cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of standard nutritional parameters in detecting body cell mass depletion in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Protein-calorie malnutrition, best measured by body cell mass (BCM) depletion, has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with end-stage liver disease. We prospectively measured BCM and multiple standard nutritional parameters in patients with end-stage liver disease to determine which, if any, of the traditionally measured nutritional parameters correlate with BCM. A detailed nutritional assessment, including BCM analysis, subjective global assessment, anthropometry, handgrip dynamometry, laboratory tests, and body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed in 69 sequential patients awaiting liver transplantation. The frequency of abnormalities of specific parameters of nutritional status varied between 19% and 99%. Most of the commonly measured parameters of nutritional status correlated poorly with BCM. Patients with depleted BCM (lowest quartile for sex) had midarm circumference (P < .01), arm-muscle circumference (P < .001), handgrip strength (P < .001), blood urea nitrogen (P < .01), and creatinine (P < .01) values less than those for patients with greater BCM (highest 3 quartiles for sex). In multivariate analysis, arm-muscle circumference and handgrip strength were the best predictors of BCM. The combined criteria of handgrip strength less than 30 kg and arm-muscle circumference less than 23 cm have a sensitivity of 94% and a negative predictive value of 97% in identifying patients with depleted BCM. Although abnormalities of nutritional parameters are highly prevalent among patients with end-stage liver disease, most parameters of nutritional status do not correlate with BCM. In patients with end-stage liver disease, arm-muscle circumference and handgrip strength are the most sensitive markers of BCM depletion. (Liver Transpl 2000;6:575-581.)
Excited State Properties of Donor−Acceptor Substituted trans-Stilbenes: The meta-Amino Effect

The photochemical behavior of 3-dimethylaminostilbene (3DS), 3-amino-3‘-cyanostilbene (3A3‘CS), and 3-dimethylamino-4‘-cyanostilbene (3DCS) has been investigated and compared to that of the analogous 4-amino derivatives. The absorption spectra of the 4-aminostilbenes display a single strong band whereas the spectra of the 3-aminostilbenes display multiple bands or lesser intensity as a consequence of configuration interaction which results from loss of symmetry. The 3-aminostilbenes have substantially higher fluorescence quantum yields and longer fluorescence lifetimes when compared to the 4-aminostilbenes. Based on analysis of the solvatochromic shifts of the absorption and fluorescence spectra, the 3- and 4-aminostilbenes have similar excited state dipole moments which are substantially larger than their ground state dipole moments. The long lifetimes of the 3-aminostilbene charge transfer singlet states are a consequence of low fluorescence rate constants and a large barrier for singlet state torsion. ...
Distribution of specific substance P binding sites in the heart and adjacent great vessels of the Wistar white rat.

Magnesium(Mg)-deficiency, whether dietary or an effect of a clinical condition such as diabetes, results in a variety of cardiovascular pathologies. Substance P (SP) has been implicated in the induction of cardiac focal inflammatory lesions that occur during Mg-deficiency. Blockade of SP receptors results in a significant reduction in the incidence of lesion formation. In an effort to identify potential endogenous cell populations of the heart, which may play a role in SP-dependent lesion formation, film- and light-microscopic autoradiography were used to map the distribution of specific SP binding sites in frozen sections of the normal rat heart and adjacent great vessels. Binding was assessed with 0.1 nM I-125 Bolton-Hunter labelled SP in the absence (total binding) or presence (non-specific binding) of excess unlabelled SP, prolactin, or L-703,606, a non-peptide antagonist of SP receptors. Film autoradiograms revealed prominent small foci of intense autoradiographic reactions dispersed intermittently around the periphery of the great vessels and coronary arteries, among the interstitial connective tissue of the heart, and along the cusps of the cardiac valves. Excess unlabelled SP caused a significant reduction (97.7% displacement; P<0.001) in the focal autoradiographic reactions. L-703,606 caused a similar reduction in SP binding (97.3% displacement; P<0.001), while prolactin had no statistically significant effect on the binding of radiolabelled SP. Light-microscopic autoradiograms revealed that the SP binding sites occurred within clusters of connective tissue cells or in rarely observed parasympathetic ganglia. No evidence was found to suggest the presence of SP receptors on endothelial cells, cardiac muscle fibers, or smooth muscle fibers. The connective tissue cells which bound SP within the heart will likely include types that are susceptible to SP activation and thus may play a role in initiation of the focal inflammation characteristic of Mg-deficiency.
Influence of multimedia in emerging social web systems

Even a casual look at most successful social systems on the Web shows that multimedia has played a key role in their success. The factors behind this are not really clear. Academic community has adopted multimedia oriented sites for procuring correct datasets for their experiments. Very little attention has been devoted to understanding how can emerging multimedia techniques play a key role in utilization of multimedia more effectively in society. There are clear applications of multimedia for building social sites for developing countries. In this talk, we will discuss how multimedia can contribute as a key technology in the next generation of social systems on the Web.
Selectivity of lipases: isolation of fatty acids from castor, coriander, and meadowfoam oils

The lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of castor, coriander, and meadowfoam oils was studied in a two-phase water/oil system. The lipases from Candida rugosa and Pseudomonas cepacia released all fatty acids from the triglycerides randomly, with the exception of castor oil. In the latter case, the P. cepacia lipase discriminated against ricinoleic acid. The lipase from Geotrichum candidum discriminated against unsaturated acids having the double bond located at the Δ-6 (petroselinic acid in coriander oil) and Δ-5 (meadowfoam oil) position or with a hydroxy substituent (ricinoleic acid). The expression of the selectivities of the G. candidum lipase was most pronounced in lipase-catalyzed esterification reactions, which was exploited as part of a two-step process to prepare highly concentrated fractions of the acids. In the first step the oils were hydrolyzed to their respective free fatty acids, in the second step a selective lipase was used to catalyze esterification of the acids with 1-butanol. This resulted in an enrichment of the targeted acids to approximately 95—98% in the unesterified acid fractions compared to the 70—90% content in the starting acid fractions.
SNA and SNB Angles in a Population of Nubian Schoolchildren

The descriptive statistics for the sella-nasion-A Point (SNA) and sella-nasion-B point (SNB) angles computed from a sample of Nubian schoolchildren are presented, by age and sex, and compared with the analogous statistics for American Caucasian schoolchildren .
Factors affecting the relationship between quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and culture-based enumeration of Enterococcus in environmental waters.

Aims To determine the extent to which discrepancies between qPCR and culture-based results in beach water quality monitoring can be attributed to: (i) within-method variability, (ii) between-method difference within each method class (qPCR or culture) and (iii) between-class difference. Methods and Results We analysed 306 samples using two culture-based (EPA1600 and Enterolert) and two qPCR (Taqman and Scorpion) methods, each in duplicate. Both qPCR methods correlated with EPA1600, but regression analyses indicated approximately 0·8 log10 unit overestimation by qPCR compared to culture methods. Differences between methods within a class were less than half of this and were minimal for between-replicate within a method. Using the 104 Enterococcus per 100 ml management decision threshold, Taqman qPCR indicated the same decisions as EPA1600 for 87% of the samples, but indicated beach posting for unhealthful water when EPA1600 did not for 12% of the samples. After accounting for within-method and within-class variability, 8% of the samples exhibited true between-class discrepancy where both qPCR methods indicated beach posting while both culture methods did not. Conclusion Measurement target difference (DNA vs growth) accounted for the majority of the qPCR-vs-culture discrepancy, but its influence on monitoring application is outweighed by frequent incorrect posting with culture methods due to incubation time delay. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first study to quantify the frequency with which culture-vs-qPCR discrepancies can be attributed to target difference - vs - method variability.
Counseling models and their impact on how therapists handle values issues

Counseling is not a value free enterprise. Therapeutic models are value laden. Counselors and clients are both emotionally invested in “right living” issues. Since no therapy is value free, clients face the dilemma of finding a therapist with values similar to their own or having their values challenged. Therapists face the ethical issue of clarifying their own values and determining how to make them known.
Dietary alteration of fatty acid composition of lipid classes in mouse mammary adenocarcinoma.

The composition of total fatty acids in serially transplanted mammary adenocarcinomas of C3H mice which were fed a fat free diet or a stock diet containing 4% fat for 8 weeks were significantly different, although fatty acid amounts were similar. The difference in composition was manifested in the triglyceride, phosphatidyl choline, and phosphatidyl ethanolamine fractions. Tumors of mice fed fat free diet had appreciable amounts of eicosatrienoic acid, whereas neoplasms of stock diet fed animals had none. In addition, higher levels of oleic acid and lower contents of linoleic acid were found in tumors from mice fed fat free diet than in those from mice fed the stock diet. Thus, mechanisms which maintained the triglyceride fatty acid composition in some tumors, such as 7288CTC hepatoma, were not observed in mouse mammary adenocarcinomas, and, therefore, were not a general phenomena associated with carcinogenesis.
Spectrum and energy levels of the sodiumlike ion Sr 27

The spectrum of Sr27+ was observed with a laser-produced plasma and a 2.2-m grazing-incidence spectrograph in the region 12–160 A. From the identification of 37 lines, a system of 27 energy levels of the type 2p6nl was determined. The level system includes the configurations ns(n = 3 − 5), np(n = 3 − 6), nd(n = 3 − 7), nf(n = 4 − 6), and 5g. The ionization energy is determined as 11 188 200 ± 1000 cm−1 (1387.16 ± 0.12 eV).
“End-of-life” biases in moral evaluations of others

When evaluating the moral character of others, people show a strong bias to more heavily weigh behaviors at the end of an individual's life, even if those behaviors arise in light of an overwhelmingly longer duration of contradictory behavior. Across four experiments, we find that this "end-of-life" bias uniquely applies to intentional changes in behavior that immediately precede death, and appears to result from the inference that the behavioral change reflects the emergence of the individual's "true self".
Intracardiac Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Thrombus Formation in the Left Atrial Appendage: A Complementary Role to Transesophageal Echocardiography

