cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of anaerobiosis on root metabolism of Zostera marina (eelgrass): implications for survival in reducing sediments

The temperate seagrass Zostera marina L. typically grows in highly reducing sediments. Photosynthesis-mediated O2 supplied to below-ground tissues sustains aerobic respiration during photosynthetic periods. Roots, however, experience daily periods of anoxia and/or hypoxia at night and under conditions that reduce photosynthesis. Rhizosphere cores of Z. marina were collected in August 1984 from Great Harbor, Massachusetts, USA. We examined short-term anaerobic metabolism of [U-14C]sucrose in excised roots and roots of intact plants. Under anaerobic conditions roots showed appreciable labeling of CO2, ethanol and lactate, and slight labeling of alanine and other metabolites. Over 95% of the 14C-ethanol was recovered in the root exudate. Release of other metabolites from the roots was minimal. Ethanol was also released from hypoxic/anoxic roots of intact plants and none of this ethanol was transported to the shoot under any experimental conditions. Loss of ethanol from roots prevented tissue levels of this phytotoxin from increasing during anaerobiosis despite increased synthesis of ethanol. Anaerobic metabolism of [U-14C]glutamate in excised roots led to appreciable labelling of γ-aminobutyrate, which was known to accumulate in eelgrass roots. Roots recovered to fully aerobic metabolism within 4 h after re-establishment of aerobic conditions. The contributions of these root metabolic responses to the ability of Z. marina to grow in reducing marine sediments are related to light-regulated interactions of shoots and roots that likely dictate depth penetration, distribution and ecological success of eelgrass.
Spectroscopy of coherently coupled whispering-gallery modes in size-matched bispheres assembled on a substrate

Coupling between whispering-gallery modes is studied using imaging spectroscopy in pairs of size-selected (size deviation of <0.03%) spheres in a touching position. In a special geometrical configuration, peculiar shapes resembling kites are observed in the spectral images of bispheres by coupling of multiple pairs of azimuthal modes. The maximal WGM coupling is observed in the equatorial plane of spheres determined by the substrate. The WGM coupling constant is quantified for spheres from 2.9 to 6 μm for such modes.
Fair and affordable? Racial and ethnic segregation and inequality in New York City rental housing

Using New York City as a case study, this article examines the extent to which current affordable rental housing programs and policies violate fair housing standards and exacerbate socio-economic inequality. New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey data are analyzed with Theil's entropy and information indices and logistic regression to pinpoint the sources of racial and ethnic segregation and inequality in specific types of rental housing. This study offers three major findings. First, despite increasing neighborhood diversity, Blacks and Latinos are significantly segregated from Whites, Asians, and other racial and ethnic groups in certain types of affordable housing. Second, race and ethnicity have a greater impact than socio-economic status on which type of housing a family occupies. Third, differences in employment, income, and poverty indicate that affordable housing located within mixed-income, multiple-family dwellings offers significant advantages over cluster developments such as public housing,...
A theory of material requirements planning (MRP): an empirical methodology to reduce uncertainty in MRP systems

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical MRP‡ model which includes both demand and supply uncertainties from quantity and timing variations. The model suggests empirical methodologies to estimate the variances of final outputs and components for estimates of safety stock requirements to reduce uncertainty. The paper suggests methodology for safety stock estimates to alleviate demand uncertainty for trade-to-stock organizations and made-to-order organizations. The paper also suggests methodologies to estimate safety stock for the production systems to alleviate supply uncertainty.
Purified PTP1 protein induces antigen-specific protective immunity against Encephalitozoon cuniculi

Microsporidiosis poses a problem for immunocompromised individuals including patients with HIV infection as well as those with organ transplantation. Recent reports from Africa have suggested that microsporidiosis with diarrhea is an independent risk factor for malnutrition in children. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that CD8+ T cells are an essential component of protective immunity against the microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Mutant mice lacking this T cell subset or cytotoxic function are unable to clear the infection and ultimately succumb to the disease. However, information regarding the antigens involved in the elicitation of CD8+ T cell response is not available. In this study, we report that immunization of animals with Encephalitozoon hellem polar tube protein 1 (rEhPTP1) induces a strong T cell response in vaccinated animals. Splenic dendritic cells pulsed with rEhPTP1 are able to induce E. cuniculi specific CD8+ T cell response with no effect on the CD4+ T cell subset. This is the first report identifying a protein capable of inducing CD8+ T cell immunity, which is conserved in other microsporidial species of human importance.
Making space for trans sexualities.

