cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The species of Chusquea (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) with verticillate buds

A natural alliance of four species ofChusquea is characterized by having verticillate branches and a spikelet in which the transitional glumes one and two are very small or scalelike, and transitional glumes three and four are about equal to each other and about one-half or three-quarters as long as the lemma. Two of the four species,C. circinata andC. coronalis, are described as new and are provided with illustrations. The other two species,C. liebmannii Fourn. andC. pittieri Hack., are included in a key. The types and other collections are cited for the four species and their relationships are discussed.
Characteristics and radiofrequency ablation therapy of intermediate septal accessory pathway

Fourteen patients (5%) with an intermediate septal accessory pathway were identified among 283 consecutive patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who had electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation therapy. Nine were women and 5 were men (mean age 33 +/- 13 years). The resting electrocardiogram showed ventricular preexcitation in 8 patients and normal PR interval in 6. Anterograde and retrograde mapping studies revealed that the accessory pathway was para-Hisian in 11 patients and paranodal in 3. The accessory pathway was successfully ablated in 10 patients (9 para-Hisian and 1 paranodal) and damaged in 1 (para-Hisian). Treatment of 3 patients was complicated by transient atrioventricular (AV) block, of 1 by intermittent second-degree AV block, and of another by permanent complete AV block requiring implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Six patients underwent a follow-up electrophysiologic study 84 +/- 55 days after ablation; none had induction of tachycardia even after isoproterenol infusion. It is concluded that radiofrequency ablation therapy for intermediate septal accessory pathway is feasible. However, the success rate is only modest (71%), whereas complications with heart block (36%) or complete right bundle branch block (29%) are high. Thus, the procedure should be reserved for patients with life-threatening or troublesome symptomatic tachyarrhythmias.
Advances in video game methods and reporting practices (but still room for improvement): A commentary on Strobach, Frensch, and Schubert (2012).

Strobach, Frensch, and Schubert (2012) presented evidence that action video game experience improves task-switching and reduces dual-task costs. Their design commendably adhered to many of the guidelines proposed by Boot, Blakely and Simons (2011) to overcome common method and interpretation problems in this literature. Adherence to these method guidelines is necessary in order to reduce the influence of demand characteristics, placebo effects, and underreporting that might otherwise produce false positive findings. In their paper, Strobach et al. (2012) appear to have misinterpreted some of these proposed guidelines, meaning that their methods did not eliminate possible sources of demand characteristics and differential placebo effects. At this important, early stage of video game research, reducing the likelihood of false positive findings is essential. In this commentary we clarify our methodological critiques and guidelines, identify ways in which this new study did and did not meet these guidelines, and discuss how these methodological issues should constrain the interpretation of the reported evidence.
T Cell Affinity Maturation by Selective Expansion during Infection

T lymphocyte recognition of infected cells is mediated by T cell receptors (TCRs) interacting with their ligands, self–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules complexed with pathogen-derived peptides. Serial TCR interactions with potentially small numbers of MHC/ peptide complexes on infected cells transmit signals that result in T lymphocyte expansion and activation of effector functions. The impact of TCR affinity for MHC/peptide complexes on the rate or extent of in vivo T cell expansion is not known. Here we show that in vivo expansion of complex T cell populations after bacterial infection is accompanied by an increase in their overall affinity for antigen. T cell populations that have undergone additional rounds of in vivo expansion express a narrower range of TCRs, have increased sensitivity for antigen in cytotoxic T lymphocyte assays, and bind MHC/peptide complexes with greater affinity. The selective expansion of higher affinity T cells provides an in vivo mechanism for optimizing the early detection of infected cells.
Examining Epoxy-based Nanocomposites in Wellbore Seal Repair for Effective CO2 Sequestration.

Abstract Thousands of abandoned wellbores may lie within the aerial extent of a CO2 storage operation. These wellbores represent a potential leakage pathway and a leaky wellbore needs to be re-completed or otherwise repaired to restore seal integrity and ensure containment of the stored CO2. Due to the high cost of recompleting a well, a sufficient economic incentive exists if a viable seal repair technology is available. In this paper, we examine the use of epoxy nanocomposites as potential seal repair materials that have excellent bond characteristics with both steel and cement when cured in the subsurface environment. Test results show Novolac epoxy nanocomposites incorporating nanosilica, nanoclay or nanoalumina to have acceptable flowability that enable injection in wellbore cracks and significantly higher bond strength compared with standard microfine cement.
Management of hypertension in hemodialysis patients

