cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cluster Analysis of Typhoon Tracks. Part II: Large-Scale Circulation and ENSO

Abstract A new probabilistic clustering method, based on a regression mixture model, is used to describe tropical cyclone (TC) propagation in the western North Pacific (WNP). Seven clusters were obtained and described in Part I of this two-part study. In Part II, the present paper, the large-scale patterns of atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature associated with each of the clusters are investigated, as well as associations with the phase of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Composite wind field maps over the WNP provide a physically consistent picture of each TC type, and of its seasonality. Anomalous vorticity and outgoing longwave radiation indicate changes in the monsoon trough associated with different types of TC genesis and trajectory. The steering winds at 500 hPa are more zonal in the straight-moving clusters, with larger meridional components in the recurving ones. Higher values of vertical wind shear in the midlatitudes also accompany the straight-moving tracks, compared to...
An Analysis of the Out-of-Market Gap for DVDs in the U.S.

We examine the out-of-market gap – the time between the end of a film’s theatrical run and its release on DVD – for a sample of U.S. films during 1988-2005. The average gap declined from 58.14 days in 1998 to 27.93 days in 2005; by 2005, 39% of the films were released on DVD prior to leaving the theaters. Probit and hazard models are estimated to explore the factors that influence a distributor’s decision to release a film on DVD before it exits the theaters, and the timing of the release for films that appear on DVD after they leave the theaters.
METHODS OF LOCALIZING TRANSPORT PROCESSES USING MICROPUNCTURE TECHNIQUES—EVIDENCE FOR NEPHRON HETEROGENEITY

Abstract 1. 1. Available evidence based on free-flow micropuncture of cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons indicates that with respect to the transport of sodium and phosphate ions, these nephron populations show significant differences. 2. 2. From a careful comparison of late distal with collecting tubule delivery of sodium ions during extracellular volume expansion it may be concluded that juxtamedullary nephrons deliver a larger fraction of sodium into the urine. This is abolished by renal papillary necrosis. 3. 3. With respect to phosphate ions, studies in states of either diminished or increased urinary phosphate excretion also show marked differences between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons. 4. 4. Juxtamedullary nephrons contribute a larger fraction of phosphate during phosphate loading. whereas they conserve phosphate more avidly in the thyroparathyroidectomized state. 5. 5. Potassium ions are extensively reabsorbed along the proximal tubule and Henle's loop of superficial nephrons, and it is potassium secretion along the distal tubule and the collecting ducts that contributes the largest fraction to urinary potassium excretion. 6. 6. Recent evidence has demonstrated potassium recirculation between collecting ducts and the descending limb of Henle's loop, i.e. potassium secretion into juxtamedullary nephrons prior to the distal tubule. 7. 7. It is not clear whether such potassium contributes importantly to urinary excretion, but some evidence indicated that juxtamedullary nephrons are not necessary for apparent potassium secretion downstream of the late distal tubule of cortical nephrons.
Topical alprostadil treatment of female sexual arousal disorder

Objective:TO review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of topical alprostadil in the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).Data Sources:A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966–May 2006), EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts with the search terms alprostadil, female, and sexual dysfunction/drug therapy.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All published and unpublished clinical trials and abstracts involving the efficacy and safety of topical alprostadil use in women were reviewed. Data on file with the manufacturer were also included.Data Synthesis:Topical alprostadil is a vasodilatory agent under development for the treatment of FSAD. In-clinic application of alprostadil increases genital vasocongestion, vaginal erythema, transudates, and some patient-assessed indices of sexual arousal; however, these effects have not been consistently superior to placebo. Three of 4 trials investigating at-home use of topical alprostadil have demonstrated impr...
Synthesis of 13C enriched sialyllactones and their characterization using isotope edited inverse detected NMR spectroscopy

Abstract 13 C enriched monosaccharide based sialyllactones were prepared in order to perform isotope edited NMR experiments for their characterization. In the inverse detected experiments only those protons long-range coupled to the enriched nuclei are detected, providing a potentially powerful tool for studying in vitro sialyllactone formation.
Budget bills and Medicare policy: the politics of the BBA.

ABSTRACT: With the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 and a balanced federal budget, the link may be broken between the budget and Medicare policy's timing and direction. However, despite a balanced...
Existence, uniqueness, and computation of solutions for mixed problems in compressible fluid flow

Abstract We consider initial-boundary value problems for the 1-D Navier-Stokes equations of compressible flow on a finite interval. For each of three different cases of initial and boundary data, we prove convergence of a finite difference approximation to a unique solution. For discontinuous initial data which is BV and piecewise smooth, the density remains discontinuous and the error in the approximate solutions is bounded by O(h 1 4 − ϱ ) for any ϱ > 0 in a norm which dominates the sup-norm of the density. For H1 initial data, the error is bounded by O(h 1 2 ) in the same norm.
Extremal Betti Numbers of Vietoris–Rips Complexes

Upper bounds on the Betti numbers over an arbitrary field of Vietoris–Rips complexes are established, and examples of such complexes with large Betti numbers are given.
“Deviance proneness” and adolescent smoking 1980 versus 2001: Has there been a “hardening” of adolescent smoking?

