cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dementia Support Among Older Mexican Americans: Is Adult Day Care a Viable Alternative?

Estimates of the prevalence of dementia among Latinos in the United States vary from 5% to over 12.9% depending upon the measurement of cognitive impairment employed, the age of the sample, and specific nation of origin (Gonzalez et al., 2019; Haan, Mungas, Gonzalez, Ortiz, & Jagust, 2003; Langa et al., 2017; Matthews et al., 2019; Mehta & Yeo, 2017). Because of life-long structural disadvantage, including low levels of education, a lack of health insurance, low income, and low levels of savings, Latinos are more likely than non-Latino whites to develop mild cognitive impairment at earlier ages and dementia (Fitten et al., 2014; Mehta & Yeo, 2017). These structural risks in combination with longer life expectancies at birth and at age 65 mean that older Latinos will spend more years with serious cognitive impairment (Garcia et al., 2018). As a consequence, they will need dementia care for a longer time. Such care places great practical and financial strain on families and increasingly requires that they find some alternative sources. The increase in the number of older persons with mild and serious cognitive impairment also places serious fiscal strains on states. The benefits of longer life, then, are accompanied by greater burdens on families and the need for the state to provide affordable and culturally-appropriate alternatives.
Measurements of the genome size of the monogonont rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and of the bdelloid rotifers Philodina roseola and Habrotrocha constricta

Genome size may be determined as the mass of genomic DNA per copy of a given sequence, multiplied by the number of copies of that sequence in the genome. Practical application of this relationship may be made by hybridizing a radiolabeled cloned segment of the genome to a known number of copies of the segment and to a known mass of genomic DNA separately immobilized on the same membrane. The ratio of the hybridization intensity per copy of the segment to the hybridization intensity per unit mass of genomic DNA is then taken to be the mass of genomic DNA per hybridizing sequence present in the genome. This ratio multiplied by the number of hybridizing sequences in the genome, determined by other means, is taken as the genome size. Employing this procedure with segments of the hsp82 heat shock gene cloned from the monogonont rotifer B. plicatilis and from the bdelloid rotifers P. roseola and H. constricta, we estimate their genome sizes as 0.7, 2.2 and 1.0 pg, respectively.
The Transportation Problem

In Chapter 7 we compared different GA approaches for handling constraints using an example of the transportation problem. It seems that for this particular class of problems we can do better: we can use a more appropriate (natural) data structure (for a transportation problem, a matrix) and specialized “genetic” operators which operate on matrices. Such an evolution program would be much stronger method than GENOCOP: the GENOCOP optimizes any function with linear constraints, whereas the new evolution program optimizes only transportation problems (these problems have precisely n + k − 1 equalities, where n and k denote the number of sources and destinations, respectively; see the description of the transportation problem below). However, it would be very interesting to see what can we gain by introducing extra problem-specific knowledge into an evolution program.
Magnesium Enzymes and Models

Most enzymes used in nucleic acid biochemistry, and many enzymes involved in general metabolism, require divalent magnesium as an essential activator. The selection of magnesium reflects the relatively high intracellular abundance of this ion, and its mechanism of action is tuned to the specific physicochemical properties that characterize its solution chemistry. In turn, this has required refinement of the protein environment to bind Mg2+ efficiently, and in a manner that preserves its catalytic integrity. This review summarizes what is known concerning the role of divalent magnesium as a mediator of enzymatic activity, and discusses this role in the context of the unique chemical properties of this metal cofactor. Mechanistic models and approaches that have been developed to understand these biological reactions are summarized, and a comparison is made with the catalytic mechanism demonstrated by metal complex mimics of magnesium-promoted reactions. Keywords: magnesium; mechanism; enzymes; nucleases; kinetics
ANTHROPOMETRY OF VLBW SURVIVORS AT 8|[ndash]|10 YEARS OF AGE

Detailed anthropometric assessment was made of 124 VLBW [<1500g] survivors, and age, sex and social class matched controls, at 8-10 years of age. The controls were taller, with longer legs (mean HlSDS +0.37; mean LLSDS +0.65) than the current TW mean LLSDS +0.05). The VLBW group also showed significantly reduced weight & lean body mass [p=0.000l], reduced head circumference [p=0.002] and increased cephalic index [p=0.0001]. The LL of the VLBW group was the measurement most likely to be abnormal, [relative risk compared to controls = 2.96]. There were also significant anthropometric differences within the VLBW cohort with ex-small for gestational age (SGA) infants being shorter [p=0.03], lighter [p=<0.01] and having reduced sitting heights [p=0.008] and smaller heads [p=0.0001] than ex-appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. TWII bone age was calculated for the VLBW children only and the bone age-chronological age gap was not significantly different to zero & there was no significant difference between the SGA and AGA groups. The pattern of height and proportion in the VLBW group is similar, bul less severe, to that exhibited by abused children and identical to children of the late 1950's.
Struggles of Underrepresented Girls as They Become Women: Understanding How Race & Gender that Impact Personal Science Identity Construction

