cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of chromosome 21-directed anti-viral gene(s) as a consequence of age.

WHEN human fibroblast cells are cultured in vitro they undergo about 50 cell population doublings at which time their growth rate begins to slow down and they finally die1,2. For this reason, several investigators have used the senescence of human fibroblasts in vitro as a model system for experimental ageing research3–6. One explanation for human fibroblast senescence is that some cell functions are lost before cells reach their maximum division limit. We have described the existence of a complex regulatory gene function controlling the inducibility of chromosome 21-directed anti-viral gene(s) (AVG) in human fibroblasts7. Our conclusions were derived from experiments on human fibroblasts monosomic, disomic or trisomic for chromosome 21. We therefore used all three cell types in this study to test the preservation of this complex regulatory gene function in fibroblasts allowed to age in vitro and in fibroblasts derived from human donors of different ages. We found (1) that no differences exist in AVG expression in human fibroblasts allowed to age in vitro and (2) that the AVG in human fibroblasts derived from older human donors (64 yr) is easier to induce than it is in younger donors (0–29 yr).
Attempts to validate a possible predictive animal model for human erythrocyte G‐6‐PD deficiency

Abstract The use of Dorset sheep erythrocytes as a model for human G‐6‐PD deficient erythrocytes was investigated. Seven Pharmaceuticals were examined for oxidant Stressor effects using a liver microsomal enzyme system to generate metabolites of the drugs. The Pharmaceuticals examined were salicylic acid, dapsone, naphthalene, B‐naphthol, p‐aminobenzoic acid, sulfanilamide and sulfapyridine. The test compounds were incubated with Dorset sheep erythrocytes and oxidant Stressor effects were measured through reduced qlutathione (GSH) levels and methemoglobin formation. The response of the Dorset sheep erythrocytes to the seven agents was compared to previous studies revealing the response of human G‐6‐PD deficient erythrocytes to these agents. The results indicated that metabolites of the Pharmaceuticals, B‐naphthol, dapsone, and sulfanilamide, are oxidant. Stressor agents towards sheep G‐6‐PD deficient erythrocytes. These results agreed with studies on the response of human G‐6‐PD deficient erythrocytes. Th...
Fluctuations in neighbourhood fertility generate variable signalling effort

Studies of sexual signalling generally focus on interactions between dyadic pairs, yet communication in natural populations often occurs in the context of complex social networks. The ability to survey social environments and adjust signal production appropriately should be a critical component of success in these systems, but has rarely been documented empirically. Here, we used autonomous recording devices to identify 118 472 songs produced by 26 male common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) over two breeding seasons, coupled with detailed surveys of social conditions on each territory. We found strong evidence that common yellowthroat males adjusted their total song production in response to both changes in within-pair social context and changes in the fertility of neighbouring females up to 400 m away. Within the social pair, males drastically reduced their song production when mated, but the magnitude of this reduction depended on both the time of day and on the fertility status of the social mate. By contrast, when fertile females were present on nearby territories, males increased their song output, especially during daytime singing. At this time, it is unclear whether males actively gathered information on neighbouring female fertility or whether the patterns that we observed were driven by changes in social interactions that varied with neighbourhood fertility. Regardless of the mechanism employed, however, subtle changes in the social environment generated substantial variation in signalling effort.
Heat capacity calculations for Al 2 O 3 corundum and MgSiO 3 ilmenite

We have used Kieffer's vibrational model to calculate heat capacities and entropies for Al2O3 corundum and MgSiO3 ilmenite, using available vibrational and elastic data for these phases. The calculated heat capacity for corundum is within 1–2 percent of the experimental values between 100 K and 1,800 K, while that for MgSiO3 ilmenite is within 1–2 percent of the experimental data between 350 K and 500 K. We have calculated the heat capacity for MgSiO3 ilmenite from 50 K to 1,800 K, which extends the range of available heat capacity data for this phase. The results of this calculation suggest that there may be differences in the vibrational properties of corundum and MgSiO3 ilmenite. Finally, we have used the results of our calculation to obtain a transition entropy of near -18.8 J/mol.K for the MgSiO3 pyroxene-ilmenite reaction.
Functional recovery after ischemia: Warm versus cold cardioplegia

