cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postnatal development of cytochrome oxidase activity in fiber tracts of the rat brain.

This paper describes postnatal changes in cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) activity in developing fiber tracts. Quantitative histochemistry was used to measure changes in C.O. activity in nine white matter regions at postnatal days (P) 7, 12, 17, 30, and 60 in the rat. At P7, enzyme activity was maximal in the spinal trigeminal tract, medial longitudinal fasciculus, and cerebellar white matter. At P12, maximal levels were measured in the medial lemniscus and cerebral peduncle. C.O. activity increased from low levels at P7 to maximal levels by P17 in the hippocampal commissure, posterior and anterior corpus callosum, and anterior commissure. In all nine regions, C.O. activity decreased by P60. Thus, peaks in C.O. activity shifted as a function of postnatal age in a caudo-rostral direction. The regional heterogeneity in the age of onset in C.O. fluctuations suggests that vulnerability to injury and metabolic dysfunction during the perinatal period will differentially affect white matter structures, depending on the age of onset of such disruptions.
Late Jurassic paleoclimate of Central Africa

Abstract Paleopedology and geochemical analysis of Upper Jurassic deposits in the Stanleyville Group of Central Africa indicate harsh Late Jurassic paleoclimates in the interior of Gondwana. Subsurface samples collected from the Samba borehole near the center of the Congo Basin show only weak morphological evidence of pedogenesis, but are characterized by an abundance of shrink-swell (vertic) features and rare calcium carbonate nodules, indicating seasonal variations in moisture availability and net soil moisture deficiency, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis of paleosol matrix material reveals the presence of analcime and the clay mineral palygorskite, strong indicators of hot, arid climatic conditions. The δ 18 O and δD values of clay minerals from paleosol profiles range from + 22.3‰ to + 25.4‰ and − 44.4‰ to − 39.6‰ SMOW, respectively, and correspond to crystallization temperatures between 25 °C and 40 °C. These crystallization temperatures compare favorably with austral summer surface temperature estimates for Central Africa that result from Late Jurassic global circulation models. Calculations of soil CO 2 production using the δ 13 C values of pedogenic carbonates and plant-derived organic matter produce lower CO 2 production estimates for the Stanleyville Group relative to the roughly contemporary Morrison Formation of the western U.S. These low soil CO 2 production estimates provide further support for arid Late Jurassic climate conditions in the Congo Basin. The paleoclimatic conditions inferred here from the Stanleyville Group are similar to those reconstructed from other Upper Jurassic African continental localities between 5°S and 20°S paleolatitude. However, penecontemporaneous terrestrial coastal sites within this latitudinal belt of Gondwana retain evidence of generally wetter conditions, suggesting that those regions may have received more rainfall than the continental interior. The paleoclimatic setting reconstructed here from geologic indicators and geochemical proxies suggests that general circulation models accurately predict unique paleoenvironmental conditions that lack modern analogs.
Novel insights into longstanding theories of bidirectional parent-child influences: introduction to the special section.

Although bidirectional parent and child influences have been incorporated in theoretical models pertaining to the development of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in youth, studies have historically focused on the socializing influence that parents have on their children. This has left several important research questions unanswered about the nature of bidirectional parent–child relations across development, including how these bidirectional effects are related to different types of child and adolescent psychopathology. The goal of this special section is to examine some longstanding issues regarding the nature of bidirectional parent–child effects across time using a diverse array of longitudinal datasets. The results from these studies emphasize the importance of considering bidirectional effects in developmental psychopathology research, particularly the often overlooked influence that children and adolescents have on their parents’ behavior and emotional well-being. Following these empirical articles, an expert in the field provides a scholarly commentary designed to outline the progress that has been made in understanding bidirectional parent–child effects across development as well as to propose fruitful areas for future research.
Intravenously administered labetalol for treatment of hypertension in children

Thirteen children (ages 9.2±3.7 years, mean ±SD) received intravenous doses of labetalot, an α 1 - and β-adrenergic blocker, on 15 separate occasions for treatment of hypertension. In 12 of 14 episodes an initial dose of 0.55±0.34 mg/kg was given; in all 15 a continuous infusion of 0.78±0.39 mg/kg per hour was utilized for 67.3±57.1 hours. A significant decrease in systemic blood pressure occurred in all episodes (143/99.1±17.7/11.1 vs 115.6/72.4±7.7/9.5; p p 50 (n=6) were compared with those with creatine clearances 2 (n=9); similar doses of labetalol were required for control of blood pressure. We conclude that infusion of labetalol is effective for control of blood pressure in children with hypertension, regardiess of renal function.
Interspecies relationships among ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs): evidence of evolutionary pressure to maintain individual identities.

