cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A General and Rapid Cell-Free Approach for the Interrogation of Protein−Protein, Protein−DNA, and Protein−RNA Interactions and their Antagonists Utilizing Split-Protein Reporters

Split-protein reporters have emerged as a powerful methodology for imaging biomolecular interactions which are of much interest as targets for chemical intervention. Herein we describe a systematic evaluation of split-proteins, specifically the green fluorescent protein, β-lactamase, and several luciferases, for their ability to function as reporters in completely cell-free systems to allow for the extremely rapid and sensitive determination of a wide range of biomolecular interactions without the requirement for laborious transfection, cell culture, or protein purification (12−48 h). We demonstrate that the cell-free split-luciferase system in particular is amenable for directly interrogating protein−protein, protein−DNA, and protein−RNA interactions in homogeneous assays with very high sensitivity (22−1800 fold) starting from the corresponding mRNA or DNA. Importantly, we show that the cell-free system allows for the rapid (2 h) identification of target-site specificity for protein−nucleic acid interact...
The Syntax of Zenmeyang ‘how’ and Weishenme ‘why’ in Mandarin Chinese

This paper investigates the syntactic behaviors of zenmeyang ‘how’ and weishenme ‘why’ in Mandarin Chinese. Essentially, there are two asymmetries about these two adjuncts that must be accounted for, i.e., (a) the asymmetry with regard to their distributions in simplex sentences and long-distance extraction in complex constructions and (b) the asymmetry between extraction of weishenme from the complement clause of conjecture verbs and from the complement clause of opinion verbs. In this article, we show that while zenmeyang is base-generated within VP, weishenme is base-generated in the Spec of CP. This structural difference, coupled with a conjunctive formulation of the ECP and the assumption that intermediate traces are not subject to it, leads to the asymmetry between these two adjuncts with regard to long-distance extraction. As for the second asymmetry, we suggest that it comes from a strong/weak distinction of Comp; while a strong Comp, i.e., a Comp that can be lexically filled by question particles, may function as a head governor, a weak Comp may not. In addition to the preverbal zenmeyang, the descriptive/resultative postverbal zenmeyang ‘how’ is discussed and shown to be no different from the former with regard to long-distance extraction. A-not-A questions are also reanalyzed within our theory as a complete analogue to weishenme ‘why’.
Dramatic effect of cross-correlations in random vibration of point-driven spherically curved panel

In this paper, we study titled problem in view of examining whether the asymptotic enhancement values, reported in the literature, can be validated by the large-scale combined analytical and numerical calculations. The spherical panel is subjected concentrated random force representing, timewise, widely stationary random process. It is shown that the cross-correlations that are usually neglected in the literature have dramatic effect.
Effects of applied pressure on the densification rates in current-activated pressure-assisted densification (CAPAD) of nanocrystalline materials

We discuss the role of applied pressure on the densification rates of nanocrystalline materials (aluminum, silicon and zirconia) using current-activated pressure-assisted densification. Varying pressure in the 35–106 MPa range does not significantly affect the temperature at which the maximum densification rate ( ρ Max ) occurs, suggesting that the densification mechanism(s) do not change. However, the pressure dependence of ρ Max is remarkable for all three materials, and can be as high as 120% in the case of Si when increasing the pressure by 30%.
On the perpendicular scale of electron phase-space holes

The perpendicular scale of electron phase-space holes is investigated using electric eld data from the Po- lar Plasma Wave Instrument. We show that the electron phase-space holes are roughly spherical fore=!p > 1, and become more oblate (with the perpendicular scale larger than the parallel scale) with decreasing e=!p. A scaling argument based upon electron gyrokinetic theory is pro- posed as a possible explanation for the observed scaling. The data indicate that the ratio of the parallel dimen- sion (Lk) to the perpendicular dimension (L?) is such that Lk=L?' (1+ 2= 2) 1=2 . Our results provide a connection between the Geotail measurements in the deep magnetotail, where e=!p 1, and the FAST measurements in the low altitude auroral zone, wheree=!p 1.
The effect of weight loss on C-reactive protein: A systematic review

Background Several studies suggest that weight loss reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) level; however, the consistency and magnitude of this effect has not been well characterized. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that weight loss is directly related to a decline in CRP level. Data Sources We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and MEDLINE databases and conducted hand searches and reviews of bibliographies to identify relevant weight loss intervention studies. Study Selection We included all weight loss intervention studies that had at least 1 arm that was a surgical, lifestyle, dietary, and/or exercise intervention. Abstracts were independently selected by 2 reviewers. Data Extraction Two reviewers independently abstracted data on the characteristics of each study population, weight loss intervention, and change in weight and CRP level from each arm of all included studies. Data Synthesis We analyzed the mean change in CRP level (milligrams per liter) and the mean weight change (kilograms), comparing the preintervention and postintervention values from each arm of 33 included studies using graphical displays of these data and weighted regression analyses to quantify the association. Results Weight loss was associated with a decline in CRP level. Across all studies (lifestyle and surgical interventions), we found that for each 1 kg of weight loss, the mean change in CRP level was −0.13 mg/L (weighted Pearson correlation,r = 0.85). The weighted correlation for weight and change in CRP level in the lifestyle interventions alone was 0.30 (slope, 0.06). The association appeared roughly linear. Conclusion Our results suggest that weight loss may be an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for lowering CRP level.
Utilisation d’un Wallstent pour exclure un filtre cave inférieur thrombosé

