cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Literature Circles A Tool for Self-Determination in One Middle School Inclusive Classroom

Students in one multiage middle school inclusive classroom engaged in literature circles while reading various short stories and novels during the course of one school semester. The use of literature circles was meant to encourage students to improve their abilities to analyze literature selections as well as their self-determination in selecting literature to read and discussing their ideas. Students assessed their reading abilities before and after being introduced to literature circles. An analysis of variance between the means of pre- and postsurveys indicated that students with special needs believed literature circles helped them read, analyze, and discuss literature selections. The target group, students identified with special needs, showed a significant gain when their survey results were compared to the rest of the class. Procedures of the classroom study and emergent themes are described and interpreted in the context of an inclusive classroom.
Automated process for selection of carbon nanotube by electronic property using dielectrophoretic manipulation

This paper presents a novel and an automated selection system to separate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by their electronic properties using a dielectrophoresis-based method. CNTs have been found as promising materials for nanoelectronics due to their sizes and unique properties. Different CNTs have different electronic properties. Conventional electronic devices that are replaced by specific CNTs can possibly provide better performance and their sizes can be reduced. However, different types of CNTs aggregate together after synthesis processes, so the resulting electronic property of bundled CNTs cannot be predicted easily. Therefore, a novel classification method is necessary to separate different electronic properties of CNTs. Since the size of CNTs is in nanoscale, traditional robotic manipulation cannot be applied. Selection and manipulation of a single CNT with a specific electronic property are challenging. AC electrokinetic assembly is one of the promising methods to manipulate a CNT in the desired position. In this paper, a dielectrophoresis-based method is used to select and manipulate different types of CNTs across microelectrodes. By combining the separation and deposition system, it enables the possibility to manipulate a single CNT precisely and repeatedly, and potentially improve the yield for fabricating CNT based devices. It can also be integrated with a traditional robotic system and implemented in current manufacturing processes. As a result, a fast and batch nano-assembly of consistent nano-devices can be achieved.
Managing multiple-casualty incidents: a rural medical preparedness training assessment.

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to develop a novel training model for using mass-casualty incident (MCI) scenarios that trained hospital and prehospital staff together using Microsoft Visio, images from Google Earth and icons representing first responders, equipment resources, local hospital emergency department bed capacity, and trauma victims. The authors also tested participants’ knowledge in the areas of communications, incident command systems (ICS), and triage.MethodsParticipants attended Managing Multiple-Casualty Incidents (MCIs), a one-day training which offered pre- and post-tests, two one-hour functional exercises, and four distinct, one-hour didactic instructional periods. Two MCI functional exercises were conducted. The one-hour trainings focused on communications, National Incident Management Systems/Incident Command Systems (NIMS/ICS) and professional roles and responsibilities in NIMS and triage. The trainings were offered throughout communities in western Montana. First response resource inventories and general manpower statistics for fire, police, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and emergency department hospital bed capacity were determined prior to MCI scenario construction. A test was given prior to and after the training activities.ResultsA total of 175 firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, hospital personnel or other first-responders completed the pre- and post-test. Firefighters produced higher baseline scores than all other disciplines during pre-test analysis. At the end of the training all disciplines demonstrated significantly higher scores on the post-test when compared with their respective baseline averages. Improvements in post-test scores were noted for participants from all disciplines and in all didactic areas: communications, NIMS/ICS, and triage.ConclusionsMass-casualty incidents offer significant challenges for prehospital and emergency room workers. Fire, Police and EMS personnel must secure the scene, establish communications, define individuals’ roles and responsibilities, allocate resources, triage patients, and assign transport priorities. After emergency department notification and in advance of arrival, emergency department personnel must assess available physical resources and availability and type of manpower, all while managing patients already under their care. Mass-casualty incident trainings should strengthen the key, individual elements essential to well-coordinated response such as communications, incident management system and triage. The practice scenarios should be matched to the specific resources of the community. The authors also believe that these trainings should be provided with all disciplines represented to eliminate training “silos,” to allow for discussion of overlapping jurisdictional or organizational responsibilities, and to facilitate team building.GlowSD, ColucciVJ, AllingtonDR, NoonanCW, HallEC. Managing Multiple-Casualty Incidents: A Rural Medical Preparedness Training Assessment. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(4):1-8.
Neuroprotection with non-feminizing estrogen analogues: An overlooked possible therapeutic strategy

Abstract This article is part of a Special Issue "Hormones & Neurotrauma". Although many of the effects of estrogens on the brain are mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs), there is evidence that neuroprotective activity of estrogens can be mediated by non-ER mechanisms. Herein, we review the substantial evidence that estrogens neuroprotection is in large part non-ER mediated and describe in vitro and in vivo studies that support this conclusion. Also, we described our drug discovery strategy for capitalizing on enhancement in neuroprotection while at the same time, reducing ER binding of a group of synthetic non-feminizing estrogens. Finally, we offer evidence that part of the neuroprotection of these non-feminizing estrogens is due to enhancement in redox potential of the synthesized compounds.
Crop Rotation and Tillage Effects on Phosphorus Distribution in the Central Great Plains

