cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and regulation of high affinity [3H] imipramine binding to rat hippocampal membranes.

Abstract The imipramine binding sites located in the membrane of the rat hippocampus have been characterized in order to obtain a better understanding of their role in the treatment of mental depression. The binding of [ 3 H]imipramine to hippocampal membranes has a K d of 8.3 ± 1.5 nM, B max of 800 ± 60 fmol/mg protein and a Hill coefficient of 1.0. The number of specific binding sites for [ 3 H]imipramine was rapidly and irreversibly reduced when the incubation temperature was raised from 0 to 37°C. Experiments using leupeptin and EGTA suggest that this temperature-dependent inactivation is due to a destruction of the binding sites by Ca 2+ -dependent proteases released upon disruption of the cells. The binding of [ 3 H]imipramine to the hippocampal membrane is also sensitive to phospholipase A 2 as well as pronase, suggesting the complexity of the regulation of this binding. The [ 3 H]imipramine binding sites appear to have been solubilized from membranes by treatment with Triton X-100. However, these solubilized binding sites also display a high level of nonspecific binding of this ligand. Studies of tissue distribution and subcellular localization of the imipramine binding sites suggest that these sites are located in neurons. This possibility is strengthened by the finding that the high affinity imipramine binding sites are also detected in the membranes of neuroblastoma N4TG1 cells.
ELECTROSPUN POLY(CAPROLACTONE)-ELASTIN SCAFFOLDS FOR PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION

Peripheral nerve regeneration can be enhanced by chemical and mechanical cues for neurite growth. Aligned and randomly oriented electrospun nanofibers of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) or a blend of PCL and elastin were fabricated to test their potential to provide contact guidance to embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia for peripheral nerve regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the fiber diameter. Fiber diameter was found to be significantly smaller when elastin was incorporated into the scaffold (934 ± 58 nm for PCL and 519 ± 36 nm for PCL:elastin). After 24 h in culture, there was preferential cell attachment and neurite extension along the fibers of the elastin-containing scaffolds (average neurite extension 173.4 ± 20.7 μm), indicating that the presence of elastin promotes neurite outgrowth on electrospun scaffolds.
Cytochrome b5 inhibits electron transfer from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase to ferric cytochrome P450 2B4.

Experiments demonstrating that cytochrome (cyt) b5 inhibits the activity of cytochrome P450 2B4 (cyt P450 2B4) at higher concentrations suggested that cyt b5 was occupying the cyt P450 reductase-binding site on cyt P450 2B4 and preventing the reduction of ferric cyt P450 (Zhang, H., Im, S.-C., and Waskell, L. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 29766–29776). In this work experiments were undertaken with manganese-containing cyt b5 (Mn-cyt b5) to test this hypothesis. Because Mn-cyt b5 does not undergo oxidation state changes under our experimental conditions, interpretation of the experimental results was unambiguous. The rate of electron transfer from cyt P450 reductase to ferric cyt P450 2B4 was decreased by Mn-cyt b5 in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, reduction of cyt P450 2B4 by cyt P450 reductase was incomplete in the presence of Mn-cyt b5. At a Mn-cyt b5:cyt P450 2B4:cyt P450 reductase molar ratio of 5:1:1, the rate of reduction of ferric cyt P450 was decreased by 10-fold, and only 30% of the cyt P450 was reduced, whereas 70% remained oxidized. It could be demonstrated that Mn-cyt b5 had its effect by acting on cyt P450, not the reductase, because the reduction of cyt c by cyt P450 reductase in the presence of Mn-cyt b5 was not effected. Furthermore, under steady-state conditions in the cyt P450 reconstituted system, Mn-cyt b5, which lacks the ability to reduce oxyferrous cyt P450 2B4, was unable to stimulate the activity of cyt P450. Mn-cyt b5 only inhibited the cyt P450 2B4 activity. In conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis studies and experiments that strongly suggested that cyt b5 competed with cyt P450 reductase for binding to cyt P450, the current investigation demonstrates unequivocally that cyt b5 inhibits the activity of cyt P450 2B4 by preventing cyt P450 reductase from binding to cyt P450, a prerequisite for electron transfer from cyt P450 reductase to cyt P450 and catalysis.
Survival models for fertility evaluation.