Background We sought to develop and validate an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging strategy for evaluation of left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) anatomy and function to clarify equivocal findings of LAA thrombus with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods A total of 56 patients with ICE imaging of the LAA for thrombus evaluation before atrial fibrillation (AF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation were included for analysis. Serial views of the LAA were obtained for evaluating anatomic structures and flow as the ICE transducer was advanced from the right ventricular outflow tract to the pulmonary artery. ICE imaging of the LAA was selectively performed in 9 of 56 patients following equivocal findings of thrombus on TEE in order to evaluate the complementary role of ICE to TEE in the diagnosis of LAA thrombus. Results ICE imaging of the LAA in 56 patients with AF (n = 42) or VT (n = 14) measured the long-(5.0 ± 1.0 cm) and short-axis dimension (1.8 ± 0.5 cm), and peak emptying flow velocity (50 ± 23 cm/s). Of 56 patients, 47 had ICE imaging of LAA with no thrombus. In the remaining 9 patients, 6 had “equivocal” LAA thrombus on TEE, with 3 of these 6 showing marked spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), whereas ICE detected one patient with LAA thrombus and the other 5 without thrombus (two with severe SEC/sluggish flow); the remaining 3 had “high suspicion” for thrombus detected by TEE, whereas ICE detected only one with LAA thrombus. Based on ICE diagnosis, two patients with LAA thrombus had the procedure cancelled, and all others had successful completion of the scheduled procedures. Conclusion ICE can provide serial assessment, multiple views, and detailed imaging of the LAA to reliably diagnose the presence of thrombus. Our findings support the use of ICE when equivocal TEE findings require confirmation prior to electrophysiological procedures.
Surface flow visualization and pressure-sensitive paint measurements in the large-scale low-boom inlet

The local flowfield effects of vortex generators on a supersonic axisymmetric-relaxed external compression inlet have been investigated with surface-flow visualization and pressure-sensitive paint measurements. This inlet entails a mechanically simple design for providing a high-recovery/low-distortion flowfield and low sonic-boom signature. A set of vortex generators was incorporated into the design both upstream of the terminating normal shock and downstream inside the subsonic inlet diffuser for reducing separation zones near the shock/boundary-layer interaction and reducing radial distortion at the engine face, respectively. The inlet centerbody and downstream diffuser vortex-generator regions were imaged during wind-tunnel testing internally through the inlet cowl with a camera housing attached to the cowl. Surface-flow visualization revealed separated regions along the inlet centerbody for large mass-flow rates without vortex generators. Upstream vortex generators did reduce separation in the subsonic diffuser, and a unique perspective of the flowfield produced by the downstreamvortex generators was obtained. In addition, pressure distributions on the inlet centerbody, vortex generators, and struts were measured.
AstroTouch: a multi-touch digital desktop for astrodynamics

In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of AstroTouch, a prototype desktop surface application to support analysis and visualization in the field of astrodynamics. We describe the fundamental characteristics of this complex scientific domain and discuss how these characteristics, combined with an assessment of current research surrounding multi-touch and the digital desktop, informed the design of our system. We detail the prototype implementation and present the results of an initial design critique conducted with domain experts.
An Examination of College Students' Perceptions of Transformative and Culturally Competent Educators: Are Social Work Students Unique?

The purpose of this study was to examine college students' perceptions of transformative and culturally competent educators. Using data collected from a cross-section of 194 undergraduate (associate and bachelor level students) and graduate students in social work and other majors from four colleges or universities in the Midwest region of the USA, the findings indicate that transformative and culturally competent educators are important to college students. Using the Students' Perceptions of Transformative Educators Scale (SPTES), the data revealed that the overall mean for the SPTES was high, with a score of 198.24. The range was 131–233. The standard deviation [SD] was 21.55. This mean suggests that students place a high level of importance on attributes of transformative educators. When examining the culturally competent subscale of the SPTES, the data also revealed that students want educators who personify culturally competent attributes. The data illustrated a mean for cultural competence of 63.27....
Gyro-TWT amplifier development at UCD: (1) 200 kW second-harmonic, (2) wideband and (3) slotted third-harmonic gyro-TWTs

Summary form only given. Our second-harmonic TE/sub 21/ gyro-TWT with an 80 kV, 20 A, v/sub /spl perp//v/sub /spl par//=1.0 MIG electron beam has yielded 210 kW at 16 GHz with 13% efficiency, 16 dB saturated gain, 2% saturated bandwidth and zero-drive stability. It remained stable because the dominant gyro-BWO modes, the second-harmonic TE/sub 11/ and third-harmonic TE/sub 31/, had been suppressed by slicing the cylindrical waveguide with two cuts separated in azimuth by 90/spl deg/. Harmonic gyro-TWTs not only require a substantially weaker magnetic field and offer nearly the same high efficiency as fundamental gyro-TWTs, but also have the potential to stably generate significantly higher levels of power because the threshold beam current level for oscillation is raised dramatically due to the relatively weaker harmonic interaction. The design for a 1 MW third-harmonic TE/sub 31/ gyro-TWT utilizing a MIG will also be presented.
Communication between queens and larvae in the ant Myrmica