Exciting work has begun to emerge addressing trans sexuality and partnerships. Miranda Bellwether’s (2010) inaugural zine, Fucking Trans Women (Issue #0), broke ground by centering trans women’s pe...
Sectoral Trends in Global Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Integrated assessment models have been used to project both baseline and mitigation greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. Results of these scenarios are typically presented for a number of world regions and end-use sectors, such as industry, transport, and buildings. Analysts interested in particular technologies and policies, however, require more detailed information to understand specific mitigation options in relation to business-as-usual trends. This paper presents sectoral trend for two of the scenarios produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Emissions Scenarios. Global and regional historical trends in energy use and carbon dioxide emissions over the past 30 years are examined and contrasted with projections over the next 30 years. Macro-activity indicators are analyzed as well as trends in sectoral energy and carbon demand. This paper also describes a methodology to calculate primary energy and carbon dioxide emissions at the sector level, accounting for the full energy and emissions due to sectoral activities.
Crystallographic characterization and molecular symmetry of edestin, a legumin from hemp

Edestin, a legumin class reserve protein from hemp seeds having six identical subunits was crystallized from ammonium phosphate at pH 5 and subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are of space group R32 with a = 127 A and gamma = 116 degrees having an equivalent triply centered hexagonal cell of a = b = 215 A, c = 80 A. There is one hexameric protein in the rhombohedral unit cell, hence the subunits of the Edestin molecule must be arranged with 32 point group symmetry.
Unloading reactions in functional ankle instability

Past studies have suggested that unloading reactions may be a strategy to prevent ankle sprains. This study tested unloading reactions in individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI) in order to better understand this phenomenon. We provoked unloading reactions in 20 individuals with FAI and 18 healthy controls by delivering nociceptive electrical stimulation to the lateral aspect of the ankle during standing. Ground reaction forces, lower extremity kinematics, and EMG activity of five muscles of the lower limb were recorded. Individuals with FAI demonstrated increased and faster body weight unloading after stimulation. This hyper-reactivity may partially account for the sensation of the ankle "giving way" in those with a history of severe ankle sprain and subsequent functional instability.
Gibberellic Acid Treatment Reduces the Tolerance of Field-Grown Common Bean to Leaf Removal

I studied the influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment in a field population of common bean on plant tolerance to leaf removal. Individual bean seedlings were treated with a foliar application of 10 μM GA3 on day 7 and day 14 after emergence, which led to a significant increase in height in GA3-treated plants. Twenty-eight days after emergence, either zero, one, two, or three leaflets from each trifoliate leaf were removed from each of 20 GA3-treated and 20 control plants. All pods were harvested from each plant after plants became senescent 6 weeks later. Multivariate analyses revealed that leaf removal produced significant reductions in several yield components in both GA3-treated and control plants, although the effects were not pronounced until at least two leaflets from each trifoliate leaf (67% of the total leaf area) were removed. However, GA3-treated plants suffered greater reductions in total pod wall mass and total seed number than control plants after 33 and 67% leaf area removal. These results indicate that GA3 treatment may have altered the assimilatory capacity or resource allocation pattern of treated plants in such a way as to decrease their ability to tolerate leaf removal, a negative consequence of the hormonal alteration of traits important to plant compensation for biotic stressors.
A spectrophotometric assay for laccase using o-tolidine

A spectrophotometric method for measuring laccase activity using o-tolidine has been developed. Oxidation of o-tolidine by laccase to a blue colored product corresponded with increases in absorbancies at 366 and 630 nm. This oxidation reaction and increases in absorbance at 366 and 630 nm could also be mimicked using hypochlorite, periodate and UV light in place of laccase. After a lag period, the assay was linear in absorbance with time, although the duration of linear region appeared to be affected by the pH. When assayed from 0.025 to 7 mM tolidine, maximum oxidation of substrate occurred using 3 mM o-tolidine. Oxidation of o-tolidine exhibited a pH dependency and showed an apparent pH optimum at approximately 5.0. The utility of this assay was shown by determining laccase activity in various fungal extracts.
Electroreductive cyclization. A comparison of the electrochemical and analogous chemical (MIRC) reaction

Abstract Several examples which illustrate the contrasting and complementary aspects of electroreductive cyclization and MIRC reactions are presented. A brief mechanistic discussion of the electrochemical reaction is given and two examples of the use of an electrochemically generated base are provided.
Detection of differentially expressed glycogenes in trabecular meshwork of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose To identify differentially expressed glycogenes in trabecular meshwork (TM) of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
A test of a disequilibrium model

Abstract It is shown that an equilibrium model can be written as a nested hypothesis of a disequilibrium model in the sense that the former restricts parameter variations over time. It is then suggested to use the stability tests proposed in the literature for the test of a disequilibrium hypothesis. Fair's (1972) monthly housing market model is used for an empirical illustration, and a sampling experiment is also conducted.
Outsourcing the State? Public-Private Partnerships and Information Technologies in India

Summary. — This paper examines public–private partnerships (PPPs) for development through the example of telecenters in two Indian states. How might a developmental state position itself with respect to civil society under a PPP model of service delivery? We find that each state’s political economy is reflected in its PPP strategy, but that in both states the emerging middle classes rather than the poor benefit most from ongoing telecenter projects. Outsourcing development services to private entities need not ‘‘privatize” the state but does alter the way in which citizens ‘‘see” the state. Service delivery through telecenters becomes a symbol of government efficiency and responsiveness. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Über die copolymerisation von styrol mit propylen nach der methode der perioden‐copolymerisation

