cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms and Control of Rapid Genomic Changes in Flax

Background and Aims The nuclear DNA of certain varieties of flax (Linum usitatissimum) can vary within a single generation when the plants are grown under specific environmental conditions. This review details the genomic variations that have been identified and associated with this environmental response. Conclusions The variation occurs across the whole spectrum of sequence repetition and has been shown to occur in the highly repeated, middle repetitive and low copy number sequences. Although the variation has been shown to be spread throughout the genome it does not occur at random, as similar molecular events have been shown to occur repeatedly. The changes in two labile regions in the nucleus, the ribosomal RNA genes and a site-specific insertion event, have been shown to occur within the period of vegetative growth and over a relatively short period of that growth. The gradual change in total nuclear DNA that has been described would then need to have arisen through an accumulation of changes occurring over the whole, or most of the, period of growth prior to flowering. The polymorphisms that result from these rapidly occurring genomic events have also been observed in many other flax and linseed varieties as well as in the wild progenitors of flax. a 2005 Annals of Botany Company
Abstract A49: Verification of two novel phytochemical inducers of phase II metabolic enzyme NQO1 in human lung cells

One strategy for lung cancer chemoprevention focuses on the use of agents to modulate the metabolism and disposition of tobacco, environmental and endogenous carcinogens through up-regulation of detoxifying phase II enzymes. However, in studies to date, most candidate agents are not active in human lung cells. Therefore we previously applied a gene expression-based high-throughput screening approach to investigate n=800 plant-derived polyphenolic- and flavenoid- predominant compounds in the MicroSource Natural Products Library as to their effect on inducing the phase II metabolic enzymes glutathione S-transferases (GSTP1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). We had identified 2, 3-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-4’-ethoxybenzophenone (DMEBP, putative source arctic sponge) and triacetylresveratrol (TRES, putative source plant myrtle) as new inducers for NQO1 mRNA expression. In the current study, in order to confirm our results, NHBE and HBEC cells in culture were exposed to diet-achievable levels of TRES and DMEBP (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 µM), as well as a panel of conventionally-recognized phytopreventive agents [epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol (RES) and sulforaphane (SFN)] for 24 h, 48 h, and 6 d, respectively. Quantitative RNA-specific RT-PCR showed an up-regulation of NQO1 mRNA expression of up to 10.8 fold in DMEBP-treated NHBE cells and an up-regulation of up to 4.6 fold in TRES-treated NHBE cells. NQO1 protein expression increased up to 3.4 fold in DMEBP-treated and up to 1.8 fold in TRES-treated NHBE cells. HBEC cells showed similar results for mRNA expression — an up-regulation of NQO1 mRNA expression of up to 9.7 fold in DMEBP-treated HBEC cells and an up-regulation of up to 3.1 fold in TRES-treated HBEC cells — whereas none of the tested compounds had an effect on protein expression in HBEC cells. DMEBP had a narrow therapeutic window, and was notably toxic to lung cells at 1-2 µM. We then measured accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NHBE cell using DFA, and total GSH assays. Our ROS data so far show a slight anti-oxidant effect for DMEBP, but no effect yet found for TRES. Our data show two new agents have some effect on the up-regulation of the detoxifying enzyme NQO1 at mRNA and protein levels, but the effect was modest, and none was observed for GSTP1. Among the newly discovered agents, TRES is the most plausible candidate resulting from this search, and compares favorably, to conventional plant-derived polyphenolics/flavenoids tested. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A49.
A thermolabile variant of α-L-fucosidase—clinical and laboratory findings

A family with two sibs affected clinically with the severe infantile form of fucosidosis is described. Biochemical studies revealed a relatively high residual activity (34-60% of normal) with markedly decreased thermostability. The importance of including thin layer chromatography for urinary oligosaccharides in the diagnostic workup for such patients is emphasized.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS INHIBITION ON TSH DESENSITIZATION AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PRIMARY THYROID CELL CULTURE

In contrast to our previous experience with cultured thyroid cells, cycloheximide, actinomycin D and nicotinamide did not prevent TSH-induced desensitization in dog thyroid cells in primary culture for only one day. With continued duration of culture prevention of TSH desensitization by these agents did emerge, but asynchronously. Thus on the second day of primary culture, while cycloheximide and actinomycin D prevented TSH desensitization, nicotinamide remained ineffective. On the third day of primary culture all three agents blocked TSH desensitization. Examination of precursor incorporation into newly synthesized DNA, RNA and protein revealed a temporal association between the appearance of susceptibility to inhibition of TSH desensitization and an increase in DNA and protein synthesis. These data provide an explanation for the discrepant reports regarding the effect of protein synthesis inhibitors on TSH desensitization.
Tyrosine and phenylalanine concentrations in haemolymph and tissues of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, during metamorphosis.