Abstract In a midwestern community sample, we tested for evidence of “hardening” of adolescent cigarette smoking between 1980 and 2001 by comparing adolescent smokers and nonsmokers at these two times on measures indicative of “deviance proneness” in Jessor and Jessor's [Jessor, R., & Jessor, S. L. (1977). Problem behavior and psychosocial development: A longitudinal study of youth. NY: Academic Press] problem behavior theory. Results produced support for some “hardening” of adolescent smoking, but this was largely confined to younger cohorts. Changing social norms that are reflected in a lowered prevalence of adolescent smoking may have restricted smoking behavior to a somewhat more “deviance prone” segment of the adolescent population. Results illustrate the potential utility of considering changes in the larger social and historical context when studying the development of adolescent risk behavior.
An experiential approach to teaching positive psychology to undergraduates

Positive psychology is not only a science, but an applied science as well. As such, the undergraduate classroom can act as a laboratory in which students can personally experience the interventions associated with this field. In this article, we argue that an experiential approach to teaching positive psychology is, potentially, the most impactful form of instruction for this subject. We provide examples of how to increase experiential learning including syllabus development, creating practical assignments, and using course relevant technology.
Identification, sequence determination, and expression of the flavodoxin gene from Desulfovibrio salexigens.

Abstract Restriction fragments of genomic DNA from Desulfovibrio salexigens (ATCC 14822) containing the structural gene coding for the flavodoxin protein were identified using the entire coding region of the gene for the Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) flavodoxin as a probe (Krey, G.D., Vanin, E.F., and Swenson, R.P. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263 , 15436–15443). A 1.4-kb PstI - Hind III fragment was ultimately identified which contains an open reading frame coding for a polypeptide of 146 amino acid residues that was highly homologous to the D. vulgaris flavodoxin, sharing a sequence identity of 55%. When compared to the X-ray crystal structure of the D. vulgaris protein, the homologous regions were largely confined to those portions of the protein which are in the immediate vicinity of the flavin mononucleotide cofactor binding site. Tryptophan-60 and tyrosine-98, which reside on either side of the isoalloxazine ring of the cofactor, are conserved, as are the sequences of the polypeptide loop that interacts with the phosphate moiety of the flavin. Acidic residues forming the interface of model electron-transfer complexes with certain cytochrome c proteins are retained. The flavodoxin holoprotein is over-expressed in E. coli from the cloned gene using its endogenous promoter.
Introduction to Seismology

Shearer's Introduction to Seismology is a well-written textbook designed for a onesemester introductory course in seismology for beginning graduate students or advanced undergraduates. Shearer has a knack for clear explanations and for making otherwise difficult concepts easy to understand, and this book is evidence of that. The book is truly a textbook and does not try to be an encyclopedia or an exhaustive summary of recent research results in seismology. Each chapter starts with a brief summary of the main point that will be covered in the chapter, proceeds with clear derivations of fundamental concepts, and concludes with problem sets that give students the opportunity to apply what they have just learned. The problem sets are fun and interesting and include frequent computer programming exercises. The students learn to write their own ray tracer, code up a τ-p inversion, and make their own synthetic seismograms—important skills for practicing seismologists. Shearer helps to make programming difficult problems more manageable by providing an outline or hints for how a program might be constructed. Such outlines help show students that even complicated programs can be broken down into smaller, easier steps.
Lentiviral Vectors Bearing the Cardiac Promoter of the Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger Report Cardiogenic Differentiation in Stem Cells

Cardiosphere-derived resident cardiac stem cells (CDCs) are readily isolated from adult hearts and confer functional benefit in animal models of heart failure. To study cardiogenic differentiation in CDCs, we developed a method to genetically label and selectively enrich for cells that have acquired a cardiac phenotype. Lentiviral vectors achieved significantly higher transduction efficiencies in CDCs than any of the nine adeno-associated viral (AAV) serotypes tested. To define the most suitable vector system for reporting cardiogenic differentiation, we compared the cell specificity of five commonly-used cardiac-specific promoters in the context of lentiviral vectors. The promoter of the cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1) conveyed the highest degree of cardiac specificity, as assessed by transducing seven cell types with each vector and measuring fluorescence intensity by flow cytometry. NCX1-GFP-positive CDC subpopulations, demonstrating prolonged expression of a variety of cardiac markers, could be isolated and expanded in vitro. Finally, we used chemical biology to validate that lentiviral vectors bearing the cardiac NCX1-promoter can serve as a highly accurate biosensor of cardiogenic small molecules in stem cells. The ability to accurately report cardiac fate and selectively enrich for cardiomyocytes and their precursors has important implications for drug discovery and the development of cell-based therapies.
Research on the Design of Electromechanical Product Based on Interaction

