cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Bone Remodeling

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ that undergoes continuous remodeling throughout life. This remodeling is necessary both to maintain the structural integrity of the skeleton and to subserve its metabolic functions as a storehouse of calcium and phosphorus. These dual functions often come into conflict under conditions of changing mechanical forces or metabolic and nutritional stress. The bone remodeling cycle involves a complex series of sequential steps that are highly regulated. The "activation" phase of remodeling is dependent on the effects of local and systemic factors on mesenchymal cells of the osteoblast lineage. These cells interact with hematopoietic precursors to form osteoclasts in the "resorption" phase. Subsequently, there is a "reversal" phase during which mononuclear cells are present on the bone surface. They may complete the resorption process and produce the signals that initiate formation. Finally, successive waves of mesenchymal cells differentiate into functional osteoblasts, which lay down matrix in the "formation" phase. The effects of calcium-regulating hormones on this remodeling cycle subserve the metabolic functions of the skeleton. Other systemic hormones control overall skeletal growth. The responses to changes in mechanical force and repair of microfractures, as well as the maintenance of the remodeling cycle, are determined locally by cytokines, prostaglandins, and growth factors. Interactions between systemic and local factors are important in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis as well as the skeletal changes in hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Local factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of the skeletal changes associated with immobilization, inflammation, and Paget disease of bone.
Why so few (Republican) women? Explaining the partisan imbalance of women in the U.S. Congress

This article examines why the percentage of Democratic women in Congress has increased dramatically since the 1980s while the percentage of Republican women has barely grown. The central claim is that ideological conformity with the party influences the decision to run for office, and I suggest that partisan polarization has discouraged ideological moderates in the pipeline from pursuing a congressional career. The findings have gendered implications because, first, Republican women in the pipeline have historically been to the left of their male counterparts, and second, there is a dearth of conservative women in the pipeline. The question “Why are there so few women in politics?” has motivated more than three decades of political science scholarship. The underrepresentation of women in elective office remains as relevant now as it was 30 years ago, particularly in the American context. At the national legislative level, the United States is ranked 78th worldwide, with women comprising only 18% of the US House of Representatives (IPU 2012). While the number of women in Congress has increased over time, the growth rate has stagnated since the early 1990s. The persistent dearth of females in congressional office is especially puzzling in light of the fact that there are more women engaged in the professional careers traditionally seen as providing the necessary experience and qualifications for political office. The underrepresentation of women in Congress has received ample attention to date, but existing research has largely overlooked a critical feature of this trend. Contemporary patterns of women’s representation have a distinctly partisan flavor: the number of Democratic women in Congress has increased dramatically since the 1980s, while the number of Republican women has barely grown. Of the 232 Republicans now serving in the House of Representatives, a mere 19, or 8% of the party
On random sampling over joins

A major bottleneck in implementing sampling as a primitive relational operation is the inefficiency of sampling the output of a query. It is not even known whether it is possible to generate a sample of a join tree without first evaluating the join tree completely. We undertake a detailed study of this problem and attempt to analyze it in a variety of settings. We present theoretical results explaining the difficulty of this problem and setting limits on the efficiency that can be achieved. Based on new insights into the interaction between join and sampling, we develop join sampling techniques for the settings where our negative results do not apply. Our new sampling algorithms are significantly more efficient than those known earlier. We present experimental evaluation of our techniques on Microsoft's SQL Server 7.0.
Runaway and Moist Greenhouse Atmospheres and the Evolution of Earth and Venus

For the case of fully moisture-saturated and cloud-free conditions, the present one-dimensional climate model for the response of an earthlike atmosphere to large solar flux increases notes the critical solar flux at which runaway greenhouse (total evaporation of oceans) occurs to be 1.4 times the present flux at the earth's orbit, almost independently of the CO2 content of the atmophere. The value is, however, sensitive to the H2O absorption coefficient in the 8-12 micron window. Venus oceans may have been lost early on due to rapid water vapor photodissociation, followed by hydrogen escape into space.
Comparative evaluation of 11 scoring functions for molecular docking.

Eleven popular scoring functions have been tested on 100 protein−ligand complexes to evaluate their abilities to reproduce experimentally determined structures and binding affinities. They include four scoring functions implemented in the LigFit module in Cerius2 (LigScore, PLP, PMF, and LUDI), four scoring functions implemented in the CScore module in SYBYL (F-Score, G-Score, D-Score, and ChemScore), the scoring function implemented in the AutoDock program, and two stand-alone scoring functions (DrugScore and X-Score). These scoring functions are not tested in the context of a particular docking program. Instead, conformational sampling and scoring are separated into two consecutive steps. First, an exhaustive conformational sampling is performed by using the AutoDock program to generate an ensemble of docked conformations for each ligand molecule. This conformational ensemble is required to cover the entire conformational space as much as possible rather than to focus on a few energy minima. Then, each ...
Biological markers from Green River kerogen decomposition

