cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome phylogenies support ancient evolutionary transitions in bioluminescence traits of cypridinid ostracods

Bioluminescence evolved many times independently, leading to dramatic effects on ecosystems by influencing communication both within and between species. One origin of bioluminescence is within cypridinid ostracods. Bioluminescent cypridinids probably all use light as an anti-predator display, while a subset that diversified in the Caribbean also use light for courtship signaling. Despite their importance for understanding the evolution of bioluminescence, very little molecular phylogenetic data are available for cypridinids and the timing of evolutionary transitions of luminous traits is poorly understood. Here, we estimate the first transcriptome-based molecular phylogeny and divergence times of Cypridinidae. Our results strongly support previous hypotheses of a single origin of bioluminescent courtship signaling, nested within a single origin of bioluminescence, and the secondary loss of courtship signaling in Vargula tsujii. We propose the name Luminini for the Tribe of bioluminescent cypridinids and Luxorina for the Sub-tribe of cypridinids with courtship signaling. Our relaxed-clock estimates of divergence times coupled with stochastic character mapping show luminous courtship evolved at least 151 Million Years Ago (MYA) and cypridinid bioluminescence originated at least 197 MYA, making it one of the oldest documented origins of bioluminescence. The molecular phylogeny of cypridinids will serve as a foundation for integrative and comparative studies on the biochemistry, molecular evolution, courtship, diversification, and ecology of cypridinid bioluminescence.
Microglia have a grip on brain microvasculature.

Microglia are brain resident immune cells with multiple functions. However, little is known about microglia-vascular interactions. In a recent paper published in Nature Communications, Bisht et al. identify a signalling mechanism that attracts and maintains microglia at the capillary wall. Moreover, they show that microglia regulate capillary vascular tone, playing a more significant role in blood flow regulation than previously thought.
Serum Insulin Response to Glucagon as an Index of Insulin Reserve

An attempt to evaluate the endocrine function of the islet cells of the pancreas in man has been possible since reliable methods of measuring serum insulin concentration became available to the clinician.
Self-illuminating quantum dots for non-invasive bioluminescence imaging of mammalian gametes

The fertility performance of animals is still a mystery and the full comprehension of mammalian gametes maturation and early embryonic development remains to be elucidated. The recent development in nanotechnology offers a new opportunity for real-time study of reproductive cells in their physiological environments. As a first step toward that goal, we evaluated the effectiveness of a fluorescent and luminescent nanoparticle for in vitro and ex vivo imaging of porcine gametes. Freshly harvested boar sperm were labeled with red-shifted (655 nm) quantum dot nanoparticles conjugated (QD+) or not (QD−) with plasminogen antibody and evaluated. Subsets of labeled spermatozoa were loaded into straws and placed within the lumen of gilt reproductive tracts for ex vivo intra-uterine imaging. Porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in the presence of QD− or QD+. Ovarian follicles were microinjected with QD− or QD+ and placed in culture for up to 4 days. After labeling, all samples were supplemented with coelenterazine, the luciferase substrate, and immediately submitted to bioluminescence analysis, followed by fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and P < 0.05 indicated significant differences. All labeled-samples revealed bioluminescence emission that was confirmed by fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging of the QD localization within the cells and tissues. Over 76% of spermatozoa and both immature and mature COCs were successfully labeled with QD− or QD+. The QD− fluorescence appeared homogenously distributed in the oocytes, while found in the entire sperm length with a higher accumulation within the mid-piece. Labeled-follicles exhibited a progressive migration of QD nanoparticles within the follicle wall during culture. In contrast, QD+ fluorescence signals appeared condensed and stronger in the follicle cells, sperm head, and sub-plasma membrane area of mature oocytes. Weaker QD+ signals were detected in the cumulus cells. Fluorescence and hyperspectral microscope imaging showed comparable intracellular QD localization. Ex-vivo intra-uterine bioluminescence imaging of labeled spermatozoa revealed stronger signals captured over the oviducts, with uterine body allowing the lowest signal detection. Findings indicate that conjugated and non-conjugated fluorescent nanoparticles can be used for effective labeling of mammalian gametes for in vitro monitoring and potential in vivo targeted-imaging.
Resistance Coefficient of Uniform-Sand Roughness

The Weisbach resistance coefficient, \If\N, is a boundary-drag coefficient. In the gross sense over a finite length of boundary, the coefficient is visualized as a skin-drag coefficient but over a rough boundary the coefficient is actually a spatially-averaged and time-averaged form-drag coefficient of the flow over the individual roughness elements. If uniform-sand roughness is considered, the form-drag coefficient should be a constant at high Reynolds numbers, since the geometry of the flow obstruction is independent of the sand size. The physically irrational variation of the resistance coefficient with relative roughness is simply the consequence of using the mean velocity of the gross stream rather than the actual flow velocity past the roughness elements in the evaluation of the drag coefficient.
Diet in infancy and later signs of beta-cell autoimmunity.

