cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complete sequences of the intergenic and mRNA start signals in the Sendai virus genome: homologies with the genome of vesicular stomatitis virus

All of the consensus intergenic and transcription initiation sequences of the genome of Sendai virus, a paramyxovirus, have been determined. The boundary between the intergenic sequence, 3'-GAA, and the mRNA start signal, 3'- UCCCANUUUC , was identified by sequencing the 5' termini of specific viral mRNA molecules. One of the five intergenic trinucleotides differed from the rest, consisting of 3'- GGG , and single base substitutions were observed in two of the mRNA start signals. The Sendai virus intergenic sequence was similar to the analogous sequence (3'-GA) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a member of another family of negative-strand RNA viruses, the rhabdoviruses , but there was no sequence homology between the mRNA start signals of the two viruses. Nevertheless, these mRNA start signals were organized in the same way, being ten bases long and possessing two consensus regions, divided by one (Sendai virus) or two (VSV) variable internal nucleotides. These findings extend the evidence that both families of negative-strand RNA viruses descended from a common ancestor and that an archetypal mechanism of transcriptional regulation has been conserved in their evolution.
SERUM α1-ANTITRYPSIN (α1-AT) LEVELS AS A MARKER OF ACTIVITY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

SERUM α1-ANTITRYPSIN (α1-AT) LEVELS AS A MARKER OF ACTIVITY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Determination of Solasodine in Fruits of Solanum Khasianum by a Combination of Chromatofuge and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Abstract An extract of Solanum khasianum fruits was fractionated with a chromatofuge. The fraction containing solasodine was applied to a HPLC column and the effluent was monitored by UV. The peak height gave an accurate measure of the amount present. The efficiency and load capacity of the chromatofuge, as well as the accuracy and precision of the HPLC method were determined.
Delegation revisited: how delegation can benefit globally-minded managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the effectiveness of delegation as a management practice is impacted by various factors such as manager cognition, perceived subordinate competence, and cultural differences. This research may help global business leaders to better understand how cultural differences may impact managerial functions and how to manage culturally diverse employees. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based upon a conceptual discussion of delegation as it has been studied in the past and a reflection on the ways in which past research can usefully inform current trends in the use of delegation as a management practice. Findings – A model is proposed that suggests that the effectiveness of delegation in a local context is a function of the global leader’s cognitions and perceptions of their subordinates. Further, it suggests that this relationship is moderated by the local cultural context in that some cultures may be opposed to being delegated authority. Research l...
Prevalence of adult binge drinking: A comparison of two National surveys

Background Binge drinking (defined as five or more drinks on an occasion) causes approximately half of the estimated 85,000 alcohol-related deaths in the United States each year. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey, and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an in-person survey, provide population-based estimates of binge drinking. Evaluating the concordance of binge drinking estimates from the BRFSS and the NSDUH is important for surveillance and for planning prevention programs. Methods In 2003, combined data on binge drinking for 1999 and 2001 from the BRFSS ( n =355,371) and the NSDUH ( n =87,145) were analyzed for respondents aged ≥18 years. Results National binge drinking estimates were 14.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]=14.5–15.2) for BRFSS and 21.6% (CI=21.2–22.0) for NSDUH. Although there was good correlation between state-specific binge drinking estimates from the two surveys (Pearson's r =0.82), the BRFSS state estimates were significantly lower ( p Conclusions Estimates of binge drinking from the NSDUH were consistently higher than those from the BRFSS, probably due to differences in survey methodology. Continued efforts to improve binge drinking surveillance are important for preventing this public health problem.
Electron microscope observations on moiré fringes and interfacial dislocations at cobalt precipitates in copper

Abstract Transmission electron micrographs of Cu-3.12 wt. % Co alloy, aged at 650°C, 700°C or 800°C to produce cobalt-rich particles, commonly show pronounced (parallel-type) moire fringes at non-coherent particles, and occasionally show faint fringes at coherent particles. The average lattice mismatch calculated from the moire spacings at noncoherent particles was 1.8 % in good agreement with that determined by X-ray diffraction. “Dot-contrast” effects observed around the periphery of noncoherent particles, and networks at the particles, are interpreted as interfacial dislocations. The average spacing of the “dot-contrast” effect was 141 A, in excellent agreement with the dislocation spacing calculated from the measured mismatch on the assumption of unit [110] Burgers vector.
Child welfare services in the United States and Sweden: different assumptions, laws and outcomes

The child welfare systems in Sweden and the United States were dramatically reformed beginning in the early 1980s. After 10 years, the different results of these reforms are quite striking. These child welfare systems have different methods for preserving families in crisis; different assumptions about the roles of birth parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents; and different goals for children who will not go home. Each of these areas is explored and recommendations made for re-examining child welfare services in both countries.
In Situ Determination of Interfacial Energies between Heterogeneously Nucleated CaCO3 and Quartz Substrates: Thermodynamics of CO2 Mineral Trapping

