cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Gene Transcription to Assess Ecological and Anthropological Stressors in Brown Bears

Increasingly, population- and ecosystem-level health assessments are performed using sophisticated molecular tools. Advances in molecular technology enable the identification of synergistic effects of multiple stressors on the individual physiology of different species. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are an apex predator; thus, they are ideal candidates for detecting potentially ecosystem-level systemic perturbations using molecular-based tools. We used gene transcription to analyze 130 brown bear samples from three National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. Although the populations we studied are apparently stable in abundance and exist within protected and intact environments, differences in transcript profiles were noted. The most prevalent differences were among locations. The transcript patterns among groups reflect the influence of environmental factors, such as nutritional status, disease, and xenobiotic exposure. However, these profiles also likely represent baselines for each unique environment by which future measures can be made to identify early indication of population-level changes due to, for example, increasing Arctic temperatures. Some of those environmental changes are predicted to be potentially positive for brown bears, but other effects such as the manifestation of disease or indirect effects of oceanic acidification may produce negative impacts.
Concordance of Advertised Cigarette Prices with Purchase Receipts in the United States.

Objectives Researchers and regulators study the advertised price of tobacco products to evaluate compliance with minimum price policies, tax increases, and geodemographic marketing. However, few studies report reliability of advertised price and none address its concordance with receipt price. Methods In a sample of US tobacco retailers (N=1972), data collectors purchased the leading brand of non-menthol or menthol cigarettes, recorded advertised prices, whether sales tax was included and price was discounted. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed for the same measures by different observers (reliability), and for receipt and advertised pack price (validity). Discrepancy between receipt and advertised price was modeled as a function of store type and presence of a discount. Results Advertised price was assessed reliably (ICCs = 0.74 to 0.87) and concordance with receipt price was near perfect (ICCs = 0.96 to 1.00). Prices were identical in 77.7% of stores for Marlboro and 78.1% for Newport. Differences between receipt and advertised price were related to store type and presence of a discount for Marlboro, but not for Newport. Conclusions Findings validate a common measure of cigarette price in research on minimum price compliance, effects of tax increase and industry marketing.
Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide1–108 Circulates in the General Community: Plasma Determinants and Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate circulating pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP1–108) in the general community and evaluate its ability to detect left ventricular (LV) d...
Problems in Program Development and the Development of Alternatives

Until very recently, only a few articles in community psychology have addressed the particular problems, needs, and alternatives confronting the rural community psychologist. This chapter addresses the unique difficulties inherent in the development, implementation, and evaluation of traditional and alternative services in rural areas. The key assumption is that the basic problems are not founded in the more obvious hindrances to rural programs (such as fewer professionals or larger geographic areas requiring service) but in the patterns and processes of rural life that professionals, often trained in urban areas or at large universities, are not aware of on initial entrance into rural areas. Programs, models, and original research are described to illustrate the alternatives available to the rural community psychologist.
Introduction to Kinetic Theory

The fluid theory we have been using so far is the simplest description of a plasma; it is indeed fortunate that this approximation is sufficiently accurate to describe the majority of observed phenomena. There are some phenomena, however, for which a fluid treatment is inadequate. For these, we need to consider the velocity distribution function ƒ(v) for each species; this treatment is called kinetic theory. In fluid theory, the dependent variables are functions of only four independent variables: x, y, z, and t. This is possible because the velocity distribution of each species is assumed to be Maxwellian everywhere and can therefore be uniquely specified by only one number, the temperature T. Since collisions can be rare in high-temperature plasmas, deviations from thermal equilibrium can be maintained for relatively long times. As an example, consider two velocity distributions ƒ1(v x ) and ƒ2(v x ) in a one-dimensional system (Fig. 7-1). These two distributions will have entirely different behaviors, but as long as the areas under the curves are the same, fluid theory does not distinguish between them.
Reference Disciplines of Decision Support Systems

This chapter identifies the roots of decision support system (DSS) research and empirically investigates the intellectual relationship between the DSS subspecialties and the reference disciplines, using author cocitation analysis of an author cocitation frequency matrix derived from an extensive database of DSS literature covering the period of 1971 through 1999. The chapter traces a unidirectional flow of intellectual materials to the DSS area from its reference disciplines to probe how concepts and findings by researchers in the contributing disciplines have been picked up by DSS researchers to be applied, extended, and refined in the development of DSS research subspecialties. Author cocitation analysis uncovers several contributing disciplines including multiple-criteria decision making, cognitive science, organization science, artificial intelligence, psychology, communication theory, and systems science.
The transpiration ratios of Agave americana L. and Zea mays L. as affected by soil water potential