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are ∼20-kDa guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that are allosteric activators of the NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of cholera toxin and appear to play a role in intracellular vesicular trafficking. Although the physiological roles of these proteins have not been defined, it has been presumed that each has a specific intracellular function. To obtain genetic evidence that each ARF is under evolutionary pressure to maintain its structure, and presumably function, rat ARF cDNA clones were isolated and their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were compared to those of other mammalian ARFs. Deduced amino acid sequences for rat ARFs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 were identical to those of the known cognate human and bovine ARFs; rat ARF4 was 96% identical to human ARF4. Nucleotide sequences of both the untranslated as well as the coding regions were highly conserved. These results indicate that the ARF proteins are, as a family, extraordinarily well conserved across mammalian species. The unusually high degree of conservation of the untranslated regions is consistent with these regions having important regulatory roles and that individual ARFs contain structurally unique elements required for specific functions.
Tailoring the degradation of hydrogels formed from multivinyl poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl alcohol) macromers for cartilage tissue engineering.

Tuning the degradation profiles of polymer cell carriers to match cell and tissue growth is an important design parameter for (cartilage) tissue engineering. In this study, degradable hydrogels wer...
A growth inhibitory factor from lambsquarters (Chenopodium album).

Aqueous extract of air-dried lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) at 25 mg/ml significantly inhibited germination and growth of radish and wheat seeds. Soybean seed germination was not inhibited; however, hypocotyl growth was significantly reduced. Germination of radish seeds in sand amended with pulverized lambsquarters shoots at 2 and 4 mg/g was reduced 40 and 95%, respectively. Shoot dry weight and plant height were also reduced 30 and 9%, respectively, at 4 mg/g, but not at 2 mg/g concentration. Residues after extraction with water incorporated in sand were not inhibitory, indicating water solubility of the inhibitor(s). Aqueous extract of shoots decomposed for five days lost nearly 40% of its inhibitory effect; 20% of it still persisted in the extract of shoots decomposed for 30 days. The filtrate from ultrafiltration of aqueous extract through a pad of molecular-weight cutoff 1000 inhibited radish seeds germination and growth, indicating that the molecular weight of the inhibitor(s) was less than 1000. Partitioning of the aqueous extract by a series of solvents resulted in isolation of an inhibitor(s) in the butanol fraction. Seven phenolics were identified in this fraction using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Paper chromatographic analysis of the butanol fraction revealed six bands, of which one band withRf=0.83 inhibited germination and growth of radish seeds. Chlorogenic acid identified by HPLC appeared to be the principal component of the phytotoxin.
The mammalian type cytochrome c of Ustilago sphaerogena

Abstract The cytochrome c of Ustilago sphaerogena possesses a molecular weight of 12 500 ± 500 and its isoelectric point occurs at pH 9.40. Its absorption spectrum and its activity towards beef heart mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase are similar to those of horse heart cytochrome c . The amino acid composition of Ustilago cytochrome c indicates the presence of two histidine residues and one methionine residue in a total of 109 ± 1 residues.
Neutral currents and grand unification

Abstract We show that in certain interesting classes of gauge models useful information about grand unification may be obtained from careful neutral current measurements at low energies.
Diffusion MR imaging of acute ischemic stroke

Diffusion MR imaging is now a routine component of the brain MR imaging examination and is critical in the evaluation of the stroke patient. The use of diffusion MR imaging resides in the ability to detect and provide image contrast dependent on the translational motion of water through brain tissue. The method was introduced into clinical practice in the mid1990s, but because of its demanding MR engineering requirements and primarily highperformance magnetic-field gradients, it has only recently undergone widespread dissemination. Its primary application has been mainly in brain imaging because of its exquisite sensitivity to ischemic stroke—a common condition that appears in the differential diagnosis in virtually all patients who present with a neurologic complaint. Added use is found in distinguishing irreversible ischemic lesions from potentially reversible lesions characterized by vasogenic edema and providing valuable information for further treatment strategies.
Hand-assisted laparoscopic aorto-aortic bypass: initial experience in a porcine model.

Videoscopic surgical techniques have been developed to reduce morbidity of open aortic reconstructions. The advantage of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) technique is the introduction of t...
Integration and Optimization of the Closed-Loop Supply Chain Based on Random Demand and Random Recycling

In the environment of asymmetric information, the traditional Stackelberg game strategy is to be changed, and at the same time, the focus of the supply chain is to be shifted towards the lower stream. This paper discusses the integration and optimization of the closed-loop supply chain based on random demand in three different recycling models. The expected profit functions of the manufacturer, the retailer, and the third party are acquired in these models, and the equilibrium of profit sharing among different levels of the supply chain is reached through the game theory and upstream incentives. The paper also discusses the ways for each recycling model to affect the wholesale price, retail price, and the profit of the whole channel, compares and analyses their differences in both stimulating the recycling and the supply chain profit.
A model of global and basin-scale anoxia

