cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MyD88 expression in the rat dental follicle: implications for osteoclastogenesis and tooth eruption.

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor molecule in the interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-18 Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Because it is present in dental follicle (DF) cells in vitro, the purpose of this study was to determine its chronological expression in vivo, as well as its possible role in osteoclastogenesis and tooth eruption. An oligo DNA microarray was used to determine gene expression of MyD88 in vivo in the DFs from the first mandibular molars of postnatal rats from days 1–11. The results showed that MyD88 was expressed maximally at day 3. Using siRNA to knock down MyD88 expression in the DF cells also reduced the gene expression of nuclear factor-kappa B-1 (NFKB1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). IL-1α up-regulated the expression of NFKB1, MCP-1 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), but knockdown of MyD88 nullified this IL-1α effect. Conditioned medium from DF cells with MyD88 knocked down reduced chemotactic activity for mononuclear cells and reduced osteoclastogenesis as opposed to controls. In conclusion, the maximal expression of MyD88 at day 3 in the DF may contribute to the major burst of osteoclastogenesis needed for eruption by up-regulating MCP-1 and RANKL expression.
Evaluation of a Truancy Diversion Program at Nine At-Risk Middle Schools.

Many schools are faced with the prospect of soaring absenteeism rates, despite the use of traditional truancy courts and other legal interventions. A recent trend in the literature has been to explore alternative, hybrid, and multidisciplinary approaches to address the underlying obstacles to school attendance. These programs are often integrated into schools to reduce stigma and transportation burdens on families. The present study involved an evaluation of a truancy diversion program in nine at-risk middle schools in an ethnically diverse sample. Graduates from the program demonstrated significant declines in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. In addition, participants and their parents expressed high levels of perceived improvement in academic performance. Academic tutoring was found to differentiate program graduates from nongraduates. Results are preliminary but discussed within the context of the role of school attachment in truancy diversion programs.
Illuminating emergent activity in the immune system by real-time imaging

The imaging of tissues and organs as it is now practiced will seem primitive in the coming decade, yet use of this technology will define the origin of emergent activities and drive an era of system integration.
Men and Women Aging Differently

Gender differences in health, socioeconomic status, and social resources persist into advanced old age and result in variations in life trajectories and responses to the challenges of longevity. The implications of these differences are examined in a sample of 150 community-dwelling white men and women. The majority are women, a high proportion of whom are unmarried, living alone, functionally impaired, and have reduced financial resources. Men, in contrast, have fewer decrements, they are more independent, and they exercise more control over their environment. However, their well-being may be undermined by some unanticipated events such as widowhood, caregiving, and relocation. Case examples illustrate how the timing of life course events differs among men and women and results in differences in the problems they face in late-late life.
Economics of biological control of pests

Biological pest control techniques usually have identifiable costs and constraints that they must overcome before they will be adopted by farmers. Many biological control agents are developed in the public sector and need economic assessments at an early stage. The methods often have hidden costs related to farm labor adjustments or initial costs of development. Living biological controls frequently escape, and they may be disrupted by pesticides, regulations, or farm commodity programs. Pest control registration procedures and small markets also present obstacles. Area-wide implementation programs and changes in incentives for researchers may speed development and adoption of biological controls.
Energy of hexagonal dislocation loops

The elastic strain energy of an elongated hexagonal dislocation loop is calculated from the stress field of dislocation segments using isotropic elasticity theory. Energies of rhombus dislocation loops and rectangular dislocation loops are presented as limiting cases. The equilibrium shapes of these loops are discussed in the light of experimental results. Die elastische Verzerrungsenergie einer ausgedehnten, hexagonalen Versetzungsschleife wird aus dem Spannungsfeld von Versetzungssegmenten mit der isotropen Elastizitatstheorie berechnet. Die Energien von rhombischen und rechtwinkligen Versetzungsschleifen werden als Grenzfalle gegeben. Die Gleichgewichtsformen dieser Schleifen werden an Hand experimenteller Ergebnisse diskutiert.
Fluctuation of phytoecdysteroids in developing shoots of Taxus cuspidata.

Abstract Phytoecdysteroids from the vegetative shoots of Taxus cuspidate , an evergreen shrub, were found to fluctuate at different developmental stages during shoot growth. The quantity of ecdysterone (2β,3β,14α,20 R ,22 R ,25-hexahydroxy-5β-cholest-7-en-6-one) was 47±5 mg/kg fresh weight, while the quantity of ponasterone A (2β,3β,14α,20 R ,22 R -pentahydroxy-5β-cholest-7-en-6-one) was 23 mg/kg from leaves of one- to two-year-(52-104 week) old shoots. One-, four-, 18- and 37-week-old leaves and soft shoots contained, on a fresh weight basis, respectively, 56, 52, 114 and 127 mg/kg of ecdysterone and 2, 2, 23 and 15 mg/kg of ponasterone A. These results indicate that ecdysteroid accumulation is dynamic and possibly driven by cycles of synthesis, transport, and degradation.
Ethological approaches with autistic and other abnormal populations