Abstract Isoprenoid and other carbon skeletons that are formed in living organisms and preserved essentially intact in ancient sediments are often called biological markers. The purpose of this paper is to develop improved methods of using isoprenoid hydrocarbons to relate petroleum or shale oil to its source rock. It is demonstrated that most, but not all, of the isoprenoid hydrocarbon structures are chemically bonded in kerogen (or to minerals) in Green River oil shale. The rate constant for thermally producing isoprenoid, cyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbons is substantially greater than for the bulk of shale oil. This may be related to the substantial quantity of CO 2 which is evolved coincident with the isoprenoid hydrocarbons but prior to substantial oil evolution. Although formation of isoprenoid alkenes is enhanced by rapid heating and high pyrolysis temperatures, the ratio of isoprenoid alkenes plus alkanes to normal alkenes plus alkanes is independent of heating rate. High-temperature laboratory pyrolysis experiments can thus be used to predict the distribution of aliphatic hydrocarbons in low temperature processes such as in situ shale oil production and perhaps petroleum formation. Finally, we demonstrate that significant variation in biological marker ratios occurs as a function of stratigraphy in the Green River formation. This information, combined with methods for measuring process yield from oil composition, enables one to relate time-dependent processing conditions to the corresponding time-dependent oil yield in a vertical modified- in situ retort even if there is a substantial and previously undetermined delay in drainage of shale oil from the retort.
Informative Positive and Negative Campaigning

This paper develops a theoretical model of informative campaigning, both positive and negative. We argue that some information on a candidate can be transmitted more efficiently by his opponents and that negative campaigning, on average, facilitates a more informed choice by the electorate. In our model, voters have incomplete information about candidates' qualities. Each candidate can either lead a positive campaign , defined as issue-focused, indicating his high quality, or a negative campaign , defined as revealing detrimental information about his competitor. Voters receive the information that candidates choose to reveal and rationally update their beliefs about the remaining issues. We derive the equilibrium behavior of candidates in this framework and compare it to stylized facts of negative campaigning reported in the empirical literature.
Benchmark of a Fast-Running Computational Tool for Analysis of Massive Radioactive Material Packages in Fire Environments

Federal regulation.; (IOCFR71) require radioactive material transport packages to safely withstand a 30 min fully engulfing fire. The three-dimensional Container Analysis Fire Environment (CAFE-3D) computer code was developed at Sandia National Laboratories to simulate the response of massive packages to large fires for design and risk studies. These studies require rapid and accurate estimates of the package temperature distribution for a variety of package designs and fire environments. To meet these needs CAFE-SB links a finite element model that calculates the package response to the Isis-3D CFD fire model. ISIS-3D combines computational fluid dynamics with reaction chemistry and thermal radiation models to rapidly estimate the heat transfer from a fire. In the current work, parameters used in the fire model were determined. Simulations were then performed of a test that modeled the conditions of a truck-sized nuclear waste package in a regulatory fire under light wind conditions. CAFE-JD underestimated the ability of the wind to tilt the fire arid deliver oxygen to the region above lie fuel pool. However, it accurately and rapidly estimated the total treat transfer to the test object. CAFE-3D will become a more useful tool for estimating the response of transport packages to large fires once it has been benchmarked again-it a larger range of fire conditions.
Mutant prohead RNAs in the in Vitro packaging of bacteriophage φ29 DNA-gp3☆

Abstract The 174-base prohead RNA encoded by bacteriophage φ29 of Bacillus subtilis , essential for packaging of the DNA-gp3 (DNA-gene product 3) complex, was expressed efficiently from the cloned gene. Computer programs for RNA structure analysis were used to fold hypothetical RNA mutants and thus to target mutagenesis of the RNA for studies of structure and function. Five mutants of the RNA were then produced by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis that were altered in the primary sequence at selected sites; two of these mutants were predicted to be altered in secondary structure from a model established previously by a phylogenetic analysis. The binding of the 32 P end-labeled mutant RNAs to RNA-free proheads was comparable with that of the wild-type RNA. However, the capability of the mutant RNAs to reconstitute RNA-free proheads for DNA-gp3 packaging in the defined in vitro system and for assembly of phage in RNA-free extracts was variable, depending upon the alteration. Changes of highly conserved bases that retained the predicted secondary structure of the RNA model were tolerated to a much greater extent than changes predicted to alter the RNA secondary structure.
Evaluation of geogrid base reinforcement in flexible pavement using cyclic plate load testing