The informatization of manufacturing industry brings new requirements to the industrial design of electromechanical products with high degree of automation and high intelligence. One of the central design concerns is to guarantee reliability of the interactions between the operators and the products working in non-transparent conditions, and at the same time to provide pleasant user experience. Starting from the user’s behavior patterns and psychological needs, the paper analyzed human-machine interaction system of electromechanical products and the design principles of its constituent, and the suitability of the interactive environment of electromechanical products was provided.
Serious Adverse Events With Infliximab: Analysis of Spontaneously Reported Adverse Events

Background & Aims: Serious adverse events such as bowel obstruction, heart failure, infection, lymphoma, and neuropathy have been reported with infliximab. The aims of this study were to explore adverse event signals with infliximab by using a long period of post-marketing experience, stratifying by indication. Methods: The relative reporting of infliximab adverse events to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was assessed with the public release version of the adverse event reporting system (AERS) database from 1968 to third quarter 2005. On the basis of a systematic review of adverse events, Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terms were mapped to predefined categories of adverse events, including death, heart failure, hepatitis, infection, infusion reaction, lymphoma, myelosuppression, neuropathy, and obstruction. Disproportionality analysis was used to calculate the empiric Bayes geometric mean (EBGM) and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (EB05, EB95) for adverse event categories. Results: Infliximab was identified as the suspect medication in 18,220 reports in the FDA AERS database. We identified a signal for lymphoma (EB05 = 6.9), neuropathy (EB05 = 3.8), infection (EB05 = 2.9), and bowel obstruction (EB05 = 2.8). The signal for granulomatous infections was stronger than the signal for non-granulomatous infections (EB05 = 12.6 and 2.4, respectively). The signals for bowel obstruction and infusion reaction were specific to patients with IBD; this suggests potential confounding by indication, especially for bowel obstruction. Conclusions: In light of this additional evidence of risk of lymphoma, neuropathy, and granulomatous infections, clinicians should stress this risk in the shared decision-making process.
Partitioning of Monomethylmercury between Freshwater Algae and Water

Phytoplankton-water monomethylmercury (MeHg) partition constants (KpI) have been determined in the laboratory for two green algae Selenastrum capricornutum and Cosmarium botrytis, the blue-green algae Schizothrix calcicola, and the diatom Thallasiosira spp., algal species that are commonly found in natural surface waters. Two methods were used to determine KpI, the Freundlich isotherm method and the flow-through/dialysis bag method. Both methods yielded KpI values of about 10(6.6) for S. capricornutum and were not significantly different. The KpI for the four algae studied were similar except for Schizothrix, which was significantly lower than S. capricornutum. The KpI for MeHg and S. capricornutum (exponential growth) was not significantly different in systems with predominantly MeHgOH or MeHgCl species. This is consistent with other studies that show metal speciation controls uptake kinetics, but the reactivity with intracellular components controls steady-state concentrations. Partitioning constants determined with exponential and stationary phase S. capricornutum cells at the same conditions were not significantly different, while the partitioning constant for exponential phase, phosphorus-limited cells was significantly lower, suggesting that P-limitation alters the ecophysiology of S. capricornutum sufficiently to impact partitioning, which may then ultimately affect mercury levels in higher trophic species.
DSC evaluation of binder content in latex paints

Abstract The estimate by differential scanning calorimetry of the enthalpy of thermal decomposition of the organic fraction in a complex material can be used, in proper conditions, for evaluating the concentration of the organic components. The application of this technique of thermal analysis to latex paints aimed at identification of binder content is discussed in this paper. On the one hand it gives good results on binder content estimate; on the other hand it highlights some aspects of the thermal decomposition of polymers enclosed in an inorganic matrix. The phenomena of thermal decomposition are studied for the main components of latex paints, i.e. for polymers, and for complete paint formulations. The materials considered include widely used binders for the manufacture of latex paints such as vinyl acetate/Versatate copolymers and styrene/acrylic copolymers, rheology modifiers such as cellulose ethers and other standard components of latex paints. Formulations representing typical latex paints with different binder content and simplified polymer/filler systems are considered. Although decomposition paths are very different for different polymers and for the same polymer in different concentrations, the overall heat output is consistent and proportional to the amount of polymer in the sample. Therefore identification by DSC measurements of the binder content in a latex paint appears as a feasible technique.
Non-diffractive production of meson resonances☆

We study the peripheral cross sections of resonances that cannot be produced by π-exchange. In particular, we concentrate on the four meson nonets expected as L = 1 quark states (i.e., the JP = 0+ πN(980); JP = 1+ A1, B; JP = 2+ A2). We use SU(3), Regge poles, factorization, exchange degeneracy, pole extrapolation, and the vector-meson-photon analogy. We predict the cross sections in both photoproduction and non-diffractive hadronic reactions. In passing, we discuss the large unnatural-parity (B, K−QB) exchange contributions and even the possibility of studying ππ → πω while avoiding the B production background.
Predicting vasovagal reactions in volunteer blood donors