The precipitation of carbonate minerals--mineral trapping--is considered one of the safest sequestration mechanisms ensuring long-term geologic storage of CO(2). However, little is known about the thermodynamic factors controlling the extent of heterogeneous nucleation at mineral surfaces exposed to the fluids in porous reservoirs. The goal of this study is to determine the thermodynamic factors controlling heterogeneous nucleation of carbonate minerals on pristine quartz (100) surfaces, which are assumed representative of sandstone reservoirs. To probe CaCO(3) nucleation on quartz (100) in solution and with nanoscale resolution, an in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering technique has been utilized. With this method, a value of α' = 36 ± 5 mJ/m(2) for the effective interfacial free energy governing heterogeneous nucleation of CaCO(3) has been obtained by measuring nucleation rates at different solution supersaturations. This value is lower than the interfacial energy governing calcite homogeneous nucleation (α ≈ 120 mJ/m(2)), suggesting that heterogeneous nucleation of calcium carbonate is favored on quartz (100) at ambient pressure and temperature conditions, with nucleation barriers between 2.5% and 15% lower than those expected for homogeneous nucleation. These observations yield important quantitative parameters readily usable in reactive transport models of nucleation at the reservoir scale.
Toward the development of solid-supported reagents for separation of alcohol-containing compounds by steric environment

Abstract The affinity of silicon for oxygen has long been exploited to preferentially react hydroxyl moieties in the presence of others. Here, we explore the ability of a variety of dialkylsiloxane-functionalized resins to selectively capture and subsequently, release alcohol-containing compounds based on the steric environment about the silicon and hydroxyl moiety. The devised reagents will be applicable to the separation of compound mixtures, especially for the selective enrichment of low abundant molecules such as bioactive natural products.
Low-latency situational awareness for UxV platforms

Providing high quality, low latency video from unmanned vehicles through bandwidth-limited communications channels remains a formidable challenge for modern vision system designers. SRI has developed a number of enabling technologies to address this, including the use of SWaP-optimized Systems-on-a-Chip which provide Multispectral Fusion and Contrast Enhancement as well as H.264 video compression. Further, the use of salience-based image prefiltering prior to image compression greatly reduces output video bandwidth by selectively blurring non-important scene regions. Combined with our customization of the VLC open source video viewer for low latency video decoding, SRI developed a prototype high performance, high quality vision system for UxV application in support of very demanding system latency requirements and user CONOPS.
Implicit Memory of Nonclinical Schizotypal Individuals

In the present study a form of implicit memory performance was examined by employing the serial reaction-time paradigm with a nonclinical sample of 22 hypothetically schizotypal college students and 22 nonschizotypal college students. The formation of new associations was tested; analysis showed no difference between these two groups on this measure of implicit memory.
Nitrous Oxide for Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: A Proof-of-Concept Trial

Abstract Background N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, have rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We hypothesized that nitrous oxide, an inhalational general anesthetic and N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, may also be a rapidly acting treatment for TRD. Methods In this blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 patients with TRD were randomly assigned to 1-hour inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide/50% oxygen or 50% nitrogen/50% oxygen (placebo control). The primary endpoint was the change on the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-21) 24 hours after treatment. Results Mean duration of nitrous oxide treatment was 55.6 ± 2.5 (SD) min at a median inspiratory concentration of 44% (interquartile range, 37%–45%). In two patients, nitrous oxide treatment was briefly interrupted, and the treatment was discontinued in three patients. Depressive symptoms improved significantly at 2 hours and 24 hours after receiving nitrous oxide compared with placebo (mean HDRS-21 difference at 2 hours, −4.8 points, 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.8 to −7.8 points, p = .002; at 24 hours, −5.5 points, 95% CI, −2.5 to −8.5 points, p p Conclusions This proof-of-concept trial demonstrated that nitrous oxide has rapid and marked antidepressant effects in patients with TRD.
Network modeling and simulation: on standardized network topologies for network research

Simulation has become the evaluation method of choice for many areas of computer networking research. When designing new or revised transport protocols, queuing methods, routing protocols, (just to name a few), a common approach is to create a simulation of a small to moderate scale topology and measure the performance of the new methodology as compared to existing methods. We demonstrate that simulation results using this approach can lead to very misleading, and even incorrect, results. The interaction between the large number of variables in these simulations can lead to results that vary widely from between different simulation topologies. We give empirical evidence showing different conclusions when the same comparisons are done using differing topologies. We argue the need for a standardized taxonomy of simulation topologies that capture a significant and realistic range of values for the various variables that impact the performance of a simulated network.
Viscous flow due to a shrinking sheet

