cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focal agonist stimulation results in spatially restricted Ca2+ release and capacitative Ca2+ entry in bovine vascular endothelial cells

1 Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signals were studied with spatial resolution in bovine vascular endothelial cells using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Single cells were stimulated with the purinergic receptor agonist ATP resulting in an increase of [Ca2+]i due to intracellular Ca2+ release from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores. ATP-induced Ca2+ release was quantal, i.e. submaximal concentrations mobilized only a fraction of the intracellularly stored Ca2+. 2 Focal receptor stimulation in Ca2+-free solution by pressure application of agonist-containing solution through a fine glass micropipette resulted in a spatially restricted increase in [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ release was initiated at the site of stimulation and frequently propagated some tens of micrometres into non-stimulated regions. 3 Local Ca2+ release caused activation of capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE). CCE was initially colocalized with Ca2+ release. Following repetitive focal stimulation, however, CCE became detectable at remote sites where no Ca2+ release had been observed. In addition, the rate of Ca2+ store depletion with repetitive local activation of release in Ca2+-free solution was markedly slower than that elicited by ATP stimulation of the entire cell. 4 From these experiments it is concluded that both intracellular IP3-dependent Ca2+ release and activation of CCE are controlled locally at the subcellular level. Moreover, redistribution of intracellular Ca2+ stored within the endoplasmic reticulum efficiently counteracts local store depletion and accounts for the spatial spread of CCE activation.
Capillary effects in guided crystallization of organic thin films

Recently, it has been demonstrated that solvent-vapor-induced crystallization of triethylsilylethynyl anthradithiophene (TES ADT) thin films can be directed on millimeter length scales along arbitrary paths by controlling local crystal growth rates via pre-patterning the substrate. Here, we study the influence of capillary effects on crystallization along such channels. We first derive an analytical expression for the steady-state growth front velocity as a function of channel width and validate it with numerical simulations. Then, using data from TES ADT guided crystallization experiments, we extract a characteristic channel width, which provides the smallest feature size that can be obtained by this technique.
A Radioimmunoassay for Murine Thyroglobulin in Serum: Age-Related Increase of Serum Thyroglobulin Levels in AKR/J Mice*

Possible regulation of the synthesis of murine thyroglobulin (mTg) and a possible role for the major histocompatibility complex in this process were evaluated in 18 inbred strains of mice. A double antibody RIA was first developed to measure mTg in serum. The isolated mTG was labeled with 131I since 125I rapidly degraded the mTg molecule. The sensitivity of this mTg assay allowed detection of 15-20 ng/ml. Specificity was demonstrated by the minimal cross-reactivity with rat Tg (0.008%) and the total lack of cross-reactivity with human Tg. There was no correlation between H-2 haplotype and serum mTg levels. In five strains of mice with the H-2k haplotype, mTg levels varied from 30 +/- 2 to 48 +/- 11 ng/ml (mean +/- SD); however, only aged AKR/J mice (H-2k) exceeded this range (196 +/- 27 ng/ml). Strains with other haplotypes (a, b, d, g, q, v) demonstrated a similar range of mTg levels, but none had this age-related increase in mTg levels. The high levels of mTg were not caused by a decrease in the half-life of this protein and probably not caused by virus-induced alterations in the thyroid economy. Thyroids from the AKR/J mice, however, had larger follicles and flatter epithelia compared to thyroids from other strains. These studies suggest that AKR/J mice may represent a useful animal model for the study of goitrogenesis.
Factors associated with HIV infection among sexually experienced adolescents in Africa: a pooled data analysis

The article examines the factors associated with HIV status among adolescents aged 15-19 years in 13 African countries: Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The data were derived from demographic and health surveys or AIDS indicator surveys conducted between 2004 and 2009. The levels of HIV prevalence among adolescents varied considerably across the countries. There was significantly higher HIV prevalence among female adolescents as compared with their male counterparts. For male adolescents, circumcision was the only variable significantly associated with HIV status. Nonetheless, the data suggest that the association between male circumcision and HIV status may be exaggerated. Indeed, regional-level random effects became insignificant once male circumcision was introduced into the estimated models, indicating a strong correlation between unmeasured regional-level factors and male circumcision. For female adolescents, multiple sexual partnerships, time elapsed since sexual debut, marital status, household wealth, and the regional prevalence of male circumcision were strongly and positively associated with HIV status. Moreover, for female adolescents there appear to be significant unmeasured variables operating at the regional level which influence the levels of HIV infection. The implications of the findings for HIV-prevention programming, policy and research are discussed.
Production, detection, and adaptive responses to free radicals in exercise