Selection of crops with a high water use efficiency (a low transpiration ratio, TR) is one approach to water conservation in semi-arid regions. The TR is the ratio of the amount of transpiration to dry weight gain. In a greenhouse experiment, unstressed agave (Agave americana L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) had TRs of 114 and 133, respectively. Under stress, the TR of corn increased to 166, but remained at 114 for agave. The ability of agave to survive for many weeks without water and then to resume its usual functions after irrigation, with no change in TR, suggests that further research with succulents as possible crops in semi-arid lands may be useful.
Television and Political Advertising : Volume I: Psychological Processes

This volume represents one of the first major scholarly effort to unravel the psychological and symbolic processing of political advertising. Utilizing survey, experimental, qualitative, and semiotic methodologies to study this phenomenon, the contributors to Television and Political Advertising trace how political ads help to interpret the psychological reality of the presidential campaign in the minds of millions of voters. A product of the National Political Advertising Research Project, this interdisciplinary effort is valuable to researchers in advertising, communication, and consumer psychology since it helps define future work on the relationship between television, politics, and the mind of the voter. This volume, Television and Political Advertising: Psychological Processes, is the first of two, and covers such topics as Models and Theories for Viewing Political Television; Psychological Processing of Issues, Images, and Form; Differential Processing of Positive and Negative Advertising; and The Psychological Contexts of Processing.
Tracheoesophageal fistula: Bridging the gap by over-the-scope clip services

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) can be congenital or acquired. Acquired TOF can be caused by iatrogenic or traumatic or due to malignancy with pulmonary infection or aspiration being the presenting symptom. Management of TOF is associated with high mortality and morbidity and remains an interdisciplinary challenge. In general, depending on the size and location of the tracheal aspect of the fistula, surgical therapy involves primary repair of the fistula and, if necessary, resection and reconstruction of the trachea. We present two cases of iatrogenic TOF following surgery successfully closed using over-the-scope clips. This report also compares both the Ovesco and Padlock clip devices.
World-Imagining from Below

In this chapter I tease out the relationships among the globe in globalization discourse, the world in world literature, and the planet/earth at stake in environmental discourse, emphasizing how claims to planetary citizenship sound radically different depending on the position from which they are articulated. The emergent universalism of much planet-talk offers one more occasion to forget about colonial exploitation and continuing modes of immiseration and inequality. Still, I am struck by the ethical appeal of a recurrent trope of world-imagining from below, wherein marginalized subjects situate their own precarious local condition within a broader, transnational context. World-imagining from below, I argue, offers glimpses of a subaltern planetary subjectivity—grittier than the Apollonian view from high above the earth.
Core-to-specimen energy coupling results of the first modern fueled experiments in TREAT

Abstract A series of experiments was recently conducted in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility following a decades-long operational hiatus. A series of physics tests were then performed emphasizing relevant transients for Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuels research. A series of fueled experiments were then conducted using LWR-type sub-length specimens in inert gas capsules with the primary objective to quantify the ratio of nuclear heat deposited in the core to that deposited in the specimens. This type of data can be difficult to measure but is highly important in the design and interpretation of transient tests. Five fueled capsules were irradiated and energy coupling factors (which express the ratio of nuclear heat deposited per mass in the test specimen to that deposited in the reactor core in units of J/gUO2MJTREAT) were observed ranging from 2.0 to 2.2 over a wide range of transient energies with good agreement between measurement methods.
Unrelenting Depression and Suicidality in Women with Autistic Traits.

Understanding the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that link autistic traits and risk for suicide is a vital next step for research and clinical practice. This study included a broad sample of adult women (n = 74) who report finding social situations confusing and/or exhausting, and who score high on measures of autistic traits. Regardless of autism diagnostic status, these women reported high rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Depression symptoms were more associated with suicidality than were autistic trait measures of social communication. Measures of neurotypical “imagination” and of repetitive behavior likewise were associated with suicidality risk. Simultaneously feeling sad and feeling stuck or unable to imagine alternate strategies, may uniquely increase suicide risk in autism.
A Caenorhabditis elegans Model for Integrating the Functions of Neuropsychiatric Risk Genes Identifies Components Required for Normal Dendritic Morphology