To the Editor: The analysis by Knip et al (Nov. 11 issue), 1 which suggests that dietary intervention through infant weaning to hydrolyzed formula has a long-lasting effect on markers of betacell autoimmunity, is flawed in that it has overestimated the evidence of benefit because of failure to adequately use the intention-to-treat principle. 2 First, children from whom follow-up samples were not obtained were excluded from the primary analysis of seroconversion to autoantibody positivity. Of the children who were excluded, diabetes (and presumably autoantibody positivity before clinical disease) developed in three in the treatment group versus none in the control group. Correct inclusion of these 3 children in an intention-to-treat protocol would minimize evidence of treatment effect, with the development of beta-cell autoimmunity in 11 of 113 infants randomly assigned to hydrolyzed formula (9.7%) and in 17 of 109 infants assigned to standard formula (15.6%). A second breach of the principle occurred by adjusting for the duration of exposure to the study formula. In so doing, the authors were able to invalidly “improve” the P value regarding the hazard of development of two or more markers of beta-cell autoimmunity between treatment groups from 0.12 to 0.07.
Observing Our Origins

Infrared observations of water and organic materials will help astronomers determine how our solar system formed.
On the Connectivity, Lifetime and Hop Count of Routes Determined Using the City Section and Manhattan Mobility Models for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

The high-level contribution of this paper is a simulation based analysis of the network connectivity, hop count and lifetime of the routes determined for vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) using the City Section and Manhattan mobility models. The Random Waypoint mobility model is used as a benchmark in the simulation studies. Two kinds of paths are determined on the sequence of static graphs representing the topology over the duration of the network session: paths with the minimum hop count (using the Dijkstra algorithm) and stable paths with the longest lifetime (using our recently proposed OptPathTrans algorithm). Simulation results indicate that the City Section model provided higher network connectivity compared to the Manhattan model for all the network scenarios. Minimum hop paths and stable paths determined under the Manhattan model have a smaller lifetime and larger hop count compared to those determined using the City Section and Random Waypoint mobility models.
Environmental pollution and systemic sclerosis manifestations: a pilot study on benzene and particulate exposure

Many works have studied interactions between genetic and autoimmunity but only a few have studied the interactions between autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), and exposure to environmental pollutants, reporting no conclusive. Results This study aims to analyze the relationships between outdoor concentration of benzene (B) and particulate matter ≤ 10 μm (PM10) with clinical manifestations of SSc in a big Italian city. A pilot cohort study of …
Health care providers' comfort with and barriers to care of transgender youth

Abstract Purpose To explore providers' clinical experiences, comfort, and confidence with and barriers to providing care to transgender youth. Methods An online survey was administered to members of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine and the Pediatric Endocrine Society with items querying about clinical exposure to transgender youth, familiarity with and adherence to existing clinical practice guidelines, perceived barriers to providing transgender-related care, and comfort and confidence with providing transgender-related care. The response rate was 21.9% (n = 475). Results Of the respondents, 66.5% had provided care to transgender youth, 62.4% felt comfortable with providing transgender medical therapy, and 47.1% felt confident in doing so. Principal barriers to provision of transgender-related care were lack of the following: training, exposure to transgender patients, available qualified mental health providers, and insurance reimbursement. Conclusions This study suggests that more training in transgender-related care, available qualified mental health providers, and insurance reimbursement for transgender-related care are needed.
Hybrid repair of distal arch aortic aneurysms: endovascular elephant trunk completion.

Background Traditional open repair of distal arch aortic aneurysms requires a two-stage procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The introduction of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair has created a less invasive option to complete the second stage of the repair after proximal elephant trunk creation. The present study reports a series of patients treated with a combined open proximal and endovascular distal repair of distal arch aortic aneurysms. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken at a university medical center. All patients treated with the hybrid approach were identified. The patients were evaluated for demographics, preoperative imaging, technical success, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, need for secondary intervention, and overall survival. Results A total of 10 patients (3 men, mean age: 67.5 years) were identified during a 4-year period between August 2005 and July 2009. All patients were treated electively and the mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 70.8 mm. Of the 10 patients, four had undergone previous thoracotomy (three aortic repair, one pulmonary resection for malignancy) and all were deemed at prohibitive risk for open second-stage surgery. The first three patients had staged reconstruction with delayed endovascular intervention through retrograde arterial access. The more recent seven patients underwent single-stage repair with endograft delivery through an antegrade ascending aortic access. Technical success was achieved in all cases. No perioperative paraplegias or strokes were reported. One patient had successful endovascular treatment of a type IB endoleak at 38 months. Another had an enlarging thoracoabdominal aneurysm resulting in a type IB endoleak which was detected at 43 months. There was one death within 30 days after the procedure. The remaining nine patients are all alive, with a mean survival of 35.1 months (range: 8-53) after surgery. Conclusions The hybrid approach to treatment of distal arch aortic aneurysms is safe and serves as a viable alternative to conventional open repair. Less technically challenging, avoidance of a second surgery as well as elimination of the possibility of becoming lost to follow-up, or interval mortality have led us to consider a single-stage repair using an antegrade approach as the preferred option.
A theory of information structure. I. General principles