Free radicals (particularly oxygen- and nitrogen-centered radicals), and related reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, are generated in cells and tissues during exercise. Mitochondria (actually, 'leakage' of electrons from ubisemiquinone and other electron transport chain components), xanthine oxidase, and phagocytes such as neutrophils may all contribute to free radical production. In this article we review mechanisms of free radical production during exercise and methods for detecting free radicals and related reactive species, during, or immediately following exercise. The evidence presented strongly suggests that free radicals generated during mild to moderate endurance-type exercise actually form part of the mechanism of exercise adaptation that includes extensive biogenesis of muscle mitochondria, increased muscle blood supply, and altered fuel consumption patterns. We suggest, as originally proposed [1], that (at moderately increased levels) free radicals actually act as intracellular signaling molecules to initiate exercise adaptation. In contrast, endurance exercise of extreme duration and extreme intensity appears to generate much higher levels of free radicals that overwhelm cellular antioxidant defenses, and cause tissue damage. Such free radical damage requires effective protein, lipid, and DNA repair systems, and sufficient recuperation, before exercise adaptation can recommence.
Saturation of Richtmyer's impulsive model

In this Brief Communication, we use results from two-dimensional simulations to calculate for what product of perturbation wave number (k) and initial amplitude (a0) the Richtmyer impulsive model will fail in its prediction of shock wave driven instability growth as a function of initial shock Mach number. For “large” ka0, we suggest a formula which bounds the maximum value of the ratio of the amplitude growth rate over the interface speed by one minus the ratio of the interface speed and the transmitted shock speed.
Steroids and color change during gravidity in the lizard Crotaphytus collaris.

Abstract Gravid female Crotaphytus collaris develop a series of bright orange lateral spots. Daily progesterone and testosterone injections induced significant increases in this orange spotting within 10 days in nongravid females, suggesting that these or other steroids may act to increase synthesis of orange pigment during gravidity. The hormones did not differ detectably in effectiveness.
Functional electrical stimulation of the latissimus dorsi muscle for use in cardiac assist

Direct and nondirect nerve stimulation modes of the thoraco-dorsal nerve leading to the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) were evaluated by using nerve cuff electrodes (NCEs) and intramuscular electrodes (IMEs), respectively. Following electrode implantation, the LDM was chronically stimulated for two months to induce muscle transformation to oxidative, fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers. Threshold and impedance values were measured regularly to establish the stability of the implants. The LDM was then dissected, shaped into a ventricle, subjected to a hydraulic load and stimulated using a controlled-voltage pulse-train stimulator with adjustable parameters. Electrical input and hydraulic output variables were measured to obtain the recruitment characteristics and to compare the efficiencies of the two types of electrodes. Results indicate a tradeoff between the NCE's lower threshold, higher recruitment, and lower energy consumption at saturation, and the IME's greater mechanical stability and better long-term reproducibility. >
The Crystal Structure of Phosphonate-Inhibited d-Ala-d-Ala Peptidase Reveals an Analogue of a Tetrahedral Transition State.

D-Alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase/transpeptidases (DD-peptidases) are beta-lactam-sensitive enzymes that are responsible for the final peptidoglycan cross-linking step in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. A highly specific tripeptide phosphonate inhibitor was designed with a side chain corresponding to a portion of the Streptomyces R61 peptidoglycan. This compound was found to be a slow, irreversible inactivator of the DD-peptidase. Molecular modeling suggested that although a pentacoordinated intermediate of the phosphonylation reaction would not interact strongly with the enzyme, a tetracoordinated phosphonyl enzyme might be analogous to a transition state in the reaction with peptide substrates. To investigate this possibility, the crystal structure of the phosphonyl enzyme was determined. The 1.1 A resolution structure shows that the inhibitor has phosphonylated the catalytic serine (Ser62). One of the phosphonyl oxygens is noncovalently bound in the oxyanion hole, while the other is solvated by two water molecules. The conserved hydroxyl group of Tyr159 forms a strong hydrogen bond with the latter oxygen atom (2.77 A). This arrangement is interpreted as being analogous to the transition state for the formation of the tetrahedral intermediate in the deacylation step of the carboxypeptidase reaction. The proximity of Tyr159 to the solvated phosphonyl oxygen suggests that the tyrosine anion acts as a general base for deacylation. This transition state analogue structure is compared to the structures of noncovalent DD-peptidase reaction intermediates and phosphonylated beta-lactamases. These comparisons show that specific substrate binding to the peptidase induces a conformational change in the active site that places Ser62 in an optimal position for catalysis. This activated conformation relaxes as the reaction proceeds.
Liberalism, Unintended Orders and Evolutionism

There is something gravely amiss about a liberalism based upon evolutionism, as F. A. Hayek bases his endorsement of the free, open, or ‘Great Society’. Such a society—one based upon individual lib...
Cooperation of intrinsic and extrinsic signals in the elaboration of regional identity in the posterior cerebral cortex