L’utilisation des filtres de veine cave inferieure (VCI) a augmente drastiquement au cours des deux dernieres decennies. La thrombose de la VCI est une complication potentiellement catastrophique de la mise en place d’un filtre cave avec une incidence rapportee variant entre 3,6 et 11,2%, en fonction du type de filtre. Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente de 69 ans ayant un antecedent de thrombose veineuse profonde de la jambe droite. Un filtre Gunther Tulip (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) fut mis en place au prealable d’une intervention rachidienne. Au decours de l’intervention, la patiente presentait une thrombose bilaterale ilio-femorale etendue vers le filtre cave. Apres plusieurs semaines d’essais infructueux de recanalisation au centre de soins communautaire, la patiente nous a ete referee pour sa prise en charge. Apres une tentative infructueuse d’angioplastie a ballonnet, deux stents Protege GPS 10 × 60 mm (EV3, Plymouth, MN) ont ete deployes de maniere bilaterale dans les veines femorale, iliaque externe et iliaque interne. Apres un echec de retrait, le filtre Tulip a ete exclu de la VCI en utilisant un Wall Stent 16 × 60 mm (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA). Un flux continu etait note depuis le systeme femoral jusqu’a la veine cave superieure. La resolution des symptomes cliniques fut immediate.
Collaboration-enhanced receiver integrity monitoring with common residual estimation

A method is introduced to conduct integrity monitoring using multiple mobile GNSS receivers, in order to detect common-mode satellite faults. Specifically, the monitoring approach introduced in this paper achieves high fault-detection sensitivity by first estimating a common-mode residual across all collaborating receivers. Residual noise is decreased (and monitor sensitivity enhanced) by forming a common-residual monitor statistic from this estimate and, separately, by forming a specific-residual monitor statistic by subtracting the common estimate from the residual vector for each individual receiver. Altogether, the CERIM approach preserves many of the benefits of RAIM (fast response time, with little infrastructure required) while greatly enhancing fault-detection capability.
Alleged contra-rotation of neutrons and protons.

The claim made in a recent Letter that neutrons and protons in the ground states of deformed nuclei rotate in opposite directions is based on an artifact arising from using the angular momentum defined relative to the laboratory frame rather than relative to the center-of-mass frame. This can be demonstrated already for a simple two-body system such as a diatomic molecule.
On the cohomology of Specht modules

We investigate the cohomology of the Specht module Sλ for the symmetric group Σd. We show if 0⩽i⩽p−2, then Hi(Σd,Sλ) is isomorphic to Hs+i(B,w0⋅λ′−δ) where s=d(d−1)2, B is the Borel subgroup of the algebraic group GLd(k) and δ=(1d) is the weight of the determinant representation. We obtain similar isomorphisms of ExtΣdi(Sλ,M) with B-cohomology, which in turn yield isomorphisms of cohomology for Borel subgroups of GLn(k) for varying n⩾d. In the case i=0, and the case i=1 for certain λ, we apply our result and known symmetric group results of James and Erdmann to obtain new information about B-cohomology. Finally we show that Specht module cohomology is closely related to cohomology for the Frobenius kernel B1 for small primes.
Comment on "CP asymmetries induced by particle widths: Application to top-quark decays"

A Comment on the Letter by G. Eilam, J. L. Hewett, and A. Soni, Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 1979 (1991).
T-type Ca2 + channels regulate the exit of cardiac myocytes from the cell cycle after birth

Abstract T-type Ca 2 + channels (TTCCs) are expressed in the fetal heart and then disappear from ventricular myocytes after birth. The hypothesis examined in this study was the α1G TTCCs' influence in myocyte maturation and their rapid withdrawal from the cell cycle after birth. Methods Cardiac myocytes were isolated from neonatal and adult wild type (WT), α1G −/− and α1G over expressing (α1GDT) mice. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake, myocyte nucleation, cell cycle analysis, and T-type Ca 2 + currents were measured. Results All myocytes were mono-nucleated at birth and 35% of WT myocytes expressed functional TTCCs. Very few neonatal myocytes had functional TTCCs in α1G −/− hearts. By the end of the first week after birth no WT or α1G −/− had functional TTCCs. During the first week after birth about 25% of WT myocytes were BrdU + and became bi-nucleated. Significantly fewer α1G −/− myocytes became bi-nucleated and fewer of these myocytes were BrdU +. Neonatal α1G −/− myocytes were also smaller than WT. Adult WT and α1G −/− hearts were similar in size, but α1G −/− myocytes were smaller and a greater % were mono-nucleated. α1G over expressing hearts were smaller than WT but their myocytes were larger. Conclusions The studies performed show that loss of functional TTCCs is associated with bi-nucleation and myocyte withdrawal from the cell cycle. Loss of α1G TTCCs slowed the transition from mono- to bi-nucleation and resulted in an adult heart with a greater number of small cardiac myocytes. These results suggest that TTCCs are involved in the regulation of myocyte size and the exit of myocytes from the cell cycle during the first week after birth.
Induced bases of symmetry classes of tensors