The relevance of ethology for the study of autistic and other abnormal populations is discussed in the context of both its theoretical bases and its methodological approaches. Examples of ethological studies involving autistic children are included in the review.
Significance of photoperiodism and diapause control in the multicycle Crustacean Daphnia pulex Leydig

Eukaryote cells traverse the cell cycle, or become growth-arrested at one of two blockpoints, as in an engine of energy conversion. Diapause describes that growth arrest in the cell cycle(s), of single and multicellular individuals. Its temporal position in an annual cycle is an evolved response to the external environment, which is also responsible for sending the necessary signal(s) to receptors in the cell, or to the neural integrator of multicellular individuals. The ‘diapause syndrome’, common to protists and Crustacean waterfleas, includes the cell cycle arrest, as well as the induction of mating types, gametogenesis, packaging of the diapaused stage, and the duration of the diapause. The cell-/ life-cycle may be interrupted in a variety of seasonal patterns, which are triggered by one or more identified external signals and are integrated by cell and circadian clocks. Daphnia pulex displays four distinct seasonal patterns of embryonic diapause in four putative genotypes. The ecological implications of diapause in life cycles may be sought in such questions as 1, environmental control of temporal and spatial boundaries in sessile populations; 2, application of knowledge of diapause/dormancy cycles to redesigning ecological communities; and 3, integration of mechanistic and biosystematic approaches in ecology.
Comparison of two clean-up methodologies for the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric determination of low nanogram/gram levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in seafood

The March 1989 oil spill in Alaska prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a thorough investigation of clean‐up methodologies aimed at determining low ng/g (ppb) levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seafood. The clean‐ups from a modified FDA method and a National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) method were evaluated on the basis of the determination of 18 PAHs at levels ranging from 1 to 5 ppb by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In the modified FDA method, seafood extracts were purified by a liquid‐liquid partition followed by a three‐step elution through silica, alumina, and C18 solid‐phase extraction cartridges. In the NMFS method, seafood extracts were purified by column chromatography through a deactivated silica gel/alumina column and a gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography column. Both methods quantitated 18 PAHs at levels ranging from 1 to 5 ppb. With the exception of naphthalene, average recoveries based on internal deuterated standards rang...
Ultracold neutron turbine for the advanced neutron source

Abstract The paper describes a design for an ultracold neutron turbine source which has been developed for the planned Advanced Neutron Source at Oak Ridge. An “S”-shaped neutron guide transports very cold neutrons from a horizontal Cold Source to the turbine location. For the design neutron velocity of 40 m/s, this guide approaches the efficiency of a straight guide, while it filters strongly against neutrons with velocities above 60 m/s. The proposed turbine is designed for operation at a peripheral velocity of 20 m/s. This design speed, slower than that of existing turbines, has been chosen to minimize the effect of the circular turbine motion. The lower speed, coupled with the use of 58 Ni as the turbine blade material, allows a significant increase in performance with fewer blades.
Carbonboron bond cleavage by amino acids: An improved route to mixed anhydrides of diphenylborinic and amino acids

Abstract The carbon boron bonds of tetraphenylborate artion are sequentially cleaved by amino acids to yield diphenylborinic acid which, under the conditions of the reaction, is intercepted by the amine acid present to yield the corresponding mixed anhydride of diphenylborinic acid and the amine acid, in good yield. The reaction is sufficiently general to constitute a convenient in situ process for the preparation of these B←N coordination stabilized compounds.
Systemic Lidocaine to Improve Quality of Recovery after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background Few multimodal strategies to minimize postoperative pain and improve recovery have been examined in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of systemic intraoperative lidocaine on postoperative quality of recovery when compared to saline.
Exceeding Our Grasp: Curricular Change and the Challenge to the Assumptive World.

The recent global economic collapse brings new calls for reform and change as well as a re-examination of the ethical foundations underpining it. Most professors as well as students remain profoundly unhappy with the Business Curricula. The curricula appear to swing between technological training and academic theory. There is little genuine focus on the central issue of the problem: the students’ and faculty’s assumptive world which drives the selection of the materials chosen for presentation as well as the decision-making process. In the pragmatic quest to achieve status within academe, business schools appear to have forgotten that their subject matter is not one cognate domain but a mixture of several areas including mathematics, economics, anthropology, sociology, psychology, logic and planning. Course structures must be redesigned as consilient. That is, each course contains in it the links to other courses and is not expected to be complete in themselves; the new structures proposed are no longer under the direct control of one instructor but each course is under the control of a committee. This creates a linkage between courses that together from a linked chain of knowledge where the strength of the curriculum is tied to the consilient strength of the courses. The result is an organic and developmental model for teaching and learning with a strong ethical foundation as well as developed moral links to effective decision making.
Christian World View Philosophy and Pragmatism

marching through largely alien territory. For the intellectual culture of our day is for the most part profoundly nontheistic and hence nonChristian-more than that, it is anti-theistic. Most of the so-called human sciences, much of the non-human sciences, most of non-scientific intellectual endeavor and even a good bit of allegedly Christian theology is animated by a spirit wholly foreign to that of Christian theism. (1984:253-4)
Two-dimensional silicon grooves for altitudinal alignment in fiber end-butt coupling.