Warm continuous retrograde cardioplegia has been introduced for myocardial protection during cardiac operations, particularly in the setting of acute myocardial ischemia because of its theoretical advantage of producing arrest without ischemia. To investigate the ability of warm continuous retrograde cardioplegia to provide myocardial protection after acute global ischemia, versus the more commonly used cold intermittent antegrade cardioplegia, 12 dogs were subjected to 15 minutes of normothermic global myocardial ischemia on cardiopulmonary bypass followed by 75 minutes of protected cardioplegic arrest using either warm continuous retrograde cardioplegia or cold intermittent antegrade cardioplegia. Standard blood cardioplegia at clinically used volumes and flow rates was used. Warm continuous retrograde cardioplegia animals received 30 mL/kg antegrade to induce arrest followed by 1.5 to 1.8 mL.kg-1.min-1 retrograde at 37 degrees C, whereas cold intermittent antegrade cardioplegia animals received 30 mL/kg antegrade to induce arrest followed by 15 mL/kg antegrade every 15 minutes at 10 degrees C. Load-insensitive left ventricular systolic function, diastolic function, high energy nucleotides, and edema formation were assessed before and after ischemia. Results showed that myocardial preservation using clinically reported flow rates and volumes of warm continuous retrograde cardioplegia was significantly inferior to that provided by clinically used cold intermittent antegrade cardioplegia, as demonstrated by decreased preload recruitable stroke work slope (28 +/- 11 versus 71 +/- 6), increased alpha constant of the end diastolic stress-strain relationship (14.2 +/- 3.0 versus 3.6 +/- 1.0), decreased total nondiffusable nucleotides (40.7 +/- 2.3 versus 57.4 +/- 2.3 microM/g wet weight) and increased water content (82.2% +/- 0.4% versus 80.4% +/- 0.4%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reaching Collaboration Through Empowerment: A Developmental Process

Nurses are well positioned to play an influential role in health care reform. As the concept of collaboration takes on new meanings, nurses must be prepared to function in interdisciplinary groups. They need to move from a unidisciplinary model of problem solving through a nursing approach to a multidisciplinary model, where different professions work as equal members of a team. The ultimate goal is to reach an interdisciplinary model in which team members from a variety of disciplines modify their perspective in light of other perspectives. Empowerment is viewed as an individual developmental process that occurs in stages during a period of time. Nurses will be better able to collaborate in an egalitarian manner once they have personally become empowered. It is up to nursing to seize the opportunity to become an equal partner in today's health care.
Magnitude and Pattern of Inner and Outer Hair Cell Loss in Chinchilla as a Function of Carboplatin Dose

We examined the relationship between carboplatin dose and pattern of IHC and OHC loss in five groups of chinchillas treated with carboplatin: (I) single dose, 38 mg/kg, (II) double dose, 38 mg/kg, (III) double dose, 63 mg/kg, (IV) double dose, 75 mg/kg, and (V) double dose, 100 mg/kg. The pattern of IHC loss was relatively uniform along the length of the cochlea with all doses. Average IHC loss increased from approximately 20 per cent in group I to approximately 100 per cent in groups III, IV and V. Average OHC loss was small or negligible in groups I, II, III and IV; only group V consistently showed large (> 40 per cent) OHC losses. OHC loss progressed along a base-to-apex gradient. The dose of carboplatin which reliably destroyed OHCs was four to five times greater than that needed to damage IHCs.
Prediction of articulation improvement with therapy from early lesson sound production task scores.

Each of 25 children was taught one of five phonemes: /r/, /s/, /∫/, /1/, or /t∫/. The subjects were quite consistent in their errors prior to the initiation of therapy. Sound production tasks (SPTs...
Push-pull model of the primate photopic electroretinogram: a role for hyperpolarizing neurons in shaping the b-wave

Existing models of the primate photopic electroretinogram (ERG) attribute the light-adapted b-wave to activity of depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs), mediated through a release of potassium that is monitored by Muller cells. However, possible ERG contributions from OFF-bipolar cells (HBCs) and horizontal cells (HzCs) have not been explored. We examined the contribution of these hyperpolarizing second-order retinal cells to the photopic ERG of monkey by applying glutamate analogs to suppress photoreceptor transmission selectively to HBC/HzCs vs. DBCs. ERGs of Macaca monkeys were recorded at the cornea before and after intravitreal injection of drugs. Photopic responses were elicited by bright 200-220 ms flashes on a steady background of 3.3 log scotopic troland to suppress rod ERG components. 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB), which blocks DBC light responses, abolished the photopic b-wave and indicated that DBC activity is requisite for photopic b-wave production. However, applying cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (PDA) and kynurenic acid (KYN), to suppress HBCs/HzCs and third-order neurons, revealed a novel ERG response that was entirely positive and was sustained for the duration of the flash. The normally phasic b-wave was subsumed into this new response. Applying n-methyl-dl-aspartate (NMA) did not replicate the PDA+KYN effect, indicating that third-order retinal cells are not involved. This suggests that HBC/HzC activity is critical for shaping the phasic b-wave. Components attributable to depolarizing vs. hyperpolarizing cells were separated by subtracting waveforms after each drug from responses immediately before. This analysis indicated that DBCs and HBC/HzCs each can produce large but opposing field potentials that nearly cancel and that normally leave only the residual phasic b-wave response in the photopic ERG. Latency of the DBC component was 5-9 ms slower than the HBC/HzC component. However, once activated, the DBC component had a steeper slope. This resembles properties known for the two types of cone synapses in lower species, in which the sign-preserving HBC/HzC synapse has faster kinetics but probably lower gain than the slower sign-inverting G-protein coupled DBC synapse. A human patient with "unilateral cone dystrophy" was found to have a positive and sustained ERG that mimicked the monkey ERG after PDA+KYN, indicating that these novel positive photopic responses can occur naturally even without drug application. These results demonstrate that hyperpolarizing second-order neurons are important for the primate photopic ERG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Raman studies of sol-gel alumina : finite-size effects in nanocrystalline AlO(OH)

