cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kicking the Tires: A Usability Study of the Primo Discovery Tool

Discovery tools offer users a powerful way of searching library holdings as well as external databases and indexes. They are becoming an increasingly common part of the library user experience, and research on the usability of such tools is expanding. In 2012, a mid-sized academic research library implemented Primo Discovery and Delivery by Ex Libris and conducted a diagnostic usability test to investigate how the tool is used without instruction, to discover patterns in searching behavior, and to uncover how compatible Primo is with user search behavior. This article will describe the design and implementation of the usability study. Despite some design flaws, users adapt to the tool over time and can perform effective searches. This article also provides recommendations for future usability studies in specific targeted areas where problems were detected.
Amygdala central nucleus function is necessary for learning, but not expression, of conditioned auditory orienting.

When exposed to pairings of a visual stimulus with food delivery, rats normally acquire both conditioned orienting responses directed toward the visual stimulus and conditioned food-related responses. Consistent with the results of previous lesion studies, reversible inactivation of amygdala central nucleus function before each conditioning session prevented the acquisition of conditioned orienting responses, whereas food-related behaviors were acquired normally. By contrast, neither inactivation nor neurotoxic lesions of central nucleus affected the expression of previously-acquired conditioned orienting responses. Thus, the central nucleus is apparently not critical to the maintenance of information required for conditioned orienting, but instead is necessary for memory storage elsewhere. Specialized roles for components of a circuit for conditioned orienting, which includes the central nucleus, the substantia nigra, and dorsolateral striatum, are discussed.
Clinical interventions and prevention for Asian American children and families: Current status and needed research

Abstract The current status of clinical interventions and prevention for Asian American children and/or adolescents and their families was assessed through a review of the literature on conceptual frameworks, cultural variables and related issues, and empirical studies. Five proposed approaches to treatment or prevention were examined. Some factors that might account for the slow progress of treatment research in this area were also discussed. These included conceptual and methodological issues; the paucity of data on psychopathology in this population; their low service-utilization rates; and societal images, values, and needs. Some needed directions for future research are suggested.
The relationship between daily traffic volume and the distribution of lead in roadside soil and vegetation

Abstract Lead from automotive sources in roadside soil and vegetation is found to follow a double exponential function of the following form: Pb = A 1 e − k 1 D + A 2 e − k 2 D . The terms A 1 and A 2 are linear functions of average daily traffic volume. The two exponents are assumed to represent two families of particles of different sizes. The larger particles are deposited within about 5 m of the roadside and are relatively inert in the soil. The smaller particles settle more slowly and are deposited within about 100 m of the roadside. Based on the differences between the relative lead content of the soil and vegetation attributable to the two exponents, the lead contained in the smaller particles is assumed to be more soluble than that of the larger ones. An estimated 72–76% of the historical lead deposited on the soil has been lost from the surface 10 cm of soil.
Phonological deficiencies in children with reading disability: evidence from an object-naming task.

Abstract Research indicates that children with reading disability have problems both in naming objects and in performing certain tasks that require phonological processing or phonological awareness. The present study explored the possibility that these problems are related: Poor readers may have object-naming deficits as a consequence of phonological deficiencies in establishing complete representations in long-term memory and in processing these representations. This hypothesis was supported in an initial experiment that required children to name pictured objects. The poor readers were less accurate than the good readers in labeling the objects. Their difficulty was particularly marked on objects with low frequency names and those with polysyllabic names, these being, presumably, more difficult to represent and to process accurately than frequent and short names. Moreover, the incorrect responses bore a phonetic resemblance to the correct object names. In a second experiment, the poor readers had difficulty making decisions based on the length of object names, even when it could be established that they knew the names. This suggests that they lack explicit awareness of the correspondence between the units of phonological representations and the units of speech. Since there is evidence that this awareness is important for learning to read well, the findings of this experiment and the first experiment support the hypothesis that the difficulties of poor readers reflect common stages in the processes that underlie reading and naming.
LHC search for di-Higgs decays of stoponium and other scalars in events with two photons and two bottom jets

We study the prospects for LHC discovery of a narrow resonance that decays to two Higgs bosons, using the final state of two photons and two bottom jets. Our work is motivated in part by a scenario in which two-body flavor-preserving decays of the top squark are kinematically forbidden. Stoponium, a hadronic bound state of the top squark and its antiparticle, will then form, and may have a large branching fraction into the two Higgs boson final state. We estimate the cross section needed for a 5-sigma discovery at the 14 TeV LHC for such a narrow di-Higgs resonance, using the invariant mass distributions of the final state bottom jets and photons, as a function of the integrated luminosity. The results are also applicable to any other di-Higgs resonance produced by gluon fusion.
School phobia: patterns of family functioning.