The fate and availability of soil P in the central Great Plains may become less predictable with less tillage and more intensive crop rotations that produce more crop residue and litter than conventional-till (CT) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow (W-F). We need to evaluate these new systems relative to new P distribution patterns that may be occurring. We determined P changes in a Weld silt loam soil (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic aridic Paleustoll) in predetermined plots from a 5-year rotation-tillage experiment where 45 kg P ha -1 was applied in 1990, and 18 kg P ha -1 was applied to the wheat phase of the rotation thereafter. We determined changes in water-soluble P, resin-extractable P, total organic P, bicarbonate-extractable P, and phosphomonoesterase activity as a function of tillage and cropping intensity in soil from the 0- to 5-cm and 0- to 15-cm depths. Phosphorus concentration in wheat tops at an early stage was also determined to assess soil P availability. Generally, P availability indices increased significantly in the 0- to 5-cm depth with continuous cropping treatments compared with wheat-fallow treatments. The results suggest that under more intensive cropping systems P recycling through residue and litter could be an important mechanism resulting in additional plant-available P.
Adjustment of the myelin sheath to changes in axon caliber.

“Chronic” axon swellings were produced by applying a snug ligature around the sciatic nerve of rats by the fourteenth postnatal day, allowing the nerve to compress itself by its subsequent growth. The technique results in swelling of the entire myelinated fiber population proximal to the constriction, and in hypoplasia or arrested growth distal to it. “Chronic” axon swellings differed strikingly from the “reactive” axon swellings in the stumps of transected nerves in having normal or slightly below normal concentrations of axoplasmic organelles, including mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Swelling of the axons was associated with attenuation of their sheaths having normal interperiod width but fewer turns of myelin lamellae than found in normal fibers of comparable calibers. Release of the compression resulted in rapid restitution of axon swellings; the excess axoplasm was drained from the fibers and the sheaths rapidly acquired normal thickness. The magnitude of all observed changes in the sheaths of swollen and of restituted fibers was consistent with a rearrangement of the existing turns of myelin lamellae without change in the total amount of myelin. The myelin sheath appears capable of adjusting to both increases or decreases in axon size by slippage of its lamellae.
The amazing innate immune response to influenza A virus infection

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) remain a major health threat and a prime example of the significance of innate immunity. Our understanding of innate immunity to IAV has grown dramatically, yielding new concepts that change the way we view innate immunity as a whole. Examples include the role of p53, autophagy, microRNA, innate lymphocytes, endothelial cells and gut commensal bacteria in pulmonary innate immunity. Although the innate response is largely beneficial, it also contributes to major complications of IAV, including lung injury, bacterial super-infection and exacerbation of reactive airways disease. Research is beginning to dissect out which components of the innate response are helpful or harmful. IAV uses its limited genetic complement to maximum effect. Several viral proteins are dedicated to combating innate responses, while other viral structural or replication proteins multitask as host immune modulators. Many host innate immune proteins also multitask, having roles in cell cycle, signaling or normal lung biology. We summarize the plethora of new findings and attempt to integrate them into the larger picture of how humans have adapted to the threat posed by this remarkable virus. We explore how our expanded knowledge suggests ways to modulate helpful and harmful inflammatory responses, and develop novel treatments.
The kinetics of DNA methylation in cultures of a mouse adrenal cell line

Direct measurements of the methylation of newly-synthesized DNA were made in cultures of a clonal mouse adrenal cortex cell line, Y129OS3, by (1) following the incorporation of radioactivity from methionine-(methyl)-C14 into a segment of DNA which had been density-labeled with bromouracil and (2) labeling DNA cytosine with C14-deoxycytidine and then following the appearance of radioactivity in DNA 5-methylcytosine. The results establish that during exponential growth the DNA of this cell line is methylated entirely within a few minutes of its synthesis. Using the second technique described above accurate, sensitive measurements of DNA methylation levels can be made by comparing radioactivity in 5-methylcytosine to radioactivity in cytosine plus 5-methylcytosine. In this cell line 5-methylcytosine accounts for 4.3 ± 0.2% of the DNA cytosine. Some apparent contradictions between these results and those of other workers are discussed.
New method for the synthesis of fully aliphatic telechelic α,ω-dihydroxy-polyisobutylene

