cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research advances of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in children

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(MPGN)is immune pathological diagnosis, and it has all sorts of clinical manifestations, poor prognosis and high case fatality rate.The latest classification of MPGN is divided into immunecomplex-mediated and complement-mediated.On the basis of the potential pathophysiology, its related causes can be assessed in order to choose a more appropriate treatment method.Long alternate day glucocorticoid-therapy is beneficial to idiopathic MPGN in children.Biological agents used in the treatment of MPGN has made great progresses. Key words: Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; Pathological diagnosis; Children
Strict local martingales and the Khasminskii test for explosions

Abstract We exhibit sufficient conditions such that components of a multidimensional SDE giving rise to a local martingale M are strict local martingales or martingales. We assume that the equations have diffusion coefficients of the form σ ( M t , v t ) , with v t being a stochastic volatility term.
Compendium of Methods to Uncover RNA-Protein Interactions In Vivo

Control of gene expression is critical in shaping the pro-and eukaryotic organisms’ genotype and phenotype. The gene expression regulatory pathways solely rely on protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions, which determine the fate of the nucleic acids. RNA–protein interactions play a significant role in co- and post-transcriptional regulation to control gene expression. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are a diverse group of macromolecules that bind to RNA and play an essential role in RNA biology by regulating pre-mRNA processing, maturation, nuclear transport, stability, and translation. Hence, the studies aimed at investigating RNA–protein interactions are essential to advance our knowledge in gene expression patterns associated with health and disease. Here we discuss the long-established and current technologies that are widely used to study RNA–protein interactions in vivo. We also present the advantages and disadvantages of each method discussed in the review.
Broadband Availability and Firm Entry

A number of studies suggest that the availability of broadband reduces firm entry costs associated with informing buyers about products, learning about the market tastes, setting up distribution channels, handling legal paperwork, and learning about regulatory environment. It can decrease the disadvantages that young and small firms experience when competing with large incumbents. Moreover, it can promote firm entry as it enhances economic growth. Current empirical evidence indicates that broadband availability facilitates firm entry. Contrastingly, many studies find that the effects of broadband on employment are often limited, varying across industries and across labor markets. This paper investigates the hypothesis that much of the firm entry induced by broadband availability is in the form of “casual ventures”, business activities involving little labor time, where the entry is often a response to bad conditions in the mainstream job market. The data are drawn from the US Census nonemployer statistics and the broadband deployment from NTIA and FCC. In the U.S., the majority of business establishments are nonemployers, yet these firms have small economic impact and average less than 4 percent of all sales and receipts nationally. The paper examines the effects of broadband availability on firm entry and seeks to disentangle the extent that these effects are restricted to nonemployer firms. The policy implications are significant since a large amount of public resources have been invested in broadband deployment aiming to promote employment and economic growth.
Adapting multisystemic therapy to the treatment of disruptive behavior problems in youths with autism spectrum disorder: toward improving the practice of health care

Abstract Youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often engage in aggressive and other disruptive behaviors that interfere with important aspects of their lives, such as family, friends, and school. Effective treatments are needed to address the wide variety of risk factors that contribute to disruptive behaviors in this population of youths. Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a comprehensive family- and community-based treatment approach that has been effective in reducing problem behaviors in other challenging clinical populations. In this chapter, we review the broad range of possible contributing factors for disruptive behaviors in youths with ASD and discuss how MST interventions can be adapted to address those factors. We also present a research framework and empirical findings related to the development and evaluation of the MST model for youths with ASD. Implications of those findings and future directions in our continued development of MST for ASD are discussed.
Activation of the CaMKII-Sarm1-ASK1 MAP kinase pathway protects against axon degeneration caused by loss of mitochondria

Mitochondrial defects are tightly linked to axon degeneration, yet the underlying cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In C. elegans, PVQ axons that lack mitochondria degenerate spontaneously with age. Using an unbiased genetic screen, we found that cell-specific activation of CaMKII/UNC-43 suppresses axon degeneration due to loss of mitochondria. Unexpectedly, CaMKII/UNC-43 protects against degeneration through the conserved Sarm1/TIR-1-ASK1/NSY-1 MAPK pathway. In addition, we show that disrupting a trafficking complex composed of calsyntenin/CASY-1, Mint/LIN-10, and kinesin suppresses axon degeneration. Further analysis indicates that disruption of this trafficking complex activates the CaMKII-Sarm1-MAPK pathway through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Our findings identify CaMKII as a pivot point between mitochondrial defects and axon degeneration, describe how it is regulated in this context, and uncover a surprising neuroprotective role for the Sarm1-ASK1 pathway.
Volume element model mesh generation strategy and its application in ship thermal analysis