The relationship of hypertension with adverse outcomes is uncertain in the hemodialysis population. If hypertension is an etiologically significant cardiovascular risk factor in hemodialysis patients, the first step would be to assess the level of BP accurately. BP obtained at home over a week and averaged using a validated oscillometric automatic device can prove valuable. To the extent BP lowering influences cardiovascular outcomes, home BP of 150/90 mm Hg would warrant therapy, since it correlates with target organ damage and hypertension diagnosed by ambulatory BP monitoring. To manage hypertension, limiting dietary sodium intake and individualizing dialysate sodium delivery would be first steps. The magnitude of reduction in BP with dietary sodium restriction and the whether dialysate sodium can be safely limited in those who are hypotension-prone is unclear. Antihypertensive drug therapies can effectively reduce BP and are needed by the vast majority of hemodialysis patients. Whether control of hypertension translates into better outcomes is not known, but collective evidence suggests that hypertension should be controlled in hemodialysis patients.
Novel sodium binding properties of some cyclopentapeptide endothelin A selective receptor antagonists: electrospray and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometric studies.

Abstract Electrospray ionization and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometric methods reveal novel interactions of endothelin A selective receptor antagonists, cyclo(D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu), cyclo(D-Trp-D-Glu-Ala-D-allo-Ile-Leu) and cyclo(D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Ile-Leu) with sodium ions. The peptides have very high intrinsic affinities for sodium ions, and form multiple sodium adducts and sandwich structures: [M + Na]+, [M + 2Na − H]+, [M + 3Na − 2H]+, [M + 4Na − 3H]+, [M + 5Na − 4H]+, [2M + Na]+, [2M + 2Na − H]+, [2M + 3Na − 2H]+, [2M + 4Na − 3H]+, [2M + 5Na − 4H]+, [2M + 6Na − 5H]+, and [2M + 7Na − 6H]+. The three cyclic peptides exhibit similar sodium binding stoichiometries despite differences in their amino acids. The observed sodium binding properties may have implications in understanding their protective effects against ischemia-induced acute renal failure. Those cyclic peptides that offer protection may be those that have high affinities for multiple sodium ions.
Mechanism of action of an acidic transcriptional activator in vitro

Abstract Transcription of a eukaryotic structural gene by RNA polymerase II requires the ordered assembly of general transcription factors on the promoter to form a preinitiation complex. Here we analyze affinity-purified complexes at various stages of assembly to determine the mechanism of action of an acidic transcriptional activator. We show that the activator can function in the absence of ATP and stimulates transcription by increasing the number of functional preinitiation complexes. The activator effects this increase by recruiting the general transcription factor TFIIB to the promoter. Using protein affinity chromatography we demonstrate a specific interaction between an acidic activating region and TFIIB. Based on these combined results, we propose that TFIIB is a direct target of an acidic activator.
Depositional architecture of growth-fault related wave-dominated shelf edge deltas of the Oligocene Frio Formation in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas

Abstract Growth faults within the Frio Formation define six subbasins on the South Texas shelf and add to the complexity of the sediment dispersal along the shelf margin. These growth faults influenced sediment pathways, controlled sediment partition and provided increased accommodation for deltaic depocenters. Rollover and thickening of sediments occur on the downthrown side of growth faults with offsets of at least 150 m and up to 750 m. Growth strata are indicated by intervals that thicken landward (by several tens of meters) from anticline crests. Individual 4th-order (100–500 ky) regressive cycles expand about five to seven times across growth faults; expansion ratios as great as 10 are observed. The shelf edge is associated with the largest displacement, expansion ratios and thickness of prograding deltaic sequences. Sedimentary structures and trace–fossil associations identified in cores from Nueces, Encinal and Red Fish Bay subbasins indicate deposition on a wave-dominated deltaic shoreline. The cores exhibit highly bioturbated muddy sandstones alternating with decimeter-thick clean sandstones with hummocky cross-stratification. Alternation of fair-weather wave deposits with sandy storm beds in two successive fault zones suggests that all subbasins developed under similar conditions during growth-fault development. High sediment supply conditions favored accumulation of thicker sediments on the downthrown sides of the faults. Wave dominance of deltas on the outer shelves in the growth compartments suggest that building of the upper slope rather lowers slope margin, and decreases the likelihood of the presence of sandy deep water fans. Correlation of about 700 well logs integrated with seismic data provided the areal distribution and relative timing of sediment filling of the growth-faulted compartments to unravel the evolution of higher-order (fourth and fifth) sequences affected by these growth faults. Core data were used to recognize depositional environments, to calibrate lithology to well logs and to characterize seismic amplitude anomalies. Within this shoreface succession the clean sandy storm beds will make attractive hydrocarbon reservoirs especially on the crest of rollover anticlines in downthrown compartments. These sandstone bodies pinch out seaward into open marine shelf mudstones and are sealed by overlying shelf mudstones deposited during transgressive episodes.
Nutrient exchange and oxygen consumption by deepߚsea benthic communities: Preliminary in situ measurements1,2

