80 °C) and rim (~0.9 � ~0.1 GPa, ~800 � ~90 °C) equilibria. The core assemblages are interpreted to record the P-T conditions of peak metamorphism during the Ta- conic regional event whereas the rim compositions and matrix assemblages are interpreted to record the P-T conditions during the contact event. The high pressures deduced for this later event are inter- preted to reflect loading due to the emplacement of Taconic allochthons in the northern Appalachians during the waning stages of regional metamorphism (after c. 465 Ma) and before contact metamor- phism (c. 435 Ma). In the absence of contact metamorphism-induced recrystallization, it is likely that this regional-scale loading would remain cryptic or unrecorded.
Can long‐term variability in the Gulf Stream Transport be inferred from sea level?

Recent studies by Sturges and collaborators suggest a simple, but powerful, technique to estimate climatic changes in the transport of the Gulf Stream from the difference between the oceanic sea level calculated with a simple wind-driven Rossby wave model and the observed coastal sea level. The hypothesis behind this technique is tested, using 40 years of data (1950 to 1989) obtained from a three-dimensional Atlantic Ocean model forced by observed surface data. The analysis shows that variations in sea level difference between the ocean and the coast are indeed coherent with variations of the Gulf Stream transport for periods shorter than 1 year or longer than 4–5 years. The results obtained from the three-dimensional model confirm the findings of the simple Rossby wave model that decadal climatic changes in the Gulf Stream transport vary considerably with latitude.
Advanced pressurization system for liquid rockets.

Pressurization system for liquid rockets, analyzing inert weight and complexity reduction using Saturn 5 S-4B stage
Dermoid, teratoma or choristoma? A rare lesion of the tongue in an adult

The nomenclature of developmental lesions in the tongue is confusing. We present a rare case in an adult and describe the clinical and histopathological features. Terminology of these lesions is also discussed.
A note on the high-speed computation of rotational constants and interatomic distances from structural parameters

Abstract A program is described for the high-speed digital computation of rotational constants and interatomic distances directly from structural parameters in the form of bond lengths and bond angles. The program accepts as input the spherical polar coordinates of each atom, computes their Cartesian coordinates, and subsequently calculates the rotational constants and interatomic distances and angles. Sufficient flexibility in the choice of origin and orientation of axis system is allowed to cope with the great variety of structures which exist.
Architecture of interstitial nodal spaces in the rodent renal inner medulla

Every collecting duct (CD) of the rat inner medulla is uniformly surrounded by about four abutting ascending vasa recta (AVR) running parallel to it. One or two ascending thin limbs (ATLs) lie between and parallel to each abutting AVR pair, opposite the CD. These structures form boundaries of axially running interstitial compartments. Viewed in transverse sections, these compartments appear as four interstitial nodal spaces (INSs) positioned symmetrically around each CD. The axially running compartments are segmented by interstitial cells spaced at regular intervals. The pairing of ATLs and CDs bounded by an abundant supply of AVR carrying reabsorbed water, NaCl, and urea make a strong argument that the mixing of NaCl and urea within the INSs and countercurrent flows play a critical role in generating the inner medullary osmotic gradient. The results of this study fully support that hypothesis. We quantified interactions of all structures comprising INSs along the corticopapillary axis for two rodent species, the Munich-Wistar rat and the kangaroo rat. The results showed remarkable similarities in the configurations of INSs, suggesting that the structural arrangement of INSs is a highly conserved architecture that plays a fundamental role in renal function. The number density of INSs along the corticopapillary axis directly correlated with a loop population that declines exponentially with distance below the outer medullary-inner medullary boundary. The axial configurations were consistent with discrete association between near-bend loop segments and INSs and with upper loop segments lying distant from INSs.
The Songs of Pomus and Shuman; Doc Pomus: Singer and Songwriter; The Pomus and Shuman Story: Double Trouble, 1956-1967; Till the Night Is Gone: A Tribute to Doc Pomus

American popular music thrives on collaborative compositions. During the early 20th century, creative melodies formulated by Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin, and Richard Rodgers wer...
Urey prize lecture: Water on Mars