A simple steady-state 1-D model of the oceanic particulate organic carbon, dissolved oxygen and dissolved phosphate system has been developed to study global and basin-scale anoxia. The model has been calibrated with present-day data and yields estimates of the present-day new-carbon flux (0.65 mol C/yr m2) and riverine phosphate flux (0.43 × 10-4 mol P/yr m2). The model requires substantial departures from present-day conditions for the existence of global steady-state anoxia. Fertility well above present-day values is required (for present-day continental configurations) even with a substantial reduction in thermohaline circulation rates or ventilation. It is shown that small basins, such as the mid-Cretaceous North and South Atlantic, may attain steady-state anoxia with global fertility no greater than present-day values. Finally, it is suggested that large-scale anoxic events may be instrinsically transient phenomena and that modeling of the anoxic events recorded in the geologic record requires a 2-D time-dependent model.
Implementing the 2013 NLNAC standards and criteria.

This column provides information on accreditation for nursing programs of all types. Readers may submit questions to the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. General questions of interest to a wide audience will be addressed in this column, whereas more specific questions or those requiring confidentiality will be answered directly.
Comorbidity between substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions

Aims To review information relevant to the question of whether substance-induced mental disorders exist and their implications. Design and method This paper utilized a systematic review of manuscripts published in the English language since approximately 1970 dealing with comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders. Findings The results of any specific study depended on the definitions of comorbidity, the methods of operationalizing diagnostic criteria, the interview and protocol invoked several additional methodological issues. The results generally support the conclusion that substance use mental disorders exist, especially regarding stimulant or cannabinoid-induced psychoses, substance-induced mood disorders, as well as substance-induced anxiety conditions. Conclusions The material reviewed indicates that induced disorders are prevalent enough to contribute significantly to rates of comorbidity between substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions, and that their recognition has important treatment implications. The current literature review underscores the heterogeneous nature of comorbidity.
Interactive search of bibliographic data bases in an academic environment

A surprising difference is found in the acceptance of on-line bibliographic search between university research workers and students in the classroom. The typical research worker, even after careful preparation and individual help, abandons the on-line system in favor of more traditional searching techniques. The student and the seminar participant, on the other hand, take to this new tool with enthusiasm and profit. Bibliographic data bases in physics, astronomy and urban systems are available to users through on-line access to the Remote Information Query System (RIQS). Examples of introductory on-line sessions are presented and a report of one of the professors participating is included.
Identification of key hinge residues important for nucleotide-dependent allostery in E. coli Hsp70/DnaK.

DnaK is a molecular chaperone that has important roles in protein folding. The hydrolysis of ATP is essential to this activity, and the effects of nucleotides on the structure and function of DnaK have been extensively studied. However, the key residues that govern the conformational motions that define the apo, ATP-bound, and ADP-bound states are not entirely clear. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations, mutagenesis, and enzymatic assays to explore the molecular basis of this process. Simulations of DnaK's nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) in the apo, ATP-bound, and ADP/Pi-bound states suggested that each state has a distinct conformation, consistent with available biochemical and structural information. The simulations further suggested that large shearing motions between subdomains I-A and II-A dominated the conversion between these conformations. We found that several evolutionally conserved residues, especially G228 and G229, appeared to function as a hinge for these motions, because they predominantly populated two distinct states depending on whether ATP or ADP/Pi was bound. Consistent with the importance of these “hinge” residues, alanine point mutations caused DnaK to have reduced chaperone activities in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results clarify how sub-domain motions communicate allostery in DnaK.
Transient heat conduction and hotspot development prediction in a flaking roll with revolving heat flux and convection boundary conditions

In the oilseed crushing industry, flaking rolls sometimes develop hotspots that cause high thermal stresses. Soybean flakes on contact with hotspots crumble to powder, which is unsuitable for oil extraction. Transient heat conduction equations with revolving boundary conditions were solved using the finite element method. Simulations demonstrated that hotspots arise due to heat flow in three dimensions from the source toward the roll ends and the curved surface. An estimated heat flux value of 56 kW/m2 yielded surface temperature values near observed values. Perturbations performed to the base values showed that a 10% increase in thermal conductivity caused a 6–8% reduction in peak thermal gradient, whereas a 20% increase in heat-transfer coefficient caused less than 2% reduction in peak thermal gradient. Therefore, thermal conductivity is a more sensitive parameter affecting thermal gradients than the heat-transfer coefficient. A small change in heat-transfer coefficient caused by aspirating air through the flake outlet of the roll stands would not cause a significant reduction in temperature and thermal gradients in rolls. The higher thermal gradients observed near the outer surface of rolls suggest that casting rolls with subsurface layers of higher thermal conductivity would make rolls less prone to forming hotspots.
Asymmetry of Hydrogen Bonds in Solutions of Monoanions of Dicarboxylic Acids

