cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The intragenic enhancer of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 contains functional AP-1 binding sites

An intragenic enhancer in the pol gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 has previously been identified (Verdin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:4874-4878, 1990). This element is composed of two subdomains both exhibiting phorbol ester-inducible enhancing activity on the viral thymidine kinase promoter in HeLa cells. Examination of the nucleotide sequence of one of these domains (nucleotides 4079 to 4342, HXB2 isolate) revealed the presence of three short DNA regions highly homologous to the recognition site for cellular transcription factor AP-1. Two short oligonucleotides containing these AP-1 sites each functioned as a phorbol ester-inducible enhancer when cloned upstream of the thymidine kinase promoter and transfected into HeLa cells. Gel mobility shift assays and competition experiments using the same two oligonucleotides demonstrated that they bound affinity-purified AP-1 or AP-1 present in uninduced and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced HeLa nuclear extracts. Footprinting experiments confirmed that all three predicted sites bound purified AP-1. These results suggest that the AP-1 factor could play a role in the transcriptional regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gene expression.
Integration of construct and external validity by means of proximal similarity

Abstract This paper applies the concept of proximal similarity to issues concerning the effective design of laboratory experiments in marketing. Proximal similarity focuses attention on the extent to which experimental procedures capture the distinctive characteristics of the marketing phenomenon under study. It requires a rethinking of the relationship between external validity and construct validity. The paper argues that proximal similarity is particularly crucial to an applied science, such as marketing, and concludes with suggestions on how the validity of laboratory experiments in marketing might be improved.
Changes in human bone marrow fat content associated with changes in hematopoietic stem cell numbers and cytokine levels with aging

Hematological deficiencies increase with aging, including anemias, reduced responses to hematopoietic stress and myelodysplasias. This investigation tested the hypothesis that increased bone marrow (BM) fat content in humans with age was associated with decreased numbers of side population (SP) hematopoietic stem cells, and this decrease correlated with changes in cytokine levels. BM was obtained from the femoral head and trochanteric region of the femur removed at surgery for total hip replacement (N = 100 subjects). In addition, BM from cadavers (N = 36), with no evidence of hip disease, was evaluated for fat content. Whole trabecular marrow samples were ground in a sterile mortar and pestle, and cellularity and lipid content determined. Marrow cells were stained with Hoechst dye and SP profiles were acquired. Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1 and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured using ELISA. Fat content in the BM of human subjects and cadavers increased with age. The numbers of SP stem cells in BM as well as plasma IGF-1 and SDF-1 levels decreased in correlation with increased BM fat. IL-6 had no relationship to changes in marrow fat. These data suggest that increased BM fat may be associated with a decreased number of SP stem cells and IGF-1 and SDF-1 levels with aging. These data further raise a more general question as to the role of adipose cells in the regulation of tissue stem cells.
From Pigs to Hogs

In March 2012, Greece conducted one of the biggest and most brutal sovereign debt restructurings ever, asking holders of Greek government bonds to take net present value haircuts of near 80 percent. Greece forced acquiescence to its terms from a large number of its bonds by using a variety of legal strong-arm tactics. With the vast majority of Greek bonds, the tactics worked. There were, however, thirty-six bonds guaranteed by the Greek state, which, because of the weakness of the underlying companies, were effectively obligations of the Greek state. Yet, on these thirty-six bonds, even though Greece desperately needed every euro of respite it could get, no restructuring was even attempted. Why not? The answer we received was that the guarantees escaped the restructuring because their contractual provisions made them much harder to restructure than the ordinary Greek government bonds. Assuming this contract-based claim to be true, the foregoing, in combination with the Euro area crisis of 2010-2014 throws up an opportunity to test the extent to which markets price legal differences in bond contract terms. We report evidence that the markets did price in at least some of the advantage that guaranteed bonds had over ordinary sovereign bonds in the months immediately prior to the March 2012 restructuring.
Nature of the Genetic Determinant Controlling Exfoliative Toxin Production in Staphylococcus aureus

Phage group II Staphylococcus aureus has been identified as the etiological agent of the staphylococcal scaleded skin syndrome. The development of an animal model system permitted fulfillment of Koch's postulates and recognition of exfoliative toxin (ET) as being responsible for some of the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. Initial studies directed toward associating a lysogenic phage with the genetic control of ET synthesis failed to support this hypothesis. Growth of two Tox(+) strains at 44 C was more effective than growth in ethidium bromide or sodium dodecyl sulfate in eliminating the ability to produce ET. The early and rapid accumulation of ET-negative (Tox(-)) variants during growth of strain UT 0007 at 44 C, the lack of any selective advantage of the Tox(-) variants over Tox(+) cells during growth at 44 C, and an enhanced elimination frequency at 44 C of 97.9% over the spontaneous frequency of loss strongly suggest that the gene for ET synthesis is extrachromosomal. Additional evidence suggests that this gene is located on a plasmid which is not associated with genes for penicillinase synthesis and cadmium resistance. Two Tox(+) strains harbored lysogenic phage capable of transducing cadmium resistance, but not penicillin resistance, to specific Tox(-) recipients.
Structural design of tunnels – how reliable are the results of numerical calculations? Investigation using a 3D model for a mined underground railway station

