cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardioinductive Network Guiding Stem Cell Differentiation Revealed by Proteomic Cartography of Tumor Necrosis Factor α‐Primed Endodermal Secretome

In the developing embryo, instructive guidance from the ventral endoderm secures cardiac program induction within the anterolateral mesoderm. Endoderm-guided cardiogenesis, however, has yet to be resolved at the proteome level. Here, through cardiopoietic priming of the endoderm with the reprogramming cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), candidate effectors of embryonic stem cell cardiac differentiation were delineated by comparative proteomics. Differential two-dimensional gel electrophoretic mapping revealed that more than 75% of protein species increased >1.5-fold in the TNFalpha-primed versus unprimed endodermal secretome. Protein spot identification by linear ion trap quadrupole (LTQ) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and validation by shotgun LTQ-Fourier transform MS/MS following multidimensional chromatography mapped 99 unique proteins from 153 spot assignments. A definitive set of 48 secretome proteins was deduced by iterative bioinformatic screening using algorithms for detection of canonical and noncanonical indices of secretion. Protein-protein interaction analysis, in conjunction with respective expression level changes, revealed a nonstochastic TNFalpha-centric secretome network with a scale-free hierarchical architecture. Cardiovascular development was the primary developmental function of the resolved TNFalpha-anchored network. Functional cooperativity of the derived cardioinductive network was validated through direct application of the TNFalpha-primed secretome on embryonic stem cells, potentiating cardiac commitment and sarcomerogenesis. Conversely, inhibition of primary network hubs negated the procardiogenic effects of TNFalpha priming. Thus, proteomic cartography establishes a systems biology framework for the endodermal secretome network guiding stem cell cardiopoiesis.
Mitochondrial quality control and age-associated arterial stiffening

Stiffening of large elastic arteries with age increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. We investigated the role of mitochondrial quality control (QC, i.e., mitophagy and biogenesis) in arterial stiffening with aging. In C57BL6 mice, aging was associated with impaired aortic expression of mitochondrial QC mediators, greater activation of the mitochondrial redox/stress sensor p66shc, elevated superoxide production and increased arterial stiffness-as indicated by ~25% higher aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). In old mice, supplementation with trehalose, a nutraceutical reported to enhance mitophagy, normalized mitochondrial QC markers, p66shc activation and superoxide production, and reduced aPWV and aortic collagen I (a structural protein that confers stiffness). In vitro experiments suggested that mitochondrial QC processes were enhanced in the aortas from old trehalose-treated mice, and in aortic rings studied ex vivo, both aging and treatment with the mitochondrial stressor rotenone were associated with increases in p66shc activation and intrinsic mechanical stiffness, whereas co-incubation with trehalose prevented these effects. Taken together, these findings suggest that mitochondrial stress/dysfunction as a result of impaired mitochondrial QC contributes to large elastic artery stiffening with age. Enhancing mitochondrial QC with agents such as trehalose may be a novel strategy for reducing age-associated arterial stiffness and CVD.
Spectral and inhibitory interactions of methylenedioxyphenyl compounds with southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) midgut microsomes

Abstract Characteristics of the Type III optical difference spectra of 13 methylenedioxyphenyl compounds in NADPH-fortified armyworm midgut microsomes varied with the nature of the substituents in the aromatic ring. Compounds with electron-donating substituents yielded spectra with large 427 458 nm peak ratios, whereas those with electron-withdrawing groups exhibited low 427 458 nm peak ratios. Small amounts of carbon monoxide were generated during incubation of the 4,5-dihalo derivatives with midgut microsomes, and cis- and trans-methylenedioxycyclohexanes exhibited spectra with a major Soret peak at about 430 nm and a very weak absorbance maximum at about 480 nm. Formation of the Type III spectral complex occurred very rapidly and was associated with a marked decrease (up to 72%) in cytochrome P-450 levels as measured by carbon monoxide binding. Although a 24% reduction of cytochrome P-450 was observed in the absence of any measureable 458-nm spectral complex a linear relationship existed between further decreases in the cytochrome and the increase in Type III complex formation (458 nm). Inhibitory potencies of the compounds towards aldrin epoxidase and benzopyrene hydroxylase activities were not clearly correlated with either spectral complex formation or decrease in cytochrome P-450 and it is apparent that different factors are involved in the inhibition of different monooxygenase reactions.
Fragmentation and multiperipheral dynamics: A connection through unitarity☆

Abstract A rapidity space decomposition of s-channel unitarity implies interdependence between production mechanisms. The presence of a low multiplicity diffractive production channel shadows the multiperipheral mechanism while the high multiplicity multiperipheral channel shadows the diffractive mechanism in the high produced mass region. The first effect results in negative contributions to the effective two-pomeron cut. Pomeron couplings to elastic and inelastic channels then require a cut structure which evades decoupling theorems. For hard cuts there is a connection between the relative amount of diffractive production and the dip in d σ el PP / d t at −t = 1, 2 GeV 2 c 2 at ISR. The consequent cut to pole strength is 10–20%. It is conjectured that the situation described here resembles the approach to a phase transition in the multiperipheral gas.
The Achilles' Heel of HIV Treatment for Prevention: History of Sexually Transmitted Coinfections among People Living with HIV/AIDS Receiving Antiretroviral Therapies.