Analysis of patient-derived DNA samples has identified hundreds of variants that are likely involved in neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). While these studies couple behavioral phenotypes to individual genotypes, the number and diversity of candidate genes implicated in these disorders highlights the fact that the mechanistic underpinnings of these disorders are largely unknown. Here, we describe a RNAi-based screening platform that uses C. elegans to screen candidate neuropsychiatric risk genes (NRGs) for roles in controlling dendritic arborization. To benchmark this approach, we queried published lists of NRGs whose variants in ASD and SCZ are predicted to result in complete or partial loss of gene function. We found that a significant fraction (>16%) of these candidate NRGs are essential for dendritic development. Furthermore, these gene sets are enriched for dendritic arbor phenotypes (>14 fold) when compared to control RNAi datasets of over 500 human orthologs. The diversity of PVD structural abnormalities observed in these assays suggests that the functions of diverse NRGs (encoding transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, molecular chaperones and cytoskeleton-related proteins) converge to regulate neuronal morphology and that individual NRGs may play distinct roles in dendritic branching. We also demonstrate that the experimental value of this platform by providing additional insights into the molecular frameworks of candidate NRGs. Specifically, we show that ANK2/UNC-44 function is directly integrated with known regulators of dendritic arborization and suggest that altering the dosage of ARID1B/LET-526 expression during development affects neuronal morphology without diminishing aspects of cell fate specification.
Preliminary Assessment of a Telehealth Approach to Evaluating, Treating, and Discharging Low-Acuity Patients With Suspected COVID-19.

Abstract Background Telemedicine is uniquely positioned to address challenges posed to emergency departments (EDs) by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By reducing in-person contact, it should decrease provider risk of infection and preserve personal protective equipment (PPE). Objectives To describe and assess the early results of a novel telehealth workflow in which remote providers collaborate with in-person nursing to evaluate and discharge well-appearing, low-risk ED patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. Methods Retrospective chart review was completed 3 weeks after implementation. Metrics include the number of patients evaluated, number of patients discharged without in-person contact, telehealth wait time and duration, collection of testing, ED length of stay (ED-LOS), 72-h return, number of in-person health care provider contacts, and associated PPE use. Results Among 302 patients evaluated by telehealth, 153 patients were evaluated and discharged by a telehealth provider with reductions in ED-LOS, PPE use, and close contact with health care personnel. These patients had a 62.5% shorter ED-LOS compared with other Emergency Severity Index level 4 patients seen over the same time period. Telehealth use for these 153 patients saved 413 sets of PPE. We observed a 3.9% 72-h revisit rate. One patient discharged after telehealth evaluation was hospitalized on a return visit 9 days later. Conclusion Telehealth can be safely and efficiently used to evaluate, treat, test, and discharge ED patients suspected to have COVID-19. This workflow reduces infection risks to health care providers, PPE use, and ED-LOS. Additionally, it allows quarantined but otherwise well clinicians to continue working.
Progress in Structural Biology of Solute Carriers

The solute carrier (SLC) family is the second largest family of membrane proteins in the human genome which transports a broad spectrum of substrates such as neurotransmitters, amino acids, lipids, ions, and drugs across cellular membranes. Mutagenesis or malfunction of many SLCs can cause a wide range of disorders. In the past few years, the importance of the family member was raised in several contexts. The structural and functional studies of SLCs are gradually increasing recently. Here, the surge of SLC structural studies since 2017 were summarized in several aspects, which include the “very first” structures disclosed in certain SLC families; methodologies used in preparing SLC proteins, determination of structures, and functional assays; vital information obtained from SLC structures; the role of lipids; and some other unanswered questions. This review may provide valuable information for the direction of future structural investigation on solute carriers.
A Compact LIF Spectrometer for in-Field Operation in Polar Environments.

We present a compact laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectrometer prototype (SFIDA–405) designed for in-field operation in polar environments. It uses 405 nm excitation to acquire LIF spectra in the 450–930 nm spectral range on a solid surface via an optical-fiber coupled measurement head. The prototype (battery powered; module + measurement head weight: <1.6 kg) is controlled via a military-grade smartphone and has a limit of detection for chlorophyll better than 5 ng/cm2. The instrument was successfully tested during two summer field campaigns in the Arctic (Svalbard Islands) and Antarctic (Southern Victoria Land) regions for studying biological soil crusts. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first LIF spectrometer used in situ in Antarctica to acquire LIF spectra directly on biological soil crusts. Finally, the paper also suggests the use of the SFIDA–405 prototype for different application fields.
Supporting treatment adherence regimens in children with epilepsy: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of a family-tailored education and problem-solving behavioral intervention, Supporting Treatment Adherence Regimens (STAR), in young children (2-12 years old) with new onset epilepsy compared to an attention control (i.e., education only [EO]) intervention. Participants randomized to the STAR intervention were hypothesized to demonstrate significantly improved adherence at postintervention and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits compared to the EO intervention. Seizure and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes were also examined. METHODS Two hundred children with new onset epilepsy and their caregivers were recruited during routine epilepsy clinic visits. Baseline questionnaires were completed, and electronic adherence monitors were provided. Participants with adherence less than 95% during the run-in period were randomized to either STAR or EO intervention. Active intervention was provided to both groups for 4 months. Questionnaires were completed at conclusion of the active intervention phase and three follow-up time points (3, 6, and 12 months). Group differences in adherence, seizure outcomes, and HRQOL were examined using regression-based analyses of covariance and longitudinal mixed effect linear or logistical models. RESULTS Adherence at 12-month follow-up was significantly different between the STAR (mean = 82.34, SD = 21.29) and EO intervention groups (mean = 61.77, SD = 28.29), with the STAR group demonstrating 20.6% greater adherence (b = 19.11, p = .04, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-37.22, d = .83). No significant differences were found between groups in seizure and HRQOL outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE A family-based behavioral adherence intervention demonstrated sustained adherence improvements 1 year following epilepsy diagnosis compared to an epilepsy-specific education intervention. STAR is an efficacious adherence intervention that can easily be implemented into routine epilepsy care.
Assay of serum folate: difference in serum folate values obtained by L. casei bioassay and competitive protein-binding assay.