Abstract Two proportional hazards models for cohort fertility evaluation are constructed. Time-dependent covariates describe sources of heterogeneity between and within women regarding fertility characteristics. In the first model, U.S. birth rates specific to maternal age, race, parity, and birth cohort are used as underlying hazard rates. Covariate effects are estimated by maximizing the full likelihood. In the second model, covariate effects are estimated via Cox regression with stratified underlying hazard rates regarded as unknown nuisance parameters. The two models are illustrated with an evaluation of the fertility histories of the wives of workers at a manufacturing plant with potential for hazardous exposure. Adjustments to the U.S. birth rates for maternal age and parity zero experience are required with the first approach. Then, despite differences in the model-specific estimation procedures, the point estimates of the exposure effect and the estimated standard errors from the two models are pr...
Alternation of rules in children's grammar

Summary This paper analyzes the use of alternate restricted rules (rules which produce not completely well-formed structures) found in children's grammar in an attempt to present an adequate description of increasing complexity in grammar as children mature. Language samples were obtained from 159 children ranging in age from 2 years, 10 months to 7 years, 1 month. Each child's language sample was analyzed by means of a generative model of grammar. The data indicate that increasing complexity is not simply related to the acquisition and increased usage of more complex sentence types. Increasing complexity is also dependent on children's improved ability to proceed from the application of the most general rule in the formulation of a syntactic structure to the increasingly differentiating rules, and then to the complete ordered set needed for a particular structure. As the structures used become more complex, the completed ordered sets of rules needed for their generation become more complex. The data also indicate that language acquisition and development cannot be explained as merely an imitative process since there are systematic levels of behavior in language production which cannot be accounted for by imitation of a model.
Lasers for inertial confinement fusion driven by high explosives

Proposed laser fusion power plant concepts suffer from the huge size and expense of the lasers needed for compression and ignition. In a 1969 study (classified in 1970 and declassified in 2007), the idea to use chemical high explosives for the pumping of megajoule lasers was explored. Apart from being less expensive by orders of magnitude, such lasers are expected to be much more compact, and with their large energy, output could simultaneously drive several thermonuclear micro-explosion chambers. Because of its topical importance, I accepted the journal's invitation to publish a previously classified work, but with new unpublished ideas, with the previously classified paper put into the appendix.
On approximating the generalized occupancy of the G/M/K queueing system

Abstract The G/M/K is one of very few multiserver queueing systems for which analytical results exist. In 1951 Kendall [4] showed how to compute the steady-state probabilities of a G/M/K queueing system. Later, Takacs [6] suggested an iterative procedure for the evaluation of a needed component in Kendall's scheme; namely, the generalized occupancy ω*. However, Takacs' algorithm requires the computation of a general integral for each of its interations. In this paper we propose a simple and explicit approximation for the generalized occupancy of the G/M/K system. Several numerical results are also included.
A Panel on Theory-driven Evaluation and Evaluation Theories:

Abstract Interviews should be persons who important stakeholders for evaluations and those with views of general interest to practicing evaluators. Interviewers and interviewees may be one person or several (i.e., one person may interview one individual or a panel of individuals, a panel of interviewers may interview one or more interviewers, and so on). Paul Johnson, of the U.S. Public health Service, is coordinating this section. Suggestions for interviewees and interviewers should be sent to Paul at 740-G Humphrey Bldg., 200 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20201.
A study of the biological effects of certain ELF electromagnetic fields.

Experiments were performed to detect possible physiological effects of air and simulated earth return electromagnetic fields of 45 and 75 Hz at 100 V/m on young mice. The criteria used were growth rate, serotonin metabolism and alteration in susceptibility to infection with influenza virus. There were no changes in these three categories.
Tunable circuit elements at optical frequencies using gyroelectric nanoparticles

This paper addresses the possibility of realizing fixed as well as variable electric circuit elements at infrared and visible frequencies using a gyroelectric nanosphere biased with a static magnetic field. With a proper choice of port designation, one might exercise field control over the impedance offered by the nanoparticle. It is shown that although the driving-point impedance looking into a pair of terminals chosen in some directions remains fixed, it can vary significantly in other directions with respect to the magnetic field biasing the particle. When combined with other isotropic nanocircuit elements, more complex tunable nanocircuits can be designed. This paves the way for adaptive nanosystems for smarter applications.
Picking ChIP-seq peak detectors for analyzing chromatin modification experiments

Numerous algorithms have been developed to analyze ChIP-Seq data. However, the complexity of analyzing diverse patterns of ChIP-Seq signals, especially for epigenetic marks, still calls for the development of new algorithms and objective comparisons of existing methods. We developed Qeseq, an algorithm to detect regions of increased ChIP read density relative to background. Qeseq employs critical novel elements, such as iterative recalibration and neighbor joining of reads to identify enriched regions of any length. To objectively assess its performance relative to other 14 ChIP-Seq peak finders, we designed a novel protocol based on Validation Discriminant Analysis (VDA) to optimally select validation sites and generated two validation datasets, which are the most comprehensive to date for algorithmic benchmarking of key epigenetic marks. In addition, we systematically explored a total of 315 diverse parameter configurations from these algorithms and found that typically optimal parameters in one dataset do not generalize to other datasets. Nevertheless, default parameters show the most stable performance, suggesting that they should be used. This study also provides a reproducible and generalizable methodology for unbiased comparative analysis of high-throughput sequencing tools that can facilitate future algorithmic development.
Renal toxicity of middle distillates of shale oil and petroleum in mice