This article looks broadly at the critical aspects involved in the “struggle” on different phases of one’s academic life in order to observe how underrepresented girls take a variety of experiences with scientists and internalize them into their personal science identities. Some of the central struggles discussed are perceptions of scientists at crucial developmental times in relation to formal schooling. How do underrepresented girls feel in the science classroom? How do underrepresented girls feel with a teacher who is not their same race? Or a school that is dominated by white students and white teachers? How do underrepresented feel when textbooks favor White scientists and their accomplishments? An analysis about the understanding of how girls interpret “the struggles” at varying points of their lives introduces the importance of a multidimensional approach to understanding student perceptions of scientists and science is presented. This chapter will also the power of role models as a means of embracing the struggles underrepresented girls go through. As girls experience mentor scientists to shape their perception of those who pursue careers in science and what it is that scientists do.
Mammalian DNA Polymerases

Publisher Summary This chapter states that physiological experiments demonstrating variations of DNA polymerase activities were first done in mammalian systems, whereas the first relevant genetic experiments in bacteria came 12 years after the discovery of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. Mammalian DNA polymerase can be isolated and purified without the major problems that arise from associated nucleases. For this reason, it is relatively simple to do mechanistic studies with these enzymes. With bacterial enzymes, on the other hand, there are logical difficulties in proving the nature of the template initiator system required. Purification of mammalian DNA polymerases to homogeneity has been somewhat of a problem, and the first such homogeneous DNA polymerase, the low-molecular-weight DNA polymerase from calf thymus chromatin, is also described in the chapter. The chapter discusses the nature of template initiator systems, the major DNA polymerase activities in cell fractions and the properties of purified mammalian enzymes. Future direction will start with the information presented and eventually proceed into the more complex “replication systems” including the “associated proteins” clearly required for DNA replication. To analyze the participation of the known DNA polymerases in DNA replication, polymerase mutants and selective inhibitors are sorely needed.
The Big Five Personality Factors and Mass Politics

In this paper, we argue that a stable set of characteristics—personality—can help explain mass political opinions and behavior. By analyzing data collected from over 750 people, we examine the influence of the Five-Factor Model of personality on ideology, partisanship, political efficacy, and two forms of political participation. After controlling for a host of demographic factors, we find that openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion help explain public opinion and political behavior. Neuroticism is the only factor that does not influence political life. We conclude by comparing these results to other findings in the field and suggest directions for future research.
Arterial Catheterization and Infection: Toll-like Receptors in Defense against Microorganisms and Therapeutic Implications

Radial artery catheterization has become a preferred route over femoral artery catheterization, in order to monitor the blood pressure of hemodynamically unstable patients or for repeated sampling of arterial blood gases. While the incidence of catheter-related infection is lower in the radial artery than the femoral artery, infection remains a major issue that requires attention. In this review of the literature, we discuss infectious complications of radial artery catheterization, with a focus on various risk factors and establishing the most common causative agents. We also critically review the role of the innate immune system involving Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in host-defense, with the goal of establishing a common pathway used by the innate immune system via TLRs to combat the pathogens that most commonly cause infection in radial artery catheterization. If this pathway can be therapeutically manipulated to preemptively attack pathogenic agents, immunomodulation may be an option in reducing the incidence of infection in this procedure.
Get With the Program ... and Finish It: Building Guided Pathways to Accelerate Student Completion

In this chapter, we describe efforts by growing number of colleges and universities to redesign academic programs and support services to create “guided pathways” designed to increase the rate at which students enter and complete a program of study.
Sedimentation, viscosity, and light scattering studies of human fibrinogen at various ionic strengths

A study of two preparations of human fibrinogen revealed that ionic strength influences the sedimentation, viscosity, and light-scattering properties. The changes occurring in solutions of NaCI at various ionic strengths are discussed in relation to shape, volume, hydration, and interaction of the protein molecules. The presence of impurities is critically assessed. Average molecular weight calculated from sedimentation-viscosity data and light-scattering determinations was found to be 269,000 ± 19,000. Eine Untersuchung von zwei verschieden hergestellten Proben von menschlichem Fibrinogen hat ergeben, das die Ionenstarke die Sedimentation, die Viskositat und die Lichtzerstreuung beeinflust. Die Anderungen in Kochsalzlosungen bei verschiedenen Ionenstarken werden in ihrer Beziehung zu Form, Volumen, Hydratation und Beeinflussung durch Proteinmolekule diskutiert. Die Gegenwart von Verunreinigungen wird kritisch betrachtet. Das durchschnittliche Molekulargewicht, das sich aus Sedimentations-, Viskositats- und Lichtzerstreuungsmessungen errechnete, betrug 269000 ± 19000.
Selective activation of Ca(2+)-activated PKCs in Aplysia neurons by 5- HT