State-of-the-art material laws in numerical models make it possible to integrate the structural design and the ultimate limit state analysis into the numerical model (“Implicit design”). The material laws limit the stresses to values, which the material can bear. Partial factors of safety on the load and resistance sides can also be taken into account. Using the example of a time-independent, 3D mathematical model for an underground railway station with tunnel junctions, which is being constructed by mining in soft soil, this paper investigates to what extent the material laws and the mathematical model fulfill the requirements laid down in the Eurocode for ultimate limit state analysis and how near these results are to the real situation. Some simplifications and weaknesses of the mathematical model are explained, their effect on the results investigated and evaluated in relation to the uncertainties in the characteristics available for materials. Suggestions are made as to how the effects of defects in the model in an unsafe direction can be avoided. Further aspects, which can affect the reliability of calculations, are also pointed out. Hochwertige Stoffgesetze in Berechnungsmodellen erlauben es, die Bemessung und den Tragsicherheitsnachweis in das numerische Modell zu integrieren (“Implizite Bemessung”): Die Stoffgesetze begrenzen die Spannungen auf Werte, die das Material ertragen kann. Auch Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte auf Last- und Widerstandsseite konnen erfasst werden. Am Beispiel des zeitabhangigen, raumlichen Rechenmodells fur eine U-Bahnstation mit Tunnelverschneidungen, die in bergmannischer Bauweise im Lockergestein hergestellt wird, wird untersucht, wie weit die Stoffgesetze und das Rechenmodell die in den Eurocodes festgelegten Anforderungen zum Nachweis der Tragsicherheit erfullen und wie realitatsnah die Berechnungsergebnisse sind. Es werden einige Vereinfachungen und Schwachen des Rechenmodells beleuchtet, ihre Auswirkungen auf das Ergebnis untersucht und in Relation zu den Unsicherheiten bei den zur Verfugung stehenden Materialkennwerten bewertet. Vorschlage werden unterbreitet, wie Auswirkungen von Modellfehlern auf der unsicheren Seite vermieden werden konnen. Auf weitere Aspekte, die die Zuverlassigkeit von Berechnungen beeintrachtigen konnen, wird ebenfalls hingewiesen.
The Education of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students.

In this study, the researcher has examined and presented the perceptions and attitudes of K-12 school teachers regarding students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In addition, these same teachers were asked to evaluate their own professional preparations that might enable them to identify and effectively teach these students. This researcher conducted an in depth study in a Northwest Florida School District (Escambia Co.), and a Nodaway County School District in Missouri. A proportionate, stratified, random sample of 300 K-12 regular education teachers, special education teachers, school counselors, and therapists was used for the survey. In addition, a case study was conducted of 30 members from each school district. The findings of these studies, plus previous research and current literature all indicate that these educators were not professionally prepared to identify, understand and work with culturally, and linguistically diverse students.
PYK2: a calcium-sensitive protein tyrosine kinase activated in response to fertilization of the zebrafish oocyte.

Abstract Fertilization begins with binding and fusion of a sperm with the oocyte, a process that triggers a high amplitude calcium transient which propagates through the oocyte and stimulates a series of preprogrammed signal transduction events critical for zygote development. Identification of the pathways downstream of this calcium transient remains an important step in understanding the basis of zygote quality. The present study demonstrates that the calcium-calmodulin sensitive protein tyrosine kinase PYK2 is a target of the fertilization-induced calcium transient in the zebrafish oocyte and that it plays an important role in actin-mediated events critical for sperm incorporation. At fertilization, PYK2 was activated initially at the site of sperm–oocyte interaction and was closely associated with actin filaments forming the fertilization cone. Later PYK2 activation was evident throughout the entire oocyte cortex, however activation was most intense over the animal hemisphere. Fertilization-induced PYK2 activation could be blocked by suppressing calcium transients in the ooplasm via injection of BAPTA as a calcium chelator. PYK2 activation could be artificially induced in unfertilized oocytes by injection of IP3 at concentrations sufficient to induce calcium release. Functionally, suppression of PYK2 activity by chemical inhibition or by injection of a dominant-negative construct encoding the N-terminal ERM domain of PKY2 inhibited formation of an organized fertilization cone and reduced the frequency of successful sperm incorporation. Together, the above findings support a model in which PYK2 responds to the fertilization-induced calcium transient by promoting reorganization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton to form the fertilization cone.
An AFM study of the morphological features that affect wetting at crude oil–water–mica interfaces

