cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active chromatin and noncoding RNAs: an intimate relationship

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin, where diverse histone modifications can demarcate chromatin domains that facilitate or block gene expression. While silent chromatin has been associated with long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) for some time, new studies suggest that noncoding RNAs also modulate the active chromatin state. Divergent, antisense, and enhancer-like intergenic noncoding RNAs can either activate or repress gene expression by altering histone H3 lysine 4 methylation. An emerging class of enhancer-like lncRNAs may link chromosome structure to chromatin state and establish active chromatin domains. The confluence of several new technologies promises to rapidly expand this fascinating topic of investigation.
Challenge, Opportunity and Risk: An Era of Change in Comparative Law

dual function explains the power of law to challenge the status quo and to bring about change. Often law operates as a societal change agent when society has reached a new level of awareness and understanding of itself and others. Comparative law is particularly well positioned to operate as a constructor and a reflector of legally clothed societal values. This dual role constitutes its strength and produces its danger. At present, comparative law faces a dual challenge to its relevance. At home it has to confront a potential disintegration of the field which results from the vacuum created by the absence of a clear purpose and the attempt on the part of the adherents of newer jurisprudential theories to fill the gap through the use of their methodologies in explaining foreign legal systems. In its study of foreign legal cultures, comparative law runs the risk of misinterpreting legal phenomena because of its use of non-reflective, domestically contingent methodologies that superimpose our value judgments upon other legal cultures, and therefore often conceal rather than illuminate different approaches to law. Both challenges, however, encompass great opportunity and the possibility for a more nuanced understanding of ourselves and others.
The in-vitro and in-vivo effects of diethylstilbestrol on testicular synthesis of testosterone.

Abstract The effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the percent conversion of a 14 C-progesterone ( 14 C-P) substrate to 14 C-testosterone ( 14 C-T) when added to incubates of rat testicular homogenates has been measured. Similarly the effect of DES administered parenterally to intact adult rats at 9 dose regimens on such conversion has been evaluated. In addition, in the latter group serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were assessed simultaneously. DES added in-vitro significantly reduced T formation at every level. Only the large parenteral dose of DES affected T synthesis after 24 hours, while every parenteral dose significantly reduced T synthesis with 4 and 8 day regimens. Mean serum LH levels failed to reflect a significant decrease at the 1 and 4 day dose level, but did decrease significantly in 2 of 3 groups on the 8 day regimen. These results suggest that there is a direct effect of DES at a testicular level inhibiting T synthesis not associated with a simultaneous drop in mean serum LH levels. A measurable decrease in LH concentration does occur with continued treatment.
Erratum to “In vitro and in vivo protein sampling by combined microdialysis and ultrafiltration” [J. Immunol. Methods 309 (2006) 55--68]

a Carnegie Mello University, Molecular Biosensors and Imaging Center (MBIC) and Institute for Complex Engineered System (ICES), and the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Critical Care Medicine, United States b University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, United States c Carnegie Mellon University, Molecular Biosensors and Imaging Center (MBIC), United States d University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, United States e University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Otolaryngology, Director Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory, United States
Improvement of the processability of poly(ether ketone ketone) by the addition of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

The addition of a thermotropic liquid crystalline, wholly aromatic copolyester, TLCP, improved the melt processability of poly(ether ketone ketone), PEKK. The tensile strength and modulus of the blends also improved with increasing TLCP, but the elongation at break decreased significantly. The blends were phase-sepa- rated, but the polymers were partially miscible as evident from shifts of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of each component towards that of the other component in the blend. Similarly, the melting points (Tm) of both components were depressed by blending. When the crystallization temperature was above Tm of the TLCP, the PEKK crystallization rate in the blend was slower than for the pure material, while crystallization was faster when the temperature was below Tm of the TLCP. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:541-547, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Dependence of settlement rate on suitable substrate area

Several recent field studies have found disproportionately high barnacle settlement rates (expressed on a per-area basis) in situations where the amount of suitable substrate is reduced, either due to occupation by other individuals or to physical processes. We call this phenomenon the intensification effect; it is not included in many models of benthic populations, which assume that the per-area settlement rate is a constant, or in field larval-collector studies, where number of larvae caught is assumed to be a function only of larval supply. In this paper we derive a simple Markov chain model that generates the intensification effect. It describes the fate of a settling larva, which may be washed out of the system or may attempt to settle in suitable or unsuitable substrate. If it lands on unsuitable substrate, it returns to the water column to try again. At low values of the washout rate, the per-area settlement rate decreases with increasing substrate area. At high values of the washout rate, per-area settlement rate is constant. We conducted a set of laboratory experiments in March through April 1995 with barnacle larvae (Semibalanus balanoides Linnaeus) to illustrate the predictions of the model. Substrate area was manipulated by varying the number of settling panels available, and the larval loss rate was adjusted by manipulating the residence time of larvae in the experimental units (1.5 h or 12 h). As predicted by the model, in the 12-h treatment settlement per area decreased nonlinearly as the amount of substrate increased, whereas in the 1.5-h treatment no differences were found. These results explain and predict the intensification effect, and suggest that variability in the proportion of suitable substrate may be an important factor in determining variability in settlement rate.
An analysis of electroquasistatic induction micromotors