Background: Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) offer promising new avenues for HIV prevention. Unfortunately, people infected with HIV who have co-occurring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more infectious than suggested by the amount of virus in their peripheral blood. We examined the history of sexually transmitted coinfections in people living with HIV. Methods: People living with HIV/AIDS completed confidential computerized interviews that assessed history of STI, sexual behaviors, and STI knowledge. Results: Among 414 men and 156 women currently receiving ART, 53% had been diagnosed with at least 1 STI since testing HIV positive; 24% women, 19% men, and 11% transgender persons had been diagnosed with an STI in the past year. History of STI was associated with younger age, greater STI knowledge, substance use, and ART nonadherence. Conclusions: Aggressive strategies for detecting and treating STI in people receiving ART will be necessary to achieve protective benefits.
Generation of higher fullerenes in flames

The presence of fullerenes up to C116 was observed in condensable material from a benzene/oxygen flame. The flame material was Soxhlet-extracted with toluene for 363 h, fractionationed by means of a silica-based semipreparative HPLC column, and analyzed by HPLC coupled to a mass spectrometer via a heated nebulizer interface using a 2-(1-pyrenyl)ethylsilica stationary phase. UV−vis spectra were measured for C60, C60O, C60·CH4, C70, C70O, C76, C78, C80, C84, a C84 adduct, C86, C88, C90, C92, C94, C96, C98, C100, C102, and C108. Isomers could be discerned for C78, C90, and C94. A calibration using external standards was performed for C60, C70, C76, C78, and C84. For all other species the relative abundances were estimated based on HPLC peak integration results. Electric arc soot was extracted under similar conditions and the quantification of fullerenes compared to the data obtained with flame-generated condensable material. Except for C60 and C76, the abundances were significantly higher in the case of flam...
Fiber-optic gyroscope using an air-core photonic-bandgap fiber

We show theoretically and experimentally that the use of an air-core photonic-bandgap fiber in a fiber-optic gyroscope can drastically reduce the noise and phase drift caused by Rayleigh backscattering as well as non-reciprocal and thermal effects.
Different functional boundaries for the major antigenic region of two cytochromes c.

Abstract The antigenic sites of horse and rat cytochromes c in the major antigenic region were compared using a panel of variant cytochromes c and a large number of BALB/c mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in competitive ELISAs. The major antigenic region of cytochrome c is located on the surface opposite of that containing the exposed heme crevice. mAbs specific for this region on rat cytochrome c were affected in binding by amino acid substitutions at positions 62 and at one or more of positions 3, 100, 103, and 104 but not by a substitution at position 89. In contrast, mAbs specific for the same region on horse cytochrome c were affected by amino acid substitutions at positions 62, (probably) 60, and 89. Some, but not all, of the anti-horse cytochrome c mAbs were affected by amino acid substitutions at one or more of positions 3, 100, 103, and 104. Thus, the functional boundaries of this antigenic region are different for these two cytochromes c, as shown primarily by the differential effects of residue 89. This distinction is most likely due to one or more of the four amino acid differences between horse and rat cytochromes c on the antigenic surface that result in different physicochemical properties for the horse and rat proteins. The results suggest that as yet unidentified physicochemical parameters, possibly surface topography and/or charge distribution, influence the focusing of antibodies onto the surface of a protein antigen.
When the Girls Still Wore Headscarves: Integration and Belonging in an After-School Center in Berlin

This study is centered on a youth center in Berlin, Germany, that serves migrant females. It draws on the anthropology of performance and the concept of “friction” to argue for an understanding of performances of belonging, where migrant girls stage acts of inclusion through creative encounters with the forces of integration to negotiate social effects. The study itself seeks to intervene in integration discourses in Germany primarily through nuance and complication of how belonging (and by implication integration) is performed by young migrant women, rather than evaluation of the degree of integration. This study gives insight to the practical effects of integration policy on the ground as it is enacted, challenged, and shaped by those it is intended for. It adds to the scholarship on belonging, with consideration for educational intervention, with special attention to the role of creative performativity and agency.
Comments on spectral analysis of core data