Taking the heat-transport physics of ice-covered lakes in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica as a model, it is presently suggested that liquid water lakes could have persisted for significant periods under protective ice covers in the Valles Marineris depressions of Mars. Calculations of ground ice thermodynamic stability in a Martian setting indicate that they may exist close to the surface at high latitudes, but are able to persist near the equator only at substantial depths. Such Martian landforms as terrain-softening are attributable to the creep of the Martian regolith under the influence of ground-ice deformation; FEM modeling of the flow process implies terrain-softening to be a near-surface phenomenon.
An improved method for RTL synthesis with testability tradeoffs

A method for high level synthesis with testability is presented with the objective to generate self-testable RTL datapath structures. We base our approach on a new improved testability model that generates various testable design styles while reducing the circuit sequential depth from controllable to observable registers. We follow the allocation method with an automatic test point selection algorithm and with an interactive tradeoff scheme which trades design area and delay with test quality. The method has been implemented and design comparisons are reported.
Abstraction of hydrogen by SiH radicals from hydrogenated amorphous silicon surfaces

Abstract The dynamics and energetics are presented of two Eley–Rideal reactions by which SiH radicals impinging at thermal energies on growth surfaces during plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films abstract hydrogen atoms from the surface and return to the gas phase as SiH 2 radicals. The reactions were observed during classical molecular-dynamics simulations of a-Si:H film deposition from SiH radicals impinging on an initially H-terminated Si(001)-(2×1) surface maintained at 500 K. The H-abstraction reaction may either produce a dangling bond on the surface or eliminate a surface coordination defect. The computed activation energy barriers for the two hydrogen abstraction reactions are 0.15 and 0.07 eV, respectively, and the corresponding exothermic reaction energies are 0.20 and 0.30 eV. The effects of both reactions on the growth surface are examined through detailed analysis involving the local structural configurations and the associated bond angle and bond length distributions in the vicinity of the surface hydrogen abstraction sites.
SCN5A Mutation Associated With Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Conduction Disorder, and Arrhythmia

Background— We studied a large family affected by an autosomal dominant cardiac conduction disorder associated with sinus node dysfunction, arrhythmia, and right and occasionally left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. Previous linkage analysis mapped the disease phenotype to a 30-cM region on chromosome 3p22-p25 (CMD1E). This region also contains a locus for right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVD5) and the cardiac sodium channel gene (SCN5A), mutations that cause isolated progressive cardiac conduction defect (Lenegre syndrome), long-QT syndrome (LQT3), and Brugada syndrome. Methods and Results— Family members were studied, and the positional candidate gene SCN5A was screened for mutations. We identified, by direct sequencing, a heterozygous G-to-A mutation at position 3823 that changed an aspartic acid to asparagine (D1275N) in a highly conserved residue of exon 21. This mutation was present in all affected family members, was absent in 300 control chromosomes, and predicted a change of charge wit...
Pair tunneling as a probe of the dynamics of magnetic insulators

A method of using the ac Josephson current between two superconducting electrodes to probe the spin fluctuations of a magnetic insulating barrier of a junction is suggested. The dc I-V characteristic of such a junction measured as a function of both the dc bias voltage V and the magnitude of a magnetic field parallel to the plane of the junction is predicted to be proportional to the imaginary part of the frequency--and wave-vector--dependent susceptibility of the magnetic material.
Primary and secondary gas penetration during gas-assisted injection molding. Part I: Formulation and modeling

A theoretical study has been carried out on the transient gas-liquid interface development and gas penetration behavior during the cavity filling and gas packing stage in the gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) of a tube cavity. A mathematical formulation describing the evolution of the gas/melt interface and the distribution of the residual wall thickness of skin melt along with the advancement of gas/melt front is presented. The physical model is put forward on the basis of Hele-Shaw approximation and interface kinematics and dynamics. Numerical simulation is implemented on a fixed mesh covering the entire cavity. The model and simulation can deal with both primary and secondary gas penetrations. The predicted and measuredresults are compared in Part II of this study to validate the theoretical model. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:983–991, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Integrated Approach to Studying the Development and Final Network Properties of Urethane Acrylate Coatings