Abstract Phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations were measured in the haemolymph, fat body, and abdominal integument of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana , during the pre- and post-ecdysial periods of cuticle formation and sclerotization. Gas-liquid chromatography of trimethylsilyl derivatives of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and their metabolites provided a very sensitive and rapid method for determining those amino acids in small haemolymph and tissue samples. Haemolymph tyrosine increased in two stages: initially near apolysis and 16 to 25 hr pre-ecdysis, reaching its highest concentration at ecdysis (3·5 μg tyrosine/mg haemolymph). During that time, total haemolymph tyrosine increased by approximately 700 μg/insect. Fat body and abdominal integument began to accumulate tyrosine near apolysis. Fat body tyrosine peaked between ecdysis and 3·3 hr post-ecdysis whereas abdominal integument tyrosine peaked at ecdysis. Maximum concentrations were 6·0 μg and 4·1 μg tyrosine/mg wet wt. of tissue, respectively. Between ecdysis and 24 hr post-ecdysis, the period of maximum sclerotization, total tyrosine in haemolymph and fat body decreased by approximately 600 μg and 420 μg/insect, respectively. Phenylalanine concentrations did not change significantly in the haemolymph, fat body, or abdominal integument during the pre- and post-ecdysial periods. The cockroach apparently does not store free phenylalanine or tyrosine in the fat body during larval development as compared to tyrosine storage in some Diptera. The rapid increase of haemolymph, fat body, and integument tyrosine just prior to ecdysis suggests another form of storage for this important amino acid.
Carbohydrate-binding molecules inhibit viral fusion and entry by crosslinking membrane glycoproteins

Defensins are peptides that protect the host against microorganisms. Here we show that the θ-defensin retrocyclin 2 (RC2) inhibited influenza virus infection by blocking membrane fusion mediated by the viral hemagglutinin. RC2 was effective even after hemagglutinin attained a fusogenic conformation or had induced membrane hemifusion. RC2, a multivalent lectin, prevented hemagglutinin-mediated fusion by erecting a network of crosslinked and immobilized surface glycoproteins. RC2 also inhibited fusion mediated by Sindbis virus and baculovirus. Human β-defensin 3 and mannan-binding lectin also blocked viral fusion by creating a protective barricade of immobilized surface proteins. This general mechanism might explain the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of many multivalent lectins of the innate immune system.
Further evaluation of conglomerate performance

Abstract In the early years conglomerates were seen as the financial concept of the future. More recently their economic advantages have been seriously questioned. This article reviews the existing literature on conglomerate performance and extends the investigation through the early seventies. While conglomerates provide investors with less variability from market movements than do nonconglomerate firms, they provide less diversification than closed-end investment companies and mutual funds. Furthermore, risk adjusted performance measures of conglomerates did not differ significantly from those of other firms of portfolios. Thus, conglomerates should be viewed simply as another category of investments that plot along the security market line.
Why Students Learn: The Nature of Teacher Talk during Reading

This article reports on a study of high- and low-gaining teachers' use of dialogue based on a multicomponent framework of comprehension strategies known as POSSE. Although designed to emphasize rec...
Etiology of congenital heart defects.

(1990). Etiology of Congenital Heart Defects. Pediatric Pathology: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 305-309.
Decision support for ethical problem solving: A multi-agent approach

This paper suggests that a multi-agent based decision aid can help individuals and groups consider ethical perspectives in the performance of their tasks. Normative and descriptive theories of ethical problem solving are reviewed. Normative theories are postulated as criteria used with practical reasoning during the problem solving process. Four decision aid roles are proposed: advisor, group facilitator, interaction coach, and forecaster. The research describes how the Theory of Planned Behavior from psychology can inform agent processing. The Belief-Desire-Intention model from artificial intelligence is discussed as a method to support user interaction, simulate problem solving, and predict future outcomes.
Characterization of titanium powder: Microscopic views and macroscopic flow