In this paper, the performance of geogrid base reinforcement in flexible pavements was evaluated using cyclic plate load testing. A 40-kN cyclic load was applied through a 305-mm diameter steel plate. The investigated parameters included geometry, location and tensile modulus of geogrids. The stress distribution, permanent vertical strain and developed porewater pressure in the subgrade, as well as, the strain distribution along geogrids were studied. The test results showed that the inclusion of geogrid can significantly improve the performance of a flexible pavement and that the traffic benefit ratio can be increased up to 15.3 at a rut depth of 19.1 mm. Better performance was observed when geogrid layer was placed at the upper one-third of the base aggregate layer. The results also demonstrated that the geogrid helps in redistributing the applied load to a wider area on top of the subgrade layer, thus resulting in less accumulated permanent deformation in the subgrade.
Scapular Muscle Activity in Overhead Athletes With Symptoms of Secondary Shoulder Impingement During Closed Chain Exercises

Abstract Tucker WS, Armstrong CW, Gribble PA, Timmons MK, Yeasting RA. Scapular muscle activity in overhead athletes with symptoms of secondary shoulder impingement during closed chain exercises. Objective To determine the amount of muscle activation in 4 scapular muscles in overhead athletes with and without a history of secondary shoulder impingement, during 3 upper extremity closed chain exercises. Design One-between (group), one-within (exercise) repeated measures. Setting Controlled laboratory study. Participants Overhead athletes (n=15; mean age ± SD, 21.0±2.5y; mean height ± SD, 176.0±7.8cm; mean weight ± SD, 76.1±13.4kg) demonstrating with symptoms of shoulder impingement and overhead athletes (n=15; mean age ± SD, 20.4±3.8y; mean height ± SD, 174.1±9.7cm; mean weight ± SD, 73.3±11.7kg) with no shoulder pathologies. Interventions Subjects completed 5 individual trials of a standard push-up, a push-up on an unstable surface, and a revolution on a shoulder rehabilitation device while electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity of the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius. Main Outcome Measures The mean EMG data for the 4 muscles from the standard push-up, push-up on an unstable surface, and shoulder rehabilitation device trials were normalized as a percentage of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction for each muscle. Results There was a statistically significant interaction for the middle trapezius (F 2,56 =3.856; P =.027). The shoulder impingement push-up on an unstable surface (33.76%±26.45%) had significantly greater activation compared with the shoulder impingement standard push-up (25.88%±13.76%), the shoulder impingement shoulder rehabilitation device (9.40%±5.86%), and the nonpathology push-up on an unstable surface (19.49%±7.73%). The shoulder impingement standard push-up had significantly greater activation compared with the shoulder impingement shoulder rehabilitation device and nonpathology standard push-up (17.99%±7.31%). The nonpathology standard push-up and nonpathology push-up on an unstable surface had significantly greater activation compared with the nonpathology shoulder rehabilitation device (7.95%±4.30%). Conclusions These results suggest that the muscle activation of the middle trapezius differs in overhead athletes with a history of secondary shoulder impingement compared with those who lack this history during closed chain exercise, as well as within the 3 closed chain exercises. The levels of muscle activation of the serratus anterior and upper trapezius during these closed chain exercises were similar between the 2 groups. These results support the use of closed chain exercises in the rehabilitation process of overhead athletes with secondary shoulder impingement. However, clinicians should consider the muscle(s) of interest when selecting an exercise.
Performance of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in high-risk patients: Results from the Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Objective Recent results after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) have brought into question its value in patients deemed at high-risk for surgical intervention. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is the largest prospectively collected and validated United States surgical database representing current clinical practice. The purpose of our study was to evaluate outcomes after elective EVAR performed in high-risk veterans. Methods Using NSQIP data from 123 participating VA hospitals, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent elective aneurysm repair from May 2001 to December 2004. High-risk criteria were used to identify a cohort for analysis (EVAR, n=788; open, n=1580). High-risk criteria analyzed included age ≥60 years, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification 3 or 4, and the comorbidity variables of history of cardiac, respiratory, or hepatic disease, cardiac revascularization, renal insufficiency, and low serum albumin level. Our primary end points were 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality, and we evaluated a secondary end point of perioperative complications. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis and multivariate modeling. Results Veterans who were classified as high-risk underwent elective EVAR with significantly lower 30-day (3.4% vs 5.2%, P = .047) and 1-year all-cause mortality (9.5% vs 12.4%, P = .038) than patients having open repair. EVAR was associated with a decrease in 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 1.03; P = .067) as well as 1-year mortality (adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.91; P = .0094) despite the presence of severe comorbid conditions. The risk of perioperative complications was significantly lower after EVAR (16.2% vs 31.0%; P P Conclusion In veterans deemed high-risk for surgical therapy, outcomes after elective EVAR are excellent, and the procedure is relatively safe in this special patient population. Our retrospective data demonstrate that patients with considerable medical comorbidities and infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms benefit from and should be considered for primary EVAR.
Allocation of biomass and net primary productivity of mangrove forests along environmental gradients in the Florida Coastal Everglades, USA