We report a practical approach to the fine altitudinal alignment between single-mode optical fibers and channel waveguides, or between optical fibers with slightly different radii, wherein the preferentially etched silicon-fiber-alignment approach has been modified to have two-dimensional silicon grooves of different depths. The altitudinal alignment is achieved by pulling a tapered alignment fiber through the deep groove. This tapered alignment fiber is in contact with the signal fiber and raises or lowers it, depending on the diameter of the tapered fiber at the point of contact.
Central and regional hemodynamic effects and neurohumoral consequences of minoxidil in severe congestive heart failure and comparison to hydralazine and nitroprusside

Minoxidil is a potent oral vasodilator of potential value in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), although preliminary studies show that it causes fluid retention. To test whether minoxidil acts primarily as an arterial vasodilator in CHF, it was compared with hydralazine and nitroprusside. To evaluate its chronic efficacy and mechanism of fluid retention, the effects of minoxidil (7 patients) were compared, in a double-blind manner, with those of hydralazine (8 patients) on central and regional hemodynamics and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems. There was no demonstrable difference in the central hemodynamic effects of minoxidil and hydralazine in the dosages used. After 6 hours both drugs increased cardiac index (minoxidil group, from 1.65 ± 0.29 to 2.26 ± 0.40 liters /min/m2, p < 0.0001; hydralazine group, from 1.88 ± 0.61 to 2.34 ± 0.90 liters/min/m2, p < 0.0001), decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased heart rate without change in pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary wedge or right atrial pressures. Nitroprusside effects differed from those of minoxidil and hydralazine with respect to heart rate (p < 0.005) and mean pulmonary arterial (p < 0.007) and right atrial (p < 0.009) pressures. Nitroprusside also decreased relative hepatomesenteric flow compared with the other 2 agents (p < 0.005). Neither renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, filtration fraction, nor urinary sodium excretion were significantly altered acutely by any of the 3 drugs. Minoxidil and hydralazine did not differ in their neurohumoral effects: Both agents produced an increase in plasma norepinephrine concentration (p < 0.003) and plasma renin activity (p < 0.04), but no change in plasma epinephrine or aldosterone concentrations. After 1 week of double-blind therapy, fluid retention was a greater problem with minoxidil than with hydralazine. Thus, minoxidil behaves primarily as an arterial vasodilator in CHF, fluid retention is a severe adverse effect, and the greater degree of fluid retention with minoxidil than hydralazine is not attributable to differing acute effects on total renal blood flow or function, or differing effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone or sympathetic nervous systems.
Nonlinear index measurement by intracavity interferometry

Intracavity Phase Interferometry is applied to the measurement of nonlinear indices with a sensitivity and accuracy outperforming the z-scan. The sample is placed in a mode-locked laser cavity in which two pulses circulate independently.
Some dichotomy results for functionals of Harris recurrent Markov chains

Abstract Let {Xn}n⩾0 be a Harris recurrent Markov chain with state space E and let ξ be a measurable map from E to a separable Banach space B and set S n = ∑ k=1 n ξ(X k ), n=1,2,…. Some integrabilities and tail behaviors of Sn over one excursion between two visits to a subset A of E are considered. It is shown that they hold either for all A in certain classes or for none in these classes.
Pneumocystis: Immune recognition and evasion

Pulmonary infection caused by the opportunistic fungal organism Pneumocystis continues to be a leading AIDS defining illness. The initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the HIV-infected population has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), although recent trends suggest the incidence has plateaued rather than decreased. Host defense against Pneumocystis involves a delicate, concerted balance between the inflammatory response and immune-mediated clearance. Innate cellular immunity is a cornerstone in this response as it provides the initial recognition event that precipitates an immune response, ultimately leading to clearance of the organism from the host. This review will focus on carbohydrate moieties found in the Pneumocystis cell wall and the immune events that occur following their recognition.
Automated ST-segment analysis during cesarean delivery: Effects of ECG filtering modality