Abstract The tumorigenic potential of middle distillates (JP5, JP8, and diesel fuel marine) of shale oil and petroleum was studied by chronic dermal application on mice. These materials were applied to the backs of young C 3 Hf Bd mice three times weekly for 60 weeks. Cyclohexane was used as the vehicle. After 30 weeks of treatment, increased water consumption was observed in all test groups, and increased urine production was seen in many of these groups. Two mice that died in the last week of treatment had severe renal lesions. At the end of the experiment an additional 42 of 336 mice had similar renal lesions. Macroscopically, the characteristic renal lesion consisted of pale, irregular, depressed foci that appeared cuneiform when the kidney was bisected. These lesions appeared to be old infarcts, but microscopically they lacked the usual features of infarction, such as necrosis, hemorrhage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Instead, atrophied and degenerating nephrons supported by an intact reticulum were found. In addition, microscopic examination revealed a high incidence of papillary necrosis. The nature of the lesions suggests that the renal toxicity of these materials is mediated through some type of vascular phenomenon resulting in chronic ischemia. There appeared to be little difference between shale and petroleum-derived distillates (20 vs 24 affected mice, respectively). However, mice treated with shale-derived DFM were most severely affected, and female mice were affected preferentially.
Momentum spectrum and positive excess of μ-mesons

The absolute spectrum and positive excess of cosmic-ray μ-mesons near sea level have been measured in the range 2 to 175 GeV/c. The magnetic spectrometer and the method of data reduction are described in detail. The integral spectrum has been compared with the range distribution in the earth, and the agreement indicates that there is no serious error in the theoretical expression for the rate of energy loss. The π-meson production spectrum has been computed and found to fit a power law with exponent — 2.64. Also the spectrum of the pion positive excess has been obtained, which is related to the pion production by primary protons in their first collisions. It is concluded that at 1012 eV per nucleon, most of the primary cosmic-ray energy is carried by protons, and that the proportion of their energy given to pions in a single interaction is in the neighborhood of 10%.
Hyperfragment formation in K-+d→π++Σ-+ n reactions at rest

In the multiple scattering formalism of KNN system, the ratio of bound to free Σ--n systems in K- + d→π++Σ-+n capture reactions at rest is calculated, using the sum rule method in terms of Σ-nucleon isospin states/Usings-wave -KN scattering parameters of our solution X1 as input, it is found that in order to explain the experimentally known ratio of less than one percent, the binding energy of this hyper-fragment must be less than one keV.
Neuroprotective Strategies - What Do We Really Need to Know?

While preliminary data are encouraging, definitive data are lacking to conclusively demonstrate the benefit of perioperative neurologic monitoring in improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in children who require surgery for congenital heart disease. Nonetheless, in the current era, some form of perioperative neurologic monitoring is important. Strategies include bicortical near infrared spectroscopy monitoring in the pre- and postoperative periods along with bicortical near infrared spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler intraoperatively. These monitors provide real-time information concerning cerebral oxygen delivery and blood flow. These strategies will allow us to refine treatments to optimize neurodevelopmental potential in children with congenital heart disease.
Effects of disturbance on diversity in mixed-grass prairie

Seven grassland treatments representing different disturbance regimes were sampled within a large area of mixed-grass prairie in southwestern Oklahoma, USA. Species diversity was low on the undisturbed and most severely disturbed grasslands. The results also indicate, however, that grassland diversity was not a simple function of disturbance rate, size or intensity. Instead, species diversity was maximized under a combination of natural disturbances. To some extent, the increase in species diversity was the result of increased habitat diversity associated with a type of disturbance. That is, disturbances such as grazing and wallowing have a cumulative effect one grassland diversity. Overall, the structure one grassland communities can not be accurately determined without considering the structure of the natural disturbance regime.
A reduced order method for predicting high cycle fatigue of nonlinear structures

The goal of this investigation is to assess the quality of high-cycle-fatigue life estimation via a reduced order method for structures undergoing geometrically nonlinear random vibrations. Modal reduction is performed with several different suites of basis functions. After numerically solving the reduced order system equations of motion, the physical displacement time history is obtained by an inverse transformation and stresses are recovered. Stress ranges obtained through the rainflow counting procedure are used in a linear damage accumulation method to yield fatigue estimates. Fatigue life estimates obtained using various basis functions in the reduced order method are compared with those obtained from numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom.
Short Lists in Centralized Clearinghouses