Abstract Vegetation patterns of mangroves in the Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE) result from the interaction of environmental gradients and natural disturbances (i.e., hurricanes), creating an array of distinct riverine and scrub mangroves across the landscape. We investigated how landscape patterns of biomass and total net primary productivity (NPPT), including allocation in above- and below-ground mangrove components, vary inter-annually (2001–2004) across gradients in soil properties and hydroperiod in two distinct FCE basins: Shark River Estuary and Taylor River Slough. We propose that the allocation of belowground biomass and productivity (NPPB) relative to aboveground allocation is greater in regions with P limitation and permanent flooding. Porewater sulfide was significantly higher in Taylor River (1.2 ± 0.3 mM) compared to Shark River (0.1 ± 0.03 mM) indicating the lack of a tidal signature and more permanent flooding in this basin. There was a decrease in soil P density and corresponding increase in soil N:P from the mouth (28) to upstream locations (46–105) in Shark River that was consistent with previous results in this region. Taylor River sites showed the highest P limitation (soil N:P > 60). Average NPPT was double in higher P environments (17.0 ± 1.1 Mg ha−1 yr−1) compared to lower P regions (8.3 ± 0.3 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Root biomass to aboveground wood biomass (BGB:AWB) ratio was 17 times higher in P-limited environments demonstrating the allocation strategies of mangroves under resource limitation. Riverine mangroves allocated most of the NPPT to aboveground (69%) while scrub mangroves showed the highest allocation to belowground (58%). The total production to biomass (P:B) ratios were lower in Shark River sites (0.11 yr−1); whereas in Taylor River sites P:B ratios were higher and more variable (0.13–0.24 yr−1). Our results suggest that the interaction of lower P availability in Taylor River relative to Shark River basin, along with higher sulfide and permanent flooding account for higher allocation of belowground biomass and production, at expenses of aboveground growth and wood biomass. These distinct patterns of carbon partitioning between riverine and scrub mangroves in response to environmental stress support our hypothesis that belowground allocation is a significant contribution to soil carbon storage in forested wetlands across FCE, particularly in P-limited scrub mangroves. Elucidating these biomass strategies will improve analysis of carbon budgets (storage and production) in neotropical mangroves and understanding what conditions lead to net carbon sinks in the tropical coastal zone.
The complexity of egalitarian mechanisms for linear programming games

Abstract We show that the most cost-efficient subset problem for linear programming games is NP-hard, and in fact inapproximable within a constant factor in polynomial time, unless P = NP . This in turn implies that computing the prices output by an egalitarian mechanism and computing a cost allocation in the equal split-off set for linear programming games is NP-hard.
Bio-Nano-Info Integration for Personalized Medicine

Every disease has genetic and molecular basis. For example, in 2005, cancer became the number one killer in the USA for people under the age of 85. It is estimated that 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 560,000 people will die each year. The underlying reasons for these statistics include the biological complexity of cancer as a disease which we are just now beginning to understand. The human genome project and other advanced technologies such as bionanotechnologies bring new hope to patient care because they can potentially address the disease on the molecular level. These new technologies, when linked to an individual patient's molecular profile, can provide personalized and predictive early detection, diagnosis, prognosis tracking, and novel targeted therapies. In concert with development of these advanced technologies we must develop ways to validate the novel biotechnologies; methods to analyze the high volume of data coming from genomics, molecular imaging, and bionanotechnologies; and methods to interpret these data and make relevant predictions for patient care. This workshop keynote lecture will focus on how linking molecular biology, with advances in nanotechnology and information technology, to speed up the discovery and development process and clinical translation that leads to the advances in patient care. Specifically, the workshop keynote lecture will cover topics in ontology, data mining, data management, and image analysis that enable biomarker-based diagnosis, molecular imaging probe design, and therapeutic development.
Designing a flexible, multipurpose remote lab for the IT curriculum

A key inhibitor to effective distance education in Information Technology is providing a "hands on" laboratory experience that allows students to acquire the application and problem solving skills expected of IT graduates. While there are instances of universities developing and deploying remote labs where students are able to perform labs through the Internet using "virtual machines" and other technologies, many have found the complexity and time required to maintain labs problematic and therefore prohibitive. This paper analyzes current trends in remote lab design and explores a design that intends to increase utilization between courses, lower costs, ease management, and reduce the time needed to implement remote labs.
Binary inorganic salt mixtures as high conductivity liquid electrolytes for >100 °C fuel cells

We report the successful application of low-melting inorganic salts with protonated cations (e.g. ammonium) as electrolytes in fuel cells operating in the temperature range 100–200 °C, where even with unoptimized electrodes, cell performance is comparable to that of the phosphoric acid fuel cell operating with optimized electrodes in the same temperature range, while open circuit voltages, and efficiencies at low current densities, can be much better—and there is no need for humidification or pressure to sustain performance.
NEO personality domains and gender predict levels and trends in body mass index over 14 years during midlife