An integrated approach, involving the use of a number of analytical techniques, was used to study polymer coating network development during photopolymerization of a series of fast reacting, low modulus coating formulations containing urethane/acrylate oligomers and acrylic comonomers. Real-time UV rheology measurements, to assess the development of viscoelastic properties, and real-time FTIR, to assess the disappearance of acrylic groups, were used to study the early stages of the photocuring reaction up to the gel point. These results showed that the development of the cross-linked network and the rate at which acrylate double bonds reacted were not necessarily directly proportional as might be expected and were dependent upon the structures of the urethane/acrylate oligomer and comonomers comprising a particular coating. Samples of partially polymerized coatings were also prepared having degrees of acrylate conversion ranging from ∼50% through full conversion. Analysis of the amount of extractable mate...
The planar Hall effect in MnSb films and MnSb-based multilayer structures grown on (1 1 1)B GaAs

Abstract We report on the planar Hall effect properties of ferromagnetic MnSb films in ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic multilayer structures. We demonstrate an enhancement of the relative planar Hall resistivity when MnSb is used in multilayer structures. In single-layer MnSb films, the relative planar Hall resistivity is ∼2.5%, while the multilayer structures demonstrate up to ∼41% change. The following structures were prepared by pulsed laser deposition and grown on (1 1 1)B GaAs: epitaxial and polycrystalline MnSb thin films, MnSb/Bi multilayers and Mn/Sb/Mn/Bi multilayers. The multilayer structures also demonstrate temperature dependence, as the relative resistivity decreases to ∼30% when the temperature decreases to 100 K.
Lenalidomide (Revlimid, CC-5013) in myelodysplastic syndromes: is it any good?

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be divided into "early" and "advanced" disease by evaluation of prognostic variables such as the number of cytopenias, karyotype, and percentage of myeloblasts. Patients with an isolated interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q31 represent a distinct subset who may derive particular benefit from immunomodulatory drugs. Goals of therapy for early MDS focus on hematologic improvement and maximizing quality of life. Thalidomide, the prototype of the immunomodulatory drugs, yields major erythroid responses in some patients with early MDS, but doselimiting neurologic toxicities limit its potential clinical benefit. Lenalidomide, a more potent and non-neurotoxic derivative, has shown promising results in early MDS, yielding hematologic improvement in almost half of patients and transfusion independence with cytogenetic remissions in approximately two thirds of patients harboring the chromosome 5q31 deletion.
I Can Help You Change! An Empathic Virtual Agent Delivers Behavior Change Health Interventions

We discuss our approach to developing a novel modality for the computer-delivery of Brief Motivational Interventions (BMIs) for behavior change in the form of a personalized On-Demand VIrtual Counselor (ODVIC), accessed over the internet. ODVIC is a multimodal Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) that empathically delivers an evidence-based behavior change intervention by adapting, in real-time, its verbal and nonverbal communication messages to those of the user’s during their interaction. We currently focus our work on excessive alcohol consumption as a target behavior, and our approach is adaptable to other target behaviors (e.g., overeating, lack of exercise, narcotic drug use, non-adherence to treatment). We based our current approach on a successful existing patient-centered brief motivational intervention for behavior change---the Drinker’s Check-Up (DCU)---whose computer-delivery with a text-only interface has been found effective in reducing alcohol consumption in problem drinkers. We discuss the results of users’ evaluation of the computer-based DCU intervention delivered with a text-only interface compared to the same intervention delivered with two different ECAs (a neutral one and one with some empathic abilities). Users rate the three systems in terms of acceptance, perceived enjoyment, and intention to use the system, among other dimensions. We conclude with a discussion of how our positive results encourage our long-term goals of on-demand conversations, anytime, anywhere, with virtual agents as personal health and well-being helpers.
Qualitative Analysis of Collective Mode Frequency Shifts in l-Alanine Using Terahertz Spectroscopy