In a recent issue of Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology Schnitker (1982) suggested that f luctuations in benthic foraminiferal populations are rhythmic and occur with periodicities ranging from 350 to 5000 years. Schnitker speculated that these cycles are related to characteristic turnover times in deep ocean circulation. While Schnitker 's final interpretat ion of North Atlantic paleo-oceanography may be valid we contend that it rests on a statistically weak foundat ion. In particular, we believe that Schnitker (1982) did no t use sufficient caution in assessing the effects of sample interval and temporal trends on spectral analysis. The highest f requency that can be resolved in any t ime-dependent data set is called the Nyquist f requency and is the reciprocal of twice the t ime interval between adjacent samples (Blackman and Tukey, 1958; Imbrie and Kipp, 1970). It is impor tant to note tha t in order to identify a spectral peak at the Nyquist f requency, it must be assumed that one-point peaks in the data are real. Ledbet ter and Ellwood (1976) have pointed out that many processes including random depositional events, sampling and analytical variations and (we add) stratigraphic problems including sporadic changes in sedimentation rate all lead to a lack of confidence in one-point peaks. They therefore suggest that a sample interval of 0.25 cycles per sample, rather than the 0.5 cycles per sample at the Nyquist f requency, is a more prudent sample interval for geologic data. We add that the unsmoothed spectral estimate at the Nyquist f requency has only one degree of f reedom, compared to two at all o ther frequencies. Fur thermore , the highest f requency that can be resolved in smoothed spectra is no t even as high as the Nyquist f requency. Schnitker (1982) analyzed two cores f rom the western North Atlantic. To place the down-core samples in a time framework he used the stratigraphy described in Balsam and Heusser (1976) and Schnitker (1979). The sedimentat ion rates in these cores are highly variable; in core V26--176 the rate varies f rom 11.2 to 37.4 cm per 1000 years, whereas in core GPC-5 it varies f rom 16.2 to 143.9 cm per 1000 years. Because of the wide variation in sedimenta t ion rates in these cores it is impor tant to know the shortest period that can be resolved between adjacent stratigraphic markers at Schnitker 's
The synteratogenic effect of lead and cadmium.

Bleisalze verursachten fotale Missbildungen der Kaudalregion, wenn sie trachtigen Gold-hamstern am 8. Tage injiziert wurden. Kadmiumsalze hingegen verursachten hauptsachlich Gesichts-, Augen und Gehirndefekte. Die hier beschriebenen Befunde zeigen, dass die Kombination dieser beiden Teratogene zu wesentlich reduzierten Gesichtsmissbildungen, aber erheblich potenzierten Kaudalskelettmissbildungen (Sympus) fuhrt.
Gender, jealousy, and attachment: A (more) thorough examination across measures and samples

Abstract We examined the role of attachment and gender on responses to hypothetical sexual and emotional infidelity. Unlike previous studies, both categorical and continuous attachment style and infidelity distress measures were administered to separate samples of college students and adults. Consistent with previous jealousy research, we found moderate gender differences on forced-choice measures of infidelity distress but smaller differences on continuous measures. However, across all analyses, attachment style was not a significant predictor. We discuss this failure to replicate Levy and Kelly (2010) and provide suggestions for future research.
Rhodium in basic zeolite Y: A stable, selective catalyst for CO hydrogenation

Abstract Zeolite-entrapped rhodium carbonyl clusters were prepared by reductive carbonylation of [Rh(CO) 2 (acac)] in the pores of zeolite Y made basic by treatment with NaN 3 . The samples were characterized as CO hydrogenation catalysts at 1–20 atm, 225–325 °C and H 2 /CO feed molar ratios of 0.5–3.0. Rh carbonyl clusters were formed and evidently entrapped in the strongly basic zeolite, and the catalyst was active for CO hydrogenation, at low conversions giving a non-Schulz-Flory distribution of C 1 –C 5 hydrocarbons with high olefin to paraffin ratios. The catalyst was stable, operating at 300 °C and 20 atm with a H 2 /CO molar ratio of 1 for more than two weeks with no significant loss in activity and selectivity. High partial pressures of CO (or CO + H 2 ) stabilize the catalyst. The predominant rhodium species are suggested to be rhodium carbonyl clusters trapped in the zeolite cages. The results suggest opportunities for synthesis of metal clusters in strongly basic zeolites and for application of encaged metal clusters as catalysts for shape-selective conversions of synthesis gas.
Modification of Milkfat Physical Properties by Immobilized Pseudomonas fluorescens Lipase

A bifunctional fusion protein was constructed by fusion of the streptavidin gene from Streptomyces avidinii to the lipase gene from Pseudomonas fluorescens, and the resulting streptavidin−lipase was expressed in Escherichia coli. Immobilized streptavidin−lipase was prepared by direct bioselective adsorption from crude cell lysates on biotinylated controlled-pore glass and used to catalyze interesterification of anhydrous butteroil. Changes in the triacylglycerol composition indicated that those with equivalent carbon numbers (ECN) ranging from 36 to 42 decreased, while those with ECN values from 48 to 50 increased following interesterification for 120 h in hexane at 42 °C. Both the melting temperatures and the solid fat content at various temperatures were lower as compared to those of the unmodified butteroil. Addition of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic, yielded modified butteroils with lower melting points and solid fat content, whereas addition of saturated fatty acids, palmitic and ste...
Unbiased Approaches to Biomarker Discovery in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia have several important features in common. They are progressive, they affect a relatively inaccessible organ, and we have no disease-modifying therapies for them. For these brain-based diseases, current diagnosis and evaluation of disease severity rely almost entirely on clinical examination, which may be only a rough approximation of disease state. Thus, the development of biomarkers—objective, relatively easily measured, and precise indicators of pathogenic processes—could improve patient care and accelerate therapeutic discovery. Yet existing, rigorously tested neurodegenerative disease biomarkers are few, and even fewer biomarkers have translated into clinical use. To find new biomarkers for these diseases, an unbiased, high-throughput screening approach may be needed. In this review, I will describe the potential utility of such an approach to biomarker discovery, using Parkinson’s disease as a case example.
Ordinal Optimization of DEDS

