cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What health topics older adults want to track: a participatory design study

Older adults are increasingly savvy consumers of smartphone-based health solutions and information. These technologies may enable older adults to age-in-place more successfully. However, many app creators fail to do needs assessments of their end-users. To rectify this issue, we involved older adults (aged 65+) in the beginning stages of designing a mobile health and wellness application. We conducted a participatory design study, where 5 groups of older adults created 5 designs. Four groups identified at least 1 health metric not currently offered in either the iPhone app store or the Google Play store. At the end of the sessions we administered a questionnaire to determine what health topics participants would like to track via smartphone or tablet. The designs included 13 health topics that were not on the questionnaire. Seventeen of eighteen participants expressed interest in tracking health metrics using a smartphone/tablet despite having little experience with these devices. This shows that older adults have unique ideas that are not being considered by current technology designers. We conclude with recommendations for future development, and propose continuing to involve to older adults in participatory design.
Plasminogen activator inhibitors.

Plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAIs) regulate plasminogen activation in normal and pathologic processes. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the major physiologic inhibitor of both tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators. It is a highly regulated single-chain glycoprotein, whose overexpression in vivo impairs the fibrinolytic balance and correlates with thrombotic disorders. Recent clinical observations suggest an association between elevated plasma PAI-1 and symptomatic coronary artery occlusive disease or deep venous thrombosis. Recognition of the clinical relevance of PAIs and timely assessment of the fibrinolytic capacity in patients at risk may have therapeutic implications.
Characterization of striped bass growth hormone receptors by disulfide-bond reduction and cross-linking studies

Growth hormone (GH) receptors were analyzed in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) by addition of disulfide-bond reducing agents to radioreceptor assays and by cross-linking both striped bass and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) crude membrane preparations to radiolabeled hormone. Dithiothreitol (DTT) caused a dose-dependent increase in specific binding of 125I-tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) GH to striped bass membrane preparations. Maximal enhancement of 3.4-fold was obtained with 1 mM DTT and 0.03 trypsin inhibitor units/ml of aprotinin. Addition of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), which binds covalently to free sulfhydryl groups, decreased specific binding. Scatchard analysis of striped bass membrane preparations indicated a single class of GH receptors. Addition of DTT with aprotinin increased GH-binding site concentration from 278 to 507 fmol/mg, while the dissociation constant of 0.56 nM remained unchanged. Cross-linking 125I-tilapia GH to striped bass hepatic membrane preparations and 125I-salmon GH to coho salmon membrane preparations yielded two to three specifically labeled proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Endoglycosidase H treatment was without effect on specifically labeled proteins from either species. Following digestion with N-glycosidase F, relative molecular weights of specifically labeled 125I-GH complexes were reduced, suggesting that hepatic GH-binding proteins in striped bass and salmon are N-linked glycoproteins. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prediction of a Resonance-Enhanced Laser-Beam Displacement at Total Internal Reflection in Semiconductors

Lateral Goos-H\"anchen shifts can be increased by factors of 10-100 for laser frequency near an exciton-polariton resonance in semiconductors. A "negative" shift can occur for laser frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}$ in the pseudogap ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}l{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}l{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{l}$. Surface irregularities can be probed with this effect.
Linking the Artifact to the Activity: Tarring Pebble Classification and Use of Asphaltum on San Nicolas Island, Alta California

Tarring pebbles have been used by Native Americans of southern California for thousands of years to melt, apply, and spread asphaltum. Although tarring pebbles are frequently observed in the archaeological record, they are seldom analyzed. In this study, we use size to construct a classification and typology of tarring pebbles found at three archaeological sites on San Nicolas Island, California. Three separate tarring pebble clusters exhibit particular characteristics that are distinct from one another. Our research suggests that tarring pebbles with specific attributes were being targeted for distinct purposes, allowing us to construct a classification based on pebble size.
Livelihood Shifts and Gender Performances: Space and the Negotiation for Labor among East Africa's Pastoralists

In the last few decades there has been a distinct shift in Masai pastoral livelihoods in Kenya's rangelands, creating new livelihood activities and new gendered demands on labor. This article builds on new feminist political ecologies (FPEs) that incorporate recent developments in postructuralist and performative theorizations of gender. I extend new FPE theoretically, through the incorporation of Arendt's theory of action, especially her theorization of plurality. Plurality allows us to capture the unique dynamics of the performance of negotiation for labor control displayed by Masai husbands and wives. I also extend FPE empirically, through the examination of an African and pastoralist context. I pay attention to the role that space plays in the process of negotiating gendered inequality. Based on forty in-depth interviews complemented by ethnographic fieldwork, the research demonstrates that the women and men interviewed are deeply aware of how space conveys particular meanings during negotiations. In ...
Species- and cell-specific expression of H1 histones in tissue culture cells.