The viscous flow induced by a shrinking sheet is studied. Existence and (non)uniqueness are proved. Exact solutions, both numerical and in closed form, are found.
Engineering Controls in Mine Assay Laboratories

Abstract An extensive literature search and professional contacts, who have performed industrial hygiene surveys in mine assay laboratories, suggested that mine assay workers are potentially exposed to a wide variety of chemical hazards, including lead, arsenic, silica, and mercury. As a result, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has undertaken a study to evaluate and disseminate control technology information for reducing these exposures and protecting worker health in this industry. Mine assay laboratories process and analyze samples from mineral exploration and mineral ore recovery operations. Ore samples are prepared for analysis by drying, crushing, splitting, and mixing samples with lead flux. Walk-through surveys were conducted at five mine assay laboratories where effective engineering controls were identified by the literature search and the professional contacts. Two laboratories appeared to represent good engineering controls in the mine assay laboratory industry ...
Action of Sodium Desoxycholate on Arthropod-Borne Viruses

SummaryAll arthropod-borne viruses at present under study in the Rockefeller Foundation Virus Laboratories, New York, have been shown to be readily inactivated by a 1:1000 dilution of sodium desoxycholate. The only viruses discovered to date which are resistant to the action of this bile salt are strains of human poliomyelitis, mouse encephalomyelitis, Coxsackie and encephalomyocarditis viruses.
Modular Femoral Neck Fracture After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

The use of modular femoral stems in primary total hip arthroplasty has increased considerably in recent years. These modular components offer the surgeon the ability to independently alter version, offset, and length of the femoral component of a hip arthroplasty. This increases the surgeon's ability to accurately recreate the relevant anatomy but increases the possibilities of corrosion and fracture. Multiple case reports have highlighted fractures of these modular components. We present a case of a fracture of a modular design that has had no previously reported modular neck fractures. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted, and he consented.
Crystal structure of the charge transfer complex 9-cyclohexyladenine-iodine

The crystal structure of the charge-transfer complex of iodine with 9-cyclohexyladenine, C11H15I2N5, has been determined, and refined by three-dimensional least-squares techniques. The crystals are monoclinic:P21/c,Z = 4,a = 9·1728(7),b = 12·289(1),c = 13·596(1) A, β = 99·564 °(6). The finalR value for 3629 reflexions is 0·039. The iodine forms a charge-transfer bond with N(1) of the adeninering, with an N—I bond length of 2·520(3) A. The I—I—N(1) arrangement is approximately linear (bond angle, 177·1 °). The I—I molecule makes an angle of 21·5 ° with the plane of the adenine ring.
Automated cyclone discovery and tracking using knowledge sharing in multiple heterogeneous satellite data

Current techniques for cyclone detection and tracking employ NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) models from in-situ measurements. This solution does not provide true global coverage, unlike remote satellite observations. However it is impractical to use a single Earth orbiting satellite to detect and track events such as cyclones in a continuous manner due to limited spatial and temporal coverage. One solution to alleviate such persistent problems is to utilize heterogeneous sensor data from multiple orbiting satellites. However, this solution requires overcoming other new challenges such as varying spatial and temporal resolution between satellite sensor data, the need to establish correspondence between features from different satellite sensors, and the lack of definitive indicators for cyclone events in some sensor data.We describe an automated cyclone discovery and tracking approach using heterogeneous near real-time sensor data from multiple satellites. This approach addresses the unique challenges associated with knowledge discovery and mining from heterogeneous satellite data streams. We consider two remote sensor measurements in our current implementation, namely: QuikSCAT wind satellite measurements, and merged precipitation data from TRMM and other satellites. More satellites will be incorporated in the near future and our solution is sufficiently powerful that it generalizes to multiple sensor measurement modalities. Our approach consists of three main components: (i) feature extraction from each sensor measurement, (ii) an ensemble classifier for cyclone discovery, and (iii) knowledge sharing between the different remote sensor measurements based on a linear Kalman filter for predictive cyclone tracking. Experimental results on historical hurricane datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared to previous work.
Codon-54 polymorphism of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene is associated with elevation of fasting and postprandial triglyceride in type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes are frequently dyslipidemic or hypertriglyceridemic. To assess whether increased intestinal triglyceride input leads to elevated fasting and postprandial triglycerides in type 2 diabetes, we used the codon 54 polymorphism of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene, which results in the substitution of threonine (Thr) for alanine and is associated with increased intestinal input of triglyceride. Of the 287 diabetic patients screened, 108 (37.6%) were heterozygous and 31 (10.8%) were homozygous for the Thr-54 allele. Mean (±sem) fasting plasma triglyceride levels in patients with the wild-type (n = 80), those heterozygous for the Thr-54 allele (n = 57), and those homozygous for it (n = 18) were 2.0 ± 0.09, 2.7 ± 0.20, and 3.8 ± 0.43 mmol/L, respectively. A linear relationship of mean fasting plasma triglyceride levels (r2 = 0.97) between the 3 groups was found. After fat ingestion, the postprandial area under the curve of plasma triglyceride (P = 0.025) and chylomicrons (Sf > 400...
Acceleration of Adenovirus Replication and Increased Virion Production by Treatment with the Steroid Hormone 17 Beta-Estradiol