A systematic Raman-scattering investigation has been carried out on sol-gel alumina prepared by the hot-water hydrolysis and condensation of Al(${\mathrm{OC}}_{4}$${\mathrm{H}}_{9}$${)}_{3}$, the Yoldas process, as a function of process variables such as the time spent in the sol phase. Nanocrystalline boehmite, \ensuremath{\gamma}-AlO(OH), is the principal component of these materials. We have found small but systematic changes, as a function of sol aging time, in the line shape and position of the dominant boehmite Raman band observed in the alumina hydrogels. These spectral changes are interpreted in terms of nanocrystallinity-induced finite-size effects associated with the slow growth of AlO(OH) nanocrystals in the sol. X-ray-diffraction experiments were used to determine nanocrystal sizes (as small as 3 nm for gels prepared from fresh sols) and to estimate growth kinetics from the Raman-line-shape results. The Raman peak-position shift is proportional to ${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$, where L is the average nanocrystal size and \ensuremath{\alpha} is a Raman-versus-size scaling exponent. For AlO(OH) we find \ensuremath{\alpha} to be 1.0, close to the scaling-exponent values reported for graphite and boron nitride (BN) and different from the values (about 1.5) that describe the reported behavior of Si and GaAs.
Early membrane alterations in isolated cells treated in vitro with chemical carcinogens.

Summary Membrane alterations were detected in isolated epithelial cells treated in vitro with 5 × 10 −4 M dibutylnitrosamine (DBN) or 1.2 × 10 −9 M diethylstilbestrol (DES) for 30 min. Addition of DBN to bladder cells and DES to endometrial cells elicited a striking increment in Con A-mediated hemadsorption, but not Con A binding, to the treated cells as compared to those not treated with carcinogens. Concomitantly, release of the lysosomal proteinase, cathepsin B 1 , to the extracellular medium was essentially doubled in the preparations exposed to the carcinogens, as compared to corresponding controls. The increased cellular hemagglutination in response to carcinogen treatment was significantly reduced by prior incubation of the epithelial cells with ovomucoid, a proteinase inhibitor that suppresses the activity of cathepsin B 1 .
First Report of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 in American Vitis spp. Grapevines in Washington State.

Washington State is the largest producer of juice grapes (Vitis labruscana ‘Concord’ and Vitis labrusca ‘Niagara’) and ranks second in wine grape production in the United States. Grapevine leafroll...
Establishing a Usable Electronic Portfolio for Surgical Residents: Trying to Keep It Simple

Elaborate web-based portfolios may not be needed for resident evaluation and career development. An approach for busy academic medical departments is described.
Lumbar intervertebral cages: Limitations and complications

Threaded cylindrical titanium intervertebral cages have become exceedingly popular as a means of achieving lumbar arthrodesis. The complication rate, however, remains considerable. There is a risk of vascular, urologic and neurologic injury from both anterior and posterior surgical approaches. Complications directly related to the cages include misplacement or migration, neurologic injury, and pseudarthrosis, probably the most common complication of all.
Surgical management of high-grade intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: leptomeningeal venous disruption without nidus excision.

OBJECTIVE: Of intracranial dural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), those with cortical venous drainage pose the greatest risk of hemorrhaging. Given recent advances in endovascular, surgical, and radiosurgical techniques, the optimal management of these dural AVMs is controversial. For surgical candidates, the choice of intraoperative techniques remains unclear. Several authors have suggested that surgical clipping of the draining vein close to the nidus of dural AVMs can provide adequate treatment for some lesions. However, recent reports have also promoted partial or complete surgical resection of these lesions. METHODS: We present five cases of dural AVMs with cortical venous drainage that were surgically treated by the senior author between 1993 and 1996, and we review their management. Our series includes two frontal, one temporal, and two occipital lesions. Three patients presented with intracerebral hemorrhages, one with headache and eye pain, and one without symptoms. All five patients demonstrated venous aneurysms associated with the AVMs. Two patients underwent incomplete endovascular embolization before surgery. Operative management in all cases involved clipping of the draining vein as close as possible to the AVMs, together with extensive cautery of the surrounding dura. RESULTS: Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete angiographic obliteration in all cases. The four symptomatic patients all experienced clinical improvement postoperatively. The asymptomatic patient remained asymptomatic. With a mean follow-up period of 29 months, no patient has developed recurrent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Surgical clipping of the draining vein close to dural AVMs has proven safe and effective in our experience. Given the highly vascular nature of dural AVMs, often near major dural sinuses, surgical resection of these lesions may not be indicated.
The Virtual Energy Laboratory (VEL): A Didactic Graphical Simulator for Thermal System Design