Abstract Powder metallurgy is a very popular and cost effective process due to improvements in powder availability and the ability to produce a part close to the desired net shape. With the introduction of the Armstrong Process®, which produces commercially pure titanium powder, it is necessary to understand the flowability characteristics of the irregular particles produced. This paper reports the physical properties of the raw powder and a characterization of the inter-particle forces present in the poly-disperse size mixture. The titanium powder size distribution and particle morphology are determined using sieve analysis and quantitative SEM image analysis, respectively. The results demonstrate that attempts to improve the shape of the particles simply yield smaller irregular shaped particles, but with a high concentration (≈ 20%) of extremely fine particles that are less than 45 μm. However, the microstructure of all particle sizes remains consistent with an irregular outline and a porous interior, much like coral. The inter-particle force properties are approximated by measuring the dynamic angle of repose within a rotating tumbler. Tumbler dimensions and rotation rate of the system are non-dimensionalized via the Froude number, which relates input energy to gravity driving the flow. The results confirm the increase of the angle of repose with increasing Froude number. However, the high concentration of very fine particles in mixtures that are processed to generate more round titanium powder are found to be a detriment to uniform, repeatable flow that is necessary in manufacturing processes. The overall conclusion is that narrower size ranges of titanium powders produced by the Armstrong Process® are necessary to provide useful source materials in powder metallurgy applications.
Phototaxis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Parameters which distinguish phototaxis from random motility in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have been defined with quantitative assays. The phototactic responses in photosynthetic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic cultures were highest during exponential growth and declined rapidly as the cultures entered stationary phase. In contrast, random motility was relatively constant throughout growth. Phototaxis and motility also differ in their sensitivity to azide and antimycin A. Both of these drugs inhibited phototaxis within 5 min, but motility was unaffected for at least 30 min. Phototaxis and motility have different ion requirements. Optimum motility was observed in the presence of either Ca++ or Mg++; phototaxis required Ca++ and either K+ or NH4+. Photosynthesis is not required for phototaxis, since phototaxis was not inhibited by dichlorophenyldimethyl urea, and a mutant lacking chlorophyll was phototactic.
Scintigraphy of spinal disorders in adolescents.

Bone scintigraphy in adolescents is useful in helping to differentiate between developmental (atypical lumbar Scheuermann disease), infectious (discitis, osteomyelitis), neoplastic (osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma), and traumatic (occult fractures, spondylolysis, pseudoarthrosis) disease of the spine. Double-phase (blood pool, delayed images) scintigraphy can characterize the pattern (i.e., linear in fracture, ovoid in nidus of osteoid osteoma). Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be helpful in detecting the subtle presence of stress reaction (spondylolyses) not noted on routine planar scintigraphy and radiography. Bone scintigraphy is most beneficial when correlated with other imaging modalities in refining the diagnosis of spinal diseases.
Harnessing Social Media for Drug-Drug Interactions Detection

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are causing a substantial amount of hospital admissions and deaths, which cannot be underestimated. Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are an important patient safety problem and have been reported to cause a large portion of patient adverse events resulting in warning notices or the withdrawal of many drugs from the market. Currently, DDIs detection mainly depends on four kinds of data sources - clinical trial data, spontaneous reporting systems, electronic medical records, and chemical/pharmacologic databases, all of which have some limitations such as cohort biases, low reporting ratio, access issue, etc. In this study, we propose to detect DDIs signals from consumer contributed contents in online healthcare communities using associations mining. We conduct an experiment with thirteen drugs and three DDI associations. Leverage, lift and interaction ratio are used in the experiment. Drug Bank is used as gold standard to test the performance of the approach. The results show that our techniques are promising to detect signals of DDIs and the proposed measure, interaction ratio, performs better than leverage and lift.
The combined activation of positive costimulatory signals with modulation of a negative costimulatory signal for the enhancement of vaccine-mediated T-cell responses

Blockade of CTLA-4 by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) can mediate regression of tumors and increase the efficacy of tumor antigen specific vaccines. Blockade of CTLA-4 has also been shown to significantly increase the avidity of antigen-specific T cells after immunization with live recombinant viral vector based vaccine. Here, we demonstrate a biological synergy between CTLA-4 blockade and active vaccine therapy consisting of recombinant vaccinia and avipox viruses expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and three T cell costimulatory molecules to enhance antitumor effects. However, this synergy was very much dependent on the temporal relationship of scheduling of the two agents. We evaluated the strategies in both a foreign antigen model using β-galactosidase as immunogen, and in a “self” antigen model using CEA as immunogen. For antitumor activity the model used consisted of mice transgenic for human CEA and a murine carcinoma cell line transfected with CEA. The enhanced antitumor activity after vaccine and CTLA-4 blockade did not result in any signs of autoimmunity. These studies form a rational basis for the use of vector-based vaccines with anti-CTLA-4 and demonstrate that both enhancement of positive costimulatory signals and inhibition of negative costimulatory signals can be simultaneously exploited. These studies also underscore the importance of “drug” scheduling in vaccine combination therapies.
Corporate Communication Strategy: Applying Theory to Practice at Dow Corning

This article examines the Dow Corning breast implant controversy in the context of a theoretical corporate communication framework. It begins with a discussion of relevant theoretical constructs for corporate communication strategy. It then presents a chronology of the controversy, based on field interviews and an exhaustive survey of relevant media coverage. The article concludes with insights about how corporate communication strategy has enabled Dow Corning to deal effectively with its ongoing reputational and financial crisis.
Differences in Retail Inventory Investment Behavior During Macroeconomic Shocks: Role of Service Level