Rates of nutrient exchange and oxygen consumption by benthic communities were measured in situ at two deep-sea stations in the NW Atlantic (2,200–2,750 in) by a grab respirometer operated from the submersible Alvin. Ammonia was regenerated but nitrate and phosphate were taken up by the sediments. Nutrient exchange rates and total oxygen uptake by the sediments were two to four orders of magnitude lower than rates at a shallow station in the NE Pacific. Observed nutrient exchange rates were significantly different from predicted rates. Compartmentalization of benthic community metabolism is possible with the grab respirometer which collects the sediment and biota on which the measurements are made.
Association by contiguity: Clustering in free recall

Unrelated words were randomly paired then presented in a verbal discrimination (VD) task. After VD learning, the 24 words were used in a typical multitrial free recall (FR) situation. Analysis of clustering in FR revealed that contiguous presentation of words during VD learning induced Ss to recall the words together. Association by contiguity appears to be one determinant of clustering (organization) of output order in FR.
A preliminary investigation of four-dimensional ultrasound for evaluation of middle ear ossicles: an in vitro study.

Abstract Objective Temporal bone imaging in children has several inherent limitations. Computed tomography has the disadvantage of ionizing radiation, possible sedation, cost and accessibility. Magnetic resonance imaging has most of these disadvantages, with the exception of radiation, and provides bone images of limited resolution. Recent advances in ultrasound have led to its increased application in numerous medical fields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS) to image middle ear ossicles in vitro and determine if this technology should be adapted for future clinical use. Methods Thirty cadaveric ossicles (10 malleus, 10 incus, and 10 stapes) were randomized and measured by two evaluators under a microscope. The ossicles were then immersed in a cold water bath and imaged, randomized, and measured using four-dimensional ultrasound by the same two evaluators. A separate cadaveric temporal bone, modified to allow the ultrasound probe to rest on the tympanic membrane, was imaged to visualize the ossicles in situ and evaluate whether or not the tympanic membrane and malleus would impede visualization of more medial structures. Results Microscopic measurements were: malleus (h = 8.0 mm ± 0.32, w = 2.7 mm ± 0.20 ), incus (h = 6.8 mm ± 0.41, w = 5.3 mm ± 0.46 ), stapes (h = 3.5 mm ± 0.34, w = 2.4 mm ± 0.17 ). Inter-rater reliability was 0.8. Measurements were in agreement with previously published values. Ultrasound measurements were: malleus (h = 8.0 mm ± 0.51, w = 2.9 mm ± 0.27 ), incus (h = 6.8 mm ± 0.49, w = 5.5 mm ± 0.42 ), stapes (h = 3.6 mm ± 0.41, w = 2.5 mm ± 0.19 ). Inter-rater reliability was 0.7. Mean intra-class correlation coefficient for microscopic and ultrasound measurements was 0.7. Images of the ossicular chain in continuity in the temporal bone specimen were not as clear as images of individual ossicles that were disarticulated and imaged under water. Conclusions 4DUS provides reasonable images of ossicles disarticulated and mounted in underwater medium. However, images of the intact ossicular chain in a modified cadaveric temporal bone were not as clear, making interpretation difficult. Further investigation into the development of a thinner ultrasound probe that can pass through the external auditory canal and into overcoming limitations of air in the middle ear cleft are warranted. This could allow for a clinically relevant, faster, lower cost and lower risk alternative to current imaging techniques.
Improved theory for calculating sap flow with the heat pulse method

Abstract Sap flow rate in the xylem of plant stems can be estimated by measuring the velocity of a pulse of heat introduced into the stem. In the method suggested by Cohen et al. [Plant Cell Environ. 4 (1981) 391], the heat pulse is introduced with a line heat source, inserted radially into the stem or trunk. A temperature probe, positioned downstream from the line heat source, is used to measure the travel time of the heat pulse at various depths within the xylem. The sap flow sensor commercially available from Thermal Logic (Pullman, WA) can be used to implement this method, but it uses a heating duration about 10 times longer than that employed by Cohen et al. [Plant Cell Environ. 4 (1981) 391]. The longer heater duration violates the instantaneous heat input assumption of the model used by Cohen et al. [Plant Cell Environ. 4 (1981) 391] to estimate travel time of the heat pulse. In this paper, we present theory for estimating sap flow rate that explicitly accounts for the finite time duration of the heat input. The pulsed heating theory is used to quantify the error in sap flow rate that results from applying the instantaneous heating model to experimental results obtained with non-instantaneous heat inputs. For the relatively small heating duration (0.25–1.5 s) and relatively large probe spacing (0.015 m) used by Cohen et al. [Plant Cell Environ. 4 (1981) 391], the error in estimates of sap flow rate will rarely exceed 1%. For the relatively large heating duration (8 s) and relatively small probe spacing (0.006 m) of the Thermal Logic sensor, error in estimates of sap flow rate may exceed 20%.
Congenital nystagmus: a clinical perspective in infancy