Mit Hilfe eines Mischkatalysators nach ZIEGLER-NATTA-BIER, der isotaktische Polystyrolketten langer Lebensdauer erzeugen kann, gelang es nach der Methode der Perioden-Copolymerisation kristalline Copolymere aus Styrol und Propylen herzustellen, die sich in ihren Eigenschaften sowohl vom isotaktischen Polystyrol bzw. isotaktischen Polypropylen als auch von Mischungen dieser beiden unterschieden. With the aid of a mixed catalyst, according to ZIEGLER-NATTA-BIER, the life of the isotactic polystyrene chains can be prolonged, so that with the method of periodic copolymerization crystalline copolymers of styrene and propylene can be produced, which are different in their properties not only from isotactic polystyrene and polypropylene but also from mixture of the two.
Acute, transient urinary retention from combined ecstasy and methamphetamine use

Methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") are synthetic amphetamine analogs that have become increasingly popular, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Many deleterious physiologic effects arising from the use of these agents have been well documented in the medical literature. Urinary retention, however, has rarely been reported as an effect of MDMA or methamphetamine use and is thought to occur as a result of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation of the bladder neck. We report a case of acute, transient urinary retention due to combined MDMA and methamphetamine use with laboratory confirmation.
Implementing an ultrasound-based protocol for diagnosingappendicitis while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

The use of ultrasound to diagnose appendicitis in children is well-documented but not universally employed outside of pediatric academic centers, especially in the United States. Various obstacles make it difficult for institutions and radiologists to abandon a successful and accurate CT-based imaging protocol in favor of a US-based protocol. To describe how we overcame barriers to implementing a US-based appendicitis protocol among a large group of nonacademic private-practice pediatric radiologists while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and decreasing medical costs. A multidisciplinary team of physicians (pediatric surgery, pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric radiology) approved an imaging protocol using US as the primary modality to evaluate suspected appendicitis with CT for equivocal cases. The protocol addressed potential bias against US and accommodated for institutional limitations of radiologist and sonographer experience and availability. Radiologists coded US reports according to the probability of appendicitis. Radiology reports were compared with clinical outcomes to assess diagnostic accuracy. During the study period, physicians from each group were apprised of the interim US protocol accuracy results. Problematic cases were discussed openly. A total of 512 children were enrolled and underwent US for evaluation of appendicitis over a 30-month period. Diagnostic accuracy was comparable to published results for combined US/CT protocols. Comparing the first 12 months to the last 12 months of the study period, the proportion of children achieving an unequivocal US result increased from 30% (51/169) to 53% (149/282) and the proportion of children undergoing surgery based solely on US findings increased from 55% (23/42) to 84% (92/109). Overall, 63% (325/512) of patients in the protocol did not require a CT. Total patient costs were reduced by $30,182 annually. We overcame several barriers to implementing a US protocol. During the study period our ability to visualize the appendix with US increased and utilization of CT decreased. Our overall diagnostic accuracy with the US-based protocol was comparable to other published results and remained unchanged throughout the study.
Directional Wave Spectra Measured with the Surface Contour Radar

Abstract The Surface Contour Radar is a 36-GHz computer-controlled airborne radar which generates a false-color coded elevation map of the sea surface below the aircraft in real-time, and can routinely produce ocean directional wave spectra with post-flight data processing which has much higher angular resolution than pitch-and-roll buoys. When compared with waveriders and the XERB and EDECO pitch-and-roll buoys, there is good agreement among the nondirectional spectra. There is also good agreement among the angles associated with a1, b1, and a2, b2 Fourier coefficients of the spreading function for XERB, ENDECO, and the Surface Contour Radar. There are indications that the pitch-and-roll buoys in this study may have calibration problems with the magnitudes of the Fourier coefficients of the spreading function, and that the radar system determines the Fourier coefficients with significantly less noise and bias. The high spatial resolution and rapid mapping capability over extensive areas make the Surface ...
Photosynthetic Pigments: Perplexing Persistent Prevalence of ‘Superfluous’ Pigment Production

Phycobilins function as light-harvesting pigments in most cyanobacteria and red algae. Although green cyanobacteria of the genus Prochlorococcus express genes encoding enzymes that direct the synthesis of phycobilins, these pigments do not appear to play a role in light harvesting in Prochlorococcus. Now, it is shown that cyanophages infecting Prochlorococcus also contain genes for phycobilin-synthesizing enzymes, and these are expressed in Prochlorococcus, raising further questions as to the role of phycobilins in the host and the virus.
Reactivity of human gamma G erythrocyte autoantibodies with fetal, autologous and maternal red cells.

