cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fighting HIV/AIDS with Edutainment: "An Exploratory Study of the Use of Edutainment by the MTV Shuga Campaign" [Kennesaw State University]

Communication strategies have an integral role in society and have been used as tools by health, political and media campaigns. Since the development of these strategies the growing concept of edutainment has emerged and has obtained wide spread use (Tufte, 2002). Yet, since its new popularity most research have focused on traditional strategies for communications in regard to behavioral change. To fully understand the edutainment strategy, we must therefore understand the use and the effects. This is done by evaluating the MTV Shuga Campaign in South Africa through a comprehensive content analysis. The MTV Shuga campaign addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS and safe sex habits with the use of edutainment. With the significant number of people with HIV/AIDS in present society, the importance of prevention programs and campaigns such as MTV Shuga cannot be overemphasized. This study analyzes the effectiveness of edutainment in the MTV Shuga Campaign. It further sheds light on theories of behavioral change such as the social cognition learning theory.
The Moderating Role of Maternal Supervision in the Relation of Social–Ecological Risk Factors to Children’s Minor Injuries

Although maternal supervision has been found to reduce injury risk in young children, it is not clear whether supervision moderates the impact of social–ecological risk variables on children’s injury frequency. This study examined whether maternal supervision moderated the relation of child, maternal, and family risk factors to children’s minor injuries. Mothers (N = 170) of toddlers were interviewed biweekly about their children’s injuries and their supervision over a 6-month period, and mothers completed measures about child and family variables. Supervision moderated the effect of mothers’ marital/partner relationship satisfaction on children’s injury frequency; closer supervision was protective for mothers with lower relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest that helping mothers with low levels of relationship satisfaction provide closer supervision for their children may mitigate the effects of low marital satisfaction on children’s injury frequency.
Propagation of Maackia amurensis Rupr. & Maxim, by Softwood Cuttings

Abstract Softwood terminal stem cuttings were collected at two developmental stages from twenty mature trees of Amur maackia (Maackia amurensis Rupr. and Maxim) growing in Minnesota, Maryland, and ...
UV-LED Lithography for Millimeter-Tall High-Aspect Ratio 3d Structures

This paper introduces a UV-LED lithography system for fabrication of millimeter tall 3-D high-aspect-ratio structures. The proposed system has high intensity collimated light from the light source and a tilt-rotational light propagation at the sample stage to create 3-D light patterns inside a photoresist layer. The lithography system comprises 5-by-5 1.5-W LED array capped with 5° collimated lens, a 4-inch-diameter sample holding plate which can be tilt and rotational, and a microcontroller for the operation of the system. To uniformly distribute the exposed light from the 25 LEDs, the light source was rotated during the exposure process. Two different photosensitive polymers were tested for millimeter tall structures including a widely used negative photoresist, SU-8, and liquid polyurethane, LF55GN. The fabricated millimeter-tall structures include pillars, artistic flowers, microneedle array and a horn structure for an RF antenna.
Legacies and memories of violence in Becos da memória

This essay examines how the concept of “slow violence” (Nixon, 2011) features in the narrative of Conceicao Evaristo’s novel Becos da memoria (2006). Nixon defines slow violence as a diachronic process of disenfranchisement that affects principally low-income communities and racial minorities and that is often less visible. Slow violence manifests in different ambits, including environmental depredation and marginalization. It is the environmental aspect of slow violence that differentiates it from structural violence, though both types intersect. Evaristo’s text confronts the reader not only with the consequences of structural violence (Galtung, 1969), but also how this violence impacts the experience of spatiality and of environmental marginalization for impoverished racial minorities and, as a result, the everyday lives of these groups. In this sense, the novel touches upon the effects of slow violence on marginalized communities. Becos da memoria therefore brings to light the confluence between environment and the lived experience of subjects who live both at the social and the spatial margins.
Investigation of dry-etch-induced defects in >600 V regrown, vertical, GaN, p-n diodes using deep-level optical spectroscopy

The impact of dry-etch-induced defects on the electrical performance of regrown, c-plane, GaN p-n diodes where the p-GaN layer is formed by epitaxial regrowth using metal-organic, chemical-vapor deposition was investigated. Diode leakage increased significantly for etched-and-regrown diodes compared to continuously grown diodes, suggesting a defect-mediated leakage mechanism. Deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) techniques were used to identify energy levels and densities of defect states to understand etch-induced damage in regrown devices. DLOS results showed the creation of an emergent, mid-gap defect state at 1.90 eV below the conduction band edge for etched-and-regrown diodes. Reduction in both the reverse leakage and the concentration of the 1.90 eV mid-gap state was achieved using a wet chemical treatment on the etched surface before regrowth, suggesting that the 1.90 eV deep level contributes to increased leakage and premature breakdown but can be mitigated with proper post-etch treatments to achieve >600 V reverse breakdown operation.
Does lipid-correction introduce biases into isotopic mixing models? Implications for diet reconstruction studies