Let Vm⊗ denote the mth tensor power of the finite dimensional complex vector space V. Let Vχ(G)⊂Vm⊗ be the symmetry class of tensors corresponding to the permutation group G and the irreducible character χ of G. Each basis of V induces, in a natural way, a basis of Vm⊗. The article considers the corresponding problem of inducing bases of Vχ(G).
High-efficiency yellow double-doped organic light-emitting devices based on phosphor-sensitized fluorescence

We demonstrate high-efficiency yellow organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) employing [2-methyl-6-[2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-9-yl)ethenyl]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene] propane-dinitrile (DCM2) as a fluorescent lumophore, with a green electrophospho- rescent sensitizer, fac tris(2-phenylpyridine) iridium [Ir(ppy)3] co-doped into a 4,4′-N,N′dicarbazole-biphenyl host. The devices exhibit peak external fluorescent quantum and power efficiencies of 9%±1% (25 cd/A) and 17±2 lm/W at 0.01 mA/cm2, respectively. At 10 mA/cm2, the efficiencies are 4.1%±0.5% (11 cd/A) and 3.1±0.3 lm/W. We show that this exceptionally high performance for a fluorescent dye is due to the ∼100% efficient transfer of both singlet and triplet excited states in the doubly doped host to the fluorescent material using Ir(ppy)3 as a sensitizing agent. These results suggest that 100% internal quantum efficiency fluorescent OLEDs employing this sensitization process are within reach.
Tissue distribution of DL-lactic acid-1[14C] in tumor-bearing rats.

Abstract Tissue distribution of 14 C radioactivity was determined at various time intervals in rats transplanted with Morris hepatoma 7777 after an intravenous injection of dl-lactic acid-1[ 14 C]. The highest relative concentration of 14 C observed was in liver at 2 min after injection. Relative concentration in tumor was not impressive enough to suggest potential use as a tumor-imaging radiopharmaceutical.
The extraction and spectrophotometric determination of niobium with tetraphenylarsonium chloride

Abstract A rapid and accurate spectrophotometric method for niobium is described. Tetraphenylarsonium chloride is used to form an aqueous insoluble ion-pair, tetraphenylarsonium thiocyanato-niobate, which upon extraction into 9:2 chloroformacetone solution has a molar absorptivity of 36,000/M/cm at 390 nm. Niobium is masked with fluoride before a separation step in which the interferences of molybdenum, tungsten, and iron are removed by reduction and extraction. Niobium is subsequently extracted after being demasked with boric acid. The method has been applied successfully to 3 NBS steels and 2 heat-resisting alloys.
Three-dimensional nonlinear incompressible MHD calculations

Abstract An algorithm is developed for 3D nonlinear, resistive, incompressible magnetohydrodynamic calculations in a clindrical geometry. The nonreduced primitive MHD equations are used. The state variables are expanded in Fourier series in the poloidal and axial coordinates, while a finite difference scheme is used in the radial direction. Applications to m = 1 tearing mode calculations in tokamaks and the self reversal of a reversed field pinch are presented.
DNA synthesis in sensitive and resistant mutants of Escherichia coli B after ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract The kinetics of growth (cell division) and of DNA-synthesis have been measured in Escherichia coli strains Bs−1, thy, B, thy and B/r, thy after UV irradiation (2537 A). Using a new protocol for studying DNA-synthesis kinetics it has been shown that DNA synthesis is not permanently blocked by UV in the excision-deficient strain E. coli Bs−1, thy and that cell division proceeds without delay and at a normal rate in the survivors. In E. coli B/r, thy, DNA synthesis is stopped for various periods of time, increasing with the UV dose up to a maximum of about 0.75 generation time. After low doses of UV, synthesis resumes at near-normal rate for about 60 min and then changes to a rate proportional to the dose of UV. At higher doses, synthesis resumes at a rate proportional to the dose. Cell division is blocked in E. coli B/r, thy for aobut 120 min and then resumes at nearly the normal rate. The growth and DNA-synthesis kinetic data for E. coli B, thy are not as easy to interpret (because of ever-changing rates) as those for E. coli Bs−1, thy and B/r, thy, but are intermediate between these two extremes, consistent with its intermediate UV sensitivity. All 3 strains show a rapid increase in viability after UV irradiation during the first 30–60 min of growth in minimal medium as compared to zero-time plating on minimal-medium agar plates. This increase corresponds to a dose-reduction factor of 33% of E. coli Bs−1, thy and 69% for E. coli B/r, thy.
A novel c.592-4_c.592-3delTT mutation in DGUOK gene causes exon skipping.