This paper reports a new method for the synthesis of α,ω-primary-dihydroxy PIBs (HO–PIB–OH) with a fully aliphatic backbone. Three aliphatic difunctional initiators with tertiary-methoxy, tertiary-chloride and tertiary-hydroxyl end groups (TMHDiOMe, TMHDiCl and TMHDiOH) were screened in conjunction with TiCl4 and DMA in a solution system (hexane–CH3Cl, 60/40, v/v). TMHDiOMe yielded only traces of PIB, while TMHDiOH and TMHDiCl yielded PIBs with a mixture of end group structures. The same initiators were also screened in heterogeneous systems (CH3Cl or CH2Cl2). TMHDiOMe/TiCl4 yielded no polymer in either diluent, CH3Cl, and TMHDiOH/TiCl4 led to olefinic end groups. While TMHDiCl/TiCl4 resulted in clean Cl–PIB–Cl in CH3Cl, the Ieff values were low and TMHDiCl was very unstable and difficult to isolate. Premixing TMHDiOH with TiCl4 in CH3Cl led to the in situ formation of TMHDiCl. Addition of hexane and IB, followed by end-capping with allyltrimethylsilane resulted in the formation of allyl–PIB–allyl. Click chemistry with HS–CH2–CH2–OH yielded α,ω-primary-dihydroxy-PIB (HO–PIB-OH) with Mn = 4085 g mol−1 and ĐM = 1.2. 1H-NMR analysis verified the structure of the HO–PIB–OH.
Role of preoperative MR imaging in the evaluation of patients with persistent or recurrent gynaecological malignancies before pelvic exenteration

To determine the diagnostic performance of MRI in assessing local tumour extent and evaluate associations between MRI features and survival in patients undergoing MRI before pelvic exenteration for persistent or recurrent gynaecological cancers. The study included 50 patients with persistent or recurrent gynaecological malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration between January 1999 and December 2011 and had MRI at most 90 days before surgery. Two radiologists independently assessed invasion of adjacent organs (on a 5-point scale). Diagnostic accuracy, inter-reader agreement, and associations between organ invasion on MRI and patient survival were evaluated. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for invasion of the bladder, rectum and pelvic sidewall were 0.96, 0.90 and 0.98 for reader 1 and 0.95, 0.88 and 0.90 for reader 2. Corresponding sensitivities/specificities were 87.0 %/92.6 %, 81.3 %/97.0 % and 87.5 %/97.2 % for reader 1, and 87.0 %/100.0 %, 75.0 %/97.0 % and 75.0 %/94.4 % for reader 2. Inter-reader agreement was excellent for organ invasion (κ = 0.81–0.85). Pelvic sidewall invasion on MRI was associated with overall and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.01–0.04 for the two readers). Preoperative MRI is accurate in predicting organ invasion. It may guide surgical planning and serve as a predictive biomarker in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for gynaecological malignancies. • MRI can accurately assess bladder and rectal wall invasion before major surgery. • MRI identifies patients requiring extended pelvic exenteration by detecting sidewall invasion. • Inter-reader agreement for detecting organ invasion and tumor size is excellent. • Pelvic sidewall invasion on MRI is associated with shorter overall and recurrence-free survival.
Spectral Transitions in Cygnus X-1 and Other Black Hole X-Ray Binaries

We show that the model proposed by Esin, McClintock, & Narayan for the low state, intermediate state, and high state of the black hole soft X-ray transient, Nova Muscae 1991, is consistent with the spectral evolution of the black hole X-ray binary, Cyg X-1, during the hard-to-soft state transition observed in 1996. We also apply the model to the outbursts of two other black hole X-ray transients, GRO J0422+32 and GRO J1719-24.
A high-resolution optical spectrograph for the Thirty Meter Telescope: design and performance

We have completed a conceptual design study of the High Resolution Optical Spectrograph for the Thirty Meter Telescope project. We propose the use of a fiber fed integral field unit and a dichroic tree to achieve R=100,000 spectroscopy from 310 to 1100 nm independent of AO performance. The system relies on the dichroic tree to provide coarse wavelength selection, and 32 first order spectro-graph benches. This approach allows for simultaneous optimization of grating and detector performance for all wavelengths, resulting in high efficiency, near uniform dispersion, and reduced program risk and cost due to the high degree of component commonality. We present projected performance and design details.
Program Clocks in Small Mammals

Complex patterns of time, direction, and speed of running by small nocturnal mammals in activity wheels sometimes are duplicated almost exactly from night to night. These activity pattern repetitions disclose: (i) previously unknown capabilities of biological clocks to act as sequence programmers for behavior; (ii) that animals can retain a record of the sequence and timing of their activities covering an entire night; and (iii) that the activities of one night can bias an animal toward similar behavior on subsequent nights.
Compressive spectrum sensing front-ends for cognitive radios

We propose a novel parallel mixed-signal compressive spectrum sensing architecture for Cognitive Radios (CRs) with a detailed study of the signal modeling. The mixed-signal compressive sensing is realized with a parallel segmented compressive sensing (PSCS) architecture, which not only can filter out all the harmonic spurs that leak from the local random generator, but also provides a tradeoff between the sampling rate and the system complexity such that a practical hardware implementation is possible. We consider application of the architecture to do spectrum estimation, which is the first step for spectrum sensing in CRs. The benefit of prior knowledge about the input signal's structure is explored and it is shown that this can be exploited in the PSCS architecture to greatly reduce the sampling rate.
Can the Pessimistic Induction Be Saved from Semantic Anti-Realism about Scientific Theory?