We have observed collective mode frequency shifts in deuterium-substituted l-alanine, three of which have previously only been calculated. Terahertz (THz) absorbance spectra were acquired at room temperature in the spectral range of 66−90 cm−1, or 2.0−2.7 THz, for l-alanine (l-Ala) and four l-Ala compounds in which hydrogen atoms (atomic mass = 1 amu) were substituted with deuterium atoms (atomic mass = 2 amu): l-Ala-2-d, l-Ala-3,3,3-d3, l-Ala-2,3,3,3-d4, and l-Ala-d7. The absorbance maxima of two l-Ala collective modes in this spectral range were recorded for multiple spectral measurements of each compound, and the magnitude of each collective mode frequency shift due to increased mass of these specific atoms was evaluated for statistical significance. Calculations were performed which predict the THz absorbance frequencies based on the estimated reduced mass of the modes. The shifts in absorbance maxima were correlated with the location(s) of the substituted deuterium atom(s) in the l-alanine molecule, ...
Nosocomial Clostridium difficile colonisation and disease.

Abstract To assess the risk of acquiring Clostridium difficile diarrhoea or colitis in patients colonised with C difficile, rectal swabs taken weekly for 9 weeks from patients with long-term (at least 7 days) hospital stays on three wards were cultured for C difficile. 60 (21%) of 282 patients were culture-positive for C difficile during their hospital stay, of whom 51 were symptom-free faecal excretors. C difficile diarrhoea developed in the other 9 patients; 2 were culture-positive for C difficile and had diarrhoea at the time of first culture, and 7 had diarrhoea or pseudomembranous colitis after 1-6 previously negative weekly rectal cultures. All patients with diarrhoea were on one ward, but symptom-free excretors were found on all wards. Hin dlll chromosomal restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) of the C difficile isolates revealed 18 distinct types. All isolates from the patients with diarrhoea were one of two nearly identical REA types, B or B2.26 of the 29 total B/B2 isolates were from patients on the same ward, which points to a nosocomial outbreak. The symptom-free excretors were not at increased risk of subsequent clinical illness.
Over-expression of multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein inhibits NK granule-mediated lytic ability without affecting the Fas lytic pathway.

Abstract Multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells is commonly associated with the over-expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the product of the MDR1 gene. In this study, we investigated whether over-expression of Pgp in natural killer (NK) cells would influence their granule- as well as fas-mediated cytolytic activities. YT-INDY, a human NK-like cell line, was transfected with the MDR1 gene, then tested for Pgp activity the presence of various concentrations of R-verapamil, a potent Pgp inhibitor. We showed that, unlike control YT-INDY, the Pgp activity of the transfectants (YT-mdr(+)) was only partially inhibited by R-verapamil. We also showed that Fas lytic activity was unaltered and that the loss of granule-mediated cytotoxicity was not due to reduced LFA-1 expression or to a decrease in target cell (TC) binding. Our data indicate that Pgp may be involved in the release of cytotoxic molecules.
Telemedicine process used to implement an effective and functional screening program for diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels in the retina, is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20–74 years of age. Nearly 300 million people worldwide have diabetes and nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. It has been estimated that blindness from diabetic retinopathy is preventable in at least 65% of cases, if detected early. The aim of the project was to develop a flexible, modular, mobile method for screening individuals that could be used effectively in a variety of medical and community settings. Methods: Our project created software to support a simple, effective retinal screening process for people with diabetes. The system included four separate software components: registration, imaging, grading, and tracking/reporting. The imaging component consisted of customized software running on a computer attached to a camera that drives retinal image acquisition. Results: Seven hundred and six subjects with diabetes were successfully consented, registered, imaged, and had their eye images graded. The mean time for subjects to be registered, imaged, and have eye images graded was 00:12:53. Seventy-six percent of the sample was instructed to follow-up with their eye doctor in 1 year (had no retinopathy or microaneurysms). Only six patients (0.8 %) were asked to see their eye doctor within 6 weeks (proliferative retinopathy or diabetic maculopathy). Conclusion: Our project successfully demonstrated that the retinal screening software and workflow process can be used to overcome challenges of providing adequate screening and diagnostic services for people at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Homogeneous catalytic dicarbonylation of 1,4-dimethoxy-2-butene

Abstract The homogeneous catalytic 1,4-dicarbonylation of 1,4-dimethoxy-2-butene has been studied. Palladium chloride species are most effective for the reaction, giving high yields of dimethyl hex-3-enedioate. A profound solvent effect is observed. While up to 80% yield of 1,4-dicarbonylated product is achieved in benzonitrile solvent, only 10 – 20% yield can be obtained in methanol solvent. The reaction is promoted by Lewis acids and is inhibited by Lewis bases. The kinetics and a possible mechanism of the catalytic reaction are discussed.
A longitudinal study of speech timing in young children later found to have reading disability.

