cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of nutrients in Acanthosicyos horridus, a keystone endemic species in the Namib Desert

Abstract Nara ( Acanthosicyos horridus ) is a dioecious phreatophyte endemic to the Namib Desert. This plant, because of its sand-binding characteristics, forms micro-ecosystems within the dunes. These micro-ecosystems provide both shelter and food for a variety of detritivores, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. Nara, a leafless cucurbit, provides a source of water with many of its plant parts containing > 80% water by weight. The new stem tips, flowers, and seeds provide high sources of both nitrogen and phosphorus. The pulp of the melons, besides providing a high source of water, also offers a significant amount of carbohydrates. Considering the nutrient-poor environment nara occurs in, its stoichiometric relationships of C/N and C/P are unusually low.
pH sensors with samarium stabilized ceria membrane

Abstract New metal-oxide type pH sensors with a direct solid state membrane contact have been developed and tested. Performance was demonstrated at close to ambient temperature with thin, 0.3–0.5 mm stabilized cerium oxide Ce0.80Sm0.20O1.9 − x membranes. The pH sensors responded reproducibly to the acidity changes of the analyte in the range of pH 3–10. The response time is 1 to 2 minutes for 95% response. pH sensors with thin ceria membrane can be used also to follow acid-base titrations.
THE PRESSURE AND PRESSURE TENSOR FOR MACROMOLECULAR SYSTEMS

The calculation of pressure for macromolecular systems using atom and molecule representations are discussed. We derive the force and pressure tensor due to angle and dihedral angle potentials using an approach which makes the mathematics involved simpler than currently available in the literature. By using this approach, the derivation of the second-derivative matrix elements for the torsional energy can also be simplified. We show that the angle and torsional angle forces do not contribute to the pressure; however, they do contribute to the pressure tensor in general.
Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3)-induced relaxation of the rat aorta

Dietary consumption of fish and fish oil supplements, containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, has been associated with favorable alterations in the cardiovascular system, such as, a reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) on isometric tension of rat aortic smooth muscle were investigated. A concentration-dependent (1-127 microM) relaxation (6-30%) was induced by 22:6n3 in non-precontracted vessels. Docosaehexaenoic acid, concentration dependently (1-44 microM) reversed contractions of rat aortic rings induced by phenylephrine (7-43%) and by U44069 (8-52%). These results indicate that the relaxant effects produced by 22:6n3 in the rat aorta are concentration-dependent and not specific to the contractile agonist.
Behavioral effects of systemically administered mu and kappa opioid agonists in the squirrel monkey: Peptides versus alkaloids

Abstract This study compared the effects of receptor-selective peptide and nonpeptide opioid agonists administered intramuscularly to squirrel monkeys responding under a fixed-interval 3-min schedule of stimulus termination. The mu opioid receptor agonist morphine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) increased response rate at low doses and decreased it and quarter-life at higher doses. [ D -Ala2,N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol]Enkephalin (DAMGO; 0.3–3.0 mg/kg) reduced quarter-life at the highest dose. The kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488H (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) elevated response rate transiently and dose-dependently decreased quarter-life. Dynorphin (1–13) (0.3–10 mg/kg), a purported endogenous ligand of the kappa opioid receptor, decreased response rate slightly but significantly at 3.0 mg/kg and had no effect on quarter-life. Thus, the behavior of squirrel monkeys was affected by systematically administered peptide as well as by nonpeptide opioid drugs. The two alkaloids were much more effective than the two peptides, presumably because of greater ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Quarter-life was often a more sensitive measure of drug effects than was response rate.
The liberal arts college and humanist learning

What is liberal education? How do its aims differ from those of either grammar or vocational education? Does it truly deserve its own supporting institution? In response to these questions, Arcilla develops a defense of the liberal arts college. He observes that all projects of formal learning presuppose that the learner possesses answers to three fundamental, existential questions: What is one’s nature? What is the good for beings of this nature? What facilitates this good? We develop better responses to these questions by engaging in liberal learning. The mission of the liberal arts college, then, is first and foremost to support this learning. With this idea of liberal learning and its college in mind, we may nonetheless wonder whether the existential knowledge it seeks is really something that can be learned. Arcilla articulates a version of humanism that illuminates the conditions of possibility for liberal learning and affirms this learning’s intrinsic value. At the same time, this philosophical theory requires for its verification that we engage in liberal learning. Arcilla calls the symbiotic partnership formed by liberal learning and humanism “humanist learning,” and he points out that it is this learning, which is crucial to our other kinds of education, that would be lost if society ceased to support genuine colleges of the liberal arts.
Documentation of nuclear power plant and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission local public document rooms