In a series of 152 patients with congenital nystagmus, 119 had sensory nystagmus while 13 had pure motor nystagmus. The most common diagnoses in the sensory group were optic nerve hypoplasia. Leber's amaurosis, and oculocutaneous or ocular albinism. Eight of the patients in the motor group had a similarly afflicted parent. Diagnostic features in infants and preverbal children were reviewed. This study supports the continued clinical classification of congenital nystagmus into sensory and motor subtypes.
Mission Attachment and Satisfaction as Factors in Employee Retention

Nonprofit organizations rely on the mission to attract resources and guide decision making. Increasingly, mission statements are recognized as a strong management tool that can motivate employees and keep them focused on the organization's purpose. This research investigated employee attitudes toward the mission in a youth and recreation service organization. In general, the employees expressed positive attitudes toward the organization's mission, and those attitudes were related to employee satisfaction and intentions to remain with the organization. However, dissatisfaction with pay tended to override employee's mission attachment as explanation of why they may leave the organization. The implication is that mission might be salient in attracting employees but less effective in retaining them.
Vorticity, strain-rate and dissipation characteristics in the near-wall region of turbulent boundary layers

Experimental results are presented that reveal the structure of a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer which has been investigated by measuring the time-dependent vorticity flux at the wall, vorticity vector, strain-rate tensor and dissipation-rate tensor in the near-wall region with spatial resolution of the order of 7 Kolmogorov viscous length scales. Considerations of the structure function of velocity and pressure, which constitute vorticity flux and vorticity, indicated that, in the limit of vanishing distance, the maximum attainable content of these quantities which corresponds to unrestricted resolution, is determined by Taylor's microscale. They also indicated that most of the contributions to vorticity or vorticity flux come from the uncorrelated part of the two signals involved. The measurements allowed the computation of all components of the vorticity stretching vector, which indicates the rate of change of vorticity on a Lagrangian reference frame if viscous effects are negligible, and several matrix invariants of the velocity gradient or strain-rate tensor and terms appearing in the transport equations of vorticity, strain rate and their squared fluctuations. The orientation of vorticity revealed several preferential directions. During bursts or sweeps vorticity is inclined at 35° to the longitudinal direction. It was also found that there is high probability of the vorticity vector aligning with the direction of the intermediate extensive strain corresponding to the middle eigenvector of the strain-rate matrix. The results of the joint probability distributions of the vorticity vector orientation angles showed that these angles may be related to those of hairpin vortex structures. All invariants considered exhibit a very strong intermittent behaviour which is characterized by large-amplitude bursts which may be of the order of 10 r.m.s. values. Small-scale motions dominated by high rates of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation and high enstrophy density are of particular interest. It appears that the fluctuating strain field dominates the fluctuations of pressure more than enstrophy. Local high values of the invariants are also often associated with peaks in the shear stress.
Innovative participatory agent based modeling using a complexity governance perspective

Increasing extreme heat mortality and morbidity is anticipated to increase with climate change and urbanization over the next century. The southwest U.S. in particular shows regional climate forecasts with hotter and drier conditions. There is notable heat related mortality and morbidity each year in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area of Maricopa County. This is despite efforts of many public and nonprofit organizations to minimize health risks associated with the region's persistent high temperatures. Access to air conditioned space has been shown to reduce heat related mortality risk. Cooling centers were established in during 2006 in the Phoenix area through the Heat Relief Network (HRN) as an intervention. The HRN is a group of voluntary public and nonprofit community organizations operating in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments as well as County and State public health agencies. Participatory modeling was used to engage the heat relief community in greater Phoenix using a Netlogo prototype agent based model of the 2013 HRN cooling centers. Such an approach affords new ways of incorporating local expertise experienced in the field as a means of translating evidence into practice and allows exploration cooling center network dynamics from a complexity governance perspective. Important lessons learned were often related to increased systemic awareness of opportunities to increase coordination through the heat relief network. For example leveraging self-organization through communication may help more evenly distribute limited resources, such as water bottle donations. Such lessons may provide insight to future challenges for cities around the world as extreme temperatures become more frequent and intense due to climate change and urbanization.
Effect of soaking and germinating on the nutritive value of navy beans.

