cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New fluorogenic substrates for a rat brain proline endopeptidase

Abstract Several compounds having the general formula, Z· X - l -prolyl-4-methoxy-β-naphthylamide have been examined as substrates for a homogeneous rat brain proline endopeptidase. The compounds examined included X equal to l -Ala-, l -His, l -Lys-, and l -Asp-, the latter compound being the poorest substrate of those examined. A simple assay was developed based upon the appearance of the fluorescent product, 4-methoxy-β-naphthylamine. The assay is highly sensitive, continuous, and affords the possibility of utilizing the product of the reaction for tissue or subcellular localization of the enzyme. The homogeneous enzyme hydrolyzed each substrate examined. The most favorable kinetic constants were noted with Z- l -Ala-, Z- l -His-, and Z- l -Lys, Pro-4-methoxy-β-naphthylamide. These substrates show a pH optimum at 8.3 with the homogeneous rat brain proline endopeptidase. The tissue distribution of the enzyme was examined using each substrate and the highest specific activity was noted in the brain. A monospecific antibody prepared against the homogeneous rat brain enzyme inactivates essentially all enzyme activity in every tissue examined except kidney, where as musch as 7% residual activity was noted.
The shedding of CD62L (L-selectin) regulates the acquisition of lytic activity in human tumor reactive T lymphocytes.

CD62L/L-selectin is a marker found on naive T cells and further distinguishes central memory (Tcm, CD62L+) from effector memory (Tem, CD62L−) T cells. The regulation of CD62L plays a pivotal role in controlling the traffic of T lymphocytes to and from peripheral lymph nodes. CD62L is shed from the cell membrane following T cell activation, however, the physiological significance of this event remains to be elucidated. In this study, we utilized in vitro generated anti-tumor antigen T cells and melanoma lines as a model to evaluate the dynamics of CD62L shedding and expression of CD107a as a marker of lytic activity. Upon encounter, with matched tumor lines, antigen reactive T cells rapidly lose CD62L expression and this was associated with the acquisition of CD107a. By CD62L ELISA, we confirmed that this transition was mediated by the shedding of CD62L when T cells encountered specific tumor antigen. The introduction of a shedding resistant mutant of CD62L into the tumor antigen-reactive T cell line JKF6 impaired CD107a acquisition following antigen recognition and this was correlated with decreased lytic activity as measured by 51Cr release assays. The linkage of the shedding of CD62L from the surface of anti-tumor T cells and acquisition of lytic activity, suggests a new function for CD62L in T cell effector functions and anti-tumor activity.
Buckling models and stability design of steel frames: a unified approach

Abstract This paper presents a unified approach to elastic analysis and frame stability design within the context of the AISC LRFD Specification. The advantages, proper usage, and limitations of isolated subassembly, story, and system-based buckling models for calculation of column design strengths are addressed. Based on an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of these elastic/inelastic buckling (i.e. effective length) models, significant simplifications are suggested in the calculations necessary for design. This is followed by a discussion of certain anomalies that can occur in the calculation of column strengths, and an explanation of how these anomalies should be avoided. The paper closes with a study of specific equations and fundamental assumptions behind two story-buckling models suggested in the current AISC LRFD Commentary. Example calculations and detailed comparisons to alternative approaches are provided in a companion paper.
Excess low temperature specific heat due to Fe In MoNb

Abstract Low temperature specific heats have been measured in MoNb alloys with and without small amounts of Fe. The major effect of the added iron in this temperature range, is an increase in γ, the linear term in the specific heat. The largest change in γ occurs in the Mo90Nb10 where addition of 0.18 at .% Fe causes γ to change by 25%.
Trophic-factor modulation of cortical acetylcholinesterase reappearance following transection of the medial cholinergic pathway in the adult rat

Abstract Laminar patterns of cortical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity are reestablished in the adult, pharmacologically unmanipulated rat following axotomy of the medial cholinergic pathway. The extent to which trophic and/or growth promoting or inhibiting agents modulate ACNE fiber reappearance is not fully understood. Such studies, however, would further clarify possible roles for these agents in neuronal plasticity in response to injury, as well as in plastic processes associated with normative functions. In the present experiments, we explored trophic modulation by intracortically infusing nerve growth factor (NGF) or somatostatin into cingulate cortex at a site distal to transection of the medial cholinergic pathway. Comparisons were made with sham-operated or noninfused transected controls, as well as with transected animals infused with renin or antibodies against NGF. Administration began 2 days after axotomy and continued at successive 3-day intervals for 4 weeks. It was found that, proximal to the lesion site, NGF increased and somatostatin decreased optical density of AChE; the number of AChE-containing fibers was unaltered compared to controls. Distal to the knife cut, both NGF and somatostatin increased number of AChE fibers but did not alter overall AChE optical density. Nonetheless, NGF produced an increase in the number of intensely staining puncta both proximal and distal to the cut. Neither renin nor anti-NGF antibodies produced statistically significant effects on optical density or number of fibers at any cortical locus studied. We conclude that NGF and somatostatin have opposite effects on the expression of AChE: whereas NGF increases AChE levels, somatostatin inhibits AChE accumulation in proximal fibers, perhaps by actions on synthesis or transport. Fiber proliferation, which only occurred distally, was affected positively by both NGF and somatostatin, indicating that neurite-promoting effects produced by both agents are confined to tissue regions where neurite extension is stimulated by axotomy. Increases in AChE-positive puncta produced by NGF, however, were not confined to regions of fiber proliferation.
Effects of hole geometry and density on three-dimensional film cooling