Abstract The H1 histones of 25 tissue culture cell types of rat, mouse, human, and Chinese hamster origin were studied by ion-exchange chromatography. Fractionation of H1 histones revealed that each cell type expressed multiple H1 histone subfractions. The average number of four subfractions was the same as seen in tissues. The individual H1 histones exhibited species-specific chromatographic properties, and different cell lines from a given animal were capable of expressing cell-specific quantities of the H1 histone subtypes. Neither the species- nor cell-specific properties of the H1 histones could be abolished by alkaline phosphatase treatment, but such treatment did reduce the complexity of H1 histone subfractions in SV40-transformed cells. The direct comparison of rat liver and rat hepatoma cell (H-35) H1 histones by chromatographic and electrophoretic methods demonstrated that a cell line was capable of expressing the same variety of H1 histones as the tissue of origin. Variations in the content of H1 histone subtypes were seen in intraspecies comparisons in all four species. The variations were not reduced by recloning selected cells. The variations among subfractions were dramatic for Chinese hamster cell lines CHO, V79, and DON. Smaller variations could be seen in mouse cell lines and numerous genetic mutant human fibroblast cells and HeLa cells, but the latter did not appear to be specifically related to disease state. Since H1 histones link nucleosomes, the packing of nucleosomes in the chromatin of tissue culture cells has the same potential variability as in tissues.
How to measure stand density

Foresters have produced many measures of stand density. Yet, none of these is entirely satisfactory. A majority of the measures (stand density index, basal area, and leaf area) present number of trees per unit area as a function of one factor: average tree size. This paper identifies the second factor driving self-thinning: the accumulation of gaps between tree crowns inevitable even in dense stands with a sizeable overlap of crowns. A model accounting for both factors allows us to quantify stand density and find a single number characterizing the density of undisturbed stands. The number changes with species, being higher for more shade tolerant ones. It is found that the second factor affects survival of trees but not their growth. This means that there are two kinds of stand density.
A short WZ-proof of Eulerʼs fundamental sum identity and more

Abstract We prove two identities that imply WZ-proofs of the fundamental Eulerʼs sum identity for ζ ( 3 ) and Gosperʼs sum identity for ζ ( 5 ) . In addition, we present a new similar representation for ζ ( 7 ) .
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics in Dermatologic Surgery: A Survey of Mohs Surgeons in 2010

BACKGROUND Dermatologic surgeons perform numerous procedures that put them at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and role of ergonomics in dermatologic surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS A survey study was sent to members of the American College of Mohs Surgery in 2010. The main outcome measures were survey responses relating to surgeon demographics, musculoskeletal symptoms, workstyle habits and attitudes, and ergonomic practices. RESULTS Ninety percent of respondents reported some type of musculoskeletal symptoms or injuries. The most common complaints were neck, lower back, shoulder, and upper back pain. Most respondents were not using ergonomic modifications in their practice. CONCLUSION Mohs surgeons have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Symptoms present early and persist throughout the careers of Mohs surgeons. The nature of the occupation leaves the surgeon vulnerable to injury. Ergonomic modifications in behavior and workplace are recommended to reduce pain and injury to surgeons. CONCLUSION The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Chronic inflammatory lesions of the small intestine (Regional Enteritis)

1. Eighteen patients with regional, inflammatory disease of the jejunum, ileum or the ileocecal region have been described. 2. Pathologically, the lesions were similar in all segments of the intestine. 3. The chronic inflammatory nature of the lesion emphasizes the importance of excluding tuberculosis as an etiologic factor. 4. Clinically, the symptoms are suggestive of the situation of the disease. 5. The outstanding symptoms include pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and loss of weight. 6. The striking incidence in males is again emphasized (fourteen males, four females). 7. Difficulty in diagnosing these lesions is emphasized by the fact that over half of our group of patients previously had been subjected to abdominal operation. 8. Entero-anastomosis alone has proved sufficient to relieve some patients, but resection of the diseased segment also usually has been necessary.
Automatic design of a deep-drawn circumscribing preform

The authors describe a procedure for the automatic design of a preform based on circumscription algorithms. The procedure is defined in general terms and applied to preforms realized by axisymmetric deep-drawing processes. The automatic design procedure is supervised by a 'generate, test, and rectify' tactic. The 'generate' stage hypothesizes a deep-drawn preform that either contains the finished workpiece or is 'close' to doing so. If the workpiece is not fully contained by the initial preform, the latter is 'rectified'. Rectification applies small changes to the radii of bending and to the wall thickness of the hypothesized preform cup. Either rectification continues recursively or a new hypothesis is generate. The cup is defined by its medial and a nominal uniform wall thickness. The design is accepted when a circumscribing cup is produced. The supervisory search mechanism is a combination of A*, hill-climbing, and depth-first. >
Content-dependent video authentication by self-watermarking in color space