SUMMARY The effect of soaking or germination on the protein content, trypsin inhibitor activity, and hemagglutinin activity of navy beans was studied. Soaking navy beans for 1–4 days decreased the trypsin inhibitor activity, and especially the hemagglutinin activity. The decrease in protein content due to soaking did not account for all of the decrease in anti-trypsin and hemagglutinin activity. No significant changes were observed in hemagglutinin activity due to germination, although some decrease in the trypsin inhibitor activities of germinated beans was noticed. Protein content increased progressively in beans germinated l-4 days, and decreased in beans soaked 1–4 days. Rats fed raw, soaked, and germinated navy beans as a source of dietary protein lost weight and died 8–16 days after the beginning of the experiment. It is concluded that soaking prior to heating is not necessary to eliminate the toxicity of navy beans.
Characterization and correction of a drift in calibration of the TOPEX microwave radiometer

Characterization of the drift in the 18-GHz brightness temperature (TB) measured by the TOPEX microwave radiometer (TMR) is presented. The appropriate correction is not a constant drift but varies with TB. Using this correction results in a more accurate path delay retrieval that varies appropriately with cloud cover and surface wind speed.
Use of decorative concrete overlay for transportation infrastructure design

The novel concept of applying decorative concrete overlay (DCO) during the infrastructure design process supports the nationwide initiative for increased implementation of context-sensitive solutions. The DCO is a polymer-acrylic cementitious microtopping, a few millimeters thick, colored to look like stone, brick, or wood, for example, and skimmed or sprayed onto existing or new structural concrete. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of DCO to serve as a long-lasting aesthetic treatment for transportation infrastructure. A brief case study of typical decorative treatments and their associated costs indicated that DCO would be competitive in certain infrastructure applications. The DCO durability characteristics were examined by incorporating environmental conditions such as submersion in saltwater, exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture cycling, and intrusion of deicing salts (salt ponding). Fracture and pull-off adhesion testing were also conducted to evaluate the bonding of DCO to structural concrete. Flexural fracture testing showed that the bond between the DCO and concrete sample was unbroken, and failure was observed in the structural concrete. Adhesion testing indicated that the spray-on application method produces significantly stronger bond strengths than the alternative sponge technique. However, DCO must be sprayed on within a specific thickness range in order to achieve optimum strength. Chloride-ponding test results indicated that an additional benefit of DCO is that it acts as a protective coating against salt penetration. Overall, the research indicated that there may be significant potential for implementing DCO as a lasting and durable decorative contribution to the transportation design process.
Testing the Model of Influence of Presumed Influence in a Boundary Condition: The Impact of Question Order

We argue that evidence for and utility of the Influence of Presumed Influence (IPI) model lies in a robust causal chain in the form of self-exposure →other-exposure →perceived effects on others → behavior. A review of extant literature reveals competing theoretical explanations, as well as the possibility that a method factor (question order) could have driven the obtained models in structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses. The IPI model was tested in the boundary condition of different question orders using data from a web-basedexperimentalstudy.Theresultsfrom2-groupmodelSEManalysesshowthatthe causal directions among presumed influence and media effects schema variables are indeed a function of question order. doi:10.1111/hcre.12013 The majority of research on media effects focuses on if media messages have effects and how such effects occur. In addition to theories and models on direct media effects, frameworks have also been developed to explain how media effects might occur indirectly (e.g., Davison, 1983; Gunther & Storey, 2003). One such framework considers the indirect effects of media messages through perceptions of media effects on others, known as the hypothesis of the Influence of Presumed Influence (IPI; Gunther & Storey, 2003). Gunther and Storey propose that media exposure has an indirect effect on message recipients such that individuals first perceive the effect of the message on others and then react to that perception. The reaction to perceived effects on others then produces attitude or behavior changes in the self. The IPI hypothesis potentially can have important implications for both media effectstheoryandpractice.Theoreticallyspeaking,IPIisanalternativerouteofmedia effects. Practically, IPI points to a very cost-effective means of message design: The target audience can be influenced by information on the impact of a media message on other people. Indeed, this strategy has enjoyed some application in the realm of political campaigns. States try to move their primaries to an earlier date, such that they might have an impact on states that have primaries on a later date and, hence, a more important impact on the national election outcomes.
Characterization of Gammaherpesvirus 68 Gene 50 Transcription