Abstract Film cooling downstream of secondary gas injection through discrete holes has been studied experimentally. The influences of hole geometry, secondary fluid density, and mainstream boundary layer thickness are described. Significant improvements in the film cooling effectiveness are observed by having the coolant passages widened before the exit of the secondary fluid. The use of a relatively dense secondary fluid, as might be encountered in many applications, requires a significantly higher blowing rate to cause jet separation from the surface than when the densities of the freestream and secondary stream are the same. This results in considerably better film cooling over an important range of density ratios.
Selecting "best" MPP: do benchmarks really tell the whole story?

The proliferation of MPP's has made it very difficult for users to accurately assess which machine is "best" for a specific user application. Simply testing one or more kernels on a new machine is insufficient since slight program modifications can produce large variations in performance and thus could lead users to erroneous conclusions about the performance of the entire application. Most industrial applications are far too large to be easily or quickly benchmarked. Although there are many benchmark suites, can performance with any of those accurately predict performance for a specific industrial application? This is the dilemma potential MPP users face. The panel members have had extensive benchmarking experience. Topics to be discussed include: assessing MPP performance for scientific, engineering, and/or commercial data processing applications (including database and transactions processing); limitations of existing benchmark suites and performance metrics; guidelines to assess MPP performance.
Benefit of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in the setting of chronic kidney disease: a decision model analysis.

Introduction: Primary prevention ICD trials have excluded patients with CKD. Comorbidities and lower life expectancy in patients with CKD make the benefit of primary prevention ICD implantation uncertain. Methods: A decision analysis model was devised to evaluate the risks and benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) implantation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who meet current criteria for a primary prevention ICD. Published data capturing event rates, infection risks, and overall survival in CKD patients with and without ICDs were utilized. Variables included patient's age, GFR and stage of CKD, probability of sudden cardiac death (SCD), and device implantation mortality. Results: The benefit of an ICD for primary prevention of SCD in patients with CKD depends primarily on the patient's age and stage of kidney disease. With stages 1 and 2 CKD, ICD implantation reduces mortality. However, in patients with more advanced stages of CKD, the benefit is less significant and age-dependent. This is attributed to patients with advanced CKD having a higher procedural risk and decreased life expectancy. With average procedural mortality, ICD implantation is favored at ages <80 for stage 3, ages <75 for stage 4, and ages <65 for stage 5. As procedural mortality rates increase, age thresholds for ICD implantation decrease. Conclusions: Our model shows that benefit from primary prevention ICD implantation is determined by the patient's age and stage of kidney disease. While there is limited impact with lower stages of CKD, careful consideration of ICD implantation is suggested for older patients with more advanced stages of kidney disease.
Relation of gp70 to spontaneous cytolytic activity of mouse spleen cells.

In comparing spleen cells of inbred and congenic mice for spontaneous capacity to lyse cells of the BALB/c leukemia RLc♂1 in vitro, we found that the activity of 129 spleen cells was more than double that of 129-Gix− spleen cells. The only known difference between these two strains is that 129-Gix− mice express no known demonstrable gp70 or p30, whereas 129 mice express both these MuLV-related components as mendelian traits not associated with the production of virions. We infer that MuLV-related components at the cell surface are concerned in effector-target interactions leading to cytolysis under the conditions described. — Although the congenic strains B6 (Gix−) and B6-Gix+ differ likewise in expression of the type-variant Gix-gp70, both strains express a second type-variant of gp70. The lytic activity of spleen cells of these two strains for RL♂1 cells was equally high, suggesting that involvement in lytic effector-target interactions is common to gp70 molecules in general. — When used as targets rather than as effectors 129 spleen cells were more sensitive to lysis than 129-Gix− spleen cells. Pre-exposure to gp70, purified from R-MuLV, rendered splenic effector cells less lytic. Pre-exposure to gp70 also rendered RL♂1 target cells less sensitive to lysis. One explanation of these findings is that both target cells and effector cells express gp70 and also receptors for gp70 and that this is the basis of mutual cellular recognition leading to lysis in the circumstances described.
How Teens Think about Drugs: Insights from Moral Reasoning and Social Bonding Theory:

This article reports the results of a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews focusing on the relationship between moral reasoning and the decision to initiate adolescent substance use. Ninety-five eighth-grade students, roughly equally divided among non-users, experimental users and experienced users, were interviewed following an open-ended, semi-structured protocol on issues pertaining to the psychological and sociological domains of moral reasoning. Drawing on cognitive-developmental psychology and social bonding theory, the analysis reveals three contrasting patterns of thinking in students' decisions about whether or not to try drugs. In ascending levels of importance, these three patterns are: 1) perceptions of harm; 2) perceptions of personal choice; and, 3) perceived degree of institutional embeddedness. The implications of these findings for current policies and prevention programs are discussed.
Nonlinear Recursive Estimation of Boost Trajectories, Including Batch Initialization and Burnout Estimation

A 12-state, iterated nonlinear recursive filter is formulated for boost trajectory estimation and prediction. The recursive filter is initialized with state and covariance estimates from a polynomial batch filter. An interacting multiple-model technique handles staging and burnout events by statistically blending boost filter estimates with estimates from a Keplerian filter. A new contribution is a boost prediction model that includes terms that model the nonlinear growth of thrust acceleration magnitude caused by propellant consumption and variations in thrust orientation associated with gravity-turn maneuvers and steering maneuvers at constant or variable angles of attack. State estimates and covariances are iterated at each filter update, subject to constraints on magnitude and orientation of the thrust acceleration estimates. These constraints are useful in controlling unrealistic estimates caused by poor measurements, in precluding unbounded acceleration predictions during long intervals without measurements, and in handling acceleration discontinuities at staging events. A noteworthy feature is that this algorithm does not rely on any a priori information such as a booster template.
Multiple N-methytransferases for aromatic alkylamines in brain

This report describes our studies of the enzymatic N-methylation of tryptamine and β-phenylethylamine by fractions of homogenized rat brain with either 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) or S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. We found the pH optimum between 6.5 and 7.0 in reaction involving 5-MTHF and either substrate. (We confirmed reports that reactions involving SAM have a pH optimum of 7.9 with either substrate). Enzymatic activity in the presence of 5-MTHF was linear with time and protein concentration. Measures of enzymatic activity in the 100,000 x g supernate of whole rat brain homogenerate were enriched 15–25 fold after Sephadex G-100 fractionation of the 40–50% ammonium sulfate precipitate. Dialysis enhanced the enzyme activity in virtually all of the fractions. Blanks with tryptamine and boiled enzyme gave unexpectedly high counts (comparable to those without enzyme), suggesting possible non-enzymatic methylation in addition to enzymatic N-methylation. We controlled for this by using blanks of substrate plus boiled enzyme. Radioactive products were isographic with N-monomethyltryptamine and N,N-dimethyl tryptamine on thin layer chromatograms. In the presence of 5-MTHF there is low enzymatic affinity (Km = approximately 10−3 M) for either substrate, suggesting that enzymatic N-methylation might occur only when amine concentrations are abnormally high. Assays in the presence of each donor in combination with each substrate suggested the possible existence of multiple N-methyltransferases, with one specific for tryptamine and the others non-specific for aromatic alkylamines.
Lateral‐Line System of Siren intermedia Le Conte (Amphibia: Sirenidae), During Aquatic Activity and Aestivation

Siren intermedia is peculiar in that the lateral-line system is retained throughout life, even though the animal is forced into terrestrial situations during aestivation. The lateral-line system is constructed of neuromasts arranged in pit fields instead of pit lines as in most amphibians. The neuromasts are unusual, because the sense cells are arranged in a single row through the long axis of the organ and a few of the sustentacular cells contain “orange granules.” During aestivation, the neuromasts are either shielded by a secreted cocoon, or occluded by proliferated skin epithelium. Those organs occluded by epithelium undergo dedifferentiation which continues through postaestivation. Loss of the lateral-line system by amphibians was apparently late in amphibian evolution. Gradual loss of the system suggests that retention and/or protection of the lateral-line system proved maladaptive and physiologically too expensive. Thus the system was abandoned by most amphibian taxa at metamorphosis.
Weak convergence for the row sums of a triangular array of empirical processes under bracketing conditions