We report here that concentration of an estrogen known to promote enhanced transformation and to increase oncogenicity of rat embryo cells, accelerate the production and increase the yield of progeny virions in adenovirus type 12 (Ad 12)-infected HEp-2 cells. Further, measurement of the incorporation of radioactive RNA and DNA precursors indicated that macromolecular synthesis in the estrogen-treated, infected cells was accelerated. Possible explanations for this observation are discussed.
Dynamics and Energetics of a String Vibrating Against an Obstacle Placed at One Boundary

In this paper we investigate the vibration of a string with a rigid obstacle placed at one of its boundaries. During vibration, a portion of the string wraps and unwraps around the obstacle. The impact between the string and the obstacle during wrapping is assumed to be inelastic. The length of the string that wraps around the obstacle, is discretized into a finite number of segments for the purpose of analysis. These segments sequentially collide with the obstacle starting from when the string makes first contact with the obstacle till it comes to rest. During wrapping, the energy of the string is dissipated through impact but during unwrapping the energy is conserved. The geometry of the string at any instant of time is determined from the boundary conditions associated with wrapping and unwrapping of the string. A general solution for vibration against convex obstacles of arbitrary geometry was analysed and numerical simulation results are presented for elliptic- and circular-shaped obstacles with different orientations and for different modes of string vibration. The results show that an obstacle at the boundary can be used as a passive mechanism for vibration suppression. The energy dissipated is found to be greater for higher modes of vibration and for obstacle geometries that result in greater length of wrapping.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Method used to estimate screening‐level total failure probability for human error events

This document briefly describes the method used to estimate a screening value for the Total Failure Probability (F{sub T}) of human error events that are identified in the fault trees which describe potential liquid UF{sub 6} release accidents at two US Gaseous Diffusion Plants. A discussion is provided of the assumptions, limitations, and overall logic of the F{sub T} assignment method, and a description is presented of how the method is employed. The description herein presents the screening technique used to quantify human errors in the accident analysis portion of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant Safety Analysis Report Upgrade Program. Specifically, the basic events analyzed here are given in the fault trees for one facility at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) and one at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS). These plants are primarily chemical processing facilities that deal with a slightly radioactive process gas, low-enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}). A Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) was not accomplished while drawing the fault trees; the accomplishment of an HRA would be determined by the overall study results. The method described herein provides a framework within which a conservative estimate of human error probability can be made at the screening level formore » use in the event trees and fault trees.« less
The human selenoproteome: recent insights into functions and regulation

Selenium (Se) is a nutritional trace mineral essential for various aspects of human health that exerts its effects mainly through its incorporation into selenoproteins as the amino acid, selenocysteine. Twenty-five selenoprotein genes have been identified in humans and several selenoproteins are broadly classified as antioxidant enzymes. As progress is made on characterizing the individual members of this protein family, however, it is becoming clear that their properties and functions are quite diverse. This review summarizes recent insights into properties of individual selenoproteins such as tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and regulation of expression. Also discussed are potential roles the different selenoproteins play in human health and disease.
Immunoregulation of bovine macrophages by factors in the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus microplus

Alternative strategies are required to control the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, due to evolving resistance to commercially available acaricides. This invasive ectoparasite is a vector of economically important diseases of cattle such as bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. An understanding of the biological intricacies underlying vector-host-pathogen interactions is required to innovate sustainable tick management strategies that can ultimately mitigate the impact of animal and zoonotic tick-borne diseases. Tick saliva contains molecules evolved to impair host innate and adaptive immune responses, which facilitates blood feeding and pathogen transmission. Antigen presenting cells are central to the development of robust T cell responses including Th1 and Th2 determination. In this study we examined changes in co-stimulatory molecule expression and cytokine response of bovine macrophages exposed to salivary gland extracts (SGE) obtained from 2-3 day fed, pathogen-free adult R. microplus. Peripheral blood-derived macrophages were treated for 1 hr with 1, 5, or 10 μg/mL of SGE followed by 1, 6, 24 hr of 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Real-time PCR and cytokine ELISA were used to measure changes in co-stimulatory molecule expression and cytokine response. Changes were observed in co-stimulatory molecule expression of bovine macrophages in response to R. microplus SGE exposure. After 6 hrs, CD86, but not CD80, was preferentially up-regulated on bovine macrophages when treated with 1 μg/ml SGE and then LPS, but not SGE alone. At 24 hrs CD80, CD86, and CD69 expression was increased with LPS, but was inhibited by the addition of SGE. SGE also inhibited LPS induced upregulation of TNFα, IFNγ and IL-12 cytokines, but did not alter IL-4 or CD40 mRNA expression. Molecules from the salivary glands of adult R. microplus showed bimodal concentration-, and time-dependent effects on differential up-regulation of CD86 in bovine macrophages activated by the TLR4-ligand, LPS. Up regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and IL-12, a Th1 promoting cytokine, were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. The co-stimulatory molecules CD80, as well as the cell activation marker, CD69, were also suppressed in macrophages exposed to SGE. Continued investigation of the immunomodulatory factors will provide the knowledge base to research and develop therapeutic or prophylactic interventions targeting R. microplus-cattle interactions at the blood-feeding interface.
Inocybe tauensis, a new species from the Samoan Archipelago with biogeographic evidence for a Paleotropical origin.