The assay of folate in human serum was performed by both L. casei bioassay and radioassay with d,l-L-N 5 -methyl tetrahydrofolate as the standard for both. The correlation coefficient for serum samples analyzed by both methods was 0.54. The mean molar N 5 -methyl-FH 4 value was 3.08 times the mean molar serum pteroylglutamic acid (PGA) value when sera were analyzed by L. casei bioassay with both N 5 -methyl-FH 4 and PGA as standards.
Disparate Data Sets Resolve Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri) Taxonomy: Implications for Behavioral Ecology and Biomedical Usage

Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) are the most commonly used neotropical (platyrrhine) monkeys in biomedical research; however, no consensus exists as to the phylogenetic relationships amongst geographic variants or whether these variants represent species or subspecies. Here we report a strongly supported squirrel monkey phylogeny, congruent across multiple data sets, including new field data and the first molecular (mtDNA) cladogram. These data support species-level classification for the three major groups in this study. Approximately the same amount of molecular divergence exists among Saimiri oerstedii, S. sciureus, and S. boliviensis. The S. sciureus/S. oerstedii ancestor diverged from S. boliviensis and shortly thereafter S. sciureus and S. oerstedii diverged. Until now, lack of a robust taxonomy has hindered exploitation of the massive potential of Saimiri for comparative studies. No other primate genus displays such widely divergent, genetically-based social behaviors. Our taxonomy also provides robust support for previous warnings against the widespread use of hybrid squirrel monkeys as research models.
Determination of bulk diffusion lengths for angle-lapped semiconductor material via the scanning electron microscope: A theoretical analysis

A standard procedure for the determination of the minority carrier diffusion length by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) consists in scanning across an angle-lapped surface of a P-N junction and measuring the resultant short circuit current I sub sc as a function of beam position. A detailed analysis of the I sub sc originating from this configuration is presented. It is found that, for a point source excitation, the I sub sc depends very simply on x, the variable distance between the surface and the junction edge. The expression for the I sub sc of a planar junction device is well known. If d, the constant distance between the plane of the surface of the semiconductor and the junction edge in the expression for the I of a planar junction is merely replaced by x, the variable distance of the corresponding angle-lapped junction, an expression results which is correct to within a small fraction of a percent as long as the angle between the surfaces, 2 theta sub 1, is smaller than 10 deg.
Singularities in fully developed turbulence

Abstract Phenomenological arguments are used to explore finite-time singularity (FTS) development in different physical fully-developed turbulence (FDT) situations. Effects of spatial intermittency and fluid compressibility in three-dimensional (3D) FDT and the role of the divorticity amplification mechanism in two-dimensional (2D) FDT and quasi-geostrophic FDT and the advection–diffusion mechanism in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence are considered to provide physical insights into the FTS development in variant cascade physics situations. The quasi-geostrophic FDT results connect with the 2D FDT results in the barotropic limit while they connect with 3D FDT results in the baroclinic limit and hence apparently provide a bridge between 2D and 3D.
The Impact of Predisposition Towards Group Work on Intention to Use a CSCW System