Abstract. Seventy-six families of children with school phobia were evaluated with the Family Assessment Measure. Mothers and fathers, as separate groups, rated clinically significant dysfunction in the parent-child relationship in the areas of role performance and values and norms. There were no significant differences between intact and single-parent families on ratings of family dysfunction. There was significantly less family dysfunction as rated by mothers and by children if the child had a diagnosis of pure anxiety disorder compared to families of school phobic children in other diagnostic categories.
High incidence of Pellethane 90A lead malfunction

The long-term performance of Pellethane 80A (P80A) endocardial pacing leads has previously been called into question. We report our experience with an endocardial pacemaker lead with silicone outer and Pellethane 2363-90A (P90) inner insulator. Between November 1993 and March 1998, 129 P90A and …
Effects of prostaglandins on hepatic adenylate cyclase activity and cyclic adenosine 3',5',-monophosphate content.

The effects of prostaglandins on the adenylate cyclase-cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) system of rat liver were studied both in vitro and in vivo and compared to those of glucagon and isoproterenol. Prostaglandin (PG) E,, 4 x 10−4M to 2 x 10−5M, significantly increased hepatic adenylate cyclase activity in vitro. The stimulation of adenylate cyclase by PGE, was potentiated by addition of 8 μM GTP to the incubation media. By contrast, GTP did not augment the slight increase in adenylate cyclase activity seen in response to the prostaglandin ethanol control. However, the maximum stimulation of adenylate cyclase observed in response to PGE1 (4-fold) was considerably less than that obtained with glucagon (6-fold), but similar in magnitude to the response mediated by isoproterenol. Intraportal vein administration of 40 μg of PGE, to intact rats increased hepatic cAMP content 2-fold at 3 min after injection. The in-vivo response to PGE, was also comparable to that seen with isoproterenol but much le...
The genetics of phytotoxin production by plant pathogenic fungi

Little is known about the genetic control of phytotoxin production by plant pathogenic fungi. The production of host-selective toxins known to play a role in disease development has been genetically analyzed in three species ofCochliobolus. InC. heterostrophus, a single genetic locus with two alleles has been identified controlling the production of HMT-toxin. This locus appears to be at or near the breakpoint of a chromosome rearrangement. Single genetic loci have also been identified controlling the production of HC-toxin byC. carbonum and HV-toxin byC. victoriae. The locus inC. carbonum may be a cluster of tightly linked genes.
One-Point Visual Odometry Using a RGB-Depth Camera Pair

In this research, color-depth (RGB-D) camera pairs, like the Microsoft® Kinect™, are used to enable one-point visual odometry. In the proposed algorithm, features are detected in the color image using the speeded-up robust features (SURF) algorithm and converted into 3-dimensional (3D) feature locations using information from the depth image. These 3D features allow feature tracking between successive images based on spatial proximity. An inverse kinematic solution is used to calculate the visual odometry between frames based on the 3D feature matches. The proposed method supports visual odometry measurement with a single feature correspondence between frames. The proposed algorithm is implemented on a small, wheeled mobile robot (WMR) and evaluated experimentally in a series of representative, indoor, operational contexts. The preliminary results demonstrate that the proposed approach accurately tracks the motion of the robot to within 4–6% error, which is comparable to other more computationally expensive algorithms.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Alterations of Calbindin-D 28k Localization in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells in the Hypoxic Guinea Pig Fetus at Term

Alterations of Calbindin-D 28k Localization in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells in the Hypoxic Guinea Pig Fetus at Term
The Rise and Fall of the Diaphragm

Abces pyogene du foie. Images radiologiques (radiographie thoracique et tomodensitometrie abdominale)
Stoichiometric Requirements for Trapping and Activation of CRAC Channels by STIM1 At ER-Plasma Membrane Junctions