Abstract Current cognitive theories are founded on the processing computer analogy , i.e., that a cognitive system is analogous to a computer. In contrast to this view, the following paper proposes a content computer analogy which states that cognition is the attempt to model phenomena as computers. In fact, the content computer analogy is extended to a content machine analogy , because the term machine is understood as having two kinds of structure: (1) computational, or algebraic structure, and (2) stability. The paper develops a theory of the cognitive role of these two factors. Algebraic structure determines the generative or connective aspects of stimulus sets. However, stability is shown here to crucially constrain the allowable decomposition and ordering of that generative structure. It is argued that an understanding of this constraint is important to the study of cognition. The constraint results in (1) a cognized structure of nested environmental control , and (2) the imposition of a reference frame . It is thereby argued that the concept of reference frame is strongly related to that of control. A general theory of reference frames is offered. The constraint just described forces reference frames to be asymmetric-sequential ; and it is argued that this explains a number of phenomena in perceptual organization, categorization, linguistic grammar, and planning structure.
1736 CHILDHOOD USUAL INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONITIS (UIP): RESPONSE TO AZATHIOPRINE (AZP) DOCUMENTED BY EXERCISE-STRESS EAR OXIMETRY

Two children aged 6 and 9 years with severe biopsy-proven UIP that was progressing on high dose prednisone were treated with AZP 75-50 mg/day. Sequential determinations of exercise-stress induced changes in oxygen saturation (SaO2%) were measured by oximetry and provided objective evidence of pulmonary improvement. These patients were unable to cooperate in standard pulmonary function tests (PFT). Striking objective evidence of improvement was demonstrated on frequent determinations of forced vital capacity (FVC) and SaO2% determined during exercise. Results at 3 months, 6-9 months are tabulated below: These data indicate that severe progressive childhood UIP with or without auto-allergic features may respond to AZP therapy and that improvement may be reliably quantitated by ear-oximetry during exercise in children unable to cooperate for standard PFT.
β-Amyloid precursor polypeptide in SAMP8 mice affects learning and memory

Senescence accelerated (SAMP8 [P8]) mice develop age-related deficits in memory and learning. We show that increased expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its mRNA in the hippocampus are also age-related. Immunocytochemical data suggest that a critical amount of APP expression may be needed to generate amyloid (Abeta) protein plaques in the hippocampus. Deficits in acquisition and retention test performance were alleviated by administration of antibody to Abeta protein into the cerebral ventricles. This reversal of cognitive deficits provides a link between increased expression of both APP and Abeta protein and learning and memory loss in these mice.
Sensitivity of inelastic response to numerical integration of strain energy

The exact solution to the quasi-static, inelastic response of a cantilever beam of rectangular cross section subjected to a bending moment at the tip is obtained. The material of the beam is assumed to be linearly elastic-linearly strain-hardening. This solution is then compared with three different numerical solutions of the same problem obtained by minimizing the total potential energy using Gaussian quadratures of two different orders and a Newton-Cotes scheme for integrating the strain energy of deformation. Significant differences between the exact dissipative strain energy and its numerical counterpart are emphasized. The consequence of this on the nonlinear transient responses of a beam with solid cross section and that of a thin-walled beam on elastic supports under impulsive loads are examined.
Tracer movement through paired vegetative treatment areas receiving silage bunker runoff

The need for less resource-intensive agricultural waste treatment alternatives has lately increased. Vegetative treatment areas (VTAs) are considered a low-cost alternative to the collection and storage of various agricultural wastewaters. As VTAs become more widespread, the need for design guidance in varying climates and landscapes increases. The purposes of this study were to investigate runoff movement and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations within two VTAs and to use the results to improve VTA design and recommendations for management. Silage bunker runoff movement through the selected VTAs following a 7.8 mm (0.31 in) rainfall event was characterized using a chloride tracer. Both surface and subsurface runoff movement was analyzed using tracer concentrations and a simple binary mixing model. Results show that concentrated surface flow paths existed within both VTAs, and surface flow in general was more prevalent in the VTA that received a higher hydraulic loading. Rapid preferential flow to shallow monitoring wells was also observed. A shallow restrictive soil layer likely exacerbated surface flow but restricted runoff water and nitrate-nitrogen from leaching to deeper groundwater. The nitrate-nitrogen did not appear to be directly linked to runoff movement, but concentrations as high as 28 mg L−1 were observed in downslope surface flow in the wetter VTA. A more comprehensive VTA design process is called for that accounts for shallow soils and antecedent moisture conditions. Regular maintenance and design measures to prevent the formation of concentrated flow paths are also critical to the prevention of surface discharge.
Articular Fetlock Injuries in Exercising Horses