We present a hexahedral mesh generation strategy for the volume element model.The proposed mesh generation strategy is applied in ship thermal analysis.Highly accurate representations of the ship geometry can be achieved.Plausible ship thermal solutions are obtained using a coarse independent mesh.The strategy enhances the overall computational efficiency of the VEM. This paper introduces a mesh generation strategy devised and implemented for the volume element model (VEM), and elaborates key contributions of the strategy in enhancing the VEM as a prominent tool in ship thermal modeling and simulation. The VEM mesh generation strategy employs ray crossings and ray- triangle intersection algorithms developed in previous studies, and constructs sufficiently accurate geometric representations of the whole ship within permissible time frame using hexahedral meshes. In addition, this work demonstrates the strategy's practicality in thermal analysis of a notional all-electric ship, which is characterized by intricate structures and multiple internal components, i.e., thermal loads. Ship thermal solutions obtained in this assessment verify the proposed mesh generation strategy's ability to improve the overall computational efficiency of the VEM, by allowing it to obtain plausible thermal solutions with respect to time and space using a coarse independent mesh.
Vortices in Ideal Fluids

The observation that vorticity is of great importance in nature can be traced back hundreds of years, beginning at least to Leonardo da Vinci and Descartes. For any three-dimensional vector field v we know the fundamental fact that that provided the vector field v vanishes outside a compact set in R3, then the vector field v decomposes into a solenoidal part and a gradient part. This fact is sometimes called “the fundamental theorem of advanced calculus” The solenoidal part of v, sometimes denoted curl v, is called vorticity when the vector field in question is the velocity vector of a fluid. This means, in usual discussions, assuming the velocity is zero at infinity, that the vorticity can be distinguished from the irrotational part of the fluid by a rotational movement. In symbols we have v = velocity vector of a fluid in ℜ3, of compact support curl v = vorticity of the fluid in ℜ3 grad v = irrotational part of v v = curl v + grad v
Game changing computational engineering technology

During the last two decades, giant strides have been achieved in many aspects of Computational Engineering. Higher-fidelity mathematical models, better approximation methods, and faster algorithms have been developed for many time-dependent applications. SIMD, SPMD, MIMD, coarse-grain, and fine-grain parallel processors have come and gone. Linux clusters are now ubiquitous, cores have replaced CEs, and GPUs have shattered computing speed barriers. Most importantly, the potential of high-fidelity physics-based simulations for providing deeper understanding of complex engineering systems and enhancing system performance has been recognized in almost every field of engineering. Yet, in many engineering applications, high-fidelity time-dependent numerical simulations are not performed as often as needed, or are more often performed in special circumstances than routinely. The reason is very simple: these simulations remain too computationally intensive for time-critical operations such as design, design optimization, and active control. Consequently, the impact of computational sciences on such operations has yet to materialize. Petascale or exascale computing alone is unlikely to make this happen. Achieving this objective demands instead a game-changing computational technology that bridges both ends of the computing spectrum. This talk will attempt to make the case for this pressing need and outline a candidate computational technology for filling it that is based on model reduction, machine learning concepts, trained data bases, and rigorous interpolation methods. It will also illustrate it with preliminary results obtained from its application to the support of the flutter flight testing of a fighter aircraft and the aerodynamic optimization of Formula 1 car.
Friction of bodies, friction of minds

In the middle of the fifteenth century, roughly three hundred years before Newton formulated the socalled “laws of motion”, Nicholas of Cusa, the philosopher-cardinal, had pondered the phenomenon which has been known since as “rolling friction”. He said as follows: “Notice that the movement of the ball declines and ceases, leaving the ball sound and whole, because the motion that is within the ball is not natural, but accidental and violent. Therefore when the impetus that is impressed upon it dies out, it stops. But if that ball were perfectly round ... its motion would be round. That motion would be natural and in no way violent, and would never cease.”
Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents with Both Self-Asphyxial Risk-Taking Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.

This study examined adolescent participation in self-asphyxial risk-taking behaviors (SAB), sometimes known as the "choking game," and its relationship with other adolescent risk behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Researchers proposed that participation in SAB and NSSI would be associated with suicidal behavior, disordered eating, and substance use. Using a large community-based sample, results revealed preliminary associations between SAB and other risk-taking behaviors. Adolescents who had engaged in both SAB and NSSI reported more concurrent risk behaviors than adolescents who participated in only one of the behaviors or neither behavior. Results indicate that greater awareness of SAB is important, and continued research can evaluate the possible link between the behavior and risk for suicide.
Multiple-output propagation transition fault test

The test results of eight "challenge" Murphy chips that escaped either at least one of the 100% single stuck-at fault test sets or the 100% transition fault test set were analyzed. The results show that: (1) an input pattern sequence is needed to detect the defects in the eight chips; (2) the detection of a transition fault depends on the outputs at which it is observed; (3) a transition fault test set is more effective if each transition fault is detected more than once. A transition fault test set, TARO, in which each Transition fault is propagated to All the Reachable Outputs, is created and the experimental results are presented. The TARO test set detected all the eight "challenge" Murphy chips.
Evaluation of kinetic constants for mixed inhibitors of cholinesterase.