Scientific anti-realists who appeal to the pessimistic induction (PI) claim that the theoretical terms of past scientific theories often fail to refer to anything. But on standard views in philosophy of language, such reference failures prima facie lead to certain sentences being neither true nor false. Thus, if these standard views are correct, then the conclusion of the PI should be that significant chunks of current theories are truth-valueless. But that is semantic anti-realism about scientific discourse—a position most philosophers of science, anti-realists included, consider anathema today. Therefore, proponents of the PI confront a dilemma: either accept semantic anti-realism or reject common semantic views. I examine strategies (with particular emphasis on supervaluations) for the PI proponent to either lessen the sting of this argument, or learn to live with it.
An Antibody with a Variable‐Region Coiled‐Coil “Knob” Domain

The X-ray crystal structure of a bovine antibody (BLV1H12) revealed a unique structure in its ultralong heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3H) that folds into a solvent-exposed β-strand “stalk” fused to a disulfide crosslinked “knob” domain. We have substituted an antiparallel heterodimeric coiled-coil motif for the β-strand stalk in this antibody. The resulting antibody (Ab-coil) expresses in mammalian cells and has a stability similar to that of the parent bovine antibody. MS analysis of H–D exchange supports the coiled-coil structure of the substituted peptides. Substitution of the knob-domain of Ab-coil with bovine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (bGCSF) results in a stably expressed chimeric antibody, which proliferates mouse NFS-60 cells with a potency comparable to that of bGCSF. This work demonstrates the utility of this novel coiled-coil CDR3 motif as a means for generating stable, potent antibody fusion proteins with useful pharmacological properties.
Factors Affecting International Construction

A construction company's decision to expand into international markets must be based on a good understanding of the opportunities and threats associated with international business, as well as the development of company strengths relative to international activities. These factors were evaluated in this study by surveying the executives in charge of international construction of large United States based contractors. The information was collected by means of two rounds of a Delphi survey, the results of which were used as input in an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The findings indicate that track record, specialist expertise, project management capability are the most important company strengths; loss of key personnel, shortage of financial resources, and inflation and currency fluctuations are the most important threats relative to international markets; and increased long term profitability, the ability to maintain shareholders' returns, and the globalization and openness of the markets are the most important opportunities available in international works. This study is of relevance to practitioners as it systematically highlights the factors that affect international construction for the benefit of executives of medium-to-large size construction companies who are considering expanding into overseas markets. It is of relevance to researchers too as it demonstrates the successful use of the combined Delphi and AHP.
Feasibility of Early and Repeated Low-dose Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Residual Pain in Acute Cervical Radiculopathy Treated with NSAIDS

BACKGROUND To improve residual pain management in acute cervical radiculopathy treated with NSAIDs, the feasibility of early and repeated low-dose interscalene brachial plexus block (IS-BPB) needs to be assessed. METHODS This was a prospective study on patients receiving NSAIDs (loxoprofen) for cervical radiculopathy of ≤ 2-week onset. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). A low-dose ultrasonography (USG)-guided IS-BPB (dexamethasone [1.65 mg; 0.5 ml] and mepivacaine [1%; 3.0 ml]) was performed at baseline and weekly thereafter for 4 weeks in an outpatient setting for the intervention group. All patients were evaluated using a visual satisfaction score (VSS) at week 4. Patients with baseline VAS scores < 70 (mild to moderate pain; MM group) and ≥ 70 (severe pain; SE group) were compared to the controls receiving NSAIDs. RESULTS A total of 316 IS-BPBs were performed in the intervention group. There was a significant difference in the decline in the VAS from week 0 to week 3 in the MM and SE groups (P < 0.05); however, from week 3 to week 4, the therapeutic effect exhibited no significant difference. Thirteen patients at week 2 (15.5%; MM: 27.7%; SE: 0%), 43 at week 3 (51.2%; MM: 83.0%; SE: 10.8%), and 47 at week 4 (56.0%; MM: 85.1%; SE: 18.9%) achieved a VAS score of ≤ 20. Patient satisfaction was high, and the decrease in VAS scores in both groups was significant (P < 0.05) compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS Weekly, low-dose, USG-guided IS-BPB can be implemented for early pain relief in acute cervical radiculopathy, with high patient satisfaction.
Association of delay to first intervention with return of spontaneous circulation in a swine model of cardiac arrest.

Summary Objective No single drug improves survival after cardiac arrest, despite success in animal studies. We sought to determine the duration of circulatory arrest after which maximal drug treatment and a rescue shock would fail to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Design/subjects Retrospective analysis of 271 swine (20–30 kg) resuscitation attempts during ventricular fibrillation. Protocols were divided into five categories: immediate countershock, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with standard-dose drugs, CPR alone, CPR and high-dose epinephrine (CPR + HDE) (0.1 mg/kg), and CPR with a drug cocktail (CPR + DC) of propanolol (1 mg), epinephrine (adrenaline) (0.1 mg/kg) and vasopressin (40 IU). Time to first CPR, time to first drug administration, time to first shock, and protocol were examined as predictors of ROSC using logistic regression with Hosmer–Lemeshow test of fit. Probability of ROSC was calculated from logistic curves. Main results ROSC occurred in 119 of the 271 swine (44%). Time to first drug and the CPR + DC group were predictors of ROSC. Time to first CPR, the CPR + DC group, and the CPR + HDE group were also predictors of ROSC. Time to first rescue shock, the CPR + DC group, and the CPR + HDE groups were predictors of ROSC. In the CPR + DC group, 50% ROSC occurred at a first CPR time of 13.4 min, first drug time of 14.1 min and first rescue shock time of 17.5 min. Conclusions Pre-shock delivery of CPR + DC increases the likelihood of ROSC, and reaches 50% with a time of drug delivery of 14.1 min. ROSC rates of 50% may be achievable using an optimized resuscitation in experimental CPR.
The design of structured regular LDPC codes with large girth