Carbon isotopes are commonly used in trophic ecology to estimate consumer diet composition. This estimation is complicated by the fact that lipids exhibit a more depleted carbon signature (δ13C) than other macromolecules, and are often found at different concentrations among individual organisms. Some researchers argue that lipids bias diet reconstructions using stable isotopes and should be accounted for prior to analysis in food web mixing models, whereas others contend that removing lipids may result in erroneous interpretations of the trophic interactions under study. To highlight this disagreement on best practices for applying δ13C in food web studies, we sampled the recent literature to determine the frequency and method of lipid-correction. We then quantified the potential magnitude and source of bias in mixing model results from a theoretical example and case study of diet reconstruction. The literature was split nearly evenly as to whether lipid-correction was applied to δ13C data in mixing model estimates of diet composition. Comparative mixing model scenarios demonstrated that lipid-correction can substantially alter the estimated diet composition and interpretation of consumer foraging habits. Given the lack of consensus on whether or not to lipid-correct prey and/or consumers, and the associated variation in mixing model results, we call for the establishment of a unified framework that will guide diet reconstruction in stable isotope ecology. Uncertainty in the prevalence of direct routing versus de novo synthesis of lipids across ecosystems, taxa, and trophic levels must be resolved to better guide treatment of lipids in isotope studies using carbon.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PREDICTS RECURRENCE OF ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIAS FOLLOWING CRYOBALLOON ABLATION IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

In spite of acute pulmonary vein isolation in cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), about one third of patients have recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (AA). Presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a known risk factor for development of AF. However, the role of OSA
Hyperspectral absorption of semiconductor monolayer crystals

Quantum many-body theory is applied to discover the design principles of broadband absorbers based on III-nitride or transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer crystals. A combination of color-chirped exciton absorption and continuum-absorption-based coupling strategies is outlined and demonstrated to enable hyperspectral absorption with several eV bandwidth. The found structures are only a few micrometers thick and dominantly support direct generation of free carriers at optimal photovoltages.
Spatially distributed simulations of dry and wet season sediment yields: A case study in the lower Rio Loco watershed, Puerto Rico

Abstract Identifying sources of terrestrial sediment to the ocean is important for watershed managers because of the harmful impacts of sediment on nearshore marine ecosystems. The Rio Loco watershed (RLW) in southwest Puerto Rico has been extensively modified, currently comprised of small mountainous rivers connected by reservoirs and irrigation canals to the Lajas Valley Agricultural Reserve (LVAR). The RLW has regularly supplied sediment to Guanica Bay; however, the total annual yield and subbasins most responsible have remained unknown. We estimated sediment yield for the lower RLW using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in separate scenarios to assess a range of conditions; a dry season scenario that modeled flow through the irrigation system and a wet season scenario that modeled flow through the natural river channel. Precipitation was similarly correlated with sediment yield in both seasons, with 1.5× more sediment per month predicted during the wet than dry season. The distribution of sediment yield among subbasins was the same in both seasons. The foothills north of the cement lined irrigation canal and subbasin north of Lago Loco were the largest source of sediment, both combined to produce nearly 40% of the total sediment reaching Guanica Bay. The next largest source was from subbasins that comprised a combination of agricultural and suburban land uses. Relative basin-scale model outputs for both the irrigation system and natural channel agree with empirical measurements from 2015. The SWAT model output provided some guidance and justification for sediment management strategies in the foothills, upstream of Lago Loco, and within the LVAR.
Micro- and Nano-Devices for Studying Subcellular Biology.

Cells are complex machines whose behaviors arise from their internal collection of dynamically interacting organelles, supramolecular complexes, and cytoplasmic chemicals. The current understanding of the nature by which subcellular biology produces cell-level behaviors is limited by the technological hurdle of measuring the large number (>103 ) of small-sized (<1 μm) heterogeneous organelles and subcellular structures found within each cell. In this review, the emergence of a suite of micro- and nano-technologies for studying intracellular biology on the scale of organelles is described. Devices that use microfluidic and microelectronic components for 1) extracting and isolating subcellular structures from cells and lysate; 2) analyzing the physiology of individual organelles; and 3) recreating subcellular assembly and functions in vitro, are described. The authors envision that the continued development of single organelle technologies and analyses will serve as a foundation for organelle systems biology and will allow new insight into fundamental and clinically relevant biological questions.
Refuge from a Jurisprudence of Doubt: Hohfeldian Analysis of Constitutional Law

Constitutional analysis often contains ambiguity surrounding the word "right" and other legal concepts. The Supreme Court uses the word equivocally to mean a claim, liberty, power, or immunity. The Court also invokes amorphous concepts such as "right of privacy." This article offers an analytical framework to resolve such ambiguity. First, the article explains a canonical theory developed by Professor Wesley Hohfeld to clarify similar ambiguity in private law and shows how Hohfeldian analysis extends to constitutional law. Second, the article applies Hohfeldian analysis to four notable Supreme Court decisions, including Texas v. Johnson and Grutter v. Bollinger, and clarifies the word "right" in each. In sum, this article clarifies the nature of constitutional rights and provides a powerful tool for resolving conceptual ambiguity in constitutional analysis.
Conformation and hydrogen bonding of N-formylmethionyl peptides. Parallel beta-sheet in the crystal structure of N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-valine.