Abstract Crude oil is typically produced from subsurface rock formations that consist of extensive pore networks filled with oil, water, and gas phases. Such systems exhibit significant heterogeneities in wetting properties due in part to mineralogy, but oil composition, connate water chemistry, and saturation history of the pores can be even more influential. Crude oils contain many polar compounds that can adsorb on mineral surfaces, changing their effective wetting. Most of what is known about crude oil/brine/rock interactions, however, has been inferred from contact angle measurements. There is little direct information about the complex morphology of adsorbed and deposited materials that alter wettability. Atomic force microscopy—optimized for the study of soft material in a variety of fluid environments—is used in this study to observe micron- and nanometer-scale changes in topography on mica surfaces before and after exposure to crude oil. Density of coverage and film structure are related to exposure time and crude oil chemistry. Asphaltene aggregates and other features that form a continuous surface film are resolved with this technique that, coupled with contact angle measurements, provides a powerful method for examining the mechanisms that control wettability in crude oil/brine/rock systems.
Observations on development, larval growth and metamorphosis of four species of aplysiidae (gastropoda: Opisthobranchia) in laboratory culture

Abstract The development of simple, reliable techniques for the laboratory culture of aplysiid gastropods through their complete life cycle, has enabled us to study the larval biology, metamorphosis, and early juvenile development of these animals. Egg masses, duration of the embryonic phase, veligers, and larval growth and development are described for four species of Hawaiian Aplysiidae, namely, Aplysia dactylomela Rang, Aplysia Juliana Quoy and Gaimard, Dolabella auricularia (Lightfoot) and Stylocheilus longicauda (Quoy and Gaimard). Metamorphosis and early juvenile development of A. Juliana are described in detail with additional comments on these processes in the other three species. Length of the embryonic phase and size of the veliger at hatching are a function of the size of the uncleaved egg. All four species develop planktotrophically and have ≈ 30-day larval phases. In each species the larval phase includes a period of rapid shell growth to a species-specific size followed by a non-growth period during which other morphological developments occur to culminate in metamorphic competence. The larvae of each species metamorphose preferentially on a particular species of benthic algae. The events of metamorphosis require 2 to 4 days for completion and transform the planktonic filter-feeding larva into a benthic, radular-feeding juvenile. Postlarval development includes growth of the shell, parapodia, oral tentacles, rhinophores, anal siphon, and structures of the mantle cavity.
Sociolinguistics and the teaching of foreign languages

Abstract People living in a given culture generally are not conscious of the laws that govern their linguistic system, yet they can immediately recognize if a speaker is using the system correctly. The so-called hidden rules comprise a major part of sociolinguistics. It is the purpose in this paper to relate some specific examples of sociolinguistic principles as they affect language teaching. Although the examples are taken from Portuguese, the situations are intended to apply to the teaching of foreign langages in general. The first part of the study treats practical matters of gathering sociolinguistic data. In the ensuing sections on phonology and syntax the discrepancy between actual language use and typical learning materials is presented and suggestions for improvement are offered. The part on interactional rules purports to show one area of neglect in traditional teaching materials. The final section summarizes ideas on the importance of broadening language learning to include research from sociolinguistics.
Flux of Potential Vorticity Substance: A Simple Derivation and a Uniqueness Property

Abstract It is well known that even in the presence of diabatic effects a conservation law exists for potential vorticity Q in the form ∂(ρQ)/∂t + ∇·J = 0, where J is a flux of potential vorticity substance. A new and extremely simple proof of this result is presented that uses only one fact: the vorticity vector is nondivergent. The flux vector derived by this method differs from that of Haynes and McIntyre by a divergence-free vector, calling attention to the nonuniqueness of J. It is proved, however, that the Haynes–McIntyre flux vector is the unique choice that is the sum of a purely advective flux and a nonadvective flux that depends linearly on local heating rate and frictional forces.
The capacity for nitrate regulation of root hydraulic properties correlates with species’ nitrate uptake rates

A mechanism whereby water flow towards root surfaces is stimulated when exposed to nutrient patches may be evolutionarily desirable in environments with heterogeneous soils. Indeed, the presence of nitrate has been shown to increase root hydraulic conductance in a few agricultural species characterized by high nitrate demand. Does a similar stimulation of root conductivity in response to external nitrate addition exist among wild type organisms? To answer this question, we studied and compared the effect of a sudden increase of nitrate concentration on root hydraulic properties in seven species. These included three agricultural species (Cucumis sativus L., Solanum esculentum L., Zea mays L.) and four wild type species (Arabidopsis thaliana L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Populus trichocarpa Torr.&Gray, Nephrolepis exaltata L.). The selected species differed in overall nitrate demand and specific nitrate uptake rates. Changes in root hydraulic conductance induced by nitrate varied from non-existent (N. exaltata L.) to more than 50% increases (Z. mays L.). The magnitude of the hydraulic response to nitrate presence was significantly correlated with species nitrate uptake rate. This finding suggests an emergent physiological trait that links together plant nitrate needs, nitrate availability and root hydraulic properties.
Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms: Four Case Reports and Literature Review