Gene 50 is the only immediate-early gene that appears to be conserved among the characterized gammaherpesviruses. It has recently been demonstrated for the human viruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) that ectopic expression of the gene 50-encoded product in some latently infected cell lines can lead to the induction of virus replication, indicating that gene 50 is likely to play a pivotal role in regulating gammaherpesvirus reactivation. Here we demonstrate that the murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (gHV68) gene 50 is an immediate-early gene and that transcription of gHV68 gene 50 leads to the production of both spliced and unspliced forms of the gene 50 transcript. Splicing of the transcript near the 5* end serves to extend the gene 50 open reading frame, as has been observed for the gene 50 transcripts encoded by KSHV and herpesvirus saimiri (Whitehouse et al., J. Virol. 71:2550‐2554, 1997; Lukac et al., Virology 252:304‐312, 1998; Sun et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:10866‐10871, 1998). Reverse transcription-PCR analyses, coupled with S1 nuclease protection assays, provided evidence that gene 50 transcripts initiate at several sites within the region from bp 66468 to 66502 in the gHV68 genome. Functional characterization of the region upstream of the putative gene 50 transcription initiation site demonstrated orientation-dependent promoter activity and identified a 110-bp region (bp 66442 to 66552) encoding the putative gene 50 promoter. Finally, we demonstrate that the gHV68 gene 50 can transactivate the gHV68 gene 57 promoter, a known early gene target of the gene 50-encoded transactivator in other gammaherpesviruses. These studies show that the gHV68 gene 50 shares several important molecular similarities with the gene 50 homologs in other gammaherpesviruses and thus provides an impetus for future studies analyzing the role of the gHV68 gene 50-encoded protein in acute virus replication and reactivation from latency in vivo.
Enhancing Diversity in Science: Is Teaching Science Process Skills the Answer?

The Biology Fellows Program at the University of Washington aims to enhance diversity in science by helping students succeed in the rigorous introductory biology classes and motivating them to engage in undergraduate research. The composite Scholastic Achievement Test scores and high school grade point averages of the Biology Fellows are comparable to those of students who are not in the program; however, they earn, on average, higher grades in introductory biology classes than non-Biology Fellows. Underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students in the program also earn higher grades in the introductory biology classes than do their non-Biology Fellows counterparts. Analysis of the performance of Biology Fellows shows that the program assists students who are not proficient in certain science process skills and that students who lack these skills are at risk for failing introductory biology. This evaluation provides insight for designing programs that aim to enhance the performance of beginning students of biology, particularly for underrepresented minorities, who want to obtain a life science degree.
Cocaine-induced cerebral hemodynamic and neuronal function changes in vivo measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry

In this study laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was used to characterize the effects of cocaine on the local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) in rat brains in vivo. Also, the comparison of LCBF transients (DeltaLCBF(t)) elicited in the same animal in response to forepaw electrical stimulation was investigated before and after acute cocaine challenge to characterize the effects of the cocaine on the neural function. Our experimental results demonstrated that an acute cocaine administration (1mg/kg, i.v.) induced a increase of ~ 20-30% in LCBF immediately following the cocaine administration. The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) also increased to 133 mm Hg from a baseline of approximately 91 mm Hg. Both LCBF and MABP increases were temporal, and recovered to baseline 10-12 min and 4-6 min post-injection of cocaine, respectively. However, DeltaLCBF(t) signal elicited by forepaw stimulation was quenched until 40 min after cocaine injection. Our results elucidated the time course of cocaine's acute cerebrovascular and neurological effects, which might provide a better understanding of the etiology of cocaine-related stroke and transient ischemic attacks explored previously in the human studies.
Symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity in depression

Abstract Six self-rated items of interpersonal sensitivity (IPS) were examined in 174 depressed outpatients. These items were “feeling critical of others,” “your feelings being easily hurt,” “feeling others do not understand you or are unsympathetic,” “feeling others are unfriendly,” “feeling inferior to others,” “feeling shy or uneasy with the opposite sex.” The population was grouped into tertiles based on their pretreatment IPS score. High levels of IPS were associated with earlier onset and greater chronicity of depression, higher Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score, more severe depressed mood, guilt, suicidality, impaired work and interest, retardation, depersonalization, paranoia, and cognitive symptoms of depression. More frequent atypical features were found, e.g., overeating/weight gain, self-pity, phobic avoidance, and panic attacks. Response to a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drug increased at higher levels of IPS, while the response to a placebo decreased.
Endothelin stimulates platelet-activating factor synthesis by cultured rat Kupffer cells.

Endothelins are potent peptide mediators that elicit glycogenolytic and vasoconstrictor actions in the liver. Endothelins were found to stimulate the synthesis and release of the lipid mediator platelet-activating factor in cultured rat Kupffer cells. Endothelin-mediated synthesis of platelet-activating factor required extracellular calcium in that the calcium chelator, EGTA and nifedipine, a calcium ion channel blocker, inhibited platelet-activating factor synthesis. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, 4-bromophenacyl bromide, strongly inhibited endothelin-induced platelet activating factor synthesis. Endothelin-stimulated platelet activating factor synthesis was inhibited after treatment of Kupffer cells with cholera toxin, whereas pertussis toxin inhibited only this response to endothelin-1. Agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels were found to inhibit endothelin-induced platelet-activating factor synthesis in Kupffer cells. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor minimized endothelin-induced platelet-activating factor synthesis but phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, did not affect endothelin-induced platelet activating factor synthesis. Thus, the current study demonstrates that activation of an endothelin receptor in cultured rat Kupffer cells results in the synthesis and release of platelet-activating factor. The importance of endothelin-mediated platelet-activating factor synthesis relates to the mechanism of intercellular signaling occurring between endothelial cells (i.e., the site of endothelin synthesis) and Kupffer cells (i.e., the site of formation of secondary mediators such as platelet-activating factor and eicosanoids) within the rat liver exposed to various types of pathophysiological episodes.
Functional near-infrared neuroimaging