Crystals of N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-valine (C11H20N2O)4S, M.W. = 276.3) are orthorhombic, space group )2(1)2(1)2(1) with cell constants at 294K of a = 4.851 (1), b = 14.925 (1), c = 19.745 (3) A, V = 1429.8 (1) A3, Z = 4 and observed (Dm) and calculated (Dx) of 1.49 and 1.488 g x cm-3, respectively. The crystal structure was solved using automatic diffractometer data (1260 reflections larger than or equal to 3 sigma) and refined to a final R-value of 0.035. This structure contains a short (2.626 (3) A) intermolecular hydrogen bond between the carboxyl OH and the N-acyl oxygen, a feature common to most N-acylamino acids and N-acylpeptides. The peptide is nearly planar (omega = 174.6 (5)); the values of psi 1, phi 2, psi 1T and psi 2T are, respectively, 131.8 (4) degrees, -139.9 (5) degrees, -39.3 (4) degrees and 142.1 (4) degrees. The methionine side chain is not zig-zag transplanar; the side chain torsion angles are: chi 1(1) = -60.0 (4) degrees, chi 2(1) = 176.0 (4) degrees and chi 3(1) = 71.8 (4) degrees. The two C gamma's for valine have psi 1-values of -64.4 (5) degrees and 173.7 (5) degrees. The formation of the parallel rather than antiparallel beta-sheet structure, the participation of the N-formyl group in the parallel beta-sheet and the use of C-H ... O hydrogen bonds to stabilize the beta-sheet are novel features found in this structure.
Functional characterization of mouse α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors stably expressed in HEK293T cells

Mouse a4b2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) were stably expressed in HEK293T cells. The function of this stable cell line, termed mma4b2, was assessed using an aequorinbased luminescence method that measures agonist-evoked changes in intracellular calcium. Agonist-elicited changes in intracellular calcium were due primarily to direct entry of calcium through the a4b2 channel, although release of calcium from intracellular stores contributed ~ 28% of the agonistevoked response. Agonist pharmacologies were very similar between the mma4b2 cells and most cell lines that stably express human a4b2 nAchRs. Based on agonist profiles and sensitivity to the antagonist dihydro-b-erythroidine (DHbE), the predominant a4b2 nAchR expressed in the mma4b2 cells exhibits a pharmacology that most resembles the DHbE-sensitive component of 86 Rb + efflux from mouse brain synaptosomes. However, when evaluated with the aequorin assay, the mma4b2 nAchR was found to be atypically sensitive to blockade by the presumed a7-selective antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA), exhibiting an IC50 value of 31 ± 0.1 nM. Similar IC50 values have been reported for the MLA inhibition of nicotine-stimulated dopamine release, a response that is mediated by b2-subunit-containing nAchRs and not a7-subunit-containing nAchRs. Consequently, at low nanomolar concentrations, MLA may not be as selective for a7
IL 7-induced T cell receptor-gamma gene expression by pre-T cells in murine fetal liver cultures.

IL-7 has previously been shown to stimulate proliferation of immature CD4-CD8- thymocytes from fetal and adult mice. We show that IL-7 mRNA levels are much higher in the day-14 fetal thymus than in the adult thymus, i.e., when the thymus is primarily composed of CD4-CD8- cells. Inasmuch as IL-7 may, therefore, be one of the first cytokines to which pre-T cells from the fetal liver are exposed when they migrate to the thymus during development, we hypothesized that IL-7 may promote differentiation of pre-T cells from the fetal liver. We found that human rIL-7 promotes growth of cells obtained from the liver of fetal mice at day 14 of gestation. Moreover, we found that IL-7 stimulated expression of mRNA encoding TCR-gamma, alpha-, and beta-genes. The size of the transcripts induced by IL-7 suggests that TCR-gamma was expressed in a rearranged form in response to IL-7, whereas TCR-alpha and -beta genes appeared to be expressed from nonrearranged loci. Culture of fetal liver cells for 7 days with IL-7 also caused the appearance of a population of cells expressing Thy-1 and Pgp-1 Ag, a phenotype similar to that seen in the early (day-14) fetal thymus. The Thy-1+ Pgp-1+ population was enriched in TCR-gamma mRNA, as determined by flow cytometric sorting followed by Northern blot analysis. These data support the hypothesis that IL-7 can stimulate some of the early events associated with thymocyte differentiation in the fetus.
Descriptions as predicates

Although Strawson’s main aim in “On Referring” was to argue that definite descriptions can be used referentially—that is, “to mention or refer to some individual person or single object . . . , in the course of doing what we should normally describe as making a statement about that person [or] object” (1950, p. 320)—he denied that definite descriptions are always used referentially. The description in ‘Napoleon was the greatest French soldier’ is not used referentially, says Strawson, since it is used not to mention an individual, but only “to say something about an individual already mentioned” (320). This is an example of what we may call a predicative use of a definite description, though such uses might be better illustrated by considering the false sentence
Regulation of the Synthesis of Enzymes Responsible for Glutamate Formation in Klebsiella aerogenes