Abstract Deoxyguanosine kinase (DGUOK) catalyzes the first step of the mitochondrial deoxypurine salvage pathway, the phosphorylation of purine deoxyribonucleosides. Mutations in the DGUOK gene have been linked to inherited mtDNA depletion syndromes, neonatal liver failure, nystagmus, and hypotonia. Previously, we reported the first case of a heterozygous unclassified c.592-4_c.592-3delTT alteration in a patient with DGUOK deficiency without the demonstration of its pathogenicity ( Dimmock et al., 2008 ). This alteration was predicted to cause aberrant splicing based upon two computer algorithms. We now report a homozygous c.592-4_c.592-3delTT mutation found in two affected siblings of asymptomatic consanguineous parents. The proband presented with symptoms of idiopathic hepatitis, liver dysfunction, nystagmus, and retinal blindness. This individual died at 6 months of age due to liver failure. This individual’s affected sibling presented similarly and has remarkable elevations of tyrosine, methionine, and alanine. Many organic acids were elevated in urine, including lactic acid, Krebs cycle intermediates, and para-hydroxy compounds; ketone bodies were also present. RNA studies support aberrant splicing. Sequencing of cDNA detected exon 5 skipping in the two affected siblings, but not in the normal control. These results indicate that the homozygous c.592-4_c.592-3delTT is deleterious and responsible for the DGUOK deficiency. The parents were subsequently confirmed to be carriers of this mutation. In summary, we have demonstrated that c.592-4_c.592-3delTT is a pathogenic splice acceptor site mutation leading to DGUOK deficiency.
Computer simulation of the velocity autocorrelation function at low density

Transport coefficients and other dynamic properties of fluids may be determined from appropriate time correlation functions, which in principle may be calculated by molecular dynamics computer simulation. At low densities the correlation functions do not decay to zero in a sufficiently short time to ignore systematic errors inherent in the simulation, unless a very large number of particles are used. Here we describe the results of a computer simulation of the velocity autocorrelation function at a reduced density of nσo3 = 0.03 for a Lennard-Jones gas at several temperatures. The associated memory function is found to have a small negative part at low temperatures, which is interpreted as being due to the attractive part of the potential. The results obtained for 108 particles are checked at a single temperature for a system of 2916 particles. Several models for the memory function, commonly used for liquid densities, are tested for the low-density case considered here.
Analytical and computational studies of intramolecular electron transfer pertinent to electron transfer and electron capture dissociation mass spectrometry.

Earlier work from this group has suggested that, in electron capture and electron-transfer mass spectrometry experiments on positively charged gas-phase samples of polypeptides, the initial electron attachment event most likely occurs at one of the peptide’s positively charged sites (e.g., protonated side chains), although electron attachment can occur at a disulfide or amide site ca. 1−10% of the time. Focusing on the 90−99% dominant channel in which initial electron attachment occurs at a positive site, this paper addresses to what extent and over what distances electron transfer can take place from a positively charged site to a disulfide σ* or amide π* orbital, because it is thought that it is through such orbitals that disulfide or N−Cα backbone bond cleavage occurs. Ab initio electronic structure calculations show that, as long as an SS σ* (or OCN π*) orbital experiences sufficient Coulomb stabilization from proximal positively charged groups, there are a myriad of excited Rydberg states located on ...
Creep and relaxation behavior of woven glass/epoxy substrates for multilayer circuit board applications

The creep behavior of a common woven glass/epoxy composite substrate for multilayer circuit board applications was characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The creep compliance was measured in both the warp and fill directions of the composite over a temperature range of 30°C to 155°C, The creep compliance of the neat FR-4 epoxy matrix was also characterized for comparison with the composite response. Master creep curves were obtained for the neat resin and the composite in the warp and fill directions assuming thermorheologically simple behavior and applying the time-temperature superposition principle. The creep data was fit to a Prony series and then converted to relaxation data in the Laplace domain. Micromechanical models were developed to predict the relaxation behavior of the woven glass/epoxy composite from the elastic properties and the geometry of the glass fabric and relaxation behavior of the neat resin. Model predictions were compared with experimental data.
Evaluation of passive and active rehabilitation and of tendon repair for partial tendon lacerations after three weeks of healing in canines

Abstract Background. Both passive and active rehabilitation have been shown to be superior to immobilization following partial tendon laceration, but few studies have directly compared these two rehabilitation protocols. In addition, controversy still remains over whether a partial tendon laceration should be repaired. Methods. We evaluated gap formation, adhesions, gliding function and structural properties of repaired and unrepaired tendons following 3 weeks of unrestricted active rehabilitation versus passive mobilization for partial laceration of canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons. An ex vivo radiographic method was used to measure tendon excursion and rotation at each finger joint. The tendon was examined for adhesions, and gapping was measured with calipers. The tendons were tensile tested to failure. Findings. We found no significant differences in tendon excursion, total joint rotation, or adhesions between any groups. Gap size was higher with active mobilization. We found no effect of rehabilitation protocol on the strength or stiffness of healing tendons at 3 weeks. Tendon repair did not affect tendon strength, but did produce higher stiffness in healing tendons at 3 weeks. Interpretation. The results indicate that active rehabilitation appears safe for partial lacerations less than 60 percent. Though repair appears to weaken the tendon in the early stages of healing, it may provide some biomechanical benefit by the middle stages of healing.
PEPFAR in transition--implications for HIV care in South Africa.