Stable matching mechanisms are used to clear many two-sided markets. In most settings, frictions cause participants to submit short preference lists (even if there are many potentially acceptable matches). This paper studies the consequences of this fact, and focuses on two broad questions. First, when lists are short, what is the quantity and quality of matches formed through the clearinghouse? Second, what are the effects of introducing an aftermarket which allows agents left unmatched by the clearinghouse to find one another? The answers to these questions depend crucially on the extent and form of correlations in agent preferences. I consider three canonical preference structures: fully independent (or idiosyncratic) preferences, vertical preferences (agents agree on the attractiveness of those on the opposite side), and aligned preferences (potential partners agree on the attractiveness of their match). I find that when agent preferences are idiosyncratic, more matches form than when agents are vertically differentiated. Perhaps more surprisingly, I show that the case of aligned preferences causes the fewest matches to form. When considering quality of matches, the story reverses itself: aligned preferences produce the most high quality matches, followed by correlated preferences, with independent preferences producing the fewest. These facts have implications for the design of priority structures and tie-breaking procedures in school choice settings, as they point to a fundamental tradeoff between matching many students, and maximizing the number of students who get one of their top choices. Regarding the role of the aftermarket, I find that when preferences are aligned, the aftermarket unambiguously improves the welfare of both sides. In other cases, however, the introduction of an aftermarket has multiple competing effects, and may either raise or lower aggregate welfare. This suggests that when designing an aftermarket, the extent and form of correlations in agent preferences are an important factor to consider.
Optimization of NQR Pulse Parameters using Feedback Control

A new method for increasing the probability of detecting nuclear resonance signals is demonstrated experimentally. It is well known that the detection of signals with a low signal to noise ratio (SNR) results in missed detections of false alarms. In situations where the noise is correlated or where limited data is averaging, it may not be possible to achieve a desired SNR through averaging alone. We present an alternative approach in which a feedback algorithm automatically adjusts pulse parameters so that the SNR and probability of correct detection are increased. Experimental results are presented for the detection of N NQR signals.
Isolation and X-ray structure determination of a neolignan from Clerodendron inerme seeds

Abstract A new neolignan, 5,8-epoxy-6,7-dimethyl 2′,3′,2″,3″-dimethylene dioxy-4′,1″-dimethoxy-1,2:3,4-dibenzo-1,3-cyclooctadiene, from the petrol extract of Clerodendron inerme seeds, was characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods. This compound makes up ca 5% by wt of the seeds.
Early imaging in heart failure: exploring novel molecular targets.

Noninvasive imaging of neurohumoral upregulation in remodeled myocardium suggests that an imaging strategy can be developed for predicting the rate of remodeling and likelihood of HF development. This should allow a more judicious use of neurohumoral antagonists especially in subjects who do not have manifest HF.74 In others specific targeted imaging may allow timely selection of individualized treatment strategies and ensure optimization of therapeutic intervention. Similar to ACE and AII receptors, multiple other targets in the hormonal cascades can identify the likelihood of adverse and favorable remodeling.74
Properties of hepatic binding sites for prolactin in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria)

Abstract Specific binding of 125 I-labeled ovine prolactin ( 125 I-oPRL) was detected in crude membrane fractions prepared from ring dove ( Streptopelia risoria ) liver homogenates. In characterization studies, specific binding was found to depend upon pH, incubation time, incubation temperature, and membrane protein concentration. Competitive inhibition of specifically bound 125 I-oPRL was observed with human growth hormone, human and rat prolactin, and dove pituitary extract but not with turkey prolactin, human placental lactogen, and several nonlactogenic hormone preparations. Dove liver membranes showed high affinity ( K d = 3 × 10 −10 M ) for binding to oPRL but had relatively low binding capacity ( B max 2 -induced binding site desaturation. The MgCl 2 treatment did not eliminate the differences in specific binding observed between male and female liver fraction pools, thus suggesting the possibility of sex-specific mechanisms of hepatic PRL binding site regulation in this species. It is concluded that the dove liver possesses specific binding sites for PRL with properties similar, but not identical, to those found in other vertebrate target tissues.
Flow path oscillations in transient ground-water simulations of large peatland systems

Abstract Transient numerical simulations of the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatland near the Red Lakes in Northern Minnesota were constructed to evaluate observed reversals in vertical ground-water flow. Seasonal weather changes were introduced to a ground-water flow model by varying evapotranspiration and recharge over time. Vertical hydraulic reversals, driven by changes in recharge and evapotranspiration were produced in the simulated peat layer. These simulations indicate that the high specific storage associated with the peat is an important control on hydraulic reversals. Seasonally driven vertical flow is on the order of centimeters in the deep peat, suggesting that seasonal vertical advective fluxes are not significant and that ground-water flow into the deep peat likely occurs on decadal or longer time scales. Particles tracked within the ground-water flow model oscillate over time, suggesting that seasonal flow reversals will enhance vertical mixing in the peat column. The amplitude of flow path oscillations increased with increasing peat storativity, with amplitudes of about 5 cm occurring when peat specific storativity was set to about 0.05 m −1 .
Temperature and moisture soundings over the Gulf of Mexico for March, 1949