In this article, we analyze how retailers change their inventory investment behavior in response to macroeconomic shocks. We examine if service level, as measured by the ratio of stockout to inventory holding costs, can explain the differences in observed behavior across retailers. We use data on macroeconomic indicators and quarterly filings of US public retailers from 1985 to 2009 to estimate a dynamic model of short- and long-term impact of macroeconomic shocks on inventory investment. Our results show that retailers with a high service level increase their inventory investment significantly more than those with a low service level during expansion shocks. Conversely, retailers with a low service level curtail their inventory investment significantly more than those with a high service level during periods of economic contractions. Thus, we show that the aggregate change in inventory investment documented in prior macroeconomics research is driven by different sets of retailers, as predicted by newsvendor logic. We draw implications of our findings to retailers as well as their suppliers.
Inter- and intramolecular deuterium isotope effects on the cytochrome P-450-catalyzed oxidative dehalogenation of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane.

Abstract The oxidation of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane to dichloroacetic acid was investigated with rat liver microsomes and purified cytochrome P-450. Deuterium substitution had no effect on Km values, but both the inter- and intramolecular isotope effects ( k H k D ) on Vmax were in the range 5.7 – 6.1. The equivalence of the inter- and intramolecular values indicates that 6.0 may be a good estimate of the intrinsic isotope effect. The intermolecular k H k D value for the conversion of 1,1,2-trichloroethane and its 1- 2 H analog to chloroacetic acid was 5.5. These data, and the finding that 1 atom of 18 O was incorporated into the product when TCEA was oxidized in an 18 O 2 atmosphere, support an oxidative dechlorination mechanism that involves hydrogen atom abstraction by the P-450 intermediate oxo complex.
The UDP-glucuronyltransferase inducers, phenobarbital and pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile, enhance thyroid-follicular cell apoptosis: association with TGF-β1 expression

Exposure to certain UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT) inducers leads to follicular cell hyperplasia, and ultimately thyroid gland tumors. These compounds decrease thyroid hormones, which increases serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This induction of TSH enhances thyroid-follicular cell proliferation. In addition, treatment with classical goitrogenic compounds, such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI), induces TGF-beta1 in thyroid-follicular cells, presumably through increased TSH. In other tissues, increases in TGF-beta1 induce apoptosis, a particular form of programmed cell death. In this experiment, we sought to determine whether the UDP-GT inducers, phenobarbital (PB) and pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) modulate thyroid-follicular cell apoptosis. If so, are the induction of apoptosis and TGF-beta1 possibly linked? An additional group of rats treated with the thyroid goitrogen, PTU was included. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with thyroid hormone disrupting doses of PB, PCN, or PTU for 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, or 90 days. In this study, PTU treatment increased apoptosis and TGF-beta1 immunoreactive thyroid-follicular cells. PTU treatment of rats produced both a large increase number of TGF-beta1-positive cells (detected by immunohistochemistry), and apoptotic thyroid-follicular cells (detected by morphology). In PB- and PCN-treated rats, a moderate increase in apoptosis coincided with similar increases in TGF-beta1 immunoreactive thyroid-follicular cells. In summary, PB and PCN increase apoptosis and the percentage of TGF-beta1 positive thyroid-follicular cells. Thus, treatment with UDP-GT-inducing chemicals may increase the expression of TGF-beta1 and apoptosis in the thyroid to compensate for the thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
Cosmopolitan or mongrel? Créolité, hybridity and 'douglarisation'in Trinidad

The article examines a Trimdadian calypso and its reception as a case study to weigh the discourses of hybridity, creolisation, and a local variant, 'douglarisation'. In cultural studies discourse, 'creolisation' is often used synonymously with hybridization. However, it is a different metaphor, with a different genealogy, and is much more grounded in specific histories and places, namely the New World sites of plantation slavery. In Trinidad, the pejorative term 'dougla' sigmfies the offspring of a union between persons of African and Indian ancestry, while 'douglarisation' denotes the contested processes of Afro- and Indo-Trinidadian interculturation. 'Douglarisation' can be read as a particular instance of both hybridity and creolisation, but with very different implications. We argue that hybridity and creolisation advance different political agendas, the former attentive to multiple roots and the latter to new connections.
Demonstration of an optoelectronic 4-bit analog-to-digital converter using a thyristor smart comparator