Abstract This paper studies the steady-state operation of the electroquasistatic induction micromotor (IM). A rotary pancake IM compatible with surface micromachining serves as an example. A model is developed to predict the electric potential, field and free charge within the IM. The model also predicts the motive torque and transverse force of electric origin acting on its rotor. The torque is balanced against bushing friction and windage to determine rotor velocity. Here, the bushing friction is modeled as a function of the transverse force acting on the rotor. Finally, an equivalent circuit model is developed, which described important aspects of the electromechanical operation of the IM. The model is used to study IM performance and its dependence on IM dimensions and material properties. For example, IM performance is predicted to be a complex function of axial IM dimensions and a strong function of rotor conductivity. The study also reveals that IM performance can differ significally from that of the variable-capacitance micromotor (VCM). For example, the dependence of motive torque and transverse force on axial dimensions can be significanly different in some IM operating regimes, allowing the possibility of improved performance over the VCM. IM and VCM dependences on micromotor geometry, velocity and material properties can also be significanlty different. The excitation and control requirements reflect the difference between a synchronous (VCM) and an asynchronous (IM) motor, as well as the possibility of obtaining an axially stable rotor position for certain IM material parameters.
Using self‐report questionnaires in OB research: A comment on the use of a controversial method

Most studies of organizational behavior rely on reports by people about the variables of interest. The use of one type of report, the self-report where people are asked about their own jobs and their reactions to their jobs, has become the target of criticism by both article authors and reviewers. Many researchers are skeptical about results that come from questionnaires that ask people to report about themselves and their jobs. Skepticism is reflected in reviewers' comments when a paper is dismissed with the often prejudiced and unthoughtful charge that method variance or monomethod bias has produced the observed correlations rather than the constructs of interest. It is less likely that this charge will be raised when people report about others, as with assessment center ratings or performance ratings, even though a single method is used here as well. There are good reasons to be cautious in the use of self-report questionnaires, but reasons for caution are every bit as important for other methodologies as well. For example, Fried, Rowland and Ferris (1984) outlined the many problems that occur with the use of objective physiological measures. There have been serious questions raised about the validity of dimension ratings in assessment centers (e.g. Brannick, Michaels and Baker, 1989; Robertson, Gratton and Sharpley, 1987). Frequent discussions of the problems with self-reports can be found throughout the OB literature (e.g. Brief, Burke, George, Robinson and Webster, 1988; Spector, 1992). Indeed self-reports have been used too frequently to address research questions that they are unable to adequately answer. It seems important, however, that we also consider the appropriate uses and values of self-reports. This paper will be concerned with how self-reports can and cannot be used to help us understand organizational phenomena. It will deal with both issues of construct validity and issues of appropriate inferences that can be made from studies using self-report questionnaires.
Instrument and technique for removal of subungual foreign bodies

An 18 guage needle is an effective instrument for transungual removal of foreign bodies when the nail has been separated from its bed sufficiently to allow windowing of the nail without injury to the underlying tissue.
Child Development And Post-traumatic Stress Disorder After Hurricane Exposure

This study examined child development in relation to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after hurricane exposure. The study subjects were 175 3 to 5-year old minority children enrolled in Head Start programs. Children were evaluated 12 and 18 months after Hurricane Andrew struck south Florida. Mothers were interviewed concerning symptoms of PTSD and completed a questionnaire regarding their children's development. RESULTS indicated that 16.5% of exposed children met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PTSD at 12 months, and 11.6% had PTSD at 18 months post-hurricane. Children who had PTSD at 12 months were more likely to be delayed in their development at 18 months, and those with PTSD at 18 months similarly were more likely to be delayed. These findings indicate that children with PTSD are at risk for delays in their overall development. Language: en
Absence of ganglioside GM1 in astroglial cells from 21-day old rat brain: immunohistochemical, histochemical, and biochemical studies.