Abstract A mutant of Klebsiella aerogenes lacking glutamine (amide):α-ketoglutarate (NADP+) amidotransferase oxidoreductase (glutamate synthetase) cannot grow in minimal media containing ammonia as the only nitrogen source at a concentration lower than 1 mm. In addition, in a glucose containing medium, it fails to utilize amino acids, such as histidine, that are converted to glutamate, as sources of nitrogen. It can use glutamate as source of nitrogen. Revertants were isolated capable of growth on glucose-histidine, but unable to use ammonia. These revertants still lack glutamate synthetase, but produce glutamine synthetase constitutively (glnC-). They fail to produce glutamate dehydrogenase, and thus cannot use ammonia as a nitrogen source. An analysis of the levels of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthetase, and glutamate dehydrogenase in the parent organism, in mutants lacking glutamine synthetase, and in mutants producing it constitutively, reveals that glutamine synthetase represses the formation of glutamate dehydrogenase. A lack of glutamate synthetase appears to interfere with the derepression of glutamine synthetase. On the other hand, the loss of glutamate dehydrogenase by mutation does not affect glutamine synthetase. These results, together with those reported in an earlier paper (Prival, M. J., Brenchley, J. E., and Magasanik, B. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 4334–4344), indicate that glutamine synthetase is the key element in the regulation of the synthesis of enzymes capable of supplying the cell with glutamate.
High-resolution mapping of architectural DNA binding protein facilitation of a DNA repression loop in Escherichia coli

Double-stranded DNA is a locally inflexible polymer that resists bending and twisting over hundreds of base pairs. Despite this, tight DNA bending is biologically important for DNA packaging in eukaryotic chromatin and tight DNA looping is important for gene repression in prokaryotes. We and others have previously shown that sequence nonspecific DNA kinking proteins, such as Escherichia coli heat unstable and Saccharomyces cerevisiae non-histone chromosomal protein 6A (Nhp6A), facilitate lac repressor (LacI) repression loops in E. coli. It has been unknown if this facilitation involves direct protein binding to the tightly bent DNA loop or an indirect effect promoting global negative supercoiling of DNA. Here we adapt two high-resolution in vivo protein-mapping techniques to demonstrate direct binding of the heterologous Nhp6A protein at a LacI repression loop in living E. coli cells.
Photon Correlation Spectroscopy in Particle Sizing

Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) has become a powerful light-scattering technique for studying the properties of suspensions and solutions of colloids, macromolecules and polymers, that is absolute, non-invasive and non-destructive. This text explains the principles of the technique and describes the required instrumentation. It also discusses new developments in instrumentation, which may substantially impact on future applications of this technique. Proper sample preparation is of major importance for the accuracy and precision of the mean size and size distribution results and thus one section is dedicated to sample handling.
Uncommonly good: exploring how mass media may be a positive influence on young women's sexual health and development.

This chapter discusses several ways in which the media may serve as a positive force in young women's sexual health and development through the information and models they provide and the opportunities they offer for validation and self-expression.
METIFOR-A Statistical Method for Insulation Design of EHV Lines

Using sequential hourly weather data available on punched cards from the United States Weather Bureau, digital weather models of the future climate in the vicinity of a proposed transmission line can be constructed. These models permit statistical forecasts of line performance. Application of the technique to line insulation strength is demonstrated. Performance can be predicted on an over-all basis, or can be studied at specific times of the day, or during fog periods or thunderstorms. Optimizing routines are presented that optimize or permit balancing of flashover characteristics, and forecast performance as a function of line investment.
Nuclear-Magnetic-Resonance Line-Shape Calculations for Polycrystalline Materials with bcc and fcc Symmetry

The powder free-induction decays for body- and face-centered-cubic lattices of spins are calculated for spin values $I=\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{and} 1$. The powder decays are calculated by a computerized numerical integration of the formula of Lowe and Norberg as extended to include arbitrary spin. Only magnetic dipole-dipole interactions are considered. The powder decays are compared with ${e}^{(\frac{\ensuremath{-}{a}^{2}{t}^{2}}{2})}sin \frac{\mathrm{bt}}{\mathrm{bt}}$. The powder absorption curves are also calculated as the cosine transforms of the decay curves.
Transport Phenomena in Zonal Centrifuge Rotors. VI11. Dispersion in Reorienting Gradient Systems

Abstract Reorienting dispersion in zonal gradient rotors is analytically investigated by evaluating the change of surfaces in each isodense layer. Analytical expressions for isodense surfaces at various levels were obtained as a function of the rotational speed and the ratio of rotor configurations, height of rotor to inside radius of rotor, and outside radius of rotor core to inside radius of rotor. Characteristics of the changes of each isodense layer were computed from the formula derived. It is also shown that control of rotor acceleration and deceleration is unnecessary. The dispersion due to gradient reorientation is a constant for a given rotor with a given loading level.
Buoyancy-Driven Flows—Beyond the Boussinesq Approximation