Aneurysms of the pulmonary artery are proven to be a very rare entity. Association with structural cardiac anomalies, structural vascular anomalies, pulmonary hypertension, vasculitis, and infection has been noted. Surgical intervention of symptomatic aneurysms is recommended. A more detailed study of the natural history of these aneurysms is needed. Here, we report four cases of pulmonary artery aneurysms as well as a brief review of the literature existing on this subject. The first case is of a 41-year-old woman with the aneurysm located 1 cm distal to the pulmonary valve extending to the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. The second case is of a 76-year-old woman with a large aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery and the left pulmonary artery. The third case is of a 61-year-old woman with an aneurysm of the common pulmonary artery and right pulmonary artery. The fourth case is of a 28-year-old woman with a 5-cm symptomatic aneurysm extending from the valve up to the pulmonary bifurcation. Surgical excision and reconstruction was ordered for cases 1, 2, and 4.
Amplitude modulated dynamics and bifurcations in the resonant response of a structure with cyclic symmetry

Periodic structures with cyclic symmetry are often used as idealized models of physical systems and one such model structure is considered. It consists ofn identical particles, arranged in a ring, interconnected by extensional springs with nonlinear stiffness characteristics, and hinged to the ground individually by nonlinear torsional springs. These cyclic structures that, in their linear approximations, are known to possess pairwise double degenerate natural frequencies with orthogonal normal modes, are studied for their forced response when nonlinearities are taken into account. The method of averaging is used to study the nonlinear interactions between the pairs of modes with identical natural frequencies. The external harmonic excitation is spatially distributed like one of the two modes and is orthogonal to the other mode. A careful bifurcation analysis of the amplitude equations is undertaken in the case of resonant forcing. The response of the structure is dependent on the amplitude of forcing, the excitation frequency, and the damping present. For sufficiently large forcing, the response does not remain restricted to the directly excited mode, as both the directly excited and the orthogonal modes participate in it. These coupled-mode responses arise due to pitchfork bifurcations from the single-mode responses and represent traveling wave solutions for the structure. Depending on the amount of damping, the coupled-mode responses can undergo Hopf bifurcations leading to complicated amplitude-modulated motions of the structure. The amplitude-modulated motions exhibit period-doubling bifurcations to chaotic amplitude-modulations, multiple chaotic attractors as well as “crisis”. The existence of chaotic amplitude dynamics is related to the presence of Sil'nikov-type conditions for the averaged equations.
Energy Spectrum of the Beta-Rays of Radium E

The energy distribution curve for the beta-ray spectrum of radium E has been measured. The spectrum was found to have a maximum at 3.87 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{5}$ electron volts and an endpoint at (15.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.28) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{5}$ electron volts corresponding to an ${H}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$ of 6604\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}98. The spectrum was obtained by the magnetic focusing method and the particles were counted by a Geiger counter. The absorption of the beta-rays in the counter window was determined and allowed for. The large number of very low energy beta-rays found by H. O. Richardson was not confirmed. The energy distribution found does not agree with that of Fermi's theory. The results obtained are compared with those of previous investigators.
Theory of Polarization of Nucleons Scattered Elastically by Nuclei

A study of the nucleon polarization to be expected when nucleons are elastically scattered from nuclei is presented. The polarization effect is a consequence of the fact that the nucleon-nucleus interaction may be represented as a complex spin-dependent potential. The existence of such a potential is suggested by the nuclear shell model and the spin dependence of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. Qualitative arguments are advanced to determine this potential in terms of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. Although the polarization effect is by no means confined to elastic scattering, it is in this case particularly useful, since the large diffraction cross sections observed experimentally insure relatively high yields of polarized particles. A number of theoretical studies have been carried out, for both neutron and proton scattering, which show that almost full polarization can occur. The calculations have been carried out by using the W.K.B. approximation as usually applied to the nuclear optical model. The method has been checked by carrying out an exact phase shift analysis for a particular case. The results show that studies of nucleon polarization can illuminate some aspects of nuclear structure, since the polarization depends on the particular nucleus used as a target as well as upon the form of the interaction.
The application of the standard of care doctrine to psychological testing