Abstract Mixed models were used to examine NEO-PI scores as predictors of body mass index (BMI) over a 14 year period during midlife. Average BMI levels during midlife were positively related to Neuroticism and negatively related to Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Relations for three domains were modified by gender. Neuroticism was significantly related to BMI in females only. Extraversion was positively related to BMI in males, whereas, this relation was non-significant in females. The relation between Conscientiousness and BMI was significant in males and females, however, the magnitude of the negative association was stronger in females. Conscientiousness also predicted change in BMI during midlife such that participants who were lower in Conscientiousness tended to show larger gains in BMI with age.
Retroactive and proactive interference effects in dual learning of blissymbolics and manual sign.

Nonspeech systems can be either aided or unaided. Each system possesses its unique learning and memory characteristics. One instructional strategy designed to give learners the advantages of both systems is dual instruction in aided and unaided communication. One problem with this approach, however, might be that of retroactive and proactive interference in learning and memory. The current experiment investigated whether dual instruction in Blissymbolics and manual (ASL) sign would lead to retroactive and proactive interference. Lists of sign/symbol referents in the two systems were taught, to nonhandicapped adults in a controlled setting. No effects of retroactive or proactive interference were found. Additionally, a proactive facilitation effect was found for immediate retention. Results are discussed in terms of the nature of the task, the learning memory attributes of the nonspeech systems, and the effects of sign/symbol translucency.
Memories of positive and negative emotional events

Women's memories of emotional events differing by both valence and intensity were examined for differences in narrative content and structure, as well as subjective memory ratings. Emotional valence was related to the content of the women's narratives, and emotional intensity was related to the subjective ratings of the memories. Negative narratives contained more negative emotion, cognitive processing words, and passive sentences than positive narratives, and positive narratives contained more positive emotion words and were more complex than negative narratives. Intensely negative narratives were the longest and the least complex, and intensely positive narratives were the most coherent. Women rated both intensely negative and intensely positive events, in general, as more frequently talked/thought about, significant, unique, emotional, and vivid than moderately emotional events, and negative events were rated as more emotional than positive narratives. There was little relation between the objective content of the narratives and the women's subjective ratings of their memory experiences. Finally, researcher-defined traumatic events did not differ from other intensely negative events. The results of this study have important implications for narrative research in general, methodological issues such as the validity of text analysis programs and subjective memory ratings, and the quality of traumatic memories. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vaccine-related standard of care and willingness to respond to public health emergencies: a cross-sectional survey of California vaccine providers.

Abstract Introduction Responding to a vaccine-related public health emergency involves a broad spectrum of provider types, some of whom may not routinely administer vaccines including obstetricians, pharmacists and other specialists. These providers may have less experience administering vaccines and thus less confidence or self-efficacy in doing so. Self-efficacy is known to have a significant impact on provider willingness to respond in emergency situations. Methods We conducted a survey of 800 California vaccine providers to investigate standard of care, willingness to respond, and how vaccine-related standard of care impacts willingness to respond among these providers. We used linear regression to examine how willingness to respond was impacted by vaccine-related standard of care. Results Forty percent of respondents indicated that they had participated in emergency preparedness training, actual disaster response, or surge capacity initiatives with significant differences among provider types for all measures ( p = 0.007). When asked to identify barriers to responding to a public health emergency, respondents indicated that staff size or capacity, training and resources were the top concerns. Respondents in practices with a higher vaccine-related standard of care had a higher willing to respond index ( β = 0.190, p = 0.001). Respondents who had participated in emergency training or actual emergency response had a higher willing to respond index ( β = 1.323, p Conclusion Our study suggests that concerns about staff size and surge capacity need to be more explicitly addressed in current emergency preparedness training efforts. In the context of boosting response willingness, larger practice environments stand to benefit from self-efficacy focused training and exercise efforts that also incorporate standard of care.
Perfection, the infinite horizon and dominance

Abstract Consideration of time and independence, brought into focus by the example of perfection in the infinite horizon, leads the author to a modified contraction by dominance solution for game theory.
Uptake and distribution of 2,5,2′,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl in developing lake trout

Abstract Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) eggs, sac fry, and fry in which the yolk had been absorbed were exposed to water containing a 500 μg/liter (ppb) calculated concentration of 14C-labeled 2,5,2′,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB). By determining the amount of radioactivity in water and tissue samples at times ranging from 0.5 to 4 hr, the disappearance of the TCB from the water and its uptake by the animals were followed. The data show that the TCB passed through the egg chorion and accumulated in the yolk. Eggs thus exposed and followed through 4 weeks after hatching lost none of the labeled TCB. Sac fry and fry in which the yolk sac had been absorbed took up the TCB more quickly and accumulated higher concentrations than eggs, achieving concentrations of about 6 ppm in 4 hr. When eggs were exposed to water containing TCB, and the eggs or the sac fry that hatched from them were analyzed, 87–88% of the TCB was found in the yolk. When sac fry were exposed directly to water containing TCB, 70% of the label was found in fry tissues other than the yolk. Thus, the route of entry and the tissue concentration and distribution of TCB in lake trout may depend, in part, on the developmental stage at which the animals are exposed.
Growth of self-assembled InAs quantum dots for InP-based heterostructures