Abstract Study Objectives: To determine the effect of different electrocardiographic (ECG) filtering modalities on ST-segment changes during cesarean delivery. We compared the use of narrow and standard bandwidth ECG filtering modes in assessing ECG-detected ischemic changes in healthy patients undergoing routine, elective cesarean delivery. Design: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial. Setting: Academic medical center. Patients: 20 healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with regional anesthesia. Interventions: Continuous 5-lead ECG monitoring was performed in all 20 study parturients. The same incoming ECG signal was divided by a special cable and displayed on two Marquette 7010 monitors. Leads I, II, and V5 were analyzed. One of the monitors filtered the signal with a 0.07 to 100 Hz filter (DIAG), the other with a 0.3 to 40 Hz filter (MON). The ST segment was analyzed continuously by electronic comparison with a template established as a baseline at the beginning of the case. This continuous output was fed in digital form every 15 seconds to an IBM PC computer for data analysis. Measurements and Main Results: In each of the leads analyzed, the mean MON versus DIAG difference showed a bias, with MON showing consistently lower ( ie , more negative) readings than DIAG. Using different criteria for ST depression (>0.25, >0.5, or >1.0 mm), we categorized patients as showing more ST depression on either MON or DIAG. With the 0.25 mm criterion, ST depression was identified significantly more often in MON than DIAG in leads II and V5 ( p Conclusions: In patients at low risk for myocardial ischemia, narrow bandwidth (monitor mode) ECG filtering reveals greater degrees of ST-segment depression than does standard (diagnostic mode) ECG filtering. Studies examining ST-segment phenomena would be facilitated by including a description of the ECG filtering-technique.
Neural Thermal Performance in Porcelain Crabs, Genus Petrolisthes

AbstractNeurons are highly temperature sensitive. Temperature-induced nerve failure may play an important role in determining organismal thermal tolerance limits and distribution patterns. To expand our understanding of the role of neuronal thermal performance in setting thermal limits, we compared the thermal performance of neurons from five porcelain crab (genus Petrolisthes) congeners that differ in thermal habitat. In experiment 1, neuronal performance of sensory neurons was determined by extracellular recording of spontaneous action potentials during thermal ramps. Arrhenius break temperatures of action potential generation were used to calculate maximum critical temperature (CTmax) and minimum critical temperature (CTmin) for neuronal performance. CTmax and CTmin were related to habitat temperature across the five species and were found to respond to acclimation temperature. In experiment 2, we assessed the performance of neurons from Petrolisthes cinctipes acclimated at 8°, 18°, and 25°C when place...
Signal-to-noise ratio comparison between surface coils and implanted coils.

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) from implanted coils is widely known to be superior to that from surface coils. This article addresses the quantitative aspects of this improvement by explicitly evaluating the magnetic vector potential in a conducting medium of finite extent for both implanted and surface coils. The predictions of the model are tested with actual image data from spin warp experiments on gelatin phantoms. The authors derived a simplified expression that yields the gain in SNR of an implanted coil relative to that of a surface coil and is valid in many practical situations.
A Comparison of Three Emerging Theories of the Policy Process

In an earlier review of political theories of the policy process, Sabatier (1991) challenged political scientists and policy scholars to improve theoretical understanding of policy processes. This essay responds by comparing and building upon three emerging theoretical frameworks: Sabatier's advocacy coalitions framework (ACF), institutional rational choice (IRC), and Moe's political theory of bureaucracy, which he calls the politics of structural choice (SC). The frameworks are compared using six criteria: (1) the bound aries of inquiry; (2) the model of the individual; (3) the roles of informa tion and beliefs in decision making and strategy; (4) the nature and role of groups; (5) the concept of levels of action; and (6) the ability to explain action at various stages of the policy process. Comparison reveals that each framework has promising components, but each remains short of provid ing a full explanation of the processes of policy formation and change. Directions for future theory development and e...
Lyapunov Times of the Inner Asteroids

Abstract Lyapunov times for the 175 numbered asteroids whose osculating perihelion distances were 1.6 AU or less at JDT 2449200.5 (1 August 1993) have been calculated by numerical integration of the orbits and the associated state transition matrices within a realistic three-dimensional restricted n -body problem. Thirty-four of these asteroids were found to have Lyapunov times that were less than 100 years and, of those, 18 were less than 50 years. Lyapunov times were found to be exponentially related to perihelion distance in this part of the Solar System. Predicted dynamical lifetimes, based on the power-law relation between Lyapunov times and dynamical lifetimes that was discovered by Soper et el. (1990, Icarus 87, 265-284), are compared to direct integrations by Farinella et el. (1994, Nature 371, 314-317) for nine of these asteroids.
Chemoimmunotherapy of a murine fibrosarcoma: critical factors for success of combined modality therapy.