A procedure was developed for the cultivation of cells derived from the cerebral hemispheres of the 21-day old rat. Approximately 98 percent of the cells in a 10 day culture are astrocytes that contain glial fibrillary acidic protein. Analysis of the extracted gangliosides by thin layer chromatography revealed that ganglioside GM1 was absent and that the predominant ganglioside was GM3. Very small amounts of the polysialogangliosides GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b were detected. The concentration of gangliosidic NeuNAc per mg protein in these astrocytes was only 3 percent that observed in the 5 day culture of a mixed cell preparation from newborn rat brain. Immunohistochemical and histochemical studies were performed on the mixed cell population of the minced tissue of 21-day old rat brain prior to cultivation. Astrocytes did not stain for hyaluronectin. These cells also did not provide a positive staining reaction for ganglioside GM1 utilizing the antiganglioside GM1 peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure and the biotinylated choleragen-avidin-peroxidase procedure. These two histochemical methods for ganglioside GM1 also did not stain astrocytes that had been cultured for 5 days. Oligodendroglial cells, which were also present in the uncultured 21-day-old minced brain tissue, stasined positively for ganglioside GM1 and hyaluronectin. Hyaluronectin had previously been shown to be a marker for oligodendroglia. Oligodendroglial cells which were present in the 5 day cultures of 21-day old brain tissue also provided a positive reaction for ganglioside GM1. It is concluded that ganglioside GM1 is absent in astroglia. The presence of small amounts of polysialogangliosides in the “pure” astrocyte preparation is discussed.
A quantitative Pólya's Theorem with corner zeros

Polya's Theorem says that if p is a homogeneous polynomial in n variables which is positive on the standard n-simplex, and F is the sum of the variables, then for a sufficiently large exponent N, FN * p has positive coefficients. Polya's Theorem has had many applications in both pure and applied mathematics; for example it provides a certificate for the positivity of p on the simplex. The authors have previously given an explicit bound on N, determined by the data of p; namely, the degree, the size of the coefficients and the minimum value of p on the simplex. In this paper, we extend this quantitative Polya's Theorem to non-negative polynomials which are allowed to have simple zeros at the corners of the simplex.
GENESIS OF REFRACTORY CLAY NEAR GUANAJUATO, MEXICO

ABSTRACT Refractory clay, derived from hornblende chlorite schist that was hydrothermally altered along nearly vertical fractures and faults, occurs near Guanajuato, Mexico, a few kilometers south and east of the famous monument, El Cristo Rey. Part of the chlorite is expanding, i.e. probably mixed-layer vermiculitic chlorite or biotite. The most refractory clay is comprised chiefly of kaolinite, with variable amounts of finely crystalline quartz. Huge, thick “gossans” of silica have been deposited as surface-covers over the fractures; such silica gossans are fairly common over Mexican hydrothermal clay deposits and may be used as probable field guides to argillation. The trend of mineralogical and chemical changes (analyses tabulated in the paper) during argillation of the Guanajuato material is traced in overlapping sequence, as follows: (a) bleaching of green ferro-ferric silicates accompanied by oxidation of part of the iron to “limonite”. (b) leaching of alkali and alkaline earths accompanied by, (c) partial desilication of parent silicate minerals yielding kaolinite whose flakes are commonly oriented parallel with the chlorite of the schist, mobile silica, and finely divided quartz intermixed with the kaolinite, (d) refinement (“purification”) of the clay by further kaolinization and removal of silica minerals and some iron oxide. The final clay may run higher in silica than does its parent rock.
Real-time Netshuffle: Graph distortion for on-line anonymization

Due the significant need for real-time anonymization we propose Real-time Netshuffle [1]; a complete graph distortion technique designed to mitigate risk to inference attacks in traffic anonymization. Real-time Netshuffle provides an additional layer of security, in concert with other on-line traffic anonymization techniques, while imposing only minimal damage to the empirical value of the data.
Line shape analysis of two-dimensional infrared spectra

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy probes femtosecond to picosecond time scale dynamics ranging from solvation to protein motions. The frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF) is the quantitative measure of the spectral diffusion that reports those dynamics and, within certain approximations, can be extracted directly from 2D IR line shapes. A variety of methods have been developed to extract the FFCF from 2D IR spectra, which, in principle, should give the same FFCF parameters, but the complexity of real experimental systems will affect the results of these analyses differently. Here, we compare five common analysis methods using both simulated and experimental 2D IR spectra to understand the effects of apodization, anharmonicity, phasing errors, and finite signal-to-noise ratios on the results of each of these analyses. Our results show that although all of the methods can, in principle, yield the FFCF under idealized circumstances, under more realistic experimental conditions they behave quite differently, and we find that the centerline slope analysis yields the best compromise between the effects we test and is most robust to the distortions that they cause.
Enzymatic sensing with organic electrochemical transistors