Inocybe tauensis is described as a new species from the island of Ta’u, American Samoa. The species occurs in native littoral forest and is associated with the ectomycorrhizal tree Pisonia grandis. Based on an analysis of nLSU, RPB1, and RPB2 sequence data, I. tauensis appears to be derived from ancestors with a Paleotropical biogeographical distribution. Alternative explanations for the unexpected presence of an Inocybe species in the Samoan Archipelago are discussed.
Quantifying the relative importance of predictors in multiple linear regression analyses for public health studies.

Multiple linear regression analysis is widely used in many scientific fields, including public health, to evaluate how an outcome or response variable is related to a set of predictors. As a result, researchers often need to assess “relative importance” of a predictor by comparing the contributions made by other individual predictors in a particular regression model. Hence, development of valid statistical methods to estimate the relative importance of a set of predictors is of great interest. In this research, the authors considered the relative importance of a predictor when defined by that portion of the squared multiple correlation explained by the contribution of each predictor in the final model of interest. Here, a number of suggested relative importance indices motivated by this definition are reviewed, including the squared zero-order correlation, squared semipartial correlation, Product Measure (i.e., Pratt's Index), General Dominance Index, and Johnson's Relative Weight. The authors compared th...
Evolution and Environmental Change in Early Human Prehistory1

Understanding the interaction between past environmental and evolutionary change informs scientific and public awareness about natural environmental dynamics. Evidence of dramatic climate variability, cooling, and aridity over the past six million years has stimulated research about whether environmental change has been a major causal factor in the development of our species' defining characteristics. Examples pertaining to the evolution of bipedality, earliest known toolmaking, dispersal of Homo erectus, extinction of Neanderthals, and the global spread H. sapiens all point to the emergence of adaptability in response to environmental uncertainty as a recurrent theme in human evolution. A synthesis of African paleoclimate data suggests that significant events in human origins tended to occur during lengthy eras of strong climate fluctuation. Human adaptability will continue to be tested as societies face the challenges of adjusting to unprecedented change in Earth's environmental dynamics.
Bioengineering of surface GD3 ganglioside for Immunotargeting human melanoma cells

N-Propionyl, N-butyryl (N-Bu), and N-benzoyl mannosamine, as precursors of sialic acid biosynthesis, were incubated with human melanoma SK-MEL-28 cells and resulted in the replacement of N-acetyl groups on the cell surface sialic acid residues, including those associated with GD3. Meanwhile, vaccines containing GD3 and modified GD3 tetrasaccharide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugates were synthesized, and BALB/c mice were immunized with them together with monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant. The GD3Bu-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugate raised the highest IgG titers without any cross-reactivity to unmodified GD3. Expression of GD3Bu epitopes on the surface of SK-MEL-28 cells was confirmed in vitro and in vivo by the binding of a polyclonal antiserum and monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2A, both of which specifically recognize GD3Bu, and by mass spectroscopic analysis of glycolipids extracted from cells. Following expression of GD3Bu on the surface of SK-MEL-28 cells, the cells could be lysed by mAb 2A and GD3Bu antiserum in the presence of complement. Although less effective in the control of existing large size tumors (∼10 mm inner diameter) on BALB/c nu/nu mice, mAb 2A in combination with ManNBu effectively protected mice from SK-MEL-28 tumor grafting. This approach may provide a method to augment the immunogenicity of sialylated human antigens and to avoid generating an autoimmune response to them at same time.
Laser therapy: a randomized, controlled trial of the effects of low-intensity Nd:YAG laser irradiation on musculoskeletal back pain.