Abstract A quantitative method has been developed to determine the kinetic constants for inhibitors showing mixed inhibition, i.e. which can bind to both free enzyme and an enzyme substrate complex. Both K I , the competitive inhibition constant, and K I ′ = αK I , the noncompetitive inhibition constant, can be evaluated, provided the two do not differ by much more than tenfold. A wide variety of amines, many of which are pharmacologically active, are shown to be mixed inhibitors of bovine erythrocyte cholinesterase, and their kinetic constants have been evaluated. For a series of benzomorphans no adequate correlation could be made between inhibition behavior and either structure or pharmacological activity. For two compounds, trimethylamine and psilocin, it was observed that K I ′ K I . This result, which demonstrates that inhibitor is bound more tightly to an enzyme-substrate complex than to free enzyme, is used as evidence for the “induced fit” theory of enzyme structure.
The induction of hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase activities in the mouse by mirex, 3,4,5,3?,4?,5?-hexachlorobiphenyl, and equimolar dosages of both

Abstract At low oral dosages (15 μmole/kg) neither mirex nor 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl was found to significantly elevate hepatic microsomal cytochrome(s) P -450 in the mouse, 7 days post-treatment. The associated drug metabolic activities, rmaminopyrine- N -demethylase, p -nitroanisole- O -demethylase, and aniline hydroxylase, were also not significantly elevated above control levels. However, aminopyrine- N -demethylase and p -nitroanisole- O -demethylase activities were significantly elevated by a 1:1 molar combination of the two compounds (“Both”), administered at a total molar concentration (15 μmole/kg) equal to that of either of the two constituents. Concomitant administration of the molar sum of Mirex and the hexachlorobiphenyl significantly elevated all three metabolic activities and cytochrome(s) P -450 concentration. The relatively greater effect of “Both” in elevating these activities may be due to the simultaneous elevation of cytochromes P -450 and P -448.
Speech Discrimination in Noise

The linear portion of the articulation function in noise was investigated using 16 normal-hearing and 15 sensorineural-impaired subjects. NU Auditory Test No. 6 was presented in cafeteria noise at ...
Fine and coarse aerosol composition in an urban setting: A case study in Beijing, China

Abstract Components of the near-ground urban aerosol in Beijing, China, which are derived from natural and pollution sources, have been identified by means of PIXE analysis of particle size fractionated samples and relationships among the concentrations of 18 elements. Samples were collected in city center and outlying suburban and rural locations on five days in July and December 1980. The panicle size distributions of most elements were bimodal, with a gradual progression from mainly coarse mode Ca, Ti and Al to mainly fine mode S, As, and Br. Pb, Zn and Cu occurred mainly in fine particles and were apparently pollutants derived from the combustion of coal and other fuels, but not gasoline. Fine particle Cr, Mn and Fe concentrations were especially high on one July day and may have derived from a pulse of industrial air pollution. Si concentrations were singularly high in ultra-fine particles as if from the condensation of high temperature vapors from coal combustion. Coarse particles in the city center were apparently from local surface dust raised by vehicle traffic, and they were enriched in Pb, Zn and Cu compared to a rural location, suggesting a significant degree of city soil contamination by fine pollution aerosol fallout over time.
Epitaxial film crystallography by high-energy Auger and X-ray photoelectron diffraction

Abstract We review recent work in the application of Auger and X-ray photoelectron diffraction at high electron kinetic energies to the problem of structure determination in ultrathin epitaxial overlayers. These closely-related techniques are based on the fact that outgoing Auger and photoelectrons from single-crystal specimens undergo elastic scattering and interference from near-neighbour atoms in the vicinity of the emitter. Such coherent diffraction leads to large intensity modulations as the detected emission direction is varied with respect to the crystal axes of the specimen. The measured modulations are readily interpreted by means of model quantum mechanical scattering calculation in which atomic coordinates in the epitaxial film are systematically varied. Such analyses provide several kinds of useful information, including growth modes accompanying heteroepitaxy, structural details of alloy and compound formation, and quantitative determination of tetragonal distortion at lattice-mismatched hete...
A QCA in 2 + 1 and 3 + 1 dimensions