A teaching tool for thermal system design has been developed for use in standard personal computers. This tool, called the Virtual Energy Lab (VEL), is designed to facilitate the integration of energy conversion and transfer devices into systems that meet specified heating, cooling and power loads. The VEL has a modular configuration, allowing the designer to choose from a number of components to meet given design objectives. The output of some components can be used as inputs to others, and the user can exercise creativity in combining them. As the thermal system is assembled on the graphical interface, the relevant equations are selected automatically and solved as required by the particular design. The models for each VEL component are either based on basic performance equations for generic equipment or on performance charts of actual devices. The thermodynamic irreversibility is the figure of merit used for assessing each design.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Wave Mechanics and Radioactive Disintegration

After the exponential law in radioactive decay had been discovered in 1902, it soon became clear that the time of disintegration of an atom was independent of the previous history of the atom and depended solely on chance. Since a nuclear particle must be held in the nucleus by an attractive field, we must, in order to explain its ejection, arrange for a spontaneous change from an attractive to a repulsive field. It has hitherto been necessary to postulate some special arbitrary ‘instability’ of the nucleus; but in the following note it is pointed out that disintegration is a natural consequence of the laws of quantum mechanics without any special hypothesis.
Risking Involvement with Cancer Patients

The helping relationship has been identified by Brammer (1988) as central to the practice of nursing. This study explored the process of developing special relationships with cancer patients. Interviews were conducted with 32 nursing personnel. The grounded theory method of constant comparative analysis was selected for this investigation. An open-ended interview guide explored the difference between the usual relationships nurses had and the special relationships they formed with selected patients. A basic psychosocial process, "risking involvement" in special relationships with cancer patients, was identified. The willingness to risk involvement took the forms of resisting involvement or practicing involvement.
Limitations to Function Structures: A Case Study in Morphing Airfoil Design

This paper presents an application of function structures in the design of single component morphing airfoils. A series of function structures are developed in an attempt to create an accurate model of a passively morphing airfoil. This paper describes each approach taken, while noting their modeling aspects that were successful or unsuccessful to identify representation features of existing function structure syntax and rules that relate to the usability of the models. System boundaries and definitions, function and flow definitions, carrier flows, and system state definitions are investigated. It was found that function structures in their current state, are incapable of accurately modeling the functionality of the shape changing aspect of a passively morphing airfoil. These limitations are identified and recommendations necessary to model artifacts similar to the morphing airfoil are presented. Finally, previous research efforts in the design of morphing airfoil technology are presented as solutions to certain key functions identified, thereby demonstrating the possible benefits of implementing function structures to this field.© 2010 ASME
HISTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF PRIMARY SENSORY NEURONS IN MICE WITH DYSTONIA MUSCULORUM. I. ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE AND LYSOSOMAL HYDROLASES

Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of primary sensory neurons in mice with dystonia musculorum. I. Acetylcholinesterase and lysosomal hydrolases Enzyme histochemical and fine structural studies were performed on mice with a hereditary sensory neuropathy (dystonia musculorum). The dystonic mice were compared with normal litter mates. Acetylcholinesterase activity was studied in trigeminal and spinal ganglia and sensory receptors as well as in sympathetic ganglia. Lysosomal hydrolases and ultrastructural features were studied in the trigeminal and spinal ganglia. Striking changes in the amount and distribution of enzymic activity were observed in the perikarya of sensory ganglion neurons in dystonic mice. Perikaryal involvement was indicated by displacement of the nucleus, enlargement of the perikaryon, peripheral location of Nissl substance, loss of enzymic activity and an increase in the number of neurofilaments–features similar to those that follow physical interruption of the axon. The focal axonal swellings that occurred along sensory nerve fibers contained concentrations of lysosomal hydrolases and sometimes acetylcholinesterase activity. They were generally more numerous in the nerve fibers located distal to the ganglion rather than proximal to it. At the ultrastructural level these swellings contained lysosomal bodies and remnants of organelles. Some abnormalities in the myelin and the size of paranodal gaps were also observed. These results are discussed in relation to interruptions in axoplasmic flow and experimental neuropathies including those of the ‘dying-back’ type.
Long-term implications of early onset in bipolar disorder: Data from the first 1000 participants in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)