An optoelectronic analog-to-digital converter (ADC) approach with 4-bit operation is demonstrated based on the combination of HFETs and an optoelectronic thyristor. The optoelectronic thyristor implements the comparator function and generates both optical digital and electrical output. The basic comparator function is combined with HFET differential amplifiers to form a smart comparator (SC) which becomes a building block that may be cascaded N times to form an N-bit ADC. In this paper, one SC is used in a feedback loop with the appropriate clocking to achieve 4-bit operation. When the optoelectronic thyristor and the HFET amplifiers are fabricated as a monolithic integrated circuit, multi-GB/s operation is expected.
Utilizing International Medical Graduates in Health Care Delivery: Brain Drain, Brain Gain, or Brain Waste? A Win-Win Approach at University of California, Los Angeles

After identifying many unlicensed Hispanic international medical graduates (IMGs) legally residing in southern California, University of California, Los Angeles developed an innovative program to prepare these sidelined physicians to enter family medicine residency programs and become licensed physicians. On completion of a 3-year family medicine residency-training program, these IMGs have an obligation to practice in a federally designated underserved community in the state for 2 to 3 years. As the US health care system moves from physician-centered practices to patient-focused teams, with primary care serving as the foundation for building patient-centered medical homes, attention to educating IMGs in these concepts is crucial.
Predicting dental school performance based on prior dental experience and exposure.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the variables of students with prior dental assisting experience and students with a parent who is a dentist can be used as predictors of students’ pre-clinical and clinical course performance in dental school. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of a cohort of 159 students in the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) DMD graduation classes of 2001—2005. Data were collected via self-report using students’ applications for admission to the HSDM DMD programme on which students provided information regarding whether they had prior dental assisting experience, including the type and duration of the experience and whether one or both of their parents were dentists. Data on the students’ undergraduate science grade point average, Dental Admission Test academic average, Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) score, NBDE Part I and HSDM course grades (three pre-clinical and five clinical assessment categories) were collected from the Office of the Registrar. The pre-clinical categories included the first Oral Comprehensive Exam and the first two classes of the pre-clinical portion of the dental school, Treatment of Active Disease (TxAD) and Restorative Treatment (RTx). The clinical categories included the second Oral Comprehensive Exam and the cumulative grades received for the clinical procedures performed during the third and fourth years in the fields of Endodontics, Operative Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed and included in a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The results revealed that for the variable of prior dental-assisting experience, no statistically significant differences were noted in the pre-clinical and clinical assessment categories. However, students who had any amount of assisting experience were 2.2 times more likely to earn a grade of honours in TxAD compared with students who did not have assisting experience (P = 0.05). Students with a parent who was a dentist performed better only in Operative Dentistry clinical assessment compared with students without a dentist parent (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Information on prior dental-assisting experience and having a parent who is a dentist have minimal merits for use as predictive agents based on these findings. Dental school admissions committees should continue to review a full spectrum of variables and ensure an applicant’s true interest and motivation to pursue a career in dentistry.
Evidence of increased STI/HIV-related risk behavior among male perpetrators of intimate partner violence in Guatemala: results from a national survey.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem with a demonstrated link to increased sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV-related risk and vulnerability. While IPV is an important issue in Central America, the link to STI/HIV risk has not been explored in this region. In this study, the relationship between emotional and physical/sexual IPV and the STI/HIV-related risk behaviors of sex worker patronage and infidelity is assessed among male IPV perpetrators using data from a national survey conducted in 2009 in Guatemala (n = 4773 married/partnered men). Bivariate associations between background characteristics and emotional and physical IPV perpetration were explored. Logistic regression models were run to test associations between IPV for each sexual risk behavior. Perpetration of emotional and physical/sexual IPV was more common among married/partnered men who were older than 24, had more education, lived in urban areas, or were in common law versus married unions. Reports of...
Studies of a Polymer Dispersed Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal

Ferrorlrtric liquid crystals (FLCs) have shown great potential for use in electro-optic and display technology due to theri inherently fast switching speeds. Recently within this area a great deal of attention has also been given to FLCs dispersed within a polymer networks. Adding the polymer may act to enhance certain electro-optic properties and will substantially increase the mechanical strenth on the FLC system. This study examines the effects of adding either a diacrylate monomer or a polymer network to a FLC mixture of known composition. The monomer depresses the phase transition temperatures to more orderd phases for both first and second order transitions and causes a marked decrease in the amount of liquid crystal which exhibits typical transitions behavior. During polymerization the network phase separates forming two cocontinuous phases and allows the liquid crystal transitions to return close to values seen in polymer systems. As a result of this decrease, the rotational viscosity decrease for these same samples. Maximum double bond conversions and polymerization rate maxima increase with monomer concentration until saturation on monomer in the liquid crystal is reached. The rate maxima then decreases as the monomer as the monomer must dissolute into the liquid crystal and diffuse to the reactive sites.
Teaching Creation: A Modular Approach