With the U.S. government halving the budget for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in South Africa by 2017, the country is transitioning to full ownership of its HIV program. Will the move jeopardize the health of 1.7 million South Africans being treated for HIV?
Proteins of the periodontium. Biochemical studies on the collagen and noncollagenous proteins of human gingivae.

. Insoluble collagen was prepared from gingivae of full term, stillborn infants (SI) and from that of patients exhibiting gingival hyperplasia that was secondary to diphenylhydantoin therapy (DPH). During the preparations only 4 % of the collagen from DPH was extracted and 17 % from SI gingivae was solubilized, by neutral salt and dilute acid extractants. Subsequent amino acid analysis indicated the presence of a relatively large quantity of the noncollagenous protein(s) in the DPH collagen preparation. After collagen samples were converted to soluble cyanogen bromide (CNBr) pep-tides, the noncollagenous protein(s) proved to be insoluble in the dilute citrate buffer routinely used for initial chromotographic separation of the CNBr peptides. This fraction, whether from DPH or SI gingivae, had essentially the same composition. The noncollagenous protein fraction comprised about 7 and 20 %, respectively, of the dry weights of the SI and DPH insoluble collagen preparations. CNBr peptides from gingival collagen have been purified and shown to be identical with those reported for human skin collagen. Thus, the collagen of gingivae is principally of the type with the chain structure [αl(I)]2α2. Preliminary data strongly suggest the presence in gingivae of a lower level of collagen of the [al (III)]s type.
Artifact-Based Energy Literacy Assessment Utilizing Rubric Scoring

AbstractThis research focuses on the development of an energy literacy rubric for scoring project-type deliverables, an approach that has not been taken with respect to energy literacy assessment. The goal is to examine if a rubric-based rating approach is applicable for judging energy literacy based on competition or course deliverables or artifacts. The rubric was developed using a methodology involving related rubric review and adaptation, and an expert review. To examine if the rubric approach may be applicable, the rubric was applied to the Imagine Tomorrow competition, a high school energy competition, and trends in the results were examined to support rubric effectiveness. Competition deliverables include an abstract and a poster. Abstracts submitted to enter the competition from 5 years were available and evaluated for energy literacy and biofuel literacy by two raters. Posters were available only for 1 year and were rated by one rater. Besides identifying trends in the abstract scores, the abstra...
Fabrication of hydrogel particles with tantalum oxide nanoparticle payloads as computed tomography contrast agents

This paper reports the fabrication of hydrogel microparticles using a combined imprinting and photolithography (CIP) methods, with tantalum oxide (TaOx) nanoparticle payloads as X-ray attenuating media for size and shape specific computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. TaOx nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized with superior X-ray attenuating properties compared to current iodine-based CT contrast agents. The CIP fabrication method eliminates the formation of a flash layer that connects individual particles, thereby avoiding the necessity of an additional etching step that could damage the hydrogel particles and/or the biological materials they may carry. The future potential of scaling this technique down to nanoscale, for fabricating hydrogel nanorods with controllable size, aspect ratio, and elasticity is also discussed, with some preliminary efforts reported.
Non-invasive Imaging of Leukocyte Homing and Migration in vivo

Two-photon (2P) microscopy is a high resolution imaging technique that has been broadly adapted by biologists. The value of 2P microscopy is that it provides rich spatiotemporal information regarding cell behaviors within intact tissues and in live mice. Leukocyte recruitment plays a significant role in host defense against infection and when unchecked, can contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studying leukocyte recruitment in vivo is technically challenging since cells are moving rapidly within vessels located deep within light scattering tissues. To date, most intravital imaging studies require surgical preparation to expose the blood vessels and tissues. To avoid the tissue damage and inflammation induced by surgery itself, here, we describe a non-invasive single-cell imaging approach that can be used to study leukocyte trafficking in the mouse footpad and phalanges. We discuss the technical aspects of our 2P imaging preparation and walk the reader through a typical experiment from initial set up to execution and data collection.
The hyperthermia mediated by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) is sensitive to sex differences.