Abstract We study the weak convergence for the row sums of a triangular array of empirical processes under bracketing conditions involving majorizing measures. As an application, we consider the weak convergence of stochastic processes of the form a n −1 ∑ j=1 n f(X j ,t) −c n (t):t∈T , n⩾1, where { X j } j =1 ∞ is a sequence of i.i.d.r.v.s with values in the measurable space (S, S ) , f( · ,t):S→ R is a measurable function for each t ∈ T , { a n } is an arbitrary sequence of real numbers and c n ( t ) is a real number, for each t ∈ T and each n ⩾1. We also consider the weak convergence of processes of the form ∑ j=1 n f j (X j ,t):t∈T , n⩾1, where { X j } j =1 ∞ is a sequence of independent r.v.s with values in the measurable space (S j , S j ) , and f j ( · ,t):S j → R is a measurable function for each t ∈ T . Instead of measuring the size of the brackets using the strong or weak L p norm, we use a distance inherent to the process. We present applications to the weak convergence of stochastic processes satisfying certain Lipschitz conditions.
The 20,000-dalton structural variant of human growth hormone: lack of some early insulin-like effects.

Abstract In contrast to the major form of human growth hormone the 20,000-dalton (20K) variant of the hormone produced no decrease in either serum glucose of free fatty acids one hour after injection into fasted, hypophysectomized rats. Furthermore, the variant caused no rise in serum free fatty acids after 5 hours. In vitro experiments utilizing epididymal adipose tissue from hypophysectomized rats indicated that 20K was unable to accelerate glucose utilization as measured by glucose uptake and CO2 formation. The data show that this form, even though growth promoting, lacks some of the metabolic properties attributed to growth hormone. We conclude that an insulin-like effect is not necessarily a prerequisite for growth promoting activity.
The relationship among alcohol use, related problems, and symptoms of psychological distress: Gender as a moderator in a college sample

This research evaluated the prevalence of general symptoms of psychological distress, the degree to which these symptoms related to alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences, and gender-specific relationships among alcohol use, alcohol consequences, and symptoms of psychological distress. The sample included 1705 students drawn from a random sample of three West Coast universities who completed the survey. Results revealed higher levels of consumption and more negative drinking consequences for men, more psychological distress symptoms reported by women, and stronger relationships between psychological symptoms and drinking consequences than use per se. The association between psychological distress and negative drinking consequences was stronger among men than women. The present findings suggest that a focus on negative consequences of alcohol use in addition to the use itself may have greater utility in identifying students at risk for comorbid psychological distress to provide intervention.
A rapid, fully non-contact, hybrid system for generating Lamb wave dispersion curves

Abstract A rapid, fully non-contact, hybrid system which encompasses an air-coupled transducer (ACT) and a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) is presented for profiling A 0 Lamb wave dispersion of an isotropic aluminum plate. The ACT generates ultrasonic pressure incident upon the surface of the plate. The pressure waves are partially refracted into the plate. The LDV is employed to measure the out-of-plane velocity of the excited Lamb wave mode at some distances where the Lamb waves are formed in the plate. The influence of the ACT angle of incidence on Lamb wave excitation is investigated and Snell’s law is used to directly compute Lamb wave dispersion curves including phase and group velocity dispersion curves in aluminum plates from incident angles found to generate optimal A 0 Lamb wave mode. The measured curves are compared to results obtained from a two-dimensional (2-D) Fast Fourier transform (FFT), Morlet wavelet transform (MWT) and theoretical predictions. It was concluded that the experimental results obtained using Snell’s law concept are well in accordance with the theoretical solutions. The high degree of accuracy in the measured data with the theoretical results proved a high sensitivity of the air-coupled and laser ultrasound in characterizing Lamb wave dispersion in plate-like structures. The proposed non-contact hybrid system can effectively characterize the dispersive relation without knowledge of neither the materials characteristics nor the mathematical model.
The significance and magnitude of the line tension in three-phase (solid-liquid-fluid) systems

The excess energy of the three-phase system per unit length of the three-phase contact line is attributed to the line tension, a one-dimensional analog of the surface tension. The interpretation and magnitude of the line tension in three-phase systems that include a solid phase, and experimental techniques used for line tension determination are reviewed. The significance of the line tension in three-phase systems is discussed in relation to contact angle measurements for a liquid at a solid substrate of varying surface quality. Also discussed is the contribution of the linear free energy to the energy of attachment (detachment) of fine particles at (from) an interface.
β-arrestin regulates estradiol membrane-initiated signaling in hypothalamic neurons.