Abstract Queens are ineffective if separated by a double gauze screen from workers and brood. This applies in spring to the reduction in growth of large third instar larvae and to the increase in growth of small ones as well as to their power to attract workers. Whereas all queens appear to be able to induce workers to scar large larvae some are unable to reduce their growth rate. Queens will themselves attack large spring larvae. To induce workers to do so they do not need to touch the larvae themselves; it is only necessary that the workers have access both to the queens and the larvae. Workers cannot communicate information about the presence of queens through gauze that is just too finely meshed to prevent them passing bodily, nor do they carry it if transferred from a queen-right to a queenless culture. Queen influence does not seem to persist in the workers for more than a few hours.
Real-time multi agent system modeling for fault detection in power distribution systems

This paper presents a decentralized multi agent system (MAS) which works in real time with a power distribution system for fault detection applications. The agents use local voltage and current rms values. The multi-agent models are simulated in Matlab® Simulink using user defined s-functions and the power system is modeled using the Simulink Simpower toolbox. The proposed method has been tested on a model of an existing Mon Power circuit. Both faulted zone and fault type have been successfully identified.
Partial atrophy in prostate needle biopsies: a detailed analysis of its morphology, immunophenotype, and cellular kinetics

We systematically analyzed 73 prospectively collected partial atrophy (PA) foci from over 185 prostate needle biopsy cases to characterize them along 3 fronts: morphologic, as it can be a mimic of prostate cancer (PCa), immunohistochemical (basal cell markers and alpha-methyl acyl-CoA racemase), as it often shares the staining characteristics of PCa, and cellular kinetics (MIB-1 proliferation marker), as it belongs to the larger group of focal atrophy, some of which have been shown to be proliferative and associated with chronic inflammation. The following morphologic features were prominent at low magnification: small to mid-sized glands with circumscribed (70%) or disorganized growth pattern (30%), presence of stellate/undulated gland lumina (92%), associated few completely atrophic glands within the PA focus (97%), and scant apical but abundant lateral pale/clear cytoplasm similar to adjacent benign glands (100%). On higher magnification, 33% of foci contained micronucleoli, but all lacked nuclear enlargement (100%) or macronucleoli (100%), characteristic of PCa. No adjunctive features of PCa were seen. Patchy basal cell staining was observed in 52/71 (73%), whereas 4/71 (6%) were completely negative. alpha-methyl acyl-CoA racemase demonstrated variable expression, stronger than the benign glands in 7/72 (10%) foci. Associated pathology included PCa (42%), and complete atrophy (91%), distinct from PA foci. There was no difference between the mean proliferative index of the PA foci compared with the benign glands [5.5 (range 0 to 30) and 5.6 (range 0 to 31), respectively, P=0.97 by paired t test], as measured quantitatively by ChromaVision system. PA foci were rarely associated with inflammation (1%). Familiarity with these morphologic features and staining characteristics will allow its confident separation from cancer, especially in limited biopsy material. PA foci do not represent a spectrum of proliferative inflammatory atrophy, justifying its term.
Modeling the HF adsorption process on wood chips in a packed-bed reactor

In this work, a detailed model, along with the numerical procedure to solve this model, was developed for the HF adsorption process on wood chips in a packed-bed reactor. This model is aimed to predict the HF loading distribution, as well as the overall HF loading, with respect to the adsorption time. However, the temperature field in the HF reactor may also be obtained using this model, as a function of time. To validate the developed model, the computed overall HF loading profiles were compared with the experimental data acquired previously from a bench-scale, packed-bed reactor filled with big-tooth aspen wood chips, and a good agreement was obtained. By taking advantage of the newly developed adsorption model, the HF loading distribution and temperature field in the bench-scale, packed-bed reactor was examined. It was found that a uniform HF loading distribution and temperature field are always obtained at the end of the adsorption, provided that the adsorption is carried out sufficiently long. This finding is significant, since a uniform HF loading distribution is always desired in operation of the HF adsorption process.
The Effects of Coaching on Mathematics Homework Completion and Accuracy of High School Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

As many as 30% of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) do not achieve academically at the level predicted by their age or IQ. One of the variables that may contribute to their poor academic performance is homework completion. Unfortunately, a paucity of research has investigated interventions that address homework problems, particularly at the secondary level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a coaching intervention that incorporated self-monitoring, goal-setting, and systematic fading on the homework completion and accuracy of three high-school students diagnosed with AD/HD. Results suggest that coaching led to improvements across all three students. Performance was maintained during fading and post-treatment for the two students for whom it was examined.
Deterrents to women's careers in school management