A plausible motivation for video tampering is to alter the sequence of events. This goal can be achieved by re-indexing attacks such as frame removal, insertion, or shuffling. In this work, we report on the development of an algorithm to identify and, subject to certain limitations, reverse such acts. At the heart of the algorithm lies the concept of a frame-pair [f,f*]. Frame-pairs are unique in two ways. The first frame is the basis for watermarking of the second frame sometime in the future. A key that is unique to the location of frame f governs frame-pair temporal separation. Watermarking is done by producing a low resolution version of 24-bit frame, spreading it, and then embedding it in the color space of f*. As such, watermarking f* is tantamount to embedding a copy of frame f in a future frame. Having tied one frame, in content and timing, to another frame downstream, frame removal and insertion can be identified and, subject to certain limitations, reversed.
Cryptographic wiretapping at 100 Megabits

This paper describes the Advanced Packet Vault, a cryptographically secured archiver of network packet data that reliably captures all packets on a 100 Mbps Ethernet network, encrypts them, and writes them to long-term magnetic tape storage for later analysis and evidentiary purposes. Based on a previous prototype, the APV provides an enhanced cryptographic organization that allows site-specific selection of the encryption format and that permits selected traffic to be made available without compromising the security of other traffic. The APV operates reliably under a continuous 100 Mbps load. We conclude with a discussion of future work necessary to scale the APV beyond 100 Mbps.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hippocampal infusions of pyruvate reverse the memory-impairing effects of septal muscimol infusions

Hippocampal infusions of glucose reverse memory deficits in spontaneous alternation and in a continuous multiple trial inhibitory avoidance task. The current experiments tested whether glucose metabolism may participate in these effects of glucose. Specifically, these experiments determined whether the glycolytic metabolite pyruvate would mimic these effects of glucose. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given septal infusions of vehicle or the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist muscimol (0.15 nmol for spontaneous alternation or 5 nmol for continuous multiple trial inhibitory avoidance) combined with hippocampal infusions of vehicle or pyruvate (200 nmol) 15 min prior to assessing spontaneous alternation or training in a continuous multiple trial inhibitory avoidance task. The infusions of muscimol decreased percent alternation scores and continuous multiple trial inhibitory avoidance retention latencies tested 48 h after training. More importantly, hippocampal infusions of pyruvate reversed the deficits produced by septal infusions of muscimol on both tasks. These findings show for the first time that hippocampal infusions of pyruvate influence memory and suggest that glucose may affect memory via glycolytic metabolism.
Interaction of opiate peptide and noradrenalin systems: Light microscopic studies

In this light microscopic immunocytochemical study beta-Endorphin (beta-END), leu-enkephalin and dopamine-beta hydroxylase (DBH) antisera are used to obtain an overview of the interaction of the noradrenergic and opiate peptide systems in brain. Serial brain areas were analyzed for DBH and then for beta-END or leu-enkephalin. Several areas were evaluated for cell and fiber interactions between these systems. The areas of richest possible contact between beta-END and DBH positive systems include the rostral locus coeruleus region, the periaqueductal grey, possibly the dorsal thalamus, the paraventricular hypothalamus and the arcuate nucleus. Enkephalin cells and fibers were seen surrounding the locus coeruleus throughout its length with a few fibers in the nucleus itself.
A novel cationic liposome reagent for efficient transfection of mammalian cells

A novel cationic derivative of cholesterol, 3 beta [N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), has been synthesized and used to prepare sonicated liposomes with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine. This novel cationic liposome reagent facilitates efficient DNA mediated transfection in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells, A549 human lung carcinoma cells, L929 mouse fibroblast cells, and YPT minipig primary endothelial cells. The activity was greater than that of a commercial reagent, Lipofectin, and was approximately 4-fold less toxic than Lipofectin when assayed with A431 cells. The reagent is easy to synthesize and stable for at least 6 weeks.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography of Biopolymers

The ability to separate biological macromolecules with good resolution on liquid chromatographic columns has depended on the development of suitable packing materials. In size exclusion chromatography, molecules are separated by size on the basis of differential permeation of the packing. Ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction (or reversed-phase), and affinity chromatography are all surface-mediated separation methods, although they depend on different retention mechanisms. High-performance liquid chromatographic columns designed for biopolymers offer major advantages over conventional columns in both speed and resolving power. The exponential growth of literature on the high-performance separation of peptides and proteins in particular indicates that the technique will become the dominant form of column liquid chromatography.
Sterol regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene through a direct interaction between sterol regulatory element binding protein and the trimeric CCAAT-binding factor/nuclear factor Y