Articular injuries to the fetlock joint can be categorized as injuries to the soft tissues (synovium, ligaments, cartilage) or bone (third metacarpus/metatarsus, first phalanx, proximal sesamoids). This article focuses on the traumatic injuries to the cartilage and bone from anatomic, functional, and pathophysiological perspectives. An understanding of fetlock motion and loading will assist clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and, most importantly, prevention of fetlock injury in working horses.
Nutritional control of xanthine dehydrogenase I. The effect in adult Drosophila melanogaster of feeding a high protein diet to larvae

Abstract Wild-type Drosophila melanogaster exhibit increased levels of xanthine dehydrogenase when grown on synthetic semi-defined media. The increased activity is accompanied by an altered mobility of the enzyme's electrophoretic on polyacrylamide gels, but not by an increase in cross-reacting material to antibody against xanthine dehydrogenase, or by a significant alteration in the K m for 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine. These data indicate that an activation of enzyme occurs, possibly by a co-factor involved in the activity. This hypothesis is supported by the lack of increase in cross-reacting materials and by a lack of increase in xanthine dehydrogenase activity in lxd flies raised on synthetic media, since lxd is thought to be defective in the formation of the possible co-factor. In the flies raised on synthetic media, the increased levels of xanthine dehydrogenase activity are reflected principally in the fat-body and lymph enzyme. The activities of pyridoxal oxidase and aldehyde oxidase, enzymes related to xanthine dehydrogenase, are also increased in flies raised on the synthetic media, but kynurenine formamidase, an enzyme not related to xanthine dehydrogenase, is not increased.
Evaluation of the binding of serotonin by isolated CNS acidic lipids

Binding of serotonin by rat lipids was examined in an organic solvent-aqueous partition system. Only phospholipids and sulfatide were found to have appreciable activity: this technique was unsuitable for gangliosides due to their poor extractibility. Binding by phospholipid was abolished and that by sulfatide was greatly inhibited by increasing ionic strength in the aqueous phase. At an ionic strength of 0.3 M the apparent affinity of sulfatide for serotonin was about 3×103 M. Both tryptamine and 5-methoxytryptamine were much more effective than serotonin in inhibiting the binding of radioactive serotonin, suggesting that the observed binding is simply a charge neutralization with little specificity. Binding of serotonin by mixed brain gangliosides was examined in an equilibrium dialysis system. Without adequate precautions, the chemical lability of serotonin was found to produce spurious data when binding was assessed by the distribution of radiolabel. Binding of serotonin by ganglioside was also greatly inhibited by increasing ionic strength: at 0.3 M an apparent affinity of about 103 M was found. While dopamine did not inhibit the binding of radioactive serotonin, tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptamine, and serotonin were equally effective inhibitors.
The Marx Models as Conceptual Models in School Effectiveness Research.

Abstract This paper discusses the educational and organisational theory of Ernst Marx, the educational‐organisational models he developed and their use in Dutch secondary schools. Examples from Dutch research and practice illustrate the authors’ thesis that the Marx models can be used to get a better grip on what makes schools effective, why and how. Because of the international movement towards greater autonomy of schools and empowerment of teachers, special attention is paid to the policy‐making capacity of schools.
Adaptive process control using pattern-based performance feedback

Abstract Two adaptive control strategies using pattern-based performance feedback are studied. Both strategies are based on an analysis of patterns exhibited in the recent history of the controller error and focus on adaptation opportunities that arise as a result of sustained set-point changes. The strategies consider a two-parameter adaptation where model gain and time constant are updated after each pattern analysis. The first method uses a vector quantizing neural network for the pattern analysis task. The network is constructed using exemplar controller error patterns developed by deliberately mismatching parameters of a PI controller's internal model against those of an ‘ideal’ simulated system. Once on-line, the network then receives controller error response patterns from the actual application and outputs controller model parameter updates. The second method uses a rule-based pattern analysis to determine features of the controller error response pattern. These pattern features are evaluated relative to user-specified desired features, and rules and procedures again produce PI controller model parameter updates. Both methods are compared in setpoint tracking demonstrations to determine qualitative robustness for non-ideal situations such as measurement noise, constraint of the manipulated variable, model order mismatch and unmeasured oscillatory disturbances. Results reveal that rule-based feature analysis has the benefit of being time independent but the disadvantage of not being able to handle non-ideal situations without a cumbersome rule base. Although the neural network approach requires specification of a time window for pattern analysis, the method proves to be easier to implement and more robust when confronted with non-ideal operating situations.
In vitro evaluation of phenolic-enriched maple syrup extracts for inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes relevant to type 2 diabetes management