Ca(2+)-activated and Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase Cs (PKCs) are present in the nervous system of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica (Kruger et al., 1991). Sensitizing stimuli or application of the facilitatory transmitter 5-HT to intact isolated ganglia produces the presynaptic facilitation of sensory-to-motor neuron synapses that underlies behavioral sensitization, which is a simple form of learning. Activation of PKC can also produce this presynaptic facilitation (Braha et al., 1990). To determine which type of PKC is activated, we developed a sensitive and selective assay to measure both Ca(2+)- activated and Ca(2+)-independent PKC activities in crude supernatant and membrane fractions of nervous tissue. This assay is based on the specific binding of the Ca(2+)-activated PKCs to phosphatidylserine vesicles in the presence of Ca2+ and makes use of a novel synthetic peptide with sequences conforming to phylogenetically conserved pseudosubstrate regions of the Ca(2+)-independent kinases. We provide evidence that the presynaptic facilitation is produced by a Ca(2+)- activated isoform: application of 5-HT increases the amount of the Ca(2+)-activated PKC activity associated with the membrane. Under these conditions, no increase in Ca(2+)-independent kinase activity is seen.
Aggression and peripheralization in subadult male long-tailed macaques in Singapore

Aggression and peripheralization between adult and subadult male macaques have been postulated as proximate causes for dispersal, but empirical evidence for this relationship is scarce. To investigate the level of aggression and peripheralization experienced by subadult males, we conducted focal animal and scan sampling of two long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) groups in the highly anthropogenic environment of Singapore’s Central Nature Reserve. We followed two subadult males each in two groups and compared (1) aggression between subadult and adult males and (2) peripheralization measured by (a) greater interindividual distances, (b) more noninteractive behaviors, and (c) fewer interactive behaviors. After 72 focal hours, results suggest varying levels of peripheralization and consistently low levels of aggression among all four males. Data herein call into question the role of aggression in intragroup interactions. Differences in affiliation patterns appear to be core factors in determining the individual degree of peripheralization. Ultimately, strategic choices related to an individual’s place within the natal group (e.g., affiliations, rank of relatives) may be important to cost–benefit assessments; these choices have significant implications in both the short term (i.e., dispersal timing) and long term (i.e., reproductive success). This study is a first step toward understanding macaque behavior in anthropogenic environments; further exploration is needed to anticipate how landscape changes might influence macaque dispersal patterns. Greater understanding will come from recognition that social mechanisms are highly individualized and constantly dynamic, especially for highly cognitive, social species, and in ever increasingly dynamic anthropogenic environments.
Potential contributions of figured wood to the practice of sustainable forestry

Abstract The birdseye grain of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) can showcase the potential of figured wood in sustainable forestry. This poorly understood but valuable grain abnormality commands such a premium that its presence alone can influence timber management. Good forestry and logging practices can help assure that quality birdseye maple logs are not relegated to low-value uses. Birdseye specialty markets have also developed, creating opportunities for pieces of small or irregular dimensions. Even though few have the same promise as birdseye maple, figured grains are found in virtually every tree species, thus increasing the potential for other high-value niche markets. However, the relative rarity and slow formation of figured grains threaten their sustainability, until more research on their genetics, propagation, and silviculture becomes available.
Taming Ada for introductory teaching purposes: an approximation

A nested sequence of highly constrained Ada subsets is presented, suitable for use in teaching introductory programming.
Application of Bingham statistics to a paleopole data set: Towards a better definition of APWP trends?

Abstract Bingham statistical analyses were applied to paleomagnetic data from 50 published studies from North America, of Carboniferous through Early Jurassic age, in an attempt to test whether the azimuths of the long axes of the Bingham ellipses lie tangent to the apparent polar wander path. The underlying assumption is that paleomagnetic directions will form a Fisherian (circular) distribution if no apparent polar wander has taken place during magnetization acquisition. However, the distribution should appear elongated (elliptical) if magnetization acquisition occurred over a significant amount of time involving apparent polar wander. The long axes in direction space yield corresponding azimuths in paleopole space, which can be compared to the North American APWP. We find that, generally, these azimuths are indeed sub-parallel to the APWP, validating the methods and the hypothesis. Plotting a pole as an azimuthal cord, representing the long axis of the ellipse, will provide additional robustness or definition to an APWP based upon temporally sparse paleomagnetic studies.
Stability characterizations of rigid body contact problems with Coulomb friction

This paper formally introduces several stability characterizations of systems of rigid bodies initially at rest and in unilateral contact with dry friction. These characterizations, weak stability and strong stability (and their complements), arise naturally from the dynamic model of the system, formulated as a complementary problem. Using the tools of complementarity theory, these characterizations are studied in detail to understand their properties and to develop techniques to identify the stability classifications of general systems subjected to known external loads.
Identification of several rod loci and cloning of the rodD locus of Streptococcus mutans.