Understanding the compartmentalization of the neocortex (isocortex) of the mammalian brain into functional areas is a challenging problem [1-3] . Unlike pattern formation in the spinal cord and hindbrain, it does not involve the specification of distinct cells types: distinct areas differ in their patterns of connectivity and cytoarchitecture. It has been suggested that signals intrinsic to the neocortical neuroepithelium specify regional fate [3]. Alternatively, spatial patterning might be imposed by extrinsic cues such as thalamocortical projections [4-6]. Recent results highlight the ability of early precursor cells of the telencephalic neuroepithelium to 'remember' their spatial position from times before thalamic innervation [7,8] [9-12]. An influence from the thalamus, however, cannot be ruled out as there is a precise invasion of the correct cortical areas by the corresponding projections [13,14]. Furthermore, cortical neuronal progenitors have been proposed to adopt new connection patterns after transplantation [6,7], as well as when the thalamic input is rerouted [15,16]. Here, we describe the transient expression of the homeobox gene Otx2 in the posterior, prospective visual, neocortex and use it to analyze the establishment of posterior cortical fate. The results suggest that whereas intrinsic cortical information is sufficient to specify regional fate, extrinsic signals from the thalamus are involved in the expansion or maintenance of the population of cells expressing Otx2 but not in regionalization.
Parity-relation-based state-of-health monitoring of lead acid batteries for automotive applications

Effective vehicular power management requires accurate knowledge of battery state, including state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH). This paper presents an integrated algorithm for reliable battery SOH monitoring. The dynamics of lead acid batteries during engine cranking is investigated, and a new battery model is presented. Moreover, a parity-relation-based integrated method for battery SOH monitoring is proposed. It is shown that the diagnostic residual combines the SOH information provided by both battery resistance and voltage loss during engine cranking, hence enhancing diagnostic performance. Extensive evaluation results using real vehicle cranking data have verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Colony meteorite and variations in CO3 chondrite properties

The Colony meteorite is one of the least equilibrated CO3 chondrites, yet differs from normal CO chondrites in that, while Al, Sc, V, Cr, Ir, Fe, Au, and Ga abundances are consistent with a CO chondrite classification, certain lithophile, siderophile, and chalcophile contents are depleted by factors of 10-40 percent. Colony is badly weathered, and its Fe, Ni abundance of about 19 wt pct is similar to that of the Kainsaz CO3 unweathered fall but higher than all other CO3 chondrites.
Acute paraplegia: A presenting manifestation of aortic dissection

Two patients who presented with acute paralysis of the lower extremities as an initial manifestation of aortic dissection are described. The first patient had transient chest pain followed by flaccid paralysis of her lower extremities and severe back pain. In the second patient, sudden paralysis of both legs developed without pain of any sort. The paraplegia completely resolved in a few minutes; however, chest and back pain later ensued. Both patients had a proximal (type I or A) aortic dissection. The first patient's entrance tear in the aortic intima was just above the aortic valve with antegrade propagation, whereas in the second patient, the entrance tear was at the aortic isthmus, with both antegrade and retrograde dissection. Acute cardiac tamponade resulted in sudden deterioration and death in both patients, before any therapeutic intervention could be entertained.
New α- and γ-synuclein immunopathological lesions in human brain

Several neurodegenerative diseases are classified as proteopathies as they are associated with the aggregation of misfolded proteins. Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders associated with abnormal deposition of synucleins. α-Synucleinopathies include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Recently accumulation of another member of the synuclein family- γ–synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases compelled the introduction of the term γ–synucleinopathy. The formation of aggregates and deposits of γ–synuclein is facilitated after its oxidation at methionine 38 (Met38). Several types of intracytoplasmic inclusions containing post-translationally modified α- and γ–synucleins are detected. Oxidized Met38-γ-synuclein forms aberrant inclusions in amygdala and substantia nigra. Double staining revealed colocalization of oxidized-γ-synuclein with α-synuclein in the cytoplasm of neurons. Another type of synuclein positive inclusions in the amygdala of dementia with Lewy bodies patients has the appearance of Lewy bodies. These inclusions are immunoreactive when analyzed with antibodies to α-synuclein phosphorylated on serine 129, as well as with antibodies to oxidized-γ-synuclein. Some of these Lewy bodies have doughnut-like shape with round or elongated shape. The separate immunofluorescent images obtained with individual antibodies specific to oxidized-γ-synuclein and phospho-α-synuclein clearly shows the colocalization of these synuclein isoforms in substantia nigra inclusions. Phospho-α-synuclein is present almost exclusively at the periphery of these structures, whereas oxidized-γ-syn immunoreactivity is also located in the internal parts forming dot-like pattern of staining. We also identified several types of oxidized-γ-syn positive astrocytes with different morphology and examined their immunohistochemical phenotypes. Some of them are compact cells with short processes, others have longer processes. Oxidized-γ-synuclein positive astrocytes may also display mixed morphological and immunocytochemical phenotypes between protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes. These results reveal new γ–synuclein positive lesions in human brain. Oxidized-γ-synuclein is colocalized with phospho-α-synuclein in doughnut-like inclusions. Several types of astrocytes with different morphology are immunopositive for oxidized-γ-synuclein.
Some Topics in Finite Elasticity