The paper introduces three new classes of structured regular (n, 2, k) LDPC codes with girth 12, 16, and 20, respectively. These codes are systematically constructed, well structured, and have uniform row and column weights, which make them able to simplify greatly the implementation of LDPC coders. Their large girth improves their decoding performance. Simulation results compare their bit error rate (BER) performance over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels with randomly constructed LDPC codes. When concatenated with error-correcting codes such as Reed-Solomon codes, LDPC codes with j=2 are promising for data storage and other applications.
Principle of equivalent utility and universal variable life insurance pricing

In this paper we study the pricing problem for a class of universal variable life (UVL) insurance products, using the idea of principle of equivalent utility. As the main features of UVL products we allow the (death) benefit to depend on certain indices or assets that are not necessarily tradable (e.g., pension plans), and we also consider the “multiple decrement” cases in which various status of the insured are allowed and the benefit varies in accordance with the status. Following the general theory of indifference pricing, we formulate the pricing problem as stochastic control problems, and derive the corresponding HJB equations for the value functions. In the case of exponential utilities, we show that the prices can be expressed explicitly in terms of the global, bounded solutions of a class of semilinear parabolic PDEs with exponential growth. In the case of general insurance models where multiple decrements and random time benefit payments are all allowed, we show that the price should be determine...
Rodent models of depression: learned helplessness using a triadic design in rats.

Certain types of human depression are precipitated by stressful life events, and vulnerable individuals experiencing these stressors may develop clinical depression. Understanding the neurobiology of stress vulnerability (depression) as well as stress resiliency (coping) is critical for guiding the development of novel pharmacotherapeutic agents for stress-related disorders such as depression in humans. The use of a triadic design (escapable shock, yoked-inescapable shock and restrained control) allows the investigator to examine the various sequella of stress exposure, while manipulating and quantifying the impact of psychological dynamics of stress such as active behavioral coping (i.e., stress control). Both escape and yoked subjects are exposed to the identical amount, intensity, pattern and duration of stress. The critical distinction between these two groups is that the escape group has the opportunity to terminate the shock stress by turning a wheel at the front of a chamber, while wheel-turning for the yoked subject is of no consequence. Any difference observed between the escape and yoked subjects is a result of the effects of coping, rather than stress exposure per se. The restrained group is included to control for the effects of handling. Any differences between this group and the escape and yoked subjects reflects the impact of stress per se.
The Role of an AC Network Calculator in the Electrical Engineering Curriculum at the Pennsylvania State University

Changes are being made in the content of presentday electrical engineering curriculums which require a fresh, modern outlook with regard to techniques pertaining to problem assignments and laboratory projects. Course content is being upgraded and broadened in the direction of a fundamental analytical approach. The recent revision of the electrical engineering curriculum at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, includes liberal use of an ac network calculator in all electrical engineering options, which are outlined in this paper. The uniqueness of the ac network calculator at the University is that it is used exclusively for educational purposes, especially in the Department of Electrical Engineering. This paper discusses the "when, where, and how" of the utilization of this facility in the electrical engineering curriculum.
Pericentric chromatin loops function as a nonlinear spring in mitotic force balance

The mechanisms by which sister chromatids maintain biorientation on the metaphase spindle are critical to the fidelity of chromosome segregation. Active force interplay exists between predominantly extensional microtubule-based spindle forces and restoring forces from chromatin. These forces regulate tension at the kinetochore that silences the spindle assembly checkpoint to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. Depletion of pericentric cohesin or condensin has been shown to increase the mean and variance of spindle length, which have been attributed to a softening of the linear chromatin spring. Models of the spindle apparatus with linear chromatin springs that match spindle dynamics fail to predict the behavior of pericentromeric chromatin in wild-type and mutant spindles. We demonstrate that a nonlinear spring with a threshold extension to switch between spring states predicts asymmetric chromatin stretching observed in vivo. The addition of cross-links between adjacent springs recapitulates coordination between pericentromeres of neighboring chromosomes.
Fetal growth restriction alters transcription factor binding and epigenetic mechanisms of renal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in a sex-specific manner

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of serious adult morbidities such as hypertension. In an IUGR rat model of hypertension, we reported a persistent decrease in kidney 11β-hy...
HIV-Related Knowledge and Precautions among Michigan Nurses