Abstract Previous work has shown that Streptococcus mutans is normally a short rod or a sphere, depending on its environment. This paper describes two distinct genetic approaches used to identify multiple loci and isolate one locus, rodD, controlling S. mutans rod shape. The first method involved isolation of a group of rod− mutants caused by transposon Tn976 insertion, and analysis of the inactivated genes by Southern hybridization. The second method involved mutagenesis via a shotgun insertion-duplication technique, isolation of a rod− mutant, and cloning the intactrod locus, employing an integration shuttle plasmid, pVA891. These approaches have led to the identification of multiple rod loci involved in determining the rod shape of S. mutans, and also cloning of one rod locus, rodD. The cloning strategy may also be useful for cloning other streptococcal genes which cannot be detected by their expression in Escherichia coli.
Low Surface Brightness Hα Observations of Local Intergalactic Hydrogen Clouds

We present upper limits on the local ionizing background based on a search for extended Hα emission from three nearby intergalactic H I clouds: the Leo Ring (M96 group), both the NE and SW lobes of the Haynes-Giovanelli Virgo Cloud (H I 1225+01), and the H I tidal tails associated with the NGC 4631/4656 group. These clouds were chosen to have 21 cm emission that is extended (10-100 kpc) and distant from any associated galaxy. Deep, wide-field CCD images were acquired through narrow- (~31 A) and broadband R filters with the Burrell Schmidt telescope on Kitt Peak. We set a 95% confidence upper limit on the Hα surface brightness for the areas of the clouds detected in H I of 1.6 × 10-19 ergs s-1 cm-2 arcsec-2 in Leo and of 3.7 × 10-19 ergs s-1 cm-2 arcsec-2 in Virgo. We limit the local ionizing background to Φ0 < 5.0 × 103 photons s-1 cm-2 sr-1 (95%) at the location of the Leo Ring cloud and Φ0 < 1.1 × 104 photons s-1 cm-2 sr-1 at the Virgo cloud, assuming spherical clouds. (Limits are a factor of 2 higher for a thin face-on slab.) The limits correspond to J0 < 3.3 × 10-23 and 7.6 × 10-23 ergs s-1 cm-2 sr-1 Hz-1 for a ν-1/2 spectrum (1.6 times higher for a ν-1.4 spectrum) between 1 and 4 ryd. Such low limits suggest that quasar light, and not galactic light, dominates the ionizing background at low redshift. The Hα limit on the Leo cloud is significantly below a previously reported detection. In the field of the edge-on galaxies NGC 4631 and NGC 4656, we detect Hα from ionized gas extending nearly 16 kpc above N4631, which could have been blown out by starburst activity in the plane, and a low surface brightness companion or stellar tidal tail. This companion lies between N4631's H I tidal tails and may have played a role in creating the H I tidal tails, or it may represent star formation within the tidal tails. We also report the tentative detection of an ultrafaint sheet of Hα emission extending from NGC 4631 to NGC 4656.
Method to Screen for Relevant Yeast Two-Hybrid-Derived Clones by Coimmunoprecipitation and Colocalization of Epitope-Tagged Fragments—Application to Bcl-xL

Abstract The yeast two-hybrid system is a powerful genetic method to screen cDNA libraries to identify protein–protein interactions. A screen with a typical bait may yield many clones, including ones that are not biologically relevant which need to be eliminated by evaluating each clone in an alternative assay to confirm the interaction with the bait protein. We have developed an efficient assay to quickly screen two-hybrid-derived clones for coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization with the bait protein in mammalian cells. Gene fragments derived from a two-hybrid screen are cloned into an epitope tagging vector that can generate high levels of epitope-tagged protein in mammalian cells. The vector expressing an epitope-tagged protein is then cotransfected into mammalian cells with an expression vector for the bait protein. Interaction between the bait protein and epitope-tagged protein is evaluated by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by applying it to clones isolated in a two-hybrid screen using Bcl-xL as bait, showing that two-hybrid-derived fragments of Bad and Bax, previously known to interact with Bcl-xL, both colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate with Bcl-xL.
Is Inhalant Use a Risk Factor for Heroin and Injection Drug Use Among Adolescents in the United States