Thiabendazole (TBZ), a new nonspecific immunopotentiator, was evaluated in combination with Cytoxan in the therapy of a syngeneic murine fibrosarcoma. The reduction of tumor burden by chemotherapy was critical in achieving an optimal response from immunotherapy. Eighty-eight percent of the mice that responded to Cytoxan had sustained regression of tumor with TBZ treatment. The response to TBZ was markedly diminished, both in duration and magnitude, in the mice considered to be Cytoxan nonresponders. Timing of immunotherapy was also important. If Cytoxan and TBZ were given simultaneously, growth kinetics similar to those observed with Cytoxan alone were observed. However, if TBZ was given 4 days after Cytoxan administration, prolonged regression of tumor was seen. Alone, TBZ was most effective at a dose of 20 mg/kg. However, in combination with Cytoxan the most effective dose was 0.2 mg/kg. The implications of this finding are discussed.
Second order linear consensus protocols with irregular topologies and time delay

A methodology for the stability analysis of linear consensus protocols for groups of agents driven by second order dynamics is presented in this paper. It is assumed that the communication topologies are undirected and that the time delays incur between the agents are constant and uniform for all the channels. The proposed technique takes advantage of the general structure of consensus protocols that allows a decomposition of the characteristic equation in a set of factors, facilitating the stability analysis. The factors generated by this procedure are individually studied using the Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots paradigm, a recent method which declares the stability features of the system for various compositions of the time delay and other control parameters. Several illustrative examples are provided.
Comparison of selected cardiopulmonary parameters between the pronghorn and the goat.

Abstract Pronghorn ( ilocapra americana are probably the second fastest land mammal with a top speed of about 100 km/hr. Pronghorn are endurance runners as well as they have been observed running at an average speed of 65 km/hr for over 10 min. To determine if the pronghorn has become physiologically adapted for running a number of parameters which are thought to influence the delivery of 0 2 uscle and the removal of respiratory and metabolic acids both in the pronghorn and in its unspecialized control, the domestic goat, were measured. Average values obtained are as follows: Pronghorn Goat Heart wt/body wt 0.948 0.495 g/100 g Hemoglobin 18.8 11.5 g/100 ml Blood volume 9.29 6.59% body wt Hematocrit 0.44 0.31 Airway resistance 1.34 2.85 cm H 2 O/L/sec Blood buffering 0.43 0.55 pH drop It is concluded that the pronghorn is physiologically adapted for running compared to goats of equal size.
“Coke Is It!”: Placing Coca-Cola in McCarthy's THE ROAD

Cormac McCarthy's 2006 novel The Road describes the journey of a father and son through the post-apocalyptic wasteland of what was once the United States of America. Early in the novel, as the pair...
Mathematics curriculum: a vehicle for school improvement

Different forms of curriculum determine what is taught and learned in US classrooms and have been used to stimulate school improvement and to hold school systems accountable for progress. For example, the intended curriculum reflected in standards or learning expectations increasingly influences how instructional time is spent in classrooms. Curriculum materials such as textbooks, instructional units, and computer software constitute the textbook curriculum, which continues to play a dominant role in teachers’ instructional decisions. These decisions influence the actual implemented curriculum in classrooms. Various curriculum policies, including mandated end-of-course assessments (the assessed curriculum) and requirements for all students to complete particular courses (e.g., year-long courses in algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra or equivalent integrated mathematics courses) are also being implemented in increasing numbers of states. The wide variation across states in their intended curriculum documents and requirements has led to a historic and precedent-setting effort by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association Council for Best Practices to assist states in the development and adoption of common College and Career Readiness Standards for Mathematics. Also under development by this coalition is a set of common core state mathematics standards for grades K-12. These sets of standards, together with advances in information technologies, may have a significant influence on the textbook curriculum, the implemented curriculum, and the assessed curriculum in US classrooms in the near future.
Optimality tests for partitioning and sectional search algorithms

This paper revives a familiar idea for use in solving optimization problems, particularly unstructured nonlinear programs with many variables. The idea involves partitioning variables into groups and successively performing a sectional search with respect to one group at a time. The paper addresses various difficulties normally associated with this type of procedure, and proposes ways to solve them. These include testing optimality of the point at termination, and developing ways to restart the process upon finding that the terminating point is not optimal. The paper also briefly discusses some useful implications of the results on how to group variables in unstructured nonlinear programs so as to improve convergence.
Sodium current depression by lidocaine and quinidine in isolated ventricular cells

A number of local anaesthetics are now widely used as cardiac antiarrhythmic agents, but the cellular basis for these actions in the heart remains controversial1. One hypothesis is that agents such as lidocaine and quinidine selectively depress the fast inward current, INa. We have now tested this hypothesis using recently developed techniques for isolating and voltage clamping rat ventricular cells. Our results provide direct evidence that therapeutic doses (10–20 μM) of lidocaine or quinidine strongly inhibit INa, and give some clues about the mechanism of this inhibition.
Degrees of Freedom for the Two-Cell Two-Hop MIMO Interference Channel: Interference-Free Relay Transmission and Spectrally Efficient Relaying Protocol

This paper considers the two-cell two-hop multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel, where two source groups consisting of multiple users with a single antenna wish to communicate with two multiantenna destinations by sharing two multiantenna relays. For such a channel, an inner bound on the degrees of freedom is derived for different channel knowledge assumptions and relay operations. Assuming global channel knowledge at the relays and full-duplex relay operation, it is shown that two cascaded interfering links can be decomposed into two independent parallel relay channels while sharing the spectrum. The key to showing this result is a novel amplify-and-forward interference-free relay transmission method, which performs interference-shaping during reception and interference neutralization during transmission. Assuming that the relays have global channel knowledge only for the first hop, a spectrally efficient relaying protocol is proposed that overcomes the loss due to half-duplex relaying constraint. The proposed protocol improves performance compared to a trivial time-division-multiple access method for the two-cell two-hop MIMO interference channel.
Intercellular miscommunication in polyglutamine pathogenesis