Store-operated Ca2+ entry is regulated by physical interactions of the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 and the CRAC channel protein Orai1. Recent studies support a diffusion-trap mechanism in which Ca2+ depletion from the ER causes STIM1 to accumulate at ER-plasma membrane (ER-PM) junctions, where its CRAC activation domain (CAD) binds to Orai1, trapping and activating mobile CRAC channels in the overlying PM. The ability of the CAD to cluster CRAC channels suggests that each channel contains multiple STIM1 binding sites, but the number of sites that must be occupied to trap and activate CRAC channels is unknown. By competing for a limited amount of STIM1, increasing levels of Orai1 are expected to reduce the number of STIM1s bound per channel until the minimum stoichiometry sufficient for channel trapping is reached. In HEK293 cells expressing a fixed amount of mCherry-STIM1 and increasing levels of GFP-Orai1, the junctional STIM1:Orai1 ratio reached a minimum of ∼0.3; thus, binding of 1-2 STIM1 appears sufficient to immobilize tetrameric CRAC channels at ER-PM junctions. In cells expressing a constant amount of STIM1, CRAC current (ICRAC) was a highly nonlinear bell-shaped function of Orai1 expression, and the minimum STIM1:Orai1 stoichiometry for channel trapping failed to evoke significant activation. A simple cooperative gating model fitted to the data suggests that while STIM1 binding to a single site is sufficient to trap CRAC channels, four sites must be occupied to cause significant activation. This highly nonlinear behavior supports conclusions based on current fluctuation analysis (Prakriya and Lewis, J. Gen. Physiol. 128:373-86, 2006) that the slow development of whole-cell ICRAC after store depletion reflects the stepwise recruitment of individual channels from a silent to a high open-probability state as they enter ER-PM junctional sites.
Conditioning Shriveled Soybean Seed Part II. Correlation of Physiological Characteristics with Physical Properties

ABSTRACT The physiological properties of samples at different stages during conditioning of shrivelled soybean seedlots were analyzed and correlated with physical properties. Conditioning improved seed viability and vigor. Operation capacities needed to be reduced to obtain optimal separation of shrivelled seeds with minimal loss of good seeds. Correlations of shrivelled seeds with germination, cold, stress, oil and yield tests presented a negative trend. KEYWORDS. Soybean conditioning. Physiological properties.
Redox cycling of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in cultured endothelial cells

It is hypothesized that oxidative reactions of hemoglobin driven by reactive oxygen species in the vasculature lead to endothelial cell injury or death. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were incubated with diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DBBF-Hb), developed as a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), generated by the glucose oxidase system. The low steady flux of H2O2 oxidizes the ferrous form of DBBF-Hb and drives the redox cycling of ferric and ferryl DBBF-Hb. Cells underwent rounding, swelling and detachment, and accumulated in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. G2/M arrest preceded the onset of apoptosis as determined by increases in phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and sub-G1 events. Redox cycling of unmodified hemoglobin also led to G2/M arrest and apoptosis. The rate and extent of DBBF-Hb oxidation correlated with the onset and extent of G2/M arrest and apoptosis and induced significant decreases in soluble reduced thiols. Earlier depletion of glutathione by pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine rendered cells more susceptible to G2/M arrest and apoptosis. The caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, had no effect on the induction of G2/M arrest but completely inhibited the subsequent increases in PS externalization and sub-G1 events. Catalase inhibited DBBF-Hb oxidation, the loss of thiols, and the onset of G2/M arrest and apoptosis. These data support a causative role for the ferric–ferryl redox cycle in the development of endothelial cell injury.
Momentum and mass transfer by eddy diffusioin in a wetted-wall channel

The role of eddy diffusion of mass (water vapor) and momentum was investigated in a specially devised wetted-wall channel in which the rippling of the liquid film was eliminated. The experimental measurements of the turbulent exchange coefficients for mass and momentum transport were carried out in a fully developed turbulent flow of air within the range of Reynolds numbers of 8,00 to 160,000. A correlation with Reynollds number revealed an approximately linear relationship of the eddy diffusivties to Reynolds number revealed an approximately linear relationship of the eddy diffusivities to Reynolds number [Equation (4)]. From the hot-wire measurements it was found that within the main protion of the turbulent core eddy diffusivities remained fairly constant.
TECHNICAL NOTE: Cost of reducing protein and phosphorus content of dairy rations

Reducing overfeeding of CP and phosphorus (P) is an effective method to reduce excess nutrient excretion by dairy cows. However market conditions frequently cause ingredients that are counterproductive to this goal to be the most economically attractive source of protein and energy. Less expensive feeds such as dried distillers grains and corn gluten feed are high in P or high in both CP and P. A linear program (Formulate2, Central Valley Nutritional Associates, Visalia, CA) was used to determine the effect of formulating rations for
Cognitive Therapy for Depression A Social Cognitive Perspective

The development of cognitive therapy, one of the most promising interventions for the treatment of depression and other nonpsychotic disorders, has been strongly influenced by basic research in social and cognitive psychology. The approach is predicated on a two-factor cognitive theory of emotion and accords a central role to the operation of schematic knowledge structures and information-processing heuristics. Procedures designed to produce change in existing depresotypic beliefs are grounded in principles emerging from that basic literature, and strategies derived from attribution theory appear to contribute to the apparent capacity of cognitive therapy to prevent the emergence of future depressive episodes. Clearly, the development and articulation of cognitive therapy have benefited greatly from basic research in experimental social and cognitive psychology.
Enhancing a Short Measure of Big Five Personality Traits With Bayesian Scaling