Abstract Purpose We examined whether inhalant use was associated with heroin and injection drug use (IDU) among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States. Methods Data were drawn from the 2002/2003 administrations of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). We conducted logistic regression analyses to estimate associations of inhalant use with heroin use, heroin injection, and IDU, respectively, among adolescent drug users (N = 8161). Results Approximately 30.9% of adolescents had ever used at least one illicit drug. More than one-fifth (22.2%) of adolescents were past-year or recent drug users. Among past-year adolescent drug users, 1.4% had progressed to heroin use and 1.2% reported IDU. Adolescents who had used inhalants and marijuana were 2.8 and 2.9 times as likely as adolescents who had used marijuana but not inhalants to report heroin use and any IDU, respectively. Adolescents who had used inhalants or other drugs but not marijuana were unlikely to use heroin. However, inhalant users, irrespective of their marijuana use histories, had greater odds of IDU than drug users who had not used inhalants. Adolescent drug users who were females, school dropouts, whites, or delinquents had significantly increased odds of heroin use and IDU. Cigarette smoking before the age of 15 was strongly associated with heroin use, and a history of foster care placement was associated with IDU. Conclusions This national study of American adolescents identifies several subgroups of recent drug users, such as females, school dropouts, and youth who have used inhalants and marijuana, which have substantially increased odds of heroin use and IDU. Screening, prevention, and treatment interventions targeted to these groups might reduce medical and social complications of heroin use and IDU.
Smallmouth Bass in the Shoals Reach of the Tennessee River: Population Characteristics and Sport Fishery

Abstract The 20-km section of the Tennessee River immediately downstream from Wilson Dam near Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has a national reputation for an excellent sport fishery of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Growth, mortality, population structure, and sport-fishery characteristics were determined for this smallmouth bass population from February 1988 to January 1989. This information was used to compare recent characteristics of the fishery with historic characteristics, and to determine if harvest regulations are viable fishery management options. Smallmouth bass displayed good but not exceptional growth rates through age 3, and after age 3 (when the fish were about 300 mm total length) their growth exceeded all other river populations and regional averages. The smallmouth bass population had a high proportional stock density (72), sustained substantial fishing effort (135 h/hectare annually), and experienced high annual mortality (50–57%) that was largely attributable to harvest. Monthly fishin...
Robust designs and optimality of least squares for regression problems

Abstract Unbiased linear estimators are considered for the model Y( x i )=θ 0 + ∑k j=1 θ j x ij +ψ( x i )+e i , i=1,2,…,n, where ψ( x ) is an unknown contamination. It is assumed that |ψ( x )|⩽φ(‖ x ‖) where φ is a convex function. Minimax analogues of Φ p -optimality criteria are introduced. It is shown that, under certain (sufficient) conditions, the least squares estimators and corresponding designs are optimal in the class of all unbiased linear estimators and designs. It is also shown that, in the case when least squares estimators with symmetric design do not lead to an optimal solution, the relative efficiency of optimal least squares is not diminishing and has a uniform lower bound.
Numerical studies on fluid–structure interactions of stent deployment and stented arteries

This study is to investigate the mechanical behaviors of angioplasty stents during and after implantation and blood flow in the stented artery using the immersed finite element method. In this study, the mechanical behaviors such as the expansion mechanism, stress distribution on the stent during the implantation, and stent responses toward various vascular conditions are analyzed. Furthermore, pulsatile blood flow in stented artery is also examined to identify potential regions where the blood clots form and potentially induce reactions leading to thrombus formation. We found that the wall shear stress and the residence time are the highest at the entrance and the exit of the stent while they decrease significantly in between stent struts. The results suggested that platelets/particles are most likely to be activated near the entrance; they form aggregates in between struts where the shear stress is very low and eventually reside at the end of the stent where the resident time is the highest. Our numerical observations agree quite well with in vitro experimental studies. This analysis will assist in the development of novel stent designs and stent deployment protocols to minimize vascular injury during stenting and reduce restenosis.
Comparison of Density-independent Expressions for Moisture Content Determination in Wheat at Microwave Frequencies

Abstract The accuracy of moisture content determination in grain from measurement of electromagnetic parameters is known to be dependent on the bulk density of the sample used for the measurement. Various means of limiting this effect have been considered in the past. This paper identifies various density-independent expressions developed for this purpose and compares their effectiveness in minimizing the density dependence of the predicted moisture content. The same procedure and data set from more than 180 measurements on hard red winter wheat,Triticum aestivumL., at frequencies of 11·3 and 16·8 GHz on samples in free space were used for the comparison. Several density-independent expressions were identified that predict wheat moisture content with a standard error of calibration of about 0·2% moisture for moisture contents ranging from 10·6 to 18·2% w.b. Although these results were obtained for static samples of grain, the principles can be extended to grain flowing through a tubular conduit, or moving on a conveyor, for continuous measurements.
Optimizing the yield and selectivity of high purity nanoparticle clusters

Here we investigate the parameters that govern the yield and selectivity of small clusters composed of nanoparticles using a Monte Carlo simulation that accounts for spatial and dimensional distributions in droplet and nanoparticle density and size. Clustering nanoparticles presents a powerful paradigm with which to access properties not otherwise available using individual molecules, individual nanoparticles or bulk materials. However, the governing parameters that precisely tune the yield and selectivity of clusters fabricated via an electrospray droplet evaporation method followed by purification with differential mobility analysis (DMA) remain poorly understood. We find that the product of the electrospray droplet mean diameter to the third power and nanoparticle concentration governs the yield of individual clusters, while the ratio of the nanoparticle standard deviation to the mean diameter governs the selectivity. The resulting, easily accessible correlations may be used to minimize undesirable clustering, such as protein aggregation in the biopharmaceutical industry, and maximize the yield of a particular type of cluster for nanotechnology and energy applications.
Quantitation of bronchiolar epithelial proliferation in A23187-exposed guinea pigs.