Functional near-infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy is a wearable neuroimaging device that enables the continuous, non-invasive, and portable monitoring of changes in blood oxygen and blood volume related to human brain function. Over the last three years, studies in the laboratory and under field conditions have established the positive correlation between a participant's performance and oxygenation responses as a function of task load. Our findings indicate that fNIR can effectively monitor attention and working memory in real-life situations. These experimental outcomes compare favorably with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, and in particular, with the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. The capacity to monitor brain hemodynamics with a wearable device holds promise for the use of fNIR in the creation of a symbiotic relationship between the user and his/her everyday environment. Moreover, under operational conditions, the fNIR system is amenable to integration with other established physiological and neurobehavioral measures, including EEG, eye tracking, pupil reflex, heart rate variability, respiration and electrodermal activity.
Performance of a Checkerboard Liner With Uncertain Impedances

The current fleet of large commercial aircraft has successfully achieved FAA noise certifications because of, in part, the successful application of uniform passive duct liner treatments to control engine system noise. One goal of NASA's engine system noise reduction program is to develop technologies to improve the sound absorbing properties of duct liner treatments so that they remain effective in modern turbo fan engines. One such technology being studied is checkerboard or periodic axially and circumferentially segmented liners. A preliminary assessment of the potential of this technology was conducted by applying uncertainties associated with manufacturing, installation, source structure, and tonal frequency to a liner developed using deterministic design methods and generating a measure of improvement with respect to a uniform liner subjected to the same uncertainties. Deterministic design and analysis of the candidate checkerboard liner showed that it obtains a 1.5 dB per duct aspect ratio improvement in liner attenuation over a similarly designed uniform liner. When uncertainties in liner impedances, source structure, and frequency are considered, the performance of the checkerboard liner drops off dramatically. The final results of this paper show that the candidate checkerboard liner has a less than 25 percent chance of outperforming the uniform liner when moderate levels of uncertainty are considered. It is important to note that this study did not include the effects of mean flow on liner performance and, more important to note, that as a gradient based optimization process was used to design the checkerboard liner, it is almost certain that a global optimal design was not found for the candidate checkerboard liner. Had it been possible to find a better deterministically performing checkerboard liner, the probability that this candidate liner would outperform the uniform liner would certainly have been higher.
Energy applications of ionic liquids

Due to their unusual sets of properties, ionic liquids have many important applications in devices and processes for the production, storage and efficient use of energy and other resources.
Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis Silence of the Lambs

Information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician (Dr Patrick O'Gara), who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader (regular type). A Discussion by the authors follows. A 62-year-old man with a past medical history presents to the cardiology clinic for evaluation after a routine echocardiogram obtained for evaluation of palpitations. His clinical history is remarkable for infrequent self-terminating episodes of regular rapid heartbeat over the last 2 months. The events are not associated with chest discomfort, dyspnea, lightheadedness, dizziness, or flushing. He denies any symptoms of rest or exertional chest discomfort or dyspnea, recent syncope or presyncopal sensations, or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. He states that he has been reducing his physical activity over the last several years because of fatigue. His past medical history is remarkable for hyperlipidemia and erectile dysfunction. He has no drug allergies. His medications include a multivitamin, simvastatin, and tadalafil. He smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day and has a >30 pack-year smoking history. He neither drinks alcohol nor uses illicit drugs. He is a retired store clerk. Dr Patrick O'Gara: The history does not provide the context in which the episodes of self-terminating, rapid, regular heart action occur. It would be important to establish their relation to activity, meals, time of day, caffeine intake, cigarette use, or ingestion of any over-the-counter medications or supplements. Asking the patient to tap out the cadence of his heartbeat could be helpful. His limited physical activity may mask appreciation of early symptoms of underlying cardiovascular disease and should serve as a warning that the history may be misleading or falsely reassuring. Specific reasons for his fatigue should be explored, including the possibilities of insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, depression, anemia, hypothyroidism, smoking-related pulmonary disease, and symptoms suggestive …
Prolonged Bed Rest in the Treatment of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Ten patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and with marked cardiomegaly and “intractable” congestive heart failure were studied to determine their response to prolonged complete bed rest therapy. Ischemc cardiomyopathy is similar to other types of cardiomyopathy with severe congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly and electrocardiographic abnormalities, but is distinguished by a history of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. The prognosis is poor since patients are subject to all the complications of cardiomyopathy, as well as to the sequelae of ischemic heart disease. A proper therapeutic approach encompasses treatment of the heart muscle disease, as well as of the ischemic basis. Management of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy by prolonged, complete bed rest resulted in initial clinical improvement in all patients. Four patients experienced partial reduction in heart size. Two of these patients lived four and eight years, respectively, after discharge and two are presently living seven and eight months after completing bed rest therapy.
Weighted random robust path delay testing of synthesized multilevel circuits