A series of temperature and moisture soundings made every four hours on a nearly continuous basis during March, 1949 for heights up to about 45 ft above the surface of the Gulf of Mexico at an offshore drilling station near Freeport, Texas are used to demonstrate the modification of an air mass by a water surface. The observations confirm the logarithmic distribution of water vapor, the previously observed variation of the evaporation coefficient with wind speed, and the essential similarity of the heat and moisture transfer processes.
One world, many peoples: international justice in John Rawls’s The Law of Peoples

We live in “one world.” The globe is an ecological whole, sufficiently connected that it is now possible to envision climate changes and catastrophes that affect the entire planet. The world's economy is increasingly becoming interconnected. Human beings recognize a common humanity, including a body of human rights. But we are not the “single nation state” hypothesized by the South Commission. We are divided into many peoples, governed by the slightly more than the 191 states recognized by the United Nations as members. But the existence of many peoples does not answer the normative questions implicit in the South Commission's warning. Should we be trying to govern the one world as if we were one people—and take on the task of building a single stable world order, bridging the divides between the much better-off top fifth and much less well-off bottom four-fifths? Or, should the one world be governed as if it were two sets of peoples, one set free and the other not? Or, should a third order shape the world, one that encompasses many peoples who develop the rules, agreements and accommodations that are needed to keep those peoples at peace where possible and promote mutually advantageous cooperation, while taking those measures that address the emergencies and extremes to which all decent states would concur?
Antibodies to canine collagen types i and II in dogs with spontaneous cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis

Antibodies to homologous collagens, types I and II, have been found in the sera and synovial fluids of dogs with spontaneous cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. Samples from 30 dogs with degenerative joint disease of the knee and from 15 healthy dogs were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty-three percent of dogs with joint disease showed significant levels of anti-type I collagen antibodies in their sera, and 56% had anti-type II reactivity. Ninety-one percent of the dogs with joint disease exhibited antibody reactivity to type I collagen in their synovial fluid, and 88% showed reactivity to type II collagen. Correlation of these results with the clinical data indicated that the antibodies had been elicited by antigens derived from cruciate ligaments (type I collagen) and from altered joint cartilage (type II collagen). Immunologic reactivity in this form of canine osteoarthritis is a new concept, and it should be considered in our attempts to understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
Origins of Effective Work Function Roll-Off Behavior for High-κ Last Replacement Metal Gate Stacks

Origins of effective work function (EWF) roll-off behavior accompanied by equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) scaling for high- κ last replacement metal gate (RMG) stacks are investigated using a low-temperature interfacial layer (IL) scavenging technique. The EWF-EOT roll-off is driven by a high work function metal and the trend is linear and reversible by means of IL scavenging and regrowth reactions. These findings are consistent with the oxygen vacancy model, indicating that the same mechanism that plagued gate-first devices emerges as the IL thickness is scaled <; 4 A (EOT 8 A) for RMG stacks.
The effects of two conditions of client-centered consultation on student teacher problem descriptions and remedial plans

Abstract Nineteen trained consultants implemented two conditions of client-centered consultation and a control condition with 42 student teacher subjects. The dependent measures were skills in describing classroom problems and generating appropriate remedial plans. Both conditions of consultation were effective in improving problem identification skills. Consultation with observation seemed to be related to a faster improvement than was consultation with no observation. Skills in developing remedial plans were not affected by treatment.
The intermediolateral nucleus: an ‘open’ or ‘closed’ nucleus?

Abstract The sympathetic preganglionic neurons located in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) that project to the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit were observed to have two major dendritic orientations after retrograde labeling with horseradish peroxidase. One projection extends longitudinally within IML. The second projection courses medially and presents a triangular shape in horizontal sections. The labeled processes that project medially arise from cells in IML and project through the intercalated nucleus towards the central autonomic area and follow the contour of the central canal. Medially oriented dendrites intruding into other areas of the intermediate grey matter show that IML is an ‘open’ rather than a ‘closed’ nucleus as has been recently suggested. The location and distribution of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons projecting to the superior cervical ganglion in the rabbit are compared with those reported for other species.
The experience of suffering: conceptual clarification and theoretical definition

This paper is concerned with the phenomenon of human suffering and is an attempt to justify and begin theoretical development of this phenomenon for nursing science. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section describes the interest of nursing science in the phenomenon and critically examines relevant literature in order to further conceptualize development and clarification. This section concludes with a theoretical definition of suffering derived from this critique. Suffering is defined as an individual's experience of threat to self and is a meaning given to events such as pain or loss. The second section elaborates on this definition and examines how it can inform theoretical discussion in two areas with import for nursing--the patient's experience of suffering and the nurse's experience of patient suffering. The final section briefly considers some implications for clinical research.
Theoretical and experimental quantification of the role of diffusive chemogradients on neuritogenesis within three-dimensional collagen scaffolds