Aerosol exposure to the ionophore A23187 results in PMN accumulation, airway epithelial injury and prolonged airway constriction. Bronchiolar epithelial damage in ionophore-exposed guinea pigs was quantitated by measuring epithelial proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU). Animals were killed at 24, 48 or 72 hours post-ionophore exposure and lungs were collected for H&E and immunostaining. Numerical scores were assigned for morphologic changes and the number of labeled cells per mm of airway was determined. Significant increases in labeled epithelial cells were evident at 48 hours. Inflammation and epithelial damage scores also were elevated. These results indicate that ionophore exposure results in pulmonaray inflammation and bronchiolar epithelial proliferation as assessed by BRDU labeling.
Sorption of phenanthrene by humic acid-coated nanosized TiO2 and ZnO.

Phenanthrene sorption by nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO particles was enhanced significantly by coated humic acids (HAs), implying that additional toxicity can be potentially given to these nano-oxides by adsorbed HOCs once released to the environment. Phenanthrene isotherms of adsorbed HA on nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO were more nonlinear than that of their respective bulk HA. Both HA conformation changes and fractionation were observed upon HA adsorption on nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO, which further affected phenanthrene sorption. Nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO interacted with different functional groups of HA (i.e., phenolic OH with nano-TiO2, while COOH with nano-ZnO), leading to different conformations of adsorbed HA. Interaction of HA phenolic OH with nano-TiO2 increased the π-polarity/polarizability of adsorbed HA and, consequently, its phenanthrene adsorption affinity and isotherm nonlinearity. Interactions of COOH groups on HA aromatic rings with nano-ZnO would also increase the π-polarity/polarizability of adsorbed HA an...
Van der Waals forces, scattering functions and charge density susceptibility. II. Application to the HeHe interaction potential

Abstract Previous work relating the dispersion energy to the static form factors of X-ray scattering is extended to the polarization energy. For interacting helium atoms we calculate both those contributions (without recourse to the multipole expansion), as well as the first order Coulomb and exchange forces. For large separations (R \ 8.0 au), the shape of our potential agrees well with previous, accurate results. Since we use Unsold's approximation, we discuss several choices for the mean excitation energy, Δ E , which is required to put our potential on an absolute scale. A fixed Δ E suffices for large separations. In the region of overlap, a R -dependent Δ E ( R ) is needed for accurate determination of the potential.
Meeting the Needs of Rural Students through Distance Advising: The Role of Transfer Guides in Three Measures of Student Success.

Articulation guides for students transferring between Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming and Montana State University-Billings are described. The articulation agreement between the two institutions includes course information and supportive advising for transfer students. We hypothesized that use of the guides would help students weather transfer shock better than those transfer students from community colleges where no guides had been available. The groups' declines in grade-point average (GPA) after transfer, recovery of GPA, and persistence were compared. It was found that the severity of transfer shock and the extent of recovery of GPA were not significantly related to the use of the transfer guides, but ability to persist to graduation was positively related. The format of the transfer guides and corresponding advising activities are detailed. Implications for students and administrators are also discussed.
The emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus

On September 20, 2012, a Saudi Arabian physician reported the isolation of a novel coronavirus from a patient with pneumonia on ProMED-mail. Within a few days, the same virus was detected in a Qatari patient receiving intensive care in a London hospital, a situation reminiscent of the role air travel played in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2002. SARS-CoV originated in China's Guangdong Province and affected more than 8000 patients in 26 countries before it was contained 6 months later. Over a year after the emergence of this novel coronavirus--Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)--it has caused 178 laboratory-confirmed cases and 76 deaths. The emergence of a second highly pathogenic coronavirus within a decade highlights the importance of a coordinated global response incorporating reservoir surveillance, high-containment capacity with fundamental and applied research programs, and dependable communication pathways to ensure outbreak containment. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology, ecology, molecular biology, clinical features, and intervention strategies of the novel coronavirus, MERS-CoV.
Automatic sensor placement