OBJECTIVES. The present study examined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge and precautionary behaviors in a large random sample of registered nurses in all regions of the state of Michigan, allowing for comparisons among nurses in a wide range of occupational experiences, exposures, and backgrounds related to HIV. METHODS. A random sample of all registered nurses living in Michigan completed surveys in the fall of 1989. RESULTS. Although nearly all respondents indicated a high level of knowledge of known viable routes of HIV transmission, many respondents also reported misconceptions about several unverified nonviable routes of HIV transmission. Of the respondents who were involved in situations with potential risk of exposure to HIV, many failed to consistently use the universal precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The respondents also reported significant barriers in applying infection control procedures. CONCLUSIONS. The findings of the present stu...
Micromechanical theoretical and computational modeling of energy dissipation due to nonlinear vibration of hard ceramic coatings with microstructural recursive faults

Abstract Engine failures due to high-cycle fatigue during severe dynamic vibration have cost the US Air Force an estimated $400 million dollars per year over the past two decades. Therefore, structural materials that exhibit high damping capacities are desirable for mechanical vibration suppression and acoustic noise attenuation. Few experimental studies suggested that hard ceramic coatings, which are commonly used as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to protect engine components from high temperatures and corrosion, can also serve as passive dampers due to their unique microstructure which consists of several layers of splats with inter- and intra-microstructural recursive faults (micro-cracks). Therefore, the focus of this study is on the development of a fundamental understanding of the unique microstructural features and mechanisms responsible for this observed energy dissipation in ceramic coatings under nonlinear vibration through the development of a micromechanical computational framework. Inter- and intra-fatigue damage and internal friction is simulated through the development of thermodynamic-based nonlinear cohesive laws that consider interfacial degradation, debonding, plastic sliding, and Coulomb/contact friction between the interfaces of microstructural faults. Representative volume element-based micromechanical simulations are conducted in order to assess the main micromechanical mechanisms responsible for the experimentally observed nonlinear (amplitude- and frequency-dependent) damping in plasma sprayed hard ceramic coatings. It is concluded that the major part of energy dissipation is achieved through contact friction which results from sliding of the splat interfaces along the microstructural recursive faults. Energy dissipation due to progressive decohesion and evolution of new micro-cracks is not that significant as compared to energy dissipated due to increased friction from existing and new created faults. Therefore, internal friction is the main mechanism that makes TBCs effective dampers.
Regulation of Expression of the Fibronectin-Binding Protein BBK32 in Borrelia burgdorferi

The BBK32 protein binds to host extracellular ligand fibronectin and contributes to the pathogenesis of Borrelia burgdorferi. Here we showed that expression of the BBK32 gene is influenced by multiple environmental factors and that its regulation is governed by the response regulator Rrp2 and RpoN-RpoS ( 54 - S ) sigma cascade in B. burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochetal pathogen that causes Lyme disease, contains genes encoding numerous lipoproteins in its genome. Emerging evidence has shown that coordinated regulation of many of these lipoproteins is critical to B. burgdorferi’s successful maintenance in the enzootic life cycle involving Ixodes ticks and mammals (28, 37, 38, 46). This is highlighted by the finding that two of the key virulence factors, outer surface lipoproteins OspA and OspC, undergo reciprocal alteration of their expression in B. burgdorferi during tick feeding (for a review, see reference 40). In unfed ticks (dormant state), spirochetes express primarily OspA, an adhesion molecule that is indispensable for B. burgdorferi colonization of the tick midgut (29, 30, 51). When the tick feeds, OspA is downregulated, while OspC, a protein required for the early phase of mammalian infection and also possibly for the transmission within the tick vector (16, 20, 31, 36, 45), is upregulated. OspC may also play a role within ticks, although this hypothesis is controversial. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms underlying differ
The interactions between juvenile hormone (JH), lipophorin, vitellogenin, and JH esterases in two cockroach species.