There always have been more women than men schoolteachers since the Civil War. Yet the management of our schools always has been dominated by men. There is a prevailing social norm that management is a man's job. Today in education this norm is reinforced by an increasing number of men in the profession and a decreasing number of administrative positions available due to district consolidation. Women are not administrators because many women do not actively seek administrative jobs and because there are forces in the profession perpetuating a cycle which encourages men and discourages women seeking administrative positions. This article describes the operation of those forces which deter women's entrance and advancement in careers of public school administration.
Probabilistic characterization of transport in heterogeneous media

Abstract The mechanics of transport and flow in a random porous medium are addressed in this paper. The hydraulic properties of the porous medium are modeled as spatial random processes. The random aspect of the problem is treated by introducing a new dimension along which spectral approximations are implemented. Thus, the hydraulic processes are discretized using the spectral Karhunen — Loeve expansion. This expansion represents the random spatial functions as deterministic modes of fluctuation with random amplitudes. These amplitudes form a basis in the manifold associated with the random processes. The concentrations over the whole domain are also random processes, with unknown probabilistic structure. These processes are represented using the Polynomial Chaos basis. This is a basis in the functional space described by all second order random variables. The deterministic coefficients in this expansion are calculated via a weighted residual procedure with respect to the random measure and the inner product specified by the expectation operator. Once the spatio-temporal variation of the concentrations has been specified in terms of the Polynomial Chaos expansion, individual realizations can be readily computed.
Temperature distributions in end closures of annular fuel elements

Abstract The temperature distributions in bonded end closures of annular fuel elements, such as those often used in nuclear superheating power reactors, are determined analytically. The solution for the temperature distributions is represented by products of the Bessel functions with hyperbolic functions. An illustrative example is that for enriched uranium oxide and plutonium oxide (UO2.PuO2) fuel with zircaloy-4 cladding and end closures in an inner (or central) superheating fast-reactor core. The assumed lengths of the end closure are 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 times the outer radius of the fuel element. The calculated results of the example indicate that 1. 1. the temperature distributions in the end closures approach constants as the lengths of the end closures increase; 2. 2. there is an optimum length of end closure for each fuel element design; further increase in its length will waste the end-closure material; 3. 3. the temperature distribution in the thin end closures is approximately linear. 4. 4. to maintain the integrity of fuel elements, surface temperatures of cladding and end closures of the fuel elements must be kept appreciably below the known corrosion temperature limit of the coolant.
Formulation for correcting optical distortions due to a transparent floating zone

Abstract Visualization of the convection pattern in and the melt/solid interfaces of a transparent floating zone can be subjected to significant optical distortions due to the lens effect of the melt. A procedure for correcting such optical distortions helps interpret the results of visualization properly. In the present study, such a procedure is presented and verified. This procedure applies to a floating zone of nonuniform as well as uniform diameter.
Differential structural properties and expression patterns suggest functional significance for multiple mouse desmoglein 1 isoforms

The four isoforms of desmosomal cadherin desmogleins (Dsg1–4) are expressed in epithelial tissues in a differentiation-specific manner. Extensive sequencing of the human genome has revealed only one copy of the Dsg1 gene. However, we recently cloned two novel additional mouse Dsg1 genes, Dsg1-β and -γ, which flank the original Dsg1-α on chromosome 18. Sequence conservation between the Dsg1 isoforms diverged significantly at exon 11, particularly in the region that encodes for the extracellular anchoring (EA) domains. Computational analysis revealed very low hydrophilic potential of the Dsg1-γ EA compared with the corresponding sequences of Dsg1-α and -β, suggesting that the Dsg1-γ EA domain may have a stronger affinity to the cell membrane. We generated antibodies using synthetic peptides or recombinant proteins localized within the EA domains. These antibodies were tested for their specificity and were then used to demonstrate expression of Dsg1 isoforms in various tissues. In the epidermis, all Dsg1 isoforms were differentially expressed in the differentiating cell layers. In the hair follicle, all Dsg1 isoforms were present throughout the entire process of its development and cycling but the expression of Dsg1 isoforms is subject to significant hair cycle-dependent changes. Dsg1-β and -γ, but not Dsg1-α, were detected in the sebaceous gland epithelium and the stratified epithelium of the stomach. Finally, Dsg1-α and Dsg1-β, but not Dsg1-γ, are proteolytically cleaved by exfoliative toxin A. These results suggest that the developmental complexity of mouse tissues, including skin and hair, may play a significant role in the evolutionary driving force to maintain multiple Dsg1 genes in mouse.
The synaptonemal complex and meiotic recombination in humans: new approaches to old questions