Abstract Controversy over nuclear power plants is a constant topic in the media. As the controversy grows, the public seeks more technical and legal information. In assisting the public, the document librarians' resources are generally limited to those selective NRC publications received from the Government Printing Office. The fact is that a tremendous number of additional documents are available through the NRC-Public Documents Room Program. The documentation of the licensing process is a complex one. This article briefly discusses the basic licensing proceedings and reviews the types of documents that are produced at different licensing stages.
Stress Analyses of Intermediate Heat Transfer Loop

The Department of Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory are developing a Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) to serve as a demonstration of state-of-the-art nuclear technology. The purpose of the demonstration is two fold 1) efficient low cost energy generation and 2) hydrogen production. Although a next generation plant could be developed as a single-purpose facility dedicated to hydrogen production, early designs are expected to be dual purpose. While hydrogen production and advanced energy cycles are still in its early stages of development, research towards coupling a high temperature reactor with electrical generation and hydrogen production is under way. Many aspects of the NGNP must be researched and developed in order to make recommendations on the final design of the plant. Parameters such as working conditions, cycle components, working fluids, and power conversion unit configurations must be understood. A number of configurations of the power conversion unit were demonstrated in this study. An intermediate heat transport loop for transporting process heat to a High Temperature Steam Electrolysis (HTSE) hydrogen production plant was used. Helium, CO2 , and a 80% nitrogen, 20% helium mixture (by weight) were studied to determine the best working fluid in terms cycle efficiency and development cost. In each of these configurations the relative component sizes were estimated for the different working fluids. Parametric studies were carried out on reactor outlet temperature, mass flow, pressure, and turbine cooling. Recommendations on the optimal working fluid for each configuration were made. Engineering analyses were performed for several configurations of the intermediate heat transport loop that transfers heat from the nuclear reactor to the hydrogen production plant. The analyses evaluated parallel and concentric piping arrangements and two different working fluids, including helium and a liquid salt. The thermal-hydraulic analyses determined the size and insulation requirements for the hot and cold leg pipes in the different configurations. Mechanical analyses were performed to determine hoop stresses and thermal expansion characteristics for the different configurations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Violations of the reduction and independence axioms in Allais-type and common-ratio effect experiments

Abstract I report that experimental evidence showing that violations of expected utility theory associated with the Allais paradox and common ratio effect are sensitive to the reduction process. When one-stage questions are replaced by their probabilistically equivalent two-stage versions, violations are substantially reduced. Furthermore, violations of the reduction axiom are widespread. It appears that violations of the reduction axiom, not merely the independence axiom, are central to these two challenges to expected utility theory.
Observation-based proactive communication in team cooperation

Observation and communication are important aspects of agent teamwork. We employ the agent's observability as the major means for individual agents to reason about the environment and other team members. We focus on how to represent agents' observability and how to include it into the basic reasoning for proactive communication. The syntax and the operational semantics of observability are given. Preliminary experiments are carried out to study the effectiveness of different aspects of observability.
Management of large pituitary adenomas by transsphenoidal surgery

We evaluated the ability of transsphenoidal surgery to produce visual improvement, endocrine remission, and complete tumor removal in 113 patients with pituitary adenomas extending beyond the sella turcica. Eighty-one percent of patients with preoperative visual field defects had postoperative improvement, 19% had no change, and none deteriorated significantly. Seventy-nine percent of patients with diminished preoperative visual acuity had postoperative improvement; none deteriorated. Endocrine remission of functioning tumors was achieved in 43% of patients and complete resection by computed tomography scanning was also obtained in 43%. There were no deaths in this series and the major complication was cerebrospinal fluid leak, which occurred in 3% of patients. Comparison with transfrontal surgery suggests that these results are as good as those with transfrontal procedures and that the incidence of serious side effects is considerably lower. Transsphenoidal surgery is safe and effective in the surgical management of large pituitary adenomas.
Regiospecific Synthesis of Trimethylsilyl Enol Ethers

Abstract Continuing interest in the use of trimethylsilyl enol ethers 1 as synthetic intermediates,1 has prompted efforts toward developing efficient, regiospecific methods for the preparation of these versatile compounds. In general, silylation of enolate anions with chlorotrimethyl silane (CTMS) has proven to be the procedure most widely used.2,3,4 In the case of unsymmetrical ketones such as 2, (Table 1) the use of strong base (LDA) (entry 1) allows kinetic deprotonation, and hence, the highly regioselective production of 1a′ upon CTMS quenching. However, attempts to prepare 1a by resorting to conditions which equilibrate the enolate prior to CTMS quenching affords mixtures of 1a′ and 1a (entries 2–4). Further, equilibration of 1a′ and 1a does not give synthetically useful mixtures5.
Maternal Pravastatin Prevents Altered Fetal Brain Development in a Preeclamptic CD-1 Mouse Model

Objective Using an animal model, we have previously shown that preeclampsia results in long-term adverse neuromotor outcomes in the offspring, and this phenotype was prevented by antenatal treatment with pravastatin. This study aims to localize the altered neuromotor programming in this animal model and to evaluate the role of pravastatin in its prevention.
Anomalous large grains in alloyed aluminum thin films I. Secondary grain growth in aluminum-copper films