Abstract A quantum cellular automaton (QCA), originally proposed as a 1 + 1D confined automaton to model quantum mechanical type behavior, is further extended in this paper to 2 + 1 and 3 + 1 dimensional confinements. QCA trajectories are fractal-like in space and time and can be characterized by a fractal dimension d distinct from its topological dimension D . In addition, QCAs have the pronounced feature of having single space time swaths which are continuous, though non-differentiable, over recurrence cycles in most cases of interest. This unique feature leads to identifying angular momentum states with the quasiparticle ‘anyons’ in 2 + 1D and hydrogen-like orbitals in the 3 + 1D case. It also emerges from identifying QCA states with actual physical orbitals that properties such as spin and magnetic moments are no longer ‘intrinsic’ to orbital electrons but features of QCA/fermion space-time behavior in a fashion similar to the other orbital quantum numbers.
Analysis of individual fluid inclusions by Fourier transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy

Abstract This paper addresses several aspects of the analysis of water and volatile species in individual fluid inclusions by infrared (IR) and Raman microspectroscopy. We discuss differences in physical principles, instrumental designs, requirements for sample preparation, spectral information obtained, and spatial resolution achieved for the two vibrational microspectroscopic techniques. Topics addressed for each technique include minimum fluid inclusion size, detection limits, quantification of spectra, and the detection of water. The major limitations of the Raman microspectroscopic technique are 1. 1) the possibilities of laser-induced heating and fluorescence of the sample in the focused laser beam, both of which commonly preclude the Raman analysis of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions; and 2. 2) the inability to quantify bulk compositions in multiphase fluid inclusions. The potential advantages of the IR technique are to solve both of these problems. However, due to the sampling geometry and diffraction constraints, the IR microspectroscopic technique has very stringent requirements for the minimum fluid inclusion size (at least ∼200 μm 2 in cross-section for detection), the kind of host mineral, and the sample preparation. In addition, an inclusion may be so large and/or dense as to preclude its analysis, due to total IR absorption by the fluid. In general, we conclude that IR analysis is not a panacea for the problems experienced in Raman analysis of inclusions. With the Raman technique, one can 1. 1) identify and quantify the contents of much smaller fluid inclusions (≤3 μm), even aqueous fluid inclusions, than one can with the IR microspectroscopic technique; 2. 2) detect homonuclear species like H 2 , O 2 , and N 2 , which are not IR-active; and 3. 3) readily identify mineral inclusions.
Future of the Introductory Psychology Textbook: A Survey of College Publishers

Editors from 12 major publishing houses completed a survey examining 5 aspects of the introductory psychology textbook market: the current and future number of introductory texts the changing content of introductory texts, the effects of fewer introductory textbook publishers, custom publishing, and computer technologies. Editors reported that (a) their companies now offer and will continue to offer an average of 4–8 texts; (b) introductory texts will likely become more cross-cultural, biological, cognitive, and scientific in orientation; (c) the shrinking number of publishers will reduce the number of texts but increase their overall quality; (d) custom-published texts are unlikely to replace traditional texts; and (e) CD-ROM-based materials will be used more in the future and may eventually replace the traditional text.
Differential effects of estrogen on hippocampal- and striatal-dependent learning.

Abstract Estrogen’s role in learning and memory may be to predispose animals to use specific cognitive strategies ( Korol & Kolo, 2002 ). Specifically, estrogen may facilitate hippocampal-dependent learning, while at the same time attenuate striatal-dependent learning. As a stringent test of this hypothesis, place or response learning on an eight-arm radial maze was compared between ovariectomized (OVX) female Long–Evans rats and rats with chronic estrogen replacement (OVX + E; 5 mg 17-β estradiol 60-day release tablet). Reference and working memory errors were monitored separately for both place and response learning tasks. OVX + E rats learned the place task significantly faster than the response task, and faster than OVX rats. OVX rats required fewer days to reach criterion on the response task than OVX + E rats. Estrogen selectively enhanced reference memory performance, but only during place learning. The specific pattern of estrogen effects on learning suggests that future studies include verification of cognitive strategies used by animals.
Lattices for the Superferric Super Collider

Possible choices for SSC lattices are developed and their properties are discussed. The effects of cell length and phase and superperiodicity on lattice parameters are discussed. Comments on beam separation, tune and tuning are presented and the effects of nonlinearities are introduced in a discussion of systematic sextupole effects. Sample lattices for SSC beam dynamics studies are presented.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: the complexity of a diverse genetic architecture

Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the genetic basis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Rare variants in >30 genes, some also involved in other cardiomyopathies, muscular dystrophy, or syndromic disease, perturb a diverse set of important myocardial proteins to produce a final DCM phenotype. Large, publicly available datasets have provided the opportunity to evaluate previously identified DCM-causing mutations, and to examine the population frequency of sequence variants similar to those that have been observed to cause DCM. The frequency of these variants, whether associated with dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is greater than estimates of disease prevalence. This mismatch might be explained by one or more of the following possibilities: that the penetrance of DCM-causing mutations is lower than previously thought, that some variants are noncausal, that DCM prevalence is higher than previously estimated, or that other more-complex genomics underlie DCM. Reassessment of our assumptions about the complexity of the genomic and phenomic architecture of DCM is warranted. Much about the genomic basis of DCM remains to be investigated, which will require comprehensive genomic studies in much larger cohorts of rigorously phenotyped probands and family members than previously examined.
Gang involvement moderates the effectiveness of evidence-based intervention for justice-involved youth