A study in a university clinic/laboratory investigated adaptive Bayesian scaling as a supplement to interpretation of scores on the Mini-IPIP. A ‘‘probability of belonging’’ in categories of low, medium, or high on each of the Big Five traits was calculated after each item response and continued until all items had been used or until a predetermined criteria for the posterior probability has been obtained. The study found higher levels of correspondence with the IPIP-50 score categories using the adaptive Bayesian scaling than with the Mini-IPIP alone. The number of additional items ranged from a mean of 2.9 to 12.5 contingent on the level of certainty desired.
‘Premature’ Infants: the Relation of Dental Abnormalities to Neurological and Psychometric Status at Age Two Years*

SUMMARY A double-blind evaluation study was undertaken of 66 two-year-old survivors of pre-term birth who had bsen on one of two anti-bacterial regimens during the first five days of life. A series of eight examinations was performed. Findings were designated ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’. The dental abnormality was enamel aplasia of primary teeth, the neurological abnormality was definite or suspected evidence of neurological deficit, and the psychometric abnormality was borderline or poorer performance on psychometric testing. The results of these examinations showed that dental abnormality at two years was significantly correlated with neurological and psychometric abnormalities. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG An 66 zwei Jahre alien ehemaligen Fruhgeborenen wurde ein Doppelblindversuch durchgefuhrt. Sie waren wahrend der ersten 5 Lebenstage nach zwei verschiedenen antibakteriellen Behandlungsplanen betreut worden. Es wurden acht Untersuchungen durchgefuhrt und die Befunde als normal oder abnorm bezeichnet. Die Zahnanomalie bestand in einer Schmelzaplasie der ersten Zahne, die Auffalligkeiten hinsichtlich der Neurologie waren ein absoluter Hinweis oder der starke Verdacht auf neurologische Ausfalle, der pathologische Refund der psychometrischen Untersuchungen bestand in Testergebnissen an der unteren Grenze der Norm oder schlechter. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, das eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen Zahnanomalien und neurologischen und psychometrischen Anomalien besteht.
Identification of Progesterone Receptor in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Sex steroids are postulated to play a role in adipose tissue regulation and distribution, because the amount and location of adipose tissue changes during puberty and menopause. Because of the nature of adipose tissue, receptors for the female sex steroids have been difficult to demonstrate. To date, estrogen receptor messenger RNA and protein have been identified in human subcutaneous adipose tissue, but the presence of progesterone receptor (PR) has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrate PR message by Northern blot analysis in RNA isolated from the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of premenopausal women. These preliminary studies revealed that PR messenger RNA levels are higher in the stromal-vascular fraction as opposed to the adipocyte fraction. Western blot analysis demonstrates both PR protein isoforms (human PR-A and human PR-B) in human subcutaneous adipose tissue. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, total PR could be quantitated. These studies substantiate that sex steroid receptors are present in human adipose tissue, thereby providing a direct route for regulation of adipose tissue by female sex steroids.
Stresses in a half space due to Newtonian gravitation

An efficient general solution is obtained for the problem of the elastic half space z> 0 with a traction-free surface experiencing gravitational attraction to an arbitrarily shaped body located in z< 0. Many components of the stress field can be written down immediately if the potential of the attracting body is known. Results are given for the case of attraction to a uniform sphere.
Frequency-domain analysis of series resonant converter for continuous conduction mode

Most previous analyses of a series resonant DC-DC power converter (SRC) have been performed in the time domain. A comprehensive frequency-domain analysis of the SRC for steady-state operation, along with experimental results is presented. Simple analytical design equations are derived for the basic performance parameters of the converter operating in the continuous conduction mode (CCM) using Fourier series techniques and a high-Q/sub L/ assumption. Three types of class-D current-driven rectifiers are considered. The diode threshold voltage and forward resistance as well as the ESR of the output filter capacitor are taken into account. Experimental results were in good agreement with theoretical predictions. >
A microcomputer-controlled multichannel programmable pattern generator

The design of a single-board, microcomputer-controlled, digital pattern generator is discussed. The generator provides eight synchronous, TTL-compatible, NRZ channels. The controller is a 6502-based Rockwell AIM 65 microcomputer. The generator master clock frequency is 10 MHz, but a single vector can be delayed from 100 ns to 99000 s. Programmable delays avoid wasting memory in applications requiring short bursts of data followed by long steady-state conditions. Memory depth per channel is 100. The operational speed of the generator is independent of that of the controller. An interactive menu-driven program supports entry and editing of vectors for the sequence. After the sequence is transferred to the generator board, the generator can be started or reset locally, or by remote action. The generator can be configured in the burst or continuous modes. Features of the design are simplicity, low cost, flexibility for expansion of the number of channels and memory depth per channel, conversion into an arbitrary waveform generator, application as a square-wave function generator from 5 μHz to 5 MHz with programmable duty cycle, and seven supporting channels for trigger. The generator has been applied in the characterization of nonvolatile semiconductor memory transistors.
Emerging biomarkers in prostate cancer