Malpractice issues surrounding clinical psychologists' misuse of diagnostic testing are examined. Common forms of misuse are contrasted with appropriate standards of use for six frequently administered tests: The WAIS-R, WISC-R, Rorschach, TAT, Bender Gestalt, and MMPI. It is argued that not only negligent and unethical conduct but also intentional malfeasance may be construed when a qualified specialist applies unstandardized procedures which lack scientific authenticity. Suggestions are provided to both psychologists and attorneys to reduce the misuse of psychological tests in clinical and forensic evaluations.
Positive and negative regulation of squalene synthase (ERG9), an ergosterol biosynthetic gene, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To identify regulatory cis-elements in the proximal promoter of the yeast ERG9 squalene synthase gene, promoter deletion analysis was performed. This approach identified two regulatory elements, one an upstream repressing cis-element (URS), and the other an upstream activating cis-element (UAS). Electromobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated that distinct proteins bind each element. Genetic screens were performed to identify yeast mutants that altered expression of ERG9 promoter-reporter gene fusions. Three non-ergosterol biosynthetic pathway genes were identified. A mutation in TPO1(YLL028W) led to a 5.5-fold increase in ERG9 expression while mutations in YER064C and SLK19 (YOR195W) led to a 3.1- and 5.6-fold decrease, respectively. Deletion analysis of these genes demonstrated that TPO1 and SLK19 specifically regulated ERG9 expression when tested with several different promoter-reporter gene fusions. Additionally, EMSAs demonstrated that extracts derived from the TPO1 deletion strain was unable to shift the repressing cis-element while protein extracts from the SLK19 deletion strain had a reduced shift of the activating cis-element. Furthermore, these two mutants showed quantitative differences in sterols and antifungal drug susceptibilities consistent with their role in regulating ERG9 expression.
“It is Not Just about Me”: A Relational Understanding of Young Women's Sexual Negotiations

Social work has historically been reactive in approaching young women's sexuality, often focusing on the consequences of unintended pregnancy. This pattern has inadvertently perpetuated the silencing of young women's sexual selves, leaving them vulnerable in sexual decision making. This article presents a new conceptual model to explore relational influences on young women's sexual negotiations. It extends the theory of planned behavior, previously used to predict contraceptive use, by incorporating the self‐in‐relation model, which addresses gender differences in decision making. A case scenario depicts how practitioners can explore the difficulties of sexual negotiation and develop possible solutions in a manner that is consistent with young women's lived experiences.
Fitting anxious emotion-focused intervention into the ecology of schools: results from a test anxiety program evaluation.

Emotion-focused prevention and intervention efforts in schools have been promoted as a significant developmental and public health priority. This paper reports the results of a longitudinal study testing central premises of a school-based prevention model aimed at promoting positive emotional development through targeting test anxiety. Test anxiety interventions may be a practical strategy for conducting emotion-focused prevention and intervention efforts because of a natural fit within the ecology of the school setting. At-risk youth (n = 1,048) from urban public schools were screened and 325 with elevated test anxiety were offered the intervention in one of two waves (immediate intervention vs. waitlist). The intervention was associated with decreases in test anxiety, anxiety disorder, and depression symptoms. Critically, results suggest high participant satisfaction and growth curve analysis of follow-up assessments (end of the year, the next school year, and a subsequent school year) demonstrated positive developmental trajectories consistent with predictions (e.g., initial change in test anxiety predicted change in other symptoms). Findings provide evidence for the ecological validity of targeting test anxiety in school-based, emotion-focused prevention efforts.
Gender impacts behavioral and neurochemical adaptations in ethanol- dependent rats

Previous investigations have found gender differences in the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on ethanol withdrawal behaviors as well as GABA(A) receptor gene expression. The present investigation extended these studies with additional behavioral and neurochemical measures of ethanol dependence and withdrawal. No significant gender differences in the elevated plus-maze assessment of ethanol withdrawal anxiety behaviors were found. However, the neuroactive steroid, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, increased exploratory behavior in ethanol withdrawn female, but not male, rats. GABA(A) receptor binding assays showed potent competition of [35S]TBPS binding by 3alpha,5alpha-THP. Control females displayed a decreased affinity for 3alpha,5alpha-THP compared to control males, as evidenced by a nearly 30% increase in the IC50 value. There was no significant effect of ethanol withdrawal on 3alpha,5alpha-THP modulation of [35S]TBPS binding. However, gender differences were observed in the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on GABA(A) receptor subunit peptide levels in the hypothalamus. Female rats had a significant increase in peptide levels for the alpha2 and alpha3 but not alpha4 subunit, whereas male rats displayed a significant increase in alpha4 and alpha3 but not alpha2 subunits compared to pair-fed control levels. Chronic ethanol-induced alterations in gene expression in the hypothalamus did not coincide with previous findings in the cerebral cortex. In particular, male rats showed an increase in alpha1 subunit peptide levels in the hypothalamus, whereas significant decreases in this subunit have been observed in the cerebral cortex. Both female and male rats showed significant increases in the alpha3 subunit in the hypothalamus but not the cerebral cortex. Taken together, these studies provide additional support for gender-selective effects of chronic ethanol-elicited adaptations at the molecular level.
Creating our future.