Meiotic prophase serves as an arena for the interplay of two important cellular activities, meiotic recombination and synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Synapsis is mediated by the synaptonemal complex (SC), originally characterized as a structure linked to pairing of meiotic chromosomes (Moses (1958) J Biophys Biochem Cytol 4:633-638). In 1975, the first electron micrographs of human pachytene stage SCs were presented (Moses et al. (1975) Science 187:363-365) and over the next 15 years the importance of the SC to normal meiotic progression in human males and females was established (Jhanwar and Chaganti (1980) Hum Genet 54:405-408; Pathak and Elder (1980) Hum Genet 54:171-175; Solari (1980) Chromosoma 81:315-337; Speed (1984) Hum Genet 66:176-180; Wallace and Hulten (1985) Ann Hum Genet 49(Pt 3):215-226). Further, these studies made it clear that abnormalities in the assembly or maintenance of the SC were an important contributor to human infertility (Chaganti et al. (1980) Am J Hum Genet 32:833-848; Vidal et al. (1982) Hum Genet 60:301-304; Bojko (1983) Carlsberg Res Commun 48:285-305; Bojko (1985) Carlsberg Res Commun 50:43-72; Templado et al. (1984) Hum Genet 67:162-165; Navarro et al. (1986) Hum Reprod 1:523-527; Garcia et al. (1989) Hum Genet 2:147-53). However, the utility of these early studies was limited by lack of information on the structural composition of the SC and the identity of other SC-associated proteins. Fortunately, studies of the past 15 years have gone a long way toward remedying this problem. In this minireview, we highlight the most important of these advances as they pertain to human meiosis, focusing on temporal aspects of SC assembly, the relationship between the SC and meiotic recombination, and the contribution of SC abnormalities to human infertility.
Axonal Localization of Neuritin/CPG15 mRNA in Neuronal Populations through Distinct 5′ and 3′ UTR Elements

Many neuronal mRNAs are actively transported into distal axons. The 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of axonal mRNAs often contain cues for their localization. The 3′ UTR of neuritin mRNA was shown to be sufficient for localization into axons of hippocampal neurons. Here, we show that neuritin mRNA localizes into axons of rat sensory neurons, but this is predominantly driven by the 5′ rather than 3′ UTR. Neuritin mRNA shifts from cell body to axon predominantly after nerve crush injury, suggesting that it encodes a growth-associated protein. Consistent with this, overexpression of neuritin increases axon growth but only when its mRNA localizes into the axons.
Large final-state interaction in the 0 − 0 − decays of J / ψ

In view of important implications in {ital B} decay, the 0{sup {minus}}0{sup {minus}} decay modes of J/{psi} are analyzed with broken flavor SU(3) symmetry in search of long-distance final-state interactions. If we impose one mild theoretical constraint on the electromagnetic form factors, we find that a large phase difference of final-state interactions is strongly favored between the one-photon and the gluon decay amplitudes. The measurement of e{sup +}e{sup {minus}}{r_arrow}{gamma}{r_arrow}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup {minus}} and e{sup +}e{sup {minus}}{r_arrow}{gamma}{r_arrow}K{sup +}K{sup {minus}} off the J/{psi} peak can settle the issue without recourse to theory. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Volatility Clustering and the Bid-Ask Spread: Exchange Rate Behavior in Early Renaissance Florence

This paper investigates the nature and behavior of the domestic (local) currency market that existed in Florence (Italy) during the late 14th and early 15th centuries (a.k.a. Early Renaissance). We find that the extant volatility and microstructure models developed for modern asset markets are able to describe the statistical volatility properties observed for the denaro-florin exchange rate. Volatility is clustered and is related to the bid-ask spread. This supports the notion that, although there are huge social, industrial and technological differences between capitalism then and now, individuals trading financial assets in an organized venue behave in a similar manner.
Clostridium difficile infection in the inflammatory bowel disease patient.

Abstract Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been increasing in frequency and severity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Population based and single center studies have shown worse clinical outcomes in concomitant CDI and IBD, with several reporting longer length of hospital stay, higher colectomy rates and increased mortality. Clinically, CDI may be difficult to distinguish from an IBD flare and may range from an asymptomatic carrier state to severe life threatening colitis. The traditional risk factors for CDI have included hospitalization, antibiotic use, older age and severe co-morbid disease but IBD patients have several distinct characteristics including younger age, community acquisition, lack of antibiotic exposure, colonic IBD and steroid use. CDI can occur in the small bowel and specifically in ulcerative colitis patients who have had a colectomy and an ileal pouch anal anastomosis. PCR based assays and combination Elisa algorithms have improved the sensitivity and specificity of testing, though in IBD patients have raised clinical questions about how to best manage diarrhea in the setting of possible C. difficile colonization. Treatment modalities for CDI have not been examined in randomized clinical trials in the IBD population. Newer antibiotics, immunotherapy and fecal microbiota transplantation may alter current treatment strategies. This review will focus on the unique epidemiology of CDI in IBD patients, detail clinical disease states, and provide updated diagnostic strategies, prevention and treatment options.(Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;).
A Measure of Career Self-Efficacy

The present study involved the development of a measure of career self-efficacy. The measure is short, easy to use, and has high internal consistency and test-retest reliability as well as good con...
In situ implantation system in argonne national laboratory hvem-tandem facility