Abstract Background Early onset of mood symptoms in bipolar disorder has been associated with poor outcome in many studies; however, the factors that might contribute to poor outcome have not been adequately investigated. Methods The first consecutive 1000 adult bipolar patients enrolled in the National Institute of Mental Health's Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder were assessed at study entry to determine details of their age of onset of mood symptoms. Clinical course, comorbidity, and functional status and quality of life were compared for groups with very early (age 18 years) onset of mood symptoms. Results Of 983 subjects in whom age of onset could be determined, 272 (27.7%) experienced very early onset, and 370 (37.6%) experienced early onset. Earlier onset was associated with greater rates of comorbid anxiety disorders and substance abuse, more recurrences, shorter periods of euthymia, greater likelihood of suicide attempts and violence, and greater likelihood of being in a mood episode at study entry. Conclusions Very early or early onset of bipolar disorder might herald a more severe disease course in terms of chronicity and comorbidity. Whether early intervention might modify this risk merits further investigation.
Capillarity and the phase diagram

Abstract Some diverse phenomena observed in systems whose phase behavior includes a liquid-liquid miscibility gap are connected by the same underlying cause, namely, an innate surface activity common to all such systems. This unity of cause is often unrecognized by investigators, who would benefit from information from seemingly unrelated sources. The failure to recognize this colligation of phenomena is especially marked between investigators in the Soviet Union and those in the West.
Iodine number determinations by dead-stop titrimetry

The amperometric (dead-stop) method has been applied to iodine value determinations of fatty acids and oils. The values obtained agree with those arrived at by the starch end-point method. The use of this simple instrument appears to give however more accurate results since the endpoint is determined by the extrapolation of the linear response of the galvanometer with small increments of added thiosulfate to a zero galyanometer reading which corresponds to a zero iodine concentration. The fluctuations of the galvanometer needle give visible evidence of the approach of the endpoint, thereby facilitating the titration.
OPTIMIZATION OF CRIME CONTROL RESOURCES IN A SOCIETY

3 Acknowledgment 6 List of Tables 7 List of Figures 8 Existing Literature 9 Introduction 11 Creating a metric for measuring the impact of crime rates on society 12 Hypothesis 15 Determining r 17 Incorporating the Wealth Effect 20 Understanding SE 21 Expanding the Model Internationally 27 Results of our model 30 Effectiveness of Prisons 34 Test statistics and conclusions from the hypothesis 37 Intuition for expected signs and magnitudes of parameter estimates 39 Supervision 49 Appendix 52
Perineal Cystoprostatectomy and Ureterosigmoidostomy for Invasive Bladder Cancer

AbstractPurpose: A technique for perineal cystoprostatectomy with ureterosigmoidostomy is described as a minimally invasive method to treat muscle invasive bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: We performed 7 perineal cystoprostatectomies. In the most recent case ureterosigmoidostomy performed via the perineal approach was the definitive method of urinary diversion.Results: The operation was well tolerated and minimally invasive.Conclusions: Perineal cystoprostatectomy and ureterosigmoidostomy are effective and minimally invasive means of definitive therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer.
A probabilistic model for silver bioaccumulation in aquatic systems and assessment of human health risks

Silver (Ag) is discharged in wastewater effluents and is also a component in a proposed secondary water disinfectant. A steady-state model was developed to simulate bioaccumulation in aquatic biota and assess ecological and human health risks. Trophic levels included phytoplankton, invertebrates, brown trout, and common carp. Uptake routes included water, food, or sediment. Based on an extensive review of the literature, distributions were derived for most inputs for use in Monte Carlo simulations. Three scenarios represented ranges of dilution and turbidity. Compared with the limited field data available, median estimates of Ag in carp (0.07–2.1 μg/g dry weight) were 0.5 to 9 times measured values, and all measurements were within the predicted interquartile range. Median Ag concentrations in biota were ranked invertebrates > phytoplankton > trout > carp. Biotic concentrations were highest for conditions of low dilution and low turbidity. Critical variables included Ag assimilation efficiency, specific feeding rate, and the phytoplankton bioconcentration factor. Bioaccumulation of Ag seems unlikely to result in toxicity to aquatic biota and humans consuming fish. Although the highest predicted Ag concentrations in water (>200 ng/L) may pose chronic risks to early survival and development of salmonids and risks of argyria to subsistence fishers, these results occur under highly conservative conditions.
Dynamic characterization of upper limb discoordination following hemiparetic stroke

The presence of discoordination following stroke has been described qualitatively in the clinic and quantitatively in static conditions. Under dynamic conditions, aspects of arm movements have been explored in two conditions: supported and unsupported against gravity. While these methods have provided insight into movement patterns following stroke, the picture is incomplete and requires a device that can measure joint torques during dynamic arm motions and provide levels of partial support to the arm during movement. Here, we describe the arm coordination training 3-D (ACT/sup 3D/) robotic system and how its unique characteristics can provide additional insight into the dynamic expression of these synergies. Implications and clinical applications are briefly discussed.
Metalloregulator CueR biases RNA polymerase's kinetic sampling of dead-end or open complex to repress or activate transcription.