Estradiol (E2) action in the nervous system is the result of both direct nuclear and membrane-initiated signaling (EMS). E2 regulates membrane estrogen receptor-α (ERα) levels through opposing mechanisms of EMS-mediated trafficking and internalization. While s-arrestin-mediated mERα internalization has been described in the cortex, a role of s-arrestin in EMS, which underlies multiple physiological processes, remains undefined. In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), membrane-initiated E2 signaling modulates lordosis behavior, a measure of female sexually receptivity. To better understand EMS and regulation of ERα membrane levels, we examined the role of s-arrestin, a molecule associated with internalization following agonist stimulation. In the present study, we used an immortalized neuronal cell line derived from embryonic hypothalamic neurons, the N-38 line, to examine whether s-arrestins mediate internalization of mERα. β-arrestin-1 (Arrb1) was found in the ARH and in N-38 neurons. In vitro, E2 increased trafficking and internalization of full-length ERα and ERαΔ4, an alternatively spliced isoform of ERα, which predominates in the membrane. Treatment with E2 also increased phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in N-38 neurons. Arrb1 siRNA knockdown prevented E2-induced ERαΔ4 internalization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In vivo, microinfusions of Arrb1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) into female rat ARH knocked down Arrb1 and prevented estradiol benzoate-induced lordosis behavior compared with nonsense scrambled ODN (lordosis quotient: 3 ± 2.1 vs. 85.0 ± 6.0; p < 0.0001). These results indicate a role for Arrb1 in both EMS and internalization of mERα, which are required for the E2-induction of female sexual receptivity.
The Content and Integrative Component of Capstone Experiences: An Analysis of Political Science Undergraduate Programs

In 1991, the APSA Task Force on Political Science recommended elements of a curricular structure that would best promote student learning. The report stated that there should be a capstone experience at the end of the senior year and that the capstone should require students to integrate their whole learning experience in the major. This article seeks to answer the following questions: Have political science departments arrived at any best or common practices in implementing capstone experiences? Are capstones performing the integrative function they were intended to provide? If not, what are the barriers to implementing such capstones? The results of a content analysis of course catalog listings for political science programs and of a survey of department chairs are reported. The study finds that, while the majority of programs utilize capstones, integrative capstones are not used extensively. Based on the identification of current practices and trends, including specialization, resource constraints, and...
Facile syntheses of conformationally constrained analogues of lysine and homoglutamic acid

Abstract A facile divergent synthesis of the novel amino acid trans -4-aminoethyl- l -proline and trans -4-carboxymethyl- l -proline from commercially available trans -4-hydroxy- l -proline was developed. These conformationally constrained analogues of l -lysine and l -homoglutamic acid are useful proline templated amino acids (PTAAs) with potential applications in protein engineering and de novo protein design.
Extraction of soluble gonadotrophin receptors from rat testis.

PEPTIDE hormone receptors have been studied in homogenates and membrane preparations from a variety of target tissues and in some cases have been shown to be associated with adenylate cyclase activity in such particulate fractions1-7. They have a moderately high stability to physical fractionation procedures; more detailed analysis of their properties has been impeded by the complexity and insoluble nature of the membrane-bound receptor sites, so that various techniques were used to obtain soluble forms of receptor for structure-function studies. Receptors for adrenocorticotrophic hormone were successfully dispersed into minute membrane fragments by sonication and pressure disruption of adrenal tumour particles in the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine3. Treatment with detergents such as ‘Lubrol’ and ‘Triton X-100’ has been used to prepare soluble forms of the cardiac β adrenergic receptor8 and the insulin receptors of liver and adipose tissue9.
Dendrimer-Assisted Self-Assembled Monolayer of Iron Nanoparticles for Vertical Array Carbon Nanotube Growth

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of iron oxide nanoparticles have been prepared using carboxylic-acid-terminated dendrimers. The iron-containing SAM was used as the catalyst for growth of vertical arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This approach has the potential for producing diameter controlled CNTs from premade catalyst nanoparticles as well as large scale production of CNTs by chemical vapor deposition.
Participation of lethally irradiated imaginal disc tissue in pattern regulation in Drosophila.

Abstract When fragments of tissue derived from opposite ends of an imaginal disc are mixed prior to culture, intercalary regeneration occurs so that structures are produced which neither of the fragments would have made when cultured alone. We report here that, if a fragment is irradiated so heavily with X rays that its cells do not survive culture and metamorphosis, it nevertheless can stimulate regeneration by a fragment with which it is mixed.
Modulation of KSR activity in Caenorhabditis elegans by Zn ions, PAR-1 kinase and PP2A phosphatase