In this paper we argue thatordinal rather thancardinal optimization, i.e., concentrating on finding good, better, or best designs rather than on estimating accurately the performance value of these designs, offers a new, efficient, and complementary approach to the performance optimization of systems. Some experimental and analytical evidence is offered to substantiate this claim. The main purpose of the paper is to call attention to a novel and promising approach to system optimization.
Electroencephalographic changes following direct current deep brain stimulation of auditory cortex: a new model for investigating neuromodulation.

BACKGROUND Although deep brain (DBS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are used as investigative tools and therapies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Therefore, there is a need for new animal models of neuromodulation. OBJECTIVE To introduce and validate a direct current DBS (DC-DBS) model that will use the anatomic precision of intracranial electrodes, as used in DBS, to apply direct current, as used in tDCS, over primary auditory cortex (A1) and induce electroencephalographic (EEG) changes. METHODS Twenty-four mice were assigned to 1 of 2 stimulation groups or a sham group and were implanted with electrodes in A1. Stimulation groups underwent DC-DBS stimulation for 20 minutes at 20 μA. Auditory EEG was recorded before stimulation and at 1 hour, 1 week, and 2 weeks poststimulation. EEG was analyzed for changes in N1 (N100 in humans, N40 in mice) amplitude and latency as well as delta and theta power. RESULTS DC-DBS led to significant EEG changes (all P values < .05). Among the stimulated animals, there were durable reductions in delta and theta power. There were no differences within the sham group, and neither N40 latencies nor amplitudes changed across time. CONCLUSION Our results show DC-DBS-induced reductions in slow-wave activity consistent with recent tDCS studies. We propose that this model will provide a means to explore basic mechanisms of neuromodulation and could facilitate future application of DC-DBS in humans.
Rapid detection of convallatoxin using five digoxin immunoassays.

AbstractContext. Cardiac glycosides of plant origin are implicated in toxic ingestions that may result in hospitalization and are potentially lethal. The utility of commonly available digoxin serum assays for detecting foxglove and oleander ingestion has been demonstrated, but no studies have evaluated the structurally similar convallatoxin found in Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley) for rapid laboratory screening, nor has digoxin immune Fab been tested as an antidote for this ingestion. Objective. We aimed to (1) evaluate multiple digoxin assays for cross-reactivity to convallatoxin, (2) identify whether convallatoxin could be detected in vivo at clinically significant doses, and (3) determine whether digoxin immune Fab could be an effective antidote to convallatoxin. Materials and methods. Cross-reactivities of purified convallatoxin and oleandrin with five common digoxin immunoassays were determined. Serum from mice challenged with convallatoxin was tested for apparent digoxin levels. Binding of ...
Acireductone Dioxygenase 1 (ARD1) Is an Effector of the Heterotrimeric G Protein β Subunit in Arabidopsis

Heterotrimeric G protein complexes are conserved from plants to mammals, but the complexity of each system varies. Arabidopsis thaliana contains one Gα, one Gβ (AGB1), and at least three Gγ subunits, allowing it to form three versions of the heterotrimer. This plant model is ideal for genetic studies because mammalian systems contain hundreds of unique heterotrimers. The activation of these complexes promotes interactions between both the Gα subunit and the Gβγ dimer with enzymes and scaffolds to propagate signaling to the cytoplasm. However, although effectors of Gα and Gβ are known in mammals, no Gβ effectors were previously known in plants. Toward identifying AGB1 effectors, we genetically screened for dominant mutations that suppress Gβ-null mutant (agb1-2) phenotypes. We found that overexpression of acireductone dioxygenase 1 (ARD1) suppresses the 2-day-old etiolated phenotype of agb1-2. ARD1 is homologous to prokaryotic and eukaryotic ARD proteins; one function of ARDs is to operate in the methionine salvage pathway. We show here that ARD1 is an active metalloenzyme, and AGB1 and ARD1 both control embryonic hypocotyl length by modulating cell division; they also may contribute to the production of ethylene, a product of the methionine salvage pathway. ARD1 physically interacts with AGB1, and ARD enzymatic activity is stimulated by AGB1 in vitro. The binding interface on AGB1 was deduced using a comparative evolutionary approach and tested using recombinant AGB1 mutants. A possible mechanism for AGB1 activation of ARD1 activity was tested using directed mutations in a loop near the substrate-binding site.
The Placement Success of Graduate Programs in Political Science: 1960–1972