Abstract Phenolic-enriched extracts of Canadian maple syrup, namely ethyl acetate (MS-EtOAc) and butanol (MS-BuOH), were evaluated for their ability to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes relevant to type 2 diabetes management. Extracts were standardized to phenolic contents by the Folin–Ciocalteau method and assayed for yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. On normalization to phenolic content, MS-BuOH exhibited higher inhibitory activity than MS-EtOAc (IC 50 = 68.38 and 107.9 μg phenolics, respectively). The extracts were further assayed for inhibition of porcine α-amylase and rat α-glucosidase enzymes. MS-BuOH exhibited higher rat α-glucosidase and porcine α-amylase inhibitory activities (IC 50 = 135 and 103 μg phenolics, respectively) than MS-EtOAC extract (IC 50 > 187 μg phenolics in both assays). These results suggest that maple syrup extracts may have potential for phenolic-mediated type 2 diabetes management, with the MS-BuOH phenolic-enriched fraction having highest bioactivity.
Automotive foreign direct investment in the United States: Economic and market consequences of globalization

Abstract This article examines the substantial growth of foreign direct investment into the United States by international (i.e., non-domestic) automotive firms over the past quarter century. Global macro-environmental factors influencing this investment are examined, as are the resulting impacts on numerous stakeholders including global automotive firms, consumers, and regional and state economies. The findings illustrate effective adaptive strategies that both automotive firms and economic development stakeholders follow in an increasingly global environment, resulting in significant economic, market, and quality-of-life benefits. The stakeholder perspective affords a more comprehensive view of globalization, forwarding a position counter to the protectionist viewpoint often espoused in business and popular culture.
Prospective blinded study of computed tomography in congenital aural atresia.

Abstract Objective To report a preliminary descriptive study of new and refined anatomic considerations for computed tomography (CT) in congenital aural atresia (CAA). Design/patients Thirty-two temporal bone CT scans from 26 patients (6 bilateral cases) with CAA were graded in a prospective blinded manner with both Jahrsdoerfer's system and the new/refined anatomic considerations. In addition to Jahrsdoerfer's grading, new and refined considerations graded included the presence or absence of: (1) inferiorly displaced tegmen mastoideum, (2) malleus/incus complex directly lateral versus anterolateral to stapes, which may make surgical stapes access much more difficult, and (3) possible facial nerve obstruction of surgical access at two sites: oval window and middle ear. Setting Tertiary-care children's hospital. Results Inferiorly displaced tegmen mastoideum occurred in 5 ears (16%), the malleus/incus complex was directly lateral to the stapes in 12 ears (38%), the facial nerve possibly obstructed access to the oval window in 17 ears (53%), and it possibly obstructed access to the middle ear in 5 ears (16%). Conclusion New and refined anatomic/radiographic considerations for CT in CAA are reported for a series of temporal bones. The presence of these anatomic variants may influence the decision against atresiaplasty since these anatomic factors may possibly make atresiaplasty more difficult or impossible. Precise determination of atresiaplasty candidacy is important since Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is also a valuable option.
An experimental correlation of plane strain deformation zone geometry and forming loads

Experimentally measured forming pressures, obtained from plane strain punching of 99.95% continuous cast copper ingots, are correlated with observed deformation fields. The deformation fields are revealed with optical metallography of recrystallized zones within the large as-cast columnar grain structure of the cast copper. The results are interpreted based on predictions of slip line field theory.
Kinetic properties of the Na+/H+ antiporter of lymphocytes from the spontaneously hypertensive rat: role of intracellular pH.

Abstract Enhanced activity of the Na+/H+ antiporter is increasingly reported as a feature of cells from hypertensive subjects but the intracellular pH (ipH) dependency of its activity has not been examined. This study was designed to characterize the kinetic properties of the Na+/H+ antiporter in lymphocytes from adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in those from age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls. Steady-state ipH, estimated from the measurement of BCECF fluorescence, was significantly lower in lymphocytes from the SHR than in those from WKY rats (7.09 +/- 0.02, n = 17 and 7.17 +/- 0.03, n = 19, respectively, P less than 0.025). The velocity of the antiporter determined from the product of the change in intracellular hydrogen ion concentration (i[H+]) by the buffering power measured concurrently at each starting ipH exhibited similar kinetic parameters in SHR and WKY cells: Vmax, 72 +/- 18 vs. 79 +/- 24 mM H+/30 s; pKH, 10.04 +/- 0.87 vs. 8.49 +/- 0.80; and Hill coefficient, 1.67 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.44 +/- 0.10, respectively. Likewise, no significant differences were observed between SHR and WKY cells in either the Km (29 +/- 5 and 32 +/- 8 mM, respectively) or the Vmax (6.0 +/- 1.0 and 5.53 +/- 1.0 mM H+/30 s, respectively) of the sodium activation curve. We conclude that while the ipH of SHR lymphocytes is reduced, the kinetic properties of the Na+/H+ antiporter are virtually identical in SHR and WKY lymphocytes. Consequently, a primary abnormality in the activity of this antiporter is not an inherent feature of lymphocytes from the SHR model of genetic hypertension. We propose that the activity of the Na+/H+ antiporter in SHR cells is apt to be increased as a result of reduction in ipH which dictates a higher set point in its steady-state activity.
Attributions for Poverty: A Comparison of Middle-Class and Welfare Recipient Attitudes1