Abstract Measures of blood and injury sensitivity, pain sensitivity, and anxiety were examined as potential predictors of syncope and related reactions in 215 volunteer blood donors. The Blood and Injury Fears subscale of the Fear Survey Schedule was the best predictor for first-time donors ( r [84] = 0.43, p r [127] = 0.31, p
Quantitative Evidence of the Continuing Significance of Race: Tableside Racism in Full-Service Restaurants

Despite popular claims that racism and discrimination are no longer salient issues in contemporary society, members of racially underrepresented groups continue to experience disparate treatment in everyday public interactions. The context of full-service restaurants is one such public setting wherein African Americans, in particular, encounter racial prejudices and discriminatory treatment. To further understand the pervasiveness of such anti-Black attitudes and actions within the restaurant context, this article analyzes primary survey data derived from a community sample of servers (N = 200). Participants were asked a series of questions ascertaining information about the racial climate of their workplaces. Findings reveal substantial server negativity toward African Americans' tipping and dining behaviors. Racialized discourse and discriminatory behaviors are also shown to be quite common in the restaurant context. The anti-Black attitudes and actions that the authors document in this research are illustrative of the continuing significance of race in contemporary society, and the authors encourage further research on this relatively neglected area of inquiry.
Evaluation of the Performance of Experimenters as a Function of Their Sex and Competence1

A study was conducted to investigate evaluations of experimenters as a function of their sex and competency. It was hypothesized that (a) competent male and female experimenters would be evaluated as equal in competence, but that females acting incompetently would be judged as less competent than would males who were also acting incompetently and (b) competent females would be judged as less feminine relative to incompetent females; whereas incompetent females would be judged as extremely feminine. Undergraduate males and females viewed videotapes of male or female experimenters acting either competently or incompetently and then rated these experimenters on a 20-item semantic differential scale. It was found that when the female experimenters unambiguously displayed competence, they were judged as of equal competence to male experimenters acting in a similar manner; in the incompetent condition, however, female experimenters were judged as less competent than male experimenters. Competent females were perceived as less feminine than incompetent females; incompetent females were perceived as more feminine than females in any other experimenter condition. It was postulated that these findings were due to (a) subjects’expecting incompetency of women and (b) subjects’equating competence with the masculine role and incompetence with the feminine role.
Physiological and comfort effects of a commercial "cooling cap" worn under protective helmets.

Ballistic protective helmets can impair heat dissipation. A cooling device in the helmet (cooling pad, CP) could help prevent heat problems in military personnel and potentially enhance comfort. This study examined the effects of CP on rectal and skin temperatures, heart rate, percent change in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, rating of perceived exertion, and other subjective measures while performing light work in a hot environment. It was hypothesized that the CP would act as an insulator to the head, which would not positively affect any physiological variable but could positively affect wearer subjective comfort or temperature. Participants performed a work protocol for ∼ 2 hr. A ballistic vest, slacks, short-sleeved button-up shirt, and a ballistic helmet (one trial with CP and one trial without) were worn. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no differences (p > 0.05) between wearing and not wearing the CP for any physiological parameter. However, participants perceived the C...
UVA/B-induced formation of free radicals from decabromodiphenyl ether.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are ubiquitous in the environment and in humans. A decabromodiphenyl ether mixture (deca-BDE) is the dominating commercial PBDE product today. Deca-BDE is degraded by UV to PBDEs with fewer bromines. We hypothesized that photodegradation of deca-BDE results in the formation of free radicals. We employed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) with spin trap agents to examine the free radicals formed from UV irradiation of a deca-BDE mixture (DE-83R). The activating wavelength for deca-BDE photochemistry was in the UVA to UVB range. The yields of radicals from irradiated deca-BDE in tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, and toluene were about 9-, 4-, and 7-fold higher, respectively, than from irradiated solvent alone. Radical formation increased with deca-BDE concentration and irradiation time. The quantum yield of radical formation of the deca-BDE mixture was higher than with an octa-BDE mixture (DE-79; ∼2-fold), decabromobiphenyl (PBB 209; ∼2-fold), decac...
Capsaicin-evoked prostaglandin E2 release in spinal cord slices: relative effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors

The release of prostaglandin E2 was examined from superfused spinal cord slices. The addition of capsaicin to the perfusate resulted in a dose-dependent increase of prostaglandin E2-like immunoreactivity. Capsaicin (10 microM) evoked prostaglandin E2 release from basal levels of 5.3 +/- 0.8 to 30 +/- 3 fmol/10 min fraction. The capsaicin-evoked release was blocked by the capsaicin receptor antagonist capsazepine (10 microM), but not by removal of extracellular Ca2+ ions. Addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to the perfusate had no effect on resting levels of prostaglandin E2, but resulted in a concentration-dependent suppression of capsaicin-evoked release of prostaglandin E2. The IC50 values (in microM) were: indomethacin: 0.7, S(+)-flurbiprofen: 2.0, acetaminophen: 4.4,ketorolac: 5.0, R(-)-flurbiprofen: 8.7, S(+)-ibuprofen: 9.5, and for R(-)-ibuprofen: > 10. The relative potency for the NSAIDs to reduce capsaicin-evoked prostaglandin E2 release, with the exception of acetaminophen, corresponds to their antinociceptive activity after spinal delivery, a finding which further supports the role of prostanoids in spinal nociceptive processing.
Influences on achievement : Goals, perceived ability, and cognitive engagement

Abstract Relationships among college students’ self-reported goal orientation, perceived ability, cognitive engagement while studying, and course achievement were examined. Theoretically important intercorrelations that replicated previous research were found. Both perceived ability and learning goal scores were positively correlated with meaningful cognitive engagement (self-regulation and deep strategy use). Additionally, learning goals and perceived ability were positively correlated with each other. Performance goals were positively correlated with shallow cognitive engagement. A path analysis supported a causal model in which perceived ability and learning goals influenced meaningful cognitive engagement, which in turn influenced midterm achievement. Shallow processing, which was influenced by performance goals, negatively influenced midterm achievement. Additionally, a link from meaningful cognitive engagement to shallow cognitive engagement was found. The data suggested that meaningful cognitive engagement suppressed the negative effects of shallow engagement on achievement. Implications of these findings for theory and possible interventions are discussed.
Constructing a joint story-writing space: the dynamics of young children's collaboration at computers

This study explored kindergartners' and first graders' collaborative processes in order to understand the nature of peer collaboration and the learning opportunities afforded by peer discourse. Framed by a sociocultural perspective and relying on discourse analysis, this study focused on how children's collaborative roles and patterns changed over time. Examination of video data and children's computer products revealed that (a) children's interaction patterns changed from a more independent style toward a more integrative style, as shown in their distribution of control over the mouse and keyboard and in the written outcomes of their collaboration; (b) a shift in role patterns emerged across repeated instances of peer collaboration, so that children began alternating the roles of leader and observer, and less competent children began carrying out more important tasks; (c) the computer served as an object of reference for children to sustain their interaction and stay on task; (d) peer scaffolding practices created an environment in which children could stay focused and reduce off-task behavior; and (e) peer collaboration was a multi-dimensional experience, including cognitive, social, and affective elements. Implications for early childhood education, such as providing young children a prolonged, relatively low-stress form of learning, are discussed.
The state of electronic customer relationship management in retailing

This paper analyzes the availability of electronic customer relationship management (E‐CRM) features on retail Web sites and their relationship to consumer satisfaction and site traffic. The top 100 specialty store, standard retail store, and Internet retailer Web sites were analyzed for the presence of 41 E‐CRM features. The availability of these features was then assessed for their relationship with consumer traffic to the site and customer satisfaction with the site. Internet retailers were significantly more likely to have E‐CRM attributes on their site. However only the chat feature, spare parts availability, gift certificate purchase, mailing address, search engine, links, and a company profile were associated with customer satisfaction. No E‐CRM feature was associated with customer traffic to a site. Standard retailers appear to be behind in implementing E‐CRM features in current operations. It is not clear that retailers understand what aspects of E‐CRM will be important in customer satisfaction.
LOSS OF GLUCOCORTICOID REGULATION OF PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR ACTIVITY IN ANUCLEATE RAT HEPATOMA CELLS

Abstract Glucocorticoids decrease the plasminogen activator activity of rat hepatoma cells through production of an inhibitor. We have examined the dexamethasone regulation of plasminogen activator in anucleate rat hepatoma cells to investigate the role of the nucleus in the steroid regulation of this membrane-associated phenomenon. Dexamethasone did not affect either the intra- or extra-cellular plasminogen activator activity of the anucleate cells, and did not induce production of an inhibitor of plasminogen activator. Therefore, glucocorticoid regulation of plasminogen activator activity requires the presence of an intact nucleus.
Comparative study of splenic natural killer cells and prothymocytes

Abstract Recent studies have implied that murine natural killer (NK) cells may belong to the T-cell lineage, and more specifically that they may be pre-T cells. We have thus performed experiments to test if murine NK cells fulfill the definition of “prothymocytes,” based on two criteria defining the properties of prothymocytes: (i) that prothymocytes are cells which are negative for Thy-1 antigen, but are inducible to express Thy-1 by thymopoietin; (ii) that splenic prothymocytes have receptors for peanut agglutinin. Prothymocytes are then the subset of lymphocytes that are to enter the thymus for further differentiation in the T-cell lineage. Our data show that NK-specific antigen, Nk-1, is not found on cells corresponding to the definition of prothymocytes and that NK cells do not have receptors for peanut agglutinin, suggesting that NK cells and prothymocytes are in distinct splenic subpopulations.
Eya1 Interacts with Six2 and Myc to Regulate Expansion of the Nephron Progenitor Pool during Nephrogenesis