(1977). The Placement Success of Graduate Programs in Political Science: 1960–1972. Teaching Political Science: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 367-390.
Interaction of several mono- and dihydroxybenzene derivatives of various depigmenting potencies with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-melanin

Certain mono- and dihydroxybenzene derivatives cause depigmentation of skin and hair, and appear to be selectively cytotoxic for melanized pigment cells. As direct physical and/or chemical interaction between depigmenter (DP) and pigment melanin may play a role in depigmentation, we have carried out preliminary studies in model systems where such interactions may easily be separated from effects due to tyrosinase, melanosomal proteins, and other components. We have used synthetic l-3,4-hydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)-melanin as a protein-free model pigment and potassium ferricyanide as a model electron acceptor. Compounds studied were catechol, 4-t-butylcatechol, 4-methylcatechol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydroquinone, 4-methoxyphenol, 4-t-butylphenol, and 2,6, di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. These compounds vary widely in their ability to depigment hair and skin. Ferricyanide reduction by DP in the presence and absence of melanin was monitored spectrophotometrically. The sparingly soluble BHT and 4-t-butylphenol did not reduce ferricyanide in the absence or presence of melanin. For the other compounds, kinetic analysis demonstrated direct interaction between each DP and melanin. Except for dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, reduction kinetics were consistent with a mechanism involving noninteractive binding of both DP and ferricyanide to melanin prior to coupled electron transfer through the melanin backbone. Kinetic analysis afforded KB, a thermodynamic constant (M−1) for DP-melanin binding, and k′, a rate parameter (M s−1) for electron transfer. A dimensionless enhancement factor (EF) was defined as k′KBks, with ks a pseudo-first-order constant (s−1) for ferricyanide reduction in the absence of melanin. Depending on the reductant, melanin either retards (EF 1) the rate of ferricyanide reduction. There appears to be a direct relationship between EF and depigmenting potency. There is no relationship between depigmenting power and the ability per se of the DP to bind to melanin or to reduce ferricyanide.
Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: A Tutorial with R and BUGS

There is an explosion of interest in Bayesian statistics, primarily because recently created computational methods have finally made Bayesian analysis obtainable to a wide audience. Doing Bayesian Data Analysis, A Tutorial Introduction with R and BUGS provides an accessible approach to Bayesian data analysis, as material is explained clearly with concrete examples. The book begins with the basics, including essential concepts of probability and random sampling, and gradually progresses to advanced hierarchical modeling methods for realistic data. The text delivers comprehensive coverage of all scenarios addressed by non-Bayesian textbooks--t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparisons in ANOVA, multiple regression, and chi-square (contingency table analysis). This book is intended for first year graduate students or advanced undergraduates. It provides a bridge between undergraduate training and modern Bayesian methods for data analysis, which is becoming the accepted research standard. Prerequisite is knowledge of algebra and basic calculus. Author website: http://www.indiana.edu/~kruschke/DoingBayesianDataAnalysis/ -Accessible, including the basics of essential concepts of probability and random sampling -Examples with R programming language and BUGS software -Comprehensive coverage of all scenarios addressed by non-bayesian textbooks- t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparisons in ANOVA, multiple regression, and chi-square (contingency table analysis). -Coverage of experiment planning -R and BUGS computer programming code on website -Exercises have explicit purposes and guidelines for accomplishment
Using Read-Alouds of Grade-Level Biographies and Systematic Prompting to Promote Comprehension for Students With Moderate and Severe Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a modified system of least intrusive prompts on text-dependent listening comprehension for four middle-school-aged students with intellectual disability and autism during read-alouds of adapted grade-level biographies. A system of least intrusive prompts was modified by inserting a rule for answering “Wh” questions and an opportunity to hear sections of the biography again. The procedure was evaluated via a multiple probe design across students. Outcomes indicate that all students improved listening comprehension after intervention and all students maintained high levels of correct responding 2 weeks after intervention. In addition, three students generalized skills to new biographies. The need for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
Renewable Energy in East Africa: An Introductory Evaluation Using a Systems Approach to Assess Alternatives to Providing Electricity

Developing nations in Africa face significant challenges due to poor or no energy infrastructure, which continues to inhibit GDP growth. African nations in partnership with Western and emerging nations must develop flexible energy strategies, adaptable to the differing terrain and operating environment(s). Providing electricity for the region must be performed in sustainable, flexible, and affordable ways. In this article, the authors offer an introductory holistic look at the energy problem, outline the alternatives, and provide a general framework as to how a systems approach can be used to find renewable energy solutions.
Application of rejection criteria for stool cultures for bacterial enteric pathogens.