Recent work has shown that ion implantation is a powerful scientific and technological tool in surface metallurgy. In order to study in situ effects of ion implantation/bombardment on the structure of materials, we have constructed an ion-beam interface system to deliver a fully characterized beam of ions into the specimen stage of the Argonne National Laboratory 1.2 MV high voltage electron microscope at an angle of 33° to the microscope axis. The facility has two accelerators. A 300 kV modified Texas Nuclear with a sputter ion source, and a National Electrostatics Universal 2 MV Tandem accelerator model 2UDHS which is scheduled for operation this fall. The microscope is equipped with a number of specialized stages to permit observations to be made between 78–1100 K with double tilt capability, and from 10–1300 K wth single tilt. A single tilt, heating, tensile stage is also available. Although the system design indicates a minimum beam envelope of 0.2 mm diameter in the microscope, initial experimental work has used beam diameters of 1–2 mm to bypass problems of introducing spatial stabilizers into the ion beam. The ion beam used in the following studies are: (N+, Si+, Ni+) is restructing of Ni-12.8% Si; (Li+) in oxidation of nickel; and (Fe+) in implant structures in Al.
The NASA budget in Congress

I would like to make the members of AGU aware of the recent happenings in Congress with regard to the fiscal year (FY) 1986 budget for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA was scheduled for modest increases from FY 1985 levels in the President's budget (Eos, February 19, 1985, p. 73), which was approved by the House Science and Technology Committee. However, when the authorization bill (H.R. 1714) “hit the floor” on April 3, amendments were offered and overwhelmingly passed to freeze funding at FY 1985 levels. (A similar fate met the National Science Foundation bill, H.R. 1210, on April 17.) The process is under way in the Senate, and the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space, which is the authorizing committee (under the chairmanship of Slade Gorton), plans to mark up its NASA bill in the next few days; the full committee—the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee—will then offer it to the floor.
Binding of tsHMG, a mouse testis-specific HMG-domain protein, to cisplatin-DNA adducts.

The anticancer drug cisplatin is particularly effective against testicular tumors. Although the clinical consequences of cisplatin chemotherapy are well-known, the precise mechanism of action remains elusive. Specific recognition of cisplatin-damaged DNA by a class of proteins containing the high-mobility group (HMG) domain DNA-binding motif could play a role in mediating the cytotoxicity of the drug. This study presents a quantitative investigation of binding of the murine testis-specific high-mobility group protein tsHMG to DNA modified by cisplatin. The binding affinity and specificity of this protein to a site-specific 1,2-d(GpG) cisplatin−DNA intrastrand cross-link in a 20 bp probe were determined. A value for the apparent dissociation constant, Kd(app), of 24 ± 5 nM was obtained by gel mobility shift assays. Binding competition assays with the corresponding unmodified 20 bp probe gave a ratio (ρ) of nonspecific to specific Kd(app) values of 230. A polypeptide containing tsHMG domain A (residues 1−82...
Simultaneous and real-time measurement of slope and curvature fringes in thin structures using shearing interferometery

A real-time lateral shearing interferometry that uses a pair of Ronchi gratings to perform wavefront shearing operations is described for measuring slope and curvature fringes simultaneously in thin structures. It involves simultaneous imaging of diffracted wavefronts using Fourier filtering. Two sets of fringe patterns, one representing slopes and the other curvatures, occur simultaneously at spatially distinct locations on the image plane, thereby eliminating the need for additional postprocessing of the recordings. In this work, the principles involved in the measurement of slopes and curvatures using this technique are explained. The method is then demonstrated on thin structures subjected to well-defined loading conditions, such as a clamped circular silicon wafer subjected to central displacement. Measurements have been successfully compared with analytical solutions.
Abstract CN04-02: Discovery of Mcl-1 inhibitors using fragment-based methods.

Mcl-1, a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, is overexpressed and amplified in several cancers and causes the aberrant survival of tumor cells that would otherwise undergo programmed cell death and resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents. Down-regulation of Mcl-1 by RNA interference inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis in cancer cells, and decreases tumorgenicity in mouse xenograft models. Although very potent inhibitors of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL (ABT-263, Navitoclax) and Bcl-2 (ABT-199) have progressed to the clinic, no Mcl-1 inhibitors have entered clinical trials. In this presentation, the discovery of potent Mcl-1 inhibitors using fragment-based methods and structure-based design will be described. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):CN04-02. Citation Format: Stephen W. Fesik. Discovery of Mcl-1 inhibitors using fragment-based methods. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr CN04-02.
THE SOURCES OF REGIONAL ELDERLY POPULATION GROWTH: MIGRATION AND AGING-IN-PLACE ∗

A region's elderly population has two sources of growth: net migration and the net aging-in-place of its resident population. This paper outlines a method for identifying the projected relative contribution of these two sources of elderly population growth over time, and illustrates it with data for the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York. The sources of elderly population growth differ between regions and over time.
Discrete modeling of sedimentation.