Female subjects have been reported to be less sensitive to the hyperthermic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamine (MDMA) than males. Studies were designed to examine the cellular mechanisms involved in these sex sensitive differences. Gonadectomized female and male rats were treated with a 200 {mu}g 100 {mu}L{sup -1} of estrogen or 100 {mu}g 100 {mu}L{sup -1} of testosterone respectively every 5 days for a total of three doses. Rats were then challenged with either saline or MDMA (20 mg kg{sup -1}, sc). Rats were then euthanized and aortas were constricted, in vitro, by serial phenylephrine (Phe) addition with or without the inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, g-nitro-L-Arginine-Methyl Ester (L-NAME). Skeletal muscle uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) expression was measured as well as plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels. All males but no females developed hyperthermia following MDMA treatment. The EC{sub 50} for Phe dose response curves increased only in the females treated with MDMA and T{sub max} for Phe increased following L-NAME only in the females. Both males and females demonstrated an increase in plasma NE following MDMA treatment; however, males displayed a significantly greater NE concentration. Skeletal muscle UCP3 expression was 80% less in females than in males. These results suggest that the inabilitymore » of MDMA to induce a thermogenic response in the female subjects may be due to four sex-specific mechanisms: 1) Female subjects have reduced sympathetic activation following MDMA challenge; 2) Female vasculature is less sensitive to {alpha}{sub 1}-AR stimulation following MDMA challenge; 3) Female vasculature has an increased sensitivity to NO; 4) UCP3 expression in skeletal muscle is less in females.« less
Appropriate Application of Evidence to the Care of Elderly Patients with Diabetes

Modern diabetes care may benefit a significant proportion of adults living with diabetes; however, these benefits may not be consistently realized among the heterogeneous subpopulation of elderly patients over 65 years of age. There are three clinical constraints that have been proposed as important considerations for individualizing diabetes care among elderly patients. Life expectancy should be an important determinant of the intensity of glucose control because intensive control has been found to prevent complications only after extended periods of treatment. Therefore, patients with limited life expectancy may not benefit from intensive glucose control. The time and attention of health care providers should also be considered a constrained resource that can be optimally allocated to care for elderly diabetes patients. In the face of multiple chronic conditions and symptomatic complaints, patients and their providers should prioritize diabetes care within the context of a patient’s overall health care plan. The complexity of chronic medications or polypharmacy is the final clinical constraint. Polypharmacy may increase the probability of adverse drug events and represent a significant burden on quality of life. More direct clinical investigation of elderly diabetes patients will be needed if we are to truly improve the quality of life of this growing subpopulation.
Global geochemical cycles of carbon, sulfur and oxygen

Time resolved data on the carbon isotopic composition of carbonate minerals and the sulfur isotopic composition or sulfate minerals show a strong negative correlation during the Cretaceous. Carbonate minerals are isotopically heavy during this period while sulfate minerals are isotopically light. The implication is that carbon is being transferred from the oxidized, carbonate reservoir to the reservoir of isotopically light reduced organic carbon in sedimentary rocks while sulfur is being transferred from the reservoir of isotopically light sedimentary sulfide to the oxidized, sulfate reservoir. These apparently oppositely directed changes in the oxidation state of average sedimentary carbon and sulfur are surprising because of a well-established and easy to understand correlation between the concentrations of reduced organic carbon and sulfide minerals in sedimentary rocks. Rocks rich in reduced carbon are also rich in reduced sulfur. The isotopic and concentration data can be reconciled by a model which invokes a significant flux of hydrothermal sulfide to the deep sea, at least during the Cretaceous.
Spun on arsenolica films as sources for shallow arsenic diffusions with high surface concentration

Abstract An arseno silica glass film applied in liquid form is used as doping source for high concentrated, less than one micron deep, arsenic diffusions into silicon. The influence of source concentration, source thickness and diffusion ambient on the resulting diffusion properties is reported. Electrically active As surface concentrations of 1·7 × 10 20 cm −3 at 1000°C were achieved. This represents about 60 per cent of the total As concentration. A diffused As layer is at a quasi equilibrium only, the amount of electrically active As can be changed by heat treatments. The diffusion coefficient of As shows a 50-fold increase, when the dopant concentration rises from 5 × 10 19 cm −3 to its maximum value of about 2 × 10 20 cm −3 . D increases about linearly with electron concentration. The results reported are consistent with models outlined recently: Diffusion via negatively charged vacancies and As clustering at low temperature treatments.
Emplacing the South Seas in Mexico: Eugenio Salazar y Alarcón's ‘Descripción de la Laguna de México’

In spite of his extensive service to the Spanish monarchy at key places within its overseas possessions, and ultimately as a member of the Consejo de Indias, the most memorable contribution of Euge...
Prenatal Exposure to Low Levels of Androgen Accelerates Female Puberty Onset and Reproductive Senescence in Mice

Sex steroid hormone production and feedback mechanisms are critical components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and regulate fetal development, puberty, fertility, and menopause. In female mammals, developmental exposure to excess androgens alters the development of the HPG axis and has pathophysiological effects on adult reproductive function. This study presents an in-depth reproductive analysis of a murine model of prenatal androgenization (PNA) in which females are exposed to a low dose of dihydrotestosterone during late prenatal development on embryonic d 16.5–18.5. We determined that PNA females had advanced pubertal onset and a delay in the time to first litter, compared with vehicle-treated controls. The PNA mice also had elevated testosterone, irregular estrous cyclicity, and advanced reproductive senescence. To assess the importance of the window of androgen exposure, dihydrotestosterone was administered to a separate cohort of female mice on postnatal d 21–23 [prepubertal androgenization (PPA)]. PPA significantly advanced the timing of pubertal onset, as observed by age of the vaginal opening, yet had no effects on testosterone or estrous cycling in adulthood. The absence of kisspeptin receptor in Kiss1r-null mice did not change the acceleration of puberty by the PNA and PPA paradigms, indicating that kisspeptin signaling is not required for androgens to advance puberty. Thus, prenatal, but not prepubertal, exposure to low levels of androgens disrupts normal reproductive function throughout life from puberty to reproductive senescence.
STATUS OF COURT‐CONNECTED PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARE SEPARATING OR DIVORCING