There has been great technological interest in the use of InAs quantum dots for InP-based lasers which can provide long wavelength emission in the 1.55-2 μm range. The atom-like densities of states of quantum dots provide low threshold current density, high differential gain, temperature insensitive operation and low chirp. However, to take advantage of these aspects, it is important to have dots with uniform size and shape. We report the atomic force microscope (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL) studies of self organized InAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InGaAs and InAlAs lattice matched to InP. Our experiments confirm prior results that InAs forms quantum wires on InGaAs matrix layer. However, we find that depositing a thin buffer layer of InAlAs helps in the formation of well-shaped quantum dots. We believe that the aluminum in the buffer layer reduces the surface diffusion of indium adatoms and aids the formation of dots with high density. Our results show that formation of quantum dots depends strongly on the strain, surface energy and surface diffusion kinetics that are in turn dependent on the nature of buffer layer and growth conditions. We improve the quality of dots by optimizing the growth parameters such as growth temperature and arsenic overpressure.
Titania−Silica Materials from the Molecular Precursor Ti[OSi(OtBu)3]4: Selective Epoxidation Catalysts

The tris(tert-butoxy)siloxy complex Ti[OSi(OtBu)3]4 (1) was pyrolytically converted at low temperatures to the theoretical yield of homogeneous TiO4SiO2 materials. 1 also serves as a soluble model for isolated, tetrahedral titanium atoms in a silica matrix. The solid-state transformation of 1 to TiO4SiO2 affords a low-surface-area material (2a, 22 m2 g-1 for samples heated to 500 C) consisting of roughly spherical particles with an average diameter of ca. 25 nm (by transmission electron microscopy). The solution-phase thermolysis of 1 affords a xerogel (2b) consisting of smaller primary particles (ca. 5 nm) and possessing a much higher surface area (552 m2 g-1 for samples heated to 500 C). Acid catalysis of the pyrolytic conversion in solution affords a xerogel (2c) with a lower surface area (399 m2 g-1 for samples heated to 500 C). Supercritical drying of the "wet-gel" in CO2 affords an aerogel (2d) with a morphology similar to that of the xerogel and a slightly higher surface area (677 m2 g-1 for samples heated to 500 C). The TiO4SiO2 materials are amorphous as initially formed, and subsequent crystallizations of anatase (2a, 2b), rutile, and cristobalite (2a) occur at relatively high temperatures. 1 is a homogeneous catalyst for the selective epoxidation of cyclohexene to cyclohexene oxide (64% yield; 20 turnovers after 2 h) using cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) as the limiting reagent. 2a-d are heterogeneous catalysts that produce 6% (2a)-49% (2d) yields of cyclohexene oxide after 2 h (with 0.05 g of catalyst). Supporting 1 on silica affords a highly active epoxidation catalyst that provides yields of 94% cyclohexene oxide after 2 h (with a standard amount of 0.05 g of catalyst). The molecular route to homogeneous titania-silica materials described here represents an alternative to the sol-gel method, affording materials with surface areas comparable to those of related aerogels and moderate-to-excellent activities for the epoxidation of cyclohexene.
Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL)

Abstract This paper reviews efforts to develop and use computer support for situated, collaborative learning. We have been investigating how to integrate two types of group collaboration tools: constructivist and ‘minimal instructionist’. Results from classroom-based experiments illustrate a number of problems arising from the use of either approach alone. Given the right amount and manner of instructionism (i.e. minimal instructionism), students seem to favor its integration into constructivist environments.
Polyamine compartmentalization in various human disease states

Whole blood was separated into preparations of erythrocytes, mononuclear leukocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, platelets and plasma. Each preparation was analyzed for the concentration of the polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine. This was done in 17 controls, 14 patients with psoriasis, four patients with hereditary elliptocytosis, two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and one patient each with lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, sickle cell anemia with mild psoriasis, and progeria. In patients with elevated blood polyamine levels, absorption onto erythrocytes was relatively common, and the spermine/spermidine ratio was useful in localizing abnormalities and characterizing the nature of the polyamine alteration. Proliferative states were associated with elevated spermine/spermidine ratios relative to controls while this relationship was reversed in erythropathies such as hereditary elliptocytosis and sickle cell anemia.
Control of Transcriptional Elongation by RNA Polymerase II: A Retrospective