Abstract Secondary grain growth in vapor-deposited Al-Cu thin films has been investigated as a function of temperature, Cu concentration and distribution. Second phase Al 2 Cu particles were found to have a considerable effect in retarding secondary growth. Nuclei for secondary growth formed, presumably by rearrangement of misfit dislocations, only when Cu was introduced as a layer sandwiched between two equal Al layers.
1668 FOLLOW-UP OF INFANTS WITH NEONATAL ABSTINENCE-RELATED SEIZURES

Eighteen passively addicted infants who exhibited abstinence-related neonatal seizures were evaluated for periods up to one year of age. Seven mothers were maintained on methadone alone, 10 used methadone and other drugs, and one used heroin and cocaine during pregnancy. Thirteen seizures were myoclonic, 2 were generalized, and 3 were tonic-clonic in type. Thirteen of the initial EEGs performed 2-48 hours following onset of seizures were abnormal; the remaining five EEGs were normal. Of the 13 abnormal EEGs, 11 reverted to normal within 14 days, while 2 remained abnormal. Bayley Developmental Assessment in infant subsets at 3 months of age showed an MDI (Mental Developmental Index) of 109 ± 11.6 (SD) and PDI (Psychomotor Developmental Index) of 107.2 ± 11.5. MDI and PDI at 6 months of age were 98.6 ± 20.1 and 111.8 ± 12.1; MDI and PDI at 12 months of age were 106 ± 0 and 98.5 ± 0.7. Neurological examinations were normal except for hypertonicity in 7 of 13 infants seen at 3 months of age; 2 of those babies were normal at one year of age, while the remaining 5 await re-evaluation. Although developmental assessment appears to be normal, ongoing neurologic evaluation of these infants is necessary.
Reoperative Complications after Primary Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Contemporary Single-Center Experience in the Post-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Era

Background Data on complications requiring reoperation after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are limited. We sought to describe the spectrum of reoperative complications after OLT, evaluate the associations with graft and patient survival, and identify predictors of need for reoperation. Study Design We retrospectively studied adult patients who underwent primary OLT at our institution from February 2002 to July 2012. The primary outcomes included occurrence of a reoperative complication. Secondary outcomes were graft and patient survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model the associations of recipient, donor, and operative variables with reoperation. Results Of 1,620 patients, 470 (29%) had complications requiring reoperation. The most common reoperative complication was bleeding (17.3%). Compared with patients not requiring reoperation, patients with reoperative complications had greater Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores and need for pretransplantation hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and renal replacement therapy; considerably longer cold and warm ischemia times and greater intraoperative blood transfusion requirements; and substantially worse 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft and patient survival rates. In multivariable analysis, predictors of reoperative complications included intraoperative transfusion of packed RBCs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.91–2.56), donor length of hospitalization >8 days (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.28–2.73), recipient pretransplantation mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21–2.24), cold ischemia time >9 hours (OR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.23–2.17), warm ischemia time >55 minutes (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02–2.44), earlier major abdominal surgery (OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03–1.92), and elevated donor serum sodium (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03–1.31). Conclusions Patients who require reoperation for complications after OLT have high pretransplantation acuity and inferior post-transplantation survival. We identified factors associated with reoperative complications to guide perioperative donor–recipient matching and improve outcomes.
The Kingdom of God in Acts, and the “City of God”

The idea of a Messianic kingdom pervades the whole of Acts. It is the subject of the discourse of the Risen Lord who speaks to his disciples “the things concerning the kingdom of God,” and the disciples ask him if he will “restore the kingdom to Israel” in their time. In the prayer of the Apostles, when they quote the words of the Second Psalm “the kings of the earth set themselves in array,” they are evidently regarding these as the natural antagonists of the Christ. When Peter preaches to Cornelius he says that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God and went about doing good (eὐeργeτῶν, a word applied to kings) and healing those under the rule (καταδυναστeυομένους) of the devil, as though Satan were a rival prince.
Understanding copper-thiolate containing electron transfer centers by incorporation of unnatural amino acids and the CuA center into the type 1 copper protein azurin

Abstract Highly covalent copper-thiolate bonds are salient features of ubiquitous type 1 (T1) blue copper and purple Cu A electron transfer (ET) centers in proteins. These centers are found in a wide variety of proteins, each having its own electron transfer partners, requiring the centers to possess a broad range of reduction potentials to match those of their redox partners and to perform ET functions under various driving forces, all while maintaining high ET efficiency. Unraveling the secrets of the success realized by these ET centers has relied upon the expertise of many scientific disciplines and sub-disciplines, including inorganic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and biophysical chemistry. Here, we review the contribution of protein engineering approaches—namely, the incorporation of unnatural amino acids and a biosynthetic Cu A cofactor into the T1 copper protein azurin—to advancing the current understanding of how the unique structures of T1 copper and Cu A centers confer their proteins with efficient and tailored ET properties.
Development of an Immunologically Tolerated Combination of Fluorescent Proteins for In vivo Two-photon Imaging