There are no validated, evidence-based intervention approaches to helping youth who are involved in gang activity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of gang involvement on the effectiveness of evidence-based intervention services for problem behavior delivered to youth referred by the justice system. We analyzed data drawn from 421 youth (69% male; M age = 15.08 years, SD = 1.32; 38% Black/African-American, 18% Latino/a, 34% White, 10% other) referred consecutively over a 13-month period for Multisystemic Therapy (MST; Henggeler, Schoenwald, Borduin, Rowland, & Cunningham, 2009) across clinical service sites in 7 different Eastern states of the US. Outcomes were indicated by successful or unsuccessful case closures, and gang involvement was indicated by a validated multi-factored classification scheme. We conducted analyses of outcomes related to gang involvement for the whole sample as well as a propensity score-matched (PSM) reduced sample. Analyses of treatment success rates indicate that gang involvement significantly and substantially reduces the effectiveness of MST in this population.
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS. XII. QUINAZOLINE DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL ANTIFERTILITY AGENTS

Several quinazoline derivatives incorporating a trans-stillbene moiety were synthesized as potential post-coital antifertility agents. Some of these compunds showed low level activity in rats.
A Patient-Mounted, Telerobotic Tool for CT-Guided Percutaneous Interventions

This paper describes Robopsy, an economical, patient-mounted, telerobotic, needle guidance and insertion system, that enables faster, more accurate targeting during CT-guided biopsies and other percutaneous interventions. The current state of the art imaging technology facilitates precise location of sites within the body; however, there is no mechanical equivalent to then facilitate precise targeting. The lightweight, disposable actuator unit, which affixes directly to the patient, is composed primarily of inexpensive, injection molded, radiolucent, plastic parts that snap together, whereas the four micromotors and control electronics are retained and reused. By attaching to a patient, via an adhesive pad and optional strap points, the device moves passively with patient motion and is thus inherently safe. The device’s mechanism tilts the needle to a two degree-of-freedom compound angle, toward the patient’s head or feet (in and out of the scanner bore) and left or right with respect to the CT slice, via two motor-actuated concentric, crossed, and partially nested hoops. A carriage rides in the hoops and interfaces with the needle via a two degree-of-freedom friction drive that both grips the needle and inserts it. This is accomplished by two rubber rollers, one passive and one driven, that grip the needle via a rack and pinion drive. Gripping is doctor controlled; thus when not actively being manipulated, the needle is released and allowed to oscillate within a defined region so as to minimize tissue laceration due to the patient breathing. Compared to many other small robots intended for medical applications, Robopsy is an order of magnitude less costly and lighter while offering appropriate functionality to improve patient care and procedural efficiency. This demonstrates the feasibility of developing cost-effective disposable medical robots, which could enable their more widespread application.
Effects of restricted feed intake on finishing pigs weighing between 68 and 114 kilograms fed twice or 6 times daily.

In a previous study with limit-fed gestating gilts, we observed that gilts fed 6 times/d had greater ADG than those fed the same amount over 2 feedings. To confirm these earlier responses, we used finishing pigs as a model in two 42-d trials and two 28-d trials to evaluate the effects of restricted feed intake and feeding frequency (2 vs. 6 times/d, floor fed) on pig performance between 68 and 114 kg. In all experiments, pigs (10/pen) were housed in 1.8 × 3.1 m pens with a half-solid, half-slatted concrete floor. Pigs were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet formulated to 1.15% standardized ileal digestible Lys and 3,294 kcal of ME/kg. In Exp. 1 to 3, energy and Lys were supplied to pigs according to NRC (1998) calculations to target an ADG of 0.80 kg. In Exp. 4, the diet was supplied to pigs to target an ADG of 0.80 kg (low feed intake) or 0.95 kg (high feed intake) to determine if the amount of energy above the maintenance requirement and feeding frequency affected pig performance. Pigs were fed by dropping similar amounts of feed onto the solid concrete floor either 2 (0700 or 1400 h) or 6 times (3 meals within 2 h at the morning and afternoon feedings) per day with an Accu-Drop Feed Dispenser (AP Systems, Assumption, IL). In Exp. 1 and 2, pigs fed 6 times daily had increased (P 0.05) in performance was observed between pigs fed 2 times per day when feed was dropped from the feed drop or by the modified method. In Exp. 4, increasing the feeding frequency from 2 to 6 times per day improved (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F for pigs fed the low feed intake and tended to increase (P < 0.06) ADG and improved (P < 0.05) G:F for pigs fed the high feed intake. In limit-feeding situations, increasing the frequency of feeding from 2 to 6 times per day improved pig performance, which confirmed our earlier findings in gestating gilts.
An Examination of Visual Comfort in Transitional Spaces