Abstract. The present article describes a modular approach to teaching Genesis 1–3 that values depth over breadth even in an introductory class. The module allows students to learn about the text and its original context by orienting discussion around contemporary issues of practical concern. Specifically, the creation-evolution debates provide an opportunity for students to learn about contemporary political, social, and legal implications of interpreting Genesis 1–3. The conflict of traditional and modern values emerges also in issues surrounding gender and autonomy in Genesis 2–3. This pedagogical approach challenges various student worldviews to promote discussion and greater intellectual sophistication. The correlation of the text with ongoing contemporary issues engages student interest and motivates learning. It also allows the class to explore both the ancient text and its interpretation in diverse communities. Finally, the module allows considerable flexibility for student and teacher interest and the needs of a given class. Several additional resources related to this article appear online at: http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/journal/article.aspx?id=11063. These include (1) a schedule of possible readings, assignments, and lesson plans, (2) selections from ancient commentary on Genesis 2–3 from scattered sources, and (3) a bibliographic essay noting the usefulness of selected resources related to the module.
ULTRASONIC DETERMINATION OF THE SUPERCONDUCTING ENERGY GAP IN TANTALUM

Ultrasonic attenuation measurements on single-crystal cylinders axially oriented along the $〈110〉$ crystallographic direction were used to determine the temperature-dependent superconducting energy gap $2{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{0}(T)$ of three samples of vanadium of different purities. An echo-pulse technique using longitudinal waves was used. The propagation direction was along the $〈110〉$ for all the experiments. The zero-temperature energy gap for the three samples was found to be $(3.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)k{T}_{c}$, $(3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)k{T}_{c}$, and $(3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1)k{T}_{c}$. These values were computed by averaging the results obtained from 200 or 300 experimental points. They are in agreement with the Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer result that $2{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{0}(0)$ should be equal to $3.5k{T}_{c}$ for all superconductors. The dependence of the normalized energy gap on the reduced temperature of these samples is closely predicted by the BCS theory. These experiments were performed within the frequency range 100 to 450 Mc/sec, and in all of them the product of the ultrasonic wave vector times the electron mean free path was smaller than one. The temperature dependence of the attenuation in the superconducting state showed small oscillations. It is found that the amplitude of these is a small effect for very pure samples. Moreover, evidence has been collected to show that these oscillations are not an inherent property of the superconducting state in vanadium but are probably associated with acoustic modes of wave propagation.
Population structure of the widely dispersing marine bryozoan Membranipora membranacea (Cheilostomata): implications for population history, biogeography, and taxonomy

Morphologically plastic, cryptic, or geographically widespread species pose similar challenges to the evolutionary biologist: their taxonomic status is often unclear yet must be known to study almost any aspect of their biology, ecology, evolution, or biogeography. The marine bryozoan Membranipora membranacea (L.) is morphologically plastic and geographically widespread in temperate oceans of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and its taxonomy is unclear. This study examined genetic relationships among allopatric populations and sympatric morphs of this species, or species complex. Colonies were collected from 1992 to 1995. Allozymes were used to elucidate the relationships among four widely separated populations, two in the North Atlantic and two in the North Pacific Ocean. Allozymes and mtDNA sequencing were used to clarify the genetic relationships among three sympatric morphs that might correspond to the species M. villosa Hincks and M. membranacea in the northeastern Pacific (Washington State). Populations in the North Atlantic and North Pacific had no fixed allelic differences at the loci tested but were separated by an average Nei's genetic distance of 0.581, suggesting their near-sibling species status. Populations from Friday Harbor (Washington) and Catalina Island (California) were not significantly differentiated, which was attributed to high gene flow. Populations on either side of the North Atlantic were genetically indistinguishable, which is most likely due to the recent establishment of the West Atlantic populations from European founders. At Friday Harbor, sympatric morphs varying in their spination and spine inducibility were genetically indistinguishable, supporting the hypothesis that M. villosa is an induced phenotype of M. membranacea and not a distinct species in the northeastern Pacific. Since such phenotypic plasticity is common in cheilostome bryozoans, the morphospecies concept must be used with caution.
Fenton Degradation of 4,6-Dinitro-o-cresol with Fe2+-Substituted Ion-Exchange Resin

The Fenton degradation of 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) was studied under different experimental conditions using Amberlyst 15 ion-exchange resin containing ferrous ion. DNOC was found to be effectively degraded under most conditions, and it was observed that, with the addition of HCl, the desorption of ferrous ion from the resin into the solution played a major role in this degradation. The total iron concentration in the reaction solution was found to increase with the addition of HCl, and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model was applied to the desorption of ferrous ion from the resin on the basis of the assumption of a first-order ion-exchange process. The degradation rate of DNOC also increased as a function of HCl. A kinetic model was developed to simulate the degradation of DNOC under different operating conditions, assuming the first-order desorption of ferrous ion. Different cations were compared with H+, and H+ was found to be the most efficient at facilitating the degradation reaction at low concent...
Real-time cross-sectional echocardiographic diagnosis of infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid

We report the real-time cross-sectional echocardiographic findings in a case of cardiac amyloidosis. Alterations in cardiac structure and function previously demonstrated by M-mode echocardiography were also demonstrable on cross-sectional examination. A new finding of an altered pattern of myocardial echoes detected by cross-sectional echocardiography alone is described.
From puppy to service dog: raising service dogs for the rehabilitation team

Service dogs, also known as assistance dogs, are seen increasingly in public places, including healthcare settings. Whereas an earlier article reviewed literature relevant to the human-animal bond in general, this, article recounts my personal and professional experiences as a volunteer for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Rehabilitation professionals are advocates for their clients, and this article provides important information about the issues, benefits, and challenges in obtaining, training, and living with a service dog. For additional information, sources available through the Internet and a bibliography are provided.
Epileptogenicity correlated with increased N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit NR2A/B in human focal cortical dysplasia.

Summary: Purpose: Human cortical dysplasia (CD) is a frequent cause of medically intractable focal epilepsy. The neurotransmitter mechanisms of epileptogenicity in these lesions have been attributed to changes in various glutamate receptor subtypes. Increased N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NR) 2A/B coassembled with NRI subunits has been shown in focal epileptic CD. The purpose of this study is to correlate in situ CD epileptogenicity and the expression of various glutamate receptor subtypes. Methods: The histopathological, morphological, and immu-nocytochemical findings in cortical tissue resected from five patients with medically intractable epilepsy and CD were correlated with electroencephalographic data recorded from sub-dural grids. The NMDA antibodies identified subunits NRI (splicing variants la, lb, 2a, and 2b) and NR2A/B. Results: Epileptogenic specimens displayed the following common features: (a) widespread histological abnormalities of horizontal and columnar dyslamination, neurons with inverted polarity, and more extensive dendritic changes; (b) significantly higher NR2A/B immunoreactivity in both the dysplastic somata and all their dendritic processes; and (c) no statistically significant change in NR1 subunit expression but a more pronounced staining of the apical dendrites in highly epileptogenic cortex. These abnormalities were either absent or minimal in resected specimens that did not show evidence of severe in vivo epileptogenicity. Conclusion: These studies provide direct evidence for a major contribution of the NR2A/B subunit in CD-induced epileptogenicity.
Horner efficiency of phase-only and binary phase-only filters

The Horner efficiency for the phase-only filter and binary phase-only filter used for optical pattern recognition is discussed relative to both the filter formulation algorithm and the geometry of the object. Using computer simulations, we find that up to 80% of the incident energy can result in the peak of the correlation signal under proper conditions with the phase-only filter. Experimental results are obtained by using the binary phase-only filter written onto magneto-optic spatial light modulator.
Airway algorithm for the management of patients with a King LT.

Objectives/Hypothesis To discuss an algorithm for managing the airway in patients presenting with a King LT in place. Study Design Case series at a single institution with planned chart review. Methods This study reviewed the management of three patients who presented to a tertiary academic medical facility emergency department following placement of a King LT at an outside hospital or in the field. Clinical history at admission as well as each patient's hospital course was evaluated. We discuss the management of the airway in each of these cases and use these to help design an algorithm for improving outcomes in patients with a King LT in place. Results In each of the three cases presented, the Otolaryngology Department was consulted for definitive airway management. In two of these patients, the airway was successfully secured using endotracheal intubation. Only one patient required tracheostomy. We discuss an algorithm for managing these patients to obtain a safe airway, which includes assessing the airway with flexible endoscopy and then proceeding with intubation by the Seldinger technique or intubation using a video laryngoscope. In some cases, tracheostomy will be required to definitively secure the airway. Conclusions The King LT is a valuable tool available in the field to help to temporarily secure the airway. Otolaryngologists should have an appropriate airway algorithm for managing patients with a King LT in place to minimize the need for a tracheostomy. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:1123–1127, 2014
Oxidation Kinetics of Silicon Surfaces: Reactive Sticking Coefficient, Apparent Saturation Coverage and Effect of Surface Hydrogen