Purpose This study examined the development of timing characteristics in early spontaneous speech of children who were later identified as having reading disability (RD). Method Child–adult play sessions were recorded longitudinally at 2 and 3 years of age in 27 children, most of whom were at high familial risk for RD. For each speaking turn, the number of syllables was determined and an acoustic analysis measured the time allocated to articulation, pausing before speaking, and pausing during speaking. Results In grade school, a reading battery identified 9 children with RD and 18 children without RD (9 at high risk, 9 at low risk). Early speaking rate was significantly slower in the group with RD, with significantly different patterns of pausing compared with children without RD. Group differences became more distinct by age 3, as longer speaking turns were attempted. Conclusions The results are discussed in terms of speech and language formulation. Phonetic plans may be shorter and/or less specified in ...
Regulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signaling by the Tyrosine Phosphatase PTP-BL

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins are a family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation after cytokine stimulation. One mechanism by which STAT signaling is regulated is by dephosphorylation through the action of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP). We have identified PTP-Basophil like (PTP-BL) as a STAT PTP. PTP-BL dephosphorylates STAT proteins in vitro and in vivo, resulting in attenuation of STAT-mediated gene activation. In CD4(+) T cells, PTP-BL deficiency leads to increased and prolonged activation of STAT4 and STAT6, and consequently enhanced T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell differentiation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PTP-BL is a physiologically important negative regulator of the STAT signaling pathway.
The role of culture in technology management research: National Character and Cultural Distance frameworks

Management research exploring the role of national culture on topics such as management style, strategy, and firm performance can broadly be divided into two categories. Studies that attempt to compare and contrast the impact of culture on organizations in different cultures have been labeled as ''National Character'' studies. These studies attempt to determine how specific cultural attributes affect actions, strategies and performance. The second type of culture study focuses on the interactions between two firms embedded in different national cultures. These studies look at the impact of ''Cultural Distance'' on the ability of organizations to successfully interact. It is this latter area which is becoming increasingly important to technology management in the ''Flat World'' of the 21st Century. Research propositions for technology management for each of the two frameworks are developed.
A model compound analysis of a strategy for the selective microbial pretreatment of lignin

Abstract Reaction products 3,4-dimethoxyacetophenone (3,4-DMA), guaiacol, cresol and vinyl β-ethers were observed in microbial cultures containing Pseudomonas putida and veratrylglycol-β-guaiacyl ether (VGE). Vinyl ether formation occurred after 4 days' incubation, whereas fragmentation product formation occurred after 11 – 12 days and coincided with a drop in culture pH . Glucose added as a primary substrate was consumed by the fourth day. These results are relevant to the first of a novel two-step lignin processing concept. A microbial pretreatment of lignin, effecting a reaction analogous to the fragmentation of VGE to 3,4-DMA and guaiacol observed here, would improve hydrogen utilization during lignin liquefaction.
Transforming growth factor-β1 regulation of surfactant protein B gene expression is mediated by protein kinase-dependent intracellular translocation of thyroid transcription factor-1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) polypeptides control a variety of cellular processes including organogenesis and cellular proliferation and differentiation. In the developing lung, TGF beta(1) treatment inhibits airway branching and expression of the genes for surfactant proteins (SP). Many effects of TGF beta are mediated at the level of gene transcription but there is limited information regarding signaling pathways and target transcription factors. In this study with human pulmonary adenocarcinoma H441 cells, we investigated TGF beta(1) effects on SP-B, a protein which is essential for normal function of pulmonary surfactant. TGF beta(1) (10 ng/ml) reduced SP-B mRNA content in a time-dependent fashion, and transient transfection studies localized responsiveness to the region of the SP-B promoter (-112/-72 bp) containing binding sites for thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3), transcription factors that are important enhancers of SP gene expression. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunofluorescence, we demonstrated rapid accumulation of these transcription factors in the cytoplasm and subsequent loss from the nucleus on TGF beta(1) treatment of both adenocarcinoma cells and cultured human fetal lung. TGF beta(1) treatment caused intracellular translocation of protein kinase C and effects of TGF beta(1) were mostly abrogated in the presence of the protein kinase inhibitor calphostin C. We conclude that TGF beta(1), acting via protein phosphorylation, blocks nuclear translocation of TTF-1 and HNF3 which results in down-regulation of the SP-B gene and presumably other pulmonary genes which are transactivated by these factors.
Modeling the Particle Size and Interfacial Hardening Effects in Metal Matrix Composites with Dispersed Particles at Decreasing Microstructural Length Scales