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, a key regulatory enzyme in the pathway for endogenous cholesterol synthesis, is a target for negative feedback regulation by cholesterol. The promoter for HMG-CoA synthase contains two binding sites for the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). When cellular sterol levels are low, the SREBPs are released from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, allowing them to translocate to the nucleus and activate SREBP target genes. In all SREBP-regulated promoters studied to date, additional co-regulatory transcription factors are required. In the HMG-CoA synthase promoter there are several potential co-regulatory transcription factor binding sites, including an inverted CCAAT box. A similar element has been shown to function with SREBP to mediate sterol regulation of another gene involved in cholesterol metabolism, farnesyl diphosphate synthase. Here, we show that CCAAT binding factor/nuclear factor Y (CBF/NF-Y) binding to the CCAAT box is required for sterol-regulated transcription of HMG-CoA synthase. The SREBP sites and the inverted CCAAT box are normally separated by 17 base pairs, and we show that increasing this distance results in a decrease in the level of transcriptional regulation by sterols. Furthermore, we provide evidence that there is a direct interaction between CBF/NF-Y and the basic helix-loop-helix-zipper region of SREBP. Interestingly, this interaction does not occur efficiently with any of the isolated subunits and appears to require all three nonidentical CBF/NF-Y subunits in a preassembled complex. Since CBF/NF-Y only binds to DNA when all three subunits are in a complex, this would prevent SREBP from forming nonproductive associations with the individual subunits.
In vitro activity of cefoperazone-sulbactam combinations against cefoperazone-resistant clinical bacterial isolates.

From July 1987 to January 1988, 452 cefoperazone-resistant bacterial isolates were identified among strains subjected to routine susceptibility testing in a clinical microbiology laboratory. The 452 isolates were tested for susceptibility to cefoperazone, sulbactam, and a 2:1 combination of these drugs by agar dilution techniques. The greatest benefit of the cefoperazone-sulbactam combination was noted againstBacteroides spp. andAcinetobacter spp. The combination demonstrated clinically significant synergism against approximately 20% of strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosa.
Monte Carlo and experimental investigations of multileaf collimated electron beams for modulated electron radiation therapy.

Modulated electron radiation therapy (MERT) has been proposed as a means of delivering conformal dose to shallow tumors while sparing distal structures and surrounding tissues. Conventional systems for electron beamcollimation are labor and time intensive in their construction and are therefore inadequate for use in the sequential delivery of multiple complex fields required by MERT. This study investigates two proposed methods of electron beamcollimation: the use of existing photonmultileaf collimators(MLC) in a helium atmosphere to reduce in-air electron scatter, and a MLC specifically designed for electron beamcollimation.Monte Carlo simulations of a Varian Clinac 2100C were performed using the EGS4/BEAM system and dose calculations performed with the MCDOSE code. Dose penumbras from fields collimated by photonMLCs both with air and with helium at 6, 12, and 20 MeV at a range of SSDs from 70 to 90 cm were examined. Significant improvements were observed for the helium based system. Simulations were also performed on an electron specific MLC located at the level of the last scraper of a 25×25 cm2 applicator. A number of leaf materials, thicknesses, end shapes, and widths were simulated to determine optimal construction parameters. The results demonstrated that tungsten leaves 15 mm thick and 5 mm wide with unfocused ends would provide sufficient collimation for MERT fields. A prototype electron MLC was constructed and comparisons between film measurements and simulation demonstrate the validity of the Monte Carlo model. Further simulations of dose penumbras demonstrate that such an electron MLC would provide improvements over the helium filled photonMLC at all energies, and improvements in the 90–10 penumbra of 12% to 45% at 20 MeV and 6 MeV, respectively. These improvements were also seen in isodose curves when a complex field shape was simulated. It is thus concluded that an MLC specific for electron beamcollimation is required for MERT.
Growth and physiology of Northern Red Oak: preliminary comparisons of mature tree and seedling responses to ozone.

Abstract Considerable progress has been made during the past decade in the development of mechanistic models that allow complex chemical, physical, and biological processes to be evaluated in the global change context. However, quantitative predictions of the response of individual trees, stands, and forest ecosystems to pollutants and climatic variables require extrapolation of existing data sets, derived largely from seedling studies, to increasing levels of complexity with little or no understanding of the uncertainties associated with these extrapolations. Consequently, a project designed to address concerns associated with scaling from seedling to mature tree responses was initiated. During the 1990 and 1991 growing seasons, mature northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) trees and seedlings were exposed to subambient, ambient, and twice ambient ozone (O 3 ) concentrations. The initial focus of the study was to identify possible trends and obvious differences between mature trees and seedlings, both in terms of growth and physiology and in response to O 3 . Generally, mature trees exhibited a greater decrease in photosynthesis rates over the growing season than did the seedlings. Ozone treatments had no consistent effect on gas exchange rates of seedlings, but the twice ambient O 3 treatment resulted in reduced photosynthesis rates in the mature tree. Despite no effect of O 3 on seedling gas exchange rates, total seedling biomass was significantly less at the end of the 1991 growing season for those seedlings exposed to twice ambient O 3 levels. Disproportionate reductions in root biomass also resulted in reduced root to shoot ratios at elevated O 3 concentrations.
Regulation of lactose transport by the phosphoenolpyruvate-sugar phosphotransferase system in membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli.