A Number of reviews of recent advances in finite elasticity theory have appeared in the past few years. Truesdell1 has given a comprehensive review of this and closely related topics, largely from a critical and historical point of view. Doyle and Ericksen2 have given an account of the fundamentals of the subject, employing the general tensor notation. The first few chapters of a book by Green and Zerna3 contain a connected account of the subject as it was at the time at which the book was written. This elegant presentation will have its main appeal to the more sophisticated readers, who are familiar with the use of convected co-ordinates and the associated general tensor calculus. An elementary account of finite elasticity theory, directed to readers whose main interest is in the physical aspects of the subject has been given by Rivlin4.
Thermal decomposition of 3,4‐dimethylpentene‐1, 2,3,3‐trimethylpentane, 3,3‐dimethylpentane, and isobutylbenzene in a single pulse shock tube

Several hydrocarbons have been pyrolyzed in a single pulse shock tube. Rate parameters for the main bond breaking step have been found to be In combination with similar studies carried out earlier and through application of the well-established experimental rule (k(AB)/kr(AA)kr(BB))1/2 ∼ 2 where A and B are radicals and the rate constants are for the combination of these radicals, rate parameters for the thermal decomposition of all the hydrocarbons formed from any pair of the following radicals: methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, t-amyl, allyl, methylallyl, and benzyl have been calculated. The available calculated and experimental values of the decomposition rate constants are in excellent agreement. It appears that, with the possible exception of reactions involving the ejection of methyl radicals, the frequency factors per bond are nearly constant, depending only upon the type of carbon–carbon bond that is being broken. These values are all lower than those expected from the radical recombination rates. Heats of formation of ethyl, t-amyl, benzyl, methylallyl, n-propyl, s-butyl, isobutyl, neopentyl, and 3-pentyl radicals have been derived. Rate parameters for the decomposition of some simple ketones and ethers have also been estimated.
Community forestry engagement with market forces: A comparative perspective from Bhutan and Montana

Abstract This paper asks: (1) how has community forestry been informed by the ascendancy of particular forms of neoliberal restructuring and rise in market-based interests in environmental governance and (2) how has its engagement with these market forces affected its effectiveness in meeting the objective to reconcile livelihood and environmental protection? Towards answering these questions the paper examines two places known for their forest landscapes and livelihoods and with community forestry activities: the Himalayan country of Bhutan and the U.S. western state of Montana. Bhutan's top-down, national community forestry program and Montana's bottoms-up, collaborative effort known as the Montana Legacy Program are shown to be highly different not only in their institutional arrangement but also in their engagements with particular forms of neoliberalism including type of markets, regulatory processes, market opportunities, and the role of the private sector. Their differences reveal important ways that market forces and market-oriented interests shape threats as well as solutions to meeting forest protection and livelihood objectives in the two contexts, but produce unpredictable partnerships and awkward contradictions in the process.
Peripheral Vision: Expertise in Real World Contexts

In this paper we describe a five-stage phenomenological model of skill acquisition, of which expertise is the highest stage. Contrary to the claims of knowledge engineers, we argue that expertise in general, and medical expertise in particular, cannot be captured in rule-based expert systems, since expertise is based on the making of immediate, unreflective situational responses; intuitive judgment is the hallmark of expertise. Deliberation is certainly used by experts, if time permits, but it is done for the purpose of improving intuition, not replacing it. The best way to avoid mistakes is to take responsibility for them when they occur, rather than try to prevent them by foolproof rules. In bureaucratic societies, however, there is the danger that expertise may be diminished through over-reliance on calculative rationality.
Genetics of bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis—role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms

RA is a systemic inflammatory arthritis that leads to local and systemic bone loss. Osteoporosis or the systemic bone loss associated with RA increases the risk for fragility fractures, which can affect quality of life dramatically in RA patients. Although traditional and RA-related risk factors have been defined and studied for osteoporosis associated with RA, genetic factors such as polymorphic variants in the traditional candidate genes for osteoporosis, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR), type 1 collagen A1 (COLIA1) and oestrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1), have not been well elucidated in RA patients. This review summarizes the currently available literature on the association of VDR polymorphisms with local and systemic bone loss in RA. It also discusses potential targets for genetic research in this area, such as polymorphisms in genes, such as IL-6 (IL6) and TNF receptor type 2 (TNFRSF1B), which control the inflammatory response in RA and may influence bone loss in RA. Defining such genetic factors, in addition to traditional and RA-related risk factors for osteoporosis in RA, may facilitate early identification of patients at high risk for fractures who can then be targeted for treatment.
Mass-independent correlation of fragment velocity and source velocity in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions

Abstract For multi-GeV/nucleon bombarding energies and for emission velocities ≲ 0.4 c , all fragments of nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions are emitted isotropically in a recoiling source frame. For a given reaction the radial emission velocity in the source frame has about the same strong positive correlation with source velocity, independent of mass. Such behavior is uncharacteristic of a thermalized source.
Autonomous multistep organic synthesis in a single isothermal solution mediated by a DNA walker

Multistep synthesis in the laboratory typically requires numerous reaction vessels, each containing a different set of reactants. In contrast, cells are capable of performing highly efficient and selective multistep biosynthesis under mild conditions with all reactants simultaneously present in solution 1–4 . If the latter approach could be applied in the laboratory, it could improve the ease, speed and efficiency of multistep reaction sequences. Here, we show that a DNA mechanical device—a DNA walker moving along a DNA track—can be used to perform a series of amine acylation reactions in a single solution without any external intervention. The products of these reactions are programmed by the sequence of the DNA track, but they are not related to the structure of DNA. Moreover, they are formed with speeds and overall yields that are significantly greater than those previously achieved by multistep DNA-templated small-molecule synthesis. The exquisite selectivity and efficiency of many biosynthetic pathways rely on the use of protein or nucleic acid templates to
Instrumental variables technique: cigarette price provided better estimate of effects of smoking on SF-12.

Objective: Debate surrounds the usefulness of the instrumental variables (IV) technique for medical research. The choice of an instrument for the technique has been contentious. This study estimated the effects of smoking on physical functional status. We chose an especially valid and strong instrument: cigarette price. Study Design and Setting: The data were a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of 34,288 persons aged 30 to 91 in 1996–1997. The sample was drawn from the Community Tracking Study. Number of cigarettes smoked per day was predicted by the average cigarette price for the state in which the subject resided. The outcome measure was physical functional status and was measured by the SF-12 physical functional index. Results: In multivariable models we found the following: cigarettes per day was strongly and negatively associated with the SF-12 index (P .001); cigarette price was strongly and negatively associated with cigarettes per day (P .002); the predicted cigarettes per day (the IV) was strongly and negatively associated with the SF-12 index in linear regression and tobit regression (P .047 and P .021). Conclusion: Estimated coefficients from the IV method suggested that the effect of smoking on physical functional status was
Static magnetic susceptibility of single-crystal TTF-TCNQ near the 38 K transition

Abstract We present the results of static magnetic susceptibility measurements on single crystals of TTF-TCNQ. A definite anomaly near 38 K was observed and examined closely. Measurements with the field parallel to the three axes indicate no temperature dependence in the anisotropy of the susceptibility. Two interpretations of the anomaly are discussed.
Restructuring Ontologies through Knowledge Discovery

In this work, we describe an approach for maintaining self-adapting personalized ontologies. We motivate this work with the observation that users are often interested in only small parts of larger domain ontologies; however, we also observe that users are frequently unaware of concepts that may be of interest given their past preferences. As such, we suggest that personalized ontologies should be continuously specialized and generalized to represent only those concepts that have proven to be of value to the user.
The Role of Body Image and Depression in Tanning Behaviors and Attitudes

In the current study, we examined correlates of tanning behaviors and attitudes. Undergraduates (N = 277; 53% female; average age = 19.27 years) completed measures of appearance orientation and appearance evaluation from the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and questions addressing tanning behaviors and attitudes. Women were more likely to engage in indoor tanning and perceived greater susceptibility to photoaging than men. Body image and depression were associated with tanning behaviors and attitudes. Results suggest that psychological factors are important motivators of both indoor and outdoor tanning, although each has unique correlates. Implications for reducing risky tanning behaviors are discussed.
Fabrication and assembly of a novel high-efficiency UHF RFID tag on flexible LCP substrate