Abstract This study investigated the issue of visual comfort at building entrances as the user moves from darker interior spaces to the brighter exterior. The effects on visual comfort of several design features such as overhead trellises, solid overhangs, vertical fins, and solid sidewalls were assessed. These features were tested individually and in various combinations. Visual comfort was expressed in terms of the luminance ratios at equidistant station points along the user's path in the transition entry zone. Discomfort sensations resulting from the difference in luminance ratios according to various design combinations ranged from “dramatic” (high visual discomfort or shock) to “subtle” (little visual discomfort). It was found that several design features significantly affect visual comfort. In particular, a deep canopy with combined transmittance characteristics (partially and entirely blocking daylight penetration) extending over the entrance of the building leads to the greatest visual comfort, b...
Some comparative fine structure relationships of the rotifer integument

Species representing three rotifer genera have been investigated with special emphasis on elucidating the detailed fine structure relationships of integumental derivatives. The classical concept of cuticulization in these animals must be modified to incorporate the finding that a genuine extracellular cuticle is lacking in a species thought to be very heavily cuticulized (loricate) namely, Keratella cochlearis. A consistent intracellular structural entity located just beneath the hypodermal plasma membrane is thought to represent the bulk of the reinforcing or exoskeletal material observed in all rotifers thus far examined. In Philodina, this “dense layer” is shown to be an insertion point for fiber tracts associated with muscle-hypodermis desmosomes. The desmosomes are of interest in themselves since they are not of the septate type observed previously in rotifers and invertebrates in general, but are of the “standard” variety more commonly seen in higher animals.
Centrifuging in Rotating Hollow Cylinders

PROBLEMS in particle size analysis in disperse systems may be divided in general into two classes, namely, those involving the determination of the size or molecular weight of particles comprising the disperse phase of a monodisperse system, and those involving the determination of the particle size distribution function for the disperse phase of a polydisperse system.
Further characterization of the sixth transmembrane domain of Pgp1 by site-directed mutagenesis

Purpose: Several studies have identified amino acid residues located on the hydrophobic side of the helix that forms transmembrane domain 6 (TM6) of the ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp) as being important for function. The purpose of this study was to determine if alterations to residues on the hydrophilic side could also affect function and to determine the extent to which altering the hydrophobic nature of residues on the hydrophobic side would impair the protein. Methods: A full-length cDNA encoding wild-type Pgp1 from CHL cells was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis. Eight different mutations, three on the hydrophilic side and five on the hydrophobic side, were prepared and transfected into drug-sensitive host cells. Wild-type transfectants served as controls. Drug resistance levels, RD50 values for cyclosporin A (CsA) and verapamil, iodoarylazidoprazosin (IAAP) photolabeling and verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity were evaluated. Results: Substitution of any one of three amino acid residues on the hydrophilic side of TM6 disrupted function and led to alterations in drug resistance, CsA sensitivity, IAAP photoaffinity labeling, and in one case verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity. Replacement of a hydrophobic residue on the hydrophobic face of the helix with increasingly hydrophilic side-chains led to functional changes, the extent of which did not correlate with the degree of side-chain hydrophilicity. Finally, while the placement of a proline residue along either face of the helix had varying effects on function, in all cases its presence interfered with verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity. Conclusions: Taken together these results indicate that both faces of TM6 mediate Pgp1 function and that the expected conformational changes resulting from proline substitutions at a variety of locations within the helix can alter the protein's enzymatic activity.
Optimum Use of Disease-Modifying and Immunosuppressive Antirheumatic Agents During Pregnancy and Lactation

Women with rheumatic diseases frequently need treatment throughout pregnancy and lactation. Physicians must confront the dual challenge of monitoring the possible effects of the underlying maternal disease and the medications on both mother and child. It is essential that the maternal disease is well controlled before, during and after pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for the mother and child. Glucocorticoids have been used extensively in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis; there have been no reports of congenital malformations in the exposed infants. There is limited information on the safety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporin, oral and parenteral gold and sulfasalazine, during pregnancy. However, penicillamine, another disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, is contra-indicated during pregnancy. There is considerable experience with the use of azathioprine during pregnancy if the maternal condition requires a cytotoxic drug. There has been no increased risk of congenital malformations in the exposed infants. The other cytotoxic drugs frequently used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, are contraindicated during pregnancy. Glucocorticoids (such as prednisone and methylprednisolone) and hydroxychloroquine are considered to be safe during lactation. Oral and parenteral gold and sulfasalazine can be used with caution during lactation. Penicillamine, cyclosporin and all cytotoxic drugs are contraindicated during lactation.
Adenosine: Essential for life but licensed to kill