Regulation of lactose uptake by the phosphoenolpyruvate-sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) has been demonstrated in membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli strain ML308-225. Substrates of the phosphotransferase system inhibited D-lactate energized uptake of lactose but did not inhibit uptake of either L-alanine or L-proline. This inhibition was reversed by intravesicular (but not extravesicular) phosphoenolpyruvate. Lactose uptake was also inhibited by enzyme IIIglc preparations that were shocked into the vesicles, and this inhibition was reversed by phosphoenolpyruvate. Intravesicular HPr and enzyme I stimulated methyl α-glucoside uptake but did not inhibit or stimulate lactose accumulation. Vesicles maintained at 0°C for several days partially lost 1) the ability to take up lactose, 2) the ability to accumulate PTS substrates, and 3) PTS-mediated regulation. Phosphoenolpyruvate addition restored all of these activities. These results support a mechanism in which the relative proportions of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of a phosphotransferase constituent regulate the activity of the lactose permcase.
Early effects of the healthy steps for young children program.

Objective The Healthy Steps for Young Children Program (HS) incorporates early child development specialists and enhanced developmental services into routine pediatric care. An evaluation of HS is being conducted at 6 randomization and 9 quasi-experimental sites. Services received, satisfaction with services, and parent practices were assessed when infants were aged 2 to 4 months. Methods Telephone interviews with mothers were conducted for 2631 intervention (response rate, 89%) and 2265 control (response rate, 87%) families. Analyses were conducted separately for randomization and quasi-experimental sites and adjusted for baseline differences between intervention and control groups. Hierarchical linear models assessed overall adjusted effects, while accounting for within-site correlation of outcomes. Results Intervention families were considerably more likely than controls to report receiving 4 or more developmental services and home visits and discussing 5 infant development topics. They also were more likely to be satisfied and less likely to be dissatisfied with care from their pediatric provider and were less likely to place babies in the prone sleep position or feed them water. The program did not affect breastfeeding continuation. Differences in the percentage of parents who showed picture books to their infants, fed them cereal, followed routines, and played with them daily were found only at the quasi-experimental sites and may reflect factors unrelated to HS. Conclusions Intervention families received more developmental services during the first 2 to 4 months of their child's life and were happier with care received than were control families. Future surveys and medical record reviews will address whether these findings persist and translate into improved language development, better utilization of well-child care, and an effect on costs.
A longitudinal study of serum IgE in a community cohort: Correlations with age, sex, smoking, and atopic status

A number of factors, including age, sex, smoking habits, and atopic status have been reported in cross-sectional studies to influence levels of serum IgE. We have examined the effects of these variables on serum IgE in a community population cohort of 1109 subjects during a longitudinal study in which two serum samples were obtained 8 years apart from each subject. For the entire cohort, mean serum IgE level changed little during the follow-up period (28.9 versus 26.0 IU/ml). Most of the decreases were observed in children and young adults. Subjects more than the age of 35 years demonstrated no systematic change in serum IgE levels. By the end of follow-up (when there were few subjects still less than 16 years of age), significant relationships of IgE to age could no longer be demonstrated in nonatopic subjects. Also, in the nonatopic subjects of this cohort, there were no significant differences in IgE levels between the sexes. Among atopic subjects, there was a clear tendency for IgE to decrease with age, with atopic women more than 35 years of age demonstrating greater declines in IgE levels during follow-up than men of comparable age. The IgE levels in atopic male subjects were significantly higher than in atopic female subjects after the age of 35 years. Smoking was associated with an elevation in serum IgE. In this cohort, the smoking effect appeared to be limited to male subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing: How and When

Pelvic fractures can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage, particularly as they tend to occur in the setting of polytrauma. Several approaches to hemorrhage control have been employed in pelvic fracture patients over the years. This review describes the indications, operative technique, and outcomes for preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP). Pelvic packing should be considered for every hemodynamically unstable patient with a significant pelvic fracture. We describe how this can be accomplished in coordination with other resuscitative efforts and operative needs.
Cranberry extract inhibits low density lipoprotein oxidation