Since their development in the 1980's organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have attracted a great deal of interest for biosensor applications. Coupled with the current proliferation of organic semiconductor technologies, these devices have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by making point-of-care and home-based medical diagnostics widely available. Unfortunately, their mechanism of operation is poorly understood, and this hinders further development of this important technology. In this paper glucose sensors based on OECTs and the redox enzyme glucose oxidase are investigated. Through appropriate scaling of the transfer characteristics at various glucose concentrations, a universal curve describing device operation is shown to exist. This result elucidates the underlying device physics and establishes a connection between sensor response and analyte concentration. This improved understanding paves the way for rational optimization of enzymatic sensors based on organic electrochemical transistors.
Improved construction for universality of determinant and permanent

Valiant [L. Valiant, Completeness classes in algebra, in: Proc. 11th Annual ACM Symposium on the Theory of Computing, Atlanta, GA, 1979, pp. 249-261] proved that every polynomial of formula size e is a projection of the (e + 2) × (e + 2) determinant polynomial. We improve "e + 2" to "e + 1", also for a definition of formula size that does not count multiplications by constants as gates. Our proof imitates the "2e + 2" proof of von zur Gathen [J. von zur Gathen, Feasible arithmetic computations: Valiant's hypothesis, Journal of Symbolic Computation 4 (1987) 137-172], but uses different invariants and a tighter set of base cases.
The effects of temperature, pH and Cl-pump inhibitors on GABA responses recorded from cat dorsal root ganglia

GABA applied by iontophoresis produced GABA-induced currents (GCs) and GABA-induced depolarizations (GDs) which were recorded intracellularly from cat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Lowering the temperature (37 to 27°C) of the preparation depressed the amplitude of GCs while prolonging their rise-time and decay time. This depressant action was mainly due to a hyperpolarizing shift in the GABA equilibrium potential (EGABA). GABA responses could also be depressed by alkalinization of the superfusion solution or addition of putative chloride pump inhibitors, e.g. SITS, furosemide or bumetanide. However, the mechanism by which these latter procedures depressed GABA responses was not due to a shift in EGABA as occurred with lowered temperature. Instead we suggest that alkalinization or the putative chloride pump inhibitors affect the chloride channel or some other site associated with the GABA receptor complex and cause the depression we observe. GABA responses could be facilitated by lowering the pH of the superfusion solution or by injecting ammonium ion into a DRG. These results suggest that a temperature-sensitive, inwardly directed chloride pump that is resistant to SITS, furosemide or bumetanide, operates in cat DRG.
Regulatory T-cell development: is Foxp3 the decider?

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have gone from obscurity to rock-star status in the past decade, prompting intense scrutiny—but what exactly are they? Four studies examine this question, delving deeply into the role of the transcription factor Foxp3 in governing Treg differentiation and function.
Effect of Inertia and Elasticity on Stick-Slip Motion

A hybrid simulation method is used to study the transition from stick-slip motion to steady sliding as the sliding velocity increases above a critical value v(c). The effects of the geometry, elasticity, and mass M of the sliding object are varied to test competing theories. When the slider has a tapered geometry, v(c) scales as M(-1/2), and the elasticity of the slider is irrelevant. When the slider has a constant columnar cross section, elasticity dominates, and v(c) is independent of mass as M--> infinity. The tapered geometry is more typical of existing measurements, but the columnar geometry could be realized using a nanotube.
Aortic growth rates in chronic aortic dissection.

Aim To determine and compare rates of descending aortic enlargement and complications in chronic aortic dissection with and without a proximal aortic graft. Methods and materials Fifty-two patients with dissection involving the descending aorta and who had undergone at least two computed tomography (CT) examinations at our institution between November, 1993 and February, 2004 were identified, including 24 non-operated patients (four type A, 20 type B) and 28 operated patients (type A). CT examinations per patient ranged from two to 10, and follow-up ranged from 1–123 months (mean 49 months, median 38.5 months). On each CT image, the aortic short axis (SA), false lumen (FL), and true lumen (TL) diameters were measured at the longitudinal midpoint of the dissection and at the point of maximum aortic diameter. Complications were tabulated, including aortic rupture and aortic enlargement requiring surgery. Results For non-operated patients, the midpoint and maximum point SA, TL, and FL diameters increased significantly over time. For operated patients, the midpoint and maximum point SA and FL diameters increased significantly over time. In both groups, aortic enlargement was predominantly due to FL expansion. Diameter increases in non-operated patients were significantly larger than those in operated patients. The rate of change in aortic diameter was constant, regardless of aortic size. Four non-operated and six operated patients developed aortic complications. Conclusions In patients with a dissection involving the descending thoracic aorta, the FL increased in diameter over time, at a constant rate, and to a greater degree in non-operated patients (mostly type B) compared with operated patients (all type A).
Compound Heterozygosity for Nonsense and Missense Mutations in the LAMB3 Gene in Nonlethal Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Mutations in the genes encoding laminin 5 (LAMA3, L4MB3, and LAMC2) have been delineated in the autosomal recessive blistering skin disorder, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, particularly in the lethal (Herlitz) variant. In this study, we searched for mutations in these genes in two patients with nonlethal forms of junctional epidermolysis bullosa using polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA, followed by heteroduplex analysis and direct automated nucleotide sequencing. Both patients were found to be compound heterozygotes for the same nonsense mutation on one LAMB3 allele, and different missense mutations on the other LAMB3 allele. The combination of a nonsense and a missense mutation in the LAMB3 gene appears to be important in determining the milder clinical phenotype in some cases of the nonlethal forms of junctional epidermolysis bullosa involving abnormalities in laminin 5.
Treatment of respiratory syncytial virus: antiviral therapies

Treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants with bronchiolitis is complicated because of the multifactorial nature of this infection. The signs and symptoms of RSV result from a combination of direct viral cytopathic effects, host inflammatory responses that lead to airway obstruction and bronchoconstriction. It is logical that therapies targeting just one of these processes might be minimally effective, at best. Thus an important goal is to identify patients at risk and intervene to prevent disease, whenever possible. Once disease has been identified, the clinician must decide whether antiviral therapy is appropriate. Familiarity with typical viral load dynamics during the course of a lower respiratory tract infection can assist in the therapeutic decision process. For example in a patient who has had airway obstruction and other respiratory symptoms for >3 days, viral load has already peaked. Clearly this pattern has important implications for antiviral therapies. Preventive strategies include educating parents and family about hand washing, cleaning environmental surfaces, isolating infants and children with infection and avoiding crowded places such as busy day-care centers. High risk patients, who meet the American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for RSV prophylaxis, may be candidates for passive prophylaxis.
ANCA patients have T cells responsive to complementary PR-3 antigen

Some patients with proteinase 3 specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (PR3-ANCA) also have antibodies that react to complementary-PR3 (cPR3), a protein encoded by the antisense RNA of the PR3 gene. To study whether patients with anti-cPR3 antibodies have cPR3-responsive memory T cells we selected conditions that allowed cultivation of memory cells but not naive cells. About half of the patients were found to have CD4+TH1 memory cells responsive to the cPR3 138–169 -peptide; while only a third of the patients had HI-PR3 protein responsive T cells. A significant number of T cells from patients responded to cPR3 138–169 peptide and to HI-PR3 protein by proliferation and/or secretion of IFN-γ, compared to healthy controls while there was no response to scrambled peptide. Cells responsive to cPR3 138–169 -peptide were not detected in MPO-ANCA patients suggesting that this response is specific. The HLADRB1* 15 allele was significantly overrepresented in our patient group and is predicted to bind cPR3 138–169 peptide with high affinity. Regression analysis showed a significant likelihood that anti-cPR3 antibodies and cPR3-specific T cells coexist in individuals, consistent with an immunological history of encounter with a PR3-complementary protein. We suggest that the presence of cells reacting to potential complementary protein pairs might provide an alternative mechanism for auto-immune diseases.
The radiation impedance of a rectangular piston

Abstract The radiation impedance of a rectangular piston is expressed as the Fourier transform of its impulse response, which is obtained from the recent work of Lindermann [1]. The analytical evaluation of the transform is performed and new integral expressions are presented for both the radiation resistance and reactance. The integrals are readily evaluated in terms of elementary functions at both the low and high frequency limits. The integrals are also expressed as series of Bessel functions which are valid for all frequencies and aspect ratios. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the behavior of the radiation resistance and reactance as a function of the aspect ratio of the piston and a normalized frequency parameter. Additional numerical results are then presented to illustrate the accuracy of the analytical expressions for the radiation resistance and reactance at low and high frequencies. Finally, numerical results are presented to illustrate the application and accuracy of using standard FFT algorithms to evaluate the radiation resistance and reactance directly from the impulse responses.
Dynamics of atom-adsorbed atom collisions: Hydrogen on tungsten

A model potential to describe the interaction of a diatomic molecule with a solid surface has previously been derived and applied to the case of H 2 interacting with a tungsten (001) surface. Using this potential we have computed a series of classical trajectories designed to simulate the collision of a gas-phase hydrogen atom with an adsorbed hydrogen atom. Comparisons are made with the results of recombination studies of two adsorbed atoms and with the collision of an atom with a bare surface.
Cellular mechanisms of tumour suppression by the retinoblastoma gene

The retinoblastoma (RB) tumour suppressor gene is functionally inactivated in a broad range of paediatric and adult cancers, and a plethora of cellular functions and partners have been identified for the RB protein. Data from human tumours and studies from mouse models indicate that loss of RB function contributes to both cancer initiation and progression. However, we still do not know the identity of the cell types in which RB normally prevents cancer initiation in vivo, and the specific functions of RB that suppress distinct aspects of the tumorigenic process are poorly understood.
Arthrocentesis of the Knee