Groupware packages are increasingly being used to support content delivery, class discussion, student to student and student to faculty interactions and group work on projects. This research focused on groupware packages that are used to support students who are located in different places, but who are assigned group projects as part of their coursework requirements. In many cases, students are being asked to use unfamiliar technologies that are very different from those that support personal productivity. For example, computer-assisted cooperative work (CSCW) technology is different from other more traditional, stand-alone software applications because it requires the user to interact with the computer as well as other users. However, familiarity with the technology is not the only requirement for successful completion of a group assigned project. For a group to be successful, it must also have a desire to work together on the project. If this pre-requisite is not present within the group, then the technology will only create additional communication and coordination barriers. How much of an impact does each of these factors have on the acceptance of CSCW technology? The significance of this study is threefold. First, this research contributed to how a user's predisposition toward group work affects their acceptance of CSCW technology. Second, it helped identify ways to overcome some of the obstacles associated with group work and the use of CSCW technology in an academic online environment. Finally, it helped identify early adopters of CSCW software and how these users can form the critical mass required to diffuse the technology. This dissertation reports the impact of predisposition toward group work and prior computer experience on the intention to use synchronous CSCW. It was found that predisposition toward group work was not only positively associated to perceived usefulness; it was also related to intention to use. It also found that perceived ease of use, at least in this study, had a direct and positive impact on intention, and was not mediated through perceived usefulness. These findings hold implications for academia and how it uses complex collaborative software. Avenues for further research are identified.
THE JUDICIAL REGIME OF ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE AND THE EFFECTS OF MARRIAGE ANNULMENT

We have chosen to put together this study with the intent of examining the judicial regime of marriage annulment and the effects of marriage annulment. Such action involves researching the rules which govern absolute annulment or relative annulment of marriage, who can invoke annulment, the term in which it can be invoked, if annulment can or can’t be reclaimed. The second part of the study discusses the effects of the annulment of marriage.
Bifurcation and post-buckling analysis of laminated composite plates via reduced basis technique

A reduced basis technique and a problem-adaptive computational algorithm are presented for the bifurcation and post-buckling analysis of laminated anisotropic plates. The computational algorithm can be conveniently divided into three distinct stages. The first stage is that of determining the bifurcation point. The plate is discretized by using displacement finite element (or finite difference) models. The special symmetries exhibited by the response of the anisotropic plate are used to reduce the size of the analysis region. The vector of unknown nodal parameters is expressed as a linear combination of a small number of basis vectors, and a Rayleigh-Ritz technique is used to approximate the finite element equations by a small system of algebraic equations. The reduced equations are used to determine the bifurcation point and the associated eigenmode of the panel. In the second stage of the bifurcation buckling mode is used to obtain a nonlinear solution in the vicinity of the bifurcation point and new (updated) sets of basis vectors and reduced equations are generated. In the third stage the reduced equations are used to trace the post-buckling paths. The effectiveness of the proposed technique for predicting the bifurcation and post-buckling behavior of plates is demonstrated by means of numerical examples for plates loaded by means of prescribed edge displacements.
Single facility due date setting with multiple customer classes

We consider the interrelated problems of 1 quoting a due date to each customer arriving to a production system modeled as a single-server queue and 2 sequencing customer orders once they are in the system. We allow several different classes of customers, each with different preferences for lead time and price. We first formulate the problem of quoting due dates under the assumption that customer orders are processed on a FCFS basis. Next, we consider the case where the firm has the option to schedule orders in other than FCFS order. For this case, we develop a heuristic for quoting due dates and sequencing orders. Simulation results suggest that policies that take into account customer price and due date preferences in scheduling and quoting due dates significantly outperform due date setting policies that do not.
Recovery from Osteopenia in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

Osteopenia is a frequent complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). To determine whether the deficit in bone mineral changes during the course of this illness, we studied 15 adolescent patients prospectively for 12-16 months using dual photon absorptiometry of the spine and whole body. At follow-up, mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) had increased significantly, although 6 girls had further weight loss or minimal gain (less than 1.2 kg). Spontaneous menses occurred in 2 girls, and 3 others were given estrogen replacement. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine did not change significantly (mean +/- SD, 0.836 +/- 0.137 vs. 0.855 +/- 0.096 g/cm2), while whole body bone mineral density increased (0.710 +/- 0.118 vs. 0.773 +/- 0.105; P less than 0.05). Despite gains in bone mineral, 8 patients had osteopenia of the spine and/or whole body. Changes in weight, height, and BMI were significant predictors of change in bone mineral density. Increased bone mass occurred with weight gain before return of menses; conversely, weight loss was associated with further decreases in bone density. In 1 patient who failed to gain weight, estrogen therapy resulted in increased spinal, but not whole body, bone mineral. We also studied a second group of 9 women who had recovered from AN during adolescence. All 9 had normal whole body bone mineral for age, but 3 had osteopenia of the lumbar spine. We conclude that osteopenia in adolescents with AN reflects bone loss, perhaps combined with decreased bone accretion. Weight rehabilitation results in increased bone mineral before the return of menses. Estrogen may have an independent effect on bone mass. The persistence of osteopenia after recovery indicates that deficits in bone mineral acquired during adolescence may not be completely reversible.
Quantum Logic Gate Model for G Protein Coupled Receptors