Self-renewal and proliferation of nephron progenitor cells and the decision to initiate nephrogenesis are crucial events directing kidney development. Despite recent advancements in defining lineage and regulators for the progenitors, fundamental questions about mechanisms driving expansion of the progenitors remain unanswered. Here we show that Eya1 interacts with Six2 and Myc to control self-renewing cell activity. Cell fate tracing reveals a developmental restriction of the Eya1(+) population within the intermediate mesoderm to nephron-forming cell fates and a common origin shared between caudal mesonephric and metanephric nephrons. Conditional inactivation of Eya1 leads to loss of Six2 expression and premature epithelialization of the progenitors. Six2 mediates translocation of Eya1 to the nucleus, where Eya1 uses its threonine phosphatase activity to control Myc phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and function in the progenitor cells. Our results reveal a functional link between Eya1, Six2, and Myc in driving the expansion and maintenance of the multipotent progenitors during nephrogenesis.
Ku80 and p53 suppress medulloblastoma that arise independent of Rag-1-induced DSBs

Ku80 maintains the genome by repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), a pathway that repairs nonspecific DSBs and Rag-1 Rag-2 (Rag)-specific DSBs. As a result, Ku80 deletion results in phenotypes characteristic of defective repair for both nonspecific DSBs (gamma-radiation hypersensitivity and genomic instability) and Rag-specific DSBs (immunodeficiency). ku80(-/-) mice also exhibit neuronal apoptosis, but we do not know the type of DSBs responsible for this response. In spite of genomic instability and immunodeficiency, cancer incidence is not increased in ku80(-/-) mice. However, deletion of the tumor suppressor, p53 greatly increases pro-B-cell lymphoma in ku80(-/-) mice due to IgH/c-Myc translocations suggesting that responses to Rag-specific DNA DSBs suppress cancer. Like suppression of pro-B-cell lymphoma, neuronal apoptosis requires p53 presenting the intriguing possibility that Rag-specific DSBs mediate neuronal development as they do lymphocyte development. Here we delete Rag-1 from ku80(-/-)p53(-/-) mice to differentiate the impact nonspecific vs Rag-specific DSBs have on ku80(-/-) mice. We find that deleting Rag-1 prevents pro-B cell lymphoma confirming Rag-induced DSBs induce this form of cancer. Both the triple mutant mice and the p53(-/-)rag-1(-/-) mice exhibit T-cell lymphoma and medulloblastoma; incidence of T-cell lymphoma is the same for both cohorts whereas incidence of medulloblastoma is higher for the triple-mutant cohort. Thus, p53-mediated neuronal apoptosis likely suppresses medulloblastoma in Ku80-deleted mice and Ku80 likely suppresses medulloblastoma by repairing nonspecific DNA DSBs instead of Rag-specific DSBs. Our observations are the first to show that Ku80 suppresses cancer caused by nonspecific DNA damage and we present a novel mouse model for medulloblastoma.
Rapid electrochemical detection of polyaniline-labeled Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Abstract There is a high demand for rapid, sensitive, and field-ready detection methods for Escherichia coli O157:H7, a highly infectious and potentially fatal food and water borne pathogen. In this study, E. coli O157:H7 cells are isolated via immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and labeled with biofunctionalized electroactive polyaniline (immuno-PANI). Labeled cell complexes are deposited onto a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) sensor and pulled to the electrode surface by an external magnetic field, to amplify the electrochemical signal generated by the polyaniline. Cyclic voltammetry is used to detect polyaniline and signal magnitude indicates the presence or absence of E. coli O157:H7. As few as 7 CFU of E. coli O157:H7 (corresponding to an original concentration of 70 CFU/ml) were successfully detected on the SPCE sensor. The assay requires 70 min from sampling to detection, giving it a major advantage over standard culture methods in applications requiring high-throughput screening of samples and rapid results. The method can be performed with portable, handheld instrumentation and no biological modification of the sensor surface is required. Potential applications include field-based pathogen detection for food and water safety, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and biodefense.
Oral pemoline kinetics in hyperactive children

The time course of pemoline in plasma was investigated in seven prepubescent boys with attention-deficit disorders who were hyperactive. Maximum plasma concentrations of 4.3 +/- 1.0 mg/L were reached 2.8 +/- 1.8 hours after a single, 2 mg/kg oral dose of pemoline, followed by a monoexponential decline in plasma concentration over time. Mean t1/2 and total body clearance of pemoline were 8.6 hours and 0.65 ml/min/kg. The 600% interindividual variation in elimination t1/2 and the 300% variation in total body clearance of pemoline may explain the unpredictable nature of its dynamics and associated neurotoxicity in some cases.
John Henry Newman and the Church Fathers: Writing Church History in the First Person

Throughout his life, Newman’s particular historical interest lay in what he took to be the triumph of Athanasius of Alexandria’s orthodoxy over Antiochene heresy in the early church. But the construction of the Alexandrian-Antiochene split served more than Newman’s scholarly interest: he deployed it to make objections to opponents in his own day. The three texts examined here (from the end, middle, and beginning of his scholarship) enabled him to show his own Alexandrian credentials in three different controversies—and reveal that Newman was not quite as consistent a thinker as some have claimed.
The structure of the human sterol carrier protein X/sterol carrier protein 2 gene (SCP2).