Summary. Human erythrocyte autoantibodies of the γG (‘warm’) type, representing both ‘Rh-related’ and ‘non-Rh’ specificities, have been found to react strongly with (a) the red cells of 10–12 week human fetuses, (b) Coombs-negative autologous red cells obtained during subsequent remission, and (c) the red cells of the patient's own mother. These findings are interpreted to mean that the erythrocyte antigenic determinants with which such autoantibodies react (1) have an early appearance in ontogeny and, therefore, would have an opportunity to promote natural immunologic tolerance; (2) do not undergo a gross, serologically detectable change as the patient recovers from active hemolytic anemia and enters remission. The observations with maternal red cells indicate that the lymphoid cell population responsible for autoantibody synthesis in these patients does not exhibit selective tolerance toward maternal erythrocyte antigens, as might be expected if hemolytic anemia were caused by activation of a previously dormant colony of maternal lymphoid cells.
Managing Cultural Diversity: North-American Experiences and Suggestions for the German Unification Process

Abstract The aim of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of thinking of assimilation and multiculturalism as strategies for managing cultural diversity. The illustrative case is Germany and its recent unification. These contrasting strategies have been most extensively explored in North America, and these experiences are reviewed through a discussion of the different forms that assimilation and multiculturalism take and the psychological underpinnings each involves. The recent shift in emphasis from assimilation to multiculturalism in Western societies is highlighted, leading to the conclusion that a fundamental contradiction exists between the ideals of meritocracy that pervade these societies and the ideals of collective multiculturalism. En se servant comme exemple de l'unification de l'Allemagne, cet article a pour but d'examiner l'assimilation et le multiculturalisme en tant que strategies utilisees pour gerer la diversite culturelle. Ces deux strategies divergentes ont ete etudiees considerablem...
The ordering of critical periodic points in coordinate space by symbolic dynamics

Abstract In this paper, we study the symbolic dynamics equipped with the DGP product “∗” and the shift operator ϕ conjugate to the unimodal mapping f μ : I ↦ I over the interval I =[−1,1]. We prove two theorems, and give an explicit formula for the rule of ordering the points on the n -tupling periodic trajectory {ϕ k (σ ∗n (p+1))} in coordinate space with arbitrarily large p and n .
Fabrication and component testing results for a Nb/sub 3/Sn dipole magnet

At present, the maximum field achieved in accelerator R&D dipoles is slightly over 10 T, with NbTi conductor at 1.8 K. Although Nb/sub 3/Sn has the potential to achieve much higher fields, none of the previous dipoles constructed from Nb/sub 3/Sn have broken the 10 T barrier. We report here on the construction of a dipole with high current density Nb/sub 3/Sn with a predicted short sample limit of 13 T. A wind and react technique, followed by epoxy impregnation of the fiberglass insulated coils, was used. The problems identified with the use of Nb/sub 3/Sn in earlier dipole magnets were investigated in a series of supplemental tests. This includes measurement of the degradation of Jc with transverse strain, cabling degradation, joint resistance measurements, and epoxy strength tests. In addition, coil assembly techniques were developed to ensure that adequate prestress could be applied without damaging the reacted Nb/sub 3/Sn cable. We report here the results of these tests and the construction status of this 50 mm bore dipole. >
The Effect of Radial Confinement of Explosive on the Impulse delivered to an explosively driven circular plate

The effect of radial confinement of explosive on the impulse delivered to an explosively driven circular plate was investigated numerically. The results are applicable to the design of explosively formed penetrators. Aluminum radial confinement and additional radial explosive were investigated as means of increasing the impulse delivered to the plate. The radial thicknesses were varied from 0% to 10% of the explosive charge diameter with copper plates having thicknesses of 2%, 5% and 8% of the explosive charge diameter. Results show the use of radial confinement to be more effective with thicker plates. The increase in impulse provided by aluminum confinement was as great as 18% with an 8% charge diameter thick plate, compared to 12% with a 2% charge diameter thick plate. Regardless of the plate thickness, additional radial explosive can be more effective than aluminum radial confinement in increasing the impulse. For example a 10% charge diameter thickness of explosive increases the impulse by up to 28%, compared to 18% for the same thickness of aluminum. The results do not exhibit dependence on the method of detonation, nor on the length of the explosive charge.
Comparison of Plasma Viremia and Antibody Responses in Macaques Inoculated with Envelope Variants of Single-Cycle Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Differing in Infectivity and Cellular Tropism