Presented is an investigation into how G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) derive their function from information encoded in their structure. Embedded in GPCRs, are two potentially coupled aspartate residues that are fundamental to receptors' ligand response properties. To better understand the interaction picture of these residues, a model was developed. In the model, protein geometry was treated as a lattice described by Gaussian network theory. Lattice nodes are defined as the positions of Cα atoms, and the wavefunction describing their pairwise interactions represents a multilevel system, with a logical qubit embedded in the ground state. Increasing the population of the ground state is achieved through a reduction of local lattice vibrational entropy. Since lattice vibrational entropy is modulated by the degree of correlation between nodes, it is therefore dependent upon equilibrium fluctuations of nodes in a given network arrangement. To investigate equilibrium fluctuations in different lattice configurations, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on different GPCR conformations. Results from the simulations demonstrated that the structure of an intermediate agonist bound conformation has reduced vibrational entropy. Further statistical analysis suggests that the intermediate conformation has a high potential to induce proton coherence through delocalization in a water wire. Since NMR experiments support this mechanism, it is proposed that the experimental GPCR free energy surface describes a biological quantum logic gate.
Using Inquiry to Improve Pedagogy through K-12/University Partnerships

This article focuses on the impact a collaborative project between university graduate fellows and K-12 classroom teachers had on improved pedagogy in the classroom and in the future at the university. Nine teams participated in a yearlong professional development project to improve pedagogy and communication skills of the participants. This study shows that the participants, the fellows and the K-12 teacher partners, made changes in planning, implementation, and even motivation for using inquiry-based methods in their classroom. External observations of the teams further support the individuals' claims of improved pedagogy using inquiry and impact on student conceptual understanding. The Horizon Classroom Observation instrument was used for these observations. The teams showed an overall increase in scores, as well as overall effective and exemplarily implementation of their planning. The program design, the implementation, and the results of this three-year study will be elaborated in this article.
The earliest Gullah/aave texts: A case of 19th-century mesolectal variation

L'A. examine les premiers textes ecrits en gullah et en anglais vernaculaire afro-americain dans la seconde moitie du 19 e siecle. Il propose une analyse grammaticale des principaux composants de ces textes: le verbe et le complexe verbal, qui representent l'aspect le plus caracteristique de la grammaire du gullah, les pronoms et les noms
Nodal Signaling via an Autocrine Pathway Promotes Proliferation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem/Progenitor Cells through Smad2/3 and Oct-4 Activation

Spermatogenesis is the process that involves the division and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells into spermatozoa. However, the autocrine molecules and signaling pathways controlling their fate remain unknown. This study was designed to identify novel growth factors and signaling pathways that regulate proliferation, differentiation, and survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. To this end, we have for the first time explored the expression, function, and signaling pathway of Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, in mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. We demonstrate that both Nodal and its receptors are present in these cells and in a spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell line (C18-4 cells), whereas Nodal is undetected in Sertoli cells or differentiated germ cells, as assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Nodal promotes proliferation of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells and C18-4 cells, whereas Nodal receptor inhibitor SB431542 blocks their propagation as shown by proliferation and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Nodal knockdown by RNA interference results in a marked increase of cell apoptosis and a reduction of cell division as indicated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling and proliferation assays. Conversely, overexpression of Nodal leads to an increase of cell proliferation. Nodal activates Smad2/3 phosphorylation, Oct-4 transcription, cyclin D1, and cyclin E expression, whereas SB431542 completely abolishes their increase. Together, Nodal was identified as the first autocrine signaling molecule that promotes proliferation of mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells via Smad2/3 and Oct-4 activation. This study thus provides novel and important insights into molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells.
Abandoned bodies and spaces of sacrifice: Pesticide drift activism and the contestation of neoliberal environmental politics in California

Abstract Recent research suggests that many key strands of California’s agrofood activism appear to accommodate, rather than confront, the neoliberalization of environmental governance, and that such accommodations might problematically constrain the transformative potential of activists’ work. In this paper, I examine the case of pesticide drift activism in California, which, as an exception to this trend, provides a provocative and useful case study for interrogating the influence of neoliberalization on social/environmental activism. I argue that California’s pesticide drift activism can be understood as a reaction to the spaces of sacrifice created and exacerbated by the failure of unionization-based pesticide reform efforts, a promising but compromised regulatory apparatus, longstanding farmworker powerlessness, neoliberal regulatory rollback, and neoliberalized pesticide politics – a mosaic of factors that have worked together to produce a regulatory structure that has always been better at registering pesticides than at reducing pollution. I show that pesticide drift activists’ reliance on confrontational practice, collective action, and strategic alliances have been crucial to the movement’s success with bringing visibility to this issue and with gaining traction in the political arena. Thus, at the same time that neoliberalization can exacerbate physical spaces of sacrifice, this case study illustrates that it can also, unexpectedly perhaps, generate new, non-neoliberal political spaces for social change.
Effect of Antibody on the Rickettsia-Host Cell Interaction