Combinations of fluorescent proteins (FPs) are routinely used for multi-parameter in vivo imaging experiments to visualize tagged proteins or cell populations of interest. Studies involving FPs are often limited by spectral overlap, toxicity, relative quantum efficiency, and the potential for immunological rejection upon transfer into a non-tolerant recipient. Here we evaluate the immunologic visibility of several commonly used FPs by the murine immune system and identify a spectrally compatible, immunologically tolerated combination of FPs well suited for in vivo two-photon imaging.
Discrete event simulation and cost analysis for manufacturing optimisation of an automotive LCM component

Traditional analytical tools used to increase process efficiency and reduce cost have tended to focus on the physical processes employed in each stage of the component manufacture. An alternative method of increasing efficiency is to view the component manufacturing process as a whole and optimise the integration of each processing stage, such that throughput is optimised for a given manufacturing scenario. In linking manufacturing simulations with a technical cost modelling capability there is an opportunity to maximise cost savings. This paper describes the application of discrete event simulation in combination with technical cost modelling to the production of an SRIM composite cross-car beam.
STEREO Observations of Energetic Neutral Hydrogen Atoms During the 2006 December 5 Solar Flare

We report the discovery of energetic neutral hydrogen atoms (ENAs) emitted during the X9 solar event of 2006 December 5. Beginning ~1 hr following the onset of this E79 flare, the Low Energy Telescopes (LETs) on both the STEREO A and B spacecraft observed a sudden burst of 1.6-15 MeV protons beginning hours before the onset of the main solar energetic particle event at Earth. More than 70% of these particles arrived from a longitude within ±10° of the Sun, consistent with the measurement resolution. The derived emission profile at the Sun had onset and peak times remarkably similar to the GOES soft X-ray profile and continued for more than an hour. The observed arrival directions and energy spectrum argue strongly that the particle events < 5 MeV were due to ENAs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of ENA emission from a solar flare/coronal mass ejection. Possible origins for the production of ENAs in a large solar event are considered. We conclude that the observed ENAs were most likely produced in the high corona and that charge-transfer reactions between accelerated protons and partially stripped coronal ions are an important source of ENAs in solar events.
Hydrogen assisted fracture of spheroidized plain carbon steels

The role of hydrogen in the ductile fracture of spheroidized low carbon steels was studied. In addition, the relevant literature has been reviewed to develop a certain perspective on the problem. Both initially smooth and circumferentially notched tensile specimens were electrochemically charged with hydrogen at various cathodic current densities and then uniaxially strained various amounts. Comparisons with uncharged specimens showed that hydrogen promotes void initiation at cementite particles. Void growth and coalescence were also accelerated by hydrogen. Since a large proportion of void coalescence as well as the latter stages of void growth take place along grain, and possibly subgrain boundaries, hydrogen induced losses in interfacial cohesion may account for void initiation, growth and coalescence at lower stresses and strains. A partial transition in fracture mode was observed in steels with a low particle-matrix and grain boundary interfacial area per unit specimen volume. This quasicleavage mode was generally found to be associated with nonmetallic inclusions, suggesting that they act as hydrogen sinks during the charging process and then, during deformation, release a sufficiently large amount of hydrogen to cause quasicleavage fracture to occur.
Hamiltonian reduction and perturbations of continuously self-similar (n + 1)-dimensional Einstein vacuum spacetimes

We investigate some of the properties of the vacuum Einstein equations on manifolds of the form V = I × M where M is a compact n-manifold, n ≥ 2, of negative Yamabe type, and where V admits a continuously self-similar solution. One of our primary aims is to relate such solutions on V to critical points of the reduced Hamiltonian Hreduced defined on the reduced phase space Preduced over M. One of our main results is that any continuously self-similar vacuum spacetime which admits a compact constant mean curvature (CMC) slice necessarily induces a negative Einstein metric on that slice and, conversely, that any compact negative Einstein (Riemannian) manifold (M, g) embeds as a CMC slice into a continuously self-similar vacuum spacetime on V. Thus we prove a precise correspondence between the critical points of Hreduced and the set of continuously self-similar CMC sliced (n + 1)-dimensional vacuum spacetimes. Our results are generalizations to n > 3 of some of the results we have previously obtained for n = 2 and 3. In particular, we show that Hreduced is strictly monotonically decreasing in the direction of cosmological expansion except at its critical points where Hreduced is constant and which correspond to continuously self-similar solutions of the Einstein vacuum field equations. A corollary of this result is that discretely self-similar solutions cannot exist in this vacuum spatially compact setting. A new and far reaching generalization of the aforementioned result shows that a family of quasi-local reduced Hamiltonians, defined by integrating the reduced Hamiltonian density over some arbitrary domain D ⊂ M and letting D co-move with the flow also exhibits monotonic decay except for the globally self-similar solutions on which each such quasi-local reduced Hamiltonian is constant. A rather surprising consequence of this analysis is that the quasi-local reduced Hamiltonian on D cannot remain constant, even for a short time interval, unless the spacetime for which it is evaluated is globally self-similar. Finally we extend to arbitrary dimension our earlier result that the infimum of Hreduced taken over the entire reduced phase space determines the topological sigma constant σ(M). For n = 3, our results that Hreduced monotonically decreases along the Einstein flow and has its infimum given directly by σ(M) strongly suggest that the Einstein flow may provide an important new tool in the effort to prove geometrization of 3-manifolds. In fact, a number of compactified Bianchi models are already in hand in which the known or conjectured σ(M) is asymptotically achieved by the monotonic decay of our reduced Hamiltonian.
Boundary tension between amphiphilic layers