The focus of this paper is on incorporating the particle size effect and the effect of particlematrix interfacial properties on the average onset of plasticity and strain hardening rates of metal matrix composites reinforced with hard, stiff, or soft particles. In order to achieve this objective, a higher-order gradient plasticity theory that explicitly includes the effect of interfacial energy at particle-matrix interfaces is formulated within the frameworks of virtual power and thermodynamic laws. The derived higher-order gradient plasticity theory also takes into account large variations in plastic strain tensor and effective plastic strain; namely, the gradient of plastic strain, the gradient of the effective plastic strain, and the accumulation of plastic strain gradients. Moreover, unlike the majority of the existing gradient plasticity theories in the literature, it is shown that the matrix nonlocal yield condition as well as a yield-like condition for the particle-matrix interface can be directly derived from the principle of virtual power without any further constitutive assumptions. Also, in this work the interfaces dissipate energy similar to the bulk material during plastic deformation. The interfacial yield condition takes into consideration the particle type (soft, stiff, hard) through the incorporation of the particle-matrix interfacial yield strength and interfacial hardening in case of dislocation transmission across the interface (i.e. shearing of particles). The proposed higher-order gradient plasticity theory is shown to be qualitatively successful in predicting the increase in the average yield strength, strain hardening rates, and flow stress as the particle size decreases and the particle interfacial strength increases.
Evaluating Procedures for Reducing Measurement Error in Math Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes

At present, it is unclear whether math curriculum-based measurement (M-CBM) procedures provide a dependable measure of student progress in math computation because support for its technical properties is based largely upon a body of correlational research. Recent investigations into the dependability of M-CBM scores have found that evaluating probe design procedures is necessary to estimate the contribution of probe-related factors to variance in M-CBM scores. To extend this research, the present study compared a set of commercially available probes (i.e., AIMSweb) with an experimental set that was constructed to enhance consistency in item content across alternative forms. Two probes were randomly selected from each set and administered to 43 students in fifth grade. Generalizability analyses indicated that the experimental probes generated scores with less error variance than those of the AIMSweb probes. Follow-up analyses indicated that fewer administrations of the experimental probes were necessary to...
Mathematical Analysis of Antiretroviral Therapy Aimed at HIV-1 Eradication or Maintenance of Low Viral Loads

Motivated by the ability of combinations of antiretroviral agents to sustain viral suppression in HIV-1-infected individuals, we analyse the transient and steady-state behavior of a mathematical model of HIV-1 dynamics in vivo in order to predict whether these drug regimens can eradicate HIV-1 or maintain viral loads at low levels. The model incorporates two cell types (CD4+ T cells and a long-lived pool of cells), two strains of virus (drug-sensitive wild type and drug-resistant mutant) and two types of antiretroviral agents (reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors). The transient behavior of the cells and virus and the eventual eradication of the virus are determined primarily by the strength of the combination therapy against the mutant strain and the maximum achievable increase in the uninfected CD4+ T cell concentration. We also predict, if the parameters of the model remain constant during therapy, that less intensive maintenance regimens will be unable to maintain low viral loads for extensive periods of time. However, if the reduction in viral load produced by therapy reduces the state of activation of the immune system, the number of cells susceptible for HIV-1 infection may decrease even though total CD4+ T cells increase. Our model predicts that if this occurs strong inductive therapy that reduces viral load followed by weaker maintenance regimes may succeed.
Destruction of highly purified cytochromes P-450 associated with metabolism of fluorinated ether anesthetics.