Cranberry juice consumption is often used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, but the effect of cranberry juice on heart disease has not been investigated. We evaluated how a cranberry extract containing 1,548 mg gallic acid equivalents/liter (initial pH=2.50) affected low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation induced by 10 micromolar cupric sulfate. When LDL oxidation took place in the presence of diluted cranberry extracts, the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and LDL electrophoretic mobility were reduced. LDL electrophoretic migration was also reduced when the cranberry extract had a pH of 7.00 prior to dilution. This study suggests that cranberry extracts have the ability to inhibit the oxidative modification of LDL particles.
Dynamic Regulation of Bidirectional Vesicle Transport

The motor proteins dynein and kinesin function collectively to achieve long-range, bidirectional transport along microtubules. Transport in live cells, imaged using phase microscopy, exhibits distinct modes of motility, with fast, unidirectional movement in both anterograde and retrograde directions as well as saltatory, bidirectional movement. To examine transport in a simplified environment, we isolated axonal transport vesicles from transgenic mice expressing GFP-dynamitin. The fluorescent vesicles were imaged with high resolution using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Using automated tracking software, we tracked all vesicles associated with polarity-marked microtubules. The purified vesicles move bidirectionally with 40% of motility in the anterograde direction and 60% in the retrograde direction, similar to the bidirectional population of vesicles observed in live cells. Inhibitory antibodies to dynein modulate the direction of transport. We compared the predictions of a simple tug-of-war model, proposed by Muller et al., [PNAS, 2008] to the observed motility in vitro, and found good agreement when 6-7 dynein motors and 1 kinesin motor are active. This prediction is in striking agreement to quantitation of motor numbers through photobleaching and quantitative western blotting, which estimate approximately 6 dynein motors per vesicle and a ratio of 6.3±0.7 dynein motors to each kinesin-1 motor. Together, the analysis of vesicle transport in live cells, purified vesicles in vitro, and mathematical modeling indicate that vesicles move robustly with a small complement of motors. The results suggest an efficient regulatory scheme where small changes in the number of active motors manifest in large changes in the motility of the cargo.
Campaigning and the Catch-All Party The Process of Party Transformation in Britain

Otto Kirchheimer’s well-known diagnosis of ‘catch-all’ partism in Western Europe rests on an implicit causal argument about the consequences of social change for political parties. This article takes up the causal story underlying Kirchheimer’s account and traces its implications for a specific, though central, party activity: campaigning. As Kirchheimer discerned, the transformation of advanced industrial societies radically altered the context of parties’ strategic decision-making. In the area of election campaigning, parties confronted heightened incentives to approach the electorate with ‘persuasive’ rather than more traditional ‘mobilizing’ appeals and developed a greatly increased demand for reliable information about voter preferences. These shifts, in turn, had consequences for party organization, promoting the centralization and marginalization of individual members Kirchheimer associates with the catch-all party type. Through the lens of campaign change, then, we can observe the causal processes...
An algorithm for protein engineering: simulations of recursive ensemble mutagenesis.

Abstract An algorithm for protein engineering, termed recursive ensemble mutagenesis, has been developed to produce diverse populations of phenotypically related mutants whose members differ in amino acid sequence. This method uses a feedback mechanism to control successive rounds of combinatorial cassette mutagenesis. Starting from partially randomized "wild-type" DNA sequences, a highly parallel search of sequence space for peptides fitting an experimenter's criteria is performed. Each iteration uses information gained from the previous rounds to search the space more efficiently. Simulations of the technique indicate that, under a variety of conditions, the algorithm can rapidly produce a diverse population of proteins fitting specific criteria. In the experimental analog, genetic selection or screening applied during recursive ensemble mutagenesis should force the evolution of an ensemble of mutants to a targeted cluster of related phenotypes.
Protein Components of the Purified Sodium Channel from Rat Skeletal Muscle Sarcolemma

Sensitive detection systems have been used to study the protein components of the sodium channel purified from rat skeletal muscle sarcolemma. This functional, purified sodium channel contains at least three subunits on 7-20% gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: a large glycoprotein which migrates anomalously in the high-molecular-weight range, a 45,000 molecular weight polypeptide, and a third protein often seen as a doublet at 38,000. The large glycoprotein runs as a diffuse band and stains very poorly with Coomassie blue, but is adequately visualized with silver staining or iodination followed by autoradiography. This glycoprotein exhibits anomalous electrophoretic behavior in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The apparent molecular weight of the center of the band varies from approximately 230,000 on 13% acrylamide gels to approximately 130,000 on 5% gels; on 7-20% gradient gels a value of 160,000 is found. Plots of relative migration versus gel concentration suggest an unusually high apparent free solution mobility. Lectin binding to purified channel peptides separated by gel electrophoresis indicates that the large glycoprotein is the only subunit that binds either concanavalin A or wheat germ agglutinin, and this component has high binding capacity for both lectins. The smaller channel components run consistently at 45,000 and 38,000 molecular weight in a variety of gel systems and do not appear to be glycosylated.
Afferent modulation of dopamine neuron firing patterns