Over 20 months, we prospectively assessed the yield of cultures for Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter spp. from adults and children. In the first 10 months, 53% (567 of 1,097) of specimens from adults were from patients who had been in the hospital for > 3 days. Overall, only 2.6% (29 of 1,097) of specimens contained pathogens, and all were from patients who had been in the hospital for 3 days were not cultured unless special reasons existed. Thirty percent (368 of 1,229) of specimens were rejected. Concurrently, 7.5% (51 of 677) of stool specimens from children were positive. Only one positive specimen came from a child who had been in the hospital for > 3 days. Neither stool consistency nor fecal leukocytes were useful predictors for the presence of an enteric pathogen. We recommend that specimens from both adults and children in the hospital for > 3 days not be cultured unless there are delineated plausible clinical or epidemiological reasons to do so.
State set management for SAT-based unbounded model checking

In recent years, Boolean satisfiability (SAT) has been shown to hold potential for unbounded model checking (UMC). The success of SAT-based UMC largely relies on (i) the SAT solver efficiency, (it) solution cube enlargement, and (Hi) state-set management. In this paper, we propose a simple, yet efficient, clause conversion technique to account for the state set obtained by SAT-based UMC. Our state set is stored in a zero-suppressed binary decision diagram (ZBDD), and the shared structures in the ZBDD are exploited to aggressively avoid repeated manipulation of common subsets in the state-set. The resulting number of clauses, generated for the state set, now depends on the number of nodes in the ZBDD, rather than the number of solutions found. We integrated the proposed techniques in an unbounded model checking framework that uses a pure SAT solver. The experimental results show that we can attain orders of magnitude improvement in both performance and capacity as compared to the existing techniques.
Quantitative Analyses of Aggregation, Autofluorescence, and Reactivity Artifacts in a Screen for Inhibitors of a Thiol Protease

The perceived and actual burden of false positives in high-throughput screening has received considerable attention; however, few studies exist on the contributions of distinct mechanisms of nonspecific effects like chemical reactivity, assay signal interference, and colloidal aggregation. Here, we analyze the outcome of a screen of 197861 diverse compounds in a concentration−response format against the cysteine protease cruzain, a target expected to be particularly sensitive to reactive compounds, and using an assay format with light detection in the short-wavelength region where significant compound autofluorescence is typically encountered. Approximately 1.9% of all compounds screened were detergent-sensitive inhibitors. The contribution from autofluorescence and compounds bearing reactive functionalities was dramatically lower: of all hits, only 1.8% were autofluorescent and 1.5% contained reactive or undesired functional groups. The distribution of false positives was relatively constant across libra...
Effects of tobacco and non‐tobacco cigarette smoking on endothelium and platelets

Endothelial damage and platelet activation may mediate increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in tobacco cigarette smokers. Our study was designed to determine whether acute effects of tobacco smoking on endothelium and platelets could be avoided by the substitution of non-tobacco cigarettes. Twenty healthy nonsmokers smoked two tobacco cigarettes in 20 minutes and on another occasion (separated by 1 week) smoked two cigarettes made from wheat, cocoa, and citrus plants. Mean endothelial cell counts from venous blood before and after smoking tobacco cigarettes were 2.3 and 4.8 and before and after smoking non-tobacco cigarettes counts were 2.5 and 3.0. Mean platelet aggregate ratios before and after smoking tobacco cigarettes were 0.80 and 0.65 and before and after smoking non-tobacco cigarettes they were 0.81 and 0.78. Much greater effects of tobacco smoking on endothelial cell counts and platelet aggregate ratios suggest the possibility that non-tobacco cigarette smoking may be less harmful to the cardiovascular system than is tobacco cigarette smoking. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 37, 529–533; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.83
Framing Immigration: Geo-Ethnic Context in California Newspapers

In 2006, millions of immigrants protested against H.R. 4437, a new bill in Congress that threatened to treat undocumented immigrants as felons. Content analysis of news coverage of the bill reveals...
Novel delivery system for verapamil designed to achieve maximal blood pressure control during the early morning

Because the risk of cardiovascular events appears to be greatest in the early morning, this period is a time during which adequate blood pressure (BP) control appears to be most desirable. In this study, a controlled-onset extended-release system (COER-24) that delivers verapamil in a manner designed to achieve maximal levels of drug during the early morning surge in BP was compared with placebo. Ninety-five patients with mild to moderate hypertension were studied. Of this group, 49 patients (mean age 57.6 +/- 1.4 years; 35 men and 14 women) were randomized to take verapamil COER-24 240 mg at 10 PM, and 46 subjects (mean age 55.8 +/- 1.5 years; 29 men and 17 women) were randomized to take placebo. Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed after a 4-week initial placebo period and was repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with verapamil or placebo. Verapamil COER-24 resulted in significant (p < 0.001) decreases in mean whole-day systolic and diastolic BP (-8.2/-6.3 mm Hg; baseline 152/93.0 mm Hg) when compared with placebo (+0.3/-0.9 mm Hg; baseline 150.3/93.2 mm Hg). From 6 AM to noon, verapamil COER-24 resulted in a change in systolic and diastolic BP of -11.6/-9.0 mm Hg, which was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than the change that occurred with placebo (-0.5/-1.0 mm Hg) during the same period. In the last 4 hours of the dosing interval (6 PM to 10 PM), verapamil COER-24 caused significantly greater (p < 0.001) decreases in BP (-7.4/-4.8 mm Hg) than did placebo (+2.7/+1.0 mm Hg). These data demonstrate that the COER-24 system, when administered in the late evening, achieves maximal BP reduction during the early morning hours. Moreover, BP reductions were sustained throughout the 24-hour period.
The Pediatric Assessment Triangle: A Novel Approach for the Rapid Evaluation of Children