In this paper, design, fabrication, assembly and testing of unique high read-range high-efficiency (95%) radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna for the 915 MHZ UHF band are discussed. The exceptional characteristics of the RFID are investigated in terms of antenna-IC matching and radiation efficiency. The 915 MHz passive tag is a 3" /spl times/ 3" omnidirectional tag and yielded a read range of 31 feet compared to a 4" /spl times/ 4" leading commercial design of 26 feet tested range in lab. This tag also possesses higher read power range (-7dBm to 30 dBm) than the leading commercial design (-5dBm to 30 dBm). The proposed RFID antenna was fabricated on 50 micron thick liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate and the read range of the proposed RFID tags was experimentally verified. A large format LCP sheet (300 mm /spl times/ 300 mm) was used for antenna fabrication and the assembly of the IC was done using low temperature lead free solder alloys that are compatible with the heat distortion temperature of the LCP.
Development and Initial Validation of the Beliefs About Reformed Science Teaching and Learning (BARSTL) Questionnaire

This article describes the development and the initial validation of an instrument that can be used to assess teachers' beliefs about science teaching and learning. The instrument, which is called the Beliefs About Reformed Science Teaching and Learning (BARSTL) questionnaire, draws on the current national science education reform efforts in order to define a traditional-reformed teaching and learning belief continuum that can be used to map teachers' beliefs. The reliability and validity of the instrument were examined using a multiple perspective approach. The psychometric properties of the BARSTL suggest that it is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring prospective elementary teachers' beliefs about science education.
Effect of growth factor-fibronectin matrix interaction on rat type II cell adhesion and DNA synthesis.

Type II cells attach, migrate, and proliferate on a provisional fibronectin-rich matrix during alveolar wall repair after lung injury. The combination of cell-substratum interactions via integrin receptors and exposure to local growth factors are likely to initiate the signals required for cell proliferation, differentiation, reepithelialization, and ultimate restoration of the alveolar wall structure. Accordingly, primary cultured type II cells have been shown to bind fibronectin, in part through the α 5 β 1 integrin, and to respond to growth factors that induce type II cell proliferation, such as fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1). The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not FGF-1 modifies type II cell attachment to fibronectin, and if together they affect DNA synthesis. Attachment assays showed that FGF-1 treatment enhanced type II cell adhesion to fibronectin. This effect correlated with an increase in β 1 integrin cell surface expression, and with the formation of cytoskeletal stabilizi...
Diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy: treatment with laser photocoagulation

PURPOSE. To evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). METHODS. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 consecutive patients (78 eyes) with DRPE. All eyes were treated with digital fluorescein angiography guided argon green laser photocoagulation, direct on the focal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leaks and in a grid pattern to the RPE decompensation areas. A processed digital red-free fundus image including all the important traces on it was used as a guide to the laser treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 7 years. RESULTS. At the end of the follow-up time, 70 (89.7%) eyes showed anatomic improvement with complete or partial resolution of the macular exudative lesions. Visual acuity of less than 20/40 was noted in 60 eyes (76.9%) preoperatively compared with 46 eyes (59.0%) finally (p=0.0252). The visual acuity was improved in 19 eyes (24.4%), stabilized in 51 (65.4%), and reduced in only 8 eyes (10.2%). CONCLUSIONS. In this series of patients with DRPE, the results of laser treatment were uniformly satisfactory producing a gradual resolution of the macular exudative lesions and an improvement or stabilization of the visual acuity. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2004; 14: 315-20)
A Novel k-Parent Flooding Tree for Secure and Reliable Broadcasting in Sensor Networks

Securing broadcast communication over sensor networks has become an important research challenge. Intuitively, broadcast communication has two important metrics: reliability and security. Though the reliability metric has drawn sufficient attention in the research community, the security metric has not. In this paper, we address both metrics with an emphasis on the former and address the denial-of-broadcast message attacks (DoBM) in sensor networks. We propose a novel tree-based model called the k-parent flooding tree model (k-FTM) and present algorithms for the construction of k-FTM. The proposed k-FTM is robust against DoBM. It enables the base station to detect DoBM very efficiently, even in the presence of a prudent adversary who focuses on remaining undetected by causing damage below the detection threshold. k-FTM is, to our best knowledge, the first fault-tolerant tree model that is both reliable and secure. Through simulations we confirm that our model achieves detection rates close to that of a static tree and a broadcast reliability close to that of blind flooding.
Physiological origins and functional correlates of EEG rhythmic activities: Implications for self-regulation