A critical challenge to regenerating close mimics of native axonal pathways under chronic neurodegenerative disease or injury conditions is the inability to stimulate, sustain and steer neurite outgrowth over a long distance, until they reach their intended targets. Understanding neurite outgrowth necessitates quantitative determination of the role of molecular gradients on growth cone navigation under dynamic physiological conditions. High-fidelity biomimetic platforms are needed to computationally and experimentally acquire and analyze spatiotemporal molecular gradient evolution and the growth cone response across multiple conditions along this gradient pathway. In this study, we utilized a simple microfluidic platform in which diffusive gradients were generated within a 3-D porous scaffold in a defined and reproducible manner. The platform's characteristics (spatiotemporal gradient, steepness, diffusion time, etc.) were precisely quantified at every specified location within the scaffold. Using this platform, we show that the cortical neurite response within 3-D collagen scaffolds, at both the cellular and molecular level, is extremely sensitive to subtle changes in localized concentration and gradient steepness of IGF-1 within that region. This platform could also be used to study other biological processes such as morphogenesis and cancer metastasis, where chemogradients are expected to significantly regulate the outcomes. Results from this study might be of tremendous use in designing biomaterial scaffolds for neural tissue engineering, axonal pathway regeneration under injury or disease, and in formulating targeted drug-delivery strategies.
Using an In-Class Simulation in the First Accounting Class: Moving From Surface to Deep Learning

As students often find the first accounting class to be abstract and difficult to understand, the authors designed an in-class simulation as an intervention to move students toward deep learning and away from surface learning. The simulation consists of buying and selling merchandise and accounting for transactions. The simulation is an effective tool in building student confidence, creating a more positive attitude toward accounting, and sustaining a deeper understanding of accounting principles.
Lubiprostone stimulates duodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats.

Background Lubiprostone, a bicyclic fatty acid, is used for the treatment of chronic constipation. No published study has addressed the effect of lubiprostone on intestinal ion secretion in vivo.
A Biology Laboratory Exercise Using Macromolecule Assays to Distinguish Four Types of Milk

One of the drawbacks of cookbook-style laboratory exercises for General Biology courses is that students are not challenged to develop skills in scientific reasoning, such as formulating hypotheses and designing and carrying out experiments. Several traditional laboratory curricula include exercises involving semi-quantitative colorimetric assays to detect proteins (biuret test), reducing sugars (Benedict’s test), starch (Lugol’s test), and lipids (Sudan red test) in a variety of easily prepared solutions (glucose, albumin, glycine, etc.) and familiar food items (lemon juice, cornstarch, egg white, etc.). An extension of this lab exercise was developed to allow students to use their knowledge of the macromolecule assays to design an experiment to distinguish four types of “milk”: whole milk, skim milk, cream, and soy milk (rice milk or almond milk could also be included).
Reactive nitrogen species produced in water by non-equilibrium plasma increase plant growth rate and nutritional yield

Abstract Water quality, mineralization, and chemical composition, particularly pH and nitrogen compounds each, play a crucial role in plant development and growth. Treatment of water with non-equilibrium discharges results in the change of its properties and chemical composition, which in turn may affect plant growth process and subsequently agriculture produce quality. Both thermal and non-thermal discharges generated in air or in water produce a number of reactive neutral and charged species, electric fields, and ultraviolet radiation. Plasma treatment of water results in significant change of its properties like pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, and concentration of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Here we report the results of an experimental study of the effect of water treated with different atmospheric plasmas on germination, growth rates, and overall nutritional value of various plants. In the study we have used three types of plasmas: thermal spark discharge, gliding arc discharge, and transferred arc discharge. It is shown that the effects of these plasmas on chemical composition of various types of water are qualitatively different. Non-thermal gliding arc discharge plasma results in lower (acidic) pH, and production of significant amount of oxidizing species (e.g. H 2 O 2 ). Gliding arc discharge also causes significant acidification of water, but it is accompanied by production of reactive nitrogen species (NO, NO 2 − and NO 3 − ). Spark discharge treatment results in neutral or higher (basic) pH depending on initial water composition, and production of RNS.
Grain Boundary Chemistry and Ductility in Ni-Base LI2 Intermetallic Compounds

The available experimental data for the Ni3X, LI2 intermetallics indicate a strong effect of chemistry on the tendency for brittle intergranular fracture. Combining the data for the binary compounds with the effects of macroalloying with × substituents and microalloying with boron, the resistance to intergranular fracture varies as Fe ~ Mn > Al ~ Ga > Si > Ge. Two models have been proposed to explain these chemistry effects. The basis for both models is that electronic charge localization is responsible for the brittle behavior of the ordered intermetallics. The models differ in the measure of charge redistribution; one uses valency differences whereas the other uses electronegativity differences.
Rah-Rah-Radical: The Radical Cheerleaders' Challenge to the Public Sphere