The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) has become the cornerstone for the Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals course, sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This concept for emergency assessment of children has been taught to more than 170,000 health care providers worldwide. It has been incorporated into most standardized American life support courses, including the Pediatric Advanced Life Support course, Advanced Pediatric Life Support course, and the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course. The PAT is a rapid and simple observational tool suitable for emergency pediatric assessment regardless of presenting complaint or underlying diagnosis. This article describes the PAT and its role in emergency pediatric assessment.
What a language is good for: Language socialization, language shift, and the persistence of code-specific genres in St. Lucia

In many bilingual and multilingual communities, certain communicative practices are code-specific in that they conventionally require, and are constituted in part through, the speaker's use of a particular code. Code-specific communicative practices, in turn, simultaneously constitute and partake of code-specific genres: normative, relatively stable, often metapragmatically salient types of utterance, or modes of discourse, that conventionally call for use of a particular code. This article suggests that the notions of code specificity and code-specific genre can be useful ones for theorizing the relationship between code and communicative practice in bilingual/multilingual settings, particularly those in which language shift and other contact-induced processes of linguistic and cultural change tend to highlight that relationship. This is demonstrated through an examination of how young children in St. Lucia are socialized to “curse” and otherwise assert themselves by means of a creole language that under most circumstances they are discouraged from using.The fieldwork on which this article is based was supported by the Fulbright Program, the National Science Foundation, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research; immediate post-fieldwork support was provided by the Spencer Foundation. The work time necessary for writing this article was made possible by a Temple University Presidential Research Incentive Summer Fellowship, a Temple University Research/Study Leave, and a Wenner-Gren Foundation Richard Carley Hunt Fellowship. For their comments on a much briefer earlier version (presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association), I thank Bambi Schieffelin, Patricia Baquedano-Lopez, and Leslie Moore. For comments on this version, I am grateful to Jane Hill and two anonymous reviewers. I am solely responsible for any and all shortcomings.
Header information in malware families and impact on automated classifiers

The metadata embedded in program executables provides information that can be useful for automated malware detection or classification. With potentially tens of thousands of variants per malware family, it is unclear how much consistency there is in the metadata, and whether different families exhibit different consistencies. Header information from multiple variants of recent malware was studied to understand the variability of the header information within and among malware families. Classification accuracy extracted using multiple common classifiers showed that, even for rapidly mutating malware families, classifiers trained on header information can outperform ones trained on the program bodies. The results also show that some families have highly consistent header information; this fact suggests limited evolutionary pressure from defense systems. The results indicate that care is needed when evaluating classifiers operating on header as well as program body information.
Zebrafish Lmx1b.1 and Lmx1b.2 are required for maintenance of the isthmic organizer.

The mesencephalic and metencephalic region (MMR) of the vertebrate central nervous system develops in response to signals produced by the isthmic organizer (IsO). We have previously reported that the LIM homeobox transcription factor Lmx1b is expressed within the chick IsO, where it is sufficient to maintain expression of the secreted factor wnt1 . In this paper, we show that zebrafish express two Lmx1b orthologs, lmx1b.1 and lmx1b.2 , in the rostral IsO, and demonstrate that these genes are necessary for key aspects of MMR development. Simultaneous knockdown of Lmx1b.1 and Lmx1b.2 using morpholino antisense oligos results in a loss of wnt1 , wnt3a , wnt10b , pax8 and fgf8 expression at the IsO, leading ultimately to programmed cell death and the loss of the isthmic constriction and cerebellum. Single morpholino knockdown of either Lmx1b.1 or Lmx1b.2 has no discernible effect on MMR development. Maintenance of lmx1b.1 and lmx1b.2 expression at the isthmus requires the function of no isthmus / pax2.1 , as well as Fgf signaling. Transient misexpression of Lmx1b.1 or Lmx1b.2 during early MMR development induces ectopic wnt1 and fgf8 expression in the MMR, as well as throughout much of the embryo. We propose that Lmx1b.1- and Lmx1b.2-mediated regulation of wnt1 , wnt3a , wnt10b , pax8 and fgf8 maintains cell survival in the isthmocerebellar region.
Bison PRNP genotyping and potential association with Brucella spp. seroprevalence