A new paper demonstrates that polyglutamine pathogenesis in spinocerebellar ataxia need not be cell autonomous. Mutant ataxin-7 expression restricted to Bergmann glia was sufficient to cause Purkinje cell degeneration and neuronal pathology.
SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION AND MODEL-BASED CONTROL OF A CHAOTIC SYSTEM

In this paper the control of a hyper2chaotic system is considered to show the role of system identification techniques in developing a model for effective control of highly complex systems. An indirect adaptive control scheme is considered and it is shown that simple prediction models which cannot possibly represent the dynamics of the chaotic system lead to stable control. Furthermore, it is shown that higher dimensional prediction models which more closely represent the chaotic process dynamics lead to controlled systems with sparse and disjoint basins of attraction for the desired steady state solution. The use of highly nonlinear models also results in a complex pattern of convergence to the desired state.
The Bee Genus Eulonchopria (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)

This genus, hitherto known only from a single South American species, E. psaenythioides Brethes, 1909, is recorded from the United States and Mexico for the first time with the description of E. punctatissima n. sp. (Arizona and Guerrero, Mexico) and E. oaxacana n. sp. (Oaxaca, Mexico).
Motivating Students to Learn through the Interactive Learning Model

Abstract Understanding how individual students learn is the key to a stimulating and challenging course. The Interactive Learning Model offers a practical means of helping students identify their learning style as either Sequential, Precise, Technical, or Confluent. Forty-eight undergraduate health/exercise majors completed an assessment of their learning style, with a majority identified as Sequential/Precise learners. Given that many teachers are also Sequential/Precise learners, recognition of the dominance of this style in the classroom is essential. Practical implications and suggestions for educators are discussed.
Frequency and Indications for Tracheostomy and Gastrostomy After Congenital Heart Surgery

Patients undergoing congenital heart surgery may occasionally require additional surgical procedures in the form of tracheostomy and gastrostomy. These procedures are often performed in an attempt to diminish hospital morbidity and length of stay. We reviewed the Web-based medical records of all patients undergoing congenital heart surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital from February 2002 through August 2007. Patients who were deemed preterm and had undergone closure of a patent ductus arteriosis were eliminated. The records of all other patients were queried for the terms gastrostomy, g-tube, Nissan, fundal plication, tracheostomy, or tracheotomy. Patients’ medical records in which these terms appeared in any portion were completely reviewed. There were 1660 congenital heart operations performed in the study period. There were 592 operations performed on patients whose age ranged from 1 month to 1 year and 441 neonatal operations. Mortality was 2%. Median postoperative stay was 8 days (range, 1–191 days), 12 days for neonates (range, 3–142 days), and 19 days for neonates undergoing RACHS-1 category 6 operations (range, 4–142 days). Tracheostomies were performed in four patients (0.2%). Gastrostomies were performed on eight patients (0.4%), representing 0.8% of patients <1 year of age, 1.4% of neonates, and 2.4% of patients undergoing RACHS-1 category 6 operations. The rate of patients undergoing either tracheostomy or gastrostomy after congenital heart surgery at our institution was quite low. Avoidance of either of these two procedures was achieved without increased morbidity or length of stay. The rate at which these procedures need to be performed may reflect the magnitude of the patients’ lifetime trauma related to their underlying condition and acute and total surgical experiences.
Linking Genetic Counseling Content to Short-Term Outcomes in Individuals at Elevated Breast Cancer Risk

Few studies have linked actual genetic counseling content to short-term outcomes. Using the Self-regulation Model, the impact of cognitive and affective content in genetic counseling on short-term outcomes was studied in individuals at elevated risk of familial breast-ovarian cancer. Surveys assessed dependent variables: distress, perceived risk, and 6 knowledge measures (Meaning of Positive Test; Meaning of Negative Test; Personal Behavior; Practitioner Knowledge; Mechanisms of Cancer Inheritance; Frequency of Inherited Cancer) measured at pre- and post-counseling. Proportion of participant cognitive and affective and counselor cognitive and affective content during sessions (using LIWC software) were predictors in regressions. Knowledge increased for 5 measures and decreased for Personal Behavior, Distress and Perceived Risk. Controlling for age and education, results were significant/marginally significant for three measures. More counselor content was associated with decreases in knowledge of Personal Behavior. More participant and less counselor affective content was associated with gains in Practitioner Knowledge. More counselor cognitive, and interaction of counselor cognitive and affective content, were associated with higher perceived risk. Genetic counselors dominate the content of counseling sessions. Therefore, their content is tied more closely to short term outcomes than participant content. A lack of patient communication in sessions may pose problems for understanding of complex concepts.
N(6)-benzyladenine as a Senescence Inhibitor for Selected Horticultural Crops