The structure and tension of the region of contact where an oil phase, a water phase, and a microemulsion phase meet, are theoretically investigated. The analysis has as a starting point a Landau theory-like expression for the free energy in which, besides the usual gradient of the density squared term, a term proportional to the second derivative of the density squared is present, while the coefficient of the squared gradient tern is taken to be negative in the microemulsion phase. It is shown that a first-order wetting transition exists at which point infinitely many (n=0,1,2,...) surface phases can coexist, each described by the presence of a diferent thickness of the microemulsion phase between the oil and the water phase. This situation physically describes the coexistence of layers of amphiphilic molecules with different thicknesses between a water and an oil bulk phase, the thickness of one amphiphilic layer being equal tol0. We present the calculation of the density profile and the boundary tension of the contact region of a coexistingn = 0 andn = 1 surface phase, e.g., between the oil-water interface with a single amphiphilic layer present and the oil-water interface where three amphiphilic layers are present.
The many faces of resonances in multiphoton ionization

We present a theoretical analysis of multiphoton ionization through resonant intermediate states shifted through resonance during a short, intense pulse. The resonant structure in the photoelectron spectra is compared with what it would be if the peak intensity or the frequency of the laser were scanned, and the various differences are discussed in detail. The dynamical behavior is described in terms of a density matrix evolving under a realistic temporal and spatial pulse shape. Our results, on atoms with realistic parameters, show structure similar to that observed in recent experiments. Results for circularly polarized light are also presented. The limitations and advantages of the model are discussed.
Ultrasonic attenuation steps in the mixed state of niobium

Abstract Ultrasonic attenuation spikes and steps, coincident with temperature spikes and magnetic flux steps have been observed in an irreversible niobium single crystal.
Knives and gaffs: Definitions in the deviant world of cockfighting

We examine the deviant social world of cockfighting by looking at the meanings participants give to a particular set of objects, the artificial spurs, or heels, that they attach to the birds. We find that the kind of heels cockfighters choose to “fight their birds in” defines the subworld to which they belong, with tension and hostility existing between the knife fighters and the gaff fighters.
Admission Control in Networks with Prioritized Advance Reservation

This paper proposes three novel admission control schemes for networks supporting prioritized advance reservation. The integer linear programming model for prioritized advance reservation and the pseudo-code algorithms implementing the schemes are outlined. Detailed simulation analysis results are then presented to compare the performance of the proposed schemes under different network load scenarios.
CtBP Corepressor Complex

Recent biochemical and proteomic approach has identified a CtBP super complex consisting of a host of chromatin modifying enzymes. Analysis of this complex has led to the appreciation that enzymes that mediate deacetylation and histone H3 lysine 9 methylation are present in the same biochemical complex, which facilitates coordinated histone modifications important for establishing repressive chromatin. Importandy, studies of this complex also resulted in the finding of the first histone demethylase LSDI, which represses transcription by demethylating histone K4, where methylation is linked to active transcription. It is anticipated that additional important new insights will be gained from further investigation of this unusual transcriptional repression machine.
Systemic AA Amyloidosis in the Common Marmoset

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small New World primate native to Brazil that has been used extensively in biomedical research. A retrospective analysis of archived hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections and clinical records was conducted at the New England Primate Research Center on 86 marmosets more than 1 year of age that were euthanized during the past decade because of morbidity and failure to thrive. Approximately 17% (15 of 86) were found to have amyloid deposits in one or more organs, including the liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, and intestine. This material was shown by amino acid sequence analysis to be composed of serum amyloid A (SAA)-related protein. This type of amyloidosis, designated AA or "secondary," is associated typically with an inflammatory process that induces elevated levels of the SAA amyloidogenic precursor molecule. Notably, there were no significant pathologic differences or other distinguishing features in animals with amyloid versus those without; furthermore, on the basis of the limited number of serum specimens available for analysis, the SAA concentrations in the two groups were comparable, thus suggesting the possible inheritable nature of the disorder. In this respect, the common marmoset provides a unique experimental model for study of the pathogenesis and treatment of AA and other forms of systemic amyloidosis.
Insect development. II. Mitotic activity in the grasshopper embryo