The implication that host cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) may function as a cell surface receptor and/or portal protein for Brucella abortus in mice prompted an evaluation of nucleotide and amino acid variation within exon 3 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) for six US bison populations. A non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (T50C), resulting in the predicted amino acid replacement M17T (Met --> Thr), was identified in each population. To date, no variation (T50; Met) has been detected at the corresponding exon 3 nucleotide and/or amino acid position for domestic cattle. Notably, 80% (20 of 25) of the Yellowstone National Park bison possessing the C/C genotype were Brucella spp. seropositive, representing a significant (P = 0.021) association between seropositivity and the C/C genotypic class. Moreover, significant differences in the distribution of PRNP exon 3 alleles and genotypes were detected between Yellowstone National Park bison and three bison populations that were either founded from seronegative stock or previously subjected to test-and-slaughter management to eradicate brucellosis. Unlike domestic cattle, no indel polymorphisms were detected within the corresponding regions of the putative bison PRNP promoter, intron 1, octapeptide repeat region or 3'-untranslated region for any population examined. This study provides the first evidence of a potential association between nucleotide variation within PRNP exon 3 and the presence of Brucella spp. antibodies in bison, implicating PrP(C) in the natural resistance of bison to brucellosis infection.
The triterpenoid CDDO inhibits expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-13 and Bcl-3 in primary human chondrocytes

A synthetic triterpenoid, 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO), has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties and to decrease the interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-13. We have shown previously that IL-1 induces expression of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) family member Bcl-3, and that this contributes to MMP-1 expression. To quantify the effects of CDDO on IL-1-induced MMP-1, MMP-13 and Bcl-3 expression, we stimulated the chondrosarcoma cell line SW-1353 and human primary chondrocytes with IL-1, in the presence or absence of CDDO. Harvested RNA was subjected to quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In SW-1353 cells, 300 nM CDDO significantly decreased the induction of MMP-1 and MMP-13 by IL-1. In human primary chondrocytes, 300 nM CDDO inhibited the induction of these genes by IL-1 to an even greater extent. In both cell types, inhibition of MMP-1 required 24 hours of pretreatment with CDDO, whereas MMP-13 could be inhibited when CDDO and IL-1 were added simultaneously to culture. In human primary chondrocytes, IL-1-induced Bcl-3 expression was inhibited when cells were pretreated with CDDO. To determine whether the inhibitory effect of CDDO on MMP worked through inhibition of Bcl-3 gene expression, SW-1353 cells stably transfected with a Bcl-3 expression plasmid were treated with IL-1 and/or CDDO, and MMP gene expression was assayed. Overexpression of Bcl-3 increased MMP-1, but not MMP-13, mRNA levels. Furthermore, overexpressed Bcl-3 could sustain the CDDO-dependent inhibition of IL-1-induced MMP-1 expression. Our data demonstrate that CDDO inhibits IL-1-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression in human chondrocytes. CDDO also inhibits the expression of Bcl-3, an IL-1-responsive gene that preferentially contributes to MMP-1 gene expression.
Analysis of Learning Outcomes from Mobile Mathematics Applications

The development, usage, and investigation of educational math applications for mobile devices have increased in recent years. This manuscript analyzes the current state of educational mathematics applications for K-12, higher learning, and professional needs. Specifically, we will highlight the current limitations, and provide a taxonomy of the features found in the most effective apps. Also, we specify the major components and considerations concerning math applications. Several methods of implementation are discussed within indicated learning contexts. Alignment with solid educational theory promotes the effectiveness of the apps, which has been replicated in multiple research studies. Finally, we provide an overview of the types of math apps and how to select one that fits a specific instructional need.
Arterial pressure lability and renal sympathetic nerve activity are dissociated in SAD rats

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system drives the high variability of arterial pressure (AP) observed after sinoaortic denervation (SAD) in rats. One or fourteen days after SAD, rats were instrumented chronically to record mean AP (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in the conscious unrestrained state. Acute SAD increased MAP, HR, RSNA, and variability of MAP and decreased variability of both HR and RSNA. In rats with chronic SAD, variability of MAP remained high, whereas MAP, HR, RSNA, and variability of HR and RSNA returned to normal levels. Correlation analysis showed that, in sham-operated rats, AP and RSNA were negatively correlated in 90% of cases. In contrast, rats with both acute and chronic SAD exhibited only 30% negative and 25% positive correlations. These results indicate that 1) low AP variability in intact rats results from baroreflex-mediated inversely related fluctuations in RSNA and HR and 2) high variability of AP after acute and chronic SAD is correlated infrequently with RSNA. Because lability is reduced by interventions that block the sympathetic nervous system, we conclude that lability of AP associated with SAD appears to be mediated largely by a permissive role of sympathetic activity.