For the cockroach species Leucophaea maderae and Periplaneta americana two major juvenile hormone (JH)-binding proteins have been identified: lipophorin (Lp) and vitellogenin (Vg). Each of these macromolecules binds JH with an approximate affinity of K(d) of 10 nM. In Leucophaea the concentration of Lp is augmented by JH during vitellogenesis at the same time when Vg is induced de novo. The circulating levels of each of Lp and Vg at mid-vitellogenesis are in the 10 microM range. Similar values have been determined for Periplaneta. Total JH concentrations (bound and free) can be as high as micromolar in Leucophaea. However, because of the large quantities of the two major JH-binding proteins and their high affinity for JH, we can assume that the amount of free (unbound) JH in circulation is extremely low (the actual values are not know). The JH esterases (JHEs) of the hemolymph in both cockroach species have been isolated by anion exchange chromatography. The JHEs of Leucophaea bound to the anion exchange resin more tightly than the JHE of Periplaneta. The V(max) of the Leucophaea esterases fluctuated by a factor of 2 to 3 during vitellogenesis. The K(m) values for the two distinct esterases of Leucophaea were similar (about 0.15x10(-6) M). On the other hand, k(cat) of the JHEs for Leucophaea at ovulation time was two to three times higher than earlier during vitellogenesis, i.e. 23.30 min(-l) compared to 6.20 min(-1). The JHE of Leucophaea is shown to bind JH III with high affinity: K(d)=3x10(-9) M. However, since there are only very small amounts of JH available for degradation (due to the binding to Lp and Vg), the quantitative removal of JH from circulation, and this includes the release of bound JH, is indeed slow, with a measured half-life of 6-8 h. Classical kinetic assumptions are not met in conditions where the enzyme concentrations exceed by far that of the available substrate. Nonetheless, we attempted to determine the initial velocity of JH hydrolysis under natural conditions, i.e. for undiluted hemolymph, by measuring the initial velocities of JH hydrolysis in serially diluted hemolymph and extrapolating to zero dilution. For in vivo conditions we estimated an initial velocity of JH hydrolysis of <0.1 fmol microl hemolymph(-1) min(-1), i.e. four to five orders of magnitude lower than that measured at substrate saturation in vitro.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's evaluation of the safety of animal clones: a failure to recognize the normativity of risk assessment projects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced recently that food products derived from some animal clones and their offspring are safe for human consumption. In response to criticism that it had failed to engage with ethical, social, and economic concerns raised by livestock cloning, the FDA argued that addressing normative issues prior to issuing a final ruling on animal cloning is not part of its mission. In this article, the authors reject the FDA's claim that its mission to protect and advance public health can be accomplished without considering ethical issues or without making value judgments. The authors offer two arguments in support of their position. First, the agency's mission statement presupposes significant normative commitments and judgments. Second, the FDA's risk assessment of food products from cloned animals and their offspring is itself clearly shaped by a variety of normative commitments.
Robotic-Assisted Management of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a complex disease in which endometrial glands and stroma grow outside of the endometrial cavity. The classic symptoms of endometriosis consist of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain and infertility. In the general reproductive-age population, the prevalence of endometriosis approaches 10 %, but in patients with infertility it can be as high as 50 %. These numbers likely underestimate the true incidence of endometriosis since endometriosis is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Leveraging Biologically-inspired Mobile Agents Supporting Composite Needs of Reliability and Timeliness in Sensor Applications

Wireless sensor networks are often used for event detection applications, which require a certain level of reliability and timeliness while minimizing energy consumption. Existing work considers reliability, timeliness and energy consumption largely in isolation. This paper proposes a solution to satisfy these conflicting requirements by using biologically-inspired mobile agents. The problem is formulated into an NP-hard problem, the vehicle routing problem, and decentralized and centralized heuristics are developed to govern agent behaviors. Simulation results show that proposed solution allows agents (i.e., sensor applications) to effectively balance the tradeoffs among reliability, timeliness and energy efficiency and outperform an existing similar mechanism.
Modulation of PFC Pyramidal Cell Excitability by Clonidine: A Computational Modeling Study

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critically involved in cognitive processes underlying working memory (WM), attention, and inhibition of responses to non-relevant stimuli (Fuster, 2000; Goldman-Rakic, 1996). In this context, catecholaminergic inputs have proven to be critical for the regulation of these cognitive processes (Levitt et al., 1984; Lewis et al., 1987; Lewis and Morrison, 1989; Porrino and Goldman-Rakic, 1982). Aston-Jones and Bloom (1981a, b) showed that, in addition to dopamine (DA) the norepinephrine (NE) neurons located in the locus coeruleus (LC) and terminating in the PFC are important in mediating selective and sustained attention and vigilance. Moreover, stimulation of the LC increases the discrimination of incoming external stimuli to the PFC by reducing the background noise, therefore enhancing the cortical signal-to-noise ratio (Aston-Jones et al., 1985; Berridge and Waterhouse, 2003; Foote et al., 1980, 1983; Waterhouse et al., 1980; Robbins, 2000). More recently, several studies have shown that adrenergic agonists, especially specific alpha-2 agonists, are very effective in enhancing WM and attention. Indeed, administration of alpha-2 agonists can ameliorate some of the negative effects on cognition produced by NE depletion due to aging in monkeys (Arnsten and Goldman-Rakic, 1985; Arnsten et al., 1988; Arnsten and Leslie, 1991) and improve performance in WM-related tasks in young monkeys with NE depletion (Arnsten and Goldman-Rakic, 1985; Cai et al., 1993). Moreover, the therapeutic effects of the specific alpha-2 agonists, clonidine and guanfacine in treating disorders related to dysfunction of WM in patients have been proved (Fields et al., 1988; Mair and McEntree 1986, 1988; Hunt et al., 1985, 1990, 1995).Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Influence of SLA haplotype on preimplantation embryonic cell number in miniature pigs