In recent studies examining the modulation of dopamine (DA) cell firing patterns, particular emphasis has been placed on excitatory afferents from the prefrontal cortex and the subthalamic nucleus. A number of inconsistencies in recently published reports, however, do not support the contention that tonic activation of NMDA receptors is the sole determinate of DA neuronal firing patterns. The results of work on the basic mechanism of DA firing and the action of apamin suggest that excitatory projections to DA neurons from cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons in the tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus, and/or inhibitory GABAergic projections, are also involved in modulating DA neuron firing behavior.
The tricyclopropylcyclopropenyl cation

Abstract The preparation and properties of the tricyclopropylcyclopropenyl cation are described.
Net energy balance of small-scale on-farm biodiesel production from canola and soybean

Abstract One necessary criterion for a biofuel to be a sustainable alternative to the petroleum fuels it displaces is a positive net energy balance. This study estimated the net energy ratio (NER), net energy balance (NEB), and net energy yield (NEY) of small-scale on-farm production of canola [Brassica napus (L.)] and soybean [Glycine max (L.)] biodiesel in the upper Midwest. Direct and embodied energy inputs based on well-defined system boundaries and contemporary data were used to estimate the energy requirement of crop production, oil extraction, and biofuel processing. The NER of canola biodiesel was 1.78 compared with 2.05 for soybean biodiesel. Canola biodiesel had a NEB of 0.66 MJ MJ−1 of biofuel compared with 0.81 MJ MJ−1 for soybean biodiesel. The NEY of soybean biodiesel was 10,951 MJ ha−1, less than canola biodiesel which had a NEY of 11,353 MJ ha−1. Use of soybean as a biodiesel feedstock was more energetically efficient than canola primarily due to reduced nitrogen fertilizer requirement. In terms of energetic productivity, canola was a more productive biodiesel feedstock than soybean due to its higher oil content. A best-case scenario based on optimal feedstock yields, reduced fertilizer input, and advanced biofuel processing equipment suggested that potential gains in energetic efficiency was greater for canola than soybean. According to our results, small-scale on-farm biodiesel production using canola and soybean can be an energetically efficient way to produce energy for on-farm use.
Dissolved vanadium in rivers: effects of silicate weathering

New measurements of vanadium in 15 small California catchments as well as some tributaries of the Mississippi River are presented here. These measurements complement previously published fluvial vanadium data and allow a re-examination of prior conclusions about the geochemistry of vanadium in rivers. The data suggest a best estimate of the fluvial flux of dissolved vanadium to be 0.52 Gmol year−1, though considerable uncertainty remains in this number. Dissolved vanadium in rivers appears to be derived largely from the weathering of silicate rocks which leads to a general correlation between dissolved V and Si in rivers. However, rock type can modify this basic correlation as can solubility limits on Si. The nature of the erosional regime may play some role in modifying fluvial V/Si ratios, but the effect is weak enough to be obscured by other factors. Fluvial vanadium transport is also potentially affected both by organic matter (through complexation and reduction) and by the effects of oxygen depletion in lakes, reservoirs and fresh water sediments. However, these factors require additional study. The development of methodology to determine vanadium redox speciation in the field would aid the further understanding of the processes affecting the transport of this element through the environment.
A composite insulator structure for VLSI multilevel metallization

Dense and complex circuit layouts in integrated circuits often require multilevel interconnecting wiring. At IBM East Fishkill sputtered SiO2 is used to provide insulation between the wiring levels. Defects in the insulating layers can result in interlevel shorts (ILS). If a projection from one metal layer is inadequately covered with the insulator it may short to the metal layer above. Since the inadequacy of coverage is a result of the non-conformal coating that results from sputter deposition, a relatively thin layer of conformal PECVD SixNy deposited upon the top of the SiO2 will provide adequate insulation over projections. Electrical testing of special test patterns showed significant improvement in ILS using the structure described.
EXTRACTION OF NEPTUNIUM AND PLUTONIUM NITRATES WITH n-OCTYL(PHENYL)-N,N-DIISOBUTYL-CARBAMOYLMETHYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE∗