Sterol carrier protein X (SCPx) is a 58-kDa protein that is localized to peroxisomes. The amino acid sequence of the protein suggests that SCPx may function as a thiolase. The gene encoding SCPx also codes for a 15.3-kDa protein called sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP{sub 2}). Here the authors report the structure of this gene (SCP2), which spans approximately 80 kb and consists of 16 exons and 15 introns. Multiple transcription start sites were identified. The 5{prime} flanking region has characteristics of other peroxisomal protein promoters, which include the absence of a TATA box and G+C-enriched region containing several reverse GC boxes. 24 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Design of robust constrained model-predictive controllers with volterra series

Sufficient conditions are developed in this work for robust stability and pefformance of nonlinear model-predictive control systems that use an end-condition and second-order Volterra model with parametric uncertainty in the time domain. The robust stabilfly conditions involve the lengths of the prediction and control horizons, as well as the coefficients of the control move suppression terms in the on-line objective function. These conditions may be used for both analysis and synthesis purposes. A case study of a chemical reactor is presented to elucidate these issues.
Enhanced axonal growth from fetal human bcl-2 transgenic mouse dopamine neurons transplanted to the adult rat striatum.

Abstract Embryonic neurons transplanted to the adult CNS extend axons only for a developmentally defined period. There are certain intercellular factors that control the axonal extension, one of which may be the expression of the bcl-2 protein. In this study, rats with complete striatal dopamine fiber denervation received embryonic day 14 mouse ventral mesencephalon cells overexpressing human bcl-2 or control wild-type ventral mesencephalon cells. All rats were treated with cyclosporine to prevent rejection and the surviving grafts were analyzed for cell survival and outgrowth of dopaminergic fibers. The results demonstrate that bcl-2 overexpression does not enhance neuronal graft survival. However, the bcl-2 overexpressing neurons had a higher number of dopaminergic fibers that grew longer distances. These results show that overexpression of bcl-2 can result in longer distance axonal growth of transplanted fetal dopaminergic neurons and that genetic modification of embryonic donor cells may enhance their ability to reinnervate a neuronal target territory.
Wind Effects on Sub-Tidal Currents in Puget Sound

Wind effects on sub-tidal currents are studied using current meter records obtained at six moorings across the main basin of Puget Sound. High correlations between wind speeds and currents are found near the surface and at mid-depths of about 100 m. Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis applied to the axial currents in 1984 and 1985 shows that mode 1, containing over 60% of the variance, is highly correlated with wind speed even without any near surface current records. When near surface stratification is strong, direct wind effects are limited to the upper 30 m with counter currents in the lower layer indicating a baroclinic response. The transport in the lower layer almost balances the transport in the upper layer. When near surface stratification is weak, direct wind effects on currents can be detected to about 100 m. In this case, there is no clear and consistent depth at which one can separate the upper from the lower layer. Time series show that the acceleration in the surface layer initially increases in the same direction as the wind when the wind starts blowing, but it reaches a maximum, starts decreasing, and eventually changes to the opposite direction (decelerates) while the wind continues to blow in one direction. Results of a continuously stratified normal mode model and estimations from the observations suggest that friction at solid boundaries is a major cause of these phenomena. The model shows that modal currents of normal modes 2 and 3 are as important as mode 1, although the resultant vertical structure of total current shows a two-layer type pattern with only one zero crossing. The effect of the baroclinic pressure gradient is only apparent at low frequencies and among lower modes.
Cell culture–produced hepatitis C virus does not infect peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates primarily in the liver, but HCV RNA has been observed in association with other tissues and cells including B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells. We have taken advantage of a recently described, robust system that fully recapitulates HCV entry, replication and virus production in vitro to re-examine the issue of HCV infection of blood cell subsets. The HCV replicase inhibitor 2′C-methyl adenosine was used to distinguish HCV RNA replication from RNA persistence. Whereas cell culture–grown HCV replicated in Huh-7.5 hepatoma cells, no HCV replication was detected in B or T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells from healthy donors. No blood cell subset tested expressed significant levels of Claudin-1, a tight junction protein needed for HCV infection of Huh-7.5 cells. A B cell line expressing high levels of Claudin-1, CD81, and scavenger receptor BI remained resistant to HCV pseudoparticle infection. We bypassed the block in HCV entry by transfecting HCV RNA into blood cell subsets. Transfected RNA was not detectably translated and induced high levels of interferon-α. Supernatants from HCV RNA–transfected macrophages inhibited HCV replication in Huh-7.5 cells. Conclusion: We conclude that multiple blocks prevent blood cells from supporting HCV infection. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:1843-1850.)
Hematozoa of the avian family Brachypteraciidae (the ground-rollers).