Biomarkers may be proteins, RNA, DNA, autoantibodies or molecules that reliably diagnose cancer or serve as markers of prognosis. Prognosis is particularly important in prostate cancer, a disease many ‘die with’, but which kills only a minority of affected men. Prostate-specific antigen is widely used in screening for prostate cancer and has a significant false-positive rate, which leads to unnecessary biopsies, cost and anxiety. There is also a notable false-negative rate for prostate-specific antigen, with a significant number of high-grade tumors identified in men with a ‘normal’ prostate-specific antigen. Discovery and validation of improved diagnostic biomarkers is necessary. Biomarkers that would distinguish aggressive from more indolent forms of prostate cancer may be even more urgently required. High-throughput technologies that assay proteins, metabolites, DNA and RNA are generating candidate markers.
Strand-Length Measurements of Normal and 5-Iodo-2′-Deoxyuridine-treated Vaccinia Virus Deoxyribonucleic Acid Released by the Kleinschmidt Method

Abstract Purified vaccinia virus, which had been grown on chick-embryo chorioallantoic membranes in the presence or in the absence of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR), was suspended in 5 m ammonium acetate and subjected to the one-step Kleinschmidt procedure on surfaces of distilled water or salt solutions. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules were clearly revealed, and in many instances accurate length measurements could be made. The longest continuous molecules from normal virus measured 78, 77, and 65 μ. The most frequent length was approximately 30 μ, which corresponds to only one-third to one-half of the total DNA per virus particle predicted from various chemical analyses. These data provide direct evidence that normal vaccinia DNA may occur as a linear molecule of approximately 150 × 106 molecular weight units, but, for reasons still unknown, the majority of these molecules appears to break into segments of equal length during release from the virion. There is no evidence for the presence of cyclic DNA. The DNA molecules are typically double-stranded. DNA from IUdR-treated vaccinia presents a markedly different picture: the molecules are mostly fragmented into small pieces, and rosettes or tangled masses equivalent to even one-quarter the length of normal molecules occur very rarely. The possibility is discussed that at least part of the virus-inhibitory effect of IUdR on vaccinia is due to extensive fragmentation of the DNA molecules into which IUdR has been incorporated in place of thymidine.
Requirements For Ongoing Development Of The PiloltLand Data System (PLDS)

ABsTRAcr/REsuME The Pilot Land Data System is being developed to address the information processing needs of the NASA land sciences research community. The objective of the pilot program is to establish a limited-scale, distributed information system for the archival, location, transfer, integration, and manipulation of data across multiple sites connected by a high-speed communications network. A summary is given of the functional capabilities required for users to create, access, and maintain local and distributed data bases containing various types of data in support of land sciences research.
Mutational Analysis of the Control Cable That Mediates Transmembrane Signaling in the Escherichia coli Serine Chemoreceptor

During transmembrane signaling by Escherichia coli Tsr, changes in ligand occupancy in the periplasmic serine-binding domain promote asymmetric motions in a four-helix transmembrane bundle. Piston displacements of the signaling TM2 helix in turn modulate the HAMP bundle on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane to control receptor output signals to the flagellar motors. A five-residue control cable joins TM2 to the HAMP AS1 helix and mediates conformational interactions between them. To explore control cable structural features important for signal transmission, we constructed and characterized all possible single amino acid replacements at the Tsr control cable residues. Only a few lesions abolished Tsr function, indicating that the chemical nature and size of the control cable side chains are not individually critical for signal control. Charged replacements at I214 mimicked the signaling consequences of attractant or repellent stimuli, most likely through aberrant structural interactions of the mutant side chains with the membrane interfacial environment. Prolines at residues 214 to 217 also caused signaling defects, suggesting that the control cable has helical character. However, proline did not disrupt function at G213, the first control cable residue, which might serve as a structural transition between the TM2 and AS1 helix registers. Hydrophobic amino acids at S217, the last control cable residue, produced attractant-mimic effects, most likely by contributing to packing interactions within the HAMP bundle. These results suggest a helix extension mechanism of Tsr transmembrane signaling in which TM2 piston motions influence HAMP stability by modulating the helicity of the control cable segment.
Progress on new vaccine strategies for the immunotherapy and prevention of cancer