This article reports on programs for children whose parents are divorcing or separating. Data were obtained from 67 courts and 81 program providers across the United States. Most court systems with children's programs used community providers and encouraged rather than required children's attendance. The average program consisted of one or two sessions, with a length of 4 to 5 1/2 hours. A partial list of commercially available curricula is provided in the appendix.
Thermodynamic properties of Al, Ni, NiAl, and Ni3Al from first-principles calculations

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of Al, Ni, NiAl, and Ni3Al were studied using the first-principles approach. The 0-K total energies are calculated using the ab initio plane wave pseudopotential method within the generalized gradient approximation. The contribution to the free energy from the lattice vibration was calculated using the phonon densities of states derived by means of the ab initio linear-response theory. The thermal electronic contribution to the free energy was obtained from the one-dimensional numerical integration over the electronic density of states. With the deduced Helmholtz free-energy, the thermal expansion and enthalpy as a function of temperature were calculated and compared with the experimental data. Our calculations show that the enthalpies of formation are slightly temperature dependent with a slope of −1.6 J/mol/K for NiAl and −1.2 J/mol/K for Ni3Al. For Ni, the inclusion of thermal electronic excitation results in a 10% increase in thermal expansion and 15% increase in enthalpy at 1600 K.
Late Quaternary atmospheric CH4 isotope record suggests marine clathrates are stable.

One explanation for the abrupt increases in atmospheric CH 4 , that occurred repeatedly during the last glacial cycle involves clathrate destabalization events. Because marine clathrates have a distinct deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) isotope ratio, any such destabilization event should cause the D/H ratio of atmospheric CH 4 (δD CH4 ) to increase. Analyses of air trapped in the ice from the second Greenland ice sheet project show stable and/or decreasing δD CH4 values during the end of the Younger and Older Dryas periods and one stadial period, suggesting that marine clathrates were stable during these abrupt warming episodes. Elevated glacial δD CH4 values may be the result of a lower ratio of net to gross wetland CH 4 emissions and an increase in petroleum-based emissions.
MindMap: utilizing multiple taxonomies and visualization to understand a document collection

We present a novel system and methodology for browsing and exploring topics and concepts within a document collection. The process begins with the generation of multiple taxonomies from the document collections, each having a unique theme. We have developed the MindMap interface to the document collection. Starting from an initial keyword query, the MindMap interface helps the user to explore the concept space by first presenting the user with related terms and high level topics in a radial graph. After refining the query by selecting any related terms, one of the related high level concepts can be selected for further investigation. The MindMap uses a novel binary tree interface to explore the composition of a concept based on the presence or absence of terms. From the binary tree a concept can be further explored and visualized. Individual documents are presented as spatial coordinates where distance between points relates to document similarity. As the user browses this spatial representation, text is presented from the document that is most relevant to the user's initial query. Individual points can be selected to pull up the relevant paragraphs from the document with the keywords highlighted. Finally, selected documents are displayed and the user is allowed to further interact and investigate.
Social Dominance and Temperament of Holstein Cows

Abstract Social dominance and milking temperament were studied in 27 Wisconsin Holstein herds. Data for height, weight, age, milk production, stage of lactation, milking temperament score, and dominance value were obtained from 1,017 cows. Milking temperament score was determined by herdsmen, and dominance value was calculated by a least-squares procedure. Simple correlations of milking temperament score and dominance value with stage of lactation, daily milk yield, and lactation milk yield were close to zero. Correlation between dominance value and milking temperament score was –.05. A multiple regression analysis was conducted with four independent variables: height, weight, age and age-squared. The effects of height on milking temperament score, and age and agesquared on dominance value were statistically significant (P
Hypertension Screening During Ambulatory Pediatric Visits in the United States, 2000–2009

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypertension occurs in 2% to 5% of children in the United States, and its prevalence has increased during the obesity epidemic. There is no consensus among professional organizations about how frequently blood pressure should be measured in children >3 years old. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of hypertension screening during ambulatory pediatric visits in the United States and to determine patient- and provider-level factors associated with screening during visits specifically for preventive care. METHODS: We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of ambulatory visits by using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2000 through 2009. In the subset of visits involving patients aged 3 to 18 years, we estimated the frequency of screening during all visits, preventive visits, and preventive visits in which overweight/obesity was diagnosed. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify patient- and provider-level factors associated with screening. RESULTS: Hypertension screening occurred during 35% of ambulatory pediatric visits, 67% of preventive visits, and 84% of preventive visits in which overweight/obesity was diagnosed. Between 2000 and 2009, the frequency of screening increased in all visits and in preventive visits. Factors independently associated with screening included older age and overweight/obesity diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Providers do not measure blood pressure in two-thirds of pediatric visits and one-third of pediatric preventive visits. Providers may understand the importance of screening among overweight/obese children; however, efforts to encourage routine screening, particularly in young children, may be needed.
Mastectomy versus radiotherapy as treatment for stage I-II breast cancer: a prospective randomized trial at the National Cancer Institute.