Embryonic cell number in miniature pigs inbred for specific SLA haplotypes (a, c, and d) was determined on Day 6 by nuclear staining and, on Days 9 and 11, by DNA analyses (first day of oestrus = Day 0). Pigs exhibiting first behavioural oestrus at 08:00 h were hand-mated to an SLA homozygous boar 12 and 24 h later. Numbers of embryos flushed from uteri at 08:00-10:00 h on Days 6, 9 and 11 were greater (P less than 0.05) for SLAd females than for SLAa or SLAc females, which did not differ (8.2 vs 6.8 and 6.2, respectively). Recovery rates (embryos recovered/CL number) were similar, averaging 75.8% for all three SLA haplotypes. Embryos from SLAd dams contained fewer blastomeres (23 cells) on Day 6 than did embryos from SLAa (89 cells) or SLAc (79 cells) females. The reduced cell numbers of SLAd vs SLAa or SLAc embryos continued to Day 9 (28 vs 107 and 67 ng DNA/embryo) and Day 11 (167 vs 674 and 586 ng DNA/embryo). These results suggest an effect of the SLA complex on preimplantation embryonic development.
Absorption spectra modification in poly(3-hexylthiophene):methanofullerene blend thin films

Abstract The absorption spectra and the photovoltaic effect in thin films consisting of a blend of p-type poly(3-hexylthiophene) and n-type acceptor [6,6]-phenyl C60 butyric acid methyl ester have been studied and a decrease in inter-band absorption in the wavelength range of 450–600 nm is observed. This absorption quenching is attributed to the disordering of the poly(3-hexylthiophene) chains and a charge transfer between poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl C60 butyric acid methyl ester, as evidenced by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectra. Finally, photovoltaic cells were fabricated utilizing the blend as the active layer and the device characteristics were studied.
Comparsion of Selected Sedation Scales for Reporting Opioid-Induced Sedation Assessment

A descriptive survey-based study was undertaken to test the validity and reliability of three scales that are used to assess sedation during opioid administration for pain management: the Inova Health System Sedation Scale (ISS), the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS), and the Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale (POSS). The study was conducted in a large (830 beds) suburban level I trauma hospital with a random convenience sample of 96 medical-surgical nurses. The study reports: measures of reliability and validity of each scale and significant findings related to correct nursing score and selected actions; nurses' ratings of each scale in terms of combined ease of use; information provided by the scale to inform clinical decisions; and nursing confidence measures. Both the RASS and the POSS demonstrated adequate measures of reliability and validity for measurement of sedation during opioid administration for pain management. However, the POSS scored higher in combined measures of ease of use, nursing confidence, and usefulness of information provided to make clinical decisions. The POSS also yielded the highest percentage agreement with the correct score and correct nursing actions chosen by the nurse among the three scales tested. Study results have clinical significance for accuracy of clinical assessments and subsequent actions on behalf of patients experiencing advancing sedation during opioid analgesia. The POSS can be recommended as a superior sedation scale for the measurement of sedation during opioid administration for pain management.
Development and Evaluation of the Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection

Natural selection as a mechanism of evolution is a central concept in biology; yet, most nonbiology-majors do not thoroughly understand the theory even after instruction. Many alternative conceptions on this topic have been identified, indicating that the job of the instructor is a difficult one. This article presents a new diagnostic test to assess students' understanding of natural selection. The test items are based on actual scientific studies of natural selection, whereas previous tests have employed hypothetical situations that were often misleading or oversimplified. The Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection (CINS) is a 20-item multiple choice test that employs common alternative conceptions as distractors. An original 12-item version of the test was field-tested with 170 nonmajors in 6 classes and 43 biology majors in 1 class at 3 community colleges. The test scores of one subset of nonmajors (n ¼ 7) were compared with the students' performances in semistructured interviews. There was a positive correlation between the test scores and the interview scores. The current 20-item version of the CINS was field-tested with 206 students in a nonmajors' general biology course. The face validity, internal validity, reliability, and readability of the CINS are discussed. Results indicate that the CINS will be a valuable tool for instructors. 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 952-978, 2002 Natural selection is the principal mechanism of evolution, and the theory of evolution is of great importance as a unifying theory in biology education according to the National Science Standards (National Research Council, 1996). Yet, natural selection is misunderstood by many students. The litany of alternative conceptions regarding natural selection and evolution is long (Mayr, 1982; Clough & Driver, 1986; Good, Trowbridge, Demastes, Wandersee, Hafner, & Cummins, 1992; Scharmann & Harris, 1992; Cummins, Demastes & Hafner, 1994). Some studies
Optical Access Networks for the Next Generation Internet

We describe a WDM-based optical access network architecture for providing broadband Internet services. The architecture uses a passive collection and distribution network and a configurable Feeder network. Unlike earlier papers that concentrate on the physical layer design of the network, we focus on higher layer architectural considerations. In particular we discuss the joint design of the electronic and optical layers including: the choice of electronic multiplexing and switching between the IP and WDM layers; joint optical and electronic protection mechanisms; network reconfiguration algorithms that alter the logical topology of the network in response to changes in traffic; traffic grooming algorithms to minimize the cost of electronic multiplexing; and WDM Medium Access Control protocols.