In recent years, great strides in understanding and regulating the immune system have led to new hope for harnessing its exquisite specificity to destroy cancer cells without affecting normal tissues. This review examines the fundamental immunologic advances and the novel vaccine strategies arising from these advances, as well as the early clinical trials studying new approaches to treat or prevent cancer.
Using Media Articles About Company Strategies To Teach Economics To MBA Students

In this paper, the author expands on the idea of using up-to-date examples to teach applications of economic concepts. In the MBA Managerial Economics class, the author use profiles of two companies’ decision-making strategies and their successes to show the applications of economic concepts used by the companies. This provides an even clearer relationship between economics and the real world as students are able to follow the entire story of one company and relate different economic concepts that this firm has used during the part of their existence that is profiled. This provides a stronger link between the real life business world and economic concepts than before.
GaInAs/InP composite channel HEMT's

Summary form only given. Al/sub 0.6/In/sub 0.4/As Schottky layers have been combined with GaInAs/InP composite channels. The effect of changing the thickness of the Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As channel on the DC and RF characteristics of the HEMTs was investigated. Preliminary results indicate that GaInAsP/InP composite channel HEMTs with a Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As channel thickness of 50 AA or less show improvement in the drain-to-source breakdown voltage without sacrificing performance. >
Oxidation of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, by the biologically relevant oxidants peroxynitrite anion, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid

The modification of protein and non-protein thiols by oxidants including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), peroxynitrite anion (ONOO(-)) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is well documented. Using an aromatic thiol, 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, and biologically relevant oxidants, we have identified higher oxidation states of sulfur including the sulfonic acid derivative and the disulfide S-oxide, a thiosulfinate, by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The initial reaction of ONOO(-) with 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid yielded a transient red intermediate, the sulfenate anion. The red intermediate was observed when ONOO(-) and H(2)O(2) were used to oxidize 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid and it persisted for several seconds at pH 7. HOCl oxidized the disulfide, 5,5'dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) to the corresponding sulfonic acid and no additional products were detected. Using this system, we can directly compare the thiol-oxidizing abilities of several oxidants. Because 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid is the product of the reaction of Ellman's reagent with protein thiols, a detailed study of its stability in biological matrices where oxidants may be generated is warranted.
Mechanism of cooperative effects of rhinovirus and atopic sensitization on airway responsiveness

To elucidate the mechanistic interplay between rhinovirus (RV) exposure and atopic sensitization in regulating airway smooth muscle (ASM) responsiveness, isolated rabbit ASM tissue and cultured hum...
Studies on the sexuality of Nannizzia I. Heterothallism vs fertile isolates

Several strains of Nannizzia incurvata, N. cajetani, N. gypsea and N. grubyia were used to investigate the possible mechanisms for the occurrence of fertile strains of heterothallic dermatophytes. It was found that fertile isolates of Nannizzia species can arise not only as an impure form in which + and - strains are accidentally mixed but also through heterokaryotic spores. The means by which the heterokaryons can arise are summarized as follows: (1) formation of heterokaryotic, binucleate ascospores during sexual reproduction; (2) formation of heterokaryotic macroconidia after the fusion of + and - thalli; (3) formation of heterokaryotic macroconidia in a single heterokaryotic ascospore isolate.Results of experimental infections in guinea pig suggested that there is no marked difference in virulence between strains of +, - and fertile (±) types.
Completing the Remedial Sequence and College-Level Credit-Bearing Math Comparing Binary, Cumulative, and Continuation Ratio Logistic Regression Models

Mathematics is the most common subject area of remedial need and the majority of remedial math students never pass a college-level credit-bearing math class. The majorities of studies that investigate this phenomenon are conducted at community colleges and use some type of regression model; however, none have used a continuation ratio model. The purpose of this study was to assess student persistence through the remedial math sequence and successfully passing a college-level credit-bearing math course using binary, cumulative, and continuation ratio logistic regression models at 2- and 4-year public institutions. Findings showed the pre-algebra grade was the strongest predictor of completing each course in the remedial sequence and passing a college-level credit-bearing math class. Also, continuation ratio logistic regression provided methodological advantages over binary and cumulative logistic regression.
Evidence that hemorrhagic hypotension is mediated by the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray region.