Buoyancy-driven flows are analyzed to determine the limits of applicability of the Boussinesq approximation. Alternative approaches are derived and tested for flows with high Richardson numbers. A generalized treatment is proposed for the effect of buoyancy on turbulence, which can be either stabilizing or destabilizing based on orientation relative to the gravity vector. Results are validated with three test problems with strong buoyancy effects, and with significant directional turbulence effects on mixing.
The thermodynamics of aqueous borate solutions. I: Mixtures of boric acid with sodium or potassium borate and chloride

Potentials for the cell without liquid junction\(H_2 ,Pt\backslash B(OH)_3 (m_1 ), MB(OH)_4 (m_2 ), MCl(m_3 )\backslash AgClAg\) where M is sodium or potassium are reported over a range of ionic strength to I=3 mol-kg−1 at 5 to 55°C. Total boron concentration in the solutions was restricted to low levels to minimize formation of polynuclear boron species. Cell potentials are treated with the Pitzer ion interaction treatment for mixed electrolytes, with linear ionic strength dependence assumed for the activity coefficient of undissociated boric acid. Trace activity coefficients of sodium and potassium borates in chloride media are calculated at various temperatures.
Modeling and control of rocking in cable-riding systems

Cable-riding suspended systems are commonplace, with applications ranging from ski lifts to tramways to material movers in mining operations. Another, more recent application is the robotic inspection of cables using robots that ride along the cables which they are inspecting. The Expliner robot is one such device. It inspects live, high-voltage power lines while moving along them. For all of these cable-suspended systems, rocking oscillation can reduce safety and efficiency of operation. This paper presents a model to identify the key dynamic factors of this rocking motion. Then, input shaping is used to limit rocking from both motion along the cable and controlled center-of-mass shifts.
Grandparent Caregiving in Caribbean Latino Families: Correlates of Children's Departure from Care

The number and proportion of U.S. children being raised by their grandparents has grown rapidly over the past several decades. A substantial body of research documents the strengths and needs of these families and shows that the prevalence, trajectories, and outcomes of caregiving vary by racial/ethnic group. Yet Latino families have received little attention. Drawing on the stress process model, this paper reports on a four-year panel of 59 urban Latino grandparents and the grandchildren in their care to examine changes in grandparents' health, mental health, social, and economic well-being and grandchildren's special needs; how these factors may affect the departure of children from care; and the disposition of children who leave care. At the four-year follow-up, all grandparent well-being measures had worsened, yet most continued caregiving and many had obtained legal guardianship. Low support, the special needs of children, having fewer unmet needs and high levels of poverty were related to children l...
Environmental conservation: bystander CD4 T cells keep CD8 memories fresh

CD4+ T cells reportedly program CD8+ T cells to develop into suitable memory cells during the primary immune response. However, new data indicate that the maintenance of CD8+ memory T cells requires continuous exposure to bystander CD4+ T cells.
Measurement of Gene Expression by Multiplex Competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract We have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method to measure glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) mRNA levels. Expression was measured by multiplex competitive PCR amplification of (a) cDNA from GSH-Px and the "housekeeping" gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and (b) two internal standards consisting of single-base mutants of GSH-Px and GAPDH cDNA that cause either a loss (GSH-Px) or a gain (GAPDH) of an Eco RI restriction endonuclease recognition site. RNA extracted from a human papillomavirus-immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEP2D) was reverse transcribed. Serial dilutions of DNA were PCR amplified in the presence of GSH-Px and GAPDH primers and quantified amounts of mutated internal standards. The amplified DNA was restriction digested with Eco RI and electrophoresed on an agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide, separating native from mutated products. Densitometry was performed to quantitate the bands. Our studies demonstrate that this technique measures the relative expression of GSH-Px to GAPDH precisely and reproducibly for studies done with the same master mixture and dilution of internal standards. Ratios of relative gene expression varied less than 25% from the mean. This technique will be useful to measure changes in gene expression, particularly when the amount of study sample is limited or the level of gene expression is low.
Coxsackievirus B exits the host cell in shed microvesicles displaying autophagosomal markers.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a member of the picornavirus family and enterovirus genus, causes viral myocarditis, aseptic meningitis, and pancreatitis in humans. We genetically engineered a unique molecular marker, “fluorescent timer” protein, within our infectious CVB3 clone and isolated a high-titer recombinant viral stock (Timer-CVB3) following transfection in HeLa cells. “Fluorescent timer” protein undergoes slow conversion of fluorescence from green to red over time, and Timer-CVB3 can be utilized to track virus infection and dissemination in real time. Upon infection with Timer-CVB3, HeLa cells, neural progenitor and stem cells (NPSCs), and C2C12 myoblast cells slowly changed fluorescence from green to red over 72 hours as determined by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometric analysis. The conversion of “fluorescent timer” protein in HeLa cells infected with Timer-CVB3 could be interrupted by fixation, suggesting that the fluorophore was stabilized by formaldehyde cross-linking reactions. Induction of a type I interferon response or ribavirin treatment reduced the progression of cell-to-cell virus spread in HeLa cells or NPSCs infected with Timer-CVB3. Time lapse photography of partially differentiated NPSCs infected with Timer-CVB3 revealed substantial intracellular membrane remodeling and the assembly of discrete virus replication organelles which changed fluorescence color in an asynchronous fashion within the cell. “Fluorescent timer” protein colocalized closely with viral 3A protein within virus replication organelles. Intriguingly, infection of partially differentiated NPSCs or C2C12 myoblast cells induced the release of abundant extracellular microvesicles (EMVs) containing matured “fluorescent timer” protein and infectious virus representing a novel route of virus dissemination. CVB3 virions were readily observed within purified EMVs by transmission electron microscopy, and infectious virus was identified within low-density isopycnic iodixanol gradient fractions consistent with membrane association. The preferential detection of the lipidated form of LC3 protein (LC3 II) in released EMVs harboring infectious virus suggests that the autophagy pathway plays a crucial role in microvesicle shedding and virus release, similar to a process previously described as autophagosome-mediated exit without lysis (AWOL) observed during poliovirus replication. Through the use of this novel recombinant virus which provides more dynamic information from static fluorescent images, we hope to gain a better understanding of CVB3 tropism, intracellular membrane reorganization, and virus-associated microvesicle dissemination within the host.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Cross-Flow Fan Propulsion for Lightweight VTOL Aircraft