Arthrocentesis is used to establish the cause of an acute monoarthritis or polyarthritis. It is also used to drain large effusions or hemarthroses and to instill steroids or local anesthetic. This procedure video demonstrates how to perform arthrocentesis.
Monitoring Gold Nanorod Synthesis on Surfaces

We describe a simplified method for the synthesis of gold nanorods on surfaces. Gold colloid seeds were deposited by electrostatic attraction onto silicon wafers and grown in a HAuCl4 solution by surfactant-assisted, seed-mediated synthesis. Microscopic analysis of the nanoparticle ensemble allowed direct observation of several aspects of the anisotropic growth of gold nanorods. Individual seed particles were observed to produce individual nanorods with yields similar to those of previous reports with the seed particles in solution. A minimum seed diameter of 17 nm was required for nanorod nucleation, and this minimum was the same for surfactants with both 12- and 16-carbon chains. However, the chain length affected the isometric seed growth rate, which was faster for the shorter chain surfactant. Altering the surfactant headgroup disrupted the growth anisotropy and produced no nanorods.
Continual Evolution: The Experience Over Three Semesters of a Librarian Embedded in an Online Evidence-Based Medicine Course for Physician Assistant Students

This column examines the experience, over three years, of a librarian embedded in an online Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine course, which is a requirement for students pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University. Student learning outcomes were determined, a video lecture was created, and student learning was assessed via a five-point Blackboard test during year one. For years two and three, the course instructor asked the librarian to be responsible for two weeks of course instruction and a total of 15 out of 100 possible points for the course. This gave the librarian flexibility to measure additional outcomes and gather more in-depth assessment data. The librarian then used the assessment data to target areas for improvement in the lessons and Blackboard tests. Revisions made by the librarian positively affected student achievement of learning outcomes, as measured by the assessment conducted the subsequent semester. Plans for further changes are also discussed.
Influence of a thin inhomogeneous surface layer on electromagnetic ground wave propagation

A theory is outlined for propagation of electromagnetic waves over a conducting half-space which is coated by a thin inhomogeneous layer. The source is a vertical electric dipole. An asymptotic development indicates that the conventional ground wave formulas are applicable if the surface impedance parameter is defined in a more general manner. An exampie indicates that a lossy half-space with a nonabrupt boundary has effects akin to a dielectric-coated homogeneous half-space.
Bytes of Note

People who care about the environment should care about the news. The quality, quantity, and topics of information, analysis, and opinion from news providers influence what people do to the environ...
Ablation of stimulation of a cAMP-responsive promoter in CHO cell lines defective in their cAMP-dependent protein kinase system.

We have studied the requirement for an intact cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) system to regulate cAMP-mediated gene transcription in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Wild-type CHO cells and mutant CHO cell lines selected for their resistance to the growth inhibitory effect of 8-Br-cAMP and defective in their PKA system were transiently transfected with reporter plasmids containing 2.5 and 3.0 kb of the 5′-flanking sequence of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene promoter. This segment of DNA contains no CRE-like sequences, yet wild-type transfectants exhibited a specific increase in TAT promoter activity following growth in medium containing 8-Br-cAMP. In CHO cell lines defective in their PKA, the transfected TAT promoter failed to respond to cAMP treatment. We conclude that an intact PKA system is necessary for the cAMP-mediated increase in TAT promoter activity in CHO cells and that there is no requirement for a CRE to see this effect.
Differential maintenance of DNA sequences in telomeric and centromeric heterochromatin.

Repeated DNA in heterochromatin presents enormous difficulties for whole-genome sequencing; hence, sequence organization in a significant portion of the genomes of multicellular organisms is relatively unknown. Two sequenced BACs now allow us to compare telomeric retrotransposon arrays from Drosophila melanogaster telomeres with an array of telomeric retrotransposons that transposed into the centromeric region of the Y chromosome >13 MYA, providing a unique opportunity to compare the structural evolution of this retrotransposon in two contexts. We find that these retrotransposon arrays, both heterochromatic, are maintained quite differently, resulting in sequence organizations that apparently reflect different roles in the two chromosomal environments. The telomere array has grown only by transposition of new elements to the chromosome end; the centromeric array instead has grown by repeated amplifications of segments of the original telomere array. Many elements in the telomere have been variably 5′-truncated apparently by gradual erosion and irregular deletions of the chromosome end; however, a significant fraction (4 and possibly 5 or 6 of 15 elements examined) remain complete and capable of further retrotransposition. In contrast, each element in the centromere region has lost ≥40% of its sequence by internal, rather than terminal, deletions, and no element retains a significant part of the original coding region. Thus the centromeric array has been restructured to resemble the highly repetitive satellite sequences typical of centromeres in multicellular organisms, whereas, over a similar or longer time period, the telomere array has maintained its ability to provide retrotransposons competent to extend telomere ends.
Bicriteria optimisation of the makespan and mean flowtime on two identical parallel machines