Severe hemorrhage lowers arterial pressure by suppressing sympathetic activity. This study tested the hypothesis that the decompensatory phase of hemorrhage is mediated by the ventrolateral periaqu...
Surface Characterization of Nanoparticles:critical needs and significant challenges

There is a growing recognition that nanoparticles and other nanostructured materials are sometimes inadequately characterized and that this may limit or even invalidate some of the conclusions regarding particle properties and behavior. A number of international organizations are working to establish the essential measurement requirements that enable adequate understanding of nanoparticle properties for both technological applications and for environmental health issues. Our research on the interaction of iron metal-core oxide-shell nanoparticles with environmental contaminants and studies of the behaviors of ceria nanoparticles, with a variety of medical, catalysis and energy applications, have highlighted a number of common nanoparticle characterization challenges that have not been fully recognized by parts of the research community. This short review outlines some of these characterization challenges based on our research observations and using other results reported in the literature. Issues highlighted include: 1) the importance of surfaces and surface characterization, 2) nanoparticles are often not created equal - subtle differences in synthesis and processing can have large impacts; 3) nanoparticles frequently change with time having lifetime implications for products and complicating understanding of health and safety impacts; 4) the high sensitivity of nanoparticles to their environment complicates characterization and applications in many ways; 5) nanoparticlesmore » are highly unstable and easily altered (damaged) during analysis.« less
Atomic force microscopy characterization and lithography of Cu-ligated mercaptoalkanoic acid "molecular ruler" multilayers.

Hybrid chemical patterning strategies that combine the sophistication of lithography with the intrinsic precision of molecular self-assembly are of broad interest for applications including nanoelectronics and bioactive surfaces. This approach is exemplified by the molecular-ruler process where the sequential deposition of mercaptoalkanoic acid molecules and coordinated metal ions is integrated with conventional lithographic techniques to fabricate registered, nanometer-scale spacings. Herein, we illustrate the capabilities of atomic force microscopy characterization and lithography to investigate the morphology, quality, and local thickness of Cu-ligated mercaptohexadecanoic acid multilayers on Au{111} substrates. These multilayers are a key component utilized in the molecular-ruler process. The rich and varied topographic features of each layer are investigated via contact-mode atomic force microscopy. Using nanoshaving, an atomic force microscopy lithographic strategy that reveals the underlying Au{111...
Growth morphology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strain FH on glass surface.

SummaryMycoplasma pneumoniae (grown in broth on coverslips showed large round colonies and a network of short straight filaments adherent to the glass surface. From the colonies, “grape-like” structures grew into the broth. Antigens of M. pneumoniae could be demonstrted on colonies and filaments by fluorescent antibody technique. Biochemical tests showed the presence of living Mycoplasma. The results give evidence for an ability of M. pneumoniae to grow in different morphological forms.
Analysis on Echo Characteristic of Pipeline Crack Damage Based on L(0,2) Ultrasonic Guided Wave

Based on L(0,2)ultrasonic guided wave,this paper analyzes echo characteristic of pipeline crack damage.Firstly,on the basis of ANSYS software and by means of canceling some cells,finite element model for crack defect of the metal pipeline was established,in addition,pulse-echo method was used for simulating L(0,2)module wave to inspire the pipeline.Secondly,time travel curve of pipeline crack was analyzed for extracting characteristic parameters such as defect echoing time,reflection coefficient and so on.By comparing and simulating axial location and practical position of crack,effectiveness of this crack model was verified.By analyzing relationships between axial length,circumferential angle,radial depth and sectional area of the crack and reflection coefficient,it was concluded that axial location of the crack could be determined by echo arrival time and wave speed,by using time domain analysis method,location error was less than 5%.In addition,when radial depth and circumferential angle increased,reflection coefficient largened.When radial depth and circumferential angle increased at the same rate,affect of radial depth on crack reflection was greater.When sectional area increased,reflection coefficient increased as well.
Teaching in the Third Space

When my family and I came to the U.S., I had to learn and adopt American cultural values. After years of living in America, I went to visit my home country, and to my greatest surprise, my family and friends thought I was no longer the same. During a friendly conversation and argument over social services and an occasional power outage, a friend said to me, “This one is Americanized; not only does she speak with a different intonation, she reasons differently.”
An Assessment of Computer Education in the Business School

AbstractWith the increasing role of computer information systems in the business community, it is imperative that students be properly trained to meet the requirements of a computerized business environment. This article evaluates the role of business schools in preparing students to meet the challenges of the information age. It also addresses how the field of knowledge commonly referred to as Management Information Systems (MIS) interfaces with the “Management Theory Jungle” (Koontz, 1961). Three models that attempt to clarify how computers and information processing systems are viewed from business, academic, and theoretical perspectives are presented. The article concludes that the lack of enforceable standards in computer business education is the primary factor contributing to the existence of an MIS jungle within the management theory jungle. Recommendations for untangling this jungle are provided for the business and academic communities.
Land's End: Review by Wendy Wolford

The boiling frog is an anecdote describing a frog slowly being boiled alive. The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is sl...
Fine‐grained agglutinated elongate columnar stromatolites: Tieling Formation, ca 1420 Ma, North China