Active sensing is the process of exploring the environment using multiple views of a scene captured by sensors from different points in space under different sensor settings. Applications of active sensing are numerous and can be found in the medical field (limb reconstruction), in archeology (bone mapping), in the movie and advertisement industry (computer simulation and graphics), in manufacturing (quality control), as well as in the environmental industry (mapping of nuclear dump sites). In this work, the focus is on the use of a single vision sensor (camera) to perform the volumetric modeling of an unknown object in an entirely autonomous fashion. The camera moves to acquire the necessary information in two ways: (a) viewing closely each local feature of interest using 2D data; and (b) acquiring global information about the environment via 3D sensor locations and orientations. A single object is presented to the camera and an initial arbitrary image is acquired. A 2D optimization process is developed. It brings the object in the field of view of the camera, normalizes it by centering the data in the image plane, aligns the principal axis with one of the camera's axes (arbitrarily chosen), and finally maximizes its resolution for better feature extraction. The enhanced image at each step is projected along the corresponding viewing direction. The new projection is intersected with previously obtained projections for volume reconstruction. During the global exploration of the scene, the current image as well as previous images are used to maximize the information in terms of shape irregularity as well as contrast variations. The scene on the borders of occlusion (contours) is modeled by an entropy-based objective functional. This functional is optimized to determine the best next view, which is recovered by computing the pose of the camera. A criterion based on the minimization of the difference between consecutive volume updates is set for termination of the exploration procedure. These steps are integrated into the design of an off-line Autonomous Model Construction System AMCS, based on data-driven active sensing. The system operates autonomously with no human intervention and with no prior knowledge about the object. The results of this work are illustrated using computer simulation applied to intensity images rendered by ray-tracing software package.
Golf: an Olfactory Neuron Specific-G Protein Involved in Odorant Signal Transduction

Biochemical and electrophysiological studies suggest that odorants induce responses in olfactory sensory neurons via an adenylate cyclase cascade mediated by a G protein. An olfactory-specific guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein alpha subunit has now been characterized and evidence is presented suggesting that this G protein, termed Golf, mediates olfaction. Messenger RNA that encodes Golf alpha is expressed in olfactory neuroephithelium but not in six other tissues tested. Moreover, within the olfactory epithelium, Golf alpha appears to be expressed only by the sensory neurons. Specific antisera were used to localize Golf alpha protein to the sensory apparatus of the receptor neurons. Golf alpha shares extensive amino acid identity (88 percent) with the stimulatory G protein, Gs alpha. The expression of Golf alpha in S49 cyc- kin- cells, a line deficient in endogenous stimulatory G proteins, demonstrates its capacity to stimulate adenylate cyclase in a heterologous system.
Excitons in semiconductor quantum wells with a small band offset: Exact numerical solution to the envelope function

Abstract We use an accurate method to solve the ground state and binding energy of a Wannier exciton in a semiconductor quantum well with a small valence (or conduction) band offset. By choosing fixed envelope function in the conduction (or valence) band quantum well and taking the relative part of the exciton wavefunction in the commonly assumed variational form, a one-dimensional second-order differential equation for the envelope function in the valence (or conduction) band is derived. The exciton intergap energy is then deduced from the eigenvalue of this equation. This approach includes the effect of the additional confinement on the carrier in the valence (or conduction) band quantum well by the electron-hole Coulomb interaction, and has the advantage of being numerically exact in determining the envelope function comparing to the generalized variational approach developed earlier. The application of this method to II–VI compound semiconductor quantum wells is discussed.
Relationships between Gulf of California Moisture Surges and Tropical Cyclones in the Eastern Pacific Basin

Abstract Relationships between Gulf of California moisture surges and tropical cyclones (TCs) in the eastern Pacific basin are examined. Standard surface observations are used to identify gulf surge events at Yuma, Arizona, for a multiyear (July–August 1979–2001) period. The surges are related to TCs using National Hurricane Center 6-hourly track data for the eastern Pacific basin. Climate Prediction Center (CPC)- observed daily precipitation analyses and the NCEP Regional Reanalysis are used to examine the relative differences in the precipitation, atmospheric circulation, and moisture fields for several categories of surge events, including those that are directly related to TCs, indirectly related to TCs, and not related to TCs. It is shown that the response to the surge in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico is strongly discriminated by the presence or absence of TCs. Surges related to TCs tend to be associated with much stronger and deeper low-level southerly flow, deeper plumes of...
Motility and Fertility of Progesterone- and Estrogen-Treated Bovine Semen

Summary The fertility of bull semen was not affected by the addition of progesterone and estrogen in amounts as high as 5,000 and 200 μ g. per milliliter of extended semen, respectively. No effect could be demonstrated on the motility of semen treated with these hormones up to two days of storage at 5° C. Increased levels of progesterone (10,000 μ g. per milliliter of extend semen) reduced the motility of semen after two days of storage. There was some indication that adding 5,000 μ g. of progesterone in combination with 200 μ g. of estrogen per milliliter of extended semen may have altered the sex ratio of the resulting calves, increasing the proportion of males.
Library facility planning – the consultant’s view: a chat with Andrea Michaels