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Long et al. (2013) report a cell death priming mechanism activated by p53 that senses extracellular adenosine accumulated following chemotherapy or hypoxia, providing a novel connection between adenosine signaling and apoptosis.
Planning for a Student Learning Style

(1991). Planning for a Student Learning Style. Journal of Education for Business: Vol. 66, No. 6, pp. 356-359.
Estimation of Airgap Length in Magnetically Levitated Systems

In this paper, a new technique for estimation of airgap length in magnetically levitated systems (MagLev) is introduced. The proposed method makes use of the embedded airgap information in the inductance of an active phase in a hybrid MagLev system. Terminal measurements are used along with the phase voltage equation to estimate airgap length by the virtue of an existing one-to-one correspondence between inductance and airgap length. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out to illustrate the impact of changes in MagLev's geometry and current sensor resolution on the accuracy of the proposed method. Based on experimental results, it will be shown that the proposed sensorless method performs well both at standstill and moving conditions.
Some observations on the water relations of mounds ofMacrotermes natalensis (Haviland) Fuller

Two experiments were carried out on the import and export of water by colonies ofMacrotermes natalensis (Haviland) Fuller. In the first experiment, tritiated water and chromium 51 complexed with versenate were injected into the water table, at about 12 m depth, in order to trace the movement of water from the water table to the overlying termite mounds. The results of the experiment do not support the hypothesis that the termites carry up water from the water table to their mounds.
Behavior of erythrocytes in various solvent systems II. Effect of temperature and various substances on water—glycerin and water–propylene glycol solutions

Hemolytic behavior of rabbit and human erythrocytes in water-glycerin and water-propylene glycol solutions was studied at 25 and 37°, and the effect of various added substances to these systems was investigated. Human i values obtained for sodium chloride in aqueous glycerin or propylene glycol solutions at 37° were slightly greater than the corresponding i values at 25°. Increase in temperature from 25 to 37° decreased the concentrations of propylene glycol in 0.9 per cent saline solution needed to cause hemolysis of erythrocytes. Mono-monovalent salts, sugars and sugar alcohols, magnesium chloride, and sulfate and sodium succinate afforded essentially the same degree of protection as sodium chloride against hemolysis by propylene glycol. Isotonic concentrations of sodium or potassium sulfate, potassium sodium or disodium tartrate, or trisodium citrate afforded greater protection to erythrocytes than 0.9 per cent sodium chloride. The order in which the anions of the above salts appeared to protect human erythrocytes against propylene glycol hemolysis is citrate > tartrate > gluconate > sulfate; for rabbit erythrocytes the order is sulfate, tartrate > citrate. Much lower concentrations of propylene glycol were required to hemolyze erythrocytes in solutions containing isotonic concentrations of calcium chloride.
In vivo time-lapse imaging delineates the zebrafish pituitary proopiomelanocortin lineage boundary regulated by FGF3 signal.

The anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) comprises anterior and intermediate lobes (the pars distalis and pars intermedia) arising from placodal ectoderm at the anterior neural ridge. Signaling molecules including SHH, FGF, WNT, BMP and Notch are involved in regulating primordial pituitary proliferation and lineage determination. However, morphogenic events and molecular mechanisms governing anterior and intermediate lobe specification are not clear. Pituitary expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the common precursor for adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) of pars distalis corticotropes and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) of pars intermedia melanotropes, provides a unique marker for anterior and intermediate lobe morphogenesis. We performed time-lapse confocal microscopy lineage tracing in live zebrafish embryos expressing GFP driven by the pomc promoter and show distinct migration pathways of POMC cells destined to the anterior and intermediate lobes. Using morpholino oligonucleotides, we show that hypomorphic FGF3 down-regulation induces specific defects of pars intermedia POMC cells while pomc, growth hormone and prolactin expression remain intact in the pars distalis. This lineage-specific process is independent of the FGF3 effect on early pituitary specifying transcription factors as indicated by normal Lim3 and Pit1 expression in hypomorphic FGF3 morphants. These findings suggest that the FGF3 signal, in addition to its previously described role of regulating progenitor proliferation and survival, delineates the melanotrope and corticotrope lineage boundary, contributing to establishment of the pituitary pars distalis and pars intermedia.
Coassembly of Amphiphiles with Opposite Peptide Polarities into Nanofibers

The design, synthesis, and characterization of "reverse" peptide amphiphiles (PAs) with free N-termini is described. Use of an unnatural amino acid modified with a fatty acid tail allows for the synthesis of this new class of PA molecules. The mixing of these molecules with complementary ones containing a free C-terminus results in coassembled structures, as demonstrated by circular dichroism and NOE/NMR spectroscopy. These assemblies show unusual thermal stability when compared to assemblies composed of only one type of PA molecule. This class of reverse PAs has made it possible to create biologically significant assemblies with free N-terminal peptide sequences, which were previously inaccessible, including those derived from phage display methodologies.
Positive Reappraisal Mediates the Stress-Reductive Effects of Mindfulness: An Upward Spiral Process