The evolving health-care system in the United States increasingly rewards successful efforts to keep people healthier and more productive. This is exactly what applied psychophysiology and biofeedback have to offer. However, if we wait to be included in the system, we will wait forever. Inclusion can only come as a result of our efforts to educate decision-makers about the value of our research and services. That education won't take place unless we have an instructional plan and materials. Detailing that plan and producing those materials is the immediate challenge to this Association.
Application of a geographic information system to explore associations between air pollution and micronucleus frequencies in African American children and adults.

Exposure to air pollution has been associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes in both children and adults. In this study, we used geographic information systems (GISs) to explore possible associations between chromosomal damage in 65 African American children and their mothers from Oakland, California, and both proximity to traffic and regional ozone levels. Study participants were interviewed at the Healthy Child Clinic of Children's Hospital, Oakland, and their blood and buccal cells were collected for assessment of chromosomal damage by the micronucleus (MN) assay. Regional ozone levels, which decreased from April to November with a secondary peak in late summer, were highly correlated with season by month (r = −0.84, P = 0.02) and strongly associated with MN frequency (frequency ratio (FR): 3.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–8.72) in both cell types of children and adults. Additionally, MN frequencies were modestly associated with individual measures of traffic density in children (FR = 2.45, 95% CI= 0.86–7.10), but not in adults; this suggests a greater vulnerability to traffic-related air pollution in children. Smoking in the household also increased MN frequency in the lymphocytes of children (FR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.01–1.24) and adults (FR: 1.06, 95%CI: 0.99–1.13), whereas vitamin use in adults decreased MN frequency in both lymphocytes and buccal cells (FR: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.02–1.31; FR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.03–1.18, respectively). Our data indicate that GIS-generated measures of traffic density for individual households augment regional ozone monitoring data used to assess effects of air pollution. This approach helped to demonstrate elevated cytogenetic damage in exposed minority children. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of NMR Spectroscopy in the Synthesis and Characterization of Air- and Water-Stable Silicon Nanoparticles from Porous Silicon

Air- and water-stable silicon nanocrystals were prepared by the bromine oxidation of porous silicon nanoparticles followed by reaction with n-butyllithium. Transmission electron microscopy suggests that the vigorous oxidation of porous silicon under reflux conditions removes the porous layer from the nanoparticle to expose a crystalline silicon core that can be passivated with organic ligands. A combination of infrared, ultraviolet/visible, and photoluminescence demonstrate the presence of small crystalline silicon particles and saturated hydrocarbon ligands, while solid- and liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies establish that butyl ligands are localized on the nanocrystal surface. All of these analytical methods suggest that the product of this synthesis is stable in air and water indefinitely.
Thumbnail-Preserving Encryption for JPEG

With more and more data being stored in the cloud, securing multimedia data is becoming increasingly important. Use of existing encryption methods with cloud services is possible, but makes many web-based applications difficult or impossible to use. In this paper, we propose a new image encryption scheme specially designed to protect JPEG images in cloud photo storage services. Our technique allows efficient reconstruction of an accurate low-resolution thumbnail from the ciphertext image, but aims to prevent the extraction of any more detailed information. This will allow efficient storage and retrieval of image data in the cloud but protect its contents from outside hackers or snooping cloud administrators. Experiments of the proposed approach using an online selfie database show that it can achieve a good balance of privacy, utility, image quality, and file size.
Separation of amino acids on ion exchange resin papers. Dependence of Rf values on pH and ionic strength.

Fifteen amino acids have been chromatographed on paper impregnated with an ion exchange resin of the sulfonic acid type. The Rf values have been determined at various pH and ionic strengths of the buffer eluant. By means of several chromatograms of appropriate pH values and ionic strengths, most amino acids can be separated and identified in about 2 hours. The ion exchange resin papers can be regenerated and used again.
Aero-Sol−Gel Synthesis of Nanostructured Silica Powders

Nanostructured silica powders are synthesized by a nonpyrolytic, room-temperature aero-sol−gel process. Hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) precursors produce nanosized silica powders that have specific surface areas greater than 400 m2/g. This paper reports on a novel synthetic approach and characterization of the morphology, particle growth process, surface area, and chemical composition using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), N2 adsorption, and elemental analysis. Structural models for the morphology and growth process of the silica particles are suggested. The effects of reactant temperature and powder sintering on the specific surface area of silica are discussed.
Anarchy, Geography and Drift