The Mesoproterozoic Tieling Formation, near Jixian, northern China, contains thick beds of vertically branched, laterally elongate, columnar stromatolites. Carbonate mud is the primary component of both the stromatolites and their intervening matrix. Its abundance is attributed to water-column ‘whiting’ precipitation stimulated by cyanobacterial photosynthesis. Neomorphic microspar gives the stromatolites a ‘streaky’ microfabric and small mud-flakes are common in the matrix. The columns consist of low-relief, mainly non-enveloping, laminae that show erosive truncation and well-defined repetitive lamination. In plan view, the columns form disjunct elongate ridges <10 cm wide separated by narrow matrix filled runnels. The stromatolite surfaces were initially cohesive, rather than rigid, and prone to scour and are interpreted as current aligned microbial mats that trapped carbonate mud. The pervasive ridge–runnel system suggests scale-dependent biophysical feedback between: (i) carbonate mud supply; (ii) current duration, strength and direction; and (iii) growth and trapping by prolific mat growth. Together, these factors determined the size, morphology and arrangement of the stromatolite columns and their laminae, as well as their branching patterns, alignment and ridge–runnel spacing. Ridge–runnel surfaces resemble ripple mark patterns, but whether currents were parallel and/or normal to stromatolite alignment remains unclear. The formation and preservation of Tieling columns required plentiful supply of carbonate mud, mat building microbes well-adapted to cope with this abundant sediment, and absence of both significant early lithification and bioturbation. These factors were time-limited, and Tieling stromatolites closely resemble coeval examples in the Belt-Purcell Supergroup of Laurentia. The dynamic interactions between mat growth, currents and sediment supply that determined the shape of Tieling columns contributed to the morphotypical diversity that characterizes mid-late Proterozoic branched stromatolites. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Satire as an Educative Tool for Critical Pedagogy in the Public Affairs Classroom

Critical pedagogy is a teaching praxis focused on theories of change. It is fundamentally concerned with the relationship between power and knowledge. Satire is a humor technique sometimes used to describe the absurdity of public policies, human behavior, and institutional practices. Using satire and critical pedagogy in the public affairs classroom can be useful to educate public administration students how to ask hard questions and consider multiple perspectives to become effective leaders and policymakers. Examples are shared from a public administration classroom focused on the analysis of education policy, the political economy of schools, and the politics of schooling.
The EU Sovereign CDS Ban: Asset Pricing and Welfare Implications under Optimal Beliefs

Trading in the CDS market in this paper occurs because irrational investors have optimal beliefs about the default state of the economy, those investors tend to be overly optimistic that default is less likely. Since the imposition of the CDS ban on member states of the European Union in 2012, not only are investors forced to share risk through an incomplete capital market, optimal beliefs about default can also change. I show two sets of asset pricing implications can occur, one in which stock market values increase and countries' borrowing rates decrease after the ban is imposed, and one in the opposite direction. I find empirical support for the former, and also show the CDS ban is welfare improving in this case. While rational investors would benefit from lifting the ban, the gain is not sufficient to compensate irrational investors for their utility loss.
Prepartal Energy Intake Alters Blood Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Transcriptome During the Peripartal Period in Holstein Cows

In the dairy industry, cow health and farmer profits depend on the balance between diet (ie, nutrient composition, daily intake) and metabolism. This is especially true during the transition period, where dramatic physiological changes foster vulnerability to immunosuppression, negative energy balance, and clinical and subclinical disorders. Using an Agilent microarray platform, this study examined changes in the transcriptome of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) due to prepartal dietary intake. Holstein cows were fed a high-straw, control-energy diet (CON; NEL = 1.34 Mcal/kg) or overfed a moderate-energy diet (OVE; NEL = 1.62 Mcal/kg) during the dry period. Blood for PMNL isolation and metabolite analysis was collected at −14 and +7 days relative to parturition. At an analysis of variance false discovery rate
Use of Ice-Nucleating Proteins To Improve the Performance of Freeze–Thaw Valves in Microfluidic Devices

Currently, reliable valving on integrated microfluidic devices fabricated from rigid materials is confined to expensive and complex methods. Freeze–thaw valves (FTVs) can provide a low cost, low complexity valving mechanism, but reliable implementation of them has been greatly hindered by the lack of ice nucleation sites within the valve body’s small volume. Work to date has required very low temperatures (on the order of −40 °C or colder) to induce freezing without nucleation sites, making FTVs impractical due to instrument engineering challenges. Here, we report the use of ice-nucleating proteins (INPs) to induce ice formation at relatively warm temperatures in microfluidic devices. Microfluidic channels were filled with buffers containing femtomolar INP concentrations from Pseudomonas syringae. The channels were cooled externally with simple, small-footprint Peltier thermoelectric coolers (TECs), and the times required for channel freezing (valve closure) and thawing (valve opening) were measured. Unde...