Metalloregulators respond to metal ions to regulate transcription of metal homeostasis genes. MerR-family metalloregulators act on σ70-dependent suboptimal promoters and operate via a unique DNA distortion mechanism in which both the apo and holo forms of the regulators bind tightly to their operator sequence, distorting DNA structure and leading to transcription repression or activation, respectively. It remains unclear how these metalloregulator−DNA interactions are coupled dynamically to RNA polymerase (RNAP) interactions with DNA for transcription regulation. Using single-molecule FRET, we study how the copper efflux regulator (CueR)—a Cu+-responsive MerR-family metalloregulator—modulates RNAP interactions with CueR’s cognate suboptimal promoter PcopA, and how RNAP affects CueR−PcopA interactions. We find that RNAP can form two noninterconverting complexes at PcopA in the absence of nucleotides: a dead-end complex and an open complex, constituting a branched interaction pathway that is distinct from the linear pathway prevalent for transcription initiation at optimal promoters. Capitalizing on this branched pathway, CueR operates via a “biased sampling” instead of “dynamic equilibrium shifting” mechanism in regulating transcription initiation; it modulates RNAP’s binding–unbinding kinetics, without allowing interconversions between the dead-end and open complexes. Instead, the apo-repressor form reinforces the dominance of the dead-end complex to repress transcription, and the holo-activator form shifts the interactions toward the open complex to activate transcription. RNAP, in turn, locks CueR binding at PcopA into its specific binding mode, likely helping amplify the differences between apo- and holo-CueR in imposing DNA structural changes. Therefore, RNAP and CueR work synergistically in regulating transcription.
A thin-film waveguide photodetector using hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Metal-silicon-metal cladding layers on dielectric waveguides exhibit coupling and absorption characteristics that make them useful as photodetectors for integrated optical applications. Multilayer computer-modeling techniques were applied to waveguide photodetectors in order to investigate field and power distributions, as well as the attenuation and phase response in the guiding region. A waveguide photodetector based on amorphous silicon was fabricated and demonstrated. >
Discrete 4d photoabsorption spectrum of Ba 2

The role of true collective effects in the 4d photoabsorption spectrum of Ba2+ is shown to be minor. The most significant departures from independent particle behavior are in fact due to correlations involving the 5p, not the 4d, shell; their importance is magnified by the delicate balance of opposing single-particle forces. Reevaluation of the ionization limit reveals the presence of Beutler–Fano structures in the experimental data, the first that have been observed for excitations underneath closed shells.
When Customers Receive Support From Other Customers: Exploring the Influence of Intercustomer Social Support on Customer Voluntary Performance:

Service establishments would relish the opportunity to have their customers display customer voluntary performance (CVP) behaviors, which refer to helpful, discretionary customer behaviors that support an organization’s service performance and quality. This article draws on resource exchange theory to offer an explanation as to why some customers display CVP in the form of customer citizenship and customer care behaviors. The data reveal that customers who receive social-emotional support and, to a lesser extent, instrumental support from other customers in a service establishment reciprocate by exhibiting CVP toward the establishment and to customers in the establishment. This article demonstrates that socially supportive service environments are beneficial for customers’ health and for organizational profitability.
Transforming the Undergraduate Research Experience Through Sustained Mentoring: Creating a Strong Support Network and a Collaborative Learning Environment

This chapter describes how sustained mentoring together with rigorous collaborative learning and community building contributed to successful mathematical research and individual growth in the Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute (AMSSI), a program that focused on women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals from small teaching institutions who might not have had the opportunity to do research otherwise. The collective learning and developmental experiences of AMSSI's cofounders as students, teaching assistants, and faculty in other research programs, together with their humble upbringings and cultural histories, are what define the unique structure and mentoring blueprint of AMSSI.
Synthesis of Polymer Nanoparticles via Vapor Phase Deposition onto Liquid Substrates

In this article, the growth of polymer nanoparticles formed at the liquid-vapor interface via vapor phase polymerization is studied. The particles grow by polymer aggregation, which is driven by the surface tension interaction between the liquid and polymer. It is demonstrated that the mechanism of particle growth is determined by whether polymer particles remain at the liquid-vapor interface or submerge into the liquid. The position of the particles depends on the interaction between the polymer and the liquid. For example, the deposition of poly(n-butyl acrylate) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox liquids leads to the formation of nanoparticles that remain at the liquid-vapor interface. The size of these particles increases as a function of deposition time. The deposition of poly(4-vinylpyridine) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox leads to the formation of nanoparticles that submerge into the liquid. The size of these particles does not significantly change with deposition time. Our study offers a new rapid, one-step synthetic approach for fabricating functional polymer nanoparticles for applications in catalysis, photonics, and drug delivery.
RobustBPEL2: Transparent Autonomization in Business Processes through Dynamic Proxies

Web services paradigm is allowing applications to interact with one another over the Internet. BPEL facilitates this interaction by providing a platform through which Web services can be integrated. However, the autonomous and distributed nature of the integrated services presents unique challenges to the reliability of composed services. The focus of our ongoing research is to transparently introduce autonomic behavior to BPEL processes in order to make them more resilient to the failure of partner services. In this work, we present an approach where BPEL processes are adapted by redirecting their interactions with partner services to a dynamic proxy. We describe the generative adaptation process and the architecture of the adaptive BPEL processes and their corresponding proxies. Finally, we use case studies to demonstrate how generated dynamic proxies are used to support self-healing and self-optimization in instrumented BPEL processes
Concurrent validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Motor Scale and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales in two-year-old children.