This paper proposes an efficient algorithm to solve optimally the bicriteria problem of minimising the weighted sum of makespan and mean flowtime on two identical parallel machines. The proposed algorithm allows the decision-maker to minimise makespan and flowtime simultaneously according to his or her relative preference as reflected through the weights placed on makespan and flowtime. Our computational results show that the proposed algorithm can solve optimally problem instances with a large number of jobs in a reasonably small amount of CPU time.
Running out of steam

The concept was a result of tackling German culture while studying abroad and discovering the German cityscape through a magnifying glass; Robert discovers his world from a strange detailed perspective.
An Autophagy-Enhancing Drug Promotes Degradation of Mutant α1-Antitrypsin Z and Reduces Hepatic Fibrosis

In the classical form of alpha1-antitrypsin (AT) deficiency, a point mutation in AT alters the folding of a liver-derived secretory glycoprotein and renders it aggregation-prone. In addition to decreased serum concentrations of AT, the disorder is characterized by accumulation of the mutant alpha1-antitrypsin Z (ATZ) variant inside cells, causing hepatic fibrosis and/or carcinogenesis by a gain-of-toxic function mechanism. The proteasomal and autophagic pathways are known to mediate degradation of ATZ. Here we show that the autophagy-enhancing drug carbamazepine (CBZ) decreased the hepatic load of ATZ and hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model of AT deficiency-associated liver disease. These results provide a basis for testing CBZ, which has an extensive clinical safety profile, in patients with AT deficiency and also provide a proof of principle for therapeutic use of autophagy enhancers.
Globalization and a Conservative Dilemma: Economic Openness and Retributive Policies

Globalization is associated with economic openness and, in this sense, is in line with conservative free market ideology that embraces less government intervention. Globalization is also associated with greater contact with dissimilar outgroups and potential threats from terrorists and seems to run against conservative attitudes toward outgroup threat and civil liberties. We report research employing two nationally representative samples of 1,000 adults (collected in 2006 and 2008) that explored conservative individuals’ attitudes as American views of terrorism evolved following 9/11. Despite diminishing estimates of the likelihood of terrorist attacks, conservatism remained strongly associated with support for seeking revenge for foreign terrorist attacks and for restricting the civil liberties of foreign visitors and noncitizens in order to prevent terrorism. These trends were not accounted for by differences in levels of perceived threat or by demographic characteristics distinguishing conservatives from others. Results are discussed in the context of globalization and the role of political ideology.
Might calcium disorders cause or contribute to myoclonic seizures in epileptics

Although epilepsy is not rare, many epileptic conditions are considered to be idiopathic and the related seizures of unknown origin. It does appear that different types of seizures are caused by differing mechanisms. This paper discusses scattered case reports involving problems with calcium metabolism and the thyroid, and/or the parathyroid glands concurrent with seizures that support the position that calcium control mechanisms may have been involved in causing seizures in those patients. This paper hypothesizes that calcium levels can cause, or at least contribute to myoclonic (jerk) seizures, as well as to possibly infantile spasms. As these conditions are difficult to treat medically, this paper suggests that nutritional interventions, such as supplemental calcium, magnesium and/or vitamin D, might well be considered as an option as a first-line treatment in those with these types of epileptic disorders. The nutritional recommendations also would apply for those who have seizures concurrent with Down syndrome.
Generalized Variance Functions in Stratified Two-Stage Sampling