The kinetics of the initial oxidation of silicon surfaces by O2 were studied using laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The LITD results showed that the oxidation of Si(111)7×7 by O2 was characterized by two kinetic processes: an initial rapid oxygen uptake followed by a slower growth that asymptotically approached an apparent saturation oxygen coverage. The initial reactive sticking coefficient of O2 on Si(111)7×7 decreased with surface temperature. In contrast, TPD experiments on Si(111)7×7 and FTIR studies on porous silicon demonstrated that the apparent saturation oxygen coverage increased as a function of surface temperature. Experiments with preadsorbed hydrogen also revealed that silicon oxidation was inhibited as a function of increasing hydrogen coverage on the Si(111)7×7 surface.
Evaluation of an automated endotracheal tube cuff controller during simulated mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure within a narrow range is an important factor in patient care. The goal of this study was to evaluate the IntelliCuff against the manual technique for maintaining cuff pressure during simulated mechanical ventilation with and without movement. METHODS: The IntelliCuff was compared to the manual technique of a manometer and syringe. Two independent studies were performed during mechanical ventilation: part 1, a 2-h trial incorporating continuous mannikin head movement; and part 2, an 8-h trial using a stationary trachea model. We set cuff pressure to 25 cm H2O, PEEP to 10 cm H2O, and peak inspiratory pressures to 20, 30, and 40 cm H2O. Clinical importance was defined as both statistically significant (P 10%). RESULTS: In part 1, the change in cuff pressure from before to after ventilation was clinically important for the manual technique (P CONCLUSIONS: There was a clinically important drop in manually set cuff pressure during simulated mechanical ventilation in a stationary model and an even larger drop with movement, but this was significantly reduced by the IntelliCuff in both scenarios. Additionally, we observed that cuff pressure varied directly with inspiratory airway pressure for both techniques, leading to elevated average cuff pressures.
Tied Kronecker product graph models to capture variance in network populations

Much of the past work on mining and modeling networks has focused on understanding the observed properties of single example graphs. However, in many real-life applications it is important to characterize the structure of populations of graphs. In this work, we investigate the distributional properties of Kronecker product graph models (KPGMs) [1]. Specifically, we examine whether these models can represent the natural variability in graph properties observed across multiple networks and find surprisingly that they cannot. By considering KPGMs from a new viewpoint, we can show the reason for this lack of variance theoretically—which is primarily due to the generation of each edge independently from the others. Based on this understanding we propose a generalization of KPGMs that uses tied parameters to increase the variance of the model, while preserving the expectation. We then show experimentally, that our mixed-KPGM can adequately capture the natural variability across a population of networks.
How natural and anthropogenic influences alter global and regional surface temperatures: 1889 to 2006

[1] To distinguish between simultaneous natural and anthropogenic impacts on surface temperature, regionally as well as globally, we perform a robust multivariate analysis using the best available estimates of each together with the observed surface temperature record from 1889 to 2006. The results enable us to compare, for the first time from observations, the geographical distributions of responses to individual influences consistent with their global impacts. We find a response to solar forcing quite different from that reported in several papers published recently in this journal, and zonally averaged responses to both natural and anthropogenic forcings that differ distinctly from those indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose conclusions depended on model simulations. Anthropogenic warming estimated directly from the historical observations is more pronounced between 45°S and 50°N than at higher latitudes whereas the model-simulated trends have minimum values in the tropics and increase steadily from 30 to 70°N.
The active audience, again: Player-centric game studies and the problem of binarism:

This article intervenes in video game studies’ recent turn to (and enthusiasm for) player-centered approaches to understanding video games’ social, cultural, political, and economic implications. Such approaches repudiate ostensibly formalist or ‘structural’ game studies and insist that analyses of gaming situations emphasize ways in which gaming subjects’ playful acts of appropriation or subversion allow those subjects to resist complete determination by game-structures and act ultimately as arbiters of a video game’s meaning, utility, or effectivity. The author demonstrates how player-centered discourses in video game studies participate in a rich history of ‘active audience’ research in media and cultural studies. Arguing that research on player practices does not completely escape the forms of reductionism it sets out to avoid, the author offers additional conceptual tools for engaging the complexity of contemporary gaming situations. The article concludes with a discussion of ways in which one such s...
Rapid synthesis of polymer-silica hybrid nanofibers by biomimetic mineralization

Abstract Biomimetic formation of silica from polyamines such as poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), inspired by the proteins found in diatoms and sponges, has been actively investigated recently as a potential route to silica formation compared to the conventional sol–gel process. We report silica formation onto nanofibers of PEI blended with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) obtained via electrospinning of their 50:50(w/w) blend. The active component, PEI, catalyzes rapid silica formation, within minutes, upon immersion of the PEI/PVP nanofibers in silica precursor tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS). The silica formation in nanofibers was then investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The silica content in the PEI/PVP nanofibers could be controlled by pre-treatment of the fibers at different conditions of relative humidity prior to the silicification. Fibers exposed at higher (80%) relative humidity led to higher inorganic (silica) content compared to those exposed to relative dry conditions (