Abstract Objective: To assess the effectiveness of low-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal low back pain. Design: A double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Setting: A physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. Participants: Sixty-three ambulatory men and women between the ages of 18 and 70yrs with symptomatic nonradiating low back pain of more than 30 days' duration and normal neurologic examination results. Intervention: Subjects were bloc randomized into two groups with a computer-generated schedule. All underwent irradiation for 90 seconds at eight symmetric points along the lumbosacral spine three times a week for 4 weeks by a masked therapist. The sole difference between the groups was that the probes of a 1.06μm neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser emitted 542mW/cm 2 for the treated subjects and were inactive for the control subjects. Main Outcome Measures: Subject's perception of benefit, level of function as assessed by the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and lumbar mobility. Results: The treated group had a time-dependent improvement in two of the three outcome measures: perception of benefit and level of function. These results were most marked at the midpoint evaluation ( p p p p p p t tests with unequal variances. Conclusions: Treatment with low-intensity 1.06μm laser irradiation produced a moderate reduction in pain and improvement in function in patients with musculoskeletal low back pain. Benefits, however, were limited and decreased with time. Further research is warranted.
Printed monopole antennas with increased bandwidth and gain for wi-fi applications

In this paper, a method to enhance the performance of printed monopole antennas is presented. The proposed approach consists of placing a metal patch next to the antenna in order to direct the fields in one direction by using the reflection from the metal patch. This topology provides compact antenna solutions with broader bandwidth and higher peak gain suitable for use in portable electronics. The effects of the periodic pattern and the reflection from the metal patches have also been investigated.
Restoring Africa’s Heartland: Earth, Women, Culture, and Community

This article will examine the issue of the environmental devastation and cultural despoliation of the African continent, rooted in the destruction of the Earth conceptualized in medieval and postme...
Chlamydia heat shock protein 60 decreases expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human and porcine coronary artery endothelial cells.

Aims Clinically, Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and its heat shock protein 60 (cHSP60) may contribute to atherogenesis; however, its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether cHSP60 could cause endothelial dysfunction in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and porcine coronary arteries. Methods and results When HCAECs were treated with recombinant cHSP60, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels, enzyme activities, cellular NO levels, mRNA stability, and promoter activities were significantly decreased. Superoxide anion production was significantly increased due to the inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as activation of NADPH oxidase. Antioxidant seleno-l-methionine (SeMet) or SOD mimetic MnTBAP effectively blocked cHSP60-induced eNOS downregulation. In addition, cHSP60 activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including p38, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Specific chemical inhibitors or their dominant-negative mutant forms of these MAPKs effectively blocked cHSP60-induced eNOS downregulation. cHSP60-induced eNOS downregulation and oxidative stress were also demonstrated in porcine coronary artery rings in vitro . Functionally, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was significantly reduced in cHSP60-treated vessels. Conclusion cHSP60 directly induces eNOS downregulation through oxidative stress and MAPK activation in both HCAECs and porcine coronary arteries, thereby causing endothelial dysfunction.
The Impact of Language and High-Stakes Testing Policies on Elementary School English Language Learners in Arizona.

This article reports the results of a survey of third-grade teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) in Arizona regarding school language and accountability policies—Proposition 203, which restricts bilingual education and mandates sheltered English Immersion; the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB); and Arizona LEARNS, the state’s high-stakes testing and accountability program. The instrument, consisting of 126 survey questions plus open-ended interview question, was designed to obtain teacher’s views, to ascertain the impact of these polices, and to explore their effectiveness in improving the education of ELL students. The survey was administered via telephone to 40 teacher participants from different urban, rural and reservation schools across the state. Each participant represents the elementary school in their respective school district which has the largest population of ELL students. Analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data reveal that these policies have mostly resulted in confusion in schools throughout the state over what is and is not allowed, and what constitutes quality instruction for ELLs, that there is little evidence that such policies have led to improvements in the education of ELL students, and that these policies may be causing more harm than good. Specifically, teachers report they have been given little to no guidance over what constitutes sheltered English immersion, and provide evidence that most ELL students in their schools are receiving mainstream sink-or-swim instruction. In terms of accountability, while the overwhelming majority of teachers support the general principle, they believe that high-stakes tests are inappropriate for ELLs and participants provided evidence that the focus on testing is leading to instruction practices for ELLs which fail to meet their unique linguistic and academic needs. The article concludes with suggestions for needed changes to improve the quality of education for ELLs in Arizona.
Performance evaluation of cooperating robot movements using maximum load under time-optimal control

An evaluation is made of the performance of a cooperating robot system using movements planned for minimum time. Minimum-time movements characteristically require that a set of motors in the robot be driven at the maximum torque through the motion. Thus, these movements are limited by the combination of motor performance, mechanical advantage of the kinematic chain, and the location of the start and goal positions. Increasing the payload until a minimum-time solution is no longer feasible makes it possible to obtain the performance limit of the system for the associated path. The cases of two robots working individually and together are examined in order to find the performance enhancement obtained by having two robots cooperate. >
Effect of Aging Temperature on Broiler Breast Meat