The sedimentation process is simulated, for the first time, using a discrete model in which gravitation and Brownian motion are considered as competitive processes. This model is capable of producing the whole spectrum of particle-settling behaviors by varying ${R}_{\mathrm{GB}}$, a relative measure of the gravitation to the Brownian motion. Computer-simulation results are obtained for polydispersed as well as monodispersed systems and for coarse as well as for fine particles.
Use of calcium, potassium, and sodium lactates to control germination and outgrowth of Clostridium perfringens spores during chilling of injected pork

Abstract Inhibition of Clostridium perfringens spore germination and outgrowth during abusive chilling regimes was investigated by the incorporation of lactates of calcium (CaL), potassium (KL) and sodium (NaL) in injected pork. Lactates (Ca, K, or Na) were incorporated into injected pork samples at four different concentrations (1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.8%), along with a no-lactate control. A three-strain cocktail of C. perfringens spores was inoculated into the product (injected pork) to obtain a final spore population of ca. 2.0–2.5 log 10 CFU/g. Chilling of injected pork (control) from 54.4 to 7.2 °C within 6.5, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 h exponential chill rates resulted in C. perfringens population increases of 0.49, 2.40, 4.02, 5.03, 6.24, and 6.30 log 10 CFU/g, respectively. Addition of CaL at 1.0% or KL and NaL ⩾2.0% to injected pork was able to control C. perfringens germination and outgrowth to C. perfringens germination and outgrowth.
New technique for controlling the degree of coherence of two light beams

Abstract A new technique for varying the degree of coherence between two light beams through the amplitude of a third beam, without affecting the light intensities, is described. The method makes use of the process of parametric down-conversion in two similar non-linear crystals which are coherently pumped with their idlers aligned, and it allows very precise variation of the degree of coherence.
Decision Making Theory: A Consultant's Guide to Getting Technical Information Used

A simple model of the decision making process of a consultee can help clarify his data needs, and thus can guide a consultant in how to present and how to obtain better use of his technical information. Seven characteristics of developing countries which affect decision making are described. An approach to advising, matched to the nine elements of decision making, is suggested.
Caregiving, residence, race, and depressive symptoms.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the psychological responses to caregiving between black and white dementia caregivers measured by self-reports of depressive symptoms evaluating the impact of sub-components of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and residential arrangements of the caregiving dyad. The method included 87 intergenerational family caregivers enrolled in the Duke Caregiver Study (50 white and 37 black). Total CES-D and the four sub-components were modeled as dependent measures in separate linear regressions. Three models were examined. The first model tested race, living arrangements, and their interaction. The second model adjusted for age, gender, education, income, health status, cultural justification for caregiving, crime concerns, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and glycosylated hemoglobin. A third model added adjustment for caregiver burden. The results showed that there was a significant race by residence interaction for CES-D, somatic symptoms and depressive affect such that when the dyads are living apart – with the care recipient in their own home or in an institutional setting – whites reported more depressive symptoms than blacks. When the dyads lived together, this was reversed, and blacks reported higher depressive symptoms than whites. To conclude, all the parameters such as race, living arrangements, and the components of depression need to be taken into account to understand the impact of caregiving on the emotional health of caregivers.
Response to Resistin, Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Insulin Resistance

Yasuharu et al1 found an inverse association between plasma resistin and estimated glomerular filtration rate in a community-based cohort of Japanese individuals, findings that are consistent with our report.2 Furthermore, they observed plasma resistin to be a significant determinant …
Embryo development from discrete cell aggregates inIpomoea Batatas (L.) Lam. in response to structural polarity

High numbers of embryos are difficult to obtain in liquid cultures of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) because discrete cell aggregates, produced through calli fragmentation, do not support embryo growth. In an effort to demonstrate that embryo development is possible from discrete cell aggregates, we compared embryo formation from cell aggregates 250–355 μm in diameter cultured either in suspension in liquid medium, on agar solidified medium, or immobilized on alginate beads floated in liquid medium. Embryos were initiated but remained arrested in their globular stage on cell aggregates cultured in suspension. Embryos developed to the torpedo stage from cell aggregates cultured on solidified medium and from cell aggregates anchored on alginate beads. Thus, embryos continued to develop beyond the globular stage when a structural polarity, which led probably to the establishment of a physiological polarity, was created. The production of sweet potato embryos in liquid culture can be improved by using alginate beads or culture conditions and protocols leading to the release during calli fragmentation of polarized individual cell aggregates.
Foster care: Core problems and intervention strategies☆

Abstract Despite consensus that the foster care system can improve service delivery to the children entrusted to it, there is less agreement on appropriate targets for change and intervention strategies. It is argued that one of two formulations of the core problem expressed by the client group receiving foster care services are implicit in the remaining three core problems iden tified as targets for change in the literature. Consequences of the implicit selection of either formulation and related strategies is presented.
Hydrodynamics of a bubble column with a conical-shaped entrance region

This note describes the transient and time-averaged flow behavior in the conical-shaped inlet region of a bubble column.