A recent study demonstrated that polyclonal antibodies to Rickettsia conorii and monoclonal antibodies to outer membrane proteins A (OmpA) and B (OmpB) provided effective, Fc-dependent, passive immunity, even in severe combined immunodeficient mice with an established infection. In order to determine the mechanism of protection, mouse endothelial and macrophage-like cell lines were infected with R. conorii that had been exposed to polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies to OmpA or OmpB, Fab fragments of the polyclonal antibodies, or normal serum or that were left untreated. At 0 h, Fc-dependent antibody enhancement of R. conorii adherence to endothelial and macrophage-like cell lines was inhibited by the presence of normal serum, suggesting Fc receptor-mediated adherence of opsonized rickettsiae. At 3 h, the opsonized rickettsiae had been internalized. After 72 h, inhibited survival of rickettsiae exposed to polyclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies to OmpA or OmpB was evident compared with growth of untreated and normal serum-treated and polyclonal Fab antibody-treated R. conorii. Polyclonal antibodies and an anti-OmpB monoclonal antibody inhibited the escape of R. conorii from the phagosome, resulting in intraphagolysosomal rickettsial death. At 48 h of infection, rickettsicidal activity of macrophages by opsonized rickettsiae was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, superoxide dismutase, mannitol, or supplemental L-tryptophan, and endothelial rickettsicidal activity against opsonized rickettsiae was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, superoxide dismutase, catalase, or supplemental L-tryptophan. Thus, Fc-dependent antibodies protected against R. conorii infection of endothelium and macrophages by opsonization that inhibited phagosomal escape and resulted in phagolysosomal killing mediated by nitric oxide, reactive oxygen intermediates, and L-tryptophan starvation.
What Evidence is Available on End-of-life (EOL) Care and Latino Elders? A Literature Review

Background:Low-income and minority persons, such as Latinos, encounter substantial barriers in accessing effective end-of-life (EOL) care. This study intends to review current evidence on how to de...
A Fortran IV Program for Scoring Written Simulations

A FORTRAN IV written simulation test scoring program for an IBM 370 computer is described that provides individual scores and basic item analysis data. The program accommodates up to 3500 options with an unlimited number of option scoring weights from a group of examinees numbering less than 10,000.
Cytokines that regulate autoimmune responses.

Abstract Autoimmune responses are controlled by complex regulatory circuits. Previous work has revealed that factors controlling autoimmunity can act both as potentiating and inhibitory agents, depending upon the site and timing of exposure. Recent advances in this complex field have at least partially uncovered the mechanism whereby these regulatory molecules participate in autoimmune processes. IL-12 production in the absence of infection may predispose to autoimmunity. IL-4 and transforming growth factor β may suppress autoreactive T cells. Proinflammatory cytokines may ameliorate autoimmunity, dependent on the timing and level of production. In many cases, cytokines may act via antigen-presenting cells.
Social Security is not for Babies: Trends and Policies Affecting Older Women in the United States

In the first year of the new century, over a million American women officially entered the ranks of “the elderly” by reaching their 65th birthday (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1999). What can they expect of government policy? To what extent will the nation's economic support systems respond to their needs? And what about their daughters' and their babies'? This article considers two broad social trends that determine public policy responses to the needs of the elderly: shifting fertility patterns and labor force participation of women. The implications of these trends for income security in old age are considered, followed by recommendations for new approaches to family policy in the United States. The article closes by suggesting that in the 21st century Social Security should be for babies.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic cavity using a paused 3DFT acquisition technique.