Importance of delay testing is growing especially for high speed circuits. Delay testing using automatic test equipment is expensive. Built-in self-test can significantly reduce the cost of comprehensive delay testing by replacing the test equipment. It was found that several multilevel, synthesized, robust path delay testable circuits require impractically long pseudo-random test sequences. Weighted random testing techniques have been developed for robust path delay testing. The proposed technique is successfully applied to these circuits and 100% robust path delay fault coverage obtained using only 1-2 sets of weights. >
Bacterial Lysis Liberates the Neutrophil Migration Suppressor YbcL from the Periplasm of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) modulates aspects of the innate immune response during urinary tract infection to facilitate bacterial invasion of the bladder epithelium, a requirement for the propagation of infection. For example, UPEC-encoded YbcL suppresses the traversal of bladder epithelia by neutrophils in both an in vitro model and an in vivo murine cystitis model. The suppressive activity of YbcL requires liberation from the bacterial periplasm, though the mechanism of release is undefined. Here we present findings on the site of action of YbcL and demonstrate a novel mode of secretion for a UPEC exoprotein. Suppression of neutrophil migration by purified YbcLUTI, encoded by cystitis isolate UTI89, required the presence of a uroepithelial layer; YbcLUTI did not inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis directly. YbcLUTI was released to a greater extent during UPEC infection of uroepithelial cells than during that of neutrophils. Release of YbcLUTI was maximal when UPEC and bladder epithelial cells were in close proximity. Established modes of secretion, including outer membrane vesicles, the type II secretion system, and the type IV pilus, were dispensable for YbcLUTI release from UPEC. Instead, YbcLUTI was liberated during bacterial death, which was augmented upon exposure to bladder epithelial cells, as confirmed by detection of bacterial cytoplasmic proteins and DNA in the supernatant and enumeration of bacteria with compromised membranes. As YbcLUTI acts on the uroepithelium to attenuate neutrophil migration, this mode of release may represent a type of altruistic cooperation within a UPEC population during colonization of the urinary tract.
Behavioral Response of Argiope trifasciata to Recent Foraging Gain: A Manipulative Study

Abstract This study investigates how recent foraging gain affects the web-building behavior of the garden spider, Argiope trifasciata, especially stabilimentum-building. Adult female spiders in the field and in cages were randomly assigned to two groups, fed and unfed. Spiders in the fed group received three grasshoppers each day; spiders in the unfed group received no prey. The experiment was terminated after each A. trifasciata had built four consecutive webs; the number of days required by each spider was recorded. During the experiment I recorded silk length, catching area, mesh size and stabilimentum area of each web spun by test spiders. Continuously fed, field and caged spiders decreased silk output and web size, increased mesh size and increased the interval between successive foraging bouts. Unfed, caged spiders increased silk output and web size, maintained mesh size and shortened the interval between successive foraging bouts. Although unfed spiders in the field exhibited the same trend, change...
Introduction: Political Science and Chinese Political Studies – The State of the Field

New developments in Chinese political studies over the past three decades suggest the field might be at a crossroads. Scholars and students alike still vividly remember texts used in graduate school and innumerable papers published by first rate comparativists such as Gabriel Almond, Sydney Verba, David Apter, Seymour Martin Lipset, Arendt Lijphart, David Collier, James Mahon, Giovanni Satori, Gary King, David Easton, and many others. All of them have had a great impact on how we study China and Chinese politics. In the area of IR, many IR theorists, such as Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz, Robert Keohane, Robert Gilpin, Joseph Nye, Robert Jervis, Stephen Krasner, Francis Fukuyama, and others have influenced how we study China and its foreign policy behavior. However, on the other hand, we have observed that many Chinese scholars have challenged the applicability of western paradigms, theories, concepts, and methods for studying China, and have attempted to develop a “Chinese school” within the academic disciplines of political science and international relations, often emphasizing China’s uniqueness, national identity, intellectual tradition, local knowledge and national contexts in the study of Chinese politics. It is time to examine and evaluate the state of Chinese political studies—i.e., what the field has been, where it is now, and where it is going in the future, including its achievements, challenges, and trends.