ABSTRACT Distribution equilibria of Np and Pu in various valence states and stripping of Np(V) were studied in a system involving 0.20 M n-octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide + 1.2 M tributyl phosphate in dodecane as a solvent. Np(V) is weakly extractable at 3 M nitric acid, due to the disproportionation of Np(V) to Np(IV) and Np(VI). Addition of nitrous acid to solutions containing Np(V) increases the over-all extractabllity of Np, due to its partial oxidation to Np(VI). This is also the case In the presence of oxalic acid, both at room temperature and at 40°C. Both Np(IV) and Np(VI) are highly extractable, but the reduction of Np(V,VI) to Np(IV) is slow even with a reductant as strong as sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate. Pu(IV) is highly extractable and its reduction to Pu(III) with sulfoxylate Is incomplete in the two-phase system if the aqueous phase contains >0.5 M nitric acid. Extracted Np(VI) can be stripped by reduction to...
EFFECTS OF POSTMORTEM INTERVAL AND PRESERVATION METHOD ON RNA ISOLATED FROM FIELD-PRESERVED AVIAN TISSUES

Studies of gene expression and transcriptome profiling often require the isolation of high-quality mRNA. Here, we examined how preservation method and the lag between collection and processing (postmortem interval; PMI) affect RNA quality and yield in field-collected samples. We subjected tissue samples of 11 House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) to two preservation treatments (flash freezing in liquid nitrogen versus treatment with Ambion's RNAlater prior to freezing) and eight PMI treatments (intervals ranging from 0 to 360 min). Mean RNA yields were significantly higher for flash-frozen tissues. Total RNA yield, as measured by a UV-vis spectro- photometer (Nanodrop), was not negatively associated with PMI in either preservation treatment, and we were able to extract RNA of quality (28S:18S fluorescence ratio >0.9) sufficient for most gene-expression applications from specimens that were held at ambient temperature for up to 6 hr postmortem. These results demonstrate that suffi- cient quantities of high-quality RNA can be extracted from avian tissues collected under typical field conditions. Although RNA remains stable for several hours postmortem, other studies have demonstrated that the transcrip- tional profile changes as a function of PMI. To increase the value of tissue samples for RNA studies we recommend that collectors include with a specimen detailed notes on the duration of the PMI as well as other extrinsic (e.g., time of day, temperature) and intrinsic (e.g., age of bird, sex) factors that influence levels of gene expression.
Apparent Synergy Among Defense Mechanisms in Subterranean Termites (Rhinotermitidae) Against Epizootic Events: Limits and Potential for Biological Control

The use of entomopathogens for biological control of subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) has attracted attention in the past four decades, and several laboratory studies have shown promising results with fungal agents. This approach was based on the concept of classical biological control with the use of a virulent agent that can self-replicate in a termite nest and be transmitted among individuals, resulting in an epizootic to kill the entire colony. However, the absence of positive results in field studies challenged the potential of fungal pathogens as a realistic approach for subterranean termite control, and the relationship between fungi and subterranean termites remains poorly understood. A multimodal approach of the currently identified defense mechanisms allowed us to show that subterranean termites have the ability to prevent an epizootic from occurring. The defense mechanisms involved in such resistance are reviewed and documented. Finally, the interactions among three major defense mechanisms (grooming, cellular encapsulation, and gut antifungal activity) were analyzed, and it is suggested that these mechanisms act synergistically to produce an efficient defense against the infection of the fungus at the individual and group level so as to protect the colony from epizootics.
Guaranteed Convergence of the Kohn-Sham Equations

A sufficiently damped iteration of the Kohn-Sham (KS) equations with the exact functional is proven to always converge to the true ground-state density, regardless of the initial density or the strength of electron correlation, for finite Coulomb systems. We numerically implement the exact functional for one-dimensional continuum systems and demonstrate convergence of the damped KS algorithm. More strongly correlated systems converge more slowly.
Detection of Different Interfaces in Percolated Networks of Antimony Tin Oxide: Borosilicate Glass Composites by Impedance Spectroscopy

Glass composites containing percolated segregated networks of conducting antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were fabricated through the use of a hot-pressing technique, which resulted in glass microspheres deforming into faceted polyhedra with the ATO located at the edges. Once the ATO percolated, it was shown that minor changes in the processing parameters could cause drastic differences in the electrical properties (as much as 4–5 orders of magnitude in some cases). This study aims to investigate how the hot-pressing processing conditions, that is, temperature and pressure, can influence the electrical properties of percolated glass/ATO composites. Glass composites containing 4.8 wt% ATO, which is a concentration higher than the percolation threshold, were hot pressed at several different temperatures (550°C–675°C) and pressures (5.8–23.4 MPa) and were examined using impedance spectroscopy. A comprehensive equivalent circuit model was developed based on the microstructure of the composites and the individual impedance behavior of the materials involved. It was found that the physical arrangement as well as the individual properties of the glass, the ATO nanoparticles, and the different interfaces between ATO (point contact vs partially sintered vs glass coated) all contributed to the measured response in a quantitative way. The equivalent circuit model was successful in fitting all of the impedance behaviors at different temperature and pressures thus revealing the influence of the processing conditions on the electrical properties of percolated ATO/glass composites.