The onset of hibernation in Melanoplus differentialis eggs kept at high temperatures is accompanied by a fairly abrupt cessation of cell division. The total number of mitotic figures present in the different individuals of a series of embryos of this grasshopper, from eggs kept for eighteen to twenty days at 25°C. from the time of saying, was found to vary between 1000 and 4400. In contrast to the conditions found in eggs of this age, embryos from eggs kept twenty-seven days at 25°C., as well as those older and still in the hibernating state, contained few or no dividing cells. During the course of the work it was found that, in rare cases, hibernation failed to occur, a few or many of the eggs developed without a pause when kept at 25°C., and hatched at approximately the thirty-eighth day. The detection of variations in the rate of mitotic activity over short periods, as originally planned, was found impossible, because of the comparatively small number of embryos used.
Application of mechanical-technology CAD to microelectronic device design and manufacturing

A computer-aided-design (CAD) architecture for microelectromechanical systems is presented in which conventional mask layout and process simulation tools are linked to three-dimensional mechanical CAD and finite-element tools for analysis and simulation. The architecture is exercised at an elementary level by modeling the first steps of the MIT baseline CMOS process. An architecture for an object-oriented material property simulator is shown in which material properties and their process dependence are stored and are accessed based on the specific process conditions. >
Extrinsic and intrinsic control by EKLF (KLF1) within a specialized erythroid niche.

The erythroblastic island provides an important nutritional and survival support niche for efficient erythropoietic differentiation. Island integrity is reliant on adhesive interactions between erythroid and macrophage cells. We show that erythroblastic islands can be formed from single progenitor cells present in differentiating embryoid bodies, and that these correspond to erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) that first appear in the yolk sac of the early developing embryo. Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF; KLF1), a crucial zinc finger transcription factor, is expressed in the EMPs, and plays an extrinsic role in erythroid maturation by being expressed in the supportive macrophage of the erythroblastic island and regulating relevant genes important for island integrity within these cells. Together with its well-established intrinsic contributions to erythropoiesis, EKLF thus plays a coordinating role between two different cell types whose interaction provides the optimal environment to generate a mature red blood cell.
School readiness gains made by ethnically diverse children in poverty attending center-based childcare and public school pre-kindergarten programs ☆

Although intensive early childhood interventions and high quality preschool programs have been shown to foster children’s school readiness, little is known about the school readiness gains made by ethnically and linguistically diverse children in poverty receiving subsidies to attend center-based childcare or those in public school pre-kindergarten programs. Within the context of a large-scale, university–community applied research and evaluation project, The Miami School Readiness Project, children receiving subsidies to attend center-based childcare (n = 1478), children attending free Title 1 public school pre-k programs (n = 1611), and children attending fee-supported public school pre-k programs (n = 749) were individually assessed at the beginning and end of their pre-kindergarten year in the areas of cognitive, language, and fine motor development. Parents and teachers reported on children’s socio-emotional strengths and behavior concerns. Findings revealed that although children from all types of programs made considerable school readiness gains in most areas in terms of their national relative standing, children attending public school pre-k programs typically made somewhat greater gains in the areas of cognitive and language development. Results suggest that center-based childcare programs in the community may be beneficial for fostering school readiness within ethnically diverse children in poverty, and that public school pre-kindergarten programs may show even greater gains in some areas. Policy implications are discussed.
What Causes Poverty?: A Postmodern View

The dominant discourse on development presents poverty as an economic problem. It posits the existence of a poverty sector in the economy whose problems can be alleviated through economic growth, increased investment, creation of jobs, and higher income. We can call this the axiom of economic development. There are three major paradigms in the discourse on development: neoclassical economics, Marxism, and sustainable development. Despite profound differences in philosophy, they all regard development as the solution to the poverty problem. Contrary to that position, I have argued that conditions of deprivation experienced by poor people in the Third World are a form of socially constructed scarcity induced by the process of economic development. Scarcity experienced by the poor in the so-called poverty sector is manufactured outside this sector, within a nexus of relations–technical, social, ecological, cultural, political, and academic–diffused throughout the larger society. Each realtion of the nexus co...
Diffusional mechanisms augment the fluorine MR relaxation in paramagnetic perfluorocarbon nanoparticles that provides a "relaxation switch" for detecting cellular endosomal activation.