Abstract Generalized variance functions (GVF's) are used in a number of sample surveys as a convenient method of publishing sampling errors. The method consists of estimating the relative variance (relvariance) of an estimator of a total T by using a model with the form a + b/T. Using the prediction approach to finite population sampling, some asymptotic theory is presented for estimators of totals that are linear combinations of sample cluster means from stratified, two-stage cluster samples. One choice of GVF estimator is shown to be consistent under a particular class of prediction models. The theory is illustrated by an empirical study in which two-stage stratified samples are selected from a population of households. The prediction model is one in which units within a stratum have a common mean and variance, units in the same cluster are correlated but units in different clusters are not, and in which the common variance is a quadratic function of the common mean in a stratum. Bernoulli and Poisson r...
Endoscopic treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To review the current literature and data describing primary endoscopic treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Materials and methods Published, peer-reviewed articles on ureteroscopic, percutaneous, and laparoscopic treatment of upper tract TCC were identified using the MEDLINE database. Results Nephroureterectomy has been considered the “gold standard” for upper tract TCC. Minimally invasive approaches, initially advocated for patients requiring a nephron sparing approach (i.e., solitary kidney or renal insufficiency) or those with significant comorbidities precluding definitive surgery, have been increasingly used with the further refinement of ureteroscopy, percutaneous renal surgery, and laparoscopy. Ureteroscopy has been used successfully, resulting in recurrence rates ranging from 31% to 65% and disease-free rates of 35% to 86%. Progression and metastatic rates are low and correlate with tumor grade. Likewise, percutaneous approaches show disease specific survival and recurrence rates correlating with tumor grade. Patients with low-grade tumors (Grades 1–2) do well with this approach with recurrence rates and disease specific survival rates of 26% to 28% and 96% to 100%, respectively. For those patients requiring complete extirpation of the kidney and ureter, laparoscopic nephroureterectomy results in decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and more rapid convalescence without compromising cancer control. Conclusions Nephron sparing approaches in well-selected patients with low stage and low-grade disease can be treated endoscopically with ureteroscopy and percutaneous renal surgery. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy offers a safe, minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgical techniques for patients with TCC of the upper urinary tract.
Circulatory Changes Following Birth of the Calf and the Effect of Hypoxia

Circulatory and ventilatory measurements were made during the course of 66 cardiac catheterizations in 20 unanesthetized Jersey calves, age two hours to eight weeks. The salient findings were: 1. The pulmonary arterial pressure was high during the first two to three hours of extra-uterine life (up to 80 mm Hg) and it decreased rapidly (30 to 40 mm Hg) during the next nine to ten hours. 2. The pulmonary ventilation appeared good, judging by the active appearance of the calves, the volumes of respired air, the arterial blood gases, and the ventilatory response to hypoxia. 3. The pulmonary blood flows in these calves were not higher in the first hours of life than on subsequent days, and there was little contribution to the pulmonary blood flow by a left to right shunt through the ductus arteriosus. 4. Hypoxia, if severe, could increase the pulmonary arterial pressure to systemic levels on the day of birth, but not in older calves. 5. Pulmonary vasoconstriction sometimes followed puncture of the aorta or other procedures in calves less than twelve hours old. The lability of the pulmonary blood vessels during the first hours of extra-uterine life suggested that large changes in pulmonary vascular tone also occur in utero.
More than just vaginal intercourse: anal intercourse and condom use patterns in the context of "main" and "casual" sexual relationships among urban minority adolescent females.

Abstract Purpose Receptive anal intercourse has long been recognized as a risk factor for the transmission of HIV and STIs. Most HIV/STI prevention messages continue to emphasize penile-vaginal transmission, so many teens do not recognize anal intercourse as risky sexual behavior. This purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anal intercourse, and to describe the relationship between types of sexual relationships (main vs. casual), types of sexual behaviors (vaginal vs. anal sex), and types of contraception used among inner-city sexually experienced adolescents. Methods Reproductive health histories were obtained from 350 sexually experienced adolescent females aged 12–18 years participating in a 5-year STI acquisition study at an urban health center. Baseline sexual behavior data was analyzed and described using frequencies, percentages and chi-square tests. Results 41% of teens and 86.5% of teens reported engaging in sexual activity with casual and main partners respectively. Sixteen percent of teens with main partners and 12% of those with casual partners engaged in receptive anal intercourse ( P = 0.31). Condom use is more prevalent for both vaginal (61% vs. 32.4%, P ≤ 0.0001) and anal (47.1% vs. 21.3%, P = 0.0428) intercourse in the context of casual as compared to main sexual relationships. Teens involved in a casual relationship were more likely to use anal intercourse as a form of contraception (41.2% vs. 8.5%, P = 0.0022). Conclusion It is imperative that health care providers recognize that adolescents engage in anal sex, specifically inquire about their types of sexual behavior and types of sexual relationships so that anticipatory guidance regarding HIV/STI transmission risk reduction education can be tailored to meet their needs.
Critical Pedagogy in Online Environments as Thirdspace: A Narrative Analysis of Voices of Candidates in Educational Preparatory Programs.

Faculty members in teacher and administrator preparation programs have unprecedented opportunities to incorporate advanced technologies, including the expansion of online classes and the use of online discussion forums. Within online environments, the concepts of critical pedagogy are more connected to the landscape of digital information, providing opportunities to focus on local regimes of truth with individuals constructing new knowledge forms. Utilizing qualitative narrative analysis to examine the voices of five preservice teachers, five candidates in a beginning principal preparation program, and five doctoral educational administration candidates, this paper translates the sociological construct of Thirdspace (Soja 1996) as applied to critical pedagogy in online environments. Within Thirdspace, preservice teachers and educational leaders transform their thinking about issues that affect their lives as well as their school communities through ongoing discourse and exploration related to their own cu...