Recent neurophysiological findings in relation to thalamocortical mechanisms for sensory processing, together with established anatomical and expanding functional evidence, have provided a rational theoretical framework for the interpretation of normal and abnormal EEG rhythmic activities. This perspective is integrated here with earlier animal studies which were the foundation for many current applications of EEG self-regulation as a clinical tool. Basic evidence concerning the origins, frequency modulation, and functional significance of normal EEG rhythmic activities is reviewed here in an effort to provide guiding principles for the interpretation of clinical abnormalities and their remediation with EEG feedback training.
Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the outcome of the mutual interest of multinational firms and host countries. While multinational firms with the expectation of earning relatively higher rate of return on their investments, invest in foreign markets, such investments have proved to be playing an important role in the development of economy. This paper examines the various aspects of FDI from investing firms as well as from receiving countries' point of views. The paper mainly focuses on the risk and return from firms' perspective and on the strategies to attract FDI from host countries' point of view. An examination of stockholders' responses to the announcement of FDI in emerging markets shows their positive responses as indicated by the risk adjusted rate of return higher than the expected on investments during the period surrounding the announcements. The higher rate of return is, in fact, the result of existing market opportunities combined with the host country's policies towards FDI. This paper has four parts: part I is the introduction on globalization of market and dominance of FDI; part II examines the risk adjusted rate of return on FDI in emerging markets; part III deals with the international risk exposure; and part IV prescribes a model for determining a required level of incentives and/or disincentives to be offered for investing firms to consider investment in the country.
A Constitutive Framework for Large Viscoelastic Deformations of Elastomers

A specific large viscoelastic deformations constitutive framework for elastomers is presented in an Eulerian formulation. Within it, the predominant elastic part of the deformation can be described by a number of well known theories, while the viscous contribution comes for the evolution of an internal stress where the concepts of the effectively unstressed configuration and the internal spin are used. By comparison with experiments, the model is shown to capture salient features of the material response under cyclic large simple shear.
PROPERTIES OF EXCITABLE SITES IN THE SQUID AXON MEMBRANE AS REVEALED BY USE OF CHEMICAL STIMULANTS AND A SPECTRUM ANALYZER

Properties of the excitable sites in the squid axon membrane were studied by using various chemical stimulants and a real-time spectrum analyzer. Intact squid axons immersed in media with a reduced divalent cation concentration develop very small electric responses (1-30 micronV in amplitude) which repeat at more-or-less regular intervals. The frequency of repetition of these miniature responses falls when the temperature of the axon is lowered. Replacement of a small fraction of the external Na-ion with K-ion is a powerful means of generating miniature responses. Passage of an outwardly directed current through the axonal membrane also evokes miniature responses. This effect of an electric current is attributed to a transport of intracellular K-ion into the axonal membrane. The results of the effects of external application of the salts of Li-, Rb- and Cs-ion indicate that the ability of alkali metal ions to induce miniature response falls in the following order: K, Rb is greater than Cs is greater than Na is greater than Li.
Knowledge Economy Attacks on National Accounting Theory

Traditional accounting standards, measure methods and accounting report form focusing on tangible assets do not meet the needs of modern knowledge economy. It is necessary to set up integrated and clear accounting standards with adequate information. What's more, we should try to perfect and standardize theoretical administrative system of contents, measure methods and accounting report form of intangible assets.
Jaguar conservation in southern Belize: Conflicts, perceptions, and prospects among mayan hunters

Belize has emerged as an international leader in jaguar conservation through the creation of numerous protected areas that contain prime cat habitat and by strengthening conservation laws. For example, in 1984, Belize created the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, the first special jaguar protection area in the Americas. In 1995, the government expanded Cockscomb by creating the adjacent Chiquibul National Park. In 2010, the government continued this commitment to jaguar conservation by creating the Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary in central Belize. As a result of these protected areas, Belize has been rightfully lauded as a leader in nature-based tourism and protected areas creation in Central America. However, outside national parks and communities that directly benefit from ecotourism, it is less clear how supportive rural residents are of cat conservation. It is also not clear if jaguars persist outside protected areas in locations such as southern Belize, where the environment has been significantly altered by human activities. Through interviews with Mayan hunters, this paper investigates the attitudes towards jaguars, human-jaguar conflicts, and potential community-based jaguar conservation in two Mayan villages in the Toledo District in southern Belize. Also, using indirect methods, the paper documents the presence/absence and other temporal/spatial aspects of jaguars in a heavily altered landscape in southern Belize.
Androgen receptor assays in advanced prostatic cancer.