This study compared how a nonrandom sample of 112 middle-class persons and 124 welfare recipients explained poverty and perceived the welfare system and welfare recipients. Analyses revealed that welfare recipients were more likely to make structural attributions for poverty and to reject restrictive welfare-reform policies. However, they were also more likely than middle-class respondents to regard welfare recipients as dishonest and idle. Both groups underestimated the percentage of European Americans receiving public assistance. Implications for intergroup relations and public policy are discussed.
Scanning Microfluorimetry of Ca-Alginate Immobilized Zymomonas Mobilis

Scanning microfluorimetric techniques offer a means for in situ investigation of spatial heterogeneities in biomass density and cell composition in macroscopic, aggregate-cell systems such as immobilized-cell biocatalysts, biofilms, mold pellets and tumors. Much of the analytical power of flow cytometry, with the important addition of spatial resolution, can be brought to bear on the study of these systems. The utility of these techniques is demonstrated for the experimental determination of spatial gradients in biomass density and bio-catalytic activity in Ca-alginate beads containing an entrapped, living bacterium, Zymomonas mobilis ATCC 10988. Using cell RNA content as an indicator of cell growth rate, scanning microfluorimetry data indicates that immobilized cells in a single gel bead can exhibit the fullest possible variation in specific growth rates, from maximal to resting. Thus, clear gradients in biological growth rate within such biocatalysts are quantifiable, with implications for any fully or partially growth associated products.
Parental employment and work-family stress: Associations with family food environments

Parental employment provides many benefits to children's health. However, an increasing number of studies have observed associations between mothers' full-time employment and less healthful family food environments. Few studies have examined other ways in which parental employment may be associated with the family food environment, including the role of fathers' employment and parents' stress balancing work and home obligations. This study utilized data from Project F-EAT, a population-based study of a socio-demographically diverse sample of 3709 parents of adolescents living in a metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States, to examine cross-sectional associations between mothers' and fathers' employment status and parents' work-life stress with multiple aspects of the family food environment. Among parents participating in Project F-EAT, 64% of fathers and 46% of mothers were full-time employed, while 25% of fathers and 37% of mothers were not employed. Results showed that full-time employed mothers reported fewer family meals, less frequent encouragement of their adolescents' healthful eating, lower fruit and vegetable intake, and less time spent on food preparation, compared to part-time and not-employed mothers, after adjusting for socio-demographics. Full-time employed fathers reported significantly fewer hours of food preparation; no other associations were seen between fathers' employment status and characteristics of the family food environment. In contrast, higher work-life stress among both parents was associated with less healthful family food environment characteristics including less frequent family meals and more frequent sugar-sweetened beverage and fast food consumption by parents. Among dual-parent families, taking into account the employment characteristics of the other parent did not substantially alter the relationships between work-life stress and family food environment characteristics. While parental employment is beneficial for many families, identifying policy and programmatic strategies to reduce parents' work-life stress may have positive implications for the family food environment and for the eating patterns and related health outcomes of children and parents.
Verifiable Partial Escrow of Integer Factors

We construct an efficient interactive protocol for realizing verifiable partial escrow of the factors of an integer n with time-delayed and threshold key recovery features. The computational cost of the new scheme amounts to 10k\log_2P multiplications of numbers of size of P, where P is a protocol parameter which permits n of size up to (\log_2P) -4 to be dealt with and k is a security parameter which controls the error probability for correct key escrow under 1/2^k. The new scheme realizes a practical method for fine tuning the time complexity for factoring an integer, where the complexity tuning has no respect to the size of the integer.
Histochemical and Radioautographic Studies of Serotonin and Parafollicular Cells in the Thyroid Gland of the Prehibernating Bat

Thyroid glands were removed from active bats, caught in their natural habitat during the prehibernating phase of their annual life cycle. Following freeze-drying and formaldehyde treatment, occasional parafollicular cells exhibited an intense greenish-yellow fluorescence indicative of endogenous monoamine. Comparison of the color of fluorescence with serotonin-containing enterochromafnn cells and norepinephrine-containing adrenergic nerve fibers indicated the fluorescence was probably due to the presence of serotonin. The number of fluorescent cells was increased following injection of the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan. Uptake of 5-hydroxytryptophan by parafollicular cells was confirmed by radioautography, although uptake was limited to a minority of the cells. Parafollicular cells did not take up serotonin itself. Metachromatic, interfollicular cells, probably mast cells, did not fluoresce nor did they incorporate 5-hydroxytryptophan. Since a minority of the parafollicular cells of prehibernat...
Generation and propagation of interfaces for reaction-diffusion equations