Abstract A new pulse sequence designed for magnetic resonance imaging of the entire thoracic cavity is described. This sequence, called 3DPAUSE, is a rapid three-dimensional Fourier transform (3DFT) sequence with periodic pauses for breathing and additional rf pulses after each pause to restore the magnetization to steady-state before data acquisition resumes. Cardiac motion artifacts are effectively removed by signal averaging. Respiratory motion artifacts are removed by breath hold. Image artifacts caused by an inadequate number of pauses or by inappropriate placement of the pauses within a scan are shown, and ways to avoid these artifacts are discussed. 3DPAUSE provides the ability to acquire three-dimensional arrays in the thoracic cavity with minimal artifacts from respiratory and cardiac motions in a clinically reasonable time.
Extracellular potentials from skeletal muscle

Abstract A mathematical model for the calculation of volume-conducted field potentials from active skeletal muscle fibers in an anisotropic extracellular medium is developed, based on the principles of electromagnetic field theory (details of this derivation are given in Appendix I). Two specific cases are considered for a finite volume conductor: (a) the single active muscle fiber located arbitrarily within the anisotropic volume conductor and (b) the single active motor unit consisting of a group of active muscle fibers activated by a single motor nerve. The motor unit may also have an arbitrary distribution of component fibers, and these fibers may be activated either synchronously or asynchronously with an arbitrary excitation pattern. The model is shown to be useful in the prediction of surface electromyographic (EMG) waveforms due to the activity of bioelectric sources lying within the anisotropic muscle medium that constitutes the volume conductor. Thus this field theoretic model represents a first approximation to the study of multifiber activity and its contribution to the surface EMG.
Bianchi identities, electromagnetic waves, and charge conservation in the P**4 theory of gravitation and electromagnetism

The Bianchi identities for theP(4)=O(1, 3) ⊗ℝ4* theory of gravitation and electromagnetism are decomposed into the standardO(1, 3) Riemannian Bianchi identity plus an additional ℝ4* component. When combined with the Einstein-Maxwell affine field equations the ℝ4* components of theP(4) Bianchi identities imply conservation of magnetic charge and the wave equation for the Maxwell field strength tensor. These results are analyzed in light of the special geometrical postulates of theP(4) theory. We show that our development is the analog of the manner in which the Riemannian Bianchi identities, when combined with Einstein's field equations, imply conservation of stress-energy-momentum and the wave equation for the LanczosH-tensor.
GROWTH HORMONE INCREASES OVARIAN LEVELS OF IMMONOREACTIVE SOMATOMEDIN C/INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR I IN VIVO.

The hypothesis that GH may affect gonadal function by increasing local levels of the GH-dependent somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) was tested. Ovine GH (200 μg) was injected into immature, hypophysectomized, estrogen-treated female rats; animals were sacrificed 8 or 12 h later. Renal and ovarian homogenates were acid extracted and chromatographed over Sephadex G-50. Eight h after GH injection, 3.6 to 6.4-fold increases in immunoreactive IGF I (IR-IGF I) levels were observed in either ovarian or renal extracts subjected to acid chromatography. Twelve h after GH treatment, IR-IGF I levels remained elevated, but were lower than after 8 h. In neither case could IR-IGF I levels be accounted for by serum contamination. IR-IGF I eluted with an apparent mol wt near that of synthetic human IGF I in both kidney and ovary. Thus, GH can directly increase ovarian and renal tissue IR-IGF I levels in vivo. Taken with previous observations showing a direct gonadotropin-enhancing effect of IGF I on rat g...
An experimental technique to measure x-ray production and detection efficiencies in the analytical electron microscope

Abstract A technique has been developed to experimentally determine the effective X-ray production and detection efficiencies in the analytical electron microscope. Effective X-ray production rates were measured as a function of thickness in Si, Al, Fe, and Cu pure element standards. Cliff-Lorimer K -factors determined experimentally were compared to those calculated by Zaluzec. Results indicate that this procedure is a valuable supplement to the multi-element standard technique especially in cases where multi-element standards cannot be prepared.
Stimulation by thyrotropin of synthesis of poly(A)-RNA and non-poly (A)-RNA in rat thyroid tissue.

Abstract The in vivo stimulation by thyrotropin of the synthesis of poly(A)-RNA and non-poly(A)-RNA in thyroid tissue was studied in 18 day old male rats. Each rat was injected with 0.25 ml of saline or of thyrotropin (0.25 unit) 4 hr or 8 hr before killing. Rats were injected with 3H-uridine 2 to 4 hr before sampling of thyroid tissue. Poly(A)-RNA and non-poly(A)-RNA were isolated by oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography. Poly(A)-RNA accounts for about 3.5% of total cellular RNA; the specific activity of labeled poly(A)-RNA was 4–7 fold greater than that of non-poly(A)-RNA. A stimulation of about 40% and 90% over the control values was observed in the incorporation of 3H-uridine into poly(A)-RNA and non-poly(A)-RNA, respectively, in thyroid 4 to 8 hr after hormonal injection. The RNA contents of thyroid from hormone-treated rats did not change during the same time period. The stimulation of synthesis of poly(A)-RNA and non-poly(A)-RNA in thyroid was tissue specific insofar as these phenomena were not seen in liver or brain tissues.