The origins of our current understanding of control of transcription elongation lie in pioneering experiments that mapped RNA polymerase II on viral and cellular genes. These studies first uncovered the surprising excess of polymerase molecules that we now know to be situated at the at the 5′ ends of most genes in multicellular organisms. The pileup of pol II near transcription start sites reflects a ubiquitous bottle-neck that limits elongation right at the start of the transcription elongation. Subsequent seminal work identified conserved protein factors that positively and negatively control the flux of polymerase through this bottle-neck, and make a major contribution to control of gene expression.
Uncertainty Analysis of a Finite Deformation Viscoelastic Model

The viscoelasticity of the dielectric elastomer, VHB 4910, is experimentally characterized, modeled, and analyzed using uncertainty quantification. These materials are known for their large field induced deformation and applications in smart structures, although the rate dependent viscoelastic effects are not well understood. To address this issue, we first quantify hyperelastic and viscoelastic model uncertainty by comparing a finite deformation viscoelastic model to uni-axial rate dependent experiments. The utilization of Bayesian statistics is shown to provide additional insight into different viscoelastic processes within elastomers. This is demonstrated by coupling two hyperelastic models, an Ogden model and a nonaffine model, to different types of viscoelastic models.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Interleukin-1 inhibits glucose-induced Ca2+ uptake by islets of Langerhans

Recombinant interleukin-1 (rIL-1) is known to inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion by islets of Langerhans, a novel target tissue of cytokine. We have investigated whether rIL-1 pretreatment affects biochemical mechanisms known to be involved in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis during glucose-induced insulin secretion. Glucose-induced Ca2+ uptake by intact islets through the plasma membrane was dramatically inhibited (96%) by rIL-1 (2 nM). rIL-1, however, did not affect Ca2+ uptake by, or Ins 1,4,5-P3-induced Ca2+ efflux from, the endoplasmic reticulum in digitonin-permeabilized islets, although glucose-induced accumulation of inositol trisphosphates was inhibited (38%). These results suggest that perturbation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in islets is involved in inhibition of insulin secretion by rIL-1.
Cesarean delivery in women with genital herpes in washington state, 1989-1991.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the proportion of cesarean deliveries in pregnant women with a history of genital herpes and no active lesions at birth is higher than that in women with no history of genital herpes, and to determine whether this risk was modified by birth facilities' underlying prevalence of cesarean delivery.Methods: This was a retrospective survey. Women who gave birth in Washington state from 1989 to 1991 were identified from the state birth records and were classified as having clinical genital herpes during pregnancy (N = 1,094) or history of genital herpes only (N = 4,163) at delivery. Women without genital herpes (N = 5,257) were randomly selected from remaining births.Results: The main outcome measure was primary cesarean delivery, excluding those performed for indications other than genital herpes. Prevalence of primary cesarean delivery was 59.5% in women with clinical herpes during pregnancy and 12.5% in women with history of herpes, both significantly different from prevalence of 11.2% in unexposed women. Age-adjusted risk for cesarean delivery among women with a history of herpes was 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93, 1.37]. When baseline cesarean delivery prevalence was above 20%, this risk was 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.4; P = 0.058), compared to 1.1 (95% CI: 0.9, 1.3; P = 0.186) where cesarean delivery prevalence was below 20%.Conclusions: Women with history of genital herpes appear to have a slightly elevated risk of cesarean delivery, particularly in hospital settings with baseline prevalence of primary cesarean delivery above 20%. This rate is somewhat lower than that noted in a previous survey, suggesting that practitioners are following standard guidelines. Evaluations of cesarean delivery for genital herpes in other states should be performed.
Enhancement of cell proliferation in various mammalian cell lines by gene insertion of a cyclin-dependent kinase homolog.

Background Genomics tools, particularly DNA microarrays, have found application in a number of areas including gene discovery and disease characterization. Despite the vast utility of these tools, little work has been done to explore the basis of distinct cellular properties, especially those important to biotechnology such as growth. And so, with the intent of engineering cell lines by manipulating the expression of these genes, anchorage-independent and anchorage-dependent HeLa cells, displaying markedly different growth characteristics, were analyzed using DNA microarrays.
Evidence of Multiple Metabolic Routes in Vanadium’s Effects on Layers. Ascorbic Acid Differential Effects on Prepeak Egg Production Parameters Following Prolonged Vanadium Feeding