The name “Radical Cheerleaders” refers to loosely organized groups of women and men who use creative cheers and costumes to engage in political protest. This article explores the ways in which the Radical Cheerleaders challenge gendered assumptions about women's political activity. Through their aggressive presence on the streets, their rejection of norms of civility, and their use of humor, the Radical Cheerleaders (ab)use the traditionally gendered practice of cheering to stage transgressive political spectacles that cannot easily be subsumed into or appropriated by mainstream political discourse. The Radical Cheerleaders' tactics, in other words, resist governmentality. In so doing, they trouble our ideas about political deliberation and citizenship and expand the boundaries of the contemporary public sphere.
Oak decline and red oak borer outbreak: impact in upland oak-hickory forests of Arkansas, USA

Summary Oak-hickory forests in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas recently experienced an episode of oak mortality in concert with an outbreak of the red oak borer (Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)). We utilized data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service to explore changes in percent red oak (Quercus subgenus Erythrobalanus) mortality as a function of standing trees, basal area and stem density during and after the recent borer outbreak throughout the state of Arkansas. Mean red oak mortality levels in Arkansas FIA oak-hickory plots that were sampled both during and after the borer outbreak increased from 19 ± 3 to 34 ± 4 per cent of standing red oaks, resulting in significantly reduced red oak basal area and stem density in these stands. Mean size of red oaks did not change significantly during this time period, implying that all size classes experienced mortality. After red oak borer populations subsided, oak-hickory survey plots experienced increases in red oak mortality levels during a drought year (2006) and after an ice storm (2009), which suggests that these stress events, in addition to prior red oak borer infestation, could have had some influence on tree mortality.
Heparin-platelet factor 4 antibodies are frequent after vascular surgery but are not a frequent cause of graft thrombosis or thrombocytopenia.

Objective Approximately 10% of infrainguinal bypass surgeries are complicated by early conduit failure. The cause is unclear in most cases. A prospective study was conducted to monitor the development and function of platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies after infrainguinal bypass procedures and to evaluate their clinical significance in early graft occlusion. Methods Blood samples were obtained before surgery and at the 7-, 14-, and 28-day postsurgical evaluation. Relevant demographic and laboratory data were collected, and plasma samples were assayed for the presence and function of PF4/heparin-antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a two-point platelet aggregation assay. All tests were performed in duplicate or triplicate. Results Of the 79 patients who were enrolled, 67 reported previous heparin exposure. Six patients (7.6%) tested positive for the presence of PF4/heparin antibodies before surgery with ELISA, and four of these (67%) also had a positive result on the aggregation assay. During the 28-day follow-up, 22 subjects (32%) converted to positive according to the ELISA results; and five (22.7%) of these also tested positive for platelet-activating antibodies. No participants presented with thrombocytopenia or a ≥50% decrease in platelet count during the study period. Early graft occlusion was detected in three patients, all with negative ELISA and functional assay results throughout the study. Conclusion Patients undergoing vascular surgery frequently develop PF4/heparin antibodies, with platelet-activating antibodies detected in up to 11% of these individuals. However, thrombocytopenia and vascular graft thrombosis both appear to be an uncommon consequence.
Comparison of the Proteolysis Produced by Rennet Extract and the Pepsin Preparation Metroclot during Ripening of Cheddar Cheese

Summary This investigation determined the differences in proteolysis produced by commercial rennet extract and a pepsin preparation during the ripening of Cheddar cheese. Preliminary experiments with the two enzymatic agents were made in fresh pasteurized milk. The bacterial factor was eliminated by the addition of toluene. The general course of protein degradation, as measured by nonprotein nitrogen production, was found to be higher when rennet extract was used. When the pH of milk was adjusted to four different levels from pH 6.5 to 5.3, both rennet extract and pepsin had maximum proteolysis at pH. 6.3, with rennet extract liberating more nonprotein nitrogen than pepsin. The proteolysis produced by rennet extract in Cheddar cheese during ripening was higher than that produced by pepsin as measured by the nonprotein nitrogen. However, there was almost no variation in the amino acid pattern of Cheddar cheese of the same age, regardless of clotting agent used. The concentrations of the amino acids were measurably different, but no qualitative differences were observed. Organoleptic evaluation of the cheese revealed that both cheeses were of good quality. However, the texture and body of the cheese made with pepsin was slightly curdy for a longer period during ripening. Bitter flavor did not develop during the ripening period in any lots of cheese.
Optimal workspace designs of free-floating planar manipulators

For free-floating manipulators, the workspace of a reference point is a function of the links' geometry, the link masses, and the location of the mass centers. The question addressed is how to choose these parameters, namely, the link lengths, the link masses, and the geometric location of the mass centers such that the workspace is maximized. This question is studied for both free-floating planar open and closed chains in which all the joints are revolute. >
GCHap: fast MLEs for haplotype frequencies by gene counting.