Abstract In three experiments using a total of 102 broilers, effects were evaluated of post-mortem aging temperatures between 0 C and 40 C on chicken breast muscles, pectoralis (p.) major and p. minor. The first experiments analyzed the effects of temperature on muscles excised immediately post-mortem. Results of Experiment 1 suggested maximum sarcomere lengths at aging temperatures of 16 C for both muscles. However, differences between lengths observed at 0 C and 4 C were not significant for p. major, and at 0, 4, and 23 C for p. minor. Experiment 2 analyzed effects of 4 and 16-C aging temperatures and indicated that the rates of increase of R values (ratio of inosine to adenine nucleotides) were nearly equal at 4 C and 16 C when compared across each of the locations of p. major. Decreases in sarcomere lengths slowed at 16 C in anterior and middle sections of p. major, relative to lengths at 4 C. For the p. minor muscle, the increase of R values was more rapid at 16 C, whereas sarcomere shortening was slower in comparison with that observed at 4 C. In Experiment 3, an attempt was made to apply 4 C and 16-C aging temperatures to schemes of early deboning at 3 h and 4 h post-mortem. No significant effects were observed of these temperature conditionings on sarcomere lengths of the raw muscles or on shear values of the cooked meat. Furthermore, neither scheme resulted in values of p. major meat tenderness comparable with those resulting from aging the muscle intact on the carcass for 24 h.
Interacting domains of the HN and F proteins of newcastle disease virus.

The activation of most paramyxovirus fusion proteins (F proteins) requires not only cleavage of F0 to F1 and F2 but also coexpression of the homologous attachment protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) or hemagglutinin (H). The type specificity requirement for HN or H protein coexpression strongly suggests that an interaction between HN and F proteins is required for fusion, and studies of chimeric HN proteins have implicated the membrane-proximal ectodomain in this interaction. Using biotin-labeled peptides with sequences of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) F protein heptad repeat 2 (HR2) domain, we detected a specific interaction with amino acids 124 to 152 from the NDV HN protein. Biotin-labeled HR2 peptides bound to glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins containing these HN protein sequences but not to GST or to GST containing HN protein sequences corresponding to amino acids 49 to 118. To verify the functional significance of the interaction, two point mutations in the HN protein gene, I133L and L140A, were made individually by site-specific mutagenesis to produce two mutant proteins. These mutations inhibited the fusion promotion activities of the proteins without significantly affecting their surface expression, attachment activities, or neuraminidase activities. Furthermore, these changes in the sequence of amino acids 124 to 152 in the GST-HN fusion protein that bound HR2 peptides affected the binding of the peptides. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that HN protein binds to the F protein HR2 domain, an interaction important for the fusion promotion activity of the HN protein.
Mice Lacking G-Protein Receptor Kinase 1 Have Profoundly Slowed Recovery of Cone-Driven Retinal Responses

G-Protein receptor kinase 1 (GRK1) (“rhodopsin kinase”) is necessary for the inactivation of photoactivated rhodopsin, the light receptor of the G-protein transduction cascade of rod photoreceptors. GRK1 has also been reported to be present in retinal cones in which its function is unknown. To examine the role of GRK1 in retinal cone signaling pathways, we measured in mice having null mutations of GRK1 (GRK1 −/−) cone-driven electroretinographic (ERG) responses, including an a-wave component identified as the field potential generated by suppression of the circulating current of the cone photoreceptors. Dark-adapted GRK1 −/− animals generated cone-driven ERGs having saturating amplitudes and sensitivities in both visible and UV spectral regions similar to those of wild-type (WT) mice. However, after exposure to a bright conditioning flash, the cone-driven ERGs of GRK1 −/− animals recovered 30–50 times more slowly than those of WT mice and similarly slower than the cone-driven ERGs of mice homozygously null for arrestin (Arrestin −/−), whose cone (but not rod) response recoveries were found to be as rapid as those of WT. Our observations argue that GRK1 is essential for normal deactivation of murine cone phototransduction and provide the first functional evidence for a major role of a specific GRK in the inactivation of vertebrate cone phototransduction.
Telescoping languages: a compiler strategy for implementation of high-level domain-specific programming systems

As both machines and programs have become more complex, the programming process has become correspondingly more labor-intensive. This has created a software gap between the need for new software and the aggregate capacity of the current workforce to produce it. This problem has been compounded by the slow growth of programming productivity over the past two decades. One way to bridge this gap is to make it possible end users to develop programs in high-level domain-specific programming systems. The principal impediment to the success of these systems in the past has be the poor performance of the resulting applications. To address this problem, we have developed a new compiler technology that supports script-based telescoping languages, which can be built from base languages and domain-specific libraries. By exhaustively compiling the libraries in advance, we can ensure that the performance and portability of the applications produced by such systems are high, while the compile times for scripts are acceptable to the end user These qualities are essential if script-based systems are to be practical for development of production applications.
The Basic Cleft of RPA70N Binds Multiple Checkpoint Proteins, Including RAD9, To Regulate ATR Signaling