Molecular differences in the envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) determine virus infectivity and cellular tropism. To examine how these properties contribute to productive infection in vivo, rhesus macaques were inoculated with strains of single-cycle SIV (scSIV) engineered to express three different envelope glycoproteins with full-length (TM open ) or truncated (TM stop ) cytoplasmic tails. The 239 envelope uses CCR5 for infection of memory CD4 + T cells, the 316 envelope also uses CCR5 but has enhanced infectivity for primary macrophages, and the 155T3 envelope uses CXCR4 for infection of both naive and memory CD4 + T cells. Separate groups of six rhesus macaques were inoculated intravenously with mixtures of TM open and TM stop scSIV mac 239, scSIV mac 316, and scSIV mac 155T3. A multiplex real-time PCR assay specific for unique sequence tags engineered into each virus was then used to measure viral loads for each strain independently. Viral loads in plasma peaked on day 4 for each strain and were resolved below the threshold of detection within 4 to 10 weeks. Truncation of the envelope cytoplasmic tail significantly increased the peak of viremia for all three envelope variants and the titer of SIV-specific antibody responses. Although peak viremias were similar for both R5- and X4-tropic viruses, clearance of scSIV mac 155T3 TM stop was significantly delayed relative to the other strains, possibly reflecting the infection of a CXCR4 + cell population that is less susceptible to the cytopathic effects of virus infection. These studies reveal differences in the peaks and durations of a single round of productive infection that reflect envelope-specific differences in infectivity, chemokine receptor specificity, and cellular tropism.
Graphical Application of Buckling Equations for a Cylindrical Steel Tunnel Liner with and without Stiffeners

When a tunnel in rock is dewatered, the steel liner is submitted to an external hydrostatic water pressure, and buckling is often the critical failure mode. In the present case, the steel tunnel liner is considered encased by a competent concrete backfill. This paper presents a simplified graphical method for liner failure due to global buckling phenomena. A local buckling phenomenon is also possible in the shell when stiffeners are required. In this case, a criterion is proposed to evaluate the maximum free spacing between stiffeners and the relationship between steel liner thickness and free spacing of stiffeners is developed.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: review of therapy including surgery followed by continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion of chemotherapy

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a very rare disease of children, adolescents, and young adults and involves the abdominal cavity. DSRCT has characteristic fusion gene involving EWS1 and WT1 translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12). Unlike Ewing’s sarcoma of bone, DSRCT usually presents with diffuse peritoneal implants that are prone to recur. The primary organ of origin of DSRCT is mesenchyme of the peritoneum. This makes it a very unique tumor that is difficult to treat because of the infiltrative and diffuse nature of the peritoneum. The challenge of local control is to remove dozens to hundreds of tumors studding the peritoneal cavity, and then eliminate microscopic disease. We review a sequential multimodality strategy to reduce macroscopic and microscopic disease including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aggressive surgery including an emerging new therapy to use after surgery to treat microscopic residual disease: continuous hyperthermic peritoneal chemotherapy, then radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy.
An Integral Approximate Solution to Ablation of a Two-Layer Composite with a Temporal Gaussian Heat Flux

Ablation is the most common approach for thermal management for reentry of the spacecraft to the atmosphere. An analytical solution of the ablation of a two-layer composite, which includes an ablative layer and a nonablative substrate, subject to a Gaussian heat flux is presented in this paper. The problem is divided into five stages and the temperature distributions in both layers in the five stages are obtained using an integral approximate method. The locations of ablation interface, thermal penetration depth, and ablation rate are obtained and the effects of Stefan number, subcooling parameter, thickness of the ablative material, and ratio of thermal diffusivities between two materials are investigated.
HYPOTHYROIDISM INDUCED BY COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE NORMAL THYROID GLAND IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEART DISEASE

During the past 18 months we have treated 75 patients with heart disease by inducing hypothyroidism through complete removal of the normal thyroid gland (1) (2) (3) (4). This procedure has been employed to decrease the demands on the overburdened heart by means of the lowered metabolic rate of hypothyroidism. The treatment of one disease by establishing another is not a new therapeutic concept. The value of such a method of treatment must be determined by weighing the degree of improvement in the original disease against the disadvantages which result from the artificially induced condition. Studies of the beneficial effects of total ablation of the thyroid on heart disease have been reported elsewhere (1) (2) (3) (4). The purpose of this communication is to summarize our clinical and laboratory studies of the development, characteristics, and control of the myxedematous state following complete thyroidectomy in these patients with various types of congestive failure and angina pectoris. This opportunity ...
Physical Activity and Screen Time: Trends in U.S. Children Aged 9 to 13 Years, 2002-2006

Background: We examined trends of physical activity and screen time among nationally representative samples of children aged 9–13 years to explore whether children overall are becoming less physically active and less likely to be in compliance with screen time recommendations. Methods: We analyzed Youth Media Campaign Longitudinal Survey data for trends and demographic patterns of free time and organized physical activity, and hours and minutes of watching television and playing video or computer games. Child-parent dyads for 2002 (N = 3114), 2004 (N = 5177), and 2006 (N = 1200) were analyzed. Results: On the day before the interview, and for free time physical activity in the past week, children reported a significant increase in physical activity from 2002–2006. Screen time levels were stable overall; 76.4% of children met the recommendations of 2 hours or less of daily screen time. Conclusion: Levels of physical activity among U.S. children aged 9–13 years were stable, or levels slightly improved from 2002–2006. Except for some subgroup differences, trends for compliance with screen time recommendations were also stable from 2002–2006 for U.S. children aged 9–13 years.
Will Talking About It Make It Worse? Facilitating Family Conversations in the Context of Chronic and Life-Shortening Illness