Deciding if and when to add an external library building design consultant to a library facilities planning team is often crucial to the successful completion of building projects. Sometimes, planners only require a consultant who knows the overall elements while in other instances individuals with particular space planning skills and an in‐depth understanding of library operations and building requirements are necessary … Andrea A. Michaels, President of Michaels Associates Design Consultants, Inc., talked with the author at length about her role in enabling library planners to reach their goals and objectives in designing or re‐designing library buildings to strike an appropriate balance between meeting current demands and allowing for space, furnishing and equipment adaptability to accept desired changes gracefully.
Technological and Organizational Change in Automobile Production: Spatial Implications 1

SCHOENBERGER E. (1987) Technological and organizational change in automobile production: spatial implications, Reg. Studies 21, 199–214. The origins and implications of recent technological and organizational changes in the automobile industry are examined. The nature of competition in the industry is linked to the adoption of flexible automation technologies in production. This, it is argued, may foster the spatial re-integration of production in contrast to earlier decentralizing trends, an effect that may be reinforced by the move to just-in-time principles of production organization. Implications for regional development are considered with cautions stressed concerning the meaning of spatial proximity and the firm's ability to construct agglomeration economies away from traditional industrial centres. SCHOENBERGER E. (1987) Changements technologiques et organisationnels dans la production automobile: implications spatiales, Reg. Studies 21, 199–214. Les origines et les implications des recents changem...
Alternative splicing produces transcripts encoding two forms of the alpha subunit of GTP-binding protein Go.

Abstract The alpha subunit of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Go ("o" for other) is believed to mediate signal transduction between a variety of receptors and effectors. cDNA clones encoding two forms of Go alpha subunit were isolated from a mouse brain library. These two forms, which we call GoA alpha and GoB alpha, appear to be the products of alternative splicing. GoA alpha differs from GoB alpha over the C-terminal third of the deduced protein sequence. Both forms are predicted to be substrates for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin. GoA alpha transcripts are present in a variety of tissues but are most abundant in brain. The GoB alpha transcript is expressed at highest levels in brain and testis. It is possible that GoA alpha and GoB alpha have different functions.
Mechanism of photolytic decomposition of N-halamine antimicrobial siloxane coatings.

Generally, antimicrobial N-halamine siloxane coatings can be rehalogenated repetitively upon loss of their biocidal efficacies, a marked advantage over coatings containing other antimicrobial materials. However, the N-halamine materials tend to slowly decompose upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation as in direct sunlight. In this work the mechanism of photolytic decomposition for the N-halamine siloxanes has been studied using spectroscopic and theoretical methods. It was found that the N-chlorinated coatings slowly decomposed upon UVA irradiation, whereas the unhalogenated coatings did not. Model compound evidence in this work suggests that upon UVA irradiation, the N−Cl bond dissociates homolytically, followed by a Cl radical migration to the alkyl side chain connected to the siloxane tethering group. An alpha and/or beta scission then occurs causing partial loss of the biocidal moiety from the surface of the coated material, thus precluding complete rechlorination. NMR, FTIR, GCMS, and computations a...
The effects of fairings and of turbulence on the flutter derivatives of a notably unstable bridge deck

Abstract The aeroelastic behavior of an unstable bridge deck section is examined. This deck section, which appears on a decades-old bridge, is quite similar in shape to the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Aerodynamic flutter derivatives are extracted from a section model of the deck and various proposed fairing modifications. The results of the wind tunnel tests, conducted under smooth and suitable-scaled gusting flow conditions, are presented and compared to those of a comparable H-section.
Photoelectric Measurement of Scale Marks and Spectrum Lines

A new type of all-electric balancing network for photometric purposes is described, with which a single photo-tube or electron multiplier can be used to locate rapidly the center of a scale mark or spectrum line. This device is now in use on two automatic measuring engines, and is found to give results more reproducible than those involving setting by eye. It is far simpler to adjust and to use than the balanced-cell method previously described. As the enlarged image of a line passes at uniform speed across a slit behind which the multiplier is placed, the variation in light intensity produces a variable output current. The resulting voltage is applied after amplification to a delay network designed to give uniform delay and attenuation to all signals of frequency between 0 and 200 cycles per second. Input and output of this network are combined in phase which is opposite except for the delay, so that the voltage at any instant is balanced against the voltage produced 13 milliseconds previously. Thus, with proper mechanical delay, densities at points on a plate separated by as little as 20 microns can be compared, and a sharp signal is obtained at a position corresponding to the passage of the peak of a line across the slit. This pulse is used to fire a stroboscopic lamp which records instantaneously the reading of a dial which measures the position of the plate. Plates are usually scanned at 4 mm per second, and the positions of as many as 4000 lines can be recorded to within 1 micron or less in 120 seconds.