Is a hydrogen bond symmetric (single-well potential) or asymmetric (double-well potential)? The NMR method of isotopic perturbation of equilibrium was used to answer this question for the monoanions of a wide variety of 18O-labeled dicarboxylic acids. The observed 18O-induced isotope shifts, especially at the ipso carbons, demonstrate that these exist as a pair of equilibrating tautomers in both aqueous and organic solvents. This conclusion for organic solvents is opposite a previous one based on similar data. As a further test, primary isotope shifts, which had been diagnostic for a single-well potential, were reinvestigated. The monoanions of 1,2-cyclopentenedicarboxylic, 3,4-furandicarboxylic, and 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalic acids have negative primary isotope shifts and are confirmed as having asymmetric hydrogen bonds. Although hydrogen phthalate has a positive primary isotope shift, it too is judged to have an asymmetric hydrogen bond, according to 18O-induced isotope shifts, which are considered mor...
Effects of Flake Size on Textural and Cooking Properties of Restructured Beef and Pork Steaks

Flaked and formed beef and pork steaks were manufactured using eleven different Comitrol cutting heads selected to give a wide range in flake size. Data from texture profile panel, Instron and cooking studies were collected. As flake size increased, visually detected fi-brousness, first bite hardness, cohesiveness of the chewed mass, number of chews required for swallowing, amount of connective tissue detected by sensory panel and shear force all increased, while uniformity of the chewed mass decreased. Textural properties in beef and pork steaks were affected in a similar manner by flake size. Thickness of the flake particle was as important as width of the flake particle in affecting texture.
Minimizing crosscultural evangelism noise

How loud is unintentional noise in Western metanarrative evangelism models used in crosscultural contexts? This article seeks an answer to this question by exploring five metanarrative evangelism m...
Chicken Macrophage Stimulating Protein Is a Ligand of the Receptor Protein-tyrosine Kinase Sea

Affinity chromatography, employing the extracellular domain of the Sea receptor, was used to enrich Sea-binding proteins from chicken serum. One isolated protein bound both a Sea-immunoglobulin fusion protein and an antisera raised against murine macrophage stimulating protein. Amino-terminal sequencing of the dual-reactive protein yielded sequences which were identical to the predicted α and β subunits of chicken macrophage stimulating protein. The partially purified chicken macrophage stimulating protein caused autophosphorylation of the Sea receptor. Previous work showed that recombinant expression of fully activatible human or mouse macrophage stimulating protein required a specific Cys to Ala substitution (Wahl, R. C., Costigan, V. J., Batac, J. P., Chen, K., Cam, L., Courchesne, P. L., Patterson, S. D. Zhang, K., and Pacifici, R. E. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 1–4). Therefore, we expressed both the wild type and the specific Cys to Ala form of chicken macrophage stimulating protein as recombinant proteins. After proteolytic activation, only conditioned media from COS cells transfected with the C665A chicken macrophage stimulating protein, but not from wild type chicken macrophage-stimulating protein, or control vector, was detected by the Sea-immunoglobulin fusion protein in Western blotting experiments. Conditioned media containing the C665A chicken macrophage-stimulating protein readily caused Sea phosphorylation, while conditioned media containing the wild type chicken macrophage-stimulating protein was only effective at inducing receptor phosphorylation at high concentrations. In addition to receptor phosphorylation, the C665A chicken macrophage-stimulating protein induced phosphorylation of Shc, Erk1, and Erk 2. We conclude that macrophage-stimulating protein is a ligand of the Sea receptor protein-tyrosine kinase.
Resource allocation in load-constrained multihopwireless networks

In this paper, we study the influence of network entity load constraints on network resource allocation. We focus on the problem of allocating network resources to optimize the total utility of multiple users in a wireless network, taking into account four resource and social requirements: 1) user QoS rate constraints, 2) node max load constraints, 3) node load balance constraints, and 4) node-user load constraints. We formulate this problem as a programming system. In order to solve this programming system, we first propose an optimization framework, called α-approximation dual subgradient algorithm, which may be applicable for many networking optimization problems. Given an approximation/optimal algorithm for solving the subproblem at each iteration, the framework leads to a result that can provide the following bounds at each iteration: 1) the bounds on the Lagrangian multipliers; 2) the bound on the amount of feasibility violation of the generated primal solutions; and 3) the upper and lower bounds on the gap between the optimal solution and the generated primal solutions. Based on this framework, we then present a distributed iterative algorithm to solve the network resource allocation problem. At each iteration, we provide bounds on the amount of feasibility violation, the gap between our solution and the optimal solution, node queue lengths, user utility deficits, and node load violation ratios.
Diagnosis of Pyosalpinx by Hysterosalpingosonography Using Spring Water