Vulval differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by a conserved signal transduction pathway mediated by Ras and a kinase cascade that includes Raf, Mek and MAPK. Activation of this cascade is positively regulated by a number of proteins such as KSR (kinase suppressor of Ras), SUR-8/SOC-2, SUR-6/PP2A-B and CDF-1. We describe the functional characterization of sur-7 and several genes that regulate signaling downstream of ras. We identified sur-7 by isolating a mutation that suppresses an activated ras allele, and showed that SUR-7 is a divergent member of the cation diffusion facilitator family of heavy metal ion transporters that is probably localized to the endoplosmic recticulum membrane and regulates cellular Zn 2 þ concentrations. Genetic double mutant analyses suggest that the SUR-7-mediated effect is not a general toxic response. Instead, Zn 2 þ ions target a specific step of the pathway, probably regulation of the scaffolding protein KSR. Biochemical analysis in mammalian cells indicates that high Zn 2 þ concentration causes a dramatic increase of KSR phosphorylation. Genetic analysis also indicates that PP2A phosphatase and PAR-1 kinase act downstream of Raf to positively and negatively regulate KSR activity, respectively.
Telehomecare communication and self-care in chronic conditions: moving toward a shared understanding.

After patients experience an acute exacerbation of a chronic health condition, they frequently receive transitional care from home health nurses. Increasingly, home health agencies are using technology to facilitate communication between nurses and patients. Communication is the basis of a partnership based on teaching and information transfer. Nurses provide knowledge to patients and their families on how to manage living with a chronic condition, and detect signs and symptoms of an exacerbation. Patients, in turn, discuss challenges they encounter with managing their disease. Technology-based communication transfers information between patients and nurses so that knowledge can be integrated into self-care behaviors in the home environment. Understanding associations between communication and information integration into daily lifestyles is vital to successful management of chronic conditions at home. The Sociotechnical Theory predicts that optimal outcomes result when there is a balance between social and technical characteristics in a system that provides services (Pasmore, Francis & Haldeman 1982). Patients will be more involved in self-management when they accept and can easily use technology for health efforts (Or, Karsch, Severtson, et al. 2011). The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between communication (frequency, timeliness, and understandability) and information integration into the daily lives of patients with chronic illnesses and offer caveats and recommendations for eliminating misperceptions and strengthening the shared understanding between nurses and patients when technology mediates interactions. Examining processes used in communication is crucial to creating stronger partnerships between healthcare providers, patients, and their family members in an effort to better self-manage chronic illnesses.
Age-Season Adjustment Factors for Alphine, LaMancha, Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg Dairy Goats

Abstract Multiplicative age-season adjustment factors for milk and fat yields of five breeds of dairy goats were estimated by fitting a three-way, mixed classification model containing random effects for does with fixed effects for herd-year-season and age-season for 7544, 1994, 7456, 3307, and 4599 lactation records collected from 1965 to 1976 from Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg dairy goats in the United States. These factors reflect changes in milk and fat yields associated with age and season of freshening. As with dairy cattle, these factors indicated that milk records of goats are affected differently in different seasons for a particular age. Season of freshening affected younger does more than their older herdmates. Does freshening in January through March produced larger milk yields than their herdmates that freshened at later months of the year. In general, does reached peak production at 34 to 38 mo of age and declined after 50 mo of age. Repeatabilities for milk yield were .33, .29, .35, .27, and .35 for Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg breeds. The adjustment factors indicate that age factors for dairy cows currently being used for adjusting goat records should be replaced by separate factors developed for specific breeds of dairy goats. No such set of age-season adjustment factors has been adopted universally for dairy goats in the United States. Factors in this study, however, could serve as a guide for such a set of adjustment factors.
Fundamental sets of continuous functions on spheres

LetSm andS∞ denote the unit spheres inRm+1 ande2, respectively. We look for functionsf inC[−1, 1] such that the family of functionsx →f( ) is fundamental in the spaceC(Sm). Herev runs overSm. There is a similar question forC(S∞), when this space is given the topology of uniform convergence on compact sets.
Compacting the heart with Notch.

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease that can be associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A new study shows that mice with myocardial deletion of Mib1, which encodes a ubiquitin ligase in the Notch signaling pathway, have LVNC phenotypes and identifies MIB1 mutations in humans with LVNC (pages 193–201 ).
The International Monetary System: A Look Back Over Seven Decades

This article offers a historical account of the genesis and development of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The original design and functions are discussed and subsequent changes described, in particular the advent of floating currencies in 1971 in place of the original fixed exchange rate regime based on the US dollar. Ever since then, the IMF has not seen itself as being in a position to assume its main functions among industrialized countries. In particular, surveillance based upon Article IV procedures did not develop and mature. The article recalls some of the most important interventions of the Fund and reactions by countries affected. It concludes by addressing potential functions of the Fund to prevent future global financial crises. Oxford University Press 2010, all rights reserved, Oxford University Press.
Subcutaneous injection of an analog of neuropeptide FF precipitates morphine abstinence syndrome