This article explores secrecy and openness in the context of chronic and life-shortening illness. Illustrated by clinical work with families at the Center for Families and Health at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, I examine the impact of secrecy on family relationships, including the serious relational price of silence, the danger to physical and emotional well-being, and the formation of triangles. Through the stories of four families, I demonstrate ways to facilitate greater openness when illness pertains. The benefits to families of being able to speak with candor and authenticity are shown. The article concludes with a range of questions to guide the clinician.
Lattice Statics Green's Function for Modeling of Dislocations in Crystals

A lattice statics Green’s function method is described for modeling an edge dislocation in a crystal lattice. The edge dislocation is created by introducing a half plane of vacancies as in Volterra’s construction. The defect space is decomposed into a part that has translation symmetry and a localized end space. The Dyson’s equation for the defect Green’s function is solved by using a defect space Fourier transform method for the translational part and matrix partitioning for the localized part. Preliminary results for a simple cubic model are presented.
Of Medicine, Race, and American Law: The Bubonic Plague Outbreak of 1900

In March of 1900 several cases of bubonic plague were discovered in San Francisco's Chinatom. In response the health authorities, at the instance of the Surgeon General of the United States, sought to implement a series of extraordinarily coercive measures aimed at the city's Asian inhabitants. The measures provoked an uproar among the Chinese, and they determined to challenge them in the federal Circuit Court for the Northern District of California. This essay, based on extensive research in court records, the archives of the U.S. Public Health Service, and press accounts in English and Chinese, documents the complex events that gave rise to the cases of Wong Wai v. Williamson and Jew Ho v. Williamson and the cases themselves as they unfolded in the courts. The cases raised new and dificult questions of fact and of law and tested as few other cases have before or since a court's capacity to act as arbiter between individual rights (and the rights of an ostracized minority at that) and the public interest in a period of acute health emergency.
Delivery of Functional Anti-miR-9 by Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes to Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells Conferred Chemosensitivity.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and lethal tumor of the adult brain, generally shows chemo- and radioresistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate physiological processes, such as resistance of GBM cells to temozolomide (TMZ). Although miRs are attractive targets for cancer therapeutics, the effectiveness of this approach requires targeted delivery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate to the sites of cancers, including GBM. We report on an increase in miR-9 in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. miR-9 was involved in the expression of the drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein. To block miR-9, methods were developed with Cy5-tagged anti-miR-9. Dye-transfer studies indicated intracellular communication between GBM cells and MSCs. This occurred by gap junctional intercellular communication and the release of microvesicles. In both cases, anti-miR-9 was transferred from MSCs to GBM cells. However, the major form of transfer occurred with the microvesicles. The delivery of anti-miR-9 to the resistant GBM cells reversed the expression of the multidrug transporter and sensitized the GBM cells to TMZ, as shown by increased cell death and caspase activity. The data showed a potential role for MSCs in the functional delivery of synthetic anti-miR-9 to reverse the chemoresistance of GBM cells.
Epidermal protection with cryogen spray cooling during high fluence pulsed dye laser irradiation: an ex vivo study.

Background and Objective: Higher laser fluences than currently used in therapy (5‐10 J/cm 2 ) are expected to result in more effective treatment of port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks. However, higher incident fluences increase the risk of epidermal damage caused by absorption of light by melanin. Cryogen spray cooling offers an effective method to reduce epidermal injury during laser irradiation. The objective of this study was to determine whether high laser incident fluences (15‐30 J/cm 2 ) could be used while still protecting the epidermis in ex vivo human skin samples. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Non-PWS skin from a human cadaver was irradiated with a Candela ScleroPlus™ Laser (l = 585 nm; pulse duration = 1.5 msec) by using various incident fluences (8‐30 J/cm 2 ) without and with cryogen spray cooling (refrigerant R-134a; spurt durations: 40‐250 msec). Assessment of epidermal damage was based on histologic analysis. Results: Relatively short spurt durations (40‐100 msec) protected the epidermis for laser incident fluences comparable to current therapeutic levels (8‐10 J/cm 2 ). However, longer spurt durations (100‐250 msec) increased the fluence threshold for epidermal damage by a factor of three (up to 30 J/cm 2 ) in these ex vivo samples. Conclusion: Results of this ex vivo study show that epidermal protection from high laser incident fluences can be achieved by increasing the cryogen spurt duration immediately before pulsed laser exposure. Lasers Surg. Med. 27:373‐383, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Status of the ITER central solenoid model coil program