Most of the cases of large pyosalpinx or hydrosalpinx may be easily misdiagnosed on ultrasound as a case of a tuboovarian mass or abscess, an endometriotic cyst, or other specific ovarian tumors which may further complicate management. Here we report a case of a female patient who presented with complaints of secondary infertility and clinical impressions of previous sonograms of an endometriotic cyst or tuboovarian mass. In our clinic, ultrasound revealed a complex mass in the left adnexa, predominantly cystic with internal echoes and some solid tissue in the periphery, measuring 9.0 × 8.0 cm in size. She was then subjected to a new modified technique, hysterosalpingosonography (HSS), to test her tubal patency. The characteristic comet tail artifact of micro air bubbles may easily seen entering the left adnexal mass, thus leading to the accurate diagnosis of pyosalpinx. It is recommended that all adnexal complex masses resembling tuboovarian masses, or endometriotic cysts may be further subjected to hysterosalpingosonography with spring water to exclude the clinical entities of pyosalpinx or hydrosalpinx.
Role of the controller in an integrated pilot — Controller study for parallel approaches

Closely spaced parallel runway operations have been found to increase capacity within the National Airspace System but poor visibility conditions reduce the use of these operations [1]. Previous research examined the concepts and procedures related to parallel runways [2–4]. However, there has been no investigation of the procedures associated with the strategic and tactical pairing of aircraft for these operations. This study developed and examined the pilot's and controller's procedures and information requirements for creating aircraft pairs for closely spaced parallel runway operations. The goal was to achieve aircraft pairing with a temporal separation of 15s (+/− 10s error) at a ‘coupling point’ that was 12 nmi from the runway threshold. In this paper, the role of the controller, as examined in an integrated study of controllers and pilots, is presented. The controllers utilized a pairing scheduler and new pairing interfaces to help create and maintain aircraft pairs, in a high-fidelity, human-in-the loop simulation experiment. Results show that the controllers worked as a team to achieve pairing between aircraft and the level of inter-controller coordination increased when the aircraft in the pair belonged to different sectors. Controller feedback did not reveal over reliance on the automation nor complacency with the pairing automation or pairing procedures.
Edge preserving image smoothing using nonlinear diffusion and a semi-local edge detection technique in digital mammography images

Digital mammography images often contain noise proportional to the dose given to the patient. The signal to noise ratio is typically improved by increasing the dose as noise reduction methods tend to blur clinically important edges and details, such as fibers or calcifications. A new algorithm is presented to reduce noise while preserving features relevant in digital mammography and allowing for an overall reduction of patient dose.
Procollagen peptidase: Its mode of action on the native substrate

Abstract Procollagen peptidase was recovered from the medium of human and mouse fibroblast cultures by precipitation with ammonium sulfate. The test substrate for the in vitro enzymatic reaction was radioactively-labeled, disulfide-linked procollagen prepared from the medium of human fibroblast cultures. The enzymatic digests were analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea. The human and mouse enzymes reacted with the substrate to generate the same intermediates and final products. Procollagen peptidase acts as an endopeptidase which cleaves each of the three procollagen chains in turn. The final products of the reaction are collagen and a three-chain, disulfide-linked fragment derived from the nonhelical aminoterminal residues of procollagen.
Rationale for Intervention to Reduce Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A General Internist's Perspective:

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most deadly disease in the United States and the one whose risks are most modifiable by lifestyle measures. The rationale for CHD risk reduction is clear, well studied and outlined in this article. From aggressive assessment with a history and physical, basic laboratory studies, nutritional assessment and a physical activity assessment, CHD risks can be adequately quantified. The challenge now is in defining how to fully implement the effective strategies; both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic (lifestyle) that have been proven to reduce the risks.
Correlation between serum IL-6 and CRP levels and severity of head injury in children.

Objective: To examine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) release in children with head injury (HI) and investigate if there is a correlation between the levels of these two proteins and the severity of HI. Design: Prospective clinical investigation. Setting: Eight-bed paediatric intensive care unit in a university hospital. Patients: Forty-five children were followed up for 4 days after HI and their serum IL-6 and CRP levels were measured. Measurements and results: Peak serum IL-6 levels occurred 4 h post-injury, decreasing over time. CRP was normal 4 h after injury, then increased reaching peak levels in 48 h. Children with admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 8 or less had higher IL-6 levels compared to children with GCS scores higher than 8, 4 and 12 h post-injury (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). IL-6 was higher in children with admission PRISM scores of 10 or more than in those with PRISM scores lower than 10 at 4 and 12 h (p < 0.05). CRP levels were higher in patients with GCS scores of 8 or less compared to patients with GCS scores higher than 8 at 24, 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.02 and p < 0.02, respectively) . Patients with PRISM scores of 10 or more had higher CRP levels compared to those with PRISM scores lower than 10 at 24, 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). Peak CRP levels correlated well with peak IL-6 levels (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). No correlation between IL-6 or CRP levels and mortality or clinical outcome was found. Conclusions: Serum IL-6 and CRP levels are elevated in children with HI and there is a relation between the severity of HI and the levels of these proteins. There was no correlation between IL-6, CRP and outcomes of the patients.
A generalized model for the transverse fluid permeability in unidirectional fibrous media