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has been shown to exert various antiopiate actions, including precipitation of opiate abstinence syndrome by third ventricle injection in morphine dependent rats. In the present study, dansyl-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-amide, a lipophilic analog of NPFF, was injected into morphine dependent rats and appropriate sham controls at a dose of 9 mg/kg s.c. Comparison groups were injected with ethanol/water vehicle alone. The NPFF analog precipitated a vigorous opiate abstinence syndrome in morphine dependent rats, but not in sham controls.
Norepinephrine, acting via adenylate cyclase, inhibits melatonin output but does not phase-shift the pacemaker in cultured chick pineal cells

Abstract We have recently described a system, using dispersed chick pineal cells in static culture, which displays a persistent, photosensitive, circadian rhythm of melatonin release, and the effects of light upon it. Here we describe the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on melatonin output by these cells. NE inhibited noctural melatonin release; it was potent and effective. Pertussis toxin, forskolin, or 8-Br-cAMP blocked or circumvented inhibition by NE, suggesting the involvement of adenylate cyclase. Four hour pulses of NE caused acute suppression of melatonin output, but did not affect the phase of subsequent cycles in constant red light. These results indicate that NE affects melatonin production by mechanisms acting distal to the pacemaker which generates the melatonin rhythm. Insofar as adenylate cyclase appears to be involved in the action of NE, it might be involved in the regulation of melatonin output by the pacemaker, but is not implicated in regulation of the pacemaker by light.
SU-FF-T-127: Comparison of Two Commercial Detector Arrays for IMRT Quality Assurance

Purpose: to evaluate the suitability of two commercial detector arrays for IMRT patient‐specific quality assurance.Method and Materials: The two detector arrays investigated are the MapCHECK diode array and the ImRT MatriXX ionization chamber array. We examined the linearity of the detector response, short‐term and long‐term reproducibility, statistical uncertainty as a function of delivered dose, and the validity of the array calibration. The dependence of the response of detectors on the field size, dose rate, and radiation energy were also studied. Finally, radiochromic EBT films were used to compare the results with those from the two detector arrays for three IMRT fields. Results: Both detector readings showed excellent agreement (<0.5%) with Farmer chamber measurement with varying field size and SSD in both 6 MV and 18 MV photo beams. While the MapCHECK showed a stable short‐term response (<0.3% variation), the MatriXX showed a continuously slow increase in reading during the one‐hour period (an increase of about 0.8%). Both detectors showed a fluctuation of about 1% during the one‐month period. The MapCHECK also showed a slightly better array sensitivity correction with all the detectors having less than 1% discrepancy and more than 90% of the detectors within 0.5% variation. On the other hand, about 60% of the MatriXX detectors showed a less than 0.5% variation and ∼8% exhibited a larger than 1% discrepancy. Using the commonly used 3%/3mm criteria, both detector arrays had more than 95% passing rate for the three IMRT fields when compared with the EBT film. Conclusion: The two detector arrays showed no field size, SSD, and energy dependent response with stability of better than 1% in most cases and are suitable for IMRT patient‐specific quality assurance. This work was supported in part by NCI grants R01‐CA‐100636.
Trusting computerized data reduction too much: a critique of Anderson's ambulatory respiratory monitor

Recording respiration ambulatorily in order to study stress and anxiety is an important and interesting topic that has been widely neglected in the past, principally due to technical difficulties. In contrast to heart rate measurements, which are very reliable with current ambulatory devices, respiratory measurements are much more susceptible to artifacts. Unfortunately, measuring inspired and expired air directly from a mask covering the mouth and nose is not practical for most ambulatory applications. Instead, elastic bands containing coils of insulated wire worn around the chest and abdomen are widely used (Respitrace bandsTM, Ambulatory Monitoring, Ardsley, NY). Their main disadvantage is that they react not only to respiratory activity, but also to postural changes, bending of the trunk, and vibrations of abdomen, chest, or breasts due to accelerative forces on the body during physical activity. Anderson and Frank (1990) designed a portable device containing a microprocessor that analyzes the output of those bands on-line to retrieve respiratory rate and depth (in units of inductance change) for each breath. These measures are averaged
Settler Traditions of Place: Making Explicit the Epistemological Legacy of White Supremacy and Settler Colonialism for Place-Based Education.