Purpose: To develop a physical model for the 19F relaxation enhancement in paramagnetic perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (PFC NP) and demonstrate its application in monitoring cellular endosomal functionality through a “19F relaxation switch” phenomenon. Materials and Methods: An explicit expression for 19F longitudinal relaxation enhancement was derived analytically. Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to confirm the gadolinium-induced magnetic field inhomogeneity inside the PFC NP. Field-dependent T1 measurements for three types of paramagnetic PFC NPs were carried out to validate the theoretical prediction. Based on the physical model, 19F and 1H relaxation properties of macrophage internalized paramagnetic PFC NPs were measured to evaluate the intracellular process of NPs by macrophages in vitro. Results: The theoretical description was confirmed experimentally by field-dependent T1 measurements. The shortening of 19F T1 was found to be attributed to the Brownian motion of PFC molecules inside the NP in conjunction with their ability to permeate into the lipid surfactant coating. A dramatic change of 19F T1 was observed upon endocytosis, revealing the transition from intact bound PFC NP to processed constituents. Conclusion: The proposed first-principle analysis of 19F spins in paramagnetic PFC NP relates their structural parameters to the special MR relaxation features. The demonstrated “19F relaxation switch” phenomenon is potentially useful for monitoring cellular endosomal functionality. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Central angiotensin modulation of baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in the rat: influence of dietary sodium.

Aim: Administration of angiotensin II (angII) into the cerebral ventricles or specific brain sites impairs arterial baroreflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Further insight into this effect was derived from: (a) using specific non-peptide angII receptor antagonists to assess the role of endogenous angII acting on angII receptor subtypes, (b) microinjection of angII receptor antagonists into brain sites behind an intact blood-brain barrier to assess the role of endogenous angII of brain origin and (c) alterations in dietary sodium intake, a known physiological regulator of activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), to assess the ability to physiologically regulate the activity of the brain RAS. Methods: In rats in balance on low, normal or dietary sodium intake, losartan or candesartan was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle or the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the effects on basal renal SNA and the arterial baroreflex sigmoidal relationship between renal SNA and arterial pressure were determined. Results: With both routes of administration, the effects were proportional to the activity of the RAS as indexed by plasma renin activity (PRA). The magnitude of both the decrease in basal renal SNA and the parallel resetting of arterial baroreflex regulation of renal SNA to a lower arterial pressure was greatest in low-sodium rats with highest PRA and least in high-sodium rats with lowest PRA. Disinhibition of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by injection of bicuculline causes pressor, tachycardic and renal sympathoexcitatory responses mediated via an angiotensinergic projection from PVN to RVLM. In comparison with responses in normal sodium rats, these responses were greatly diminished in high-sodium rats and greatly enhanced in low-sodium rats. Conclusion: Physiological changes in the activity of the RAS produced by alterations in dietary sodium intake regulate the contribution of endogenous angII of brain origin in the modulation of arterial baroreflex regulation of renal SNA.
Cognitive Mediation of Aggressive, Assertive, and Submissive Behavior in Children.

The present study explored the relationships among levels of aggressiveness, assertiveness, and submissiveness and (1) alternative-thinking ability, (2) judgments of response alternatives on a variety of indices including 'evaluative' and 'potency' dimensions, and (3) consequential thinking, for 188 fourth-sixth grade children. The five best predictors of aggressiveness, of assertiveness, and of submissiveness for both boys and girls represented combinations of alternative-thinking, consequential-thinking, and evaluative-judgment dimensions. The clinical implications of these findings for treating aggressive and submissive children are discussed.
Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

The early 1990s ushered in the era of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Diffusion of this technology, although widespread, has been met with enthusiasm by some and caution by others. Advocates of traditional open surgical techniques maintain that EVAR is costly and that long-term outcomes for patients are inferior. The objectives of the present review are to use a case scenario to highlight the clinical problem, examine current data on the use of EVAR, and to describe the principles behind the safe application of this therapy to patients. A 78-year–old white man involved in a motor vehicle crash is evaluated in the emergency department and is found to be without serious injury. Computerized tomography (CT) reveals the incidental finding of a 4.8-cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. He has been unaware of the aneurysm but recalls an older brother who had undergone repair of an aneurysm previously. He smokes 2 packs of cigarettes daily, has moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and has hypertension that is well controlled on a β-Blocker. He is referred to a vascular surgeon, who recommends ultrasound surveillance with a 6-month follow-up visit. The subsequent visit reveals aneurysm growth to 5.6 cm, which is confirmed by repeat CT. The patient remains asymptomatic and endovascular aneurysm repair is offered. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant health risk in older populations, representing the 14th-leading cause of death for the 60- to 85-year–old age group in the United States.1 Necropsy studies from Europe and the United States suggest an overall prevalence of the condition of ≈2% to 4% for men and ≈1% to 2% for women.2,3 The prevalence is greatly affected by case definition, however, with less stringent definitions of AAA in population-based screening studies demonstrating a prevalence of nearly 9% in men and 2% in women.4 Universally …
How Uncover Ostomy challenges ostomy stigma, and encourages others to do the same