ATR kinase activation requires the recruitment of the ATR-ATRIP and RAD9-HUS1-RAD1 (9-1-1) checkpoint complexes to sites of DNA damage or replication stress. Replication protein A (RPA) bound to single-stranded DNA is at least part of the molecular recognition element that recruits these checkpoint complexes. We have found that the basic cleft of the RPA70 N-terminal oligonucleotide-oligosaccharide fold (OB-fold) domain is a key determinant of checkpoint activation. This protein-protein interaction surface is able to bind several checkpoint proteins, including ATRIP, RAD9, and MRE11. RAD9 binding to RPA is mediated by an acidic peptide within the C-terminal RAD9 tail that has sequence similarity to the primary RPA-binding surface in the checkpoint recruitment domain (CRD) of ATRIP. Mutation of the RAD9 CRD impairs its localization to sites of DNA damage or replication stress without perturbing its ability to form the 9-1-1 complex or bind the ATR activator TopBP1. Disruption of the RAD9-RPA interaction also impairs ATR signaling to CHK1 and causes hypersensitivity to both DNA damage and replication stress. Thus, the basic cleft of the RPA70 N-terminal OB-fold domain binds multiple checkpoint proteins, including RAD9, to promote ATR signaling.
New polyacrylamide gel‐based methods of sample preparation for optical microscopy: immobilization of DNA molecules for optical mapping

New methods have been developed for rapid immobilization of biological macromolecules and other microscopic objects from aqueous solution at gel/gel, gel/solid and gel/solution interfaces using thin polyacrylamide gels covalently bound to glass surfaces. When quickly spread over a dry gel, an aqueous sample loses most of its water and low-molecular-weight solutes due to migration of these components into the gel. All optically observable objects thus become concentrated at the gel surface and may be easily located by light microscopy. Based on this, a procedure for binding DNA at a positively charged gel/solution interface was developed. A mild immobilization of the DNA molecules was obtained, allowing ‘all in focus’ observations of DNA digestion by restriction endonucleases with an apparent rate close to that in solution.
Sequential Therapy with Saratin, Bevacizumab and Ilomastat to Prolong Bleb Function following Glaucoma Filtration Surgery in a Rabbit Model

To determine if sequential treatment with Bevacizumab (Avastin), a monoclonal, VEGF antibody that blocks angiogenesis; Saratin, a 12 kD polypeptide with anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties; and Ilomastat, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, prolongs bleb life following glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) in a rabbit model. Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits (eight rabbits per group) underwent GFS in the left eye. Group 1 received a perioperative injection of both Saratin and Bevacizumab, and later, subconjuctival injections of Ilomastat on days 8 and 15. Group 2 received only Saratin perioperatively, and also received Ilomastat injections on days 8 and 15. Group 3, the negative control, received a single perioperative injection of Balanced Saline Solution (BSS) along with post-operative BSS injections on days 8 and 15. Group 4, the positive control, received topical treatment with Mitomycin-C (MMC) at the time of surgery with no further treatment. Blebs were evaluated by an observer masked to treatment every third day. Histology was obtained on two eyes in each group on post-op day twelve as well as all eyes following bleb failure. Eyes in group 1 had a mean bleb survival time of 29 ± 2.7 days, whereas those in group 2 that received the experimental treatment without Bevacizumab had a mean survival time of 25.5 ± 2.7 days. An ANOVA test showed that the Saratin/Ilomastat/Bevacizumab group demonstrated a significant prolongation of bleb survival compared to the BSS control-mean survival time of 19.7 ±2.7 days-(p = 0.0252) and was not significantly different from the MMC positive control group (p = 0.4238)-mean survival time of 32.5 ± 3.3. From tissue histology at day 12, the four different groups showed marked differences in the cellularity and capsule fibrosis. The MMC eyes showed minimal cellularity, were avascular and had minimal fibrous tissue. BSS group showed high cellularity, moderate to high fibrosis, and thicker and more defined capsules than either of the treatment groups and the positive control. Both the Saratin/Ilomastat/Bevacizumab and Saratin/Ilomastat only eyes showed moderate cellularity with minimal fibrosis, with less cellularity and fibrosis present in the triple treatment group. Sequential therapy with multiple agents, including Bevacizumab, prolonged bleb function following GFS in the rabbit model and were significantly better than the negative BSS control. The experimental group did not show the same surface tissue histological thinning and side effects associated with MMC treatment.