The Brachypteraciidae is an avian family endemic to Madagascar. Members of this family were mist-netted in Madagascar, and blood smears were made to screen for the presence of hematozoa. Smears were stained with Giemsa and examined at ×100, ×160, and ×1,000 for hematozoa. Three new species of avian hematozoa from wild-caught ground-rollers in Madagascar are described. Haemoproteus goodmani n. sp. is found in the pitta-like ground-roller (Atelornis pittoides), whereas Haemoproteus forresteri n. sp. and Leucocytozoon frascai n. sp. are from the rufous-headed ground-roller (Atelornis crossleyi). These represent the first hematozoa described from this family.
MHD analysis of high ⟨βt⟩ disruptions in PBX

Princeton Beta Experiment (PBX) discharges run at the lowest q and highest βt always terminated in a hard disruption. The discharges, with βt values of up to 5.5% and q-values down to 2.2, were obtained by employing large current ramps and large gas feed rates during neutral beam injection. Previous work has indicated that the achieved βt values were consistent with the limit imposed by the n = l ideal external kink with a conducting wall at b/a = 2. The authors of the paper investigate further the validity of ideal MHD theory in explaining the low qψ disruptions. In particular, the characteristics of the pre-disruption MHD activity in these low-q discharges, specifically the time-scale of growth and internal and external mode structures, are compared with those determined from theoretical calculations. The results of these comparisons indicate that non-ideal effects must be considered in order to obtain detailed agreement between theory and experiment.
PEDICTION OF ADULT HEIGHT IN TURNER SYNDROME

Predictions of adult height in girls with Turner Syndrome using established methods, projected height (PROJ), predicted height (PRED), and index of potential height (IPH), were compared to a novel method (KIGS):
Estimated Net Energy and Total Digestible Nutrient Relationships of Classes of Feeds

Summary The advantages and disadvantages of net energy and total digestible nutrient (TDN) methods of measuring the nutritive value of foods were discussed briefly. Several procedures for converting TDN into estimated net energy (ENE) were reported. The current objective was to determine the effect of the substitution of feed class regressions of ENE on TDN for a general regression of the combined feed classes, on the amount of error involved in converting TDN to ENE values. Using Morrison's data on ENE and TDN, 21st edition, it appeared that all the feed classes had regression coefficients that differed significantly from the general regression coefficient for the combined classes. The feed classes, silage excepted, apparently had similar slopes for their ENE/TDN relationships and the reason why the general regression line was significantly different was because the feed classes operated at different levels of energy. Data in Morrison's 22nd edition were treated in the same manner, and results agreed satisfactorily with the previous edition except for silage and green roughage classes. Due to the many changes between editions in TDN or ENE values, the regression lines of these two classes differed significantly from those of the earlier edition. Regression equations of the feed classes developed from data in each edition are given, along with their errors of the estimate. In converting TDN to ENE values using Morrison's data, the appropriate feed class regression appears to be more accurate than a general regression.
Meta-analysis of the effect of systemic metronidazole as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for adult periodontitis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative overview of clinical trials assessing the use of systemic metronidazole (S-MET) as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SR 99% CI 0.12, 0.73). No significant advantage was observed for S-MET for reducing PD where initial PD was less than 4 mm or follow-up was longer than 13 wk. S-MET in conjunction with SR 99% CI 0.01, 0.58) and where follow-up was 9-13 wk (weighted mean difference 0.32; 99% CI 0.03, 0.61). Significant heterogeneity of effect was not seen for PD or Cal at any level of initial PD or length of follow-up. No significant dose-response relationship was observed. This meta-analysis was limited due to diversity of data presentation and the small number of trials in each stratum. These results suggest that S-MET in conjunction with S&RP may offer a benefit over S&RP alone in the treatment of adult periodontitis patients in managing pockets of 4 mm or greater, but the additional benefit was not evident if initial PD was less than 4 mm or follow-up was beyond 13 wk.
VLSI median filters

Median filters have been proposed for the analysis of speech data and in image processing to enhance the data by smoothing the signal and removing noise. Many designs for median filters have been suggested in the literature. The author reviews these designs (most originally given as software filters) and compare them on the basis of suitability for implementation in VLSI. Each design is analyzed in terms of area, time delay, and concurrency. Some new designs are given. The 1-D and 2-D cases are discussed, and recursive median filters are also analyzed. >