Abstract This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior as e ↖ 0 of the solution ue of the reaction-diffusion equation in R N × R +: u t − δ +( 1 ∈ 2 )= 0 where φ is the derivative of a bistable potential. We show that if the initial data u(·, 0) has values in both domains of attraction of the potential, then an interface will develop in a short time O(e 2 ¦ ln e¦) . We also show that if the wells of the potential are of equal depth, then this interface will propagate with normal velocity equal to its mean curvature. Our result is valid as long as the interface remains smooth. If the initial interface is compact and N ⩾ 2 then the interface will disappear in a finite time (but not if N = 1). In case the depths of the wells are not equal then in order to obtain get “reasonable” results, we must work on the scaled time s = t e (slower time scale). In this scale we show that the interface moves with a constant speed proportional to the difference of the depths of the two wells, along the normal, towards the domain of the deeper well; this result is valid for all s ϵ (0, ∞) and does not actually depend on the regularity of the interface. We also extend the above results to the homogeneous second initial-boundary value problem. In case the depths of the wells are equal and the initial interface is orthogonal to the boundary, we prove that the interface moves with normal velocity equal to its mean curvature provided that there is a family of hypersurfaces which moves according to their mean curvature and intersect the boundary orthogonally.
Semiquinone Cation Adsorption on Montmorillonite as a Function of Surface Acidity

Semiquinone cations derived from aromatic diamines by one-electron oxidation in aqueous solution possess characteristic colors that depend on hydrogen ion concentration. The colored free radicals are formed by oxidation on the surface of certain mont-morillonite clay minerals, where they are stabilized by adsorption, apparently in cation exchange positions, but many clays react anomalously when the procedure is employed as a diagnostic test for montmorillonite. One of the problems involved is the chemical nature of the various semiquinones. Another is the effect of clay mineral crystal structure on the color that is produced. The dihydrochlorides of benzidine, p-phenylenediamine, and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine in aqueous solution have been used with a centrifuged Wyoming bentonite (montmorillonite) and a centrifuged hectorite clay, each suspended in various buffered solutions, to study the pH effect and the quantity and nature of the semiquinones formed. Hypothetical structures differing by one hydrogen (or hydronium) ion have been assumed for two semiquinone forms of each diamine, each formula representing a distinct hue, with the divalent cation formed at low pH and the monovalent cation at a higher pH. Mixtures of the two cations were assumed to exist at intermediate acidities corresponding to mixtures of the two hues. A simple set of equations was postulated to describe these reactions, and the theory was tested experimentally by determining the amount of nitrogen adsorbed on each clay sample at a series of fixed pH values ranging from 0.5 to 6.5. The milligram atoms (mga) of nitrogen (or 2 X millimoles of diamine) adsorbed were found to increase with increasing pH in approximately the amount predicted in the range 1.0-4.2. In this pH range, however, the calculated base exchange capacity (BEC) for each clay was lower than the accepted value, presumably because an approximately constant fraction of the base exchange sites was occupied by nonexchangeable cations, probably aluminum and hydrogen ions. Amounts of base adsorbed were the same whether sodium or calcium ions were initially in exchange positions. At pH values of 5.5 and 6.5 the mga of nitrogen adsorbed showed a sharp increase, apparently because colloidally dispersed reagent diamine was formed as the free base and no aluminum or hydronium cations were adsorbed. When corrections were made for nonadsorbed free base (not adsorbed on exchange positions but physically adsorbed to the floccules) and, in the case of benzidine, for base lost in filtration, the calculated BEC’s for each clay were in satisfactory agreement with accepted values.
Ratio of visible to lethal mutations produced in Drosophila by phenylalanine mustard.

THE present experiments were undertaken in order to see whether we could confirm the high visible mutation-rate relative to the lethal mutation-rate induced in Drosophila by phenylalanine mustard as compared with X-irradiation, reported by O. G. and M. J. Fahmy1. Since this high visible rate would imply (1) the existence of loci specifically concerned with visible mutations and as a group qualitatively different from non-visible loci and (2) a specific effect of the agent on such loci, it seemed important that this work be repeated.
Termination of Two-Dimensional Metallic Conduction near the Metal-Insulator Transition in a Si / SiGe Quantum Well

We report in this Letter our recent low-temperature transport results in a Si/SiGe quantum well with moderate peak mobility. An apparent metal-insulating transition is observed. Within a small range of densities near the transition, the conductivity σ displays a nonmonotonic temperature dependence. After an initial decrease at high temperatures, σ first increases with decreasing temperature T, showing a metallic behavior. As T continues decreasing, a downturn in σ is observed. This downturn shifts to a lower T at higher densities. More interestingly, the downturn temperature shows a power-law dependence on the mobility at the downturn position, suggesting that a similar downturn is also expected to occur deep in the apparent metallic regime at albeit experimentally inaccessible temperatures. This thus hints that the observed metallic phase in 2D systems might be a finite temperature effect.
Multilayer tendon slices seeded with bone marrow stromal cells: a novel composite for tendon engineering.