: The consumerist economies of the late modern city, in combination with contemporary models of urban policing, operate to close down the public spaces of social life. In response, social groups dedicated to democratic urbanism utilize anarchic tactics of “dis-organization” and direct action to reopen public space and to revitalize it with unregulated activity. Complicating and animating these spatial conflicts is the issue of drift. On the one hand, consumerist economies and contemporary policing strategies exacerbate urban drift, spawning the very sorts of spatial transgression they seek to control. On the other hand, many of the progressive movements that battle for open space and alternative economic arrangements themselves embrace a culture of drift, and explore drift for its anarchic and progressive potential. In this context drift can usefully be investigated as an emergent form of epistemology, community, and spatial politics. Resumo: O consumismo economico nas cidades da modernidade tardia, juntamente com os modelos contemporâneos de policiamento urbano, operam no sentido de restringir os espacos publicos da vida social. Em reacao, grupos sociais dedicados a democracia urbana utilizam taticas anarquistas de “des-organizacao” e acao direta e focam sua acao na reabertura e na revitalizacao do espaco publico atraves de atividades nao reguladas. Complicando e animando estes conflitos espaciais e o assunto de “drift” ou a deslocalizacao e movimento constante do sujeito. De um lado, o consumismo economico e as estrategias de policiamento contemporâneo exacerbam estas deslocalizacoes urbanas, contribuindo para a difusao dos tipos de transgressao que procuram controlar. Por outro lado, muitos movimentos progressistas que lutam pela abertura do espaco e por alternativas economicas abracam uma cultura de deslocalizacao, explorando seu potencial anarquico e progressista. Neste contexto, a deslocalizacao pode ser explorada como formas emergentes de epistemologia, comunidade e politicas espaciais.
Concomitant speech, language, and learning problems in adult stutterers and in members of their families

Abstract The members of two stuttering organizations were surveyed to determine the incidence of other speech, language, and learning problems in stutterers and in members of their families. Information from 190 stutterers was obtained and analyzed. Results indicated that a significant percentage of our sample of stutterers had a history of delayed language development and articulation disorders. A smaller percentage reported learning and written language problems. In addition, a number of our respondents' relatives were stutterers and/or had been delayed in language and speech development. Significant relationships were found between stuttering, articulation disorders, delayed language, and written language problems. This study provides evidence to support the hypothesis that some cases of stuttering are one manifestation of a generalized linguistic deficit that tends to run in families.
Giant Transnational Contractors in East Asia: Emergent Trends in Global Supply Chains

There is growing evidence that consolidation in consumer goods industries, with increasingly integrated production and distribution systems between large retailers and contractors, may be increasing the degree of vertical integration in global supply chains. While the growing size and power of large retailers is well recognized, little attention has been paid to a related phenomenon: the growth of giant contractors, based in East Asia, that are producing much of the world's consumer goods. This paper argues that the growth of large contractors may partially address the power asymmetry between ‘big buyers’ and their suppliers, as well as provide an avenue for the latter to move up into higher value-added activities. The emergence of giant factories may also favor labor militancy, both because of the opportunities they afford for coordinated actions among workers, and because work actions can be more disruptive of global supply chains.
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation of Hydroacoustic Signals From Marine Vessels Containing Random and Sinusoidal Components

We consider the problem of wide-band direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of hydroacoustic signals from marine vessels, which contain both random and sinusoidal components. We generalize the existing narrow-band maximum likelihood estimator to the wide-band case for DOA estimation of such signals. Our analytical comparison and numerical example show that the derived estimator provides better performance than the typical stochastic estimator.
Differential atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion: an echo tissue Doppler case study.

Abstract Left atrial stunning after cardioversion is a well-known phenomenon. It has been associated with higher risk of postcardioversion thromboemboli and increased risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation. We present a case of differential atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Diagnosis was made by pulsed wave Doppler of mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary vein inflow and mitral and tricuspid annuli. Differential mechanical atrial stunning may be a common phenomenon after cardioversion and may suggest difference in right and left atrial transport function. Its prevalence needs to be determined by a large study. Doppler tissue imaging might be routinely used in patients after cardioversion for atrial fibrillation to detect atrial stunning. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:834-7.)
The induction and characterization of recessive suppressors of arg-2 in Schizophyllum commune.

Genetic analyses have been made to detect recessive suppressor mutations in eight prototrophic strains derived by treating an arginine dependent strain with hydroxylamine. The results indicate that one strain possesses a recessive suppressor, su-1, which maps outside the arg-2 locus and is capable of suppressing auxotrophy conferred by the arg-2 mutation. This suppressor is incapable of suppressing auxotrophy conferred by eight other loci. Prototrophy in the remaining seven strains resulted from either intragenic suppression, reversion, or from a suppressor mutation that is closely linked to the arg-2 locus. The results of heterokaryotic allelic tests with the seven strains indicate that the mutation to prototrophy is recessive.
Ethnicity-dependent polymorphism in Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (SLC10A1) reveals a domain critical for bile acid substrate recognition.