Cross-flow fan propulsion has not been seriously considered for aircraft use since an Vought Systems Division (VSD) study for the U.S. Navy in 1975. A recent conceptual design study of light-weight, single seat VTOL aircraft suggest that rotary-engine powered cross-flow fans may constitute a promising alternative to the conventional lift-fan vertical thrust augmentation systems for VTOL aircraft. The cross-flow fan performance data obtained by VSD supported the hypothesis that they could be improved to the point where their thrust augmentation could be used in a VTOL aircraft. In this paper we report results of a NASA Glenn supported experimental and computational cross-flow fan investigation which is currently in progress and we provide an assessment of the potential suitability of crossflow fans for VTOL aircraft propulsion. The tests are carried out in the Turbopropulsion Laboratory of the Naval Postgraduate School, using an existing Turbine Test Rig as a power source to drive the cross-flow fan. A 0.305 m (12-inch) diameter, 38.1 mm (1.5-inch) span cross-flow fan test article was constructed to duplicate as closely as possible the VSD fan so that baseline comparison performance data could be obtained. Performance measurements were taken over a speed range of 1,000 to 7,000 RPM and results comparable to those measured by Vought Systems Division were obtained. At 3,000 RPM a 2:1 thrust-to-power ratio was measured which dropped to one as the speed was increased to 6,000 RPM. Performance maps were experimentally determined for the baseline configuration as well as one with both cavities blanked off, for the speed range from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. Using Flo++, a commercial PC-based computational fluid dynamics software package by Softflo, 2-D numerical simulations of the flow through the cross-flow fan were also obtained. Based on the performance measurements it was concluded that the optimum speed range for this rotor configuration was in the 3,000 to 5,000 rpm range. The lower speed producing the best thrust-to-power ratio and the upper speed range producing the highest efficiency over sizeable throttling range.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Biological Factors Influencing Optimum Fractionation in Radiation Therapy

Optimum fractionation in radiotherapy occurs when tumor control is improved without enhancement of complications. The main influence on choice of overall time, total dose and fraction size is biological: the proliferation status of tumors. For rapidly proliferating tumors, shorter schedules than 6 to 8 weeks are necessary. Optimum overall time is similar to Tk, the time after beginning cytotoxic treatment when rapid proliferation in tumors starts: 21 to 35 days in head and neck tumors. These, and non-small cell lung tumors, have a clonogenic cell doubling time during radiotherapy of about 3 days. New developments in designing optimum schedules for such tumors are presented: carefully regulated hypofractionation (CRH). For slowly proliferating tumors, especially prostate adenocarcinoma, intracellular repair is large, so larger doses per fraction will be necessary. New evidence is presented showing that their &#102 &#103 ratio may indeed be lower than 3 Gy. For an entirely different reason from that above, ...
Further tests of exchange degeneracy and duality using the KN charge exchange reactions

Abstract Analysis of the sums and differences of the KN charge exchange angular distributions from 1 to 12 GeV/ c provide strong quantitative evidence that the ϱ and the A 2 Regge trajectories are exchange degenerate. The contribution of the effective secondary trajectory or cut responsible for the breaking of duality ( d σ/ d t ( K + n → K o p ) ≠ d σ/ d t ( K − p → K o n ) for r ≠ 0) in these reactions is shown to be unimportant above ∼ 3 GeV/ c . The SU(3) charge exchange sum rule is shown to be valid down to 1.25 GeV/ c , implying a strong connection with the duality principle. This sum rule is used to predict angular distributions for the reaction π − p → η n at 1.6 and 2.3 GeV/ c .
Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect and Temperature Dependence in the Reactions of CH[2Π] with Methane and Acetylene