The stress-reductive effect of mindfulness practice is well-established, yet less is known about the cognitive mechanisms underlying this salutary outcome. We conducted a prospective observational study of 339 participants (mean age 45.7 ± 13.4) undergoing an 8-week mindfulness-based stress and pain management course and found support for our hypotheses that a) pre-post intervention increases in dispositional mindfulness are reciprocally linked with increases in positive reappraisal coping and b) the stress-reductive effects of increases in dispositional mindfulness are mediated by increases in positive reappraisal independent of changes in catastrophizing. Positive reappraisal and mindfulness appear to serially and mutually enhance one another, creating the dynamics of an upward spiral. Through mindfulness practice, individuals may engender a broadened state of awareness that facilitates empowering interpretations of stressful life events, leading to substantially reduced distress. Study findings have implications for cognitive therapy that couples mindfulness practices with restructuring techniques oriented toward benefit finding and positive reappraisal.
Differences between sexually abused and non-sexually abused adolescent girls in foster care.

ABSTRACT This descriptive study examines the differences between sexually abused and non-sexually abused adolescent females in the foster care system who were participating in an independent living program. Fifty-four percent of the 190 girls met the criteria for being categorized as sexually abused. Those who experienced sexual abuse had also experienced significantly more of other types of child maltreatment. In addition, those who had been sexually abused were much more likely to be living in a congregate living setting, such as a group home or residential center, than those who were not sexually abused. The girls who had been sexually abused exhibited significantly more behavioral difficulties, including internalizing and externalizing problems, with 51 % of them having clinically significant scores on the Youth Self-Report version of the Child Behavior Checklist. When co-occurrence of substance use and mental health problems were examined, sexually abused girls were significantly more likely than the...
Ligand: a versatile computerized approach for characterization of ligand-binding systems.

We have developed a general strategy and a versatile computer program for analysis of data from ligand-binding experiments (e.g., radioreceptor assay systems for hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs). This method provides optimal (weighted least squares) estimates of “binding parameters” (affinity constants, binding capacities, nonspecific binding) for any number of ligands reacting simultaneously with any number of receptors. This approach provides two major advantages compared with other available methods: (i): It uses an exact mathematical model of the ligand-binding system, thereby avoiding the possible biases introduced by several commonly used approximations. (ii) It uses a statistically valid, appropriately weighted least-squares curve-fitting algorithm with objective measurement of goodness of fit, thereby avoiding the subjective graphical or simplified statistical methods which may introduce bias. Additional important features include the following. (i) The level of nonspecific binding is regarded as an unknown parameter, subject to uncertainty, which must be estimated simultaneously with other parameters of the system by appropriate statistical methods. This approach provides a more accurate and precise estimate of the parameters and their standard errors. (ii) Selected parameters can be forced to share a common value, or be fixed at any desired constant value. This feature facilitates hypothesis testing by appropriate statistical methods e.g., testing whether a particular experimental manipulation results in a change in affinity (K), binding capacity (R), or both parameters. (iii) One can combine results from multiple experiments by introduction of explicit scaling or “correction” factors which compensate for the commonly observed large degree of between-experiment variation of the overall binding capacity (Bmax) while other properties of the system (e.g., K values, relative binding capacities for high- and low-affinity sites) are highly reproducible. (iv) One can characterize complex cross-reacting systems involving any number of ligands reacting simultaneously with any number of binding sites. This enables one to pool results from several curves obtained using several different ligands.
Application of the Environmental Assessment Tool (EAT) as a process measure for a worksite weight management intervention.

Objective:To assess the ability of the Environmental Assessment Tool (EAT) to detect changes over time in workplace physical and social environmental supports for physical activity and nutrition; and predict employee engagement, behavior changes, and biometrics.Methods:Analyses utilized site-level (
Metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the testis. A case report

A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder metastatic to the testis is reported. Light and electron microscopic findings and the probable route of metastasis are discussed, and the relevant literature is reviewed.
MENLO_PARC, a program for e+e− → 4 jets at next-to-leading order

MENLO_PARC is a general purpose Monte Carlo program for calculating the next-to-leading order O(αs3) corrections to four-jet quantities in electron-positron annihilation. Any quantity which can be constructed out of the four jet momenta and which is insensitive to the quark helicities and the beam orientation can be computed. Both virtual photon and Z intermediate states (and γ-Z interference) are included, hence the quantities can be computed for arbitrary center of mass energies. The cancellation of real and virtual singularities has been achieved using a general version of the subtraction method. The only approximation which has been made is the neglect of the light quark masses and terms which are suppressed by 1/mtop4 or higher powers of the top quark mass.