A STUDY was undertaken on the post-harvest application of N(6)-benzyladenine (manufactured and patented as ‘SD 4901’ by the Shell Development Co., Modesto, California) to certain fruits and vegetables in an attempt to delay the onset of senescence. This is a continuation of investigations into the extension of the storage life of fruits, vegetables, and other products with ionizing radiations1–3, modified atmospheres4, antibiotics and antifungal chemicals5–7, and growth regulators8.
Determining Relative f and d Orbital Contributions to M–Cl Covalency in MCl62– (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, U) and UOCl5– Using Cl K-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory

Chlorine K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and ground-state and time-dependent hybrid density functional theory (DFT) were used to probe the electronic structures of Oh-MCl62– (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, U) and C4v-UOCl5–, and to determine the relative contributions of valence 3d, 4d, 5d, 6d, and 5f orbitals in M–Cl bonding. Spectral interpretations were guided by time-dependent DFT calculated transition energies and oscillator strengths, which agree well with the experimental XAS spectra. The data provide new spectroscopic evidence for the involvement of both 5f and 6d orbitals in actinide–ligand bonding in UCl62–. For the MCl62–, where transitions into d orbitals of t2g symmetry are spectroscopically resolved for all four complexes, the experimentally determined Cl 3p character per M–Cl bond increases from 8.3(4)% (TiCl62–) to 10.3(5)% (ZrCl62–), 12(1)% (HfCl62–), and 18(1)% (UCl62–). Chlorine K-edge XAS spectra of UOCl5– provide additional insights into the transition assignments by lowering the symmetry...
Elementary events underlying voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition of N-type calcium channels

Voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition of N-type calcium channels reduces presynaptic calcium entry, sharply attenuating neurotransmitter release. Studies in neurons demonstrate that G-proteins have multiple modulatory effects on N-type channels. The observed changes may reflect genuine complexity in G-protein action and/or the intricate interactions of multiple channels and receptors in neurons. Expression of recombinant M2-muscarinic receptors and N-type channels in HEK 293 cells allowed voltage-dependent inhibition to be studied in isolation. In this system, receptor-activated G-proteins had only one effect: a 10-fold increase in the time required for channels to first open following membrane depolarization. There were no changes in gating after the channel first opened, and unitary currents were not detectably altered by modulation. Despite its simplicity, this single change successfully accounts for the complex alterations in whole-cell current observed during G-protein inhibition in neurons.
Search for charge density waves in potassium

Motivated by the recent calculation of Guiliani and Overhauser in which a criterion for the preferred orientation of the wave vector $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$ of a charge density wave (CDW) in the alkali metals was derived, we have carried out a neutron-diffraction search for CDW's in potassium metal. Although the search was not exhaustive of all the possibilities, we have been unable to detect any satellite peaks at (or near) the predicted positions in reciprocal space. However, we have found small diffraction peaks along certain symmetry axes at other positions in reciprocal space. They are strongly temperature dependent, resembling the Debye-Waller effect in potassium metal, but they do not satisfy the symmetry requirements of a CDW modulation of the body-centered-cubic crystal structure.
Micro and surface analysis with fast heavy ions

Abstract The desorption of atomic and molecular species from surfaces bombarded by fast heavy ions (Z ⩾ 20; E ⩾ 0.5 MeV/amu) is attractive for surface and microscopic characterization. Only a low-intensity probe beam is needed, the escape depth of desorbed species is shallow (ca. 10 A), and desorbed ions are efficiently detected with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Thus, particle-induced desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS) maintains sample integrity and charging effects are avoided. PDMS is useful for surface analysis of glasses and plastics by using californium-252 fission fragments for bombardment. Inorganic and organic surface constituents can be detected simultaneously; mass resolution is good. For lithium in glass, the detection limit is about 1 pg (ca. 100 μg g−1. The PDMS technique can be combined with sequential ion etching for depth profiling. The feasibility of PDMS for microscopic analysis with a collimated 84-MeV Kr7+ beam (target diameter ca. 11 μm) is discussed.
METHODS TO EVALUATE NORMAL RAINFALL FOR SHORT-TERM WETLAND HYDROLOGY ASSESSMENT

Identifying sites meeting wetland hydrology requirements is simple when long-term (.10 years) records are available. Because such data are rare, we hypothesized that a single-year of hydrology data could be used to reach the same conclusion as with long-term data, if the data were obtained during a period of normal or below normal rainfall. Long-term (40-45 years) water-table and rainfall data were obtained for two sites in North Carolina (with modeling), and one site in Minnesota (direct measurements). Single-year wetland hydrology assessments were made using two-rainfall assessment procedures recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their Wetland Hydrology Technical Standard, and two other rainfall assessment methods that were modifications of those procedures. Percentages of years meeting wetland-hydrology conditions during normal or drier than normal periods were identified for each plot with each rainfall assessment method. Although the wetland hydrology criterion was met in over 90% of the years across all plots using the long-term records, the four assessment techniques predicted the criterion was met in 41-81% of the years. Based on our results, we recommend that either the Direct Antecedent Rainfall Evaluation Method, or its modified version, be used for wetland hydrology assessment.
Postinjury magnesium treatment attenuates traumatic brain injury-induced cortical induction of p53 mRNA in rats