The rate coefficients of the reactions of CH and CD with CH4, CD4, C2H2, and C2D2 have been measured in the temperature range 290 < T < 700 K. All the rate constants show a slightly negative temperature dependence. They can be fitted in the observed temperature range by the following expressions: kCH+CH4 = (6.7 ± 0.3)(T/293 K)-(0.4±0.1) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCH+CD4 = (4.2 ± 0.2)(T/293 K)-(0.3±0.1) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCD+CH4 = (5.7 ± 0.2)(T/293 K)-(0.32±0.04) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCD+CD4 = (3.6 ± 0.1)(T/293 K)-(0.27±0.08) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCH+C2H2 = (3.2 ±0.2)(T/293 K)-(0.2±0.1) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCD+C2H2 = (2.8 ± 0.1)(T/293 K)-(0.13±0.06) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; kCH+C2D2 = (3.2 ± 0.2)(T/293 K)-(0.2±0.1) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; and kCD+C2D2 = (2.8 ± 0.2)(T/293 K)-(0.2±0.1) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, where all error estimates are ±2σ and represent the precision of the fit. The observed temperature and pressure dependences are in accordance with a barrier...
Current status of Nikon's F2 exposure tool development

Current status of Nikon's F2 tool development is reported. At first, the required otpical performance of F2 tools will be discussed. Image simulation results show that the required NA for 70 nm is 0.8 or more. Then Nikon's approaches to realize the optics and tools are presented. For the F2 tools, the most important elements are the projection optics and gas purging of the light path. As for the projection optics, conventional lens type may not be applicable for F2 wavelength, and new type catadioptric optics may have to be developed. In this paper, designs of some catadioptric types and some all refractive types are shown and compared. AR-coatings are very important to obtain enough illumination power. New data on Nikon's AR-coatings are presented. For the gas purging, Nikon has already achieved oxygen concentration less than 1 ppm and further improvements are now in development. Results of gas purging are also presented.
Acute Suppression of Circulating Testosterone Levels by Cortisol in Men

The effect of acute activation of the ACTH-adrenal axis on circulating testosterone (T) levels was investigated. Elevation of circulating cortisol resulting from insulin-induced hypoglycemia or the administration of hydrocortisone was followed by a rapid decrease in serum T levels, without accompanying changes in LH or PRL. These findings suggest that hypercortisolism of endogenous or exogenous sources suppresses T secretion by a direct action on the testis. This adrenal-testicular axis may have biological implications on the reproductive adaptation to stress.
Measurements of Epidural Space Depth Using Preexisting CT Scans Correlate With Loss of Resistance Depth During Thoracic Epidural Catheter Placement

Background. Thoracic epidural catheters provide the best quality postoperative pain relief for major abdominal and thoracic surgical procedures, but placement is one of the most challenging procedures in the repertoire of an anesthesiologist. Most patients presenting for a procedure that would benefit from a thoracic epidural catheter have already had high resolution imaging that may be useful to assist placement of a catheter. Methods. This retrospective study used data from 168 patients to examine the association and predictive power of epidural-skin distance (ESD) on computed tomography (CT) to determine loss of resistance depth acquired during epidural placement. Additionally, the ability of anesthesiologists to measure this distance was compared to a radiologist, who specializes in spine imaging. Results. There was a strong association between CT measurement and loss of resistance depth (P 35) changed this relationship (P = 0.007). The ability of anesthesiologists to make CT measurements was similar to a gold standard radiologist (all individual ICCs > 0.9). Conclusions. Overall, this study supports the examination of a recent CT scan to aid in the placement of a thoracic epidural catheter. Making use of these scans may lead to faster epidural placements, fewer accidental dural punctures, and better epidural blockade.
Syndemic Vulnerability, Sexual and Injection Risk Behaviors, and HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes in HIV-Positive Injection Drug Users

Limited investigations have been conducted on syndemics and HIV continuum of care outcomes. Using baseline data from a multi-site, randomized controlled study of HIV-positive injection drug users (n = 1,052), we examined whether psychosocial factors co-occurred, and whether these factors were additively associated with behavioral and HIV continuum of care outcomes. Experiencing one type of psychosocial problem was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with an increased odds of experiencing another type of problem. Persons with 3 or more psychosocial problems were significantly more likely to report sexual and injection risk behaviors and were less likely to be adherent to HIV medications. Persons with 4 or more problems were less likely to be virally suppressed. Reporting any problems was associated with not currently taking HIV medications. Our findings highlight the association of syndemics not only with risk behaviors, but also with outcomes related to the continuum of care for HIV-positive persons.
Are Companies Continuously Improving Their Supply Chain

Abstract:Lean enterprise, six sigma, and other productivity improvement techniques use continuous improvement; however, it appears continuous improvement is haphazardly applied or even lacking in companies, especially across the supply chain. This research identifies key continuous improvement characteristics in regard to leadership, learning, and collaborating that need to be executed more effectively.This research was conducted among a population of 174 different automotive companies in nine industries. Only 7.1% of companies with less than 100 to 249 employees used lean or six sigma. Participants using lean or six sigma struggled with extending initiatives to include suppliers (56%), as well as other areas that support building a competitive supply chain. While initial gains from these productivity improvement techniques are beneficial, the long-term impact of continuous improvement across the supply chain will offer these companies sustainable market power.
The failed subacromial decompression: further evaluation and treatment