Abstract Destruction of highly purified hepatic cytochromes P -450 PB-B and BNF-B, the major forms from phenobarbital (PB)- or β-naphthoflavone (BNF)-induced rats, and of microsomal cytochromes P -450 from PB-induced rats—in the course of metabolism of the anesthetics 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl vinyl ether, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ethyl ether, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl allyl ether, and ethyl vinyl ether—has been investigated. Such destruction is important for the control of cytochrome P -450 activities and for drug-drug interactions. The following conclusions have been drawn from the results: Destruction of cytochromes P -450 is dependent on NADPH-mediated metabolism of the anesthetics. Both purified cytochromes in reconstituted systems are more susceptible to destruction than microsomal membrane-bound cytochromes P -450. Cytochrome P -450 BNF-B is more susceptible to destruction than cytochrome P -450 PB-B. 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl vinyl ether-mediated destruction probably results from epoxidation and subsequent carbonium ion formation and not from its metabolites, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and glycolaldehyde. Some of the 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl allyl ether-mediated destruction possibly results from the destructive properties of the metabolite, acrolein. Unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds are essential for destruction directly or else possibly indirectly after incorporation into metabolites. Fluorine substituants do not affect destruction of purified cytochromes P -450 but enhance destruction of microsomal cytochromes, possibly by facilitating accessibility.
Single station ocean current vector measurement: Application of the Spaced Antenna (SA) Technique

The Spaced Antenna (SA) technique is applied to measuring ocean surface currents for the first time. This allows the measurement of the ocean surface current transverse to the radar beam as well as the radial current and thus eliminates the requirement of two separate radars to measure the full current vector as with present ocean surface current radar systems. Therefore, this technique offers considerable advantages for ocean current mapping in terms of simplicity for real-time operational systems and could have wide applications, for example at sites where it is not practical to have two separate radars.
Bayesian Updating, Model Class Selection and Robust Stochastic Predictions of Structural Response

A fundamental issue when predicting structural response by using mathematical models is how to treat both modeling and excitation uncertainty. A general framework for this is presented which uses probability as a multi-valued conditional logic for quantitative plausible reasoning in the presence of uncertainty due to incomplete information. The fundamental probability models that represent the structure’s uncertain behavior are specified by the choice of a stochastic system model class: a set of input-output probability models for the structure and a prior probability distribution over this set that quantifies the relative plausibility of each model. A model class can be constructed from a parameterized deterministic structural model by stochastic embedding utilizing Jaynes’ Principle of Maximum Information Entropy. Robust predictive analyses use the entire model class with the probabilistic predictions of each model being weighted by its prior probability, or if structural response data is available, by its posterior probability from Bayes’ Theorem for the model class. Additional robustness to modeling uncertainty comes from combining the robust predictions of each model class in a set of competing candidates weighted by the prior or posterior probability of the model class, the latter being computed from Bayes’ Theorem. This higherlevel application of Bayes’ Theorem automatically applies a quantitative Ockham razor that penalizes the data-fit of more complex model classes that extract more information from the data. Robust predictive analyses involve integrals over highdimensional spaces that usually must be evaluated numerically. Published applications have used Laplace's method of asymptotic approximation or Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms.
In vivo regulation of murine CYP7A1 by HNF-6: a novel mechanism for diminished CYP7A1 expression in biliary obstruction.