In liquid molding processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM), fluid is injected into a mold filled with fiber reinforcement. The microstructure of the reinforcement strongly influences the resistance it offers to fluid flow. This resistance is characterized by the permeability that determines the ratio between the superficial velocity and the pressure drop in the porous medium. Currently values of the permeability have to be determined experimentally. Therefore, each type of reinforcement has to be characterized before a computer simulation can be used to predict the overall mold filling pattern. A model for predicting the permeability as a function of structure would help reduce the number of experiments needed to determine the input parameters for mold filling simulations. Also, by understanding the physics of the flow through such materials, one may tailor the microstructure such that it has both the desired reinforcing capability and the necessary permeability to fill efficiently. In response to this need, we have developed a predictive semi-analytical solution for flow across arrays of aligned cylinders with elliptical cross sections modeling the fiber mats. The shape of the tow, its porosity, and the packing configuration are found to influence the transverse permeability of such an array significantly. Predicted results of the permeability from this model compare very well with numerical results obtained from finite element calculations over a range of volume fractions, cross-sectional shapes, and tow permeabilities.
Particle physics: Quarks are not ambidextrous

By separately scattering right- and left-handed electrons off quarks in a deuterium target, researchers have improved, by about a factor of five, on a classic result of mirror-symmetry breaking from 35 years ago. See Letter p.67 Parity symmetry — or mirror-image symmetry — implies that flipping left and right does not change the laws of physics. Violation of parity symmetry in the weak nuclear force was discovered in the mid-1950s and parity violation in electron scattering was important in establishing, and is now used to test, the standard model of particle physics. This study reports a high-precision electron–quark scattering experiment that provides a measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry with a precision of five times higher than the single previous direct study via this scattering process. The results confirm the predictions of electroweak particle-physics theory, while providing constraints on parity-violating interactions beyond the standard model.
Transformation and School Success: The Politics and Culture of Educational Achievement

Various explanations for low school achievement of minority students include those of cultural differences between teacher and student and low motivation of students because of cynicism regarding their chances in the labor market. These explanations are compared, critiqued, and reconsidered in terms of critical social theory, more especially resistance theory. The article considers the perceived legitimacy of the school and its teachers and the development of oppositional culture by students. Transformation of routine educational practice is necessary, and culturally responsive pedagogy is one means of transformation. CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PEDAGOGY, MINORITY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, RESISTANCE THEORY, OPPOSITIONAL CULTURE
Electroanatomic mapping of the right coronary artery: a novel approach to ablation of right free-wall accessory pathways.

Background: Catheter ablation of right free-wall (RFW) accessory pathways continues to be associated with lower success and higher recurrence rates compared with other pathway locations. Reliably identifying the precise location of RFW accessory pathways often contributes to the difficulty in ablating these pathways. Improved localization of RFW accessory pathways has been described utilizing multielectrode right coronary artery (RCA) catheterization. This approach has not been widely adopted, in part due to concerns of prolonged catheter placement within the RCA. We describe the technique of creating a 3-D electroanatomic map of the right atrioventricular groove, limiting the duration of a microcatheter within the RCA, to facilitate ablation of RFW accessory pathways. Methods and Results: Following intracardiac identification of a RFW accessory pathway, an octapolar microcatheter was placed in the RCA. A 3-D electroanatomic map of the RCA was created during retrograde accessory pathway conduction using ventricular pacing. Immediately following creation of the map, the RCA catheter was removed. Endocardial mapping and ablation of the RFW accessory pathway was performed using the RCA electroanatomic map as a guide. This technique was used in four pediatric patients. The microcatheter was within the RCA for less than 1 min in all patients. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of the RFW accessory pathways were successfully performed with two lesions. There were no complications or recurrences at follow-up. Conclusions: The creation of a 3-D electroanantomic map of the RCA effectively localizes RFW accessory pathways and facilitates successful ablation. This technique minimizes the duration of RCA instrumentation.
Participation in a premedical summer program for underrepresented-minority students as a predictor of academic performance in the first three years of medical school: two studies

PURPOSE: To determine whether the performances of underrepresented minority students in the Medical Education and Development Program (MEDP) at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Medicine (a structured, nine-week summer premedical program that simulates the medical schoo
Performance of Domestic and Foreign Banks: The Case of Korea and the Asian Financial Crisis