Subacromial decompression is one of the most successful and common orthopedic procedures performed today. If there is continued pain and dysfunction after this procedure, the diagnostic work-up becomes challenging. Multiple sources of persistent pain exist including disorders both intrinsic and extrinsic to the shoulder. The list includes cervical spine disease, peripheral nerve pathology, disorders of the long head of the biceps, acromioclavicular joint arthrosis, instability, frozen shoulder, early osteoarthritis, and continued chronic impingement. A thorough history, physical examination, and review of the pre- and postoperative courses are essential. Diagnostic injections are particularly helpful in isolating the source of pain. Additional tests including magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder and spine, ultrasound, and nerve conduction tests complete the evaluation. Successful operative or nonoperative treatment is predicated on an accurate diagnosis.
Pectin and polyacrylamide composite hydrogels: Effect of pectin on structural and dynamic mechanical properties

Composite hydrogels of pectin and polyacrylamide were synthesized and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, light microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide in pectin solution resulted in a composite having a macroporous pectin domain with an interstitial polyacrylamide domain. This composite had improved mechanical properties compared to those of either polymer alone, and it absorbed and retained more water than crosslinked polyacrylamide alone. Furthermore, crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide in an existing pectinate scaffold resulted in a double-network architecture, where filamentous polyacrylamide networks penetrated through pores of the pectin scaffold. It was found that pectins dictated the features of microstructure in the composites through regulating the coordination of phase separation of the two components and water partition between the two phases. Results from this study highlight potential new uses of pectins in protecting the physical structure of environmentally sensitive polymers from mechanical damage related to freezing, lyophilization, and other conditions experienced during their use in biomedical and industrial products. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1893–1901, 2004
Over-the-counter statins.

The British government recently decided to permit over-the-counter sale of a statin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided not to allow it. Many questions remain about statin effectiveness ...
Altered Immune Responses in Rhesus Macaques Co-Infected with SIV and Plasmodium cynomolgi: An Animal Model for Coincident AIDS and Relapsing Malaria

Background Dual epidemics of the malaria parasite Plasmodium and HIV-1 in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia present a significant risk for co-infection in these overlapping endemic regions. Recent studies of HIV/Plasmodium falciparum co-infection have reported significant interactions of these pathogens, including more rapid CD4+ T cell loss, increased viral load, increased immunosuppression, and increased episodes of clinical malaria. Here, we describe a novel rhesus macaque model for co-infection that supports and expands upon findings in human co-infection studies and can be used to identify interactions between these two pathogens.
Bending of Two-Ply Cord Composite Cylindrical Shells

The load-displacement behavior of two-ply laminate cord composite cylindrical shells was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed with an emphasis on the effect of cord-ply angle. An equilibrium approach was used to develop the load-displacement model that took into account the mechanics of the matrix, the cords, and the shell. The load-displacement results for a two-ply laminate cord composite cylindrical shell typical of what can be found in steel-belted radial tires were presented. Those results illustrate that the shell behavior depends upon the loading and the unique combination of the cord-ply angle, cord extension-twist coupling and large axial stiffness, rubber's small elastic modulus and large Poisson's ratio, and small cord volume fraction.
Therapeutic modulation of cannabinoid lipid signaling: metabolic profiling of a novel antinociceptive cannabinoid-2 receptor agonist

Abstract Aims AM-1241, a novel, racemic cannabinoid-2 receptor (CB2) ligand, is the primary experimental agonist used to characterize the role of CB2-mediated lipid signaling in health and disease, including substance abuse disorders. In vivo pharmacological effects have been used as indirect proxies for AM-1241 biotransformation processes that could modulate CB2 activity. We report the initial pre-clinical characterization of AM-1241 biotransformation and in vivo distribution. Main methods AM-1241 metabolism was characterized in a variety of predictive in vitro systems (Caco-2 cells; mouse, rat and human microsomes) and in the mouse in vivo. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques were used to quantify AM-1241 tissue distribution and metabolic conversion. Key findings AM-1241 bound extensively to plasma protein/albumin. A pharmacological AM-1241 dose (25 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to mice for direct determination of its plasma half-life (37 min), following which AM-1241 was quantified in brain, spleen, liver, and kidney. After p.o. administration, AM-1241 was detected in plasma, spleen, and kidney; its oral bioavailability was ~ 21%. From Caco-2 permeability studies and microsomal-based hepatic clearance estimates, in vivo AM-1241 absorption was moderate. Hepatic microsomal metabolism of AM-1241 in vitro generated hydroxylation and demethylation metabolites. Species-dependent differences were discovered in AM-1241's predicted hepatic clearance. Our data demonstrate that AM-1241 has the following characteristics: a) short plasma half-life; b) limited oral bioavailability; c) extensive plasma/albumin binding; d) metabolic substrate for hepatic hydroxylation and demethylation; e) moderate hepatic clearance. Significance These results should help inform the design, optimization, and pre-clinical profiling of CB2 ligands as pharmacological tools and medicines.