SUMMARY Prostatic cancer remains the most common malignant disease in men. Approximately 70,000 cases are clinically diagnosed each year, and three to eight times that number are detected incidentally at the time of autopsy. As the third highest cause of cancer deaths among men, this disease claims approximately 27,000 lives each year.44 At this time, there are no techniques that allow for the formulation of prognosis and selection of therapeutic alternatives in stage D prostatic cancer. Measurement of prostatic tumor hormone levels, AR content, or multidiscriminatory parameters may yet be demonstrated useful in this regard. However, the greatest hindrance to the success of any of these assays may well be unavoidable clinical and biologic features inherent in prostatic cancer. Material for biopsy is available infrequently for analysis from osseous and deep lymphatic metastases. By the time metastases have developed, the primary tumor in the prostate may have already been treated. The prostate primary may contain an admixture of benign prostatic hypertrophy. The heterogeneity of prostatic cancer may interdict against the accuracy of any biochemical assay. At the present time there is insufficient evidence that any biochemical test yet available will allow for accurate prognostication and selection of treatment in stage D prostatic cancer.
Management strategies and outcomes for very elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND The number of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in our aging society continues to rise, although the optimal management of very elderly patients with DLBCL is unknown. METHODS This study evaluated 207 patients who were 80 years old or older at the diagnosis of DLBCL from 2002 to 2014 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Analyzed features included clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and tolerability of therapy. Cox proportional hazards models examined relations between the treatment regimen and survival. RESULTS The median age was 83 years (range, 80-96 years). Fifty-four percent of the patients had intermediate- to high-risk or high-risk International Prognostic Index scores. Fifteen percent had scores of 4 or higher on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The initial therapies included rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP; 70%); rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (R-EPOCH; 6%); and non–anthracycline-based therapies, including rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CEOP) and rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CVP; 10%). With a median follow-up of 38.1 months, the 3-year failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 55% and 54%, respectively. Eighty-eight patients experienced relapse during the follow-up, but only 3 patients (3.4%) experienced relapse beyond 3 years. Patients who received R-CHOP or R-EPOCH had significantly longer FFS than those who received R-CEOP or R-CVP, with 3-year FFS rates of 63% for R-CHOP, 74% for R-EPOCH, and 23% for R-CEOP and R-CVP. Male sex, a monocyte count ≥ 500 × 107/L, and a CCI score ≥ 4 were significantly associated with inferior OS. Extranodal disease (≥2) and a higher CCI score were associated with a high risk of treatment-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS With anthracycline-based regimens such as R-CHOP and R-EPOCH, very elderly patients with DLBCL had superior outcomes similar to those achieved for younger patients with DLBCL. Cancer 2016;122:3145–51. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Engaging diverse populations in biospecimen donation: results from the Hoy y Mañana study

The disproportionately lower number of certain subpopulations participating in clinical and prevention research has a significant impact on the representativeness of scientific outcomes. The Hoy y Manana program (Today and Tomorrow) was developed as a culturally and linguistically appropriate education program to engage diverse medically underserved populations without a cancer diagnosis in biospecimen donation for cancer genomic research. Participants were recruited to in-depth community-based educational programs (∼45–60-min duration) or during open events in the community based on a convenience sampling. Programs were offered in English and Spanish. An on-site mobile lab along with phlebotomy services was provided at all programs and events to collect participant biospecimen (blood) samples to be stored at the cancer center’s Data Bank and BioRepository (DBBR). The distributions for education, race/ethnicity, and gender were similar across the event types. Most of the participants were women. The analysis sample had a total of 311 participants, including 231 from the education programs and 80 participants from open events. Those with a higher education (college or more) were more likely to donate than those with a lower level of education (high school or less) (45 vs 28 %, p = 0.007). Actual donation status was not associated with age or race. Willingness to donate a biospecimen and biospecimen donation rates followed the same pattern with respect to participants with higher levels of education being more willing to donate and giving a blood donation. Prior to outreach efforts, less than 6 % of specimens donated to DBBR from healthy/non-cancer patients were from minority participants.
Transport of Soil and Snow by Wind

Wind removes, deposits and mixes soil and snow. On soil, these actions are virtually permanent, but on snow they disappear with the snow.
Large biogenic contribution to boundary layer O3-CO regression slope in summer

Strong correlation between O3 and CO was observed during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) aircraft experiment in July 2011 over the Washington-Baltimore area. The observed correlation does not vary significantly with time or altitude in the boundary layer. The observations are simulated well by a regional chemical transport model. We analyze the model results to understand the factors contributing to the observed O3-CO regression slope, which has been used in past studies to estimate the anthropogenic O3 production amount. We trace separately four different CO sources: primary anthropogenic emissions, oxidation of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds, oxidation of biogenic isoprene, and transport from the lateral and upper model boundaries. Modeling analysis suggests that the contribution from biogenic isoprene oxidation to the observed O3-CO regression slope is as large as that from primary anthropogenic CO emissions. As a result of decrease of anthropogenic primary CO emissions during the past decades, biogenic CO from oxidation of isoprene is increasingly important. Consequently, observed and simulated O3-CO regression slopes can no longer be used directly with an anthropogenic CO emission inventory to quantify anthropogenic O3 production over the United States. The consistent enhancement of O3 relative to CO observed in the boundary layer, as indicated by the O3-CO regression slope, provides a useful constraint on model photochemistry and emissions.