Abstract This paper examines the performance of banks, domestic and foreign, in Korea before and after the Asian financial crisis, examining how the profitability of those banks differed and identifying factors that explain why those differences existed. The performance of Korean banks deteriorated dramatically in 1998 with most banks recovering somewhat in 1999. Foreign banks did not experience the same negative effect on their performance as a rule. Overall, the domestic Korean banks suffered more severely from the Asian financial crisis than foreign banks. Several possible explanations exist. First, foreign banks, unlike domestic Korean banks, were not subject to credit allocation directives from the Korean government to selected, favoured industries. Second, foreign banks, since they relied for governance on the mother bank in the home country, achieved higher efficiency and better asset and liability management. Finally, foreign banks rely more heavily on fee-for-service income rather than loan revenue.
Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Occurs Spontaneously in the Canine Prostate

ABSTRACTPurpose: Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is the most likely precursor of human prostate cancer. Although the dog is the only non-human species in which spontaneous prostate cancer occurs frequently, the prevalence of PIN in the canine prostate is unknown. A naturally occurring animal model of PIN has not been described.Materials and Methods: To determine if high grade PIN occurs spontaneously in the canine prostate, we evaluated totally embedded prostates from 35 outbred dogs that had no clinical evidence of prostatic disease. Prostates from three groups of dogs were analyzed: (1) 11 sexually intact dogs 7-17 years old (elderly sexually intact); (2) 13 sexually intact dogs 1-4 years old (young sexually intact); and (3) 11 dogs 7-17 years old that had been castrated (elderly castrated). The prevalence of PIN was determined by systematic evaluation of hematoxylin/eosin and high molecular weight keratin 34 beta-E12 stained tissue sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded prostates tha...
Design of a Multidisc Electromechanical Brake

This paper presents the design of an electrically actuated, proportional brake that provides a significantly greater torque-to-weight ratio than a magnetic particle brake (MPB) (considered a benchmark of the state of the art) without sacrificing other characteristics, such as dynamic range, bandwidth, or electrical power consumption. The multidisc brake provides resistive torque through a stack of friction discs, which are compressed by a dc-motor-driven ball screw. Unlike nearly all other proportional brakes, which operate in a normally unlocked mode, the brake presented here is designed such that it may be configured in either a normally unlocked or normally locked mode. The latter enables lower electrical energy consumption and added safety in the event of electrical power failure in certain applications. Following the device description, experimental data are presented to characterize the performance of the brake. The performance characteristics are subsequently compared to those of a commercially available MPB of comparable size.
Superoxide enhances Na-K-2Cl cotransporter activity in the thick ascending limb.

Superoxide (O2−) enhances Na reabsorption by the thick ascending limb (THAL). Na absorption in this segment involves the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, K channel, and Na-K-ATPase. We hypothesized that O2−...
The Effect of Temperature on Survival of Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman) vectors Geosmithia morbida, the causal agent of thousand cankers disease in Juglans, and is particularly damaging to Juglans nigra L. (black walnut). Native hosts of P. juglandis are distributed in the southwestern United States where winter temperatures tend to be higher than those found within the native range of black walnut. To better understand temperature effects on survival of P. juglandis, we initiated studies to determine: 1) seasonal variations in cold tolerance, as measured by the supercooling point (SCP), and 2) upper and lower lethal temperatures (LT). In the lower LT study, Xyleborinus saxeseni (Ratzeberg) was tested for comparison. Insects were either exposed to increasing or decreasing temperatures and then checked for survival. Upper and lower LTs were estimated using a logistic model. For the SCP study, data were grouped into seasons. Seasonal mean SCPs were highest in summer (-15.4°C) and lowest in fall (-18.1°C). The upper lethal limit estimations required to kill 99% of the population (LT99) for adults and larvae were 52.7 and 48.1°C, respectively, and lower limit LT99 estimations for adults and larvae were -18.1 and -18.7°C, respectively. The lower median LT (LT50) of X. saxeseni was -24.7°C. These studies, as well as beetle survival in infested Colorado trees where temperatures reached -29°C in February 2011, suggest P. juglandis could survive the winter in much of the native range of black walnut, but may be limited in trees where temperatures regularly exceed the lower LT.
The dental working environment and the risk of mercury exposure.

Data accumulated in a survey of dental offices in Suffolk County, NY, suggest the use of encapsulated mercury as the primary approach to reducing risk of mercury toxicity. Elevated urinary levels of mercury were found in many dentists and their assistants. The type of floor covering and method of use of mercury were investigated.
Extracorporeal Bypass Use Improves Outcomes of Open Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair

Objectives: There is no consensus on the use or benefit of extracorporeal circulation (EC) during descending thoracic (DTA) or thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAA) repair. We evaluated the role of EC during DTA or TAA repair using U.S. Medicare data. Methods: Medicare (2004-2007) patients undergoing intact open DTA or TAA repair were identified by ICD-9 code; specific exclusions included ascending/arch and hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) operations. The impact of EC (ICD-9 39.61) on early and late outcomes was analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results: A total of 4230 patients had DTA or TAA repair, with EC used in 2433 (57%). Differences in baseline clinical features are presented in the Table. The 30-day mortality, any complication, and systemic complications were significantly reduced with EC use (Table). EC patients had shorter length of stay of 13.5 13 vs 17.2 18 days (P .01) and lower total hospital charges of $151,000 $140,000 vs $180,000 $190,000 (P .01). EC patients were more likely to be discharged home than to an extended care facility (67% vs 56%; P .01). Multivariable regression modeling (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] to adjust for baseline clinical differences showed EC to independently reduce operative mortality (0.80 [0.65-0.97]; P .02), any complication (0.67 [0.59-0.76]; P .01), pulmonary complications (0.68 [0.59-0.79]; P .01), and acute renal failure (0.52; [0.44-0.61]; P .01). Long-term survival was higher (log-rank P .01) in EC patients at 1 year (81% 0.8% vs 73% 1%) and 5 years (67% 1% vs 52% 1%). Risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression also showed that EC was independently associated with improved long-term survival (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.74; P .01). Conclusions: Although important clinical variables such as DTA/TAA extent and spinal cord ischemic complications cannot be assessed with the Medicare database, EC used during open DTA and TAA repair significantly reduces operative mortality, morbidity, and procedural costs, and improves late survival. These data indicate EC should be a more widely applied adjunct in DTA/TAA open surgery.
Political Limits to Interorganizational Consensus and Change

When efforts at collaborative problem solving take place in interorganizational settings, political issues arise with respect to the distribution ofpower among various organizations with a stake in...
Clarification of Nitridation Effect on Oxide Formation Methods

The electrical characteristics of gate dielectrics have been intensively studied. We examined four types of gate dielectrics: thermal oxide films formed in a pyrogenic steam ambient, those in a dry oxygen ambient, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) oxide films, and the thermal/CVD stacked oxide films. The effects of nitridation on oxide properties have been also systematically investigated using the nitrogen implantation technique. It is found that hot-carrier degradation can be improved by nitridation irrespective of the oxidation methods. This improvement is attributed to the suppression of interface state generation and the reduction in the number of electron traps in the oxide films. Our extensive investigation concludes that the nitridation of gate oxide films by nitrogen implantation is very promising for the improvement in reliability in spite of the difference in oxide formation methods.
Morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation of the avian retinal pigmented epithelium require downregulation of Group B1 Sox genes

The optic vesicle is a multipotential primordium of the retina, which becomes subdivided into the neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium domains. Although the roles of several paracrine factors in patterning the optic vesicle have been studied extensively, little is known about cell-autonomous mechanisms that regulate coordinated cell morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation of the retinal pigmented epithelium. Here we demonstrate that members of the SoxB1 gene family, Sox1, Sox2 and Sox3, are all downregulated in the presumptive retinal pigmented epithelium. Constitutive maintenance of SoxB1 expression in the presumptive retinal pigmented epithelium both in vivo and in vitro resulted in the absence of cuboidal morphology and pigmentation, and in concomitant induction of neural differentiation markers. We also demonstrate that exogenous Fgf4 inhibits downregulation all SoxB1 family members in the presumptive retinal pigment epithelium. These results suggest that retinal pigment epithelium morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation requires SoxB1 downregulation, which depends on the absence of exposure to an FGF-like signal.
Portal vein venoplasty and stent placement in the nontransplant population.

Purpose To review the technical success and results of attempted transcatheter management of portal vein (PV) stenosis and occlusion in the nontransplant population. Materials and Methods All patients referred for percutaneous management of PV stenosis or occlusion between January 1997 and July 2007 were included in this review. Patients were included on an intent-to-treat basis, but liver transplant recipients were excluded. Intervention was attempted in 18 patients. Access to the portal system was achieved by the transhepatic route in 17 of 18 patients and by way of a preexisting transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the other one. Indications for intervention included gastrointestinal bleeding ( n = 8), ascites ( n = 3), hemorrhage and ascites ( n = 4), preoperative decompression of varices ( n = 2), and intestinal angina ( n = 1). Etiology of the PV stenosis or occlusion was postsurgical ( n = 9), tumor encasement ( n = 5), pancreatitis ( n = 3), and unknown ( n = 1). Results Lesions were successfully crossed with a stent in 14 of 18 patients. Successful decompression of the portal system was achieved in 13 of 14. In one of 14 patients, the varices were not decompressed as a result of competitive flow. In four of 18 patients, the lesion could not be crossed. In the 13 technically successful cases in which the portal varices were decompressed, there was resolution of clinical symptoms with no immediate periprocedural complications. Conclusions PV stent placement is safe, with an acceptable success rate, and provides symptomatic relief from the sequelae of presinusoidal portal hypertension.