Concurrent validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (BSID II) Motor Scale and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) was examined by administering both tests to 38...
The Potential and Peril of Health Insurance Tobacco Surcharge Programs: Evidence From Georgia’s State Employees’ Health Benefit Plan

INTRODUCTION A rapidly growing number of U.S. employers are charging health insurance surcharges for tobacco use to their employees. Despite their potential to price-discriminate, little systematic empirical evidence of the impacts of these tobacco surcharges has been published. We attempted to assess the impact of a health insurance surcharge for tobacco use on cessation among enrollees in Georgia's State Health Benefit Plan (GSHBP). METHODS We identified a group of enrollees in GSHBP who began paying the tobacco surcharge at the program's inception in July 2005. We examined the proportion of these enrollees who certified themselves and their family members as tobacco-free and no longer paid the surcharge through April 2011, and we defined this as implied cessation. We compared this proportion to a national expected annual 2.6% cessation rate. We also compared our observation group to a comparison group to assess surcharge avoidance. RESULTS By April 2011, 45% of enrollees who paid a tobacco surcharge starting in July 2005 had certified themselves as tobacco-free. This proportion exceeded the expected cessation based on 3 times the national rate (p < .001). The length of enrollment was not statistically different between our observation and comparison groups (p = .427). CONCLUSIONS The reported rates of tobacco cessation among GSHBP enrollees resulting from a tobacco surcharge substantially exceed national rates. These surcharges appear to be effective, but the value of these results, and the effectiveness of health insurance surcharges in changing behavior, are tempered by the important limitation that enrollees' certification of quitting was self-reported and not subject to additional, clinical verification.
Effectiveness of multiple decoupling capacitors

The effectiveness of using the parallel combination of large-value and small-value capacitors to increase the frequency coverage of either one and overcome the effect of lead inductance is examined. Computed and experimental results are given that show this scheme is not significantly effective. The improvement at high frequencies is at most 6 dB over the use of only the large-value capacitance. >
Mortality on immigrant voyages to New York, 1836-1853.

The first systematic estimates of mortality on immigrant ships are presented in the paper. From passenger lists of immigrant arrivals a sample of 1077 ships that arrived at New York between 1836 and 1853 was obtained and analyzed. Immigrants died at a rate of about 10 per thousand boarded per month with a significantly higher rate for 1849. Mortality was found to vary by sex port of origin and season of arrival. No significant variation was found between mortality and the following variables: crowding nationality of the immigrant and year of arrival. (EXCERPT)
Impact of an executive management of technology program

Summary form only given as follows. This paper reports on the evaluation of a new executive program in the management of technology (EMoT) after its third year. The paper reviews the background of the program, the pedagogical foundations, and the purpose and scope of the program. The evaluation was conducted using a self-administered mail survey to the former participants and to their corporate sponsors. The respondents' indicated high satisfaction with the program's content and focus. As an indicator of the program's impact, all of the graduates in the program had been assigned greater responsibilities since their participation in the program. Participants and corporate sponsors were almost unanimous (only one expressing some ambivalence) in believing that EMoT program participation was instrumental in the graduates' increased responsibilities and contribution to the organization.
A modified technique for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: A retrospective review of 60 cases.

Abstract Background We describe a modified technique for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) using intermittent bronchoscopy and ultrasound (US). This method requires 1 single physician operator and no special airway adjuncts. Our aim is to reduce the complications associated with the current popular PDT technique, that is, accidental intraprocedural airway loss, intraprocedural bleeding, and hypoventilation associated with use of continuous bronchoscopy. Study design This is a retrospective review of all PDTs performed on intensive care unit patients at a single nonacademic hospital by a pulmonologist using the modified PDT technique. Results Sixty consecutive PDT procedures were performed using the modified technique. Forty-five percent of the patients were considered high-risk individuals for PDT. There were no deaths from the modified PDT procedure. There were no major complications including accidental extubation, major bleeding, posterior tracheal wall laceration, pneumothorax, hemodynamic instability, severe hypoxemia, or infection. The failure rate of PDT was 1.6%. There was no puncture of the bronchoscope, endotracheal tube, or endotracheal tube balloon. All procedures were performed by 1 single physician operator. Conclusion Our modified technique demonstrates a potential to reduce accidental intraprocedural airway loss and intraoperative bleeding associated with PDT while possibly improving gas exchange and saving procedural costs. This technique needs to be comparatively studied with current popular PDT technique in a prospective trial to firmly establish associated risks and benefits.
Erroneous Reports of the Neotropical Echinococcus oligarthrus as a Cause of Echinococcosis in India