In 1979, the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland initiated a randomized, prospective trial to compare surgery versus radiation therapy in the treatment of stages I and II breast cancer. Surgical treatment consists of total mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection (modified radical mastectomy) and breast reconstruction; radiation treatment consists of gross tumor excision, axillary lymph node dissection, and comprehensive irradiation including a boost dose to the tumor bed. All patients with pathologically positive axillary nodes receive 11 cycles of adjuvant Adriamycin®/Cytoxan® chemotherapy. As of December 1984, there have been 175 patients entered in the study. Twenty-three patients have developed disease recurrence (12 mastectomy, 11 radiation), but it is too early to obtain definitive treatment-related results.
Perceptions of Transition Barriers, Practices, and Solutions in Florida:

To determine teacher working knowledge of transition best practices, the Transition Programs and Services (T-PAS) survey was administered to 2,000 middle and high school teachers and 70 school district transition contacts. Three questions were asked: (a) What barriers exist that hinder the transition process? (b) What effective practices facilitate the transition process? and (c) What suggestions do you have for improvement of the transition process? Analysis of information from each of the questions resulted in the identification of the same categories, themes, and subthemes across documents. Results show a need to (a) investigate the role of preservice and inservice preparation of teachers, (b) identify structures that enhance a teacher's ability to facilitate transition processes, and (c) examine participation of students and other transition stakeholders in the activities crucial to transition planning.
Encoding Olfactory Signals via Multiple Chemosensory Systems

Most animals have evolved multiple olfactory systems to detect general odors as well as social cues. The sophistication and interaction of these systems permit precise detection of food, danger, and mates, all crucial elements for survival. In most mammals, the nose contains two well described chemosensory apparatuses (the main olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal organ), each of which comprises several subtypes of sensory neurons expressing distinct receptors and signal transduction machineries. In many species (e.g., rodents), the nasal cavity also includes two spatially segregated clusters of neurons forming the septal organ of Masera and the Grueneberg ganglion. Results of recent studies suggest that these chemosensory systems perceive diverse but overlapping olfactory cues and that some neurons may even detect the pressure changes carried by the airflow. This review provides an update on how chemosensory neurons transduce chemical (and possibly mechanical) stimuli into electrical signals, and what information each system brings into the brain. Future investigation will focus on the specific ligands that each system detects with a behavioral context and the processing networks that each system involves in the brain. Such studies will lead to a better understanding of how the multiple olfactory systems, acting in concert, offer a complete representation of the chemical world.
Overcoming the serial logic simulation bottleneck in parallel fault simulation

We propose a new approach to parallelizing fault simulation in which the test set is partitioned among the available processors. The approach can be used for any of the sequential circuit fault simulation algorithms commonly used, and it can be implemented on various different parallel architectures. This approach for the first time overcomes the limitations of serial logic simulation. In addition, the excessive redundant computations required in the traditional fault-partitioning approach are also considerably reduced. Significant improvements in speedup were observed as compared to previous approaches. An average speedup of 5.7 was obtained for test set partitioning over 10 processors for the benchmark circuits studied. Although pessimistic fault coverage may be reported in some cases, the proposed approach was found to be very accurate for the circuits studied.
Nuclear Gene Genealogies Reveal Historical, Demographic and Selective Factors Associated With Speciation in Field Crickets

Population genetics theory predicts that genetic drift should eliminate shared polymorphism, leading to monophyly or exclusivity of populations, when the elapsed time between lineage-splitting events is large relative to effective population size. We examined patterns of nucleotide variation in introns at four nuclear loci to relate processes affecting the history of genes to patterns of divergence among natural populations and species. Ancestral polymorphisms were shared among three recognized species, Gryllus firmus, G. pennsylvanicus, and G. ovisopis, and genealogical patterns suggest that successive speciation events occurred recently and rapidly relative to effective population size. High levels of shared polymorphism among these morphologically, behaviorally, and ecologically distinct species indicate that only a small fraction of the genome needs to become differentiated for speciation to occur. Among the four nuclear gene loci there was a 10-fold range in nucleotide diversity, and patterns of polymorphism and divergence suggest that natural selection has acted to maintain or eliminate variation at some loci. While nuclear gene genealogies may have limited applications in phylogeography or other approaches dependent on population monophyly, they provide important insights into the historical, demographic, and selective forces that shape speciation.