The development of V toxicity was followed over a 28-d period in 25-wk-old Leghorn layers fed 20 mg ammonium metavanadate/kg diet (Days 1 to 14) followed by 30 mg/kg diet (Days 15 to 28). Then, over a second 28-d period, the responses to V and supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) fed at 500 or 1,000 mg/kg diet (Days 29 to 42) followed by 1,500 or 3,000 mg/kg diet (Days 43 to 56) were examined. Feed consumption, egg weight, Haugh units (HU), and BW measurements indicated that the response to V was multifactorial, but of differing intensities and time-frames for the variables. Haugh units were lowered rapidly (3 d, P < .05) in response to V feeding, but HU values decreased only slightly when dietary V was increased to 30 mg/kg. In contrast, egg production was decreased moderately by 20 mg V/kg and a considerable further reduction in egg production resulted from increasing the V to 30 mg/kg. Ascorbic acid supplementation differentially affected these responses: BW, egg production, and egg weight were improved significantly in the V-fed group receiving an AA supplement, as compared with those fed V only. Haugh unit values, however, were not improved by AA supplementation in groups receiving V. Foam functional properties, which also were changed by V feeding, were not corrected by AA feeding. The results suggest that the toxic effects of V are mediated through more than one physiological mechanism. One mechanism, which includes negative effects on BW, egg production, and egg weight, is responsive to the additional reducing equivalents provided by supplemental AA. Another mechanism, which is apparent from the effect of V on egg HU values, is not ameliorated by AA supplementation after toxicity developed.
Autosomal dominant inheritance of annular pancreas

This report describes a family with apparent autosomal dominant transmission of congenital annular pancreas. Four individuals in two generations were affected; all developed duodenal obstruction. The implications for genetic counseling are discussed.
Critical local-moment fluctuations in the Bose-Fermi Kondo model

We consider the critical properties of the Bose-Fermi Kondo model, which describes a local moment simultaneously coupled to a conduction electron band and a fluctuating magnetic field, i.e., a dissipative bath of vector bosons. We carry out an $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ expansion to higher than linear orders. (Here $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ is defined in terms of the power-law exponent of the bosonic-bath spectral function.) An unstable fixed point is identified not only in the spin-isotropic case but also in the presence of anisotropy. It marks the point where the weight of the Kondo resonance has just gone to zero, and the local moment fluctuations are critical. The exponent for the local spin susceptibility at this critical point is found to be equal to $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ in all cases. Our results imply that a quantum phase transition of the ``locally critical'' type is a robust microscopic solution to Kondo lattices.
Combining information from interlaboratory evaluations using a random effects model

This paper compares leading methods for combining information from interlaboratory evaluations of a common measurand through a random effects model of classical statistics. The leading methods are those of Cochran, Paule and Mandel, and DerSimonian and Laird. We show that all three methods are special cases of a unifying identity. The unifying identity suggests a new two-step method. This makes four methods for comparison. The comparison is based on six published data sets from three key comparisons. The method of Paule and Mandel is optimal in the sense of being conditionally restricted maximum likelihood under normality, the condition being that the estimated intralaboratory variances be treated as the true variances. The method of Paule and Mandel requires a simple iteration that can be easily done on a spreadsheet program. Therefore, it is the preferred method for combining results of interlaboratory evaluations through a random effects model. We compare the other three methods relative to the method of Paule and Mandel. The two-step method approximates the optimal method of Paule and Mandel better than the earlier methods of Cochran, and DerSimonian and Laird.
Primer on the Implementation of a Pharmacy Intranet Site to Improve Department Communication

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to describe the experience of selecting, developing, and implementing a pharmacy department intranet site with commentary regarding application to other institutions. Clinical practitioners and supporting staff need an effective, efficient, organized, and user-friendly communication tool to utilize and relay information required to optimize patient care.Summary: To create a functional and user-friendly department intranet site, department leadership and staff should be involved in the process from selection of product through implementation. A product that supports both document storage management and communication delivery and has the capability to be customized to provide varied levels of site access is desirable. The designation of an intranet site owner/developer within the department will facilitate purposeful site design and site maintenance execution. A well-designed and up-to-date site along with formal end-user training are essential for staff adoption and c...
Prosit, an online service to calculate pseudorotational parameters of nucleosides and nucleotides.

The online service PROSIT (Pseudo-Rotational Online Service and Interactive Tool) is a free service available at http://cactus.nci.nih.gov/prosit/ that performs pseudorotational analysis of nucleosides(tides). PROSIT reads the 3D coordinates of nucleosides and returns the pseudorotational phase angle P, puckering amplitude νmax, and other related information. As examples, the sugar conformations in a parallel-stranded guanine tetraplex and a four-way Holliday junction are presented here.
Hippocampal lesion syndrome: switching to and from a place hypothesis.

Spatial discrimination learning (Experiment I) and strategy shifts (Experiment II) were examined in experimentally lesioned rats. Sixty adult male rats were in one of five lesion groups (N = 12/group): operated controls, fornical, entorhinal, fornicoentorhinal and dorsal-ventral hippocampal. All animals reached criterion on the discrimination learning test. In the strategy shift experiment, however, animals with hippocampal lesions had more difficulty than animals without hippocampal lesions. The findings suggest that the hippocampus may not be involved in learning strategies, but in switching a strategy.