The key transporter responsible for hepatic uptake of bile acids from portal circulation is Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, SLC10A1). This transporter is thought to be critical for the maintenance of enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids and hepatocyte function. Therefore, functionally relevant polymorphisms in this transporter would be predicted to have an important impact on bile acid homeostasis/liver function. However, little is known regarding genetic heterogeneity in NTCP. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms in NTCP in populations of European, African, Chinese, and Hispanic Americans. Specifically four nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with a significant loss of transport function were identified. Cell surface biotinylation experiments indicated that the altered transport activity of T668C (Ile223 → Thr), a variant seen only in African Americans, was due at least in part to decreased plasma membrane expression. Similar expression patterns were observed when the variant alleles were expressed in HepG2 cells, and plasma membrane expression was assessed using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Interestingly the C800T (Ser267 → Phe) variant, seen only in Chinese Americans, exhibited a near complete loss of function for bile acid uptake yet fully normal transport function for the non-bile acid substrate estrone sulfate, suggesting this position may be part of a region in the transporter critical and specific for bile acid substrate recognition. Accordingly, our study indicates functionally important polymorphisms in NTCP exist and that the likelihood of being carriers of such polymorphisms is dependent on ethnicity.
An Empirically Based Field-Education Model: Preparing Students for Culturally Competent Practice with New Immigrants

This article reports implementation themes and a content analysis of student portfolios and learning contracts from year one of a 4-year service/educational initiative undertaken with metropolitan schools of social work, the public child welfare agency, and community-based agencies serving new immigrants. The initiative designed, implemented and evaluated a model preparing MSW students for culturally competent preventive practice with immigrant families. The discussion identifies: emerging themes, implications, and the challenges and benefits of university–public child welfare collaborations in addressing the needs of immigrant children and their families.
Fixed-molecule photoelectron angular distributions: K -shell cross sections of CO at fixed detection angles

Photoelectron angular distributions, doubly differential in target and detector orientation, are calculated for $K$-shell ionization of carbon and oxygen in CO at the $f$-wave shape resonance in the $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\lambda}=0)$ channel (0.8-Ry kinetic energy). Dipole amplitudes are computed by the multiple-scattering formulation of inner-shell photoionization. Results are presented for several fixed-detector orientations and all possible target orientations for linearly, circularly, and naturally polarized light. Distributions are rich in structure because of the interplay of anisotropies in target and detector orientations, and serve to predict the complexity of measured distributions.
Composition of plagioclase and associated minerals in some schists from Vermont, U.S.A., and South Westland, New Zealand, with inferences about the peristerite solvus

Two suites of regionally metamorphosed semi-pelitic schists were studied in order to investigate the paragenesis of low temperature plagioclase, from which something may be inferred as to the nature of the peristerite solvus at the temperatures and pressures of formation of these rocks: one from the Gile Mountain Formation in the Hanover and Mt. Cube quadrangles, eastern Vermont, U.S.A.; the other from the Alpine schists along the Haast River, South Westland, New Zealand. Plagioclase, muscovite, biotite, chlorite, carbonate, and garnet compositions were determined with an ARL EMX electron probe microanalyzer. The variation in plagioclase composition with increasing grade in the Vermont schists suggests that the peristerite solvus is asymmetrical with a near vertical albite-rich side and a sloping oligoclase-rich side. The top of the solvus appears to lie slightly above the temperature expressed by the almandine isograd in these schists. The compositions of the coexisting albite and oligoclase in the New Zealand rocks suggest a lower geothermal gradient than in Vermont, creating a different pattern of variation in plagioclase composition. Distribution diagrams of Mg, Ti, and AlIV for muscovite-biotite and chlorite-biotite pairs in both suites of rocks support the hypothesis that the plagioclase relations observed represent equilibrium.
Emotional Meaning and the Cognitive Organization of Ethnozoological Domains

This article shows that the cognitive structure of semantic ethnozoological domains is influenced by the culturally constituted affective values of these domains. Data were collected from American undergraduates who free listed the generic constituents of four ethnozoological life-forms: birds, fish, snakes, and wugs. Participants indicated on each free list which items they liked and disliked, and which single item best represented the life-form domain. They were also asked whether they liked or disliked the exemplar and the domain. Concordance was found between the attitude toward the life form (i.e., whether it is liked or disliked) and the salience of similarly judged items, and between the attitude toward the life form and the attitude toward the exemplar. Concordance was also found between the attitude toward the exemplar and the salience of similarly judged items. The exemplars of each life-form domain are highly salient overall, and the proportion of liked and disliked items in the free lists generally corresponds with the attitude toward the life-form domain. All findings support our hypothesis that emotional meaning and culturally conditioned attitudes play a significant role in the organization of ethnozoological domains.