With the rise of place-based models of education, credence needs to be given to epistemological traditions that curate individual understandings of and relations to the social world (i.e., places). The epistemological traditions that have been shared across generations of North American settler colonialists are at the center of this article. The dominant epistemology of settler society provides racialized, anthropocentric, and capitalistic understandings of places. Relations to place are cultivated through particular conceptions of nature, private property, and personhood, which remain at the epistemic foundation of Western society. These conceptions are concomitant to modes of domination like white supremacy and settler colonialism, and ultimately constitute an ideal white male settler actor. This article suggests that place-based education carries the potential to offer epistemic resistance to domination, but first needs to engage in a more comprehensive understanding of settler traditions of place.
pnp Si resonant interband tunnel diode with symmetrical NDR

A Si-based resonant interband tunnel diode (RITD) is presented with a pnp configuration so that an integrated RITD can be easily used to form a latch. The IN characteristics of this pnp RITD show symmetrical negative differential resistance (NDR) regions in both forward and reverse bias. The top diode shows a peak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR) of 1.63 with peak current density (J/sub p/) of 1.5 kA/cm/sup 2/, while the bottom diode shows a PVCR of 1.51 with J/sub p/ of 2.0 kA/cm/sup 2/.
Development of a novel two-dimensional directed differentiation system for generation of cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells

Background Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for treating ischemic heart disease. However, current protocols for differentiating hPSCs either result in low yields or require expensive cytokines.
Green tea and skin--anticarcinogenic effects.

Because of its special aroma, green tea is a popular beverage consumed by some human populations worldwide. In recent years, many laboratory studies have shown that in a variety of animal tumor bioassay systems the administration of green tea, specifically the polyphenolic fraction isolated from green tea leaves (green tea polyphenols), affords protection against cancer induction. In mouse skin tumor bioassay systems, topical application of green tea polyphenols to skin has been shown to result in protection against a) 3-methylcholanthrene-induced skin tumorigenicity, b) 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) -induced skin tumor initiation, c) 1 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and other tumor promoters caused tumor promotion in DMBA-initiated skin, and d) benzoyl peroxide- and 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide caused enhanced malignant progression of nonmalignant lesions. Green tea extract has also been shown to cause partial regression of established skin papillomas in mouse. Similarly, chronic oral feeding of green tea polyphenols or water extract of green tea has also been shown to result in the protection against both chemical carcinogen- and ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin tumorigenicity. Collectively these data suggest that green tea possesses significant chemopreventive effect against each stage of carcinogenesis, and that it may be useful against inflammatory responses associated with the exposure of skin to chemical tumor promoters as well as to solar radiation. Available data regarding the mechanism by which green tea affords these diversified effects is discussed.
The effect of a constructivist learning environment for field-dependent/independent students on achievement in introductory computer programming

Research was conducted to determine the effect of a constructivist learning environment upon field dependent (FD) and field independent (FI) students' achievement in an introductory computer programming course. Prior research in traditional environments had established a correlation between field dependence / independence (FD/I) and the design stage of programming.A correlational design was followed, using introductory computer science students in their first programming course. A pretest of BASIC programming ability was given to assess baseline proficiency. The Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) was given to assess each subject's measure of FD/I. A constructivist model for learning programming was implemented. Achievement tests in two of the stages of programming, design and coding were administered. As additional dependent variables, student construction of programming elements — the design (semantic) elements, and the language-specific coding (syntax) elements - were collected in a portfolio and examined for both qualitative and quantitative differences.No significant correlations were found between FD/I and the achievement scores of design and coding. No correlation was expected between FD/I and coding. There was no interaction between FD/I and design versus coding. The correlation between FD/I and the quantity of reconstructed programming elements was not significant. The correlation between FD/I and the quality of reconstructed programming elements was not significant. No interaction was found between FD/I and the quantity or quality of semantic versus syntactic elements. Stepwise multiple regression identified two predictors, for design, the predictor was the pretest. Coding was predicted by the quantity of syntactic programming elements.The principal finding of this research, in contrast to findings in traditional environments is that within this constructivist environment, the cognitive style of FD/I was not found to influence programming achievement.
A Functional Analysis of Phonological Knowledge and Generalization Learning in Misarticulating Children

It has been suggested that a child's productive phonological knowledge may be one factor that potentially accounts for individual differences in generalization learning observed among phonologically disordered children (Dinnsen & Elbert, 1984; Elbert, Dinnsen, & Powell, 1984). This paper evaluates the hypothesis that productive phonological knowledge influences generalization. Three related studies involving 6 functionally misarticulating children were conducted. In the first study, a description of each child's phonological system was developed using procedures of standard generative analysis. Based upon these descriptions, each child's productive phonological knowledge of his or her own sound system was determined and then ranked on a continuum ranging from "most" to "least" knowledge relative to the adult target. The second study implemented an experimental treatment program based upon each child's productive phonological knowledge, with treatment sounds selected directly from each child's continuum of knowledge. The third study reassessed each child's productive phonological knowledge following treatment. The results of these three studies indicated that a child's productive phonological knowledge of the sound system influenced the overall amount of generalization learning. However, the extent of generalization learning was associated with the point on the knowledge continuum at which treatment was initiated. These findings are discussed with reference to individual differences in generalization learning.