UNLABELLED GCHap quickly finds maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of frequencies of haplotypes given genotype information on a random sample of individuals. It uses the gene counting method but by excluding haplotypes with zero MLE at an early stage, this implementation uses many orders of magnitude less space and time than naive implementations. A second program, ApproxGCHap, is provided to give alternate estimates for data sets with large numbers of loci or large amounts of missing genotypes. AVAILABILITY The Java classes and Javadocs pages for GCHap can be obtained from bioinformatics.med.utah.edu/~alun
Olivine fabric transitions and shear wave anisotropy in the Ryukyu subduction system

Recent shear wave splitting measurements from the fore-arc region of the Ryukyu subduction system show large magnitude (0.3–1.6 s) trenchparallel splitting in both local and teleseismic phases. The similarity of splitting parameters associated with shallow local-S and teleseismic phases suggests that the source of anisotropy is located in the fore-arc mantle. One explanation for this pattern of shear wave splitting involves a transition from commonly observed high-temperature olivine fabrics with flow-parallel seismically fast directions to a flow-normal B-type olivine fabric in the cold fore-arc mantle of the Ryukyu wedge. We test the B-type fabric hypothesis by comparing observed splitting parameters to those predicted from geodynamic models that incorporate olivine fabric development. The distribution of olivine fabric is calculated with high-resolution thermomechanical models of the Ryukyu subduction zone that include realistic slab geometry and an experimentally based wet olivine rheology. We conclude that B-type fabric can explain the magnitude and trench-parallel orientation of deep local-S phases that sample the core of the forearc mantle. However, our calculations show that B-type fabric alone cannot account for large magnitude trench-parallel splitting associated with teleseismic phases that sample the shallow tip of the fore-arc mantle. Alternative models for trench-parallel teleseismic splitting in the shallow tip of the fore-arc mantle involve the addition of crustal or slab anisotropy and highly anisotropic foliated antigorite serpentinite. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Selection of alloys for today’s crown and fixed partial denture restorations

This balanced appraisal of cost factors, chemical properties, and physical properties related to the intended clinical use of the materials provides a basis for alloy selection. Choosing rationally from the current spectrum of alternative alloys requires more knowledge about their cost, appearance, and physical and chemical properties than ever before.
Weathering of quartz as an Archean climatic indicator

Abstract Chert and other hard monomineralic quartz grains weather mostly by mechanical processes in modern environments. Their clasts are overrepresented in conglomerates and sands relative to their sources regions. Conversely, macroscopic dissolution features, including quartzite karst, are rare but not nonexistent. The similar rarity of quartz dissolution in Archean deposits provides a paleothermometer for climate on the early Earth. For example, chert is overrepresented in conglomerates and sands of the ∼3.2 Ga Moodies Group (South Africa) relative to the source region. Features related to the far-from-equilibrium dissolution rate are particularly diagnostic as it increases an order of magnitude over 25 °C, much more than solubility. Extrapolating from observed dissolution rates in modern environments that weather at ∼25 °C, we expect obvious dissolution features in ancient climates above ∼50 °C. Polycrystalline quartz and chert would readily disaggregate by solution along grain boundaries, yielding silt and clay. Quartz grains within slowly weathering granite would become friable, yielding silt and clay, rather than sand. At still higher temperatures, Al2O3-rich clays from weathered granite would stand above solution-weathered chert on low-relief surfaces. The observed lack of these features is evidence that the Archean climate was not especially hot.
Confidence Intervals for Biomarker-based Human Immunodeficiency Virus Incidence Estimates and Differences using Prevalent Data

Prevalent biologic specimens can be used to estimate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence using a two-stage immunologic testing algorithm that hinges on the average time, T, between testing HIV-positive on highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays and testing HIV-positive on less sensitive enzyme immunoassays. Common approaches to confidence interval (CI) estimation for this incidence measure have included 1) ignoring the random error in T or 2) employing a Bonferroni adjustment of the box method. The authors present alternative Monte Carlo-based CIs for this incidence measure, as well as CIs for the biomarker-based incidence difference; standard approaches to CIs are typically appropriate for the incidence ratio. Using American Red Cross blood donor data as an example, the authors found that ignoring the random error in T provides a 95% CI for incidence as much as 0.26 times the width of the Monte Carlo CI, while the Bonferroni-box method provides a 95% CI as much as 1.57 times the width of the Monte Carlo CI. Further research is needed to understand under what circumstances the proposed Monte Carlo methods fail to provide valid CIs. The Monte Carlo-based CI may be preferable to competing methods because of the ease of extension to the incidence difference or to exploration of departures from assumptions.