Disruption of the enterohepatic bile acid circulation during biliary tract obstruction leads to profound perturbation of the cholesterol and bile acid metabolic pathways. Several families of nuclear receptor proteins have been shown to modulate this critical process by regulating hepatic cholesterol catabolism and bile acid synthesis through the transcriptional control of cholesterol 7- hydroxylase (CYP7A1). Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 6 (also known as OC-1) is a member of the ONECUT family of transcription factors that activate numerous hepatic target genes essential to liver function. We have previously shown that hepatic expression of mouse HNF-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein significantly decrease following bile duct ligation. Because CYP7A1 contains potential HNF-6 binding sites in its promoter region, we tested the hypothesis that HNF-6 transcriptionally regulates CYP7A1. Following bile duct ligation, we demonstrated that diminished HNF-6 mRNA levels correlate with a reduction in CYP7A1 mRNA expression. Increasing hepatic levels of HNF-6 either by infection with recombinant adenovirus vector expressing HNF-6 cDNA by growth hormone treatment leads to an induction of CYP7A1 mRNA. To directly evaluate if HNF-6 is a transcriptional activator for CYP7A1, we used deletional and mutational analyses of CYP7A1 promoter sequences and defined sequences 206/194 to be critical for CYP7A1 transcriptional stimulation by HNF-6 in cotransfection assays. In conclusion, the HNF-6 protein is a component of the complex network of hepatic transcription factors that regulates the expression of hepatic genes essential for bile acid homeostasis and cholesterol/lipid metabolism in normal and pathological conditions. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40:600 – 608.)
Synergism by Propynyl Aryl Ethers in Permethrin‐Resistant Tobacco Budworm Larvae, Heliothis virescens

Synergists were used to diagnose possible mechanisms of permethrin resistance in permethrin-selected strains of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.). In addition to permethrin, these strains of the tobacco budworm were resistant to α-cyano-pyrethroid insecticides, organophosphorus insecticides and DDT. The monooxygenase-inhibiting prop-2-ynyl aryl ethers were the only effective synergists of permethrin among 16 candidates tested. The most effective synergist was 1,2,4-trichloro-3-(2-propynyloxy)benzene. Piperonyl butoxide, a common monooxygenase-inhibiting synergist in other species and tobacco budworm strains, was inactive. These results suggested the presence and contribution of an unusual monooxygenase in the enzymatic detoxication of permethrin. DDT cross-resistance, which was not synergized, and broad pyrethroid cross-resistance supported previous evidence for target site insensitivity as a second pyrethroid-resistance mechanism in these strains. The actions of S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (TBPT) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) suggested that hydrolytic detoxication, important in methyl parathion-resistance tobacco budworm strains, had little or no role in conferring pyrethroid resistance in these strains.
Use of intravenous insulin aspart for treatment of naturally occurring diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs.

Objectives To characterize the utility and safety of IV insulin aspart in the treatment of diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) in dogs and to determine the times to resolution of hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and acidemia in dogs treated with IV insulin aspart. Design Prospective noncontrolled single arm study of dogs with DKA between February 2010 and March 2011. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Six dogs with spontaneous DKA and blood glucose (BG) concentration >13.8 mmol/L (250 mg/dL), pH between 7.0 and 7.35, and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate >2.0 mmol/L were treated with an IV continuous rate infusion (CRI) of aspart insulin. The time to biochemical resolution of DKA was defined as the time interval from when the IV CRI of aspart insulin began until marked hyperglycemia (BG concentration >13.8 mmol/L [250 mg/dL]), acidemia (venous pH 2.0 mmol/L) resolved. Aspart insulin was administered as an IV CRI at an initial dose of 0.09 U/kg/h. The dose was adjusted according to a previously published protocol. Measurements and Main Results The median time to biochemical resolution of DKA in dogs treated with insulin aspart was 28 hours (range, 20–116 h). Mean BG concentration decreased significantly from the time IV fluid resuscitation began (32.0 mmol/L [576 mg/dL]; range, 14.9–38.9 mmol/L [268–700 mg/dL]) until 6 hours later when IV aspart insulin CRI began (20.1 mmol/L [363 mg/dL]; range, 9.4–26.1 mmol/L [169–470 mg/dL], P = 0.03). No adverse effects were observed in association with IV insulin aspart administration. Median cost of hospitalization was US$3,477 (range, US$1,483–10,469). Median total units per kilogram of administered IV insulin aspart was 2.97 U/kg (range, 2.04–10.52 U/kg). Conclusions Intravenous CRI of insulin aspart is a safe and effective treatment for DKA in dogs. IV fluid resuscitation is recommended prior to insulin administration.