One of the focal points of the R&D for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Engineering Design Activity (EDA) was the construction of a model coil (CSMC) for the central solenoid and insert coils for test within the model coil. The program was coordinated by the Joint Central Team (JCT) and involved a collaborative effort for component development, coil, and structure manufacture, among the home teams from the European Union (EUHT), Japan (JAHT), Russian Federation (RFHT) and the United States (USHT). The 180 tonne coils and structure have now been installed in a test facility at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Naka, Japan and testing will begin late in 1999. An overview of the system, program history and testing goals are given in this paper.
Clock routing for high-performance ICs

Routing techniques for optimizing clock signals in small-cell (e.g., standard-cell, sea-of-gate, etc.) application-specific ICs (ASICs) are addressed. In previously reported works, the routing of a clock net has been performed using ordinary global routing techniques based on a minimum spanning or minimal Steiner tree that have little understanding of clock-routing problems. The authors present a novel approach to the clock-routing that all but eliminates clock skew and yields excellent phase delay results for a wide range of chip sizes, net sizes (pin count), minimum feature sizes, and pin distributions on both randomly created and standard industrial benchmarks. For certain classes of pin distributions a decrease in skew with an increase in net size was proven theoretically and observed experimentally. A two to three order magnitude reduction in skew when compared to a minimum rectilinear spanning tree was observed. >
Effects of Adrenergic and Cholinergic Agents Upon Insulin Secretion in Vitro

Adrenergic drugs (epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol) inhibit insulin secretion from pieces of rat pancreas incubated with glucose (150 mg/100 ml). This inhibitory effect appears to be mediated through alphareceptors for it is blocked by alpha- but little affected by beta-blocking agents. Cholinergic drugs (acetyl choline and carbamyl choline) have a stimulant effect using media containing glucose in low concentrations (100 mg/100 ml), and this effect is suppressed by simultaneous addition of atropine. These observations suggest that the autonomic nervous system may play a role in the control of insulin secretion under physiological conditions. (Endocrinology 80: 975, 1967)
1992 Senior Researcher Award Acceptance Address

Albert LeBlanc is the recipient of the MENC's 1992 Senior Researcher Award. The following speech was presented on April 10, 1992 at the business meeting of the Society for Research in Music Education at the National Biennial In-Service Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Suppressive effect of elongation factor 2 on apoptosis induced by HIV-1 viral protein R.

Rapid CD4+ lymphocyte depletion due to cell death caused by HIV infection is one of the hallmarks of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) induces apoptosis and is believed to contribute to CD4+ lymphocyte depletion. Thus, identification of cellular factors that potentially counteract this detrimental viral effect will not only help us to understand the molecular action of Vpr but also to design future antiviral therapies. In this report, we describe identification of elongation factor 2 (EF2) as such a cellular factor. Specifically, EF2 protein level is responsive to vpr gene expression; it is able to suppress Vpr-induced apoptosis when it is overproduced beyond its physiological level. EF2 was initially identified through a genome-wide multicopy suppressor search for Vpr-induced apoptosis in a fission yeast model system. Overproduction of fission yeast Ef2 completely abolishes Vpr-induced cell killing in fission yeast. Similarly, overexpression of the human homologue of yeast Ef2 in a neuroblastoma SKN-SH cell line and two CD4+ H9 and CEM-SS T-cell lines also blocked Vpr-induced apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic property of EF2 is demonstrated by its ability to suppress caspase 9 and caspase 3-mediated apoptosis induced by Vpr. In addition, it also reduces cytochrome c release induced by Vpr, staurosporine and TNFα. The fact that overproduction of EF2 blocks Vpr-induced cell death both in fission yeast and human cells, suggested that EF2 posses a highly conserved anti-apoptotic activity. Moreover, the responsive elevation of EF2 to Vpr suggests a possible host innate antiviral response.
Sustainable Engineering: The Future of Structural Design

Structural engineers face significant challenges in the 21st century and among them, global environmental challenges must be a priority for our profession. On a planet with finite natural resources and an ever-growing built environment, engineers of the future must consider the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of structural design. To achieve a more sustainable built environment, engineers must be involved at every stage of the process. To address the broad issue of sustainability for structural engineers, this paper is divided into three sections: 1) Global environmental impact: The trends in steel and concrete consumption worldwide illustrate the growing environmental impact of structural design. In particular, the emissions of greenhouse gases due to structural materials are a primary global concern that all structural engineers should consider. 2) Solutions for today: There are many steps that each structural engineer can take to mitigate the environmental impact of structural design. Furthermore, there is growing demand for engineers who are knowledgeable of environmental issues in construction. This section presents several options that are available today for engineers interested in reducing environmental impacts. Case studies will illustrate examples of more sustainable structural design. 3) Challenges for the future: Although short-term solutions exist to reduce the environmental impact of construction, there are significant long-term challenges that we must address as a profession. By facing these challenges, we can take a leadership role in matters of vital global importance. In summary, the paper identifies the global sustainability challenges facing our profession and suggests possible solutions. The conclusion is that structural engineering has an enormous global environmental impact and our profession should work harder to offer solutions to society. Working for a more sustainable built environment is in the best interest of our profession as well as the interest of future generations.
Impact of Cis-proline analogs on peptide conformation