People who undergo ostomy surgery are often worried about being stigmatized. Ostomates explain that they appreciate contact with others who can relate to their experiences and are concerned with where to get advice and support about their ostomies. Internet communities are one outlet to challenge stigma and find support, and the web site Uncover Ostomy is one such community. The web site is the work of Jessica Grossman, a college student who challenges ostomy stigma through provocative photos. Through the associated Facebook fan page, users upload their own photos uncovering their ostomies. This project examined uploaded photos to see how people challenge stigma using new media technology. Additionally, the project examined comments left by Facebook users to understand how the ostomy community reacted to these photos. Implications of such spaces for users to challenge a stigmatizing condition are discussed.
Lead Prevention Knowledge Among Low-Income Urban Residents: The Chicago Lead Knowledge Test Revisited

ABSTRACTEfforts aimed at enhancing the knowledge of target populations constitute a widely used public health intervention strategy with the ultimate goal of improving health. However, integral to planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs is identifying the knowledge base of the intended recipient. Improving health through educational interventions is a strategy commonly utilized in efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning. However, few instruments have been validated for measuring lead knowledge, particularly among high-risk populations. We used factor analysis to evaluate the applicability of a previously developed lead knowledge assessment tool, the Chicago Lead Knowledge Test (CLKT), to a high-risk minority population in New Orleans and found that the structure of the CLKT did not accurately measure the knowledge of this population.
Patterned Electrode-Based Amperometric Gas Sensor for Direct Nitric Oxide Detection within Microfluidic Devices

This article describes a thin amperometric nitric oxide (NO) sensor that can be microchannel embedded to enable direct real-time detection of NO produced by cells cultured within the microdevice. A key for achieving the thin (∼1 mm) planar sensor configuration required for sensor-channel integration is the use of gold/indium−tin oxide patterned electrode directly on a porous polymer membrane (pAu/ITO) as the base working electrode. The electrochemically deposited Au−hexacyanoferrate layer on pAu/ITO is used to catalyze NO oxidation to nitrite at lower applied potentials (0.65−0.75 V vs Ag/AgCl) and stabilize current output. Furthermore, use of a gas-permeable membrane to separate internal sensor compartments from the sample phase imparts excellent NO selectivity over common interfering agents (e.g., nitrite, ascorbate, ammonia, etc.) present in culture media and biological fluids. The optimized sensor design reversibly detects NO down to the ∼1 nM level in stirred buffer and <10 nM in flowing buffer when ...
Temporal sensitivity of event-related fMRI.

Abstract The temporal resolution of event-related fMRI is limited by the low sampling rate of typical MR whole brain protocols and by the slow rate of the BOLD response. Within the assumptions of the General Linear Model, we explore the tolerance of regression analyses of fMRI data to errors in the timing of the model relative to the experimental data under a number of circumstances. Given the sensitivity of the analysis to temporal shifts of the model relative to the data, one can search for the time a neuronal event occurs with temporal resolution on the order of a few hundred milliseconds with 95% confidence. This confidence level is strongly dependent on the signal-to-noise ratio of the observed BOLD responses (approximately ±200 ms in our example of visual stimulation data collected at 1.5 T).
Agammaglobulinemia, by Col. Ogden C. Bruton, MC, USA,Pediatrics, 1952;9:722–728

A hitherto unrecognized entity manifested by complete absence of gamma globulin with otherwise normal serum proteins and recurrent pneumococcal sepsis is described in an 8-year-old male. The patient appeared to be normal in other respects and, after extensive study, no structural or functional change could be demonstrated in any body system. He was unable to produce antibody to the pneumococcus with the four antigenic substances used; a positive Schick test persisted despite numerous attempts to reverse it with diphtheria toxoid. No antibody could be demonstrated following administration of typhoid vaccine in the usual manner, and his serum was negative for complement-fixing antibodies of epidemic parotitis after he experienced a typical clinical picture of that disease. Gamma globulin could be demonstrated in his serum after concentrated immune human serum globulin was administered subcutaneously, and its gradual disappearance could be followed by electrophoretic analysis over a period of approximately six weeks. Concurrently, and following administration of human gamma globulin (3.2 gm. gamma globulin) at monthly intervals, he had been free of pneumococcal sepsis for more than a year, whereas he had experienced clinical sepsis at least 19 times in the previous four years. Eight different types of pneumococci had been recovered from blood cultures during 10 different episodes of sepsis. In the Discussion, [the author] concluded that there was a cause-and-effect relationship between the absence of gamma globulin and the repeated infections, based on the child9s dramatic improvement after beginning gamma globulin therapy. [The author] proposed two possible causes–congenital or acquired. While [he] felt that the patient9s good health for the first 4.5 years of life argued against a congenital cause, the persistence of the defect supported it.