The ideal scaffold for tendon engineering would possess the basic structure of the tendon, native extracellular matrix, and capability of cell seeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the tissue engineering potential of a novel composite consisting of a decellularized multilayer sliced tendon (MST) scaffold seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). BMSC and infraspinatus tendons were harvested from 20 dogs. The tendons were sectioned in longitudinal slices with a thickness of 50 µm. The slices were decellularized, seeded with BMSC, and then bundled into one composite. The composite was incubated in culture media for 14 days. The resulting BMSC-seeded MST was evaluated by qRT-PCR and histology. The BMSC viability was assessed by a fluorescent tracking marker. Histology showed that the seeded cells aligned between the collagen fibers of the tendon slices. Analysis by qRT-PCR showed higher tenomodulin and MMP13 expression and lower collagen type I expression in the composite than in the BMSC before seeding. BMSC labeled with fluorescent tracking marker were observed in the composite after culture. Mechanical testing showed no differences between scaffolds with or without BMSC. BMSC can survive in a MST scaffold. The increased tenomodulin expression suggests that BMSC might express a tendon phenotype in this environment. This new composite might be useful as a model of tendon tissue engineering. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 937–942, 2009
Family history of ovarian cancer

Summary An increasing number of women are presenting to gynaecology and clinical genetics clinics with concerns about a family history of ovarian cancer. Although most ovarian cancer is sporadic, about 5–10% is due to the inheritance of an ovarian cancer susceptibility gene. The genes that have currently been identified are the BRCA genes involved in hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and the mis-match repair genes of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). This article looks at four different types of ovarian cancer family history. It uses these family histories to illustrate the ways in which families at high risk for ovarian cancer can be identified by pedigree analysis. It also reviews the genes that can lead to ovarian cancer and the use of genetic testing in the management of high-risk families. The follow up of families with a family history of ovarian cancer is discussed, including the role of screening, hormonal manipulation and prophylactic surgery.
The theory of planned behaviour is alive and well, and not ready to retire: a commentary on Sniehotta, Presseau, and Araújo-Soares

In their call to lay the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to rest, Sniehotta, Presseau, and Araujo-Soares (2014) contend that the theory has been thoroughly discredited, at least as a guide to pre...
Volume US of the urinary tract in pediatric patients—a pilot study

Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) adds functionality to two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) by allowing examiners to explore volume datasets using multiplanar or rendering methods already familiar to radiologists. In this pilot study, 30 patients referred for ultrasound examination of the urinary tract were examined by 3DUS. Three abnormalities initially not detected by 2DUS were seen: bilateral bladder diverticulae, urachal remnant and bilateral accessory renal arteries. Rendered images of the bladder trigone were feasible in the majority of patients. Potential applications of this technology in pediatric uroradiology and technical pitfalls are illustrated.
The commercial sexual exploitation of girls and young women in Namibia

The main objective of this article is to examine trends among female Namibian sex workers over time. The current research, conducted in 2013, is an expansion of research conducted in 2006. The questions explored are: Are women beginning sex work at a younger age? Are they sharing their earnings? Are they being forced to share their earnings? And are ‘pimps’ or third party profiteers, previously thought to be rare in Namibia, emerging as a dynamic in the lives of young female sex workers today? The findings suggest that girls and young women are entering into sex work at younger ages and that a significant number of girls and young women are being sexually exploited and forced to share their earnings. The data presented here identifies a vulnerable population in need of special outreach and targeted programs.
A reevaluation of spectral ratios for Lunar Mare TiO2 mapping

The empirical relation established by Charette et al. (1974) between the 400/560-nm spectral ratio of mature mare soils and weight percent TiO2 has been used extensively to map titanium content in the lunar maria. Relative reflectance spectra of mare regions show that a reference wavelength further into the near-IR, e.g., above 700 nm, could be used in place of the 560-nm band to provide greater contrast (a greater range of ratio values) and hence a more sensitive indicator of titanium content. An analysis of 400/730-nm ratio values derived from both laboratory and telescopic relative reflectance spectra suggests that this ratio provides greater sensitivity to TiO2 content than the 400/560-nm ratio. The increased range of ratio values is manifested in higher contrast 400/730-nm ratio images compared to 400/560-nm ratio images. This potential improvement in sensivity encourages a reevaluation of the original Charette et al. (1974) relation using the 400/730-nm ratio.