The beta-turn is a common motif in both proteins and peptides and often a recognition site in protein interactions. A beta-turn of four sequential residues reverses the direction of the peptide chain and is classified by the phi and psi backbone torsional angles of residues i + 1 and i + 2. The type VI turn usually contains a proline with a cis-amide bond at residue i + 2. Cis-proline analogs that constrain the peptide to adopt a type VI turn led to peptidomimetics with enhanced activity or metabolic stability. To compare the impact of different analogs on amide cis-trans isomerism and peptide conformation, the conformational preference for the cis-amide bond and the type VI turn was investigated at the MP2/6-31+G** level of theory in water (polarizable continuum water model). Analogs stabilize the cis-amide conformations through different mechanisms: (1) 5-alkylproline, with bulky hydrocarbon substituent on the C(delta) of proline, increases the cis-amide population through steric hindrance between the alkyl substituent and the N-terminal residues; (2) oxaproline or thioproline, the oxazolidine- or thiazolidine-derived proline analog, favors interactions between the dipole of the heterocyclic ring and the preceding carbonyl oxygen; and (3) azaproline, containing a nitrogen atom in place of the C(alpha) of proline, prefers the cis-amide bond by lone-pair repulsion between the alpha-nitrogen and the preceding carbonyl oxygen. Preference for the cis conformation was augmented by combining different modifications within a single proline. Azaproline and its derivatives are most effective in stabilizing cis-amide bonds without introducing additional steric bulk to compromise receptor interactions.
Multimetric macroinvertebrate indices for mid-continent US great rivers

AbstractWe developed a set of great-river macroinvertebrate indices of condition (GRMINs) for the littoral benthos of mid-continent great rivers in the US (Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio). We used a multiscale (site, reach, landscape), multimetric abiotic stressor gradient to select macroinvertebrate assemblage metrics sensitive to human disturbance. We used the same stressor gradient to derive reference expectations by empirical modeling. We developed GRMINs for each of 5 reaches: the upper Missouri River, the lower Missouri River, the unimpounded Upper Mississippi River, the impounded Upper Mississippi River, and the Ohio River. We created 2 versions of each index. One version was based on the absolute value (AV) of the correlation between invertebrate metrics and the stressor gradient and potentially included all types of metrics (e.g., diversity, composition, tolerance to pollution, feeding guild). The second version included no tolerance-value-based metrics (NTV). Each index included up to 10 ...
Prospective randomized trial comparing EUS and EGD for transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts (with videos)

Background Although prior studies evaluated the role of EUS and EGD for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, there are no randomized trials that compared the technical outcomes between both modalities. Objective To compare the rate of technical success between EUS and EGD for transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. Study design A prospective randomized trial. Setting A tertiary-referral center. Patients Those with a history of pancreatitis and symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts that measured greater than 4 cm in size who were referred for endoscopic transmural drainage. Patients with pancreatic abscess or necrosis were excluded. Main Outcome Measurements Technical success was defined as the ability to access and drain a pseudocyst by placement of transmural stents. Complications were assessed at 24 hours and at day 30. Treatment success was defined as the complete resolution or decrease in size of the pseudocyst to ≤2 cm on CT in association with clinical resolution of symptoms at 6 weeks of follow-up. Results Thirty patients were randomized to undergo pseudocyst drainage by EUS (n = 15) or EGD (n = 15) over a 6-month period. Of the 15 patients randomized to EUS, drainage was not undertaken in one, because an alternative diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma was established at EUS and was excluded (after randomization) from analysis. The mean age of the patients was 47 years; 62% were men (18/29). Except for their sex, there was no difference in patient or clinical characteristics between the 2 cohorts. Although all the patients (n = 14) randomized to an EUS underwent successful drainage (100%), the procedure was technically successful in only 5 of 15 patients (33%) randomized to an EGD ( P P = .48) or as-treated analysis (95.8% vs 80%; P = .32). Major procedure-related bleeding was encountered in 2 patients in whom drainage by EGD was attempted; one resulted in death and the other necessitated a blood transfusion. No significant difference was observed between EUS and EGD with regard to complications either by ITT (0% vs 13%; P = .48) or as-treated analyses (4% vs 20%; P = .32). Technical success was significantly greater for EUS than EGD, even after adjusting for luminal compression and sex (adjusted exact odds ratio 39.4; P = .001). Limitation Short duration of follow-up. Conclusions When available, EUS should be considered as the first-line treatment modality for endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts given its high technical success rate.