Two cases of submandibular echinococcosis have been reported in adult residents of India (Kini et al., 1997; Sahni et al., 2000). It was stated in both publications that the cestode was E. oligarthrus, “a rare variety of E. granulosus”, based on morphogical characteristics. It was also mentioned that 3 cases of E. granulosus with similar submandibular metacestode had been previously diagnosed in India. The metacestode is readily distinguishable from that of E. oligarthrus. The final hosts of E. oligarthrus are several neotropical species of wild cats and metacestode occurs in hystricognath, all of them absent in India. The larval stage of all 4 species of Echinococcus can be differentiated on the basis of the form and dimensions of rostellar hooks of protoescoleces. With the information provided in the two papers we concluded that the 2 cases of echinococcosis described in India were due to E. granulosus.
Genera of the parasitoid wasp family Monomachidae (Hymenoptera: Diaprioidea)

The genera of the family Monomachidae are revised. Chasca Johnson & Musetti, new genus, is described, with two species:Chasca andina Musetti & Johnson, new species (type species, Chile) and C. gravis Musetti & Johnson, new species (Peru).The genus Tetraconus Szepligeti is treated as a junior synonym of Monomachus Klug (new synonymy), and its type species istransferred to Monomachus as M. mocsaryi (Szepligeti), new combination A phylogenetic analysis places Chasca and Mono-machus as sister-groups; within Monomachus, the three species of Australia and two species of New Guinea are basal, and the radiation of 21 species in tropical America and Valdivia is recovered as a monophyletic group.
Tests on Cylinders in Turbulent Flow

The note describes the experimental investigation under way to study the effect of turbulence on the drag coefficient of cylinders at Lehigh University.
Lymphadenopathy: end-point prodrome? Update of a 36-month prospective study.

In contrast to the situation in London described by Pinching, San Francisco physicians were faced with the challenge of persistent lymphadenopathy in homosexual men even before the AIDS epidemic had been defined(l). Although the initial cases of the lymphadenopathy syndrome were first appreciated in 1979, the prospective natural history study in our clinic was only initiated in November 1981(2). The 200 patients enrolled in this study clearly do not constitute the entirety of lymphadenopathy patients in San Francisco. Since the lymphadenopathy syndrome is not reportable to the Centers for Disease Control or the City Health Department, estimates of the number of men affected in the San Francisco area are difficult to obtain. As part of a case control study of 150 of our first AIDS patients, Moss and the Epidemiology group at San Francisco General Hospital interviewed and examined 300 matched controls(3). One hundred fifty participants were neighborhood controls, matched by age, race and socio-economic status to patients residing in the vicinity. One hundred fifty further controls were obtained from the municipal venereal disease clinic, also matched as closely as possible to cases.
Implications of a Negative Sentinel Node on Radiation Field Design for Chest Wall Recurrences.

Locoregional management of breast cancer is a rapidly evolving and complex issue that requires input from all members of the multidisciplinary team caring for the patient. Surgical approach, timing of reconstruction, timing and sequence of systemic therapy, timing of radiation, and radiation field design all rely on each other, requiring close coordination and communication among the multidisciplinary team. Management of the patient with a local or regional recurrence is even more complicated, as there are fewer data, trials, and guidelines upon which to base clinical decision making. The clinician and patient are often faced with decision making that is based on clinical judgment, retrospective data, training, experience, and often extrapolation from initial management where there is a larger body of evidence-based data.
An Introduction to Muscle Development in Drosophila

Muscles have multiple roles in organisms. These roles range from facilitating conscious and unconscious movement, to maintaining posture, stabilizing joints, generating body heat, and moving substances within the body. To successfully carry out these functions, each muscle must develop as the right muscle type in the right location, achieve and maintain appropriate size, possess a correctly ordered contractile apparatus, and be capable of responding to contraction-inducing stimuli. A fundamental question is: How does a muscle develop so that it possesses the properties required for correct functioning? This book reviews how the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is being used to address this question.
“AVOID”ing harm by a double-edged sword: is there a role for ultrafiltration in heart failure?

Prior studies comparing ultrafiltration with medical management for acute decompensated heart failure have yielded conflicting results. The AVOID-HF trial was designed as a definitive comparison of optimal ultrafiltration versus optimal diuretic-based medical therapy; unfortunately, the trial was terminated prematurely because of slow recruitment. The results of AVOID-HF nevertheless provide a rationale for well-designed, adequately powered trials to determine whether ultrafiltration has a role in the routine management of acute decompensated heart failure.