Administration of magnesium has been shown to be neuroprotective in experimental models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study examined the effect of magnesium on posttraumatic regional induction of p53, a gene associated with induction of cell death. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-400 g, n = 26) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and subjected to either lateral fluid percussion brain injury of moderate severity (2.4-2.6 atm; n = 22) or sham surgery (n = 4). At 15 min postinjury, animals randomly received an intravenous bolus of either 125 μmol magnesium chloride (n = 12) or saline vehicle (n = 10). Expression of p53 mRNA was not observed in any uninjured animal. By 6 h postinjury in vehicle-treated, brain-injured animals, p53 mRNA was induced in the cortex, dentate hilus, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus and geniculate nuclei of the thalamus, ipsilateral to the impact site. Posttraumatic magnesium treatment significantly reduced the number of labeled cells in the injured cortex (P < 0.05), but not in the hippocampus or thalamus, p53 mRNA expression returned to near baseline in all animals by 24 h postinjury. These data suggest that the neuroprotective effects of magnesium treatment may be related, in part, to a downregulation in expression of a gene associated with induction of cell death and further support the utility of magnesium as a pharmacotherapy for TBI.
Infection of gnotobiotic calves with a bovine and human isolate of respiratory syncytial virus. Modification of the response by dexamethasone

A bovine and a human strain of RSV both adapted to bovine cell culture, have been inoculated separately into 13 and 7 gnotobiotic calves respectively by 3 different methods. Both strains infected calves and showed similar growth patterns. Virus was recovered from the nasopharynx between one and 11 days with peak titres between 3 and 8 days following inoculation. With the exception of 4 calves treated with dexamethasone no clinical signs and only minimal macroscopic lesions of the lung were induced, which histologically comprised a mononuclear infiltration of alveolar walls and of the peribronchiolar tissue. The serological response to both strains was similar. Antibody was detected by virus neutralisation or single radial haemolysis from 12 days after inoculation. Specific anti-RSV IgM was detected from 10 days and IgG from 16 days after inoculation. Treatment with dexamethasone (0.5 mgm/Kg daily for 10 days) enhanced lung lesions produced by the bovine strain, prolonged the period of virus shedding and increased peak titres. The specific IgM response was suppressed.
Interpretation of stochastic events in single molecule conductance measurements.

The electrical conductance of a series of thiol-terminated alkanes, (1,6-hexanedithiol (HDT), 1,8-octanedithiol (ODT), and 1,10-decanedithol (DDT)) was measured using a modified scanning tunneling ...
Use of research-based guidelines in the development of websites

The Communication Technologies Branch at the National Cancer Institute has been working for the past two years to identify research related to web design and usability and to translate that research into web design guidelines. This effort has resulted in a set of approximately 200 guidelines that have strength of evidence and relative importance ratings. Panel members vary in their opinions on how and when to make the best use of guidelines in the development of websites. They will discuss issues related to translating research to guidelines, validation of guidelines, usability of guidelines themselves, and how to handle conflicting research.
Altered steroidogenesis in whole-ovary and adrenal culture in cycling rats

Cultures of minced, whole-ovary (whole-ovary culture) were used to determine if three selected chemicals altered steroidogenic profiles. First, phenolsulfonthalein (PST), when used in culture medium, was tested for its influence on in vitro steroidogenesis. Next, aminoglutethimide (AGTP; 0 or 150 mg/kg once) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP; 0 or 1500 mg/kg/day for 10 days) were administered in vivo to young adult cycling rats, and the ovaries and adrenals were removed and cultured for 1 h. Ovarian steroidogenic profiles of progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E) release into the medium were measured using radioimmunoassay techniques. PST in medium significantly decreased ovarian P production and altered T and E production so that the T/E ratio was significantly altered. Therefore, PST was excluded in the later studies. DEHP altered steroid profiles so that proestrus appeared to be delayed. AGTP decreased P and E production significantly, and T production was increased slightly in proestrus ovaries. These AGTP alterations in T and E resulted in a highly significant increase in the T/E ratio. Adrenals from the DEHP and AGTP experiments were also cultured for 1 h, and P was assayed in the medium. AGTP, but not DEHP, significantly increased the production of P in adrenals. Whole-ovary culture is recommended as an in vitro test for chemicals suspected of interfering with steroidogenesis in vivo. This test model should be placed strategically between in vivo